bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple myeloma and family history of lymphohaematopoietic cancers: Results from the International Multiple Myeloma Consortium
Authors: Schinasi Leah H. , Brown Elizabeth E. , Camp Nicola J. , Wang Sophia S. , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Chiu Brian C. , Miligi Lucia , Beane Freeman Laura E. , de Sanjose Silvia , Bernstein Leslie , Monnereau Alain , Clavel Jacqueline , Tricot Guido J. , Atanackovic Djordje , Cocco Pierluigi , Orsi Laurent , Dosman James A. , McLaughlin John R. , Purdue Mark P. , Cozen Wendy , Spinelli John J. , de Roos Anneclaire J.
Published: June 2016

Family clusters of multiple myeloma (MM) suggest disease heritability. Nevertheless, patterns of inheritance and the importance of genetic versus environmental risk factors in MM aetiology remain unclear. We pooled data from eleven case‐control studies from the International Multiple Myeloma Consortium to characterize the association of MM risk with having a first‐degree relative with a history of a lympho‐haematapoietic cancer. Unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for study, sex, age and education level, were used to estimate associations between MM risk and having a first‐degree relative with a history of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia or MM. Sex, African American race/ethnicity and age were explored as effect modifiers. A total of 2843 cases and 11 470 controls were included. MM risk was elevated in association with having a first‐degree relative with any lympho‐haematapoietic cancer (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1·29, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1·08–1·55). The association was particularly strong for having a first‐degree relative with MM (OR = 1·90, 95% CI: 1·26–2·87), especially among men (OR = 4·13, 95% CI: 2·17–7·85) and African Americans (OR = 5·52, 95% CI: 1·87–16·27).These results support the hypothesis that genetic inheritance plays a role in MM aetiology. Future studies are warranted to characterize interactions of genetic markers with environmental exposures.
Sex differences in number line estimation: The role of numerical estimation
Authors: Reinert Regina M. , Huber Stefan , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph , Moeller Korbinian
Published: June 2016

Sex differences in mathematical performance have frequently been examined over the last decades indicating an advantage for males especially when numerical problems cannot be solved by (classroom‐)learnt strategies and/or estimation. Even in basic numerical tasks such as number line estimation, males were found to outperform females – with sex differences argued to emerge from different solution strategies applied by males and females. We evaluated the latter using two versions of the number line estimation task: a bounded and an unbounded task version. Assuming that women tend more strongly to apply known procedures, we expected them to be at a particular disadvantage in the unbounded number line estimation task, which is less prone to be solved by specific strategies such as proportion judgement but requires numerical estimation. Results confirmed more pronounced sex differences for unbounded number line estimation with males performing significantly more accurately in this task version. This further adds to recent evidence suggesting that estimation performance in the bounded task version may reflect solution strategies rather than numerical estimation. Additionally, it indicates that sex differences regarding the spatial representation of number magnitude may not be universal, but associated with spatial–numerical estimations in particular.
Spectral Processing of Tangential Vector Fields
Authors: Brandt Christopher , Scandolo Leonardo , Eisemann Elmar , Hildebrandt Klaus
Published: June 2016

We propose a framework for the spectral processing of tangential vector fields on surfaces. The basis is a Fourier‐type representation of tangential vector fields that associates frequencies with tangential vector fields. To implement the representation for piecewise constant tangential vector fields on triangle meshes, we introduce a discrete Hodge–Laplace operator that fits conceptually to the prominent cotan discretization of the Laplace–Beltrami operator. Based on the Fourier representation, we introduce schemes for spectral analysis, filtering and compression of tangential vector fields. Moreover, we introduce a spline‐type editor for modelling of tangential vector fields with interpolation constraints for the field itself and its divergence and curl. Using the spectral representation, we propose a numerical scheme that allows for real‐time modelling of tangential vector fields.
The Making of Childhood Mortality in Modern South Africa
Authors: Rafaely Daniella
Published: June 2016

This article examines the ways in which childhood mortality as an ideological tool is constituted as a shared moral order in modern society. The examination of record‐keeping as an ideological practice that produces a governable and self‐regulating population allows us to identify how and where it is incorporated into social life as an everyday morality. Under this moral order, death must be constituted as a medical necessity, rendering it culturally relevant, in order for social life to continue to be considered a meaningful and purposeful endeavour. The child's status in society as a sacred citizen ensures that children's deaths are constituted in even more particular ways, so that the possibility of medically ‘unnecessary’ child death remains morally unthinkable and thus does not expose the ideological underpinnings that continue to produce social life as a moral and thus meaningful affair.
Five‐year retrospective study on success, survival and incidence of complications of single crowns supported by dental implants
Authors: Tey Valerie H. S. , Phillips Rachel , Tan Ken
Published: June 2016

Objective

To determine the survival and the incidence of biologic and technical complications of implant‐supported single crowns after 5 years of function.

Material and methods

Patients treated with dental implants at the National Dental Centre, Singapore, from 2006 to 2010 were recruited from the Implant Registry and evaluated by two clinicians. One hundred and ninety‐four patients, with 266 implant single crowns (SCs), were examined clinically for biologic and technical parameters. Digital radiographs were also obtained. Failure and complication rates were calculated based on the person‐time at risk.

