bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of NanoLuc to monitor the intrinsic promoter activity of GRP78 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Oh‐hashi Kentaro , Furuta Eri , Norisada Junpei , Amaya Fumimasa , Hirata Yoko , Kiuchi Kazutoshi
Published: August 2016

In this study, we applied a highly sensitive small luciferase, NanoLuc, to establish a knock‐in cell line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and characterized the endogenous promoter activity of the glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) gene. The N‐terminal region of the human GRP78 gene was fused to the NanoLuc gene and aligned with the puromycin‐resistant gene through the 2A peptide sequence and used as a knock‐in vector. The selected cells responded to both pharmacological and genetic ER stress and show NanoLuc‐based CRISPR/Cas9 system is a very useful tool to isolate gene‐edited cells and to characterize the endogenous promoter activity for genes of interest.
Silencing gut genes associated with the peritrophic matrix of Reticulitermes flavipes (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) increases susceptibility to termiticides
Authors: Sandoval‐Mojica A. F. , Scharf M. E.
Published: August 2016

The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a noncellular structure that lines the gut of most insects. Because of its close involvement in digestive processes and its role as a barrier against pathogens and toxins, the PM is an attractive target for pest management strategies. The objectives of this study were to (1) reduce the expression of a chitin synthase gene (Reticulitermes flavipes chitin synthase B, RfCHSB), a putative peritrophin [R. flavipes Protein with Peritrophin‐A domain 1, (RfPPAD1)] and a confirmed peritrophin [R. flavipes Protein with Peritrophin‐A domain 2 (RfPPAD2)] in R. flavipes by means of RNA interference, and (2) to evaluate the susceptibility of R. flavipes to termiticides and a bacterial pathogen, after silencing the target genes. Force feeding termites with 55 and 100 ng of long double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), targeting RfCHSB and RfPPAD2, respectively, resulted in the highest levels of transcript suppression. RfCHSB expression was reduced by 70%, whereas the transcript level of RfPPAD2 was decreased by 90%. Force feeding 100 ng/termite of a long RfPPAD1 dsRNA reduced the expression of the transcript by 30%. Challenging termites with imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole and noviflumuron, after silencing RfCHSB, significantly increased termite mortality. Force feeding termites a dsRNA cocktail, targeting RfCHSB, RfPPAD1 and RfPPAD2, caused the highest significant increase in termite mortality after challenging the insects with imidacloprid. These results demonstrate the viability of the R. flavipes PM as a target in termite pest management.
The Impact of Tax Rebate on Used Car Market: Evidence from Thailand
Authors: Noparumpa Tim , Saengchote Kanis
Published: August 2016

Tax incentives are one of the most important fiscal tools at the government's disposal that can be used to influence the economy. Often, policies are targeted to spur investment in durable goods. In this article, we focus on the impact that a primary‐market tax incentive has on the secondary market for durable goods – specifically, the automobile market. Using a first‐car tax rebate scheme implemented in Thailand in 2011 as a natural experiment, we find that the policy reduces the listing prices of used cars in the tax‐eligible category by 6.75% to 10.31%.
Developing a Public Interest Mandate for the Governance and Use of Administrative Data in the United Kingdom
Authors: Laurie Graeme , Stevens Leslie
Published: August 2016

This article addresses the legal and ethical uncertainties surrounding the use of administrative data for research. Drawing upon best practices developed by the authors in previous data initiatives and engagement with research communities, the article suggests a problematic organizational culture as the most significant barrier to proportionate and good governance of administrative data. Accordingly, it offers a novel means for data custodians to identify key considerations by introducing a decision‐making template that supports public authorities' assessment of preparedness for data reuse through identification of challenges faced, related to sector‐specific practices. As a catalyst for change, the authors advocate a public interest mandate – commitment to safely and ethically use administrative data when it is in the public interest to do so. This is delivered through implementation of the decision‐making template, overt commitment to principles of public interest and proportionality, and engagement with stakeholders to address remaining areas of uncertainty.
Malapportionment and Ideological Bias in Chilean Electoral Districts
Authors: Carey John M.
Published: August 2016

In 2015, Chile fundamentally reformed the electoral system it had used since 1989. The old system was characterized by high levels of malapportionment, or differences across districts in the ratios of voters to representatives. In the first elections after redemocratization, malapportionment favored the ideological right, but elections since 2000 have yielded no evidence that malapportionment produced ideological bias. The new, postreform electoral system reduces malapportionment in the lower chamber, although it remains pronounced in both chambers. Nevertheless, analysis of results from previous elections, coupled with information about the new districts, suggests that, consistent with recent experience, malapportionment will not produce ideological bias in elections to either chamber.
Exosomes derived from mature dendritic cells increase endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis via membrane TNF‐α mediated NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Gao Wei , Liu Haibo , Yuan Jie , Wu Chaoneng , Huang Dong , Ma Yuanji , Zhu Jianbing , Ma Leilei , Guo Junjie , Shi Hongtao , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: August 2016

