bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Eptifibatide Alone or in Combination With Heparin or Argatroban for Suspected Thrombosis in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Bitar Abbas , Vijayakrishnan Rajakrishnan , Lenneman Andrew , Birks Emma , Massey Todd , Slaughter Mark , Abramov Dmitry
Published: June 2017

Pump thrombosis and hemolysis in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Intensification of anticoagulation has been suggested as potential therapy, with mixed results. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of adding eptifibatide with or without an anticoagulation agent in managing patients with LVAD presenting with hemolysis and suspected pump thrombosis. This retrospective single center study included all patients who presented with their first episode of suspected pump thrombosis and were treated with eptifibatide with or without an anticoagulant between March 1, 2011 and July 30, 2015. A total of 27 patients (23 HeartMate II, 4 HeartWare) were identified. The average age was 55 years (range 19–75) and time from implant to event averaged 513 days (range 35–1760). The average lactate dehydrogenase on presentation was 1111 and 63% of patients had power elevations. The average international normalized ratio (INR) on admission was 2.4, with INR of ≥2 in 21/27 patients. All patients received eptifibatide: 10 received eptifibatide only, 9 received eptifibatide and argatroban, and 8 received eptifibatide and heparin. Warfarin was continued in 25/27 patients. Overall, 21 patients (77.8%) were successfully treated medically, 5 (18.5%) underwent pump exchange, and 1 (3.7%) died. There were no differences in outcomes or complications between the three treatment groups. Despite initial success, 12/21 patients developed repeat episodes of hemolysis at 1 year. The 1‐year survival in the patients treated medically was 90% and surgically was 60%. Our experience indicates that medical therapy for hemolysis and suspected LVAD thrombosis with warfarin and eptifibatide alone or in combination with argatroban or heparin appears safe and may be effective, although the episodes of recurrent hemolysis after medical management remain high.
Editorial: lower gastrointestinal bleeding and low‐dose aspirin
Authors: Taha A. S.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Chen et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14138 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14079.
Letter: the influence of direct acting agents for hepatitis C, on hepatitis B reactivation
Authors: Wang C.‐C. , Kao J.‐H.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Londoño et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13985.
Editorial: refractory GERD—good drug, wrong patients?
Authors: Katz P. O.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Coyle and Bytzer, and Coyle et al papers. To view
these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14151 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14064.
Editorial: lower gastrointestinal bleeding and low‐dose aspirin—authors’ reply
Authors: Chen W.‐C. , Lin K.‐H. , Huang Y.‐T. , Tsai T.‐J. , Sun W.‐C. , Chuah S.‐K. , Wu D.‐C. , Hsu P.‐I.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Taha and Chen et al papers. To view these articles
visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14114 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14079.
The long and winding road for selective androgen receptor modulators
Authors: Dalton James T.
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Numerous selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) with differing chemical structures and nearly ideal pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties have been developed that are well tolerated and selectively increase lean body mass in humans. However, definitive demonstration of the linkage between lean body mass and physical function in a relevant, large patient population has remained elusive for a SARM. The clinical endpoints serving as their basis of approval have shifted with time and clinical indication and are likely to continue to do so as the field matures with additional safety and efficacy data pertaining to the relationship between lean body mass and physical function, regulatory decisions with SARMs and other agents, and yet unexplored clinical indications.
The anti‐migraine component of butterbur extracts, isopetasin, desensitizes peptidergic nociceptors by acting on TRPA1 cation channel
Authors: Benemei Silvia , De Logu Francesco , Li Puma Simone , Marone Ilaria Maddalena , Coppi Elisabetta , Ugolini Filippo , Liedtke Wolfgang , Pollastro Federica , Appendino Giovanni , Geppetti Pierangelo , Materazzi Serena , Nassini Romina
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

The mechanism of the anti‐migraine action of extracts of butterbur [Petasites hybridus (L.) Gaertn.] is unknown. Here, we investigated the ability of isopetasin, a major constituent of these extracts, to specifically target TRPA1 channel and to affect functional responses relevant to migraine.

Experimental Approach

Single‐cell calcium imaging and patch‐clamp recordings in human and rodent TRPA1‐expressing cells, neurogenic motor responses in rodent isolated urinary bladder, release of CGRP from mouse spinal cord in vitro and facial rubbing in mice and meningeal blood flow in rats were examined.

Key Results

Isopetasin induced (i) calcium responses and currents in rat/mouse trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and in cells expressing the human TRPA1, (ii) substance P‐mediated contractions of rat isolated urinary bladders and (iii) CGRP release from mouse dorsal spinal cord, responses that were selectively abolished by genetic deletion or pharmacological antagonism of TRPA1 channels. Pre‐exposure to isopetasin produced marked desensitization of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, TRPA1 channel agonist)‐ or capsaicin (TRPV1 channel agonist)‐evoked currents in rat TG neurons, contractions of rat or mouse bladder and CGRP release from mouse central terminals of primary sensory neurons. Repeated intragastric administration of isopetasin attenuated mouse facial rubbing, evoked by local AITC or capsaicin, and dilation of rat meningeal arteries by acrolein or ethanol (TRPA1 and TRPV1 channel agonists respectively).