Results

The mean biologic time in function was 5.9 ± 1.3 years. None of the implants had been lost, resulting in a 5‐year survival of 100%. The corresponding success (complication‐free) rate was 92.9% (95% CI: 89.2, 95.4). The mean prosthetic time in function was 5.2 ± 1.5 years, with a 5‐year survival of implant‐supported SCs of 98.2% (95% CI: 95.8, 99.3). The corresponding success rate was 88.9% (95% CI: 84.8, 92.0). The 5‐year incidence of biologic complications, defined as PPD ≥6 mm with bleeding on probing/suppuration, in the presence of ≥2.5 mm of radiographic bone loss, was 7.1% (95% CI: 4.6, 10.9). The 5‐year incidence of technical complications was 6.5% (95% CI: 3.9, 10.7) for fracture of the veneering material, 4.3% (95% CI: 2.4, 7.7) for loss of retention, 2.1% (95% CI: 1.0, 4.7) for abutment screw loosening and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1, 2.5) for abutment fracture.

Conclusions

High survival rates (98.4%) for both the single tooth implants and the respective single crowns were demonstrated after 5.2 ± 1.5 years. However, the success rates were considerably lower (84.9%), indicating that biologic and technical complications were frequent.
Increased prevalence and risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes in South China
Authors: Yi M. , Chen R.‐P. , Yang R. , Chen H.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We recruited patients with Type 2 diabetes with a BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, who visited the diabetes clinics of 60 hospitals in 21 cities in Guangdong Province, China from August 2011 to March 2012. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests and abdominal ultrasonography were performed for all the patients.

Results

The study included 3861 patients (1860 men) with a mean ± sd (range) age of 58.91 ± 13.06 (18–90) years. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was found in 1751 patients (45.4%), with a significantly higher prevalence among men than women (48.0 vs 42.9%). The peak of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence was in patients with a BMI of 34–35 kg/m2, those with a triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio of 5.5–6.0, men aged < 30 years and women aged 40–50 years. Assessment using the BARD (BMI, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, diabetes) score system showed that the prevalence of advanced fibrosis was 80.52% in all patients and that women had a higher prevalence than men (86.52 vs 74.16%). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that dyslipidaemia, BMI and 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose were independent risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, while heart rate and female gender were protective factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes in South China is high. Multiple metabolic disorders were significantly associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes.
When neutral turns significant: brain dynamics of rapidly formed associations between neutral stimuli and emotional contexts
Authors: Ventura‐Bort Carlos , Löw Andreas , Wendt Julia , Dolcos Florin , Hamm Alfons O. , Weymar Mathias
Published: June 2016

The ability to associate neutral stimuli with motivationally relevant outcomes is an important survival strategy. In this study, we used event‐related potentials (ERPs) to investigate brain dynamics of associative emotional learning when participants were confronted with multiple heterogeneous information. Participants viewed 144 different objects in the context of 144 different emotional and neutral background scenes. During each trial, neutral objects were shown in isolation and then paired with the background scene. All pairings were presented twice to compare ERPs in response to neutral objects before and after single association. After single pairing, neutral objects previously encoded in the context of emotional scenes evoked a larger P100 over occipital electrodes compared to objects that were previously paired with neutral scenes. Likewise, larger late positive potentials (LPPs) were observed over parieto‐occipital electrodes (450–750 ms) for objects previously associated with emotional relative to neutral contexts. The LPP – but not P100 – enhancement was also related to subjective object/context binding. Taken together, our ERP data provide evidence for fast emotional associative learning, as reflected by heightened perceptual and sustained elaborative processing for neutral information previously encountered in emotional contexts. These findings could assist in understanding binding mechanisms in stress and anxiety, as well as in addiction and eating‐related disorders.
Orexin‐A increases the activity of globus pallidus neurons in both normal and parkinsonian rats
Authors: Xue Yan , Yang Yu‐Ting , Liu Hong‐Yun , Chen Wen‐Fang , Chen An‐Qi , Sheng Qing , Chen Xin‐Yi , Wang Ying , Chen Hua , Liu Hong‐Xia , Pang Ya‐Yan , Chen Lei
Published: June 2016

