bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive factors for long‐term responders of pemetrexed maintenance treatment in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yoon Joon‐Young , Park Cheol‐Kyu , Choi Yoo‐Duk , Oh In‐Jae , Kim Young‐Chul
Published: March 2019

Background

We determined the clinical characteristics and predictive factors of long‐term response to pemetrexed maintenance therapy as first‐line treatment for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A total of 950 advanced NSCLC patients received pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) plus cisplatin (60 mg/m2) (Pem‐Cis) induction chemotherapy every three weeks as first‐line treatment between January 2010 and August 2018. Patients who did not show progression after four cycles of Pem‐Cis and received at least one cycle of pemetrexed maintenance were recruited (n = 199).

Results

Patients were divided into subgroups according to total cycles of pemetrexed: ≤ 10 (F10, n = 134) and > 10 (M10, n = 65). The M10 group had a higher proportion of patients with stage M1a (intrathoracic metastasis alone) and exhibited lower levels of thymidylate synthase (TS) than the F10 group (median H‐score 10.0% vs. 60.0%; P = 0.031). Further subgrouping identified extreme responders: ≤ 7 (F7, n = 101) and ≥ 20 (M20, n = 26) cycles. The M20 group showed lower mean serum CEA levels before (17.5 vs. 147.0; P = 0.099) and after (6.9 vs. 53.2; P = 0.001) Pem‐Cis treatment, and a higher incidence of normalization after Pem‐Cis (abnormal 41.7% vs. 68.5%; P = 0.015). M1a stage, normalization of CEA levels after Pem‐Cis, and lower TS H‐score were predictors of progression‐free survival in patients administered pemetrexed maintenance.

Conclusion

M1a stage and lower TS expression were predictors of long‐term response to pemetrexed maintenance. CEA normalization after Pem‐Cis could be an additional surrogate marker of positive response to long‐term treatment.
The Effect of Contextual Risk Factors on the Effectiveness of Brief Personality‐Targeted Interventions for Adolescent Alcohol Use and Misuse: A Cluster‐Randomized Trial
Authors: Edalati Hanie , Afzali Mohammad H. , Castellanos‐Ryan Natalie , Conrod Patricia J.
Published: March 2019

Background

A range of school‐based prevention programs has been developed and used to prevent, delay, or reduce alcohol use among adolescents. Most of these programs have been evaluated at the community‐level impact. However, the effect of contextual risk factors has rarely been considered in the evaluation of these programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential moderating effects of 2 important contextual risk factors (i.e., socioeconomic status [SES] and peer victimization) on the effectiveness of the school‐based personality‐targeted interventions (Preventure program) in reducing adolescent alcohol use over a 2‐year period using a cluster‐randomized trial.

Methods

High‐risk adolescents were identified using personality scores on the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale and randomized to intervention and control groups. Two 90‐minute cognitive behavioral therapy‐based group sessions targeted 1 of 4 personality risk profiles: Anxiety Sensitivity, Hopelessness, Impulsivity, or Sensation Seeking. Multilevel linear modeling of alcohol use, binge drinking, and drinking‐related harm was conducted to assess the moderating effect of baseline peer victimization and SES.

Results

Results indicated that the Preventure program was equally beneficial to all adolescents, regardless of SES and victimization history, in terms of their alcohol outcomes and related harm. Receiving the intervention was additionally beneficial for adolescents reporting peer victimization regarding their alcohol‐related harm compared to nonvictimized youth (β = −0.29, SE = 0.11, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the content of personality‐targeted interventions is beneficial for all high‐risk youth regardless of their SES or experience of peer victimization. The current study suggests that using targeted approaches, such as targeting underlying personality risk factors, may be the most appropriate substance use prevention strategy for high‐risk youth, as it is beneficial for all high‐risk youth regardless of their contextual risk factors.
Estimating multiproduct and product‐specific scale economies for agricultural cooperatives
Authors: Pokharel Krishna P. , Featherstone Allen M.
Published: March 2019

This article estimates multiproduct and product‐specific scale economies, scope economies, and cost efficiency with single and annual cost frontiers using a nonparametric approach. Multiproduct scale and scope economies are found that suggests increasing scale and product diversification can reduce cost for agricultural cooperatives. Many agricultural cooperatives experience economies of scale indicating that variable returns to scale as opposed to constant returns to scale is the appropriate technology for modeling agricultural cooperatives. Product‐specific scale economies for all outputs are close to one indicating that individual outputs are operating close to constant returns to scale. Annual frontier estimates show that cooperatives have become less cost efficient over time, but scale and scope economies remain relatively consistent across years. Further, results show that economic measures obtained from the single frontier are statistically different from those measures calculated from annual frontiers, suggesting that the cost frontier has shifted over time. The trade‐off between cost efficiency and multiproduct scale economies indicates that smaller cooperatives can reduce a higher percentage of cost by increasing the scale of operations rather than just becoming cost efficient. Because larger incentives exist for small cooperatives to increase scale, mergers will likely continue until economies of scale are exhausted in the industry.
Longitudinal proton spectroscopy study of the prefrontal cortex in youth at risk for bipolar disorder before and after their first mood episode
Authors: Nery Fabiano G. , Weber Wade A. , Blom Thomas J. , Welge Jeffrey , Patino Luis R. , Strawn Jeffrey R. , Chu Wen‐Jang , Adler Caleb M. , Komoroski Richard A. , Strakowski Stephen M. , DelBello Melissa P.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To investigate neurochemical abnormalities in the left and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of youth at risk for bipolar disorder using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after their first mood episode.

