bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An RNA-Based Digital Circulating Tumor Cell Signature Is Predictive of Drug Response and Early Dissemination in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Miyamoto David T. , Lee Richard J. , Kalinich Mark , LiCausi Joseph A. , Zheng Yu , Chen Tianqi , Milner John D. , Emmons Erin , Ho Uyen , Broderick Katherine , Silva Erin , Javaid Sarah , Kwan Tanya Todorova , Hong Xin , Dahl Douglas M. , McGovern Francis J. , Efstathiou Jason A. , Smith Matthew R. , Sequist Lecia V. , Kapur Ravi , Wu Chin-Lee , Stott Shannon L. , Ting David T. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Toner Mehmet , Maheswaran Shyamala , Haber Daniel A.
Published: January 2018

Blood-based biomarkers are critical in metastatic prostate cancer, where characteristic bone metastases are not readily sampled, and they may enable risk stratification in localized disease. We established a sensitive and high-throughput strategy for analyzing prostate circulating tumor cells (CTC) using microfluidic cell enrichment followed by digital quantitation of prostate-derived transcripts. In a prospective study of 27 patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with first-line abiraterone, pretreatment elevation of the digital CTCM score identifies a high-risk population with poor overall survival (HR = 6.0; P = 0.01) and short radiographic progression-free survival (HR = 3.2; P = 0.046). Expression of HOXB13 in CTCs identifies 6 of 6 patients with ≤12-month survival, with a subset also expressing the ARV7 splice variant. In a second cohort of 34 men with localized prostate cancer, an elevated preoperative CTCL score predicts microscopic dissemination to seminal vesicles and/or lymph nodes (P < 0.001). Thus, digital quantitation of CTC-specific transcripts enables noninvasive monitoring that may guide treatment selection in both metastatic and localized prostate cancer.

Significance: There is an unmet need for biomarkers to guide prostate cancer therapies, for curative treatment of localized cancer and for application of molecularly targeted agents in metastatic disease. Digital quantitation of prostate CTC-derived transcripts in blood specimens is predictive of abiraterone response in metastatic cancer and of early dissemination in localized cancer. Cancer Discov; 8(3); 288–303. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Heitzer and Speicher, p. 269.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 253
Vocal Fry and Vowel Height in Simulated Room Acoustics
Authors: Cantor-Cutiva Lady Catherine , Bottalico Pasquale , Ishi Carlos Toshinori , Hunter Eric James
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of room acoustics in the relationship between vowel height and vocal fry. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants (college students, n = 40) read the first six sentences of “The Rainbow Passage” under nine simulated room acoustic conditions. Using two words with low vowels (act, pot) and two words with high vowels (shape, strikes) preceding a voiceless stop, the presence/absence of vocal fry was assessed using an automatic detection script. Generalized estimation equations were used to investigate the relationship between percentage of vocal fry, vowel height, and room acoustics. Results: The percentage of vocal fry was significantly higher for the low-height vowels compared with the high-height vowels (β = 1.21; standard er ror = 0.35), and for pink background noise present (β = 0.89; standard error = 0.35) compared with the condition without artificial noise added. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that young college students are more likely to produce fry phonation when producing low-height vowels under pink background noise condition compared with no noise conditions and high-height vowels. This result is of special interest for voice clinicians when designing therapy plans and vocal assessment protocols with fry-like components.
Alopecia and Associated Toxic Agents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yu Vicky , Juhász Margit , Chiang Audris , Atanaskova Mesinkovska Natasha
Published: January 2018

Importance/Objective: There are a number of toxic agents that can cause alopecia. In this review we summarize the known substances that cause alopecia as one of the clinical signs of overdose or toxicity. Evidence Review: A search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane for studies describing hair loss of any type as a result of exposure to or ingestion of a toxic agent. The search yielded 856 articles, with 47 studies included in this review. Findings: Agents with the strongest evidence of association to alopecia include thallium, mercury, selenium, and colchicine. Agents with described incidents include boric acid, arsenic, vitamin A, botulinum toxin, Podostroma cornu-damae, and the synthetic opioid MT-45. Conclusions and Relevance: Numerous toxic agents have been implicated in alopecia, and the strength of evidence behind each agent varies. Toxic levels of thallium and colchicine have long been established to cause alopecia, as compared to agents such as botulinum toxin A and synthetic recreational drugs which have less literature describing their links to alopecia and will need further investigation to characterize their relationships to hair loss. Knowledge of typical presentations of hair loss will aid in the development of a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with alopecia.
Alteration of von Willebrand Factor after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the Absence of Paravalvular Regurgitation
Authors: Pawlitschek Felix , Keyl Cornelius , Zieger Barbara , Budde Ulrich , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Neumann Franz-Josef , Stratz Christian , Nührenberg Thomas , Trenk Dietmar
Published: January 2018

Moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is frequently associated with a loss of high-molecular-weight multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and a reduced VWF collagen-binding capacity. It is unclear whether this phenomenon can also be observed in patients with mild paravalvular regurgitation, and whether there are differences between patients undergoing conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) or TAVI. We analysed the multimeric structure of VWF and the ratio of VWF collagen-binding capacity to VWF antigen pre- and postoperatively in 12 patients scheduled for AVR and in 31 patients scheduled for TAVI. Echocardiographic examinations were performed pre-, intra- and postoperatively. Nine patients (75%) undergoing AVR and 18 patients (58%) undergoing TAVI showed pathological VWF functionality preoperatively (p = 0.48). Five to 7 days postoperatively, VWF functionality normalised in all patients with AVR, four of them with mild paravalvular regurgitation. VWF functionality was still altered in nine patients after TAVI (p = 0.044 between groups), five of them with and four without mild paravalvular regurgitation (p = 0.1).

Altered VWF functionality was observed in nearly one-third of patients after TAVI, but not after AVR. This phenomenon was not related to paravalvular regurgitation, but may indicate differences in the response of the haemostatic system to the prosthetic heart valve design or the valve replacement procedure.
Amino-Fucoidan as a Vector for rtPA-Induced Fibrinolysis in Experimental Thrombotic Events
Authors: Ghebouli Radouane , Loyau Stephane , Maire Murielle , Saboural Pierre , Collet Jean-Philippe , Jandrot-Perrus Martine , Letourneur Didier , Chaubet Frédéric , Michel Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2018

Acute ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism are the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Thrombolysis by intravenous injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) remains the most common non-interventional treatment to recanalize occluded vessels. However, this procedure is limited by significant drawbacks, including high doses and bleeding complications. Recent studies showed that fucoidan targets the intraluminal thrombus in vivo. We have developed a chimaera covalently linking fucoidan, able to target platelets within the thrombus, to dilysine, able to non-covalently bind rtPA. We hypothesize that this construct should vectorize rtPA to the thrombus, thus increasing its fibrinolytic efficacy and avoiding its deleterious effects. In vitro, rtPA mixed to dilysine fucoidan (DLF) shows a greater fibrinolytic effect than rtPA alone, both on platelet-rich thrombus and in whole blood. In vivo, occluded mesenteric vessels, carotid artery and vena cava were more efficiently recanalized by DLF complexed to rtPA than by rtPA alone. This study thus provides evidence that DLF may be a promising therapeutic tool to fight against acute thrombosis by enhancing rtPA fibrinolytic efficiency.
Clinical Impact and Course of Anticoagulant-Related Major Bleeding in Cancer Patients
Authors: Kraaijpoel Noémie , van Es Nick , Bleker Suzanne , Brekelmans Marjolein , Eerenberg Elise , Middeldorp Saskia , Cohen Alexander , Raskob Gary , Büller Harry
Published: January 2018

Cancer patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) have a two- to six-fold increased risk of anticoagulant-related major bleeding events compared with VTE patients without cancer. It is unknown whether major bleeding events are more severe in cancer patients than in those without cancer. Individual patient data from four randomized phase III trials that compared factor Xa inhibitors and vitamin K antagonists for the treatment of VTE were used to compare the severity of major bleeding events in patients with and without cancer. Using predefined criteria, the severity of the clinical presentation and course of major bleeding events were classified into four categories of increasing severity. A one-stage meta-analysis was used to evaluate the effect of cancer on the severity of the clinical presentation and course by estimating crude odds ratios (ORs) and ORs adjusted for age, sex and anticoagulant type with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study group comprised 290 patients with major bleeding, of whom 50 (17%) had cancer. The clinical presentation was judged to be severe (category 3 or 4) in 38% of patients with cancer and 44% of patients without cancer (adjusted OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.47–1.72). The clinical course was found to be severe in 20 and 25% of patients with and without cancer, respectively (adjusted OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.35–1.61). The present study suggests that the clinical presentation and course of anticoagulant-related major bleeding events are not more severe in cancer patients than in patients without cancer. This may be reassuring for physicians who treat cancer patients with anticoagulant-related bleeding.
Defibrotide Stimulates Angiogenesis and Protects Endothelial Cells from Calcineurin Inhibitor-Induced Apoptosis via Upregulation of AKT/Bcl-xL
Authors: Wang Xiangmin , Pan Bin , Hashimoto Yuko , Ohkawara Hiroshi , Xu Kailin , Zeng Lingyu , Ikezoe Takayuki
Published: January 2018