Conclusion and Implications

Activation of TRPA1 channels by isopetasin results in excitation of neuropeptide‐containing nociceptors, followed by marked heterologous neuronal desensitization. Such atten uation in pain and neurogenic inflammation may account for the anti‐migraine action of butterbur.
Cenozoic sediment budget of West Africa and the Niger delta
Authors: Grimaud Jean‐Louis , Rouby Delphine , Chardon Dominique , Beauvais Anicet
Published: June 2017

Long‐term (106–7 yr) clastic sedimentary fluxes to the ocean provide first‐order constraints on the response of continental surfaces to both tectonic and climatic forcing as well as the supply that builds the stratigraphic record. Here, we use the dated and regionally correlated relict lateritic landforms preserved over Sub‐Saharan West Africa to map and quantify regional denudation as well as the export of main catchments for three time intervals (45–24, 24–11 and 11–0 Ma). At the scale of West Africa, denudation rates are low (ca. 7 m Myr−1) and total clastic export rate represents 18.5 × 103 km3 Myr−1. Export rate variations among the different drainage groups depend on the drainage area and, more importantly, rock uplift. Denuded volumes and offshore accumulations are of the same magnitude, with a noticeably balanced budget between the Niger River delta and its catchment. This supports the establishment of the modern Niger catchment before 29 Ma, which then provided sufficient clastic material to the Niger delta by mainly collecting the erosion products of the Hoggar hotspot swell. Accumulations on the remaining Equatorial Atlantic margin of Africa suggest an apparent export deficit but the sediment budget is complicated by the low resolution of the offshore data and potential lateral sediment supply from the Niger delta. Further distortion of the depositional record by intracontinental transient storage and lateral input or destabilization of sediments along the margin may be identified in several locations, prompting caution when deducing continental denudation rates from accumulation only.
Syn‐orogenic fluid flow in the Jaca basin (south Pyrenean fold and thrust belt) from fracture and vein analyses
Authors: Crognier N. , Hoareau G. , Aubourg C. , Dubois M. , Lacroix B. , Branellec M. , Callot J. P. , Vennemann T.
Published: June 2017

This study aims at understanding the origin and nature of syn‐orogenic fluid flow in the Jaca basin from the South Pyrenean fold and thrust‐belt, as recorded in calcite and quartz veins of the Sierras Interiores (Spain) and the turbiditic basin, which cover upper Cretaceous to Late Eocene syntectonic deposits. The fracture network consists of a classical pattern of transverse and longitudinal fractures related to Layer Parallel Shortening (LPS) and folding respectively. Veins filled equally about the third of fractures in the carbonate shelf and turbidites. Carbon and oxygen isotopes of calcite veins mostly indicate precipitation from isotopically buffered water, consistent with high water‐rock interaction. In the Sierras Interiores, petrographical observations and fluid inclusion microthermometry are consistent with two distinct stages of precipitation. The first stage is characterized by relatively low Th and low salinities (155–205 °C and 0.5–3.2 wt% eq. NaCl). The second stage, which was characterized both by the formation of mode‐I joints and by mode‐I reactivation of pre‐existing veins, shows higher Th and salinities (215–270 °C and 2.2–5.7 wt% eq. NaCl). Waters recorded in the second stage are interpreted to have interacted with underlying Triassic evaporites and flowed along major thrusts before vein precipitation, which are locally in thermal disequilibrium with host‐rocks. We suggest the transition from a rather closed hydrological system during the first stage of vein formation, interpreted to have occurred during Eaux‐chaudes thrusting (upper Lutetian‐Bartonian), to a more open hydrological system during the second stage, which likely occurred during Gavarnie thrusting (Priabonian‐early Rupelian). Finally, we also document the migration in space and time of hydrothermal pulses along the South Pyrenean Foreland Basin, related to the westward propagation of major thrusts during the Pyrenean orogeny.
cDNA microarray analysis identifies NR4A2 as a novel molecule involved in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Takahashi H , Tsuboi H , Asashima H , Hirota T , Kondo Y , Moriyama M , Matsumoto I , Nakamura S , Sumida T
Published: June 2017