Methods

Children and adolescents offspring of parents with bipolar I disorder (at‐risk group, n = 117) and matched healthy controls (HC group, n = 61) were recruited at the University of Cincinnati. At‐risk subjects had no lifetime major mood and psychotic disorders at baseline, and were followed up every 4 months to monitor for development of a major depressive, manic, hypomanic, or mixed mood episode. Levels of N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA), phosphocreatine plus creatine (PCr + Cr), choline‐containing compounds, myo‐inositol, and glutamate were determined using LCModel and corrected for partial volume effects.

Results

There were no baseline differences in metabolite levels for any of the brain regions between at‐risk and HC youth. Nineteen at‐risk subjects developed a first mood episode during follow‐up. Survival analyses showed that baseline PCr + Cr levels in the left VLPFC significantly predicted a mood episode during follow‐up in the at‐risk group (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27‐0.82, P = 0.008). There were no longitudinal changes in metabolites levels in the VLPFC and ACC before and after a mood episode in at‐risk subjects.

Conclusions

We found no evidence for abnormal proton spectroscopy metabolite levels in the VLPFC and ACC of at‐risk youth, prior and after the development of their first mood episode. Preliminary findings of association between baseline PCr + Cr levels in the left VLPFC and risk to develop a mood episode warrant further investigation.
How I manage patients with Wiskott Aldrich syndrome
Authors: Rivers Elizabeth , Worth Austen , Thrasher Adrian J. , Burns Siobhan O.
Published: March 2019

Wiskott Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a primary immunodeficiency disease resulting in recurrent infections, eczema and microthrombocytopaenia. In its classical form, significant combined immune deficiency, autoimmune complications and risk of haematological malignancy necessitate early correction with stem cell transplantation or gene therapy. A milder form, X‐linked thrombocytopaenia (XLT), shares similar bleeding risk from thrombocytopaenia but is not associated with other significant clinical features and is generally managed conservatively. Here, we detail our approach to the diagnosis and treatment of classical WAS and XLT.
Sustained treatment‐free remission in chronic myeloid leukaemia is associated with an increased frequency of innate CD8(+) T‐cells
Authors: Cayssials Emilie , Jacomet Florence , Piccirilli Nathalie , Lefèvre Lucie , Roy Lydia , Guilhot François , Chomel Jean‐Claude , Leleu Xavier , Gombert Jean‐Marc , Herbelin André , Barbarin Alice
Published: March 2019

Immunological mechanisms of treatment‐free remission (TFR) in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) are poorly defined and, to date, no correlation between successful TFR and CD8(+) T‐cell subsets has been found. We analysed a new identified human subset of CD8(+) T‐cells, namely innate CD8(+) T‐cells, in CML patients with TFR ≥ 2 years. We demonstrated a dramatic increase of functionally active innate CD8(+) T‐cells in these patients as compared to control subjects and patients in remission under tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between frequencies of innate CD8(+) T‐cells and natural killer cells, possibly representing a new innate biomarker profile of successful TFR.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PUNISHMENT SUBSTITUTABILITY IN CRIMINOMETRIC STUDIES
Authors: Braslavskiy Eugene , Doko Tchatoka Firmin , Masson Virginie
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the role of punishment substitutability in the empirical estimation of the economic model of crime. Using a dynamic panel data model fitted to a panel of Local Government Areas in New South Wales, Australia, we evaluate the effects of financial penalties and imprisonment on the crime rate. Our results show that crime is clearly a dynamic phenomenon, and that failure to incorporate both financial penalties and imprisonment can lead to a misspecified model. Furthermore, our results vary significantly for different crime categories, highlighting the importance of analysing specific crime categories separately.
Retreat of the Smith Sound Ice Stream in the Early Holocene
Authors: Jennings Anne E. , Andrews John T. , Oliver Brett , Walczak Maureen , Mix Alan
Published: March 2019