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is a life-threatening complication that can occur after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Defibrotide (DF) has been approved for the treatment of individuals with severe sinusoidal obstruction syndrome following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the European Union and the United States. However, the precise mechanisms by which DF protects endothelial cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we found that DF stimulated angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo as assessed by vascular tube formation, scratch-wound repair and Matrigel plug assays. These effects were associated with an activation of pro-survival signalling pathways, including AKT (protein kinase B), ERK (extracellular signal–regulated kinases) and p38. More importantly, DF alleviated calcineurin inhibitor–induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells in parallel with upregulation of anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma–extra-large (Bcl-xL), which was mediated by AKT (protein kinase B). Notably, these effects were abrogated when Bcl-xL was depleted by small interfering RNA (ribonucleic acid). In addition, DF counteracted calcineurin inhibitor–induced activation of nuclear factor-κB and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling and production of cytokines in vascular endothelial cell–derived EA.hy926 cells. Taken together, DF has pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects on endothelial cells. DF is a potentially useful agent to prevent the development of, and treat individuals with, endothelial cell injury–related complications after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Insights into 3D Structure of ADAMTS13: A Stepping Stone towards Novel Therapeutic Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Ercig Bogac , Wichapong Kanin , Reutelingsperger Chris , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Voorberg Jan , Nicolaes Gerry
Published: January 2018

ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type-1 motif, member 13) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) can be considered as scale weights which control platelet adhesion during primary haemostasis. In a very uncommon condition designated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), functional absence of ADAMTS13 tips the balance toward VWF-mediated platelet adhesion in the microcirculation. TTP is associated with a high mortality and arises from either a congenital or acquired autoimmune deficiency of the plasma enzyme ADAMTS13. In case of acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency, autoantibodies bind to and inhibit the function of ADAMTS13. Currently available treatments of TTP aim to supply ADAMTS13 through plasma exchange or are aimed at B-cell depletion with rituximab. None of the available therapeutics, however, aims at protection of ADAMTS13 from circulating autoantibodies. In this review, our aim is to describe the structure–function relationship of ADAMTS13 employing homology models and previously published crystal structures. Structural bioinformatics investigation of ADAMTS13 reveals many insights and explains how mutations and autoantibodies may lead to the pathophysiology of TTP. The results of these studies provide a roadmap for the further development of rationally designed therapeutics for the treatment of patients with acquired TTP. In addition, we share our opinion on the state of the art of the open–closed conformations of ADAMTS13 which regulate the activity of this highly specific VWF cleaving protease.
Rationale, Design and Methodology of the Computerized Registry of Patients with Venous Thromboembolism (RIETE)
Authors: Bikdeli Behnood , Jimenez David , Hawkins Mayra , Ortíz Salvador , Prandoni Paolo , Brenner Benjamin , Decousus Hervé , Masoudi Frederick , Trujillo-Santos Javier , Krumholz Harlan , Monreal Manuel ,   for the RIETE Investigators
Published: January 2018

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a preventable cause of in-hospital death, and one of the most prevalent vascular diseases. There is a lack of knowledge with regards to contemporary presentation, management and outcomes of patients with VTE. Many clinically important subgroups (including the elderly, those with recent bleeding and pregnant patients) have been under-represented in clinical trials. Furthermore, design of clinical trials is challenging in some scenarios, such as in those with hemodynamically unstable PE. RIETE (Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbolica) is a large prospective multinational ongoing registry, designed to address these unmet needs using representative data from multiple centres. Initiated in Spain in 2001, RIETE currently includes 179 centres in 24 countries and has enrolled more than 72,000 patients. RIETE has helped characterize the pattern of presentation and outcomes of VTE, including the aforementioned understudied subgroups. RIETE has recently expanded to collect long-term outcome data, and has broadened its inclusion criteria to enrol other forms of venous thrombosis (such as cerebral vein thrombosis and splanchnic vein thrombosis). The RIETE platform is also being used to conduct pragmatic comparative effectiveness studies, including randomized trials. Future steps would focus on collaboration with additional centres across the world, and efforts to ensure the quality and expansion of the registry. In conclusion, RIETE is a large ongoing registry of patients with VTE and other thrombotic conditions. Its results could be helpful for improving our understanding of the epidemiology, patterns of care and outcomes of patients with thrombotic disease.
The Pathophysiological Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Bonaventura Aldo , Liberale Luca , Carbone Federico , Vecchié Alessandra , Diaz-Cañestro Candela , Camici Giovanni , Montecucco Fabrizio , Dallegri Franco
Published: January 2018