Whether dendritic cell (DC) derived exosomes play a role in the progression of endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis remains unclear. Using a transwell system and exosome release inhibitor GW4869, we demonstrated that mature DCs contributed to endothelial inflammation and exosomes were involved in the process. To further confirm this finding, we isolated exosomes from bone marrow dendritic cell (BMDC) culture medium (named DC‐exos) and stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) with these DC‐exos. We observed that mature DC‐exos increased HUVEC inflammation through NF‐κB pathway in a manner similar to that of lipopolysaccharide. After a protein array analysis of exosomes, we identified and confirmed tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α on exosome membrane being the trigger of NF‐κB pathway in HUVECs. We then performed an in vivo study and found that the aorta endothelial of mice could uptake intravenously injected exosomes and was activated by these exosomes. After a period of 12 weeks of mature DC‐exos injection into ApoE−/− mice, the atherosclerotic lesions significantly increased. Our study demonstrates that mature DCs derived exosomes increase endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis via membrane TNF‐α mediated NF‐κB pathway. This finding extends our knowledge on how DCs affect inflammation and provides a potential method to prevent endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides: a retrospective clinicohistopathologic study
Authors: Rodney I.J. , Kindred C. , Angra K. , Qutub O.N. , Villanueva A.R. , Halder R.M.
Published: August 2016

Importance

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides is a rare variant of mycosis fungoides with limited published clinicohistopathologic data available.

Objective

To characterize our patient group, to provide additional information and insight into this malignancy.

Design

A 16‐year retrospective medical records review (from 1992 to 2009) was conducted of patients with a diagnosis of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides.

Setting

All patients were seen in the department of dermatology at Howard University Hospital, an outpatient clinic in an urban academic institution.

Participants

The review comprised of 20 patients. Inclusion required presence of hypopigmented skin lesions and a skin biopsy diagnostic for hypopigmented mycosis fungoides.

Interventions

Treatment modalities, including oral psoralen with UVA, narrow‐band UVB and/or topical medications such as nitrogen mustard and topical corticosteroids were employed.

Results

Patients ranged from 4 to 57 years old. Fifteen were African American, three African, one Afro‐Caribbean and one Hispanic. The interval from disease onset to diagnosis ranged from 7 months to 24 years. Patients presented at Stage 1A or 1B. Treatment included phototherapy and topical medications. In four patients with pre‐ and post‐treatment biopsies, the original histological diagnosis of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides and the subsequent complete resolution were shown. There was no associated mortality in the patients studied.

Conclusions and Relevance

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides affected skin of colour patients in this study. This variant differs from classic mycosis fungoides: younger population, slower progression and the majority of patients remaining in Stage I with treatment. We observed that any repigmentation of lesions suggests an effective treatment regimen, complete repigmentation correlates with clinical and histopathologic resolution, and new hypopigmented lesions during remission suggest relapse. A limitation of this study is the small sample size. This is the first study to correlate the histological resolution of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides with clinical repigmentation of lesions.
Occupational contact sensitization in female geriatric nurses: Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) 2005–2014
Authors: Schubert S. , Bauer A. , Molin S. , Skudlik C. , Geier J.
Published: August 2016

Background

Geriatric nurses (GN) have a high risk of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD), with chronic irritant contact dermatitis predominating. However, allergic contact dermatitis is an important issue as well. Little is known whether the relevant occupational allergen spectrum reported in the 1990s, including fragrances, preservatives, rubber chemicals and ingredients of surface disinfectants to be the most common sensitizers in GN, is still valid.

Objectives

To monitor the current allergen spectrum in GN with OCD and verify the validity of the patch test recommendations (baseline‐, preservative‐, ointment base‐, rubber‐, disinfectant, series and fragrances) in GN with suspected OCD given by the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of IVDK data (2005–2014) of 743 female GN with OCD, in comparison to 695 GN without OCD.

Results

GN with OCD reacted significantly more frequently to both fragrance mixes, hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC), thiuram mix, zinc diethyldithiocarbamate and mercaptobenzothiazole than GN without OCD. Reactions to MDBGN, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone and oil of turpentine occurred substantially, but not significantly more frequently among GN with OCD. The latter may be due to former use of a special alcoholic liniment in geriatric care. Among material from the patients’ workplaces, tetrazepam was a frequent allergen, due to dust exposure from pill crushing. Furthermore, occupationally used protective gloves, body care products as well as surface disinfectants were often tested positively.

Conclusions

The general allergen spectrum in GN with OCD is unchanged, so the DKG patch test recommendations are still valid. Prevention of occupational sensitization should focus on fragrance‐free hygiene and body care products, usage of accelerator‐free protective gloves and avoidance of drug dust exposure.
Decision‐to‐delivery interval in pregnant women with intrapartum non‐reassuring fetal heart rate patterns
Authors: Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn , Watananirun Kanokwaroon , Sompagdee Nalat
Published: August 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

It has been proposed that delivery should be accomplished within 30 minutes after diagnosis of fetal distress. The objective of this study was to determine the decision‐to‐delivery interval (DDI) in emergency caesarean delivery for non‐reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR).

