bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of edoxaban for treatment of portal vein thrombosis following danaparoid sodium in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Nagaoki Yuko , Aikata Hiroshi , Daijyo Kana , Teraoka Yuji , Shinohara Fumi , Nakamura Yuki , Hatooka Masahiro , Morio Kei , Nakahara Takashi , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Ochi Hidenori , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: March 2017

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of edoxaban and warfarin for treatment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following danaparoid sodium in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Fifty cirrhotic patients with PVT treated initially for 2 weeks with danaparoid sodium were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Treatment was later switched to either edoxaban (n = 20) or warfarin (n = 30). We compared the efficacy and safety of edoxaban and warfarin for up to 6 months. The PVT volume was measured by dynamic computed tomography before treatment, at 2 weeks, and at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results

There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics of patients in the two groups. Treatment with edoxaban reduced the volume of PVT from 1.42 cm3 at 2 weeks to 0.42 cm3 at 6 months, and prevented exacerbation of PVT at 6 months after treatment with danaparoid sodium (P = 0.016). In contrast, treatment with warfarin resulted in increased PVT volume from 1.73 cm3 at 2 weeks to 2.85 cm3 at 6 months, despite the control of the international normalized ratio in 57% of the patients (P = 0.005). Multivariate regression analysis identified edoxaban therapy as the single significant and independent determinant of PVT reduction at 6 months (P = 0.0014, hazard ratio 6.400). Clinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding was encountered in 3 of 20 (15%) patients of the edoxaban group and 2 of 30 (7%) of the warfarin group (P = 0.335).

Conclusion

Edoxaban following danaparoid sodium is an effective anticoagulant and could be potentially considered as one of the treatment options for PVT in cirrhotic patients.
Clinicopathological analysis of primary central nervous system NK/T cell lymphoma: rare and localized aggressive tumour among extranasal NK/T cell tumours
Authors: Miyata‐Takata Tomoko , Takata Katsuyoshi , Kato Seiichi , Hu Lei‐Ming , Noujima‐Harada Mai , Chuang Shih‐Sung , Sato Yasuharu , Maeda Yoshinobu , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: March 2017

Aims

The central nervous system (CNS) is a rare primary site of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Although direct invasion of nasal natural killer (NK)/T cell tumours into CNS is reported occasionally, primary CNS NK/T cell lymphoma is extremely rare, and the clinicopathological features of primary CNS NK/T cell lymphoma remain largely unknown.

Methods and results

We identified four cases from our consultation files and analysed the clinicopathological features. Three were immunocompetent and one was immunosuppressed. There were three males and one female and their ages ranged from 21 to 77 years (median: 46 years). Radiotherapy was rendered for all patients, and methotrexate was administered to two patients. The overall survival was 4–29 months (median, 19 months) for the three immunocompetent patients. Neoplastic cells exhibited medium to large atypical nuclei. Angiocentric growth and necrosis were observed. The immunophenotype was typical of NK cell tumours: CD3ε, 100%; CD56, 67%; CD5, 50%; cytotoxic molecules, 100%; Epstein–Barr virus encoded small RNA (EBER), 100% and T cell receptor (TCR)‐β or γ, 0%. No TCR–gene rearrangements were detected. Reviewing 10 additional cases from the literature and comparing with extranasal NK/T cell lymphoma of the more frequent origins (skin or gastrointestinal tract), primary CNS NK/T cell lymphoma was diagnosed at an earlier stage without B symptoms but exhibited aggressive clinical behaviours.

Conclusions

Although extremely rare, primary CNS NK/T cell lymphoma does occur and should always be included in the differential diagnosis and we should apply relevant markers routinely in conjunction with exploring the patient background. The accumulation of cases is indispensable to establish an effective treatment strategy for this rare and aggressive malignancy.
Attending and avoiding dental appointments: Do “bright” and “dark” motivational paths have a role?
Authors: Münster Halvari AE , Halvari H , Deci EL
Published: March 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to test a self‐determination theory (SDT) process model of the “bright” and the “dark” motivational pathways through dental attendance or avoidance to oral health.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 322 students from all study disciplines at the University of Oslo. Participants responded to a survey with validated questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was used to test the SDT model, and a bootstrapping procedure was used to test the indirect links in the model.

Results

Along the “bright” path: Autonomy support at the dental clinic was positively associated with need satisfaction in treatment, which was positively associated with autonomous motivation for dental treatment and reappraisal of dental anxiety. Further, autonomous motivation was positively related to dental attendance, which in turn predicted oral health. Also, both autonomous motivation and reappraisal of anxiety were negatively related to avoiding dental appointments. Along the “dark” path: Conditional regard at the dental clinic positively predicted need frustration in treatment, which positively predicted dental anxiety. In turn, dental anxiety positively predicted avoiding appointments, along with the negative predictions by autonomy and anxiety reappraisal. Finally, oral health was negatively predicted by avoiding appointments. A bootstrapping procedure indicated that all indirect links in the model were supported. A SEM fit the data very well.