To examine genes expressed specifically in labial salivary glands (LSGs) of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in comparison with those of patients with immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), and to identify the genes involved in the pathogenesis of SS. Gene expression in LSGs of SS patients, IgG4-RD patients and healthy controls (HC) was analysed by cDNA microarray. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to validate the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SS. Protein production of the validated gene in LSGs was examined by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The association of molecular functions of the gene with the pathological conditions in SS was examined using peripheral blood lymphocytes. Among 1320 DEGs up-regulated in SS, qPCR confirmed the up-regulation of NR4A2 in LSGs of SS compared with IgG4-RD. IF staining showed higher production of NR4A2 in nuclei of CD4+ T cells and interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells in LSGs of SS, compared with IgG4-RD. Over-expression of NR4A2 mRNA was observed in peripheral CD4+ T cells of SS patients, compared with HC. Nuclear NR4A2 expression in T helper type 17 (Th17)-polarized CD4+ T cells determined by cellular IF was significantly higher in SS than in HC. Importazole, an inhibitor of importin-β, inhibited nuclear transport of NR4A2 and Th17 polarization along with IL-21 expression in naive CD4+ T cells under Th17-polarizing conditions, but did not alter retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C (RORC) expression. NR4A2 seems to promote Th17 polarization via increased expression and intranuclear localization in CD4+ T cells of SS patients, which could play a critical role in the pathogenesis of SS.
Aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations after bimonthly intravitreal injections of aflibercept for age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Sawada Tomoko , Wang Xiying , Sawada Osamu , Saishin Yoshitsugu , Ohji Masahito
Published: June 2017

Importance

Clinical evidence supports the efficacy of bimonthly aflibercept injection for age‐related macular degeneration.

Background

The study aimed to evaluate aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations and the efficacy of bimonthly aflibercept in patients with age‐related macular degeneration.

Design

This study is a prospective, interventional case series.

Participants

Enrolled were 35 eyes with exudative age‐related macular degeneration from 35 patients.

Methods

Patients received three bimonthly intravitreal aflibercept without loading doses. We collected the aqueous humor just before each injection, measured vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and measured best‐corrected visual acuity and central retinal subfield thickness before and after the injections.

Main outcome measures

Aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations were measured.

Results

The vascular endothelial growth factor concentration was 135.4 ± 60.5 pg/mL (mean ± standard deviation, range 60.6–323.4) at baseline and below the lowest detectable limit in all eyes at month 2 and in 32 eyes at month 4 (P < 0.001 [month 2] and P < 0.001 [month 4]). The mean aflibercept concentration was 20.3 ng/mL at month 2 and 28.0 ng/mL at month 4. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.50 ± 0.36 at baseline to 0.36 ± 0.40 at month 6 (P < 0.001). The mean central retinal subfield thickness decreased from 353 ± 100 μm at baseline to 236 ± 45 μm at month 6 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Bimonthly aflibercept injections without loading doses may be considered a treatment option for age‐related macular degeneration.
Social, health and ocular factors associated with primary open‐angle glaucoma amongst Chinese Singaporeans
Authors: Chiam Nathalie , Baskaran Mani , Li Zheng , Perera Shamira , Goh David , Husain Rahat , Khor Chiea Chuen , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Aung Tin , Vithana Eranga N
Published: June 2017

Importance

There is limited literature on lifestyle and health factors related to primary open‐angle glaucoma amongst Asians.

Background

This study evaluated the association of primary open‐angle glaucoma with smoking, health and ocular factors amongst Chinese Singaporeans.

Design

Case–control study.

Participants

The study used 711 primary open‐angle glaucoma patients from a Singapore hospital and 2788 population‐based controls.

Methods

Subjects underwent clinical examination and completed a questionnaire with details on family history of glaucoma, comorbidities, smoking and alcohol consumption. Glaucoma cases were subclassified as normal or high‐tension glaucoma according to their untreated intraocular pressures.

Main outcome measures

The association of various health and lifestyle factors, with normal‐tension and high‐tension glaucoma was evaluated.

Results

Using multiple logistic regression, primary open‐angle glaucoma was associated with older age (odds ratio 1.12 per year older; 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.15; P < 0.001), family history of glaucoma (odds ratio 7.86; 95% confidence interval 4.48–13.79; P < 0.001), higher intraocular pressure (odds ratio 1.75 per 1 mmHg; 95% confidence interval 1.64–1.87; P < 0.001) and thinner central corneal thickness (odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.02; P < 0.001). Myopes were more likely to have primary open–angle glaucoma (P < 0.001). A current smoking habit was protective against normal‐tension glaucoma (odds ratio 0.30; 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.92; P = 0.035).

Conclusions and relevance

Older age, family history of glaucoma, higher intraocular pressure, thinner central corneal thickness and myopia were significantly associated with primary open‐angle glaucoma amongst Chinese Singaporeans.
Association of disease‐specific causes of visual impairment and 10‐year mortality amongst Indigenous Australians: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Estevez José , Kaidonis Georgia , Henderson Tim , Craig Jamie E , Landers John
Published: June 2017

Importance

Visual impairment significantly impairs the length and quality of life, but little is known of its impact in Indigenous Australians.

Background

To investigate the association of disease‐specific causes of visual impairment with all‐cause mortality.

Design

A retrospective cohort analysis.

Participants

A total of 1347 Indigenous Australians aged over 40 years.

Methods

Participants visiting remote medical clinics underwent clinical examinations including visual acuity, subjective refraction and slit‐lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segments. The major ocular cause of visual impairment was determined. Patients were assessed periodically in these remote clinics for the succeeding 10 years after recruitment. Mortality rates were obtained from relevant departments.

Main Outcome Measures

All‐cause 10‐year mortality and its association with disease‐specific causes of visual impairment.