Methods

A total of 272 term, singleton pregnant women who underwent an emergency caesarean section for non‐reassuring FHR were included. Patient characteristics and clinical data were reviewed. The timing of the decision‐to‐delivery process was reviewed.

Results

The mean age was 28.7 years; the mean gestational age at delivery was 38.4 weeks; and 93.7% were in FHR category 2. The decision for emergency caesarean delivery was made during normal office hours in 31.6%. Median time for decision‐to‐operating room, decision‐to‐incision and decision‐to‐delivery was 42.3, 48.5 and 56 minutes, respectively. Only 6.6% of women had a DDI of <30 minutes, whereas 30.5% had a DDI of >75 minutes. Significantly shorter intervals were observed for every endpoint among patients in FHR category 3, and they were significantly more likely to deliver within 30 minutes than were those in FHR category 2 (41.2% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed for cases that occurred during normal and after hours. Neonatal outcomes were comparable among different DDI categories.

Conclusion

Only 6.6% of women with non‐reassuring FHR achieved the 30‐minute goal for caesarean delivery (median 56 minutes). Better performance was observed among patients in FHR category 3 regardless of diagnosis time, with 41.2% of these patients having a DDI of <30 minutes.
Slick scripts: impact on patient flow targets of pharmacists preparing discharge prescriptions in a hospital with an electronic prescribing system
Authors: Tran Tim , Hardidge Andrew , Heland Melodie , Taylor Simone E , Garrett Kent , Mitri Elise , Elliott Rohan A
Published: August 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Inpatient bed access decreases when ward discharge is delayed. This contributes to prolonged emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) which has been associated with increased hospital LOS and mortality. Delays in preparation of discharge medication prescriptions by ward doctors may contribute to delayed ward discharge. This project aimed to evaluate the effect on patient flow of having a pharmacist collaborate with ward doctors to prepare discharge prescriptions at a hospital with an electronic prescribing system.

Method

Eight‐week pre‐ and post‐intervention study on two surgical wards at a major metropolitan Australian hospital. During the intervention, a project pharmacist (PP) electronically prepared discharge prescriptions, in consultation with ward doctors, which were reviewed by the regular ward pharmacist before being dispensed. Outcome measures, based on hospital performance indicators, included:

Percentage of patients transferred to wards from ED within four and six hours of presentation;

Median time (minutes) past 9 am that patients were discharged from the wards;

Percentage of patients discharged from wards by 9 am;

Staff satisfaction.

Results

Pre‐ and post‐intervention, there were 259 and 246 patients transferred from ED to the study wards, respectively. The percentage of patients transferred within four and six hours of presentation did not change. There were 320 and 341 patients discharged, pre‐ and post‐intervention, respectively, who required a discharge prescription. The PP prepared 273 (80%) prescriptions during the post‐intervention period. Patients were discharged 57 minutes earlier with the intervention (median 211 vs. 154 minutes past 9 am, P = 0.01). The percentage of patients discharged before 9 am increased from 6% to 12% (P = 0.01). All 26 health‐professional respondents (79% response rate) were satisfied with the service and recommended its continuation.

Conclusions

Pharmacist collaboration with doctors to prepare discharge prescriptions did not impact upon ED access targets, but resulted in patients being discharged earlier.
Adherence to guidelines in monitoring amiodarone‐induced thyroid dysfunction
Authors: Huang Chun‐Jui , Tseng Chi‐Lung , Chu Chia‐Huei , Huang De‐Feng , Huang Chin‐Chou , Lin Liang‐Yu
Published: August 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Baseline thyroid function testing and regular follow‐up of thyroid function under amiodarone usage was recommended by guidelines. Little is known about the status of amiodarone monitoring in real‐world clinical care in Taiwan. The objective was to determine the rate of thyroid monitoring and to assess the clinical and physicians' characteristics associated with adequate monitoring in a tertiary referral centre for arrhythmia.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients receiving amiodarone during the period 2008–2009 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. The rate of baseline and follow‐up thyroid function monitoring during amiodarone therapy were calculated. Factors associated with guideline adherence to monitoring were analysed.

Results

Among the 1319 enrolled cases, 36.4% (n = 480) underwent baseline thyroid function testing and 1.1% (n = 15) received measurement of anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibody before amiodarone initiation. Regular follow up of thyroid function under amiodarone usage occurred in only 8.6% (n = 114) of cases. Baseline thyroid function was more likely to be present in patients of younger age (P < 0.001), female sex (P = 0.01), and in those who received amiodarone therapy from cardiologists (P < 0.001) or electrophysiologists (P < 0.001) with fewer years of service (P < 0.001). Upon multivariate analysis, only physicians' expertise (cardiologist versus non‐cardiologist, OR = 5.67, 95% CI: 2.44–13.16) and years of service (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.998) were significantly associated with adequate thyroid monitoring.