Neutrophil pathogen-killing mechanism termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has been recently identified. NETs consist of chromatin and histones along with serine proteases and myeloperoxidase and are induced by a great variety of infectious and non-infectious stimuli. NETosis is a kind of programmed neutrophil death characterized by chromatin decondensation and release of nuclear granular contents, mainly driven by peptidylarginine deiminase 4 citrullination of histones. Although classically related to the protection against infectious pathogens, nowadays NETs have been described as a player of several pathophysiological processes. Neutrophil dysregulation has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of most representative vascular diseases, such as acute coronary syndrome, stroke and venous thrombosis. Indeed, NETs have been identified within atherosclerotic lesions and arterial thrombi in both human beings and animal models. Moreover, an imbalance in this mechanism has been proposed as a critical source of modified and/or externalized autoantigens in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Finally, an update on the role of NETs in the pathogenesis of cancer has been included. In the present review, based on papers released on PubMed and MEDLINE up to July 2017, we point to update the knowledge on NETs, from their structure to their roles in infectious diseases as well as in cardiovascular diseases, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders and cancer, with a look to future perspectives and therapeutic opportunities.
Redescription of the rare South American worm lizard Amphisbaena rozei (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae)
Authors: Costa Henrique C. , Señaris Josefa Celsa , Rojas-Runjaic Fernando J.M. , Zaher Hussam , Garcia Paulo C.A.
Published: January 2018

Amphisbaena rozei is endemic to the Caura River basin in Venezuela, and known only from the holotype and one paratype. Its original description is very brief, lacking relevant information used by taxonomists today. Additionally, A. rozei appears to be similar to A. spurrelli, a species from northwestern Colombia and southern Panama. We present a redescription of A. rozei based on the examination of the type specimens and compare this taxon to the other known South American amphisbaenids, especially A. spurrelli. We conclude A. rozei is a valid name, and the species is diagnosed mainly by the presence of four precloacal pores, a lateral sulcus, 205–209 body annuli, 20 caudal annuli, 15–16 dorsal and 14 ventral segments on a midbody annulus, and dorsal surface of tail covered by strong tubercles.
Late Oligocene–Miocene non-lunulate sand dollars of South America: Revision of abertellid taxa and descriptions of two new families, two new genera, and a new species
Authors: MOOI RICH , MARTÍNEZ SERGIO A. , RÍO CLAUDIA J. DEL , RAMOS MARIA INÊS FEIJÓ
Published: January 2018

Material for all seven South American species of late Oligocene and Miocene scutelliform, non-lunulate sand dollars (Echinoidea: Clypeasteroida) was examined, resulting in revision of several taxa, and description of a new family, Placatenellidae n. fam., to house Placatenella n. gen. and Camachoaster n. gen. Known only from the state of Pará, Brazil, and previously described as a member of Abertella Durham, 1953, A. complanata Brito, 1981 is redescribed on the basis of analysis of the holotype and subsequently described material from the same region. A. complanata is removed from synonymy with A. pirabensis (Marchesini Santos, 1958), and transferred as the type species of Placatenella n. gen. A new taxon, Camachoaster n. gen., is described to hold C. maquedensis n. sp. The Abertellidae Durham, 1955 is revised and the concept of the genus Abertella restricted to include only those forms with a posterior notch and all interambulacra discontinuous, including A. pirabensis, which is redescribed from the only known specimen, confirming that this species lacks any trace of an anal lunule but possesses features fully congruent with its placement in Abertella. Iheringiellidae n. fam. is established to house the common but taxonomically challenging taxon, Iheringiella Berg, 1898. New data on the occurrence and location of the types of Iheringiella are discussed, and comments on the status of Eoscutella mirandae Parma, 1985 provided. A tabular key to all seven South American non-lunulates is given, along with discussion of the relationship between the posterior notch and the anal lunule.
Two new species of Frankliniella (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from Argentina with a key to species from Argentina and Chile
Authors: BORBÓN CARLOS MANUEL DE , ZAMAR MARÍA INÉS
Published: January 2018

A key is provided to 27 species of Frankliniella recorded from Argentina and Chile. Two new species are described from Argentina: Frankliniella inesae sp. n. from Baccharis [Asteraceae] and Frankliniella juancarlosi sp. n. from Junellia [Verbenaceae]. Two species are newly recorded from Argentina: Frankliniella condei John and Frankliniella longipennis (Moulton). Pore plates on sternite III of females and a vestigial craspedum on tergite VII are used as diagnostic characters.
A “Mixed” Strategy for Collaborative Group Formation and Its Learning Outcomes
Authors: Acharya Anal , Sinha Devadatta
Published: January 2018

This study uses homogeneity in personal learning styles and heterogeneity in subject knowledge for collaborative learning group decomposition indicating that groups are “mixed” in nature. Homogeneity within groups was formed using K-means clustering and greedy search, whereas heterogeneity imbibed using agenda-driven search. For checking learning effectiveness, a simple schema of collaborative learning was proposed and prototype learning system developed using Android Emulator. Multiple regression analysis was applied on their learning results to derive regression coefficients for determining learning efficiency. The derived set of regression coefficients suggests more the time taken to form groups, better the student learning quality.
A Generic Pedagogic Model for Academically Based Professional Officer Education
Authors: Hedlund Erik
Published: January 2018

