bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Text mining
Authors: Nagarkar Shubhada Prashant , Kumbhar Rajendra
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to analyse text mining (TM) literature indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) under the “Information Science Library Science” subcategory. More specifically, it analyses the chronological growth of TM literature, and the major countries, institutions, departments and individuals contributing to TM literature. Collaboration in TM research is also analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Bibliographic and citation data required for this research were retrieved from the WoS database. TM being a multidisciplinary field, the search was restricted to “Information Science Library Science” subcategory in the WoS. A comprehensive query statement covering all synonyms of “text mining” was prepared using the Boolean operator “OR”. Microsoft Excel and HistCite software were used for data analysis. Pajek and VoSviewer were used for data visualization.

Findings

– It was found that USA is the major producer of TM research literature, and the highest number of papers were published in theJournal of The American Medical Informatics. Columbia University ranked first both in number of articles and citations received in the top ten institutes publishing TM literature. It was also observed that six of the top ten subdivisions of institutions are either from medicine or medical informatics or biomedical information. H.C. Chen and C. Friedman were seen to be the most prolific authors.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper analyses articles on TM published during 1999-2013 in WoS under the subcategory Information Science Library Science’.

Originality/value

– The paper is based on empirical data exclusively gathered for this research.
Why and how motives (still) matter
Authors: Benito Gabriel R.G.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to provide a discussion of the relevance of motives for companies’ internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a conceptual discussion building on established classifications of motives of internationalization, which distinguish between market-seeking, efficiency-seeking, resource-seeking and strategic asset-seeking motives.

Findings

– The analysis demonstrates that important issues in companies’ internationalization differ systematically across different types of motives, which implicates that motives remain relevant when analyzing various aspects of the internationalization of the firm. Motives are also useful elements for theory building in international business.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis is purely conceptual and is not further substantiated by empirical evidence.

Practical implications

– The classification of motives is a useful tool for companies to analyze their strategic alternatives and actions, especially with regard to performance measurement.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates the importance of retaining a clear classification of motives as a basis for further development of a theory of firms’ internationalization behavior.
What is “strategic asset seeking FDI”?
Authors: Meyer Klaus E.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to shed more light on the concept of “strategic asset-seeking FDI”, which is frequently used in discussion of emerging economy multinational enterprises (MNEs), but it is challenged by some scholars. The author argues that he needs this category because an important type of foreign direct investment (FDI) is not captured by the other motives identified by John Dunning, namely, market-, efficiency- and natural-resource-seeking FDI.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author illustrates the phenomenon of strategic asset-seeking FDI with case examples that form the starting point for his theoretical arguments.

Findings

– Some FDI is undertaken explicitly with the aim to use assets acquired abroad to enhance the operations of the investor in other markets, including, notably, the investors’ home market. This contribution to capability-building processes of the MNE, indeed, constitutes an important and distinct type of investment motive.

Originality/value

– The author concluded that Dunning’s typology remains a powerful tool to analyze contemporary business strategies, but it suggests refining the definition of the categories.
Renoprotective effect of berberine on type 2 diabetic nephropathy in rats
Authors: Sun Si‐Fan , Zhao Ting‐Ting , Zhang Hao‐Jun , Huang Xiao‐Ru , Zhang Wei‐Ku , Zhang Lei , Yan Mei‐Hua , Dong Xi , Wang Hua , Wen Yu‐Min , Pan Xin‐Ping , Lan Hui Yao , Li Ping
Published: April 2015

Inflammation, fibrosis, and lipid disorder are essential promoters in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney injury in diabetes mellitus type 2. Berberine (BBR) has been reported to have beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy, but its action mechanism is still unclear. The present study was designed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of BBR in a type 2 diabetic nephropathy rat model induced by a high‐fat diet and low‐dose streptozotocin injection. The diabetic rats were treated with or without BBR by gavage for 20 weeks and examined by serology, 24‐h albuminuria, histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analyses. Results showed that treatment with BBR significantly reduced serum levels of blood glucose and lipids, inhibited urinary excretion of albumin, and attenuated renal histological injuries in diabetic rats. Berberine treatment also inhibited renal inflammation, which was associated with inactivation of nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B‐cell signalling. As a result, the upregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐1β, tumour necrosis factor‐α) and chemokine (monocyte chemotactic protein‐1) was blocked. In addition, BBR treatment also inactivated transforming growth factor‐β/Smad3 signalling and suppressed renal fibrosis, including expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV. The present study reveals that BBR is a therapeutic agent for attenuating type 2 diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cell‐driven renal inflammation and transforming growth factor‐β/Smad3 signalling pathway.
Telmisartan attenuates peritoneal fibrosis via peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ activation in rats
Authors: Su Xuesong , Yu Rui , Yang Xu , Zhou Guangyu , Wang Yanqiu , Li Li , Li Detian
Published: April 2015