Conclusions

The rate of thyroid monitoring with amiodarone therapy had been suboptimal. Strategies to enhance guideline adherence are needed.
Primary care and chronic disease: the intersection of comfort and specialty involvement – a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Schreiner Andrew , Simpson Kit
Published: August 2016

Background

Primary care referrals to specialty physicians play an integral role in patient care and health care costs. Multiple factors play into the primary care physician's decision to refer, including comfort managing particular conditions. As the burden of chronic disease climbs, the relationship between patients, primary care physicians and specialists in accurately diagnosing, managing and treating chronic conditions needs clarity. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between specialty physician involvement and the care of three chronic conditions: diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

To achieve this objective, we performed a cross‐sectional study of 2013 MarketScan data (875 million billing records) for three chronic medical conditions. Participants were identified in the dataset by having received a diagnosis code for DM, CKD or SLE in an outpatient care setting during 2013. The study compared proportions of outpatient visits with specialty physicians in endocrinology, nephrology and rheumatology for patients with DM, CKD and SLE respectively.

Results

Data included 1 615 609 visits with the diagnosis of DM, 158 424 visits with the diagnosis of CKD and 103 910 visits with SLE. Diabetic patients met endocrinologists (10.2%) at a smaller proportion of their visits than patients with CKD saw nephrologists (41.2%, P < 0.0001). Further, CKD patients met with nephrologists (41.2%) at a significantly fewer proportion of outpatient visits than SLE patients saw rheumatologists (51.8%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Differences in primary care physicians' comfort with diagnosis, therapy and adherence to published guidelines affect the rate with which primary care providers seek specialty consultation.
Low socio‐economic status is a newly identified independent risk factor for poor vitamin D status in severely obese adults
Authors: Léger‐Guist'hau J. , Domingues‐Faria C. , Miolanne M. , Peyrol F. , Gerbaud L. , Perreira B. , Minet‐Quinard R. , Sapin V. , Walrand S. , Boirie Y.
Published: August 2016

Background

Hypovitaminosis D is very prevalent, especially in the obese population. However, the degree of severity and the parameters involved in vitamin D deficiency in this population are still unclear. The present study aimed to identify, from among the factors known to influence vitamin D status in a healthy population, those impacting the same parameter in obese population.

Methods

Serum 25‐OH‐D concentration was measured in 564 patients with class III obesity [i.e. severe and morbid obesity; mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) 42.04 (6.92) kg m–2] and their demographic, clinical, biological, anthropometric, dietary and socio‐economic data were collected.

Results

We observed that 96% of the obese patients had serum 25‐OH‐D lower than 30 ng mL−1. Severe vitamin D deficiency (serum 25‐OH‐D concentration <10 ng mL−1) affected 35% of this population. We found an inverse relationship between 25‐OH‐D levels and BMI (P = 0.012), fat mass (P = 0.041), metabolic syndrome (P < 0.0001), fasting blood glucose (P = 0.023), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (P = 0.008), waist circumference (P = 0.001), and fasting blood triglycerides (P = 0.002) and C‐reactive protein (P = 0.005). Low socio‐economic status independently increased the risk of severe vitamin D deficiency [odds ratio (OR) = 1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–3.13], especially in the autumn–winter season (OR = 2.94; 95% CI 1.98–4.36), morbid obesity (OR = 3.19; 95% CI 1.49–6.82), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.06–2.42) and inflammation (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.06).

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common among obese patients, and the prevalence of severe deficiency is high. The association of adiposity, high body mass index, metabolic syndrome and inflammation with vitamin D status is marked, whereas low socio‐economic status appears to be a major risk factor for severe vitamin D deficiency, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may at least in part be responsible for the greater health vulnerability of populations with low socio‐economic status.
Efficient three‐phase reconstruction of heterogeneous material from 2D cross‐sections via phase‐recovery algorithm
Authors: HASANABADI ALI , BANIASSADI MAJID , ABRINIA KAREN , SAFDARI MASOUD , GARMESTANI HAMID
Published: August 2016

Digital reconstruction of a complex heterogeneous media from the limited statistical information, mostly provided by different imaging techniques, is the key to the successful computational analysis of this important class of materials. In this study, a novel approach is presented for three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of a three‐phase microstructure from its statistical information provided by two‐dimensional (2D) cross‐sections. In this three‐step method, first two‐point correlation functions (TPCFs) are extracted from the cross‐section(s) using a spectral method suitable for the three‐phase media. In the next step, 3D TPCFs are approximated for all vectors in a representative volume element (RVE). Finally, the 3D microstructure is realized from the full‐set TPCFs obtained in the previous step, using a modified phase‐recovery algorithm. The method is generally applicable to any complex three‐phase media, here illustrated for an SOFC anode microstructure. The capabilities and shortcomings of the method are then investigated by performing a qualitative comparison between example cross‐sections obtained computationally and their experimental equivalents. Finally, it is shown that the method almost conserves key microstructural properties of the media including tortuosity, percolation and three‐phase boundary length (TPBL).
Cement Thickness of Inlay Restorations Made of Lithium Disilicate, Polymer‐Infiltrated Ceramic and Nano‐Ceramic CAD/CAM Materials Evaluated Using 3D X‐Ray Micro‐Computed Tomography
Authors: Uzgur Recep , Ercan Ertuğrul , Uzgur Zeynep , Çolak Hakan , Yalçın Muhammet , Özcan Mutlu
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the marginal and internal cement thicknesses of inlay restorations made of various CAD/CAM materials using 3D X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) technique.