Results

The all‐cause mortality rate for the entire cohort was 29.3% at the 10‐year completion of follow‐up. Of those with visual impairment, the overall mortality rate was 44.9%. The mortality rates differed for those with visual impairment due to cataract (59.8%), diabetic retinopathy (48.4%), trachoma (46.6%), ‘other’ (36.2%) and refractive error (33.4%) (P < 0.0001). Only those with visual impairment from diabetic retinopathy were any more likely to die during the 10 years of follow‐up when compared with those without visual impairment (HR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00–2.87; P = 0.049).

Conclusions and Relevance

Visual impairment was associated with all‐cause mortality in a cohort of Indigenous Australians. However, diabetic retinopathy was the only ocular disease that significantly increased the risk of mortality. Visual impairment secondary to diabetic retinopathy may be an important predictor of mortality.
Using the RE‐AIM framework to identify and describe best practice models in family‐based intervention development: A systematic review
Authors: Isaacs Serena Ann , Roman Nicolette Vanessa , Savahl Shazly , Sui Xin‐Cheng
Published: June 2017

The family unit carries with it a responsibility of possibly being the most important predictor of positive child development. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and describe best practice models or processes in family‐based intervention development. The following databases were included in the review: PsychArticles, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, SocIndex, Sage, Sabinet, and Pubmed. Peer‐reviewed, English language, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods in nature conducted within the last 10 years. Interventions were required to include families as part of the programme as well as describe the model or process used in intervention development. Two self‐developed data extraction tables were developed for this review. The articles included for review were heterogeneous in terms of the outcomes, and so a narrative synthesis was used. After yielding an initial search of 400 studies, 28 articles were finally included for extraction and analysis with varying levels of intervention strength. Interventions are further described in terms of reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance dimensions. A feasible intervention appears to be one that is flexible, engages processes to recruit those who are most at‐risk and is facilitated by someone known to or from the same community as the participants, can retain its participants, and can be evaluated with the same participants at a minimum of 6 months later.
Participation of youth in decision‐making procedures during residential care: A narrative review
Authors: ten Brummelaar Mijntje D.C. , Harder Annemiek T. , Kalverboer Margrite E. , Post Wendy J. , Knorth Erik J.
Published: June 2017

Participation in decision‐making procedures of young people in care is considered a key element that affects their current or future living circumstances and might improve the quality of decision‐making on and delivery of provided services.

This narrative literature review, covering the period 2000–2016, focuses on the opportunities of young people to participate, the challenges and facilitators to participation, and the outcomes of care related to participation.

Sixteen studies met our search criteria. Several studies show that young people seem to have limited possibilities to “meaningful” participation in decision‐making. Various challenges and facilitators in the participation process emerge with regard to the level of the young person, the professional, and the (sociocultural) context. None of the studies provides evidence for a connection between the “amount” of youth participation in decision‐making and/or treatment during the care process and the outcomes of residential care. Implications for research and practice are reflected upon.
The relationship between foster care families and birth families in a child welfare context: The determining factors
Authors: Chateauneuf D. , Turcotte D. , Drapeau S.
Published: June 2017

Children placed in foster care families usually continue to see their birth parents in supervised and home visits. These children deal with the fact that they belonged to two families in a context where the relationship between the two families is sometimes complex and tense. Based on 45 semi‐structured interviews conducted with foster care families and kinship foster care families, the present study examines the relationship between foster care parents and birth parents in a placement context, and focuses on the factors affecting the nature and quality of this relationship. The results showed that the quality of the relationship dynamics varies according to the following: how well and how often the parent–child visits took place, the birth parents' characteristics, and the foster carers' attitudes. The results also showed that placements in kinship foster care families were more likely to result in conflict and tension between the two parties than placements in regular foster care families.
The ‘good mother’ struggles: Obstacles to the attainment of motherhood ideals among adult women formerly placed in residential care
Authors: Lanctôt N. , Turcotte M.
Published: June 2017

We analysed narratives of motherhood produced by 13 women who were involved with the welfare system or the justice system during adolescence. The original contribution of our study was its focus on mothers who were turning age 30, so they were not in that period of generalized instability that characterizes the transition from care and into adulthood. This qualitative study was part of a larger study on French‐Canadian adolescents with a history of residential care. Semi‐directed interviews were conducted with 13 women, more than 15 years after their admission to residential care. Our data highlights that motherhood can contribute to the vulnerability of women who were involved with the welfare or the justice system as adolescents. Our results suggest that in order to shed a perceived deviant label and to compensate for the adverse events they experienced, they pursue internalized ideals of “good motherhood” that translate into restrictions and strain. Furthermore, they tend to refrain from allowing people into their lives and asking for help for fear of being judged. Yet, as their children are getting older and exhibiting problem behaviors of their own, the questioning of their parental practices and skills only becomes more intense.
Does gene expression in laryngeal subsites differ between patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux and controls?
Authors: Wood J.M. , Hussey D.J. , Woods C.M. , Astill D. , I Watson D. , Lee B. , Carney A.S.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To identify laryngeal mRNA gene changes in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Method