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective treatment for patients with end‐stage renal diseases, but long‐term continuous PD causes peritoneal fibrosis (PF). This study aims to evaluate the anti‐fibrotic effect of telmisartan on a rat model of PF and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Five‐sixths kidney nephrectomy and PD were used to establish the PF rat model. Glucose (2.5%) was used to establish an in vitro model in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC). Haematoxylin–eosin staining was used to examine the structural alterations. Masson's trichrome staining was used to observe the tissue fibrosis in peritoneal membrane of rats. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure messenger RNA expressions of profibrotic factors. Western blotting was used to determine protein expressions of profibrotic factors, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ, and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK). Results demonstrated that administration of telmisartan dose‐dependently attenuated the thickening of the peritoneal membrane and the fibrosis induced by long‐term PD fluid exposure in rats. In addition, telmisartan treatment inhibited the upregulation of profibrotic factors induced by PD in the peritoneum of rats and by high‐concentration glucose in PMC. Telmisartan was also effective in inhibiting PD and high‐concentration, glucose‐induced phosphorylation of MAPK in the peritoneum and PMC. Furthermore, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) inhibitor GW9662 blocked these protective effects of telmisartan in PMC. The results suggest that telmisartan is effective in attenuating PD‐induced PF, and this effect may be associated with the inhibition of profibrotic factor expression and MAPK phosphorylation via PPARγ activation.
Methamphetamine induces DNA damage in specific regions of the female rat brain
Authors: Johnson Zane , Venters Jace , Guarraci Fay A , Zewail‐Foote Maha
Published: April 2015

Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psychostimulant that has been shown to produce neurotoxicity. Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine by reversing the direction of monoamine transporter proteins, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species in the brain. In this study, we examined the effect of METH on DNA damage in vivo using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) under two different conditions. Rats treated with multiple doses of METH (10 mg/kg × 4) showed significant levels of DNA damage in the nucleus accumbens and striatum, both dopamine‐rich areas. In contrast, a single dose of METH did not lead to significant levels of DNA damage in any of the dopamine‐rich brain regions that were tested. Overall, the results of our study demonstrate that METH produces greater oxidative DNA damage in brain areas that receive greater dopamine innervation.
Bridgehead invasion of a monomorphic plant pathogenic bacterium:Xanthomonas citripv. citri, an emerging citrus pathogen inMali andBurkinaFaso
Authors: Leduc A. , Traoré Y. N. , Boyer K. , Magne M. , Grygiel P. , Juhasz C. C. , Boyer C. , Guerin F. , Wonni I. , Ouedraogo L. , Vernière C. , Ravigné V. , Pruvost O.
Published: April 2015

Molecular epidemiology studies further our understanding of migrations of phytopathogenic bacteria, the major determining factor in their emergence. Asiatic citrus canker, caused byXanthomonas citripv. citri, was recently reported inMali andBurkinaFaso, a region remote from other contaminated areas. To identify the origin and pathways of these emergences, we used two sets of markers, minisatellites and microsatellites, for investigating different evolutionary scales. Minisatellite typing suggested the introduction of two groups of strains inMali (DAPC 1 andDAPC 2), consistent with microsatellite typing.DAPC 2 was restricted to Bamako district, whereasDAPC 1 strains were found much more invasive. The latter strains formed a major clonal complex based on microsatellite data with the primary and secondary founders detected in commercial citrus nurseries and orchards. This suggests that human activities played a major role in the spread ofDAPC 1 strains via the movement of contaminated propagative material, further supported by the frequent lack of differentiation between populations from geographically distant nurseries and orchards.ApproximateBayesianComputation analyses supported the hypothesis that strains fromBurkinaFaso resulted from a bridgehead invasion fromMali. Multi‐locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis andApproximateBayesianComputation are useful for understanding invasion routes and pathways of monomorphic bacterial pathogens.
Why Human Rights Should Matter to Conservatives
Authors: Grieve Dominic
Published: April 2015

In a speech given to the University of London's Constitution Unit and Judicial Institute on 3 December 2014, the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP challenged Conservatives to think carefully about the party's proposal to break the link between British courts and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Grieve recalled why the United Kingdom signed the Convention in the first place and, although recognising that the Court's approach has been on occasion properly criticised and may present difficulties, argued that the reforms embodied in the Brighton Declaration 2012 are bearing fruit. He provided a critical exposition of the Conservative paper ‘Protecting Human Rights in the UK: the Conservatives’ Proposals for changing Britain's Human Rights Laws’ (October 2014) and concluded that Conservatives should want to remain within the jurisdiction of the ECHR to maintain and ensure the Court's effectiveness and continued viability.
Measurement Error in Public Health Insurance Reporting in the American Community Survey: Evidence from Record Linkage
Authors: Boudreaux Michel H. , Call Kathleen Thiede , Turner Joanna , Fried Brett , O'Hara Brett
Published: April 2015

Objective

Examine measurement error to public health insurance in the American Community Survey (ACS).

Data Sources/Study Setting

The ACS and the Medicaid Statistical Information System (MSIS).

Study Design

We tabulated the two data sources separately and then merged the data and examined health insurance reports among ACS cases known to be enrolled in Medicaid or expansion Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The two data sources were merged using protected identification keys. ACS respondents were considered enrolled if they had full benefit Medicaid or expansion CHIP coverage on the date of interview.