Orexin is a member of neuropeptides which was first identified in the hypothalamus. The globus pallidus is a key structure in the basal ganglia, which is involved in both normal motor function and movement disorders. Morphological studies have shown the expression of both OX1 and OX2 receptors in the globus pallidus. Employing single unit extracellular recordings and behavioural tests, the direct in vivo electrophysiological and behavioural effects of orexin‐A in the globus pallidus were studied. Micro‐pressure administration of orexin‐A significantly increased the spontaneous firing rate of pallidal neurons. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between orexin‐A induced excitation and the basal firing rate. Furthermore, application of the specific OX1 receptor antagonist, SB‐334867, decreased the firing rate of pallidal neurons, suggesting that endogenous orexinergic systems modulate the firing activity of pallidal neurons. Orexin‐A increased the excitability of pallidal neurons through both OX1 and OX2 receptors. In 6‐hydroxydopamine parkinsonian rats, orexin‐A‐induced increase in firing rate of pallidal neurons was stronger than that in normal rats. Immunostaining revealed positive OX1 receptor expression in the globus pallidus of both normal and parkinsonian rats. Finally, postural test showed that unilateral microinjection of orexin‐A led to contralateral deflection in the presence of systemic haloperidol administration. Further elevated body swing test revealed that pallidal orexin‐A and SB‐334867 induced contralateral‐biased swing and ipsilateral‐biased swing respectively. Based on the electrophysiological and behavioural findings of orexin‐A in the globus pallidus, the present findings may provide a rationale for the pathogenesis and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Estradiol does not affect spasms in the betamethasone‐NMDA rat model of infantile spasms
Authors: Chachua Tamar , Di Grazia Paola , Chern Chian‐Ru , Johnkutty Meenu , Hellman Benjamin , Lau Ho An , Shakil Faariah , Daniel Margaret , Goletiani Cezar , Velíšková Jana , Velíšek Libor
Published: June 2016

Objective

This study attempted to validate the effects of neonatal estradiol in ameliorating the spasms in the prenatally betamethasone‐primed N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) model of infantile spasms in rats as shown previously in a mouse Arx gene knock‐in expansion model of infantile spasms.

Methods

Neonatal rats prenatally exposed to betamethasone (on day 15 of pregnancy) were treated with subcutaneous 40 ng/g estradiol benzoate (EB) between postnatal days (P)3–P10 or P0–P5. A synthetic estrogen analogue, diethylstilbestrol, was used between P0 and P5 (2 μg per rat, s.c.). On P12, P13, and P15, the rats were subjected to NMDA‐triggered spasms, and latency to onset and number of spasms were evaluated. Rats with EB on P3–P10 were tested after spasms in the open field, novel object recognition, and elevated plus maze to determine effects of treatment on behavior. Additional rats with P3–P10 or P0–P5 EB were investigated for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons (glutamate decarboxylase [GAD]67 expression) in the neocortex. As a positive control, a group of rats received either subcutaneous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (2 × 0.3 mg/kg on P12 and 3 × 0.3 mg/kg on P13 and P14) or vehicle after the first episode of spasms on P12.

Results

Neither EB treatment nor diethylstilbestrol consistently affected expression of spasms in this model, although we found a significant increase in GAD67‐immunopositive cells in the neocortex after P3–P10 and P0–P5 EB treatment, consistent with a study in mice. Behavioral tests showed increase in lateralization in male rats treated with P3–P10 EB, a behavioral trait usually associated with female sex. Diethylstilbestrol treatment in male rats resulted in arrested pubertal descent of testes. ACTH had robust effects in suppressing spasms.

Significance

Treatment of infantile spasms (IS) using neonatal EB may be justified in those cases of IS that present with detectable deficits in GABAergic neurons. In other types of IS, the efficacy of neonatal EB and its analogues is not supported.
Frequency distribution of carpal osteochondral fragmentation in a population of flat racing Thoroughbreds in the UK
Authors: Whyard J. M. , Daglish J. , Wright I. M.
Published: June 2016

Lameness associated with osteochondral fragmentation of the carpus is a common injury in racing horses. Frequency distributions of sites of fragmentation have previously been published in racehorses in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Japan but not in racing Thoroughbreds in the UK. The objectives of the study were to document sites of osteochondral fragmentation in the carpus of a population of Thoroughbred flat racehorses in the UK and compare these with other Thoroughbred populations globally and other flat racing breeds. This study was a single centre retrospective observational study; case records of flat racing Thoroughbreds with sites of carpal bone fragmentation that underwent arthroscopic surgery at Newmarket Equine Hospital between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. A total of 291 sites of fragmentation were identified arthroscopically within the carpal joints of 174 horses. This involved 135 (75%) middle carpal (MCj) and 44 (25%) antebrachiocarpal joints (ABCj), which differs from other populations reported. The most common sites of fragmentation were dorsodistal radial carpal bone (DDiCr) (49%), dorsoproximal third carpal bone (DPrC3) (22%), dorsodistal radius (DDiR) (15%), dorsoproximal radial carpal bone (DPrCr) (5%) and dorsoproximal intermediate carpal bone (DPrCi) (4%). The dorsodistal radial carpal bone is also the most common site in American (US) Quarter Horses (QHs) and Thoroughbreds (TBs) and Australian (AUS) TBs, while DPrC3 has a greater prevalence in US Standardbreds (SBs). Thereafter the frequency distribution differs between the reported study groups. Although all horses underwent bilateral radiographic examination, 45% of the total population had unilateral arthroscopic evaluation. This may therefore underestimate the total number of sites of fragmentation reported. In summary the frequency distribution of carpal fragmentation in flat racing Thoroughbreds in the UK appears to differ from other populations of racehorses.
The hazards associated with the use of intrauterine glass balls to suppress oestrus in mares
Authors: Morris L. H‐A. , Fraser B. S. L. , Cantley C. , Wilsher S.
Published: June 2016