Laryngeal biopsies from non‐smoking LPR patients (n=10; Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) >12 and a Reflux Finding Score (RFS) >6) and controls (n=9; RSI <12 and RFS <6) were collected from four subsites (true vocal cord, false vocal cord, medial arytenoid and posterior commissure) of the larynx. qRT‐PCR analyses were conducted on 20 reflux‐ and inflammation‐related genes, including interleukins 6 and 8, cytokeratins 8 and 14, mucin genes MUC1, MUC2, MUC3B, MUC4, MUC5B, MUC6 and MUC7 and carbonic anhydrase III. Statistical analysis (Mann‐Whitney U test) compared gene expression levels between LPR and control groups at each subsite.

Results

Site‐specific differences in squamous metaplasia and gene expression were noted in LPR patients, with the majority present in the medial arytenoid region. Significant.differences were noted in genes related to mucosal defence and inflammation, including CRNN, CD1d, TGFβ‐1, MUC2, MUC5B and CDH1.

Conclusion

Whilst the posterior commissure is commonly identified as the area demonstrating the most significant macroscopic change in LPR, the histological changes and genes assessed here showed more pronounced LPR associated differences in the medial arytenoid. We identified differences in expression of mucin genes, cytokeratin‐14 and molecular markers of inflammation. Whilst some of these changes may be metaplasia‐related, further evaluation of the mRNA expression of these genes may provide a useful biomarker panel for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of LPR.
Ileocaecal valve syndrome after surgery in adult patients: myth or reality?
Authors: Palmisano S. , Silvestri M. , Troian M. , Germani P. , Giudici F. , de Manzini N.
Published: June 2017

Aim

The onset of symptoms after removal of the ileocaecal valve (ICV) may be perceived as an unwanted effect of surgery and induce patients to bring unnecessary litigation against surgeons. The aim of our study is to assess the real impact on the quality of life of patients whose ICV has been surgically removed, using three validated questionnaires.

Method

In patients who had their ICV removed surgically, the Gastrointestinal Quality of life (GIQLI) questionnaire and those used by the European Organization for research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were administered before and after surgery. The empirical rule effect size method was used to evaluate the clinical significance of the statistical data.

Results

We interviewed 225 patients. Data collected through the three questionnaires highlighted a trend towards postoperative improvement of the selected gastrointestinal symptoms compared with the baseline. The GIQLI questionnaire showed a statistically significant improvement in ‘pain’, ‘nausea’ and ‘constipation’ during the follow‐up. Constipation appeared more frequently in patients older than 70 years compared with younger ones. The EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 questionnaire showed a significant correlation between diarrhoea and extended right colectomy at 3 months after surgery, which was not confirmed at 6 months. The EORTC QLQ‐CR29 questionnaire showed a slight deterioration of ‘leakage of stools from the anal opening’ at 6 months after surgery, but this symptom was not deemed clinically significant.

Conclusion

We found that bowel functions in most patients after surgical removal of the ICV were satisfactory. Providing patients with a comprehensive and exhaustive informed consent during preoperative consultations could promote patient trust and avoid misunderstandings.
SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF: STRATEGIC SELECTION OF PENSION POLICIES USED TO DEFER REQUIRED CONTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Diebold Jeffrey , Reitano Vincent , McDonald Bruce
Published: June 2017

The administrators of state‐sponsored defined benefit public pension plans have considerable discretion to determine the accounting and actuarial parameters used to calculate the normal cost contributions and amortization payments that, together, comprise the sponsoring state's annual required contribution amount. Using longitudinal data from the Public Pension Database and a fixed effects approach, we find evidence that suggests plan administrators decisions about cost and amortization methods are influenced by the normal cost and amortization payments, respectively. When these costs increase, administrators tend to use less prudent methods that defer, or keep low, the pension contributions required from the state while, simultaneously, and perversely, improving the appearance of the plan's funded status and the state's funding discipline. (JEL H75)
Structure and hydrophilicity of azo‐dye‐derived rotaxane: density functional theory approach
Authors: Kim Hyerim , Lee Seung Geol , Park Jong S. , Jang Seung Soon , Koh Joonseok
Published: June 2017

We investigated the most probable molecular structure, energy, and corresponding properties, including the solvation energy and binding free energy in solution, for non‐encapsulated azo dyes using quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT). The structures of non‐encapsulated azo dyes with six conformations were optimised to find the most stable conformation with the lowest energy, but the energy differences among the conformations were within ~2.2 kcal mol−1. The LUMO–HOMO gaps were also similar, meaning that their interaction with light would be similar. The energies of alpha‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) encircling the phenyl ring fragments were significantly higher than other conformations, because α‐CD tends preferably to encircle azo fragments to create a thermodynamically stable form. From solvation free energy calculations, the hydrophobic non‐encapsulated azo dye and hydrophilic α‐CD showed reasonable values for solvation free energy with respect to dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and water: the former has more solvation in DMSO, while the latter has more solvation in water. Rotaxane formation is thermodynamically feasible in water (−3.06 kcal mol−1) but not in DMSO (25.56 kcal mol−1) according to calculation of binding free energy in solution state.
Experimental study on the friction effect of plastic stents for biliary stone fragmentation (with video)
Authors: Kwon Chang‐Il , Kim Gwangil , Jeong Seok , Choi Sung Hoon , Ko Kwang Hyun , Lee Don Haeng , Cho Joo Young , Hong Sung Pyo
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim

In patients with irretrievable or intractable bile duct stone, temporary insertion of a plastic stent (PS) followed by further endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgery has been recommended as a ‘bridge’ therapy. However, the exact mechanism of stone fragmentation has not been discovered. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether PS shape can facilitate stone fragmentation.

Methods

Using a new in vitro bile flow phantom model, we compared the friction effect among three different PS groups (straight PS group, double pigtail‐shaped PS group, and screw‐shaped PS group) and a control group. Each group had 10 silicon tube blocks that separately contained one stone and two PS. The control group had 10 blocks each with only a stone and no PS. We carried out analysis of the friction effect by stone weight and volume changes among the groups, excluding fragmented stones.

Results

After 8 weeks, complete fragmentation was noted in one out of 34 cholesterol stones (2.9%) and in four out of six pigmented stones (66.7%). Fragmentation tended to be more prominent in the screw‐shaped PS group than in the straight PS group, double pigtail‐shaped group, and control group (volume change: −11.33%, 7.94%, 4.43%, and 2.05%, respectively, P = 0.1390; weight change: −9.30%, 0.71%, −0.10%, and −1.23%, respectively, P = 0.3553).

Conclusion

Stone fragmentation may be induced by PS friction effect. Also, screw‐shaped plastic stents may improve friction effect. These results may help guide future PS development and clinical decisions.
The Financing of Investment in Utility Assets
Authors: Zafiris Nicos
Published: June 2017

This article concerns appropriate ways to finance investment in quasi‐public assets, such as those of utilities. Pursuing the principle of charging the user, analogies are drawn with not‐for‐profit investment, dedicated to the service of users. Focusing on intergenerational equity, an arguably typical pattern of intergenerational investment transactions is identified and proposed as a financing norm. It is shown that, while an investing generation will always experience a real resource cost, the burden can be alleviated in welfare terms if all new investment is financed by borrowing. Charges or taxes levied for maintenance and replacement of assets offer scope for improving the intergenerational welfare balance.
China's Interest Rate Pass‐through to Commercial Banks Before and After Interest Rate Liberalisation
Authors: Liu Kerry
Published: June 2017

On 23 October 2015, the People's Bank of China (PBoC) completed the process of interest rate liberalisation. This study examines China's interest rate pass‐through to the lending rate of commercial banks before and after interest rate liberalisation. Based on data from Q3, 2007 to Q2, 2016, the study shows that the interest rate pass‐through from policy rate to lending rate, which was effective before October 2015, lost effectiveness thereafter. PBoC interventions, the ‘Impossible Trinity’ theory and institutional factors may contribute to this ineffectiveness of the policy rate pass‐through, which may also be related to the higher premium for risk required by banks and to the worsening of their financial condition. The study also offers policy advice in response to the declining effectiveness of China's interest rate pass‐through.
The relationship of serum adipokines with malnutrition inflammation score in haemodialysis
Authors: Alipoor Elham , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Mahdavi‐Mazdeh Mitra , Yaseri Mehdi , Zahed Narges Sadat , Hosseinzadeh‐Attar Mohammad Javad
Published: June 2017

Background

Protein–energy wasting is a prevalent disorder in haemodialysis. Zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) are novel adipokines with recognized lipolytic effects and proposed role in metabolic homoeostasis. This study was conducted to investigate the association of ZAG and ATGL concentrations with malnutrition–inflammation score (MIS) and metabolic profile of patients with haemodialysis.

Materials and methods

Eighty‐eight patients under regular haemodialysis were divided based on MIS to normal to mild wasting (NMW; n = 35) or moderate wasting (MW; n = 53) group. Anthropometric measurements along with fasting serum concentrations of ZAG, ATGL, free fatty acids (FFAs), albumin, transferrin, total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), hs‐CRP, lipid profile and glucose metabolism were assessed.

Results

Adipose triglyceride lipase concentration was significantly higher in MW than NMW group (10·89 ± 5·7 vs. 8·02 ± 3·37 mIU/mL; P = 0·008). The ZAG and FFAs were not significantly different between two groups. ATGL was directly correlated with FFAs in all of the patients (r = 0·284, P = 0·007) and MW (r = 0·32, P = 0·021), and marginally in NMW (r = 0·31, P = 0·057) groups. ATGL and odds of having mild or moderate wasting were significantly correlated (OR = 1·21, P = 0·033). A positive association was observed between ATGL with TG (r = 0·31, P = 0·049) and also with transferrin and TIBC (r = 0·44, P = 0·001) only in MW group. An inverse relationship was observed between ATGL and HDL in all of the participants (r=−0·222, P = 0·04). No significant correlation was observed between ZAG and other parameters.