After the end of the Cold War, many European countries cut back so heavily on defense expenditure that they lost their capacity to defend themselves. This resulted in greater need for improved cooperation and interoperability among member states’ armed forces. One important attempt to improve the understanding and interoperability among the European Union (EU) nation’s armed forces was taken in 2008 by the creation of the European Initiative for exchange of young officers aimed to make the officer education in Europe more transparent and convergent with each other. This article presents a proposal for a generic pedagogic model for an academically professional officer education that can improve understanding and interoperability among the EU nation’s armed forces. The model helps to facilitate a process of professionalization of the military profession with an officer education that can meet the requirements of higher education systems as well as the demands of the military profession.
African American Urban Electoral Politics in the Age of Jim Crow
Authors: Materson Lisa G. , Trotter Joe William
Published: January 2018

This article reviews the literature on black politics in the United States during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It argues that with notable exceptions, the expanding corpus of scholarship on black politics has largely focused on grassroots organizing and social movements, making electoral politics a secondary force in the history of African Americans. This critique of recent scholarship frames and introduces four articles in this special section that carry forward research on urban electoral politics as a central feature of black freedom struggles. By looking at the level of local urban party politics, this new work, this article asserts, challenges familiar narratives about the history of black electoral politics, including the steadfastness of black Republican loyalty before the Depression, the characterization of the black struggle against disfranchisement as a southern story, and the representation of black electoral leadership as middle class.
“La Polimigra”
Authors: Bustamante Juan José , Gamino Eric
Published: January 2018

This article examines the use of a presumption of illegality by local police officers to enforce a deportation regime in the Northwest Arkansas region. We employed an integrated racialized legal violence model to understand the way officers and immigration authorities collaborate to screen immigrants’ legal status for deportation purposes. Rather than focusing on how collaborations operate from an institutional point of view, the article provided a detailed and rich experiential description of participants’ realities shaped by the interplay of migration policy and local police practices. We concluded that the screening tactics used by local police in the cases considered in this article reflect a form of racialized legal violence intended to enforce a deportation regime against unauthorized people of Latino origin from this Arkansas area.
Studies on adsorption of rare earth elements from nitric acid solution with macroporous silica-based bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid impregnated polymeric adsorbent
Authors: Shu Qiding , Khayambashi Afshin , Wang Xinpeng , Wei Yuezhou
Published: January 2018

For the adsorption and recovery of rare earth elements from aqueous nitric acid, solid-phase extraction resins were prepared by impregnating and immobilizing of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid extractant into the macroporous silica-based polymeric (SiO2-P) particles. It was found that bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/SiO2-P had higher adsorption distribution coefficient for heavy rare earth elements than for light rare earth elements. The adsorption capacity of Gd(III) was observed to be 0.315 mmol g−1 by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/SiO2-P in 0.1 M HNO3 at 298 K, which increased slightly when increasing temperature from 298 to 323 K. The adsorption isotherms of Gd(III) matched well with the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The obtained thermodynamic parameters (ΔHo and ΔGo) showed that the adsorption of Gd(III) by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/SiO2-P was a spontaneous and exothermic process. This study also evaluated the chemical stability of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/SiO2-P treated with nitric acid at different temperatures and demonstrated that bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/SiO2-P had considerable stability against nitric acid and heat.
Age Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms by Age at Immigration among Older Men and Women of Mexican Descent: The Role of Social Resources
Authors: Monserud Maria A. , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: January 2018

Drawing on eight waves of data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, this study uses growth curve models to provide a better understanding of the impact of age at immigration and gender on age trajectories of depressive symptoms among older adults of Mexican descent (aged 65+). The findings reveal that (1) regardless of immigrant status and age at immigration, men have similar age trajectories of depressive symptoms; (2) compared with U.S.-born women, late-life (beyond age 50) immigrant women report more depressive symptoms at age 65, whereas midlife (between ages 20 and 49) immigrant women experience steeper increases in these symptoms with age; (3) controlling for socioeconomic status leads to advantages in mental health at age 65, but steeper age-related increases in depressive symptoms among midlife (between ages 20 and 49) immigrant men and fewer depressive symptoms among late-life (beyond age 50) immigrant women.
Dopamine self-polymerized along with hydroxyapatite onto the preactivated titanium percutaneous implants surface to promote human gingival fibroblast behavior and antimicrobial activity for biological sealing
Authors: Yang Minggang , Jiang Peipei , Ge Yang , Lan Fang , Zhou Xuedong , He Jing , Wu Yao
Published: January 2018