Materials and Methods

Caries‐free extracted mandibular molars (N = 30) with similar size were randomly assigned to three groups (N = 10 per group). Mesio‐occlusal‐distal (MOD) cavities were prepared, and inlay restorations were obtained by milling out CAD/CAM materials namely, (a) IPS: monolithic lithium disilicate (control), (b) VE: polymer‐infiltrated ceramic, and (c) CS: nano‐ceramic using a CAM unit. Marginal and internal cement thicknesses were measured using 3D micro‐CT. Data were analyzed using 1‐way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (alpha = 0.05).

Results

The mean marginal and internal cement thickness were not significant in all inlay materials (p > 0.05). Mean marginal cement thickness (μm) was the lowest for the IPS group (67.54 ± 10.16) followed by VE (84.09 ± 3.94) and CS (95.18 ± 10.58) (p > 0.05). The internal cement thickness (μm) was the lowest in the CS group (54.85 ± 6.94) followed by IPS (60.58 ± 9.22) and VE (77.53 ± 12.13) (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Marginal and internal cement thicknesses of MOD inlays made of monolithic lithium disilicate, polymer‐infiltrated ceramic, and nano‐ceramic CAD/CAM materials were similar and all less than 100 μm, which could be considered clinically acceptable.

Clinical significance

MOD inlays made of different CAD/CAM materials presented similar cement thickness, less than 100 μm.
Health Insurance Benefit Mandates and Firm Size Distribution
Authors: Bailey James , Webber Douglas
Published: August 2016

By 2010, the average U.S. state had passed 37 health insurance benefit mandates (laws requiring health insurance plans to cover certain additional services). Previous work has shown that these mandates likely increase health insurance premiums, which in turn could make it more costly for firms to compensate employees. Using 1996–2010 data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages and a novel instrumental variables strategy, we show that there is limited evidence that mandates reduce employment. However, we find that mandates lead to a distortion in firm size, benefiting larger firms that are able to self‐insure and thus exempt themselves from these state‐level health insurance regulations. This distortion in firm size away from small businesses may lead to substantial decreases in productivity and economic growth.
Treatment Outcome of Overactive Bladder Patients Receiving Antimuscarinic Therapy for More than One Year
Authors: HSIAO Sheng‐Mou , LIN Ho‐Hsiung , KUO Hann‐Chorng
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Details on the therapeutic effects of long‐term antimuscarinic therapy have not been reported. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the detailed long‐term therapeutic effect of antimuscarinic therapy.

Methods

All consecutive patients who visited the urologic outpatient clinics of a medical center for treatment of overactive bladder syndrome and received antimuscarinic therapy of 12 months or more were retrospectively reviewed. All medical records, including the Overactive Bladder Symptom score (OABSS), the modified Indevus Urgency Severity Scale and the International Prostate Symptoms score (IPSS) questionnaires, and uroflowmetry parameters were reviewed at each visit.

Results

A total of 140 patients had received 12 months or more of antimuscarinic therapy. Sustained therapeutic effects were observed by persistent decreases of IPSS‐storage score, IPSS‐total score and OABSS score. Moreover, the maximum flow rate did not change over time. A temporary increase in postvoid residual volume and decrease in voiding efficiency were found, but these parameters improved over long‐term visits. Side‐effects were observed in 81 patients (57.9%) and included dry mouth (n = 58, 41.4%), constipation (n = 48, 34.3%) and blurred vision (n = 4, 2.9%); all side‐effects were tolerable. Patients aged 75 years or more (n = 94) had a higher comorbidity rate (n = 46, 48.9%) before treatment but generally exhibited similar therapeutic effects as overall patients; elderly patients could also tolerate side‐effects.

Conclusion

Sustained therapeutic effects were observed in patients who received 12 months or more of antimuscarinic therapy, even in elderly patients. In addition, side‐effects in patients receiving long‐term therapy were also common but tolerable.
Geophysical and magneto‐structural study of the Maâdna structure (Talemzane, Algeria): Insights on its age and origin
Authors: Lamali A. , Rochette P. , Merabet N. , Abtout A. , Maouche S. , Gattacceca J. , Ferrière L. , Hamoudi M. ,   ASTER Team, Meziane E.H. , Ayache M.
Published: August 2016