Placing a sterile glass ball or marble into the uterine lumen is a popular method to suppress unwanted oestrous behaviour in mares. This is in spite of the original report of Nie et al. (2003), which detailed the lack of efficacy of the technique. Recent reports in the literature have described a number of untoward problems associated with the technique. This paper describes two further cases, one involving fragmentation of marbles in the uterine lumen and a second describing the laparoscopic removal of a marble after it had tracked through the endometrium and became pedunculated between the myometrium and serosa. The inefficiency of suppressing oestrus with glass balls, combined with the potential problems their placement may cause, argue strongly that this practice should be considered unethical.
The multiple stress responsive transcriptional regulator Rv3334 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an autorepressor and a positive regulator of kstR
Authors: Gomez Roshna Lawrence , Jose Leny , Ramachandran Ranjit , Raghunandanan Sajith , Muralikrishnan Balaji , Johnson John Bernet , Sivakumar Krishnankutty Chandrika , Mundayoor Sathish , Kumar Ramakrishnan Ajay
Published: June 2016

Rv3334 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis belongs to the MerR family of transcriptional regulators and is upregulated during hypoxia and other stress conditions. Employing GFP reporter constructs, mobility shift assays and ChIP assays, we demonstrate that Rv3334 binds to its own promoter and acts as an autorepressor. We were able to locate a 22 bp palindrome in its promoter that we show to be the cognate binding sequence of Rv3334. Using chase experiments, we could conclusively prove the requirement of this palindrome for Rv3334 binding. Recombinant Rv3334 readily formed homodimers in vitro, which could be necessary for its transcriptional regulatory role in vivo. Although the DNA‐binding activity of the protein was abrogated by the presence of certain divalent metal cations, the homodimer formation remained unaffected. In silico predictions and subsequent assays using GFP reporter constructs and mobility shift assays revealed that the expression of ketosteroid regulator gene (kstR), involved in lipid catabolism, is positively regulated by Rv3334. ChIP assays with aerobically grown M. tuberculosis as well as dormant bacteria unambiguously prove that Rv3334 specifically upregulates expression of kstR during dormancy. Our study throws light on the possible role of Rv3334 as a master regulator of lipid catabolism during hypoxia‐induced dormancy.
Introducing a New Data Set: Budget Support Suspensions as a Sanctioning Device: An Overview from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Molenaers Nadia , Gagiano Anna , Smets Lodewijk
Published: June 2016

This article presents a new, publicly available data set covering all budget support (BS) suspensions in the period 1999–2014. The data set covers 239 BS suspensions, involving 18 donors and 40 recipient countries. This article shows an aggregate picture of these suspensions, including the reasons why donors suspended, which donors have been active in suspending their BS, and which countries have been undergoing these aid sanctions. From this aggregate picture some patterns drawn out, substantiate a couple of things that have surfaced in the literature already. With 42% of BS suspensions in the Democracy and Human Rights category, it is clear that democratic governance has been a pertinent reason to legitimize BS suspensions. The large number of suspensions in some countries also indicates the unpredictability of budget support. The data set and the user guide can be downloaded atwww.uantwerp.be/budget-support-suspensions.
Effects of lead contamination in soils on dry biomass, concentration and amounts of lead accumulated in three tropical pasture grasses
Authors: Htwe Win Mi , Kyawt Yin Yin , Thaikua Sarayut , Imai Yuriko , Mizumachi Susumu , Kawamoto Yasuhiro
Published: June 2016

A greenhouse pot‐experiment was conducted to evaluate the phytoremediation abilities of three tropical pasture grasses (signalgrass, napiergrass and atratum) in response to two types of soils (Kunigami‐maji and Shimajiri‐maji) contaminated with three levels of lead (0, 150 and 300 mg kg–1). The results demonstrated that the dry biomass, lead concentration and the accumulated amounts were different among the plant species and between the soil types. The amounts of dry matter in three tropical pasture grasses grown on Kunigami‐maji soil were higher than that on Shimajiri‐maji soil. On both soils, lead concentration of roots was higher than that of shoots, and it was suggested that transportation of lead from roots to shoots was restricted in these plants. The lead accumulated amounts per plant grown on Kunigami‐maji soil were higher than that on Shimajiri‐maji soil. And, on Kunigami‐maji soil, accumulation of lead was relatively high in both shoots and roots of signalgrass and atratum, while, in napiergrass, the high level of lead was found only in roots. Amounts of lead extracted from the shoots of signalgrass, napiergrass and atratum grown on Kunigami‐maji soil contaminated with the highest lead level of 300 mg kg–1 were 1.64, 0.17 and 0.92 mg plant–1, respectively. As Kunigami‐maji had lower soil pH than Shimajiri‐maji, it can be suggested that lower soil pH may enhance lead bioavailability and uptake by the tropical pasture grasses. In conclusion, signalgrass and atratum could be useful for phytoremediation of lead contaminated soil, especially on Kunigami‐maji soil.
Inclusion of wet hulless‐barley distillers’ grains in mixed silage enhances fermentation and in vitro degradability in Tibet
Authors: Yuan Xianjun , Dong Zhihao , Desta Seare T. , Jia Haoran , Shao Tao
Published: June 2016