The clinical success of dental implants requires not only the optimum osseointegration but also the integration of implant surface with soft tissues to form biological sealing. In this study, alkali-heat treatment was applied to modify the pure titanium surface constructing a unique micro-and nano-structure. Then, poly(dopamine), along and with the additional incorporation of hydroxyapatite and carboxymethyl chitosan have been successfully infiltrated into the preactivated Ti surface during dopamine self-polymerization proceeding. Here, the effects of poly(dopamine)-modified surface coating on the biological behaviors of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and oral pathogens have been systematically studied, which was critical for the early peri-implant soft tissue integration. The results showed that the poly(dopamine)-modified alkali-heat-titanium surface was a superior substrate for human gingival fibroblast adhesion, spread and proliferation. Moreover, further enhancements on cytoskeleton organization, collagen secretion and fibronectin adsorption were generally observed through the additional incorporation of hydroxyapatite. The addition of carboxymethyl chitosan exerted a positive modulation effect on antibacterial activity. Overall, our study demonstrated that combined superior soft tissue integration and antibacterial activity can be achieved by using poly(dopamine)-modified titanium implant, which has great potential in the optimal design of dental implant.
Dynamic Instructions in Check-All-That-Apply Questions
Authors: Kunz Tanja , Fuchs Marek
Published: January 2018

Check-all-that-apply questions are one of the most commonly used question formats in self-administered surveys. They are especially valuable because they allow respondents to select several responses from a list of alternatives that they consider applicable. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of different types of instructions requesting a specific number of responses to a check-all-that-apply question in a web survey. We compared “static” instructions that are always visible together with the question stem, “dynamic” instructions that instantly appear once respondents start answering the question, and “combined” instructions taking advantage of both static and dynamic instructions. Findings showed that in view of respondent compliance with the instruction, the combination of a static and dynamic instruction is most effective. However, findings also revealed that the specific number of responses requested in the instruction has to be taken into account as a decisive factor influencing the response selection process and ultimately data quality.
Unfreedom Unbound: Developing a Cumulative Approach to Understanding Unfree Labour in Singapore
Authors: Yea Sallie , Chok Stephanie
Published: January 2018

This article proposes a cumulative approach to contemporary manifestations of unfree labour based on an exploration of dynamic combinations of common elements of the phenomenon. This understanding challenges enumerative and depoliticized tendencies in current approaches to both characterizing unfree labour and identifying victims. A cumulative approach recognizes the interlocking impacts of multiple forms of compulsion and duress, which shape the choices migrant workers make when their alternatives are severely limited and agency constrained. To illustrate this approach the article draws on a case study of Bangladeshi contract migrant construction workers in Singapore.
Flight operation and airframe design for tradeoff between cost and environmental impact
Authors: Wang Yu , Xing Yu , Yu Xiongqing , Zhang Shuai
Published: January 2018

Besides the influence of aircraft noise and emissions on the local air quality, the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate achieves more and more attention recently. The engine is very important for the noise and emission reductions, whereas the airframe and flight conditions have great effect on these items as well. This paper aims to study the effect of the airframe parameters and the flight conditions on the emissions during standardized landing and takeoff cycle, the total emitted greenhouse gas, the noise during approach, and the cost with the multidisciplinary analysis framework. The analysis displays that the cruise and the climb stages have the main effect on global warming potential with about 95%, and reducing the cruise altitude may result in a decrease of the global warming impact but an increase of direct operating cost. The flap with fewer gaps is better to be employed for the noise reduction. Meanwhile, a larger wing area is needed to make up for a loss of aerodynamic effect. The steeper approach could reduce both of the noise during approach and the emissions during landing and takeoff-cycle. Two types of configuration are achieved after optimization.
High-linear digital hydraulic valve control by an equal coded valve system and novel switching schemes
Authors: Paloniitty Miika , Linjama Matti
Published: January 2018

This study proposes a novel digital hydraulic valve system using multiple equal size on/off valves and a circulating switching control, with an aim to increase the resolution and the linearity of the digital hydraulic valve systems. The solution is founded on the equal coded valve system concept which represents a recent development in the digital hydraulic valve technology. The circulating switching control algorithm is used to overcome nonlinearities occurring in the typical non-circulating switching control and to decrease the operating frequency of single on/off valves. As a result, a substantial improvement in tracking control performance is demonstrated with 8 + 8 parallel connected valves. The results verify that compact, robust, and high-performance valve control can be realized.
Characterization of the interaction between human serum albumin and diazinon via spectroscopic and molecular docking methods
Authors: Hadichegeni S , Goliaei B , Taghizadeh M , Davoodmanesh S , Taghavi F , Hashemi M
Published: January 2018