Nares Strait, a major connection between the Arctic Ocean and Baffin Bay, was blocked by coalescent Innuitian and Greenland ice sheets during the last glaciation. This paper focuses on the events and processes leading to the opening of the strait and the environmental response to establishment of the Arctic‐Atlantic throughflow. The study is based on sedimentological, mineralogical and foraminiferal analyses of radiocarbon‐dated cores 2001LSSL‐0014PCandTCfrom northern Baffin Bay. Radiocarbon dates on benthic foraminifera were calibrated with ΔR = 220±20 years. Basal compact pebbly mud is interpreted as a subglacial deposit formed by glacial overriding of unconsolidated marine sediments. It is overlain by ice‐proximal (red/grey laminated, ice‐proximal glaciomarine unit barren of foraminifera and containing >2 mm clasts interpreted as ice‐rafted debris) to ice‐distal (calcareous, grey pebbly mud with foraminifera indicative of a stratified water column with chilled Atlantic Water fauna and species associated with perennial and then seasonal sea ice cover) glacial marine sediment units. The age model indicates ice retreat into Smith Sound as early asc. 11.7 and as late asc. 11.2 cal. kaBPfollowed by progressively more distal glaciomarine conditions as the ice margin retreated toward the Kennedy Channel. We hypothesize that a distinctIRDlayer deposited between 9.3 and 9 (9.4–8.9 1σ) cal. kaBPmarks the break‐up of ice in Kennedy Channel resulting in the opening of Nares Strait as an Arctic‐Atlantic throughflow. Overlying foraminiferal assemblages indicate enhanced marine productivity consistent with entry of nutrient‐rich Arctic Surface Water. A pronounced rise in agglutinated foraminifers and sand‐sized diatoms, and loss of detrital calcite characterize the uppermost bioturbated mud, which was deposited after 4.8 (3.67–5.55 1σ) cal. kaBP. The timing of the transition is poorly resolved as it coincides with the slow sedimentation rates that ensued after the ice margins retreated onto land.
Pain is a family matter: Quality of life in mothers and fathers of youth with chronic pain
Authors: Benjamin Julia Z. , Harbeck‐Weber Cynthia , Sim Leslie
Published: March 2019

Background

Most research on family impacts of paediatric chronic pain has been conducted with mothers, and therefore, little is known about fathers' adjustment. However, it is well established that caring for a child with chronic pain takes a toll on caregiver well‐being. Parents of children with chronic pain have been found to experience high levels of anxiety, depression, and parenting stress. As such, the goal of this study was to examine differences between mothers and fathers of youth with chronic pain, explore interaction effects between parent gender and child variables, and compare parents' scores to national norms.

Methods

Participants included 160 matched mothers and fathers of youth with chronic pain participating in an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programme. At admission, parents completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression scale and SF‐36 to assess depression and health‐related quality of life. T tests and analysis of variance were used to explore differences between mothers and fathers and population norms.

Results

Mothers reported experiencing significantly poorer functioning than did fathers in the domains of emotional role interference, social functioning, and vitality. Differences remained significant when controlling for other psychosocial variables using multiple regression. Child gender and depression level were found to be significant predictors of parent mental health, with mothers' mental health more negatively influenced by child depression. Additionally, mothers' scores in mental health domains were significantly lower than population norms.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of identifying the ways in which chronic pain in youth may affect parents differently in order to enhance caregiver support and interventions.
Explain This, Explore That: A Study of Parent–Child Interaction in a Children's Museum
Authors: Willard Aiyana K. , Busch Justin T.A. , Cullum Katherine A. , Letourneau Susan M. , Sobel David M. , Callanan Maureen , Legare Cristine H.
Published: March 2019

Parents visiting a gear exhibit at a children's museum were instructed to encourage their children (N = 65; ages 4–6) to explain, explore, or engage as usual. Instructions led to different patterns of play at the exhibit: Encouragement to explain led to greater discussion of gear mechanisms, whereas encouragement to explore led to more time connecting gears. In the explain condition, parents’ questions predicted their children's discussion and further testing of gears. Questions also predicted the amount of time children spent on a follow‐up task. Parents’ exploration predicted an increase in exploration by their children. These data indicate that minimal interventions impact parent–child interaction at a museum exhibit and that prompts to explore or explain uniquely influence parent and child behavior.
Maternal and neonatal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and school‐age lung function, asthma and allergy. The Generation R Study
Authors: Mensink‐Bout Sara M. , van Meel Evelien R. , de Jongste Johan C. , Voortman Trudy , Reiss Irwin K. , De Jong Nicolette W. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: March 2019

Background

Vitamin D deficiency in early life might affect the developing lung and immune system, and subsequently influence the risk of asthma and allergy in later life.

Objective

We examined the associations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in mid‐gestation and at birth with lung function, asthma, inhalant allergic sensitization and inhalant allergy at school‐age.

Methods

This study among 4951 children and their mothers was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Maternal venous blood samples in mid‐gestation and umbilical cord blood samples at birth were used to determine 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. At age 10 years, lung function was measured by spirometry, current asthma and physician‐diagnosed inhalant allergy by questionnaire, and inhalant allergic sensitization by skin prick tests. We used multivariable regression models to examine associations.