Conclusions

Because of the high level of explained variances for dental attendance (42%) and avoiding dental appointments (52%), promoting autonomy support and avoiding conditional regard at the dental clinic may be important for patients' oral health.
Collaborative apparel consumption in the digital sharing economy: An agenda for academic inquiry
Authors: Park Hyejune , Armstrong Cosette Marie Joyner
Published: March 2017

While apparel businesses leveraging the sharing economy have begun to emerge in recent years, academic research on “sharing” consumption for apparel is extremely limited. To fill this research gap, the researchers analyze current literature to present a conceptual framework that offers a durable theoretical foundation about the concept of collaborative consumption for apparel. Using a metatheory approach, the researchers develop a framework that explores how two major Internet‐supported collaborative consumption modes (utility‐based nonownership and redistributed ownership) manifest in an apparel context. Next, the researchers explore the implications of each consumption mode to understand the consumer's relationship with the product, peers, and businesses involved in these sharing schemes. A series of research propositions are also developed to stimulate discussion and future research about collaborative apparel consumption.
Thoughts, attitudes and profile of Brazilian consumers regarding food irradiation
Authors: Lima Filho Tarcísio , Della Lucia Suzana Maria , Lima Rondinelli Moulin
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to examine the neophobia, knowledge, thoughts, and opinions related to food irradiation among consumers living in a small city in Brazil through the application of a behavioral and sociodemographic questionnaire. It was found that the 271 respondents had little knowledge about the process of food irradiation and had low intent to purchase irradiated food; several consumers associated irradiated food with radioactivity and cancer. Individuals with better knowledge about irradiation and those who are young, single, did not live with children, and had higher levels of education and higher monthly family incomes were more likely to buy irradiated foods than others. These results describe the profile of potential consumers of irradiated foods and the knowledge, thoughts and opinions of the residents of a small city relative to food irradiation. This data could assist industries that irradiate foods to adopt strategies that ensure greater acceptance of their products.
Interleukin‐18 activates Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells from HIV‐positive individuals: recovering the response to phosphoantigen
Authors: Murday Alanna S. , Chaudhry Suchita , Pauza C. David
Published: March 2017

The study aimed to identify an immunoregulatory factor that restores the phosphoantigen response of Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells from HIV‐positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy. It was designed to characterize the effects of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) on proliferation and effector function in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from HIV‐negative individuals and test whether exogenous IL‐18 reconstitutes the Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell response to phosphoantigen from HIV‐positive donors. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from HIV‐negative individuals responded strongly to phosphoantigen or aminobisphosphonate stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), whereas cells with similar T‐cell receptor profiles from HIV‐positive individuals only responded to aminobisphosphonate. Interleukin‐18 was higher after aminobisphosphonate stimulation due to activation of the inflammasome pathway. Both IL‐18 and IL‐18 receptor levels were measured and the activity of exogenous IL‐18 on HIV‐negative and HIV‐positive PBMC was evaluated in terms of Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell proliferation, memory subsets, cytokine expression and CD107a expression. Interleukin‐18 stimulation increased proliferation, enhanced the accumulation of effector memory cells, and increased expression of cytotoxic markers in HIV‐negative controls. When Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from HIV‐positive individuals were stimulated with isopentenyl pyrophosphate in the presence of IL‐18, there was increased proliferation, accumulation of memory cells, and higher expression of CD56, NKG2D and CD107a (markers of cytotoxic effector phenotype). Interleukin‐18 stimulation specifically expanded the Vγ9‐JγP+ subset of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, as was expected for normal responses to phosphoantigen. Interleukin‐18 is a potent stimulator of Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell proliferation and effector function. Therapies directed at reconstituting Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell activity in HIV‐positive individuals should include stimulators of IL‐18 or direct cytokine supplementation.
A Tutorial on Multilevel Survival Analysis: Methods, Models and Applications
Authors: Austin Peter C.
Published: March 2017

Data that have a multilevel structure occur frequently across a range of disciplines, including epidemiology, health services research, public health, education and sociology. We describe three families of regression models for the analysis of multilevel survival data. First, Cox proportional hazards models with mixed effects incorporate cluster‐specific random effects that modify the baseline hazard function. Second, piecewise exponential survival models partition the duration of follow‐up into mutually exclusive intervals and fit a model that assumes that the hazard function is constant within each interval. This is equivalent to a Poisson regression model that incorporates the duration of exposure within each interval. By incorporating cluster‐specific random effects, generalised linear mixed models can be used to analyse these data. Third, after partitioning the duration of follow‐up into mutually exclusive intervals, one can use discrete time survival models that use a complementary log–log generalised linear model to model the occurrence of the outcome of interest within each interval. Random effects can be incorporated to account for within‐cluster homogeneity in outcomes. We illustrate the application of these methods using data consisting of patients hospitalised with a heart attack. We illustrate the application of these methods using three statistical programming languages (R, SAS and Stata).
C–(N)–S–H and N–A–S–H gels: Compositions and solubility data at 25°C and 50°C
Authors: Gomez‐Zamorano Lauren , Balonis Magdalena , Erdemli Bartu , Neithalath Narayanan , Sant Gaurav
Published: March 2017