Principal Findings

On an aggregated basis, the ACS overcounts the MSIS. After merging the data, we estimate a false‐negative rate in the 2009 ACS of 21.6 percent. The false‐negative rate varies across states, demographic groups, and year. Of known Medicaid and expansion CHIP enrollees, 12.5 percent were coded to some other coverage and 9.1 percent were coded as uninsured.

Conclusions

The false‐negative rate in the ACS is on par with other federal surveys. However, unlike other surveys, the ACS overcounts the MSIS on an aggregated basis. Future work is needed to disentangle the causes of the ACS overcount.
Nutrient input influences fungal community composition and size and can stimulate manganese (II) oxidation in caves
Authors: Carmichael Sarah K. , Zorn Bryan T. , Santelli Cara M. , Roble Leigh A. , Carmichael Mary J. , Bräuer Suzanna L.
Published: April 2015

Little is known about the fungal role in biogeochemical cycling in oligotrophic ecosystems. This study compared fungal communities and assessed the role of exogenous carbon on microbial community structure and function in two southern Appalachian caves: an anthropogenically impacted cave and a near‐pristine cave. Due to carbon input from shallow soils, the anthropogenically impacted cave had an order of magnitude greater fungal and bacterial quantitative‐polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) gene copy numbers, had significantly greater community diversity, and was dominated by ascomycotal phylotypes common in early phase, labile organic matter decomposition. Fungal assemblages in the near‐pristine cave samples were dominated by Basidiomycota typically found in deeper soils (and/or in late phase, recalcitrant organic matter decomposition), suggesting more oligotrophic conditions. In situ carbon and manganese (II) [Mn(II)] addition over 10 weeks resulted in growth of fungal mycelia followed by increased Mn(II) oxidation. A before/after comparison of the fungal communities indicated that this enrichment increased the quantity of fungal and bacterial cells, yet decreased overall fungal diversity. Anthropogenic carbon sources can therefore dramatically influence the diversity and quantity of fungi, impact microbial community function, and stimulate Mn(II) oxidation, resulting in a cascade of changes that can strongly influence nutrient and trace element biogeochemical cycles in karst aquifers.
Kinetics of leukocyte CD11b and CD64 expression in severe sepsis and non‐infectious critical care patients
Authors: Jämsä J. , Huotari V. , Savolainen E.‐R. , Syrjälä H. , Ala‐kokko T.
Published: April 2015

Background

Leukocyte surface molecules may improve sepsis diagnostics. Our aim was to study whether monocyte and neutrophil CD11b and CD64 expression differs between patients with severe sepsis (including septic shock) and intensive care unit (ICU) controls, and also to investigate the expression kinetics in patient groups.

Methods

Monocyte and neutrophil CD11b and CD64 expression was analyzed in 27 patients with severe sepsis, 7 off‐pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) patients, and 8 ICU patients without systemic inflammation in the beginning of the treatment using quantitative flow cytometry. Blood samples were collected within 48 h of the beginning of severe sepsis, at admission to the ICU for non‐systemic inflammatory response syndrome patients, and on the day of surgery before the skin incision for OPCAB patients, and on 2 consecutive days for all patients. Ten healthy individuals served as controls.

Results

Monocyte and neutrophil CD11b and neutrophil CD64 expression was higher in severe sepsis patients compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). In severe sepsis, the expression decreased over time (P < 0.05). In OPCAB patients, the monocyte and neutrophil CD64 expression increased after surgery (P < 0.05). Neutrophil CD64 expression had the highest and statistically significant area under curves (AUC) values for identification of severe sepsis during 3 consecutive days, the highest AUC being 0.990 on D0.

Conclusion

Neutrophil CD64 as well as neutrophil and monocyte CD11b expressions were highest in severe sepsis compared with non‐infectious conditions, and thus analyses of their expression may be promising approach for sepsis diagnosis in ICU population.
Twenty‐four hour hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp improves postoperative nitrogen balance only in low insulin sensitivity patients following cardiac surgery
Authors: Donatelli F. , Nafi M. , Di Nicola M. , Macchitelli V. , Mirabile C. , Lorini L. , Carli F.
Published: April 2015

Background

Critically ill patients often suffer from a protein catabolic state. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that nitrogen balance (NB) in cardiac patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is related to their insulin sensitivity level and that supraphysiologic doses of insulin can restore anabolism.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐eight patients that were admitted to ICU in enteral and/or parenteral nutrition have been enrolled in this study. All patients received a standard nutrition protocol for at least 3 days before starting the study. These patients received either enteral or parenteral nutrition based on 1.4 kcal/kg/h and 1.1 g/kg/24 h of proteins. Participants were studied for three 24 h periods (P1, P2, and P3). Twenty‐four hour NB was calculated from urinary urea nitrogen excretion, fixed protein and energy intake during each of the three periods (P1, P2, and P3). Simultaneous to P2, a 24 h hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp (HEC) was performed to determine patients’ insulin sensitivity (IS) or insulin resistance (IR), as well as the impact of high doses of insulin on NB.