Results

Higher 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in mid‐gestation were associated with a higher forced vital capacity (FVC), but a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second/FVC (FEV1/FVC) and a lower forced expiratory flow after exhaling 75% of FVC (FEF75) (Z‐score differences [95% CI] 0.02 [0.00, 0.03], −0.02 [−0.03, −0.01] and −0.01 [‐0.03, −0.00], respectively, per 10 nmol/L 25‐hydroxyvitamin D), but not with asthma. Furthermore, higher 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in mid‐gestation were associated with an increased risk of inhalant allergy (Odds Ratio [95% CI] 1.07 [1.02, 1.12]), but not with inhalant allergic sensitization. After additional adjustment for child's 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations at the age of 6 years, only the associations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in mid‐gestation with FEV1/FVC and FEF75 remained. We did not find consistent associations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations at birth with respiratory or allergy outcomes.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Our results suggest that maternal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in mid‐gestation may influence lung development. The clinical implications of the observed associations remain unclear.
Decision support needs of kidney transplant candidates regarding the deceased donor waiting list: A qualitative study and conceptual framework
Authors: Hart Allyson , Bruin Marilyn , Chu Sauman , Matas Arthur , Partin Melissa R. , Israni Ajay K.
Published: March 2019

Background

Kidney transplant candidates face complex decisions about transplant options such as living donation or acceptance of lower quality kidneys. We sought to characterize knowledge and decision support needs regarding kidney transplant outcomes and options.

Methods

We conducted 10 interviews and four focus groups of 28 adult kidney transplant candidates from two centers in Minnesota. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using a grounded theory approach.

Results

We identified four themes: First, candidates have a limited understanding of treatment options and demonstrate confusion or a lack of awareness about waiting list outcomes and prognosis. Second, candidates desired frank discussions about likely outcomes and individualized prognosis. Third, emotional barriers impact how patients make informed decisions. Finally, participants relied on the support of family and friends to help process information, and many favored the medical community engaging their family and friends in their medical decisions. These findings were incorporated into a conceptual model to support kidney transplant candidates in medical decision making.

Conclusions

Transplant candidates had limited understanding about treatment options and outcomes on the kidney transplant waiting list. Individualized risk information and cognitive approaches that recognize how patients process information and balance competing risks may improve informed decision making.
Synchronous salivary duct carcinoma and Warthin's tumour in the same parotid gland: Cytological features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Bulut Asiye Şafak , Albayrak Aynur , Kulaçoğlu Sezer
Published: March 2019

The rare coexistence of a synchronous malignant (salivary duct carcinoma) and benign (Warthin's) tumor in the same parotid gland is presented with the differential diagnosis. The malignant tumor's cytological features are interesting in terms of the resemblance to invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.
Alien reptiles on Mediterranean Islands: A model for invasion biogeography
Authors: Silva‐Rocha Iolanda Raquel , Salvi Daniele , Carretero Miguel A. , Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: March 2019

Aim

The Mediterranean basin has a long history of interactions between humans and biota, with multiple ancient and recent introductions of alien species. Such a multitude of introductions makes it difficult to distinguish between alien and native species but provides an excellent opportunity to investigate factors related to introductions and long‐term persistence of alien species. In this study, we combined genetic and distribution data to identify the factors promoting the presence of alien reptiles on islands, considering human‐related, geographic and species features. Furthermore, we assessed whether the use of genetic evidence to identify alien species improves inference of the factors determining their distribution.

Location

Mediterranean islands.

Methods

We combined genetic data and distribution databases to obtain information on biological traits and on the native/alien status of reptiles on >900 Mediterranean islands, and we gathered data on geographic and human features of islands. We then used spatially explicit generalized additive mixed models to identify the factors associated with the establishment of alien reptiles.

Results

Alien reptile populations are more frequent on islands far from the native range and with large human population. Alien populations of reptiles that are able to feed on plants are particularly frequent. Traditional data sources underestimate the frequency of alien reptiles on Mediterranean islands, and using genetic evidence to assess the status of populations provided a more complete picture of the factors associated with the presence of alien populations.

Main conclusions

Humans are key drivers of the distribution of alien reptiles on Mediterranean islands, but the distributions are determined by a complex interplay between human activities, geographic factors and species features. Genetic data are essential for obtaining reliable biogeographic assessments of invasive species, particularly in systems with a long history of human influence.
A new on‐site detection method for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in infected pine trees
Authors: Cha Deok Jea , Kim Dong Soo , Lee Sun Keun , Han Hye Rim
Published: March 2019