Calcium silicate hydrates containing sodium [C–(N)–S–H], and sodium aluminosilicate hydrates [N–A–S–H] are the dominant reaction products that are formed following reaction between a solid aluminosilicate precursor (eg, slags, fly ash, metakaolin) and an alkaline activation agent (eg NaOH) in the presence of water. To gain insights into the thermochemical properties of such compounds, C–(N)–S–H and N–A–S–H gels were synthesized with compositions: 0.8≤Ca/Si≤1.2 for the former, and 0.25≤Al/Si≤0.50 (atomic units) for the latter. The gels were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (SEM‐EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The solubility products (KS0) of the gels were established at 25°C and 50°C. Self‐consistent solubility data of this nature are key inputs required for calculation of mass and volume balances in alkali‐activated binders (AABs), and to determine the impacts of the precursor chemistry on the hydrated phase distributions; in which, C–(N)–S–H and N–A–S–H compounds dominate the hydrated phase assemblages.
The effect of glass composition on the reactivity of synthetic glasses
Authors: Schöler Axel , Winnefeld Frank , Haha Mohsen Ben , Lothenbach Barbara
Published: March 2017

The reactivity of synthetic glasses depends on their chemical compositions. In far from equilibrium dissolution experiments, the reactivity of Ca‐rich glasses with compositions similar to blast‐furnace slag is found to be much higher (up to ~60 wt.% after 7 days) compared to Si‐rich glasses with compositions similar to type F fly ash (up to ~20 wt.% after 7 days). Isothermal calorimetry and TGA experiments conducted on model systems containing portlandite and calcite and on glass‐blended Portland cement confirmed the higher reactivity of the Ca‐rich glasses. The degree of glass reaction after 91 days ranged from 7 to 20 wt.%. The results showed also a higher reactivity of the glasses containing more aluminum (both for Ca‐rich and Si‐rich glasses) indicating that not only calcium but also aluminum acted rather as network modifier than as network former. The results confirm a strong dependence of the glass reactivity on the degree of polymerization of the glass network.
Bottom‐up vs reactive sintering of Al2O3–YAG–YSZ composites via one or three‐phase nanoparticles (NPs). Bottom‐up processing wins this time
Authors: Taylor Nathan J. , Stangeland‐Molo Sandra , Laine Richard M.
Published: March 2017

The bottom‐up approach describes the synthesis of bulk materials from the finest possible length scales to obtain the best global properties. This approach was adapted to the synthesis of multi‐phase ceramic composites produced from metal oxides produced by liquid‐feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF‐FSP). The effect of length scale of mixing was tested through two processing schemes, mixed single metal‐oxide nanopowders (NPs) and nanocomposite NPs having the desired composition within single particles. For the Al2O3–Y2O3–ZrO2 ternary system, composites prepared from nanostructured nanoparticles sinter to finer grain sizes (<410 nm) at equivalent densities of 95%TD than those prepared from mixed nanoparticle processing. These contrast with our previous studies in this area where mixed NP processing gave the best or equivalent results. The nanocomposite NPs produced in this study exhibit novel nanostructures with three phases contained within single particles <26 nm average particle size (APS). This nanostructure may directly explain the enhanced sintering of the nanocomposite NPs and may provide an impetus for future synthesis of similarly structured NPs.
High‐temperature structural stability of ceria‐based inverse opals
Authors: Casillas Danielle C. , Wilkinson Dan C. , Lai Chun‐Han , Wilke Stephen K. , Ignatowich Michael J. , Haile Sossina M. , Dunn Bruce S.
Published: March 2017

The use of ceria‐based inverse opals as a catalyst system for the thermochemical production of fuels from sunlight offers the potential of improved fuel production kinetics over materials with random porosity. Quantitative methods for characterizing ordered porosity are lacking, thus limiting the ability to predict the lifetime of ordered structures at elevated temperatures. In the present work, Fourier transform image analysis was used to determine the effect of composition and temperature on ordered porosity for a series of CeO2‐ZrO2 inverse opals having pore sizes ranging from 300 nm to 1 μm. An order parameter, γ, derived from the image analysis, was applied to scanning electron microscopy images and used to determine the degree of order in the inverse opal. The thermal stability studies indicate that loss of ordered porosity is highly dependent on temperature and that gas cycling effects have a minor effect on periodicity. A minimum Zr content of 20 at.% is necessary to retain periodicity for annealing up to 1000°C with pore diameters larger than 1 μm. These results show that CeO2‐ZrO2 inverse opals can be used at higher temperatures than previously thought for efficient thermochemical hydrogen production without loss of the benefits associated with ordered porosity.
Hydroxyapatite‐barium titanate piezocomposites with enhanced electrical properties
Authors: Prakasam Mythili , Albino Marjorie , Lebraud Eric , Maglione Mario , Elissalde Catherine , Largeteau Alain
Published: March 2017

The present work aims to obtain Hydroxyapatite (HA) ‐ Barium Titanate (BT) piezocomposites with improved electrical properties by retaining OH− ions and tuning BT grain size. Dense piezocomposites of HA‐BT were obtained, using single step Spark Plasma Sintering. The presence of OH− ions in the sintered piezocomposites of HA‐BT was confirmed by thermal characterization and Fourier transform infrared transmittance. No decomposition/interaction between HA and BT phases were observed in the complete range of temperature studied. The dielectric and pyroelectric properties were studied as a function of temperature (100 K to 450 K) and frequency (100 Hz to 2 MHz). The influence of the ferroelectric grain size (300 and 500 nm) on the electrical properties of HA‐BT has been analyzed. The dielectric permittivity of HA‐BT ceramics can be enhanced with appropriate ferroelectric grain size and volume fraction of BT (<80%).
Microwave dielectric properties of SnO‐SnF2‐P2O5 glass and its composite with alumina for ULTCC applications
Authors: Induja Indira J. , Sebastian Mailadil T.
Published: March 2017