Conclusions

The serum concentrations of ATGL, but not ZAG, were significantly higher in MW compared to NMW group. Each unit increase in ATGL concentrations was correlated with 21% increase in the odds of wasting severity. ATGL might play a role in wasting pathogenesis and metabolic profile in haemodialysis.
How to record high‐frequency oscillations in epilepsy: A practical guideline
Authors: Zijlmans Maeike , Worrell Gregory A. , Dümpelmann Matthias , Stieglitz Thomas , Barborica Andrei , Heers Marcel , Ikeda Akio , Usui Naotaka , Le Van Quyen Michel
Published: June 2017

Objective

Technology for localizing epileptogenic brain regions plays a central role in surgical planning. Recent improvements in acquisition and electrode technology have revealed that high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) within the 80–500 Hz frequency range provide the neurophysiologist with new information about the extent of the epileptogenic tissue in addition to ictal and interictal lower frequency events. Nevertheless, two decades after their discovery there remain questions about HFOs as biomarkers of epileptogenic brain and there use in clinical practice.

Methods

In this review, we provide practical, technical guidance for epileptologists and clinical researchers on recording, evaluation, and interpretation of ripples, fast ripples, and very high‐frequency oscillations.

Results

We emphasize the importance of low noise recording to minimize artifacts. HFO analysis, either visual or with automatic detection methods, of high fidelity recordings can still be challenging because of various artifacts including muscle, movement, and filtering. Magnetoencephalography and intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) recordings are subject to the same artifacts.

Significance

High‐frequency oscillations are promising new biomarkers in epilepsy. This review provides interested researchers and clinicians with a review of current state of the art of recording and identification and potential challenges to clinical translation.
Contribution of CARD9‐mediated signalling to wound healing in skin
Authors: Kanno Emi , Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Tanno Hiromasa , Suzuki Aiko , Sato Noriko , Masaki Airi , Imamura Ayano , Takagi Naoyuki , Miura Takayuki , Yamamoto Hideki , Ishii Keiko , Hara Hiromitsu , Imai Yoshimichi , Maruyama Ryoko , Tachi Masahiro
Published: June 2017

The inflammatory response after skin injury involves the secretion of a variety of cytokines and growth factors that are necessary for tissue repair. Caspase recruitment domain‐containing protein 9 (CARD9) is an essential signalling adaptor molecule for NF‐κB activation upon triggering through C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs), which are expressed in macrophages and dendritic cells. However, the role of CARD9 in inflammatory responses at the wound site has not been elucidated. In this study, we analysed the role of CARD9 in the healing process of skin wounds. Wounds were created on the backs of wild‐type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and CARD9 gene‐disrupted (knockout [KO]) mice. We analysed per cent wound closure, and the wound tissues were harvested for analysis of leucocyte accumulation and cytokine and chemokine expressions. CARD9KO mice exhibited significant attenuation of wound closure compared with WT mice on days 5, 7 and 10 postwounding, which was associated with decreased macrophage accumulation and reduced TNF‐α, IL‐1β, CCL3 and CCL4 expressions. These results suggest that CARD9 may be involved in the wound‐healing process through the regulation of macrophage‐mediated inflammatory responses.
Is bisphenol A an environmental obesogen?
Authors: Legeay Samuel , Faure Sébastien
Published: June 2017

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor with an oestrogenic activity that is widely produced for the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic, epoxy resin, and thermal paper. Its ubiquitous presence in the environment contributes to broad and continuous human exposure, which has been associated with deleterious health effects. Despite numerous controversial discussions and a lack of consensus about BPA's safety, growing evidence indicates that BPA exposure positively correlates with an increased risk of developing obesity. An updated analysis of the epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro studies indicates that BPA should be considered an obesogenic environmental compound. Precisely, BPA exposure during all life stages correlates with increased body weight and/or body mass index. Developmental periods that include prenatal, infancy, and childhood appear to be critical windows with increased sensitivity to BPA effects. Finally, blood analysis and in vitro data clearly demonstrate that BPA promotes adipogenesis, lipid and glucose dysregulation, and adipose tissue inflammation, thus contributing to the pathophysiology of obesity. Future prevention efforts should now be employed to avoid BPA exposure, and more research to determine in depth the critical time windows, doses, and impact of long‐term exposure of BPA is warranted in order to clarify its risk assessment.
Mechanistic basis for increased human gene targeting by promoterless vectors—roles of homology arms and Rad54 paralogs
Authors: Saito Shinta , Kurosawa Aya , Adachi Noritaka
Published: June 2017