The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), which is a major problem in East Asia and West Europe. Quick identification of PWN is needed to prevent the dispersal of PWD to healthy forests. Various detection methods of PWN have been developed using anatomical characters and molecular markers. These methods are not suitable for rapid diagnosis because it is difficult to distinguish B. xylophilus from the non‐pathogenic species Bursaphelenchus mucronatus based on morphological characters without expertise in nematode taxonomy and most PCR or isothermal amplification detection methods require time‐consuming processes. In this study, we developed an on‐site PWN detection method using a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay with a novel extraction buffer (DAP buffer). This new PWN detection method is able to extract genomic DNA from PWN in pinewood by simple buffer consisting of sodium hydrate, polyethylene glycol 200 and dimethyl sulfoxide in 10 min without using the experimental devices and able to distinguish between B. xylophilus and other Bursaphelenchus spp. by amplifying the species‐specific 5S rDNA fragment of B. xylophilus in 10 min. Taken together, our protocol can obtain the result for the detection of PWN in pine tree samples within 30 min. This result suggests that RPA/DAP assay is much faster, easier and cheaper than the conventional methods for detecting PWN.
Survey of non‐physiotherapy department medical staff in China and their understanding of physiotherapy in comprehensive management of haemophilia
Authors: Liu Shufen , Li Kuixing , Zhao Xiaoyi , Cong Hui , Li Qing , Chen Lixia
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Physiotherapy plays a very important role in comprehensive care of patients with haemophilia. Due to limited resources and a lack of understanding among medical personnel, physiotherapy has not become a standard component of comprehensive management of haemophilia in China.

Aim

To investigate the understanding and practice of physiotherapy in the comprehensive management of haemophilia by non‐physiotherapy department medical staff engaged in haemophilia work in China.

Methods

A specifically designed questionnaire was used to investigate the medical staff who participated in the 10th World Federation of Hemophilia—Hemophilia Conference China held in Xi'an, China, from 14 October to 16 October 2016.

Results

Among all respondents, 97.2% believed that haemophilia patients needed physiotherapy. However, only 17.5% of the respondents were found to have a very accurate understanding of the timing of physiotherapeutic interventions for haemophilia patients; 83.9% of the respondents worried that physiotherapy would increase the incidence of new haemorrhagic episodes in haemophilia patients, and 11.1% of the respondents never recommended physiotherapy for haemophilia patients. Factors that independently affected the respondents’ knowledge of the timing of physiotherapy in haemophilia patients were their professional rank and participation in continuing education that included haemophilia physiotherapy. One factor that independently affected respondents’ recommendation of physiotherapy to patients was participation in continuing education that included haemophilia physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Haemophilia continuing education covering physiotherapy should be strengthened for new non‐physiotherapy medical staff in the haemophilia field.
Whole blood ristocetin‐induced platelet impedance aggregometry does not reflect clinical severity in patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease
Authors: Nakajima Yuto , Nogami Keiji , Yada Koji , Ogiwara Kenichi , Furukawa Shoko , Shimonishi Naruto , Shima Midori
Published: March 2019

Background

The haemorrhagic phenotype in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) is heterogeneous, and assays of von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) do not always reflect clinical severity, especially in those individuals classed as type 1 VWD. Recent studies have shown that whole blood ristocetin‐induced platelet agglutination (WB‐RIPA) using an easy‐to‐use analyzer, Multiplate® platelet impedance technique, could be informative as a diagnostic test in VWD, although inconsistencies were evident in patients with the type 1 disorder, possibly associated with clinical symptoms.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between WB‐RIPA, bleeding scores (BS) and VWF‐related measurements in type 1 VWD.

Methods

WB‐RIPA assay using the Multiplate® was performed using whole blood from 55 patients with type 1 VWD. BS was determined using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

WB‐RIPA values were significantly lower in type 1 VWD than in healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Weak correlations were apparent between WB‐RIPA and VWF:RCo or VWF antigen (VWF:Ag; r = 0.22 or 0.28, respectively). There were significant differences in VWF:RCo (P = 0.036) and VWF:Ag (P = 0.0013) between patients with BS ≥4 (defined as abnormal bleeding tendency) and BS <4 (defined as no abnormal bleeding tendency), respectively. However, no significant difference was observed in WB‐RIPA between the BS ≥4 group and BS <4 group. Overall, VWD patients with a WB‐RIPA level >70 U did not seem to have an abnormal bleeding tendency, but low levels of WB‐RIPA did not correlate with BS.

Conclusion

WB‐RIPA did not reflect clinical severity in type 1 VWD patients.
Influence of Climate on the Incidence of RCVS – A Retrospective Study From Taiwan
Authors: Shih Yen‐Cheng , Chen Shih‐Pin , Fuh Jong‐Ling , Wang Yen‐Feng , Wang Shuu‐Jiun
Published: March 2019

Background

Cold weather is reportedly a precipitator of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in a few cases. We systematically investigated whether meteorological factors correlate with the occurrence of RCVS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients diagnosed with RCVS or probable RCVS, based on International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD‐3) criteria, in a hospital‐based headache center from March 2005 to February 2014. Monthly averages of local weather data measured in Taipei were obtained from the Central Weather Bureau in Taiwan. Primary weather variables were compared with the number of monthly new‐onset cases of RCVS.

Results

We recruited 226 patients with established RCVS and 72 patients with probable RCVS during a 108‐month study period. Incidence of RCVS was higher in winter than summer months (3.3 persons/month [SD: 2.0] vs 2.1 persons/month [SD: 1.5], P = .013). The monthly incidence of RCVS correlated negatively with mean daily temperature (r = −0.231, P = .016) and average precipitation (r = −0.269, P = .005), but positively with barometric pressure (r = 0.274, P = .004). These 3 correlated meteorological factors together explained about 10% of the variance in RCVS monthly incidence (R2 = 0.095, P = .015).