Ultralow‐temperature sinterable alumina‐45SnF2:25SnO:30P2O5 glass (Al2O3‐SSP glass) composite has been developed for microelectronic applications. The 45SnF2:25SnO:30P2O5 glass prepared by melt quenching from 450°C has a low Tg of about 93°C. The SSP glass has εr and tanδ of 20 and 0.007, respectively, at 1 MHz. In the microwave frequency range, it has εr=16 and Qu × f=990 GHz with τf=−290 ppm/°C at 6.2 GHz with coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) value of 17.8 ppm/°C. A 30 wt.% Al2O3‐70 wt.% SSP composite was prepared by sintering at different temperatures from 150°C to 400°C. The crystalline phases and dielectric properties vary with sintering temperature. The alumina‐SSP composite sintered at 200°C has εr=5.41 with a tanδ of 0.01 (1 MHz) and at microwave frequencies it has εr=5.20 at 11 GHz with Qu × f=5500 GHz with temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf)=−18 ppm/°C. The CTE and room‐temperature thermal conductivity of the composite sintered at 200°C are 8.7 ppm/°C and 0.47 W/m/K, respectively. The new composite has a low sintering temperature and is a possible candidate for ultralow‐temperature cofired ceramics applications.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of TaC ceramics with 1–7.5 mol% Si as sintering aid
Authors: Geng Guihong , Liu Limeng , Wang Yujin , Hai Wanxiu , Sun Wenzhou , Chen Yuhong , Wu Laner
Published: March 2017

Metallic Si as sintering aid was effective in densifying tantalum carbide ceramic (TaC) by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1700°C. Full density was reached at 5.0 mol% Si addition (equivalent to 1.088% Si in weight) and above. Enhanced densification of TaC ceramic with Si was associated with decrease in oxygen content from ~0.24 wt% in TaC powder to ~0.03 wt% in consolidated specimen. Rest of the oxygen species was collected at multigrain conjunctions to form SiO2‐based liquid at high temperatures. Upon cooling, Ta, Si, O, and C dissolving in the liquid precipitated minor phases of TaSix and SiC of low concentrations. Microstructure of TaC ceramics was refined by the Si addition, with average grain size decreasing from 11±8 μm at 1.0 mol% Si to 3±2 μm at 7.5 mol% Si addition. Ta solute in SiC and Si solute in TaC were evidenced. TaC ceramic containing 7.5 mol% Si had a relatively good flexural strength and fracture toughness of 646±51 MPa and 5.0 MPa·m1/2, respectively.
Enhanced magnetic and dielectric properties of Ti‐doped YFeO3 ceramics
Authors: Madolappa Shivanand , Ponraj Bharathi , Bhimireddi Rajasekhar , Varma Kalidindi B. R.
Published: March 2017

Polycrystalline YFeO3 (YFO) and YFe1−(4/3)xTixO3(YFTO) ceramics were prepared using the powder synthesized from the sol‐gel route. X‐ray diffraction analyses of the polycrystalline ceramics revealed the crystallization of the phase in orthorhombic crystal structure associated with the space group Pnma. The magnetization versus magnetic field hysteresis loops were obtained at room temperature for YFO and YFTO ceramics. The magnetic property changes from weak ferromagnetic in YFO to ferromagnetic in YFTO ceramics. The dielectric constant recorded at room temperature for YFTO ceramics was six times higher than that of YFO, whereas the dielectric loss gets reduced to 0.06 from 0.3 for YFO at 1 kHz. Impedance spectroscopy study carried out on YFO and YFTO ceramics confirmed the existence of non‐Debye‐type relaxation. Observed single semicircle in Z′ vs −Z′′ plot established the incidence of intrinsic (bulk) effect and ruled out any grain boundary or electrode effects. The mechanism for the dielectric relaxation and electrical conduction process observed in YFO and YFTO ceramics was discussed by invoking electric modulus formalisms. Activation energy obtained by ac conductivity study suggested that the conduction process in YFO was linked up with the existence of the polaron and oxygen vacancies, whereas only oxygen vacancies contribute to the conduction process in YFTO ceramics.
Commentary: All that glisters is not gold – reflections on Hollis et al. 2017
Authors: Shafran Roz , Bennett Sophie D.
Published: March 2017

Digital Health Innovations have great potential to improve access to evidence‐based psychological therapies. This comprehensive review and meta‐analysis sets out the current state of the field including the efficacy of the interventions for different types of mental health problems and the desirability of the interventions from the patients’ perspective. It also highlights the poor methodology of much of the research and suggests important ways forward to improve the quality of the data. The importance of assessing and understanding the potential negative impact of such interventions is emphasised both in the review and the commentary, and suggestions are made to maximise the likelihood that such interventions are accessible within routine services.
Commentary: What makes a life go well? Moral functioning and quality of life measurement in neurodevelopmental disorders – reflections on Jonsson et al. (2017)
Authors: Singh Ilina
Published: March 2017

Jonsson et al.'s excellent review of the literature on quality of life (QoL) and childhood mental and behavioural disorders (Jonsson et al., ) highlights the need for studies that utilise child self‐reported QoL, in contrast to parent or proxy QoL measures, and further challenges the field to develop QoL measures that ‘put the child's own views and priorities first’.
A simple self‐diagnosis tool to assess the prevalence of dermatoporosis in France
Authors: Saurat J.‐H. , Mengeaud V. , Georgescu V. , Coutanceau C. , Ezzedine K. , Taïeb C.
Published: March 2017

Importance

The term dermatoporosis has been proposed to describe clinical signs and functional consequences of age‐related extreme skin fragility.