The Maâdna structure is located approximately 400 km south of Algiers (33°19′ N, 4°19′ E) and emplaced in Upper‐Cretaceous to Eocene limestones. Although accepted as an impact crater on the basis of alleged observations of shock‐diagnostic features such as planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz grains, previous works were limited and further studies are desirable to ascertain the structure formation process and its age. For this purpose, the crater was investigated using a multidisciplinary approach including field observations, detailed cartography of the different geological and structural units, geophysical surveys, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility, paleomagnetism, and petrography of the collected samples. We found that the magnetic and gravimetric profiles highlight a succession of positive and negative anomalies, ones that might indicate the occurrence of a causative material which is at least in part identical. Geophysical analysis and modeling suggest the presence of this material within the crater at a depth of about 100 m below the surface. Using soil magnetic susceptibility measurements, the shallowest magnetized zone in the central part of the crater is identified as a recently deposited material. Paleomagnetic and rock magnetic experiments combined with petrographic observations show that detrital hematite is the main magnetic carrier although often associated with magnetite. A primary magnetization is inferred from a stable remanence with both normal and reverse directions, carried by these two minerals. Although this is supposed to be a chemical remagnetization, its normal polarity nature is considered to be a Pliocene component, subsequent to the crater formation. The pole falls onto the Miocene‐Pliocene part of the African Apparent Polar Wander Path (APWP). Consequently, we estimate the formation of the Maâdna crater to have occurred during the time period extending from the Late Miocene to the Early Pliocene. Unfortunately, our field and laboratory investigations do not allow us to confirm an impact origin for the crater as neither shatter cones, nor shocked minerals, were found. A dissolved diapir with inverted relief is suggested as an alternative to the impact hypothesis, which can still be considered as plausible. Only a drilling may provide a definite answer.
Onychomycosis in patients with nail psoriasis: a point to point discussion
Authors: Rigopoulos Dimitrios , Papanagiotou Vasilios , Daniel Ralph , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: August 2016

Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease and affects large parts of the population. Psoriasis is a frequently encountered skin disorder with nail involvement being found in up to 80% of the patients at some time of the course of the disease. It has been postulated that onychomycosis occurs more frequently in patients with nail psoriasis, but the results of studies in the literature are controversial. Moreover, onychomycosis could exacerbate psoriasis through Koebner phenomenon and the treatment of psoriasis could predispose to onychomycosis. Finally, the differential diagnosis could be a real challenge due to many same clinical signs, the high prevalence and the possible coexistence of the two diseases. This article attempts to enlighten all these different aspects of a very close relationship.
Effect of antihypertensive therapy with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors on chronic periodontitis: a case–control study
Authors: Rodrigues M , Barbirato D , Luiz RR , Scharfstein J , Salles GF , Feres‐Filho EJ
Published: August 2016

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) downregulates the activity of bradykinin, a potent proinflammatory and immunostimulatory peptide liberated from an internal portion of kininogens. Here, we asked whether periodontitis is worsened in patients under antihypertensive treatment with ACE inhibitors.

Methods

Periodontal parameters were recorded from 30 individuals taking ACE inhibitors (case) and 35 taking a non‐ACE inhibitor medication (control). Data were analyzed by nonparametric and parametric statistical tests.

Results

Most sociodemographic figures were similar in both groups. However, family income was statistically higher in the control group, and the percentage of sites with visible plaque (PL) was statistically higher in the case group (P = 0.043 and P = 0.005, respectively). The prevalence of individuals with chronic periodontitis varied from 31.5% in the control group to 63.4% in the case group (P = 0.001). Patients in the case group presented a 3.2‐fold higher risk of having sites with pocket depth ≥5 mm and a 2.9‐fold higher risk of having sites with clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm in comparison with those in the control group (P = 0.009 and P = 0.001, respectively; adjusted for family income and visible PL).

Conclusion

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors may increase the prevalence and extent of chronic periodontitis in Brazilian patients.
Protective Effect of Curcumin Against Acute Ultraviolet B Irradiation‐induced Photo‐damage
Authors: Li Huaping , Gao Aili , Jiang Na , Liu Qing , Liang Bihua , Li Runxiang , Zhang Erting , Li Zhenjie , Zhu Huilan
Published: August 2016

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is one of the most dangerous insults for skin and causes sunburn, erythema, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a yellow spice derived from dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa, has been shown to possess significant anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, anticoagulant and anti‐infective effects. However, the protective effects of curcumin against acute photo‐damage are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the photoprotective effects of curcumin against UVB‐induced acute photo‐damage in hairless mice and immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Topical application of curcumin significantly inhibited acute UVB (540 mJ cm−2, for 3 successive days)‐induced inflammatory cells, collagen accrementition derangement and lipid peroxidation, and effectively induced NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear accumulation in uncovered (Uncv) hairless mice skin. Treatment of HaCaT cells with curcumin significantly attenuated acute UVB (300 mJ cm−2)‐induced lactate dehydrogenase release, intracellular reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage, activated the expression of the phase II detoxifying enzymes and promoted DNA repair activity. The photoprotective effect provided by curcumin was potential associated with modulation of Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant response. Our study suggested that curcumin is a potential agent for preventing and/or treating UV radiation‐induced acute inflammation and photoaging.
Kingdon's “Streams” Model at Thirty: Still Relevant in the 21st Century?
Authors: Rawat Pragati , Morris John Charles
Published: August 2016