Gene targeting by homologous recombination provides the definitive tool for analyzing gene function. Promoterless vectors, which do not possess a promoter to drive marker gene expression, confer higher targeting efficiencies than conventional vectors due to the reduced number of drug‐resistant clones. We here show that gene‐targeting efficiency is typically ≥ 25% with the use of exon‐trapping‐type promoterless vectors in a human diploid cell line, Nalm‐6. The efficiency of exon‐trapping gene targeting was correlated with the level of target gene expression when a 2A peptide sequence was linked to the marker gene. Intriguingly, total arm length was not necessarily a determinant of targeting efficiency, as longer arms tend to enhance both homologous (targeted) and nonhomologous (nontargeted) integration of the vector; rather, the presence of an exon in the 5′ arm led to a decreased targeting efficiency. Strikingly, loss of Rad54 did not severely affect the targeting efficiency of exon‐trap vectors. Moreover, additional deletion of the Rad54 paralog Rad54B had limited impact on the high‐efficiency gene targeting. These results indicate that targeted integration occurs in human cells even when both Rad54 and Rad54B are missing. These studies provide additional important insight into the contribution of various DNA repair factors on the targeting mechanics.
Information Content of Offer Date Revelations: A Fresh Look at Seasoned Equity Offerings
Authors: Chan Konan , Nayar Nandkumar , Singh Ajai K. , Yu Wen
Published: June 2017

Besides the offer price discount, investment bankers use revisions in offer size from the amount originally filed to signal the issuer's quality to their buy‐side clients. Unlike the offer price discount, offer size revision not only relates to the offer date price reaction, it also predicts post‐SEO (seasoned equity offering) performance. Improved SEOs, whose offer size exceeds the amount originally registered, experience significantly positive returns during the registration period and on the offer date. More importantly, they do not underperform post‐issuance. Their complement, regular SEOs, exhibit significantly negative returns during the registration period, on the offer date, and underperform their benchmark following issuance.
Climate change and temperature‐linked hatchling mortality at a globally important sea turtle nesting site
Authors: Laloë Jacques‐Olivier , Cozens Jacquie , Renom Berta , Taxonera Albert , Hays Graeme C.
Published: June 2017

The study of temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD) in vertebrates has attracted major scientific interest. Recently, concerns for species with TSD in a warming world have increased because imbalanced sex ratios could potentially threaten population viability. In contrast, relatively little attention has been given to the direct effects of increased temperatures on successful embryonic development. Using 6603 days of sand temperature data recorded across 6 years at a globally important loggerhead sea turtle rookery—the Cape Verde Islands—we show the effects of warming incubation temperatures on the survival of hatchlings in nests. Incorporating published data (n = 110 data points for three species across 12 sites globally), we show the generality of relationships between hatchling mortality and incubation temperature and hence the broad applicability of our findings to sea turtles in general. We use a mechanistic approach supplemented by empirical data to consider the linked effects of warming temperatures on hatchling output and on sex ratios for these species that exhibit TSD. Our results show that higher temperatures increase the natural growth rate of the population as more females are produced. As a result, we project that numbers of nests at this globally important site will increase by approximately 30% by the year 2100. However, as incubation temperatures near lethal levels, the natural growth rate of the population decreases and the long‐term survival of this turtle population is threatened. Our results highlight concerns for species with TSD in a warming world and underline the need for research to extend from a focus on temperature‐dependent sex determination to a focus on temperature‐linked hatchling mortalities.
Macroecological conclusions based on IUCN expert maps: A call for caution
Authors: Herkt K. Matthias B. , Skidmore Andrew K. , Fahr Jakob
Published: June 2017

Aim

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) expert maps are increasingly used in macroecological research. However, they have not been produced for this purpose. Macroecological insights based exclusively on this type of data could therefore be misleading. Here we compare, for a large taxonomic group (bats) and an entire biogeographical realm (Africa), the species‐specific discrepancies between IUCN maps and species distribution models (SDMs) that approximate the complete geographical range of species. We then examine the implications for a typical macroecological analysis that explores environmental correlates of species richness.

Location

Continental Africa.

Time period

Around 2000.

Taxa

Bats (Chiroptera).

Methods

We measure disagreement between IUCN expert maps and SDMs at both the species (geographical ranges) and the aggregated level (range size–frequency distributions and species richness). We further quantify the difference in absolute and relative weight assigned to three variables hypothesized to drive species richness: primary productivity, climatic seasonality and environmental heterogeneity.

Results

Location, shape and size of individual species’ ranges, derived richness patterns and range size–frequency distributions differ substantially. SDMs predict larger and more complex geographical ranges, and species’ range sizes vary less. The spatial congruence of richness hotspots among both datasets is only 42%. These discrepancies are large enough to alter the absolute explanatory power of environmental correlates, whereas the redundancy in the variation explained increases markedly when richness is inferred using SDM‐based estimates of complete species ranges.

Main conclusions

IUCN expert maps differ considerably and systematically from SDMs built to estimate complete species ranges, primarily because of their intentional greater sensitivity to geographical sampling bias. This property is desirable in a conservation context but unwanted in most macroecological analyses. We therefore caution against the use of IUCN expert maps in macroecology and recommend at least gauging the robustness of results using additional range estimates designed to approximate the complete geographical range of species.