Objective

To create a simple dermatoporosis self‐diagnosis tool (IDA: Index Dermatoporosis Assessment) and to use this tool to estimate the prevalence of dermatoporosis in France.

Design, setting and participants

A specific dermatoporosis questionnaire was developed with the help of senior dermatologists and survey experts. This questionnaire was submitted to consecutive individuals aged ≥65 years who consulted a dermatologist. At the end of the consultation, the dermatologist was asked to assess ‘whether or not’ dermatoporosis was present. In a second step, the final questionnaire was mailed to a representative sample of the French population aged ≥65 years in order to estimate the prevalence of dermatoporosis.

Results

The initial questionnaire, consisting of two modules (24 questions), was validated in 173 individuals aged ≥65 years) during a dermatologist consultation. Dermatologists diagnosed 46% of the individuals with dermatoporosis. The final validated questionnaire consisted of 14 items, 12 consisting in presence or absence of clinical signs and two items consisting of the self‐assessment by individuals of skin ageing on neckline and hands (none/moderate/significant/very significant). A scoring system was generated to quote quantitatively dermatoporosis (from 0 if no sign of dermatoporosis to 20 maximal dermatoporosis). The area under the receiver operator curve was 0.8535, indicating a very good ability of the questionnaire to differentiate between individuals. A cut‐off value of 11 was linked to positive and negative predictive values of 0.78 and 0.81, respectively. In a second step, using the questionnaire in a representative sample of the French population (n = 533), the estimated overall prevalence of dermatoporosis was 37.5% in French subjects aged ≥65 years [27.5% (males) vs. 43.9% (females); P < 0.05]. The estimated prevalence of dermatoporosis was twice higher in subjects with eczema or atopic dermatitis during childhood than in the population without dermatoporosis (60.6% vs. 33.4%, P < 0.001). Individuals with dermatoporosis also reported a higher prevalence of itching, long‐term corticosteroid use, anticoagulant use and prior sun exposure.

Conclusions and relevance

Using a new simple dermatoporosis self‐diagnosis tool, this study provides a previously unprecedented insight into the high prevalence of dermatoporosis in elderly individuals. IDA questionnaire is a short (14‐item) and easy to use tool for evaluating dermatoporosis in adults and may allow an easy evaluation of each subject.
Overexpression of Drosha, DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (DGCR8), and Dicer mRNAs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis
Authors: Rostami Mogaddam Majid , Safavi Ardabili Nastaran , Shafaeei Yousef , Maleki Nasrollah , Jafari Naser , Jafari Alireza
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune inflammatory disease that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals and presents with the development of inflammatory plaques on the skin. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in psoriasis.

Objective

To investigate whether expression of Drosha, DGCR8, and Dicer mRNAs is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Methods

Biopsies were obtained from involved psoriatic skin (PP), noninvolved psoriatic skin (PN), and healthy skin (NN). Expression of Drosha, Dicer, and DGCR8 was assessed with real‐time quantitative real‐time PCR in 25 patients with psoriasis and 25 healthy volunteers.

Results

We observed that expression levels of Drosha, Dicer, and DGCR8 were upregulated in patients with psoriasis compared to the control group. However, the Drosha and Dicer expression levels were higher in PP tissues and PN tissues compared to NN tissues, but they were more upregulated in PP tissues compared to PN tissues (P<.001). Although the DGCR8 expression was higher in PP tissues and PN tissues compared to NN tissues, it was more upregulated in PN tissues compared to PP tissues (P<.001).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that upregulated expression of Drosha, DGCR8, and Dicer mRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Real‐world experience with the all‐oral, interferon‐free regimen of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the German Hepatitis C Registry
Authors: Welzel T. M. , Hinrichsen H. , Sarrazin C. , Buggisch P. , Baumgarten A. , Christensen S. , Berg T. , Mauss S. , Teuber G. , Stein K. , Deterding K. , van Bömmel F. , Heyne R. , John C. , Zimmermann T. , Lutz T. , Schott E. , Hettinger J. , Kleine H. , König B. , Hüppe D. , Wedemeyer H.
Published: March 2017