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a soluble blood protein which binds to small molecules (such as drugs and toxins) and transfers them within the blood circulation. In this research, the interaction of diazinon, as a toxic organophosphate, with HSA was investigated. Various biophysical methods such as fluorescence, ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and molecular docking were utilized to characterize the binding properties of diazinon to HSA under physiological-like condition. The UV-vis spectroscopy showed that the absorption increased and the fluorescence intensity of HSA decreased regularly with regard to the gradual increases of the concentrations of diazinon. Due to the binding constant of ( ka = 3.367 × 10+4 M−1), the α-helix structure for the first day and 35 days of incubation were obtained 66.09–55.4% and 59.99–46.48%, respectively, and their amounts in other secondary structures (β-sheet, β-anti, and random (r) coils) were increased. The molecular docking revealed a good binding site in HSA (Trp-214) for diazinon which was related to the considerable alterations in HSA secondary and tertiary structures. There is a close relationship between the secondary structure of protein and its biological activity and after 35 days of incubation, the high toxic concentrations of diazinon can make HSA to be partially unfolded and lose its structure.
Trends in use of hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus patients from 2001 to 2015
Authors: Bermas B L , Kim S C , Huybrechts K , Mogun H , Hernandez-Diaz S , Bateman B T , Desai R J
Published: January 2018

Background

Evidence suggests that continuing hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) during pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) improves outcomes. We sought to describe time trends in the continuation, initiation, and duration of HCQ in a large population-based cohort of pregnant SLE women.

Methods

A cohort of pregnant women with SLE enrolled continuously in public (Medicaid, 2001–2010) or private (Optum Clinformatics, 2003–2015) health insurance between three months prior to conception and one month after delivery was identified. We assessed the proportion of women initiating or continuing HCQ and the duration of therapy during each calendar year in the study.

Results

A total of 5300 women with SLE were included. Of these, 852 (16.1%) were on HCQ treatment in the three-month period prior to their pregnancy. During pregnancy, the overall proportion of women with SLE taking HCQ increased from 12.4% in 2001 to 37.7% in 2015. Initiation of HCQ therapy during pregnancy increased from 2.7% in 2001 to 7.5% in 2010 (  p = 0.0002) (Medicaid) and from 4.9% in 2003 to 13.6% in 2015 (  p = 0.0001) (Clinformatics). Continuation of HCQ during pregnancy did not change significantly over time in either data set. The average cumulative day-supply of HCQ prescriptions during pregnancy increased from 37 days in 2001 to 77 days in 2010 (  p = 0.05) among HCQ initiators and from 79 days in 2001 to 125 days in 2010 (  p = 0.0009) among HCQ continuers in Medicaid. Among privately insured women, the average cumulative day-supply of HCQ prescriptions among HCQ continuers increased from 84 in 2004 to 163 in 2015 (  p = 0.0006) but did not change significantly among HCQ initiators.

Conclusion

The proportion of women initiating HCQ during pregnancy and the average cumulative day-supply of HCQ increased from 2001 to 2015. While these findings are encouraging, overall HCQ use during pregnancy remains low.
The association between metabolic syndrome and its components with systemic lupus erythematosus: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Hallajzadeh J , Khoramdad M , Izadi N , Karamzad N , Almasi-Hashiani A , Ayubi E , Qorbani M , Pakzad R , Sullman M J M , Safiri S
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Based upon inflammatory-related factors in chronic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the long-term prescription of corticosteroids, metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence is expected to be higher in SLE patients than among those without SLE. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze: (1) the worldwide prevalence of MetS in patients with SLE using different criteria, (2) the risk of MetS in patients with SLE compared with those without SLE, and (3) the risk of MetS component in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls.

Methods

We searched international databases, such as: Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CABI, CINAHL, DOAJ and Google Scholar. The articles which reported the prevalence of MetS in SLE patients, between 2006 and 2017, were included in the study if they had a: clear study design, study time and location, sound sampling approach and appropriate statistical analyses. Studies without sufficient data to determine the prevalence of MetS were excluded. Also, studies in patients suffering from other clinical diseases were not included.

Results

The meta-analyses of the prevalence (40 studies ( n = 6085)) and risk (20 studies ( n = 2348)) of MetS in SLE patients were conducted separately. The pooled prevalence of MetS among SLE patients was found to be 26% (95% confidence interval (CI): 22–30%), but varied from 18% (95% CI: 11–25%) to 34% (95% CI: 25–42%), depending upon the diagnostic criteria used. The overall pooled odds ratio (OR) of MetS in SLE patients, compared with healthy controls, was (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.86–3.35), but this ranged from (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.61–2.49) to (OR = 10.71; 95% CI: 1.33–86.48), depending upon the criteria used. Also, the risk of high fasting blood sugar (FBS; OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.05–2.40), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02–2.01), high blood pressure (BP; OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 2.19–3.47), high triglycerides (TG; OR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.05–3.95) and high waist circumference (WC; OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 0.97–1.94) were all found to be higher in SLE patients compared with healthy controls.