John Kingdon's multiple‐streams model, developed to explain the policy formulation process, is often cited in the policy literature, and remains a staple of policy courses. In spite of critiques suggesting Kingdon's work is theoretically shaky and difficult to observe empirically, the work seems to retain a prominent place in the policy literature, garnering hundreds of citations since its publication. This article provides a review of the literature employing Kingdon's work, from 1984 to the present. The results show that the model has been used across all inhabited continents but suggest a decline in the use of the model in the U.S. scholarly literature. Other theories are liberally used in conjunction with Kingdon's model. The study provides an update on recent trends in the model's use and offers guidelines for interested researchers about topics that are considered as a productive endeavor, going forward.

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Knutsen, Wenjue Lu. 2012. “.” Politics & Policy 40 (): 161‐192. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00339.x/abstract

Weiner, Terry. 2007. “.” Politics & Policy 35 (): 872‐897. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00087.x/abstract

David, Charles‐Philippe. 2015. “.” Politics & Policy 43 (): 163‐195. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12106/abstract

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Kingdon, John W. https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/John_W._Kingdon

Dow, Katheryn. 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-wIyS-hFNI

. 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUlvyBVoJiI
Constitutional Definition of the Demos and Inter‐Ethnic Relations
Authors: Koos Agnes Katalin
Published: August 2016

The study reveals some conceptual differences inherent in the world's active constitutions as they relate to defining the country's population. The basic classification question asks whether the population of the state (“demos”) is conceptualized as a communally homogeneous or heterogeneous entity. An inquiry into the texts of more than 167 constitutions evidenced a wide gamut of answers, and an emerging trend toward endorsing the accommodation of diversities, as opposed to expecting and aiming at homogenization. A descriptive section presents the constitutional conceptualizations of the countries’ ethnic makeup, then some concerns about the real‐world potency of the ideals enshrined in constitutions are addressed. The demos concepts are studied in their relationship with the pertinent policy choices, and contemplated in their causal context connecting the objective country features, such as communal fractionalization and development level, with the resulting constellations of communal cooperation versus hostility.

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Nohlen,Dieter.2009. “.”Politics & Policy37():3‐30.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00159.x/abstract

Scott,Gregory M.1994. “.”Southeastern Political Review22():643‐667.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.1994.tb00399.x/abstract

Related Media

Constitute – The World's Constitutions to Read, Search, and Compare.https://www.constituteproject.org/

Linguistic Arrangements in the World (L'aménagement linguistique dans le monde).http://www.axl.cefan.ulaval.ca/
Assessing the Impact of District Primary Education Program in India
Authors: Azam Mehtabul , Saing Chan Hang
Published: August 2016

We examine the impact of India's District Primary Education Program (DPEP) introduced in the mid‐1990s. We exploit the fact that the DPEP was targeted towards primary school age children and was introduced in phases to different districts in India, and many of the districts never got the program to implement a difference‐in‐difference strategy to find the causal impact of the program on probability of attended primary school, probability of completed primary education and years of schooling. We find that the DPEP program increased the probability of attended primary school and completed primary school by about 2 percentage points. Similarly, the program increased the years of schooling by 0.16 years.
Global Inequality: Relatively Lower, Absolutely Higher
Authors: Niño‐Zarazúa Miguel , Roope Laurence , Tarp Finn
Published: August 2016

This paper measures trends in global interpersonal inequality during 1975–2010 using data from the most recent version of the World Income Inequality Database (WIID). The picture that emerges using ‘absolute,’ and even ‘centrist’ measures of inequality, is very different from the results obtained using standard ‘relative’ inequality measures such as the Gini coefficient or Coefficient of Variation. Relative global inequality has declined substantially over the decades. In contrast, ‘absolute’ inequality, as captured by the Standard Deviation and Absolute Gini, has increased considerably and unabated. Like these ‘absolute’ measures, our ‘centrist’ inequality indicators, the Krtscha measure and an intermediate Gini, also register a pronounced increase in global inequality, albeit, in the case of the latter, with a decline during 2005 to 2010. A critical question posed by our findings is whether increased levels of inequality according to absolute and centrist measures are inevitable at today's per capita income levels. Our analysis suggests that it is not possible for absolute inequality to return to 1975 levels without further convergence in mean incomes among countries. Inequality, as captured by centrist measures such as the Krtscha, could return to 1975 levels, at today's domestic and global per capita income levels, but this would require quite dramatic structural reforms to reduce domestic inequality levels in most countries.
Real GDI, Productivity, and the Terms of Trade in Canada
Authors: Cao Shutao , Kozicki Sharon
Published: August 2016