Real‐world studies are relevant to complement clinical trials on novel antiviral therapies against chronic hepatitis C; however, clinical practice data are currently limited. This study investigated effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r)±dasabuvir (DSV)±ribavirin (RBV) for treatment of HCV genotype (GT) 1 and GT4 infection in a large real‐world cohort. The German Hepatitis C Registry is an observational cohort study prospectively collecting clinical practice data on direct‐acting antiviral therapies. Patients with GT1/4 infection treated with OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV were analysed. Effectiveness was assessed by sustained virologic response in 558 patients who reached post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12). Safety is reported in 1017 patients who initiated treatment. Of the patients, 892 (88%) had GT1 and 125 (12%) had GT4 infection. Prior treatment experience and cirrhosis were reported in 598 (59%) and 228 (22%) patients, respectively. Overall, SVR12 (mITT) was 96% (486/505) in GT1‐ and 100% (53/53) in GT4 patients. SVR12 rates were high across subgroups including patients with cirrhosis (95%, 123/129), patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (100%, 34/34), and subgroups excluded from registrational trials like patients ≥70 years (96%, 64/67) and failures to prior protease inhibitor treatment (96%, 46/48). Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were reported in 52% (525/1017) and 2% (21/1017) of patients, respectively, and led to treatment discontinuation in 1.5% (15/1017) of patients. OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV was effective and generally well tolerated for treatment of HCV infection in clinical practice.
On Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Dynamic Panel Data Models
Authors: Bun Maurice J.G. , Carree Martin A. , Juodis Artūras
Published: March 2017

We analyse the finite sample properties of maximum likelihood estimators for dynamic panel data models. In particular, we consider transformed maximum likelihood (TML) and random effects maximum likelihood (RML) estimation. We show that TML and RML estimators are solutions to a cubic first‐order condition in the autoregressive parameter. Furthermore, in finite samples both likelihood estimators might lead to a negative estimate of the variance of the individual‐specific effects. We consider different approaches taking into account the non‐negativity restriction for the variance. We show that these approaches may lead to a solution different from the unique global unconstrained maximum. In an extensive Monte Carlo study we find that this issue is non‐negligible for small values of T and that different approaches might lead to different finite sample properties. Furthermore, we find that the Likelihood Ratio statistic provides size control in small samples, albeit with low power due to the flatness of the log‐likelihood function. We illustrate these issues modelling US state level unemployment dynamics.
Cardinal and anti‐cardinal points, equalities and chromatic dependence
Authors: Evans Tanya , Harris William F.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Cardinal points are used for ray tracing through Gaussian systems. Anti‐principal and anti‐nodal points (which we shall refer to as the anti‐cardinal points), along with the six familiar cardinal points, belong to a much larger set of special points. The purpose of this paper is to obtain a set of relationships and resulting equalities among the cardinal and anti‐cardinal points and to illustrate them using Pascal's ring.

Methods

The methodology used relies on Gaussian optics and the transference T. We make use of two equations, obtained via the transference, which give the locations of the six cardinal and four anti‐cardinal points with respect to the system. We obtain equalities among the cardinal and anti‐cardinal points. We utilise Pascal's ring to illustrate which points depend on frequency and their displacement with change in frequency.

Results

Pascal described a memory schema in the shape of a hexagon for remembering equalities among the points and illustrating shifts in these points when an aspect of the system changes. We modify and extend Pascal's ring to include the anti‐cardinal points. We make use of Pascal's ring extended to illustrate which points are dependent on the frequency of light and the direction of shift of the equalities with change in frequency. For the reduced eye the principal and nodal points are independent of frequency, but the focal points and the anti‐cardinal points depend on frequency. For Le Grand's four‐surface model eye all six cardinal and four anti‐cardinal points depend on frequency. This has implications for definitions, particularly of chromatic aberrations of the eye, that make use of cardinal points and that themselves depend on frequency.

Conclusions

Pascal's ring and Pascal's ring extended are novel memory schema for remembering the equalities among the cardinal and anti‐cardinal points. The rings are useful for illustrating changes among the equalities and direction of shift of points when an aspect of a system changes. Care should be taken when defining concepts that rely on cardinal points that depend on frequency.
Life‐course of atopy and allergy‐related disease events in tropical sub‐Saharan Africa: A birth cohort study
Authors: Lule Swaib A. , Mpairwe Harriet , Nampijja Margaret , Akello Florence , Kabagenyi Joyce , Namara Benigna , Nkurunungi Gyaviira , Kizito Dennison , Kahwa Joseph , Muhangi Lawrence , Nash Stephen , Muwanga Moses , Webb Emily L. , Elliott Alison M.
Published: March 2017

Background

In high‐income countries, allergy‐related diseases (ARDs) follow a typical sequence, the ‘Atopic March’. Little is known about the life‐course of ARDs in the markedly different, low‐income, tropical environment. We describe ARDs in a tropical, African birth cohort.

Methods

Ugandan children were followed from birth to 9 years. ISAAC questionnaires were completed at intervals; doctor‐diagnosed ARDs were recorded throughout follow‐up. Skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed at 3 and 9 years. Atopy was defined as ≥1 positive SPT.

Results

Of the 2345 live‐born children, 1214 (52%) were seen at 9 years. Wheeze and eczema were common in infancy, but by 9 years, only 4% reported recent wheeze, 5% eczema and 5% rhinitis. Between 3 and 9 years, atopy prevalence increased from 19% to 25%. Atopy at 3 or 9 years was associated with reported ARD events at 9 years, for example OR = 5.2 (95% CI 2.9–10.7) for atopy and recent wheeze at 9 years. Reported or doctor‐diagnosed ARD events in early childhood were associated with the same events in later childhood, for example OR = 4.4 (2.3–8.4) for the association between reported wheeze before 3 years with reported recent wheeze at 9 years, but progression from early eczema to later rhinitis or asthma was not observed.