Conclusion

RCVS was found to be more common in winter months and to be associated with weather variables in Taiwan. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of these associations.
The effect of different ceramic materials to improve hardness of organomineral fertilizer granules
Authors: Nascimento Carla O. , Mattos Bianca B. , Fialho Rosana L. , Cabral‐Albuquerque Elaine C. M. , Benites Vinícius M.
Published: March 2019

Chicken litter (CL) is a waste generated by poultry farming and it that has increased significantly in recent years. Due to chicken litter levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other nutrients, the CL has a potential use as fertilizer, nevertheless, this purpose has been threatened by the pollution of water resources owing to the leaching and disposal of these nutrients. The production of CL granular organomineral fertilizers (OMF) is one way of minimizing these problems and to add value to poultry waste. Thus, this study evaluates the potential of the use of different binder materials on the improvement of the hardness and nutrient release. For this, five ceramic materials were added in four different concentrations to the powder mixture containing Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) and CL. The fertilizers were granulated and through hardness evaluation, it was possible to observe that the positive effect on the hardness depended on the additive used and its concentration. The most promising additive was magnesium oxide that, was able to improve the strength of by up to four times, when compared to the OMF control. The results shown that the nutrient release is not affected with addition different binder materials.
Immune‐ and non‐immune‐mediated roles of regulatory T‐cells during wound healing
Authors: Zaiss Dietmar M. , Minutti Carlos M. , Knipper Johanna A.
Published: March 2019

The immune system has a well‐established contribution to tissue homeostasis and wound healing. However, in many cases immune responses themselves can cause severe tissue damage. Thus, the question arose to which extent cells of the immune system directly contribute to the process of wound healing and to which extent the resolution of excessive immune responses may indirectly contribute to wound healing. FoxP3‐expressing CD4 T‐cells, so‐called regulatory T‐cells (Tregs), have an important contribution in the regulation of immune responses; and, in recent years, it has been suggested that Tregs next to an immune‐regulatory, ‘damage‐limiting’ function may also have an immune‐independent ‘damage‐resolving’ direct role in wound healing. In particular, the release of the epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor Amphiregulin by tissue‐resident Tregs during wound repair suggested such a function. Our recent findings have now revealed that Amphiregulin induces the local release of bio‐active transforming growth factor (TGF)β, a cytokine involved both in immune regulation as well as in the process of wound repair. In light of these findings, we discuss whether, by locally activating TGFβ, Treg‐derived Amphiregulin may contribute to both wound repair and immune suppression. Furthermore, we propose that Treg‐derived Amphiregulin in an autocrine way may enable an IL‐33‐mediated survival and expansion of tissue‐resident Tregs upon injury. Furthermore, Treg‐derived Amphiregulin may contribute to a constitutive, low‐level release of bio‐active TGFβ within tissues, leading to continuous tissue regeneration and to an immune‐suppressive environment, which may keep inflammation‐prone tissues in an homeostatic state.
Serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio as a diagnostic marker for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Yamada Kazutoshi , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Seike Takuya , Horii Rika , Terashima Takeshi , Iida Noriho , Kitahara Masaaki , Sunagozaka Hajime , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Honda Masao , Takamura Toshinari , Harada Kenichi , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims

Accurate diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is clinically important. Therefore, there is a need for easier ways of diagnosing NASH. In this study, we investigated the serum fatty acid composition and evaluated the possibility of using the serum fatty acid composition as a diagnostic marker of NASH.

Methods

The subjects were 78 NAFLD patients (non‐alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]: 30, NASH: 48) and 24 healthy individuals. Fatty acids extracted from the liver tissue and serum were identified and quantified by gas chromatography. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between serum and liver tissue fatty acid composition, patient background, and liver histology. The diagnostic performance of NASH was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC).

Results

The results of the fatty acid analysis showed the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio to have the strongest correlation between serum and liver tissue (r = 0.865, P < 0.0001). The serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio in the NASH group was higher compared with that in the NAFL group (P = 0.0007). Evaluation of the association of the serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio with liver histology revealed significant correlation with lobular inflammation score, ballooning score, and fibrosis score. The AUROC for predicting NASH in all NAFLD patients was 0.7097. The AUROC was nearly equivalent even when the study subjects were restricted to patients with a fibrosis score ≤ 2 only (AUROC 0.6917).