Results

Nitrogen balance remained consistently positive in the IS group regardless of the clamp. In IR patients, NB was negative before the clamp and became positive during P2 and P3. Insulin sensitivity improved during the HEC in IR patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A negative NB was found only in insulin resistant patients admitted to the ICU for more than 7 days. A 24‐h period HEC improved NB in these patients.
The Behavioral Economics of Driving After Drinking Among College Drinkers
Authors: Teeters Jenni B. , Murphy James G.
Published: April 2015

Background

Driving after drinking (DAD) among college students is a significant public health concern, yet little is known about specific theoretical risk factors for DAD, beyond drinking level, among college student drinkers. This study had the following aims: (i) to examine the associations between elevated alcohol demand and DAD, (ii) to determine whether demand decreases in response to a hypothetical driving scenario, (iii) to determine whether drivers who report DAD in the past 3 months would show less of a reduction in demand in response to the hypothetical driving scenario, and (iv) to determine whether delayed reward discounting (DRD) is associated with DAD.

Method

Participants were 419 college students who reported at least 1 day of past‐month alcohol use. Participants completed 2 alcohol purchase tasks (APTs) that assessed hypothetical alcohol consumption across 17 drink prices with and without a driving scenario, a delay‐discounting task, and a series of questions regarding DAD.

Results

In logistic regression models that controlled for drinking level, demographics, and sensation seeking, participants reporting higher demand intensity (95% confidence interval [95% CI] [1.04, 2.34]), breakpoint (95% CI [1.23, 2.28]), Omax (95% CI [1.03, 1.53]), and lower elasticity (95% CI [0.15, 1.02]) were more likely to report DAD. Additionally, in analyses of covariance, DAD+ participants exhibited significantly less of a reduction in demand between the standard and the driving APT (intensity, p < 0.01, breakpoint, p = 0.05, and Omax, p < 0.01). A binary logistic regression model with identical covariates revealed that DRD is not associated with DAD.

Conclusions

DAD is associated with elevated/inelastic demand and less sensitivity to a hypothetical driving scenario. Drinkers with elevated demand should be prioritized for DAD intervention efforts.
Prognostic factors and survival rate of osteosarcoma: A single‐institution study
Authors: Faisham Wan Ismail , Mat Saad Arman Zaharil , Alsaigh Laith N , Nor Azman Mat Z , Kamarul Imran Musa , Biswal Biswa M , Bhavaraju Venkata MK , Salzihan Md Salleh , Hasnan Jaafar , Ezane Aziz M , Ariffin Nasir , Norsarwany Mohamad , Ziyadi Mohamad G , Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman , Halim Ahmad Sukari , Zulmi Wan
Published: April 2015

Aim

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant primary bone tumor. The study aim to evaluate the prognostic factors influencing the survival rate in our center.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated between January 2005 and December 2010.

Results

We included 163 patients with an age range of 6–59 years (median = 19). The median follow‐up was 47 months (range 36–84). The overall survival in patients who completed chemotherapy and surgery (n = 117) was 72% at 2 years and 44% at 5 years. Histologically, 99 (85%) had osteoblastic, 6 (5%) had chondroblastic and 3 (2.5%) had telangiectatic osteosarcoma. Limb salvage surgery was performed in 80 (49%) and 41 (25%) underwent amputation. However, 46 patients (28%) underwent no surgical intervention and incomplete chemotherapy. In total, 38/79 patients had a good chemotherapy response. There was a significantly better survival rate for limb salvage versus amputation. Independent prognostic factors for survival are compliance to treatment and presence of lung metastasis.

Conclusion

The overall survival of osteosarcoma patients was influenced by the presence of pulmonary metastases and compliance to treatment. Histological subtype, different chemotherapy regimens and histological necrosis after chemotherapy did not significantly influence survival. The patients who did not complete treatment had significantly poorer survival.
Comparing single‐agent with doublet chemotherapy in first‐line treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with performance status 2: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Long , Hu Qian , Jiang Jun‐xia , Yang Xing , Dinglin Xiao‐xiao , Lin Xiao , Yao He‐rui
Published: April 2015

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and side effects between single‐agent and doublet chemotherapy in first‐line treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with performance status 2 (PS2).

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials in online electronic databases and extracted data from eligible studies for meta‐analysis. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS), pooled risk difference (RD) for 1‐year survival, pooled risk ratio (RR) for objective response rate (ORR) and adverse effects were calculated using a fixed‐effect model.