In two experiments conducted over a 2‐year period, oat straw was ensiled with different levels of perennial ryegrass and wet hulless‐barley distillers’ grains (WHDG) to improve utilization efficiency of oat straw as ruminants feed. Firstly, oat straw was ensiled with varying proportions of perennial ryegrass (0, 20, 40 or 60% of fresh weight [FW]). The lactic acid (LA) and lactic/acetic acid (LA/AA) were increased (L, Q, P < 0.01) whereas pH value, propionic acid, butyric acid and volatile fatty acids were decreased (L, Q, P < 0.01) with increasing perennial ryegrass levels. From the perspective of maximum use oat straw, it was suggested that 40% perennial ryegrass inclusions was proper for further study. Then, mixtures of oat straw and perennial ryegrass (60/40) were ensiled with WHDG at 0, 100, 200 or 300 g kg–1 FW (defined as WHDG0, WHDG100, WHDG200 and WHDG300, respectively), the fermentation characteristics and in vitro rumen degradability were analyzed. The dry matter (DM) and pH value declined (L, Q, P < 0.01), while the LA increased (L, Q, P < 0.01) with the increase of WHDG ratios. The inclusion of WHDG significantly decreased ammonia nitrogen concentrations (L, Q, P < 0.01). The crude protein content linearly increased (P < 0.01), whereas the acid detergent fiber (ADF) content linearly decreased (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of WHDG. The WHDG inclusion significantly increased in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability (L, Q, P < 0.01) with the highest value in WHDG200. The in vitroDM and ADF degradability had a Q effect (P < 0.01) in response to increasing WHDG levels. Overall inclusion of WHDG can improve the fermentation and in vitro degradability of mixed silages of oat straw and perennial ryegrass.
Efficacy and safety of long‐acting recombinant fusion protein linking factor IX with albumin in haemophilia B patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Négrier C. , Abdul Karim F. , Lepatan L. M. , Lienhart A. , López‐Fernández M. F. , Mahlangu J. , Pabinger I. , Li Y. , Wolko D. , Voigt C. , Jacobs I. , Santagostino E.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Recombinant factor IX fusion protein (rIX‐FP) has been developed to improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of factor IX (FIX), allowing maintenance of desired FIX activity between injections at extended intervals, ultimately optimizing haemophilia B treatment.

Aim

To determine the efficacy and safety of rIX‐FP in the perioperative setting.

Methods

Subjects were adult and paediatric patients with severe to moderately severe haemophilia B (FIX ≤ 2%) participating in three Phase III clinical trials and undergoing a surgical procedure. PK profiles were established prior to surgery for each patient. Haemostatic efficacy was assessed by the investigator for up to 72 h after surgery. Safety measurements during the study included adverse events and inhibitors to FIX. FIX activity was monitored during and after surgery to determine if repeat dosing was required.

Results

Twenty‐one, both major and minor, surgeries were performed in 19 patients. Haemostatic efficacy was rated as excellent (n = 17) or good (n = 4) in all surgeries. A single preoperative dose maintained intraoperative haemostasis in 20 of 21 surgeries. Nine major orthopaedic surgeries were conducted in eight patients with a mean of 7 (range: 6–12) rIX‐FP injections during surgery and the 14‐day postoperative period. Median rIX‐FP consumption for orthopaedic surgeries was 87 IU kg−1 preoperatively and 375 IU kg−1 overall. No subject developed inhibitors to FIX or antibodies to rIX‐FP.

Conclusion

Recombinant factor IX fusion protein was well tolerated and effectively maintained haemostasis during and after surgery. Stable FIX activity was achieved with a prolonged dosing interval and reduced consumption compared to conventional or currently available long‐acting recombinant FIX.
Reduction of carbamylated albumin by extended hemodialysis
Authors: Perl Jeffrey , Kalim Sahir , Wald Ron , Goldstein Marc B. , Yan Andrew T. , Noori Nazanin , Kiaii Mercedeh , Wenger Julia , Chan Christopher , Thadhani Ravi I. , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Berg Anders H.
Published: June 2016

Introduction Among conventional hemodialysis (CHD) patients, carbamylated serum albumin (C‐Alb) correlates with urea and amino acid deficiencies and is associated with mortality. We postulated that reduction of C‐Alb by intensive HD may correlate with improvements in protein metabolism and cardiac function.

Methods One‐year observational study of in‐center nocturnal extended hemodialysis (EHD) patients and CHD control subjects. Thirty‐three patients receiving 4‐hour CHD who converted to 8‐hour EHD were enrolled, along with 20 controls on CHD. Serum C‐Alb, biochemistries, and cardiac MRI parameters were measured before and after 12 months of EHD.