Conclusion

Measuring the serum C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio may be an effective non‐invasive method for diagnosing NASH, particularly in its early stages.
BIOMARKER GEOCHEMISTRY OF CRUDE OILS AND NEOGENE BITUMINOUS SHALES IN THE YENIKÖY AREA, EREĞLI‐ULUKIȘLA BASIN, CENTRAL ANATOLIA, TURKEY
Authors: Kara‐Gülbay R. , Korkmaz S. , Erdoğan M. S. , Kadınkız G.
Published: March 2019

In the Ereğli‐Ulukıșla Basin, southern Turkey, crude oil shows have been observed in the subsurface in the shale‐dominated non‐marine Upper Miocene – Pliocene succession. Based on analyses of samples from four boreholes, the shales’ organic matter content, thermal maturity and depositional characteristics are discussed in this study. Geochemical correlations are established between shale extracts and a crude oil sampled from the shale succession. The shales have moderate to high hydrogen index (HI) and very low oxygen index (OI) values. Pyrolysis data show that the shales contain both Types I and II kerogen, and n‐alkane and biomarker distributions indicate that organic matter is dominated by algal material. Very high C26/C25 and C24/C23, and low C22/C21 tricyclic terpane ratios and C31 R/C30 hopane, C29/(C28+C29) MA and DBT/P ratios in shale extracts indicate that deposition occurred in a lacustrine setting. High gammacerane and C35 homohopane concentrations and low diasterane/sterane ratios with a very low Pr/Ph ratio suggest that both the shales and the source rocks for the oil were deposited in a highly anoxic environment in which the water column may have been thermally stratified.

Although the shales analysed have very low Tmax values, the production index is quite high which suggests that the shales are early‐mature to mature. Biomarker ratios including C32 22S/(22R+22S) homohopanes, C29 20S/(20R+20S) and ββ(ββ+αα) steranes, moretane/hopane, TA(I)/TA(I+II) and MPI‐3 all suggest that the shales are within the oil window. Heavy components of free hydrocarbons (S1) within the shales may have been recorded as part of the Rock‐Eval S2 peak resulting in the low Tmax values.

The oil and shale extracts analysed are similar according to their sterane and triterpane distributions, suggesting that the oil was generated by the shales. However burial depths of the Upper Miocene – Pliocene shale succession are not sufficient for thermal maturation to have occurred. It is inferred that intense volcanism during the Pliocene – Pleistocene may have played an important role in local maturation of the shale succession.
Tobacco Use Among Rural and Urban US Middle and High School Students: National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2011‐2016
Authors: Wiggins Amanda T. , Huntington‐Moskos Luz , Rayens Emily A. , Rayens Mary Kay , Noland Melody , Butler Karen , Hahn Ellen J.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Rural adolescents engage in higher smoking and smokeless tobacco use rates than those from urban communities; urban adolescents are more likely to use e‐cigarettes. The study investigated whether place of residence (rural vs urban) is associated with tobacco use prevalence and change in prevalence among middle and high school students over time.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (2011‐2016). Multiple logistic regression methods for weighted survey data assessed the relationship of place of residence with current tobacco product use over time, adjusting for demographics.

Findings

There was no difference in rate of change in use of any tobacco product between rural and urban middle or high school students. Adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and survey year, both middle and high school rural students were more likely to use cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, whereas urban high school students were more likely to use hookah. Significant polynomial trends were observed for e‐cigarette and hookah use patterns, whereas linear changes in use patterns were detected for cigarette and smokeless tobacco use over time.

Conclusions

Rural high school students are more likely to smoke cigarettes and use smokeless tobacco than their urban counterparts, although prevalence rates have decreased over time. However, use of hookah and e‐cigarettes among middle and high school students has increased over time regardless of place of residence. To stem the rapid increase in use of hookah and e‐cigarettes, comprehensive tobacco control policies are needed regardless of rural or urban location.
Fixed Bandwidth Inference for Fractional Cointegration
Authors: Hualde Javier , Iacone Fabrizio
Published: March 2019

In a fractional cointegration setting we derive the fixed bandwidth limiting theory of a class of estimators of the cointegrating parameter which are constructed as ratios of weighted periodogram averages. These estimators offer improved limiting properties over those of more standard approaches like ordinary least squares or narrow band least squares estimation. These advantages have been justified by means of traditional asymptotic theory and here we explore whether these improvements still hold when considering the alternative fixed bandwidth theory and, more importantly, whether this latter approach provides a more accurate approximation to the sampling distribution of the corresponding test statistics. This appears to be relevant, especially in view of the typical oversizing displayed by Wald statistics when confronted to the standard limiting theory. A Monte Carlo study of finite‐sample behaviour is included.
Evaluation of a low‐dose desoxycorticosterone pivalate treatment protocol for long‐term management of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Sieber‐Ruckstuhl Nadia S. , Reusch Claudia E. , Hofer‐Inteeworn Nathalie , Kuemmerle‐Fraune Claudia , Müller Claudia , Hofmann‐Lehmann Regina , Boretti Felicitas S.
Published: March 2019

Background

Lowering the dose of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) for the treatment of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) decreases costs and could lead to increased owner motivation to treat their affected dogs.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a low‐dose DOCP treatment protocol in dogs with PH.