Results

Six trials with 386 participants in the single‐agent group and 389 participants in the doublet group were included in this review. Compared with single‐agent chemotherapy, doublet significantly improved OS (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.61–0.84; P < 0.0001) and significantly increased 1‐year survival rate (RD –0.09; 95% CI –0.14 to –0.03; P = 0.004) and ORR (RR 0.4; 95% CI 0.30–0.69; P = 0.0002). Doublet chemotherapy also significantly increased the risk of grade 3/4 neutropenia (RR = 4.97; 95% CI 2.93–8.43; P < 0.00001), thrombocytopenia (RR = 10.29; 95% CI 3.80–27.85; P < 0.00001) and anemia (RR = 2.50; 95% CI 1.27–4.90; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our study implies that carboplatin‐containing doublet chemotherapy improved OS, 1‐year survival rate and ORR, but increased the risk of grade 3/4 hematotoxicity. Carboplatin‐containing doublet may well be superior to non‐carboplatin‐containing treatment.
Amyloidosis cutis dyschromica in two siblings and review of the epidemiology, clinical features and management in 48 cases
Authors: Mahon Caroline , Oliver Fergus , Purvis Diana , Agnew Karen
Published: April 2015

Amyloidosis cutis dyschromica (ACD) is a rare form of primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA). There is a paucity of information in the dermatology literature to guide its diagnosis, investigation and treatment. We present two siblings with ACD and summarise the epidemiology, clinical features, natural history and treatments in 48 cases of ACD from the literature. Familial cases were more common (37) than sporadic cases. ACD is predominantly reported in those of East and South‐East Asian ethnicity (63%). The mean age of onset was 6 years in familial cases, and 23 years in sporadic cases. The clinical features of familial and sporadic ACD do not differ substantially. Pruritus was the only symptom, and was reported in 19% of all cases. There were no reported ACD cases with systemic amyloidosis. Acitretin was reported to result in improvement in seven of 10 patients treated. Routine investigation for systemic involvement is not necessary. Acitretin may be helpful.
Association between serum concentrations of nitric oxide and transition to menopause
Authors: Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Behboudi‐Gandevani Samira , Ghasemi Asghar , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: April 2015

Objective

Menopausal status may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Nitric oxide plays a role in the protection against CVD onset and progression but has not been studied around the time of menopause. We investigated associations between serum nitric‐oxide metabolite (NOx) concentrations and menopausal status.

Design

Comparative case‐control cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, university center.

Sample

Sub‐groups from a cohort of 2137 women, of whom 213 met enrollment criteria.

Methods

We studied four sub‐groups in a 1.2 ratio: (1) post‐menopausal women (n = 29) with natural amenorrhea for 13–24 months, (2) age‐ and BMI‐matched controls (n = 58) with regular menstrual cycles; (3) peri‐menopausal women (n = 42) with natural amenorrhea for 1–12 months, and (4) age‐ and BMI‐matched women as controls for the last group of women (n = 84).

Main outcome measure

Serum nitric oxide concentrations.

Results

Medians (inter‐quartile ranges) of NOx in post‐menopausal women and their controls were 31 (21.7–40.2) and 23.5 (17.2–31) μmol/L, respectively (p = 0.012). In peri‐menopausal women and their controls the medians (inter‐quartile ranges) were 28 μmol/L (18.5–50.5) and 25 (20–31.25) μmol/L, respectively (p = 0.035), but were not significantly different between peri‐ and postmenopausal women and were unchanged after adjustment for lipids. In a conditional fixed‐effect logistic regression model, the risk of “transition to menopause” and “menopause” rose respectively 2.44‐ and 2.27‐fold for a one‐score increase in the NOx standard deviation.

Conclusion

Menopausal status, by itself and not as a consequence of aging, is associated with increased serum nitric oxide concentrations. Identification of variables associated with menopausal cardiovascular consequences may be used to improve women's health after menopause.
Severe Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Historical Cohort
Authors: Dossou Mathieu , Debost‐Legrand Anne , Déchelotte Pierre , Lémery Didier , Vendittelli Françoise
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The principal objective of our study was to describe the frequency of severe secondary postpartum hemorrhages (PPH). Our secondary objectives were to describe the different causes of PPH and to assess if the PPH etiologies varied by parity.

Methods

This is a historical cohort study covering the period from January 1, 2004, through February 13, 2013, in a level III maternity ward. Women were eligible if they were treated for severe secondary PPH during their postpartum hospitalization or were admitted for it after discharge but before the 42nd day postpartum, regardless of the type of delivery. Women were excluded if they gave birth before 22 weeks of gestation or if they had experienced only an immediate PPH (≤ 24 hours after delivery). Eligible patients were identified by the hospital's administrative software. Primiparas and multiparas were compared with Student's t test and a chi‐squared or Fisher's exact test.

Results

The incidence of severe secondary PPH was 0.23 percent (n = 60/26,023). The mean time between delivery and PPH onset was 13.4 ± 10.8 days. The women's mean age was 30.4 ± 5.7 years and their mean body mass index was 23.4 ± 5.7 kg/m². Placental retention was the cause to which these hemorrhages were most frequently attributed (30.0%). Subinvolution of the placental bed was noted in 13.3 percent of the patients, endometritis in 10.0 percent, pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery in 3.3 percent, and excessively strong resumption of menses in 3.3 percent; no cause could be determined for 16.7 percent of the cases. Neither clinical signs nor causes differed by parity.