In this paper, a quarterly dataset of productivity is built for the Canadian business sector, and the Diewert and Yu () estimates of annual productivity growth are revised and updated to reflect changes in the new Canadian system of national economic accounts. The quarterly data are then used to study the contribution of total factor productivity and the terms of trade to growth of real gross domestic income. In most years of the 2000s, the contribution of the terms of trade became significant in real income growth, whereas that of total factor productivity growth was stagnant. Improvement in the terms of trade arises froma decline in the import price index and an increase in the export price index.
Reproductive Endocrinology in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: New Approaches to Old Challenges
Authors: Onder Songul , Akbar Sana , Schmidt Rebecca J.
Published: August 2016

Sexual dysfunction is a common yet underreported problem among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This article will review sexual dysfunction in both genders, pregnancy outcomes, and best practices for successful full‐term pregnancy in patients with CKD, including those with dialysis dependence and kidney transplants.
Foreign Acquisitions and Target Firms' Performance in China
Authors: Liu Qing , Lu Ruosi , Qiu Larry D.
Published: August 2016

This paper empirically investigates the effects of foreign acquisitions on several performance measures of Chinese target firms. Using a self‐constructed database that includes information on foreign acquisitions in China and the accounting information of Chinese manufacturing firms from 1998 to 2007, we find that foreign acquisitions significantly improve the productivity, sales and fixed asset investment of the target firms. We address the potential endogeneity issue in the OLS estimation using the difference‐in‐differences technique, with two control groups, namely the would‐be targets and the propensity‐score‐matched targets. We also find that the performance‐enhancing effect of foreign acquisitions becomes stronger when larger technology gaps are observed between the acquirers and the targets. An inverted‐U relationship is observed between the post‐acquisition performance of the target firms and the target firm equity that is held by the foreign acquirers. The performance effects are qualitatively different among vertical, horizontal and conglomerate acquisitions.
BCL2 and MYC are expressed at high levels in canine diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma but are not predictive for outcome in dogs treated with CHOP chemotherapy
Authors: Curran K. M. , Schaffer P. A. , Frank C. B. , Lana S. E. , Hamil L. E. , Burton J. H. , Labadie J. , Ehrhart E. J. , Avery P. R.
Published: August 2016

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common haematopoietic malignancy in dogs. Recently, MYC and BCL2 expression levels determined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) were found to be prognostic in people with DLBCL. We hypothesized that canine DLBCL can be similarly subdivided into prognostic subtypes based on expression of MYC and BCL2. Cases of canine DLBCL treated with CHOP chemotherapy were retrospectively collected and 43 dogs had available histologic tissue and complete clinical follow‐up. Median values of percent immunoreactive versus immunonegative cells were used to determine positive or negative expression status. Completion of CHOP was significantly associated with a positive outcome. Compared with human patients, our canine DLBCL patients had high IHC expression of both MYC and BCL2, and relative expression levels of one or both markers were not associated with clinical outcome.
Prospective Teachers’ Self-assessment of International Sojourns: Pedagogical Byproducts and Language Ability Gains
Authors: Viáfara González John Jairo , Ariza Ariza Aleida
Published: August 2016

Cincuenta futuros profesores quienes viajaron al exterior en tres diferentes clases de programas, au pair, asistencia a profesores y trabajo en el exterior, mientras estuvieron vinculados a dos universidades públicas colombianas, contribuyeron con entrevistas y encuestas para este estudio mixto con énfasis cualitativo. Los investigadores analizaron los reportes de los participantes con el propósito de establecer como sus viajes enriquecieron sus habilidades lingüísticas y aprendizaje pedagógico. Los resultados muestran que la percepción de los participantes respecto a su mejoramiento en inglés se relaciona con sus estrategias y actitudes para aprovechar las múltiples oportunidades que encontraron. A nivel pedagógico, ampliar sus habilidades de enseñanza y sus perspectivas en relación con las metodologías, el papel de la cultura en el aprendizaje, el diseño de materiales y el currículo se convirtieron en logros fortuitos basados en su relación con sus mentores y su participación en varios escenarios pedagógicos.
Social Networking Sites for Language Learning: Examining Learning Theories in Nested Semiotic Spaces
Authors: Álvarez Valencia José Aldemar
Published: August 2016

Las redes sociales para el aprendizaje de lenguas (resal) han creado nuevos modelos de aprendizaje, de interacción social y de experiencias de aprendizaje. Este estudio se centra en Busuu —una resal bastante conocida— y examina las perspectivas de aprendizaje que subyacen al diseño semiótico del mismo. El artículo parte de la premisa según la cual la composición semiótica de cualquier medio de comunicación posiciona y promulga ciertas formas de tratamiento, adquisición y aprendizaje de los contenidos, y se basa en fundamentos teóricos y metodológicos de la investigación etnográfica y la semiótica social multimodal para analizar el sitio web. Una de las principales conclusiones del estudio indica que Busuu constituye un sistema ecológico de espacios semióticos entretejidos, donde los elementos y principios pedagógicos de las diferentes teorías del aprendizaje de lenguas —conductista, cognitiva, constructivista— se amalgaman de manera conflictiva y, al mismo tiempo, complementaria.