Findings EHD was associated with reduction of C‐Alb (average EHD change −3.20 mmol/mol [95% CI −4.23, −2.17] compared to +0.21 [95% CI −1.11, 1.54] change in CHD controls, P < 0.001). EHD was also associated with increases in average essential amino acids (in standardized units) compared to CHD (+0.38 [0.08, 0.68 95%CI]) vs. −0.12 [−0.50, 0.27, 95% CI], P = 0.047). Subjects who reduced C‐Alb more than 25% were found to have reduced left ventricular mass, increased urea reduction ratio, and increased serum albumin compared to nonresponders, and % change in C‐Alb significantly correlated with % change in left ventricular mass.

Discussion EHD was associated with reduction of C‐Alb as compared to CHD, and reduction of C‐Alb by EHD correlates with reduction of urea. Additional studies are needed to test whether reduction of C‐Alb by EHD also correlates with improved clinical outcomes.
How children represent sustainable consumption through participatory action research and co‐design of visual narratives
Authors: Donovan Doreen
Published: June 2016

Children have the capacity to adopt active roles as citizens and are crucial contributors to explorations of contemporary consumption practices and a sustainable future. Yet, children are generally not explicitly encouraged to actively participate in constructing sustainable consumption discourses. This paper investigates how sixty South Australian, urban, public primary school children aged eleven to thirteen, participated in Participatory Action Research (PAR) and co‐design of visual narratives, in collaboration with a communication designer to create fifteen visual narratives expressing their views about consumption and sustainability. The aims of this research are to (1) use PAR to co‐design visual narratives examining how children understand consumption and sustainability in relation to consumption; (2) encourage children's critical engagement with issues of sustainable consumption; (3) examine how children's views on consumption can inform the design of future design interventions about sustainable consumption for young audiences. The research questions are: How do children represent consumption and sustainability through visual narratives; how can children actively contribute to sustainable consumption discourses; what can be learnt from children to inform the future design of activist artefacts about consumption for young audiences.
20‐Hydroxyecdysone stimulates nuclear accumulation of BmNep1, a nuclear ribosome biogenesis‐related protein in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Ji M.‐M. , Liu A.‐Q. , Sima Y.‐H. , Xu S.‐Q.
Published: June 2016

The pathway of communication between endocrine hormones and ribosome biogenesis critical for physiological adaptation is largely unknown. Nucleolar essential protein 1 (Nep1) is an essential gene for ribosome biogenesis and is functionally conserved in many in vertebrate and invertebrate species. In this study, we cloned Bombyx mori Nep1 (BmNep1) due to its high expression in silk glands of silkworms on day 3 of the fifth instar. We found that BmNep1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in silk glands during fourth‐instar ecdysis and larval–pupal metamorphosis. By immunoprecipitation with the anti‐BmNep1 antibody and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analyses, it was shown that BmNep1 probably interacts with proteins related to ribosome structure formation. Immunohistochemistry, biochemical fractionation and immunocytochemistry revealed that BmNep1 is localized to the nuclei in Bombyx cells. Using BmN cells originally derived from ovaries, we demonstrated that 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) induced BmNep1 expression and stimulated nuclear accumulation of BmNep1. Under physiological conditions, BmNep1 was also upregulated in ovaries during larval–pupal metamorphosis. Overall, our results indicate that the endocrine hormone 20E facilitates nuclear accumulation of BmNep1, which is involved in nuclear ribosome biogenesis in Bombyx.
Postmating transcriptional changes in the female reproductive tract of the European corn borer moth
Authors: Al‐Wathiqui N. , Dopman E. B. , Lewis S. M.
Published: June 2016

Mating triggers a cascade of physiological and behavioural responses in females that persist after copulation. In insects, seminal fluid proteins contained within male ejaculates are known to initiate some responses, but our understanding of how females mediate these reactions remains limited. Few studies have examined postmating transcriptional changes within ejaculate‐receiving organs within females or how these changes might depend on the identity of the male. Furthermore, whereas males of many insects transfer packaged ejaculates, transcriptional dynamics have mainly been examined in dipterans, in which males transfer a free ejaculate. To identify genes that may be important in mediating female physiological responses in a spermatophore‐producing species, we sequenced the transcriptomes of the ejaculate‐receiving organs and examined postmating gene expression within and between pheromone strains of the European corn borer (ECB) moth, Ostrinia nubilalis. After within‐strain mating, significant differential expression of 978 transcripts occurred in the female bursa or its associated bursal gland, including peptidases, transmembrane transporters, and hormone processing genes; such genes may potentially play a role in postmating male–female interactions. We also identified 14 transcripts from the bursal gland that were differentially expressed after females mated with cross‐strain males, representing candidates for previously observed postmating reproductive isolation between ECB strains.
Male Migration and Female Labor Market Attachment
Authors: Wang Qing
Published: June 2016

This study examines the impact of male migration to the United States on female labor market outcomes in Mexico, using the longitudinal data set from the Mexican Family Life Survey. I differentiate between domestic and cross-border migration, as well as other types of absence, and account for their differential effects. The first-difference approach is employed to address the econometric issues of endogeneity and self-selection. Findings show that the effects of cross-border migration on the labor market outcomes of left-behind women appear to be limited in the short term. Domestic migration is not a major factor that influences the labor market outcomes of women.
Nurses' roles in screening for intimate partner violence: a phenomenological study
Authors: Al‐Natour A. , Qandil A. , Gillespie G.L.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To describe Jordanian nurses' roles and practices in screening for intimate partner violence.