Conclusion

Secondary PPH is rare. Accurate diagnosis is based most often on histopathologic findings.
High levels of DJ‐1 protein and isoelectric point 6.3 isoform in sera of breast cancer patients
Authors: Kawate Takahiko , Iwaya Keiichi , Koshikawa Kayoko , Moriya Tomoyuki , Yamasaki Tamio , Hasegawa Sho , Kaise Hiroshi , Fujita Tomoyuki , Matsuo Hirotaka , Nakamura Takahiro , Ishikawa Takashi , Hiroi Sadayuki , Iguchi‐Ariga Sanae M.M. , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Murota Keiichi , Fujimori Minoru , Yamamoto Junji , Matsubara Osamu , Kohno Norio
Published: April 2015

In patients with cancer and Parkinson's disease, the DJ‐1 protein may be secreted into the serum during the impaired response of the underlying cell‐protective mechanisms. In order to determine the clinical significance of DJ‐1 protein in the sera of breast cancer patients, we examined blood samples from a breast cancer group (n = 180) and a non‐cancerous control group (n = 300). Higher levels of DJ‐1 were detected in the breast cancer group (mean level, 42.7 ng/mL) than the control group (28.3 ng/mL) by ELISA (P = 0.019). Higher DJ‐1 levels were significantly associated with advanced clinical grade, according to the TNM classification, negative hormone receptor status, and high Ki‐67 labeling index, of biopsied materials; samples showed low DJ‐1 protein expression despite upregulated DJ‐1 mRNA. DJ‐1 isoforms could be detected clearly in 17 blood samples (from 11 breast cancer patients, and 6 non‐cancerous controls) by 2‐D gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis. The isoform at the pI of 6.3 showed the highest intensity in all 11 cancer cases. Conversely, in the 6 non‐cancerous cases, isoforms other than the pI 6.3 isoform were highly expressed, and there was a significant difference in the isoform pattern between breast cancer cases and controls (P = 0.00025). These data indicate that high levels of DJ‐1, probably of isoform at pI 6.3, is a candidate serum marker of breast cancer.
Lazaroids U83836E and U74389G are Potent, Time‐Dependent Inhibitors of Caspase‐1
Authors: Kawarski Margaret , Hagerman Thomas K. , Karver Caitlin E.
Published: April 2015

Caspase‐1 is involved in inflammatory processes and is overactive in autoimmunity and autoinflammation. Antioxidant small molecules also play a role in the immune response by decreasing inflammation. An 84‐membered library of pro‐ and antioxidant small molecules was screened for potential inhibitors of caspase‐1. Thirteen compounds were discovered to reduce the activity of caspase‐1 below 30%. The most potent inhibitors were lazaroid antioxidant molecules, U83836E (B8) and U74389G (B9), displaying apparent Ki values of 48.0 and 50.0 nm, respectively. Both demonstrated a time‐dependent and reversible inhibition.
Coronary artery calcification is associated with high serum concentration of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in asymptomatic Korean men
Authors: Choi Beom‐hee , Joo Nam‐Seok , Kim Moon Jong , Kim Kwang‐Min , Park Kyung‐Chae , Kim Young‐Sang
Published: April 2015

Context

Osteocalcin is associated with energy metabolism and atherosclerosis, besides bone metabolism. However, the association between osteocalcin or its undercarboxylated form (ucOC) and coronary artery calcification is controversial.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and the concentration of serum osteocalcin and ucOC.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Patients

A total of 162 subjects (114 men and 48 women) with no angina symptom.

Measurements

Serum analyses included glucose, insulin and lipid profiles as well as osteocalcin and ucOC. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry. CACS was measured using multidetector computed tomography and categorized into CACS = 0 and CACS > 0.

Results

The mean osteocalcin concentration in men was 15·6 ± 4·2 for CACS = 0 group and 14·1 ± 4·0 for CACS > 0 group, respectively (P = 0·050). In women, the osteocalcin concentration, ucOC concentration and ucOC to osteocalcin ratio (OCR) were not different between the CACS groups. However, the concentrations of osteocalcin and ucOC were significantly lower in women with hypertension or diabetes than those without, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for medical history, body mass index, lipid profiles, insulin resistance and BMD in men, the higher concentration of ucOC and higher OCR showed significant association with coronary calcification (CACS > 0).

Conclusion

Higher ucOC concentration was associated with coronary artery calcification independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and BMD in men.
Role of mechanical compression on bone regeneration around a particulate bone graft material: an experimental study in rabbit calvaria
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael A. , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , López‐López Patricia J. , Mate Sanchez de Val Jose E. , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis
Published: April 2015

Purpose

This experimental study was designed to analyze the effect of different compressive forces on the bone regeneration around a particulate bone graft material.