Conclusion

Allergen sensitization started early in childhood and increased with age. Eczema and wheeze were common in infancy and declined with age. Atopy was strongly associated with ARD among the few affected children. The typical Atopic March did not occur. Environmental exposures during childhood may dissociate atopy and ARD.
Kant's Conceptualism: a New Reading of the Transcendental Deduction
Authors: Shaddock Justin B.
Published: March 2017

I defend a novel interpretation of Kant's conceptualism regarding the contents of our perceptual experiences. Conceptualist interpreters agree that Kant's Deduction aims to prove that intuitions require the categories for their spatiality and temporality. But conceptualists disagree as to which features of space and time make intuitions require the categories. Interpreters have cited the singularity, unity, infinity, and homogeneity of space and time. But this is incompatible with Kant's Aesthetic, which aims to prove that these same features qualify space and time as intuitions, not concepts. On my interpretation, the feature is objectivity. Space and time are objective, in that they ground our judgments in geometry and mechanics.
A Capacitarian Account of Culpable Ignorance
Authors: Rudy‐Hiller Fernando
Published: March 2017

Ignorance usually excuses from responsibility, unless the person is culpable for the ignorance itself. Since a lot of wrongdoing occurs in ignorance, the question of what makes ignorance culpable is central for a theory of moral responsibility. In this article I examine a prominent answer, which I call the ‘volitionalist tracing account,’ and criticize it on the grounds that it relies on an overly restrictive conception of responsibility‐relevant control. I then propose an alternative, which I call the ‘capacitarian conception of control,’ and on the basis of it I advance an account of culpable ignorance that avoids the skeptical upshots of the volitionalist proposal. If correct, my account establishes three important truths: agents can be directly in control of their ignorance, they can be directly responsible for more than actions and omissions, and their moral obligations extend beyond the performance of intentional actions and omissions.
Cognitive Performance and the Alteration of Neuroendocrine Hormones in Chronic Tension‐Type Headache
Authors: Qu Ping , Yu Jin‐Xia , Xia Lan , Chen Gui‐Hai
Published: March 2017

Tension‐type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache. Chronic TTH (CTTH), the most serious form of TTH, is refractory, with a high socio‐economic burden. Research studies have shown patients with migraine often had cognitive impairment, but few studies have focused on the cognition in patients with CTTH. In this study, we assumed that patients with CTTH also have cognitive impairments, which are modulated by the neuroendocrine state. Participants were recruited, including patients with CTTH and healthy controls. Cognitive ability was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Nine Box Maze Test. The administration of neuroendocrine hormones has been established to be associated with cognitive performance, and we detected the hormonal changes in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis, and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone. These results showed that compared to the controls, significant cognitive impairment and neuroendocrine dysfunction were present in the patients with CTTH. We also assessed the correlations between the neuroendocrine hormones and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, 17‐term Hamilton's Depression Scale score, pain intensity, and duration of pain to determine whether the neuroendocrine hormones had any associations with these symptoms of CTTH. These results showed that changes in neuroendocrine hormones were involved in these symptoms of CTTH. Intervention with the neuroendocrine state may be a strategy for CTTH treatment.
Phenomenal Externalism's Explanatory Power
Authors: Ross Peter W.
Published: March 2017

I argue that phenomenal externalism is preferable to phenomenal internalism on the basis of externalism's explanatory power with respect to qualitative character. I argue that external qualities, namely, external physical properties that are qualitative independent of consciousness, are necessary to explain qualitative character, and that phenomenal externalism is best understood as accepting external qualities while phenomenal internalism is best understood as rejecting them. I build support for the claim that external qualities are necessary to explain qualitative character on the basis of a model of color perception as a certain sort of information filter by which perceivers gain access to external qualities.
The novel KIR3DS1*085 allele identified in a southern Chinese Han individual
Authors: Wang S.‐X. , Xu Y.‐P. , Gao S.‐Q. , Yang A.‐L.
Published: March 2017

KIR3DS1*085 allele differs from the closest allele
KIR3DS1*01301 at nucleotide 934 C>T in exon 5.
Combining two antifungal agents does not enhance survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with Madurella mycetomatis
Authors: Eadie Kimberly , Parel Florianne , Helvert‐van Poppel Marilyn , Fahal Ahmed , van de Sande Wendy
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine whether combination therapy would improve therapeutic outcome in eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis.

Methods

Survival, colony‐forming units (CFU), melanisation and histopathology in M. mycetomatis‐infected Galleria mellonella larvae treated with amphotericin B, itraconazole, terbinafine or combinations thereof were determined.

Results

Compared to larvae treated with 5% glucose, enhanced survival was obtained when M. mycetomatis‐infected larvae were treated with amphotericin B, but not when they were treated with itraconazole or terbinafine. Combination therapy did not increase survival compared to 5% glucose‐treated larvae, itraconazole‐treated larvae or terbinafine‐treated larvae. Compared to amphotericin B monotreatment, a significant decrease in survival was noted when this therapy was combined with either itraconazole or terbinafine. CFU, melanisation and histopathology did not differ between monotherapy, combination therapy or 5% glucose‐treated larvae.