Conclusions

The risk of MetS was significantly higher in SLE patients, compared with healthy controls, even after adjusting for publication bias. Among MetS components, high TG and high BP were most strongly associated with SLE. Considering that high TG and high BP are preventable, there is an international need to implement effective interventions to reduce MetS components in SLE patients in order to prevent serious outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
Assessing the Technical Efficiency of Traditional and Corporate Agents in Indian Life Insurance Industry: Slack-based Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Shetty Ankitha , Basri Savitha
Published: January 2018

The distribution channels play an imperative role in the life insurance industry. In India, traditional and corporate agency are contributing immensely to the profitability of the insurance companies. The challenges faced by the distributional channels such as high attrition, soaring expense ratio and sales inefficiency have created the need to probe into the efficiency aspects of the channel players. In the absence of such studies in India, this article evaluates the technical efficiency of distribution channels in life insurance industry by analysing the data collected from 12 insurance companies for the period 2012 to 2016. The efficiency scores were obtained by applying data envelopment analysis that considered two inputs (number of agents and commission expenses) and two outputs (average business premium and total policies sold). The findings reveal no significant difference in the efficiency scores of bancassurance and traditional agents. Quiet life hypothesis that market share (ratio of premium contribution to total premium) of distributional channels and their efficiency scores are negatively correlated is not supported. Moreover, the slack analysis shows excess inputs per output generated for both the channels. If the companies that scored low in efficiency do not plug the leakages regarding commission as well a number of agents, adverse performance in the long-term and consequent financial crisis are inevitable.
An Investigation of Factors Influencing High Usage of Medical and Long-Term Care Services in an Aging Society in Japan
Authors: Kazawa Kana , Rahman Md Moshiur , Moriyama Michiko
Published: January 2018

Medical and long-term care costs are increasing all over the world. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of groups with high cost of medical and long-term care to define targets for curbing social security costs. As a result, for the population covered by the National Health Insurance, a large portion of medical costs were incurred for mental disorders, malignant neoplasms, and lifestyle-related diseases. For those covered by the Late Elderly Health Insurance System, most medical costs were incurred for lifestyle-related diseases, femoral fractures, neurological diseases, mental disorders, pneumonia, malignant neoplasms, and Alzheimer’s disease. From multiple regression analysis, the hospitalization days, use of advanced medical treatment, outpatient days, and high long-term care level influenced the increased costs. On the other hand, disease characteristics had only a very low effect. These findings suggest that the target population has complex medical and long-term care needs because they have multiple diseases.
Body Mapping as a Youth Sexual Health Intervention and Data Collection Tool
Authors: Lys Candice , Gesink Dionne , Strike Carol , Larkin June
Published: January 2018

In this article, we describe and evaluate body mapping as (a) an arts-based activity within Fostering Open eXpression Among Youth (FOXY), an educational intervention targeting Northwest Territories (NWT) youth, and (b) a research data collection tool. Data included individual interviews with 41 female participants (aged 13–17 years) who attended FOXY body mapping workshops in six communities in 2013, field notes taken by the researcher during the workshops and interviews, and written reflections from seven FOXY facilitators on the body mapping process (from 2013 to 2016). Thematic analysis explored the utility of body mapping using a developmental evaluation methodology. The results show body mapping is an intervention tool that supports and encourages participant self-reflection, introspection, personal connectedness, and processing difficult emotions. Body mapping is also a data collection catalyst that enables trust and youth voice in research, reduces verbal communication barriers, and facilitates the collection of rich data regarding personal experiences.
Analysis of Arch Widths in Patients With Isolated Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Ohashi A. S. C. , Varela T. , Marques I. L. , Brosco T. V. S. , Oliveira R. P. , Garib D. G. , Ozawa T. O.
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To compare arch widths of patients with isolated Robin sequence (IRS) operated using modified von Langenbeck technique and modified Furlow double-opposing z-plasty.

Design:

Retrospective, transversal study.

Setting:

Hospital of Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil.

Patients:

Three groups of patients were analyzed. Group VL comprised 30 patients with IRS operated by von Langenbeck technique (mean age of 8.1 years); group FL included 30 patients with IRS operated by Furlow technique (7.6 years); and the control group included 30 noncleft patients with class I occlusion (7.4 years). The palate repair was performed between 1.0 and 1.7 years of age in both study groups. Transversal measurements of maxillary and mandibular arches were performed digitally on 3D digital models.

Statistic:

The intergroup comparison was performed using analysis of variance and Tukey test. An independent t test was used to compare the complete and incomplete types of cleft in both study groups. The level of significance was 5%.

Results:

No statistically significant difference was found between the VL and FL groups for maxillary and mandibular arches. However, both groups showed decreased transversal dimensions compared with the control group ( P < .01) for both dental arches. No differences for arch widths were observed for complete or incomplete palatal clefts.

Conclusions:

No influence of palate repair techniques was observed in the transversal arch widths in patients with IRS. Children with IRS operated for palate repair showed constriction of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches compared with noncleft children regardless the palatal cleft extension.