Animals

Prospective study, 17 client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring PH (12 newly diagnosed, 5 previously treated with fludrocortisone acetate [FC]).

Methods

Dogs with newly diagnosed PH were started on 1.5 mg/kg DOCP SC; dogs previously treated with FC were started on 1.0‐1.8 mg/kg DOCP SC. Reevaluations took place at regular intervals for a minimum of 3 months and included clinical examination and determination of serum sodium and potassium concentrations. The DOCP dosage was adjusted to obtain an injection interval of 28‐30 days and to keep serum electrolyte concentrations within the reference interval.

Results

Median (range) follow‐up was 16.2 months (4.5‐32.3 months). The starting dosage was sufficient in all but 2 dogs and had to be significantly decreased after 2‐3 months to a median dosage (range) of 1.1 mg/kg (0.7‐1.8). Dogs 3 years of age or younger needed significantly higher dosages compared to older dogs. None of them, however, needed the 2.2 mg/kg DOCP dosage, recommended by the manufacturer.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A starting dosage of 1.5 mg/kg DOCP is effective in controlling clinical signs and serum electrolyte concentrations in the majority of dogs with PH. An additional dose reduction often is needed to maintain an injection interval of 28‐30 days. Young and growing animals seem to need higher dosages.
Transparency, Policy Outcomes, and Incumbent Support
Authors: Aguiar‐Conraria Luís , Magalhães Pedro C. , Veiga Francisco J.
Published: March 2019

Government transparency has been discussed both as a way to decrease informational asymmetries between officeholders and citizens and as part of what makes for procedurally fair governance. These two different lines of argument generate predictions about how transparency should change voters’ reactions to economic and policy outcomes. First, under high transparency, voters should respond less positively to fiscal expansions. Second, they should become more sensitive to incumbents’ ability to deliver outcomes that generate benefits in the long‐run than to current tangible benefits. We test these arguments using municipality level data in Portugal. Controlling for variables that previous research has shown to drive electoral support for incumbents in local elections, only in the least transparent municipalities is support positively related with increases in local current expenditures, budget deficits, and municipal wages. Instead, where transparency is higher, voters are more likely to reward improvements in the quality of education.
The Stability of Individual Differences in Basic Mathematics‐Related Skills in Young Children at the Start of Formal Education
Authors: O'Connor Patrick A. , Morsanyi Kinga , McCormack Teresa
Published: March 2019

The current study investigated the development of children's performance on tasks that have been suggested to underlie early mathematics skills, including measures of cardinality, ordinality, and intelligence. Eighty‐seven children were tested in their first (T1) and second (T2) school year (at ages 5 and 6). Children's performance on all tasks demonstrated good reliability and significantly improved with age. Correlational analyses revealed that performance on some mathematics‐related tasks were nonsignificantly correlated between T1 and T2 (number line and number comparison), showing that these skills are relatively unstable. Detailed analyses also indicated that the way children solve these tasks show qualitative changes over time. By contrast, children's performance on measures of intelligence and nonnumerical ordering abilities were strongly correlated between T1 and T2. Additionally, ordering skills also showed moderate to strong correlations with counting procedures both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. These results suggest that, initially, mathematics skills strongly rely on nonmathematical abilities.
Posaconazole salvage therapy: The Posifi study
Authors: Fortun Jesús , Gioia Francesca , Cardozo Celia , Gudiol Carlota , Diago Elena , José Castón Juan , Muñoz Patricia , López Javier , Puerta‐Alcalde Pedro , Enzenhofer Matías , Ramos Antonio , Frutos Azahara , Machado Marina , Garcia‐Vidal Carolina , Parody Rocío , Martín‐Dávila Pilar
Published: March 2019

Background

Posaconazole (PCZ) is used mainly for the prevention of invasive fungal infection (IFI).

Methods

A multicentre retrospective, investigational study using a non‐randomized, single‐arm design carried out in six tertiary hospitals in Spain to evaluate the use of PCZ in different forms of administration in the (non‐prophylactic) treatment of IFI.

Results

Over an eight‐year‐period, 67 patients were included in this study. PCZ was administered as salvage therapy (intolerant or refractory to a previous antifungal agent) in 65/67 (97%); of these, it was used against Aspergillosis (68.6%), Zygomycosis (13.4%), other moulds (8.9%) and yeast (10.5%). The median duration of PCZ therapy was 75 days. The oral solution was associated with low serum levels (<0.7 mg/L) in 63% of available patients. Clinical response at 3 and 12 months of PCZ therapy were for aspergillosis: 47.8% and 41.3%; for zygomycosis: 55.5% and 55.5%; and for other mycoses: 69.2% and 69.2%, respectively. Suspension by toxicity was only observed in 6% and 7.5% of patients at 3 and 12 months, respectively, mainly with grade III/IV elevations of liver function test (LFTs).

Conclusions

Posaconazole salvage therapy, especially oral tablets, can be an effective alternative option for patients with IFI who cannot tolerate or do not respond to other antifungal therapies.