Material and methods

Eighty 6‐mm‐diameter defects were created in the calvaria of 20 New Zealand rabbits (4 defects per rabbit calvaria). All the defects were filled with particles of synthetic bone. Two standardized compressive forces were then applied, 4.1 g to half the defects (Test A) and 8.2 g to the other half (Test B), all for 1 min. The graft sites were allowed to heal for 6 weeks, after which the rabbits were euthanized. The calvarium vault of each animal was extracted, radiographed, and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The percentage of defect fill, bone density, new bone formation, and residual bone graft material were recorded, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

Histological evaluation found that defect closure among the Test A (lower compression) group ranged from 38.34 (95% lower CI) to 55.8 (95% upper CI) (mean 47 ± 8.5%), while among the Test B group (higher compression), it ranged from 81.26 (95% lower CI) to 95.32 (mean 88 ± 7.3%). Significantly more closure was achieved for the Test B group (P < 0.05). Histomorphometric comparison of the two groups found significantly more new bone formation, higher bone density, and a higher percentage of defect fill in the defects subjected to the higher compression level (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Increasing the compressive force applied to bone graft particulate used to fill small defects created in rabbit calvaria appears to be beneficial.
Biochemical and Neuroimaging Studies in Subjective Cognitive Decline: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Sun Yu , Yang Fu‐Chi , Lin Ching‐Po , Han Ying
Published: April 2015

Neurodegeneration due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) can progress over decades before dementia becomes apparent. Indeed, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) already demonstrate significant lesion loads. In most cases, MCI is preceded by subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which is applied to individuals who have self‐reported memory‐related complaints and has been associated with a higher risk of future cognitive decline and conversion to dementia. Based on the schema of a well‐received model of biomarker dynamics in AD pathogenesis, it has been postulated that SCD symptoms may result from compensatory changes in response to β‐amyloid accumulation and neurodegeneration. Although SCD is considered a prodromal stage of MCI, it is also a common manifestation in old age, independent of AD, and the predictive value of SCD for AD pathology remains controversial. Here, we provide a review focused on the contributions of cross‐sectional and longitudinal analogical studies of biomarkers and neuroimaging evidence in disentangling under what conditions SCD may be attributable to AD pathology. In conclusion, there is promising evidence indicating that clinicians should be able to differentiate pre‐AD SCD based on the presence of pathophysiological biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging. However, this neuroimaging approach is still at an immature stage without an established rubric of standards. A substantial amount of work remains in terms of replicating recent findings and validating the clinical utility of identifying SCD.
Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schröder S. , Lehmann M. , Ebmeyer J. , Upile T. , Sudhoff H.
Published: April 2015

Background

Eustachian tube dysfunction is regarded as a ‘black box’ term, reflecting a spectrum of dysfunction. The key to its diagnosis and management is in identifying the aetiology and exact pathophysiology of the dysfunction.

Design

We present our retrospective 5‐year results for the technique of transnasal endoscopic balloon dilatation of the cartilaginous part of the Eustachian tube, balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET). The indication for treatment is chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Main outcome measures

Preoperatively, the Eustachian tube score (ETS) was obtained by a clinico‐objective assessment involving tubomanometry (TMM) and reported patient symptom. The measurements were repeated 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years postoperatively.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre.

Participants

A total of 622 patients (1076 ears) were treated with BET.

Results

One year after treatment, the Eustachian tube score improved from 3.13 (± 2.47 SD) to 5.75 (± 2.76 SD). The Eustachian tube score improved significantly in 73% of ears. The average Eustachian tube score 2 years after treatment improved from 2.65 (± 2.89 SD) to 6.26 (± 3.07 SD). In 82% of patients, the Eustachian tube score improved significantly at 5 years. The subjective satisfaction of the patients was approximately 80%.

Conclusions

Our long‐term results suggest that BET is a safe and feasible treatment for chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction with a success rate of more than 70%. This study has important implications for other Eustachian tube‐related clinical entities, such as glue ear management (adults and children), continued grommet insertion and tympanomastoid surgery outcomes.
Incentive Compensation in Energy Firms: Does Regulation Matter?
Authors: Cambini Carlo , Rondi Laura , De Masi Sara
Published: April 2015

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

While regulation reduces the discretion of CEOs, it is also expected to prompt effort and efficiency. This paper develops a link between regulation and the two main competing theories of executive compensation (efficiency vs. entrenchment) and investigates whether CEO pay‐performance sensitivity differs across alternative regulatory regimes in the European energy industry.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a panel of energy utilities from 12 EU countries tracked from 2000 to 2011, we find that managerial compensation is sensitive to performance only if the firm is subject to incentive regulation, not in the case of cost‐based contracts. We also find that incentive regulation makes managerial entrenchment less likely, while CEOs subject to cost‐based regulation appear to be more entrenched with the board, obtaining compensation that may even increase when (accounting) performance deteriorates.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We derive a conceptual framework that enables us to investigate the interplay between the strength of corporate governance (incentives vs. board monitoring) and the type of regulatory contracts.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings suggest that in industries where competition looms – mimicked by the regulatory framework – CEO compensations are more responsive to stock‐based and accounting performance measures and managerial entrenchment is less likely. Hence, corporate governance (monitoring and/or compensation) and regulation complement each other. In contrast, where regulation is not efficiency oriented, the adoption of performance‐related contracts seems to bring no advantage to firms and only additional costs to shareholders, also due to CEO entrenchment.
Negative affect variability and adolescent self‐medication: The role of the peer context
Authors: Shadur Julia M. , Hussong Andrea M. , Haroon Maleeha
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Findings in the literature show mixed support for adolescent self‐medication. Following recent reformulations of the self‐medication hypothesis, we tested within‐person effects of daily fluctuations in sadness and worry on daily substance use, and explored the moderating role of the peer context on self‐medication. We hypothesized that greater daily fluctuations in mood would predict greater daily substance use, and lower levels of peer social support and higher levels of peer drug use would further increase this risk.