Background

Intimate partner violence is a recognized global health problem with a prevalence of 37% for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Jordanian nurses screening for intimate partner violence is as low as 10.8%. Nurses have encountered institutional and personal barriers hindering their screening practice.

Method

A descriptive phenomenological design was used for this study. A purposive sample of 12 male and female Jordanian nurses working at a university hospital in Jordan participated. Participants were interviewed in 2014 using a semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interview. Steps of Colaizzi's phenomenological method were used to analyse the qualitative data.

Findings

Four themes were derived from the data: (1) screening practices and roles for suspected IPV cases, (2) advantages for screening and disadvantages for not screening for intimate partner violence, (3) factors hindering screening practice and (4) feelings towards screening and not screening for intimate partner violence.

Conclusion

Increasing Jordanian nurses' awareness of the need for intimate partner violence screening in this sample was needed. Professional education and training may facilitate the adoption of intimate partner violence screening practices. A key barrier to intimate partner violence screening is Jordanian nurses' personal beliefs. Overcoming these personal beliefs will necessitate a multi‐faceted approach starting with schools of nursing and bridging into healthcare settings.

Implication for nursing and health policy

Healthcare professionals including nursing and policy makers at health institutions should enforce screening policies and protocols for all receipt of care at first contact. In addition, an emphasis on modelling culturally congruent approaches to develop the trusting nurse‐patient relationships and process for screening patients for intimate partner violence.
Temperature‐Dependent Deformation and Dislocation Density in SrTiO3 (001) Single Crystals
Authors: Patterson Eric A. , Major Márton , Donner Wolfgang , Durst Karsten , Webber Kyle G. , Rödel Jürgen
Published: June 2016

This study evaluates the change of flow stress as related to dislocation density in SrTiO3 single crystals in order to provide guidance for later electrical studies. The key parameters varied are temperature and loading rate during the deformation. It is found that in <100>‐oriented SrTiO3 single crystals, the dislocation density is enhanced by plastic deformation, more so at higher temperature as compared to room temperature. The experimental approach of quantifying the dislocation density through a determination of ex situ X‐ray diffraction rocking curves was successfully applied over the upper temperatures region of the lower temperature ductility zone for strontium titanate, i.e., in the so‐called “A‐regime”. For 1.0% deformed samples deformed at 300°C, a fourfold increase in dislocation density to 1.4 × 1013 m−1 was found as compared to the nondeformed state (3.7 × 1012 m−1). Cross‐section techniques confirmed that the observed dislocation densities measured at the surfaces were identical to those seen in the core of the crystals. The use of rapid changes in loading rate provided an estimate for activation volume of the dislocation core for both 25°C and 300°C.
Genome wide association study on beef production traits in Marchigiana cattle breed
Authors: Sorbolini S. , Bongiorni S. , Cellesi M. , Gaspa G. , Dimauro C. , Valentini A. , Macciotta N.P.P.
Published: June 2016

A genomewide association study was carried out on a sample of Marchigiana breed cattle to detect markers significantly associated with carcass and meat traits. Four hundred and nine young bulls from 117 commercial herds were genotyped by Illumina 50K BeadChip assay. Eight growth and carcass traits (average daily gain, carcass weight, dressing percentage, body weight, skin weight, shank circumference, head weight and carcass conformation) and two meat quality traits (pH at slaughter and pH 24 h after slaughter) were measured. Data were analysed with a linear mixed model that included fixed effects of herd, slaughter date, fixed covariables of age at slaughter and SNP genotype, and random effects of herd and animal. A permutation test was performed to correct SNP genotype significance level for multiple testing. A total of 96 SNPs were significantly associated at genomewide level with one or more of the considered traits. Gene search was performed on genomic regions identified on the basis of significant SNP position and level of linkage disequilibrium. Interesting loci affecting lipid metabolism (SOAT1), bone (BMP4) and muscle (MYOF) biology were highlighted. These results may be useful to better understand the genetic architecture of growth and body composition in cattle.
Impact of Improved Left Ventricular Systolic Function on the Recurrence of Ventricular Arrhythmia in Heart Failure Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator
Authors: KIM MINSU , KIM JUN , LEE JI HYUN , HWANG YOU MI , KIM MIN‐SEOK , NAM GI‐BYOUNG , CHOI KEE‐JOON , KIM JAE‐JOONG , KIM YOU‐HO
Published: June 2016

Improvement of Ejection Fraction and ICD Therapy

Introduction

Data are lacking on the relationship between improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of improvement in left ventricular (LV) function and determine the impact of improved LVEF on the occurrence of appropriate ICD therapy in patients with reduced LVEF and ICD for secondary prevention.