Conclusions

Combining different classes of antifungal agents did not enhance the survival of M. mycetomatis‐infected G. mellonella larvae. Instead of improving the therapeutic outcome, combining either itraconazole or terbinafine with amphotericin B resulted in significantly lower survival rates of infected larvae than amphotericin B monotherapy. This experimental study does not provide support for the use of combined amphotericin B and itraconazole, combined itraconazole and terbinafine or combined terbinafine and amphotericin B and should be confirmed in other animal models.
Metabolic syndrome in patients on first‐line antiretroviral therapy containing zidovudine or tenofovir in rural Lesotho, Southern Africa
Authors: Labhardt Niklaus Daniel , Müller Urs Franz , Ringera Isaac , Ehmer Jochen , Motlatsi Mokete M. , Pfeiffer Karolin , Hobbins Michael A. , Muhairwe Josephine A. , Muser Juergen , Hatz Christoph
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients in rural Lesotho who are taking first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing either zidovudine or tenofovir disoproxil.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey in 10 facilities in Lesotho among adult (≥16 years) patients on non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based first‐line ART for ≥6 months. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Results

Among 1166 patients (65.8% female), 22.2% (95% CI: 19.3–25.3) of women and 6.3% (4.1–9.1) of men met the IDF definition of MetS (P < 0.001). In both sexes, there was no significant difference in MetS prevalence between NNRTIs. However, in women taking zidovudine as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), MetS prevalence was 27.9%, vs. 18.8% in those taking tenofovir. In the multivariate logistic regression allowing for socio‐demographic and clinical covariates, ART containing zidovudine was associated with MetS in women (aOR 2.17 (1.46–3.22), P < 0.001) but not in men.

Conclusion

In this study, taking ART containing zidovudine instead of tenofovir disoproxil was an independent predictor of MetS in women but not in men. This finding endorses WHO's recommendation of tenofovir as preferred NRTI.
Wear Rate and Entropy Generation Sources in a Ti6Al4V–WC/10Co Sliding Pair
Authors: Rudas J. S. , Gómez L. M. , Toro A. , Gutiérrez J. M. , Corz A.
Published: March 2017

The potential of applying thermodynamics to study the tribological response of a tribological system is addressed in this paper. In order to do so, a model was developed to obtain the entropy flow generated by three different dissipative processes present in dry sliding, namely, thermal gradient, heat conduction, and abrasion. The flash and bulk temperatures at the contact interface were obtained with the aid of the finite element method (FEM), and pin-on-disk tests were performed by using titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) disks and tungsten carbide (WC/10Co) pins. Then, the wear rate obtained from the tribological tests was correlated with the calculated entropy flow, and a degradation coefficient was associated to the sliding process. A linear dependence of the wear rate and the degradation coefficient was observed regardless of the variation of the points of operation of the system, so it is proposed that the coefficient of degradation used is inherent to the tribological system.
A Taguchi-Fuzzy-Based Multi-Objective Optimization of a Direct Injection Diesel Engine Fueled With Different Blends of Leucas Zeylanica Methyl Ester and 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate Diesel Additive With Diesel
Authors: Panda Jibitesh Kumar , Sastry G. R. K. , Rai Ram Naresh
Published: March 2017

The increasing price of conventional diesel fuel, its deficiency, and the injurious outcome of combustion produced contaminants seem to make different sources more fascinating. Leucas zeylanica plant is noncomestible in nature and available abundantly. Leucas zeylanica methyl ester is renewable and least polluting fuel, which can supplement fossil fuels with unmodified engine condition. The existing experimentation assesses the performance and emission analysis by using various blends of leucas zeylanica methyl ester, diesel, and diesel additives like 2-ethylhexyl nitrate. This experimental investigation gives less engine emission and better performance as compared with mineral diesel. In the radical portion of this investigation, fuzzy-based Taguchi optimization for predicting the optimum input blends results in the optimum combination of performance and emissions parameter.
Mid-IR resonant cavity detectors
Authors: O'Loughlin Trevor A. , Savich Gregory R. , Sidor Daniel E. , Marozas Brendan T. , Golding Terry D. , Jamison Keith D. , Fredin Leif , Fowler Burt , Priyantha Weerasinghe , Wicks Gary W.
Published: March 2017

Resonant cavity detectors based on III–V materials have been designed, grown entirely by molecular beam epitaxy, fabricated, and tested. They offer a low noise (dark current densities of 0.4 mA/cm2 were measured at 298 K, close to the predicted value of 0.31 mA/cm2), narrow response detector (full width at half maximum of 57 nm in GaSb and 45 nm in InAs) in the mid-infrared region, with future applications in spectroscopy, gas sensing, and optical communications.
Growth of ordered and disordered ZnSnN2
Authors: Makin Robert Allen , Senabulya Nancy , Mathis James , Feldberg N. , Miska P. , Clarke Roy , Durbin Steven M.
Published: March 2017

A series of ZnSnN2 films has been grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy in order to investigate the possibility of controlled cation sublattice disorder as well as its effects on physical and electronic properties of the material. By varying the growth conditions, specifically either the metal to nitrogen flux ratio or the substrate temperature, the authors have confirmed the existence of both the hexagonal and orthorhombic phases of the material via synchrotron x-ray diffraction and in situ reflection high energy electron diffraction measurements. Here, the authors report the results of an initial mapping and analysis of the growth parameter space, as part of continuing efforts to improve material quality.