Design and Methods

Experience sampling methods captured within‐person daily variations in mood and substance use over 21 days among 73 adolescents. An observational coding system was employed to characterize enacted peer social support. Multilevel modeling was used to parse between‐ versus within‐person differences in risk for daily substance use.

Results

Greater within‐person daily fluctuations in feelings of worry (but not sadness) significantly predicted increased daily substance use, consistent with self‐medication. Moreover, greater daily fluctuations in negative affect were a stronger predictor of daily use than total level of daily negative affect. Peer social support moderated this relationship such that those with more supportive friendships were less likely to engage in self‐medication.

Discussion

This is the first reported study to examine within‐person processes of adolescent self‐medication related to daily variability in mood and the peer context. Adolescent self‐medication processes appear to differ depending on the type of negative affect and whether daily affective experiences are chronic or fluctuating, suggesting that the affective processes that cue adolescents to engage in substance use are quite nuanced. [Shadur JM, Hussong AM, Haroon M. Negative affect variability and adolescent self‐medication: The role of the peer context. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:571–580]
Systematic review of interventions to reduce problematic alcohol use in men who have sex with men
Authors: Wray Tyler B. , Grin Benjamin , Dorfman Leah , Glynn Tiffany R. , Kahler Christopher W. , Marshall Brandon D. L. , van den Berg Jacob J. , Zaller Nickolas D. , Bryant Kendall J. , Operario Don
Published: April 2015

Issues

Rates of heavy drinking, alcohol problems and alcohol‐related disorders are high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and are an important public health issue. Associations between heavy drinking and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition among MSM also suggest that drinking may have more severe and chronic consequences for this population relative to others. Consequently, effective interventions to reduce heavy drinking and alcohol‐related risk factors among MSM are needed.

Approach

We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials of interventions to reduce heavy drinking and/or alcohol‐related problems among MSM. We searched five electronic databases, screened 3722 records and identified 5 studies involving 1022 participants that satisfied inclusion criteria, which included having: (i) incorporated a comparison condition; (ii) randomised participants to groups; and (iii) reported quantitative outcomes.

Key Findings

The methodological quality of studies varied, and meta‐analysis was not conducted because of heterogeneity in intervention approaches and outcomes. Studies provided preliminary support for the use of motivational interviewing/motivational enhancement‐based interventions (MI) and hybrid MI and cognitive behavioural therapy treatments for heavy drinking among MSM over no treatment. Perhaps the most important conclusion of this review, however, is that well‐designed, theoretically informed research focused on establishing the efficacy of interventions for hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders among MSM is alarmingly scarce.

Conclusions

Effective interventions to reduce hazardous drinking among MSM and prevent key alcohol‐related outcomes, including risk for HIV transmission and health problems among HIV‐positive MSM, are needed to mitigate health disparities in this population. [Wray TB, Grin B, Dorfman L, Glynn TR, Kahler CW, Marshall BDL, van den Berg JJ, Zaller ND, Bryant KJ, Operario D. Systematic review of interventions to reduce problematic alcohol use in men who have sex with men. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:148–57]
Predicted impacts of climatic change on ant functional diversity and distributions in eastern North American forests
Authors: Del Toro Israel , Silva Rogério R. , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: April 2015

Aims

Climatic change is expected to rearrange species assemblages and ultimately affect organism‐mediated ecosystem processes. We focus on identifying patterns and relationships between common ant species (representing 99% of total ant records) richness and functional diversity; modelling how these patterns may change at local and regional scales in future climatic conditions; and interpreting how these changes might influence ant‐mediated ecosystem processes.

Location

Forested ecosystems of eastern North America.

Methods

We used a previously published dataset to evaluate functional diversity at 67 sites in the eastern U.S. and quantified 14 taxonomic, morphometric and natural history traits for 70 common ant species in the region. We used functional diversity metrics, functional groups and species distribution modelling methods to address our aims. We used stacked species distribution models and stacked functional group models to predict species assemblages and functional richness at the 67 sites and at a regional scale for current and future climatic conditions.

Results

Species richness and functional diversity are positively correlated throughout the region. Under future climate scenarios, species richness and functional group richness were predicted to decrease in southern ecoregions and increase in northern ecoregions. This may be due to increased thermal stress for species in the southern extent of their ranges and increased habitat suitability in the northern ecoregions. Decomposers, arthropod community regulators and seed dispersers are forecast to be the most threatened ant functional groups.

Main Conclusions

Climate change will likely lead to major changes in ant species richness and functional group richness in the forests of the north‐eastern United States, and this may substantially alter ant‐mediated ecosystem processes and services.