Methods

In this study, 93 patients who received ICDs for secondary prevention, had an LVEF of < 45%, and underwent echocardiographic follow‐up assessment after receiving an ICD were enrolled.

Results

The mean patient age was 56.9 ± 13.1 years, the median time of repeat LVEF assessment was 19.7 (10.4–29.7) months, and the mean LVEF was 30.6 ± 8.5%. Of the patients, 58 (62.4%) had nonischemic cardiomyopathy. LV function improved after ICD implantation in 24 (25.8%) of 93 patients. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a short duration from the time of diagnosis of heart failure to ICD implantation and the presence of ventricular fibrillation as significant predictors of improved LV function. The incidence of appropriate ICD therapy was lower in the patients with than in those without LV function improvement. The composite endpoint of all‐cause mortality or heart transplant was lower in the patients with than in those without LV function improvement.

Conclusion

Overall survival was better and the recurrence of ventricular arrhythmia was lower in the patients with improved LV function.
Atopy patch test with house dust mite in Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Dou X. , Kim J. , Ni C.Y. , Shao Y. , Zhang J.
Published: June 2016

Background

The atopy patch test (APT) has been defined as an important tool in the diagnosis of cutaneous hypersensitivity caused by house dust mites in atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the APT to mite allergens by comparing its positive results with those of the skin prick test (SPT) and serum specific IgE test in Chinese AD patients.

Methods

The APT, SPT and serum specific IgE test with Dermatophagoiodes pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farina were performed on a total of 120 patients with atopic dermatitis.

Results

Overall, 37.5% of the patients showed a positive APT reaction to mite allergens. A statistically significant association was observed between positive APT results and air‐exposed eczema pattern. The positive APT results were not significantly associated with SCORAD scores and accompanied atopic respiratory disorders in AD patients. A higher frequency of APT positive reactions to mite allergens was observed in adolescent and adult patients. There was no significant difference in APT positivity between extrinsic patients (40.7%) and intrinsic patients (27.6%).

Conclusion

This study identified house dust mite induced cutaneous hypersensitivity in Chinese patients with AD by APT, especially in air‐exposed distribution patterns or adolescent and adult patients. Both intrinsic and extrinsic AD patients showed positive APT reactions to house dust mite.
Early syphilis treatment in HIV‐infected patients: single dose vs. three doses of benzathine penicillin G
Authors: Costa‐Silva M. , Azevedo C. , Azevedo F. , Lisboa C.
Published: June 2016

Background

Current treatment guidelines for early stages of syphilis are the same regardless of HIV serostatus. There is still controversy about the best treatment for syphilis in HIV patients and the current recommendations are based on limited data.

Objective

The primary goal of this study was to compare the serological response rates to a single dose vs. three weekly doses of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) in HIV‐infected patients with early syphilis and to assess the adequacy of current recommendations.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data of HIV patients with early syphilis treated in Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic between January 2000 and December 2014 were recorded. A good serological response was defined as a ≥4‐fold decline in Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) titre within 12 months after treatment. Serological failure was defined as a lack of at least fourfold decrease in VDRL titres within 12 months after treatment.

Results

After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 patients were enrolled in the study. Seventeen (28.3%) patients were treated with a single dose of BPG, while in 43 (71.7%) patients, three weekly doses were used. Fifty eight (96.7%) had a good serological response at 12 months and seroconversion was confirmed in 29 (48.3%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups regarding serological response, seroconversion rate and the time needed to obtain a good serological response. Furthermore, treatment response was not affected by the number of CD4 cells.

Conclusions

The results of our study support the current international treatment guidelines, recommending early syphilis treatment with a single dose of BPG in HIV patients.
Pharmacodynamic comparison of rocuronium bromide between patients from the plateau area and from the plain area
Authors: Xie Min , Huang Jianxin , Li Peng , Ou Zhiyan , Hou Jing
Published: June 2016

Objectives

We aimed to conduct a pharmacodynamic comparison of rocuronium bromide between patients from the plateau area and from the plain area.

Methods

A total of 104 patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital and Aba Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital from October 2015 to December 2015 were included in this study. Among them, 46 patients were from the plateau area and 58 were from the plain area. Both groups received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with a dose of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium bromide during induction. In the meantime, neuromuscular block was monitored using a train‐of‐four (TOF) stimulation mode. The onset time (time to achieve the lowest TOF value after the injection of rocuronium bromide), duration of maximal neuromuscular block (duration of lowest T1 value), time to 25% recovery, time to 75% recovery, recovery index (time from 25% recovery to 75% recovery), time to extubation, length of stay in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and muscle strength upon PACU discharge were all recorded.

Results

The onset time, time to 25% recovery, time to 75% recovery and time to extubation were all significantly prolonged in patients from the plateau area after receiving one single dose of rocuronium bromide (P < 0.05). However, both groups didn't show any significant difference in maximal neuromuscular block, recovery index (time from 25% recovery to 75% recovery), length of stay in PACU, or muscle strength upon PACU discharge (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared to patients from the plain area, patients from the plateau area showed prolonged onset time of rocuronium bromide, reduced metabolic capabilities, and longer duration of muscular relaxation.