bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: post‐operative complications and mortality risk in liver transplant candidates with obesity
Authors: Barone M. , Viggiani M. T. , Losurdo G. , Principi M. , Leandro G. , Di Leo A.
Published: May 2017

Background

International guidelines rate class III (morbid) obesity (body mass index [BMI]≥40 kg/m2) as a relative contraindication for liver transplantation (LT) requiring further research. Moreover, data on the mortality risk in candidates with a BMI: 30‐34.9 and 35‐39.9 kg/m2 (class I and class II obesity, respectively) are weak.

Aim

To compare post‐operative complications and mortality risks in all obese candidates vs candidates with a BMI: 18.5‐29.9 (normal/overweight) assumed as controls.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane library, PubMed, Scopus, Web‐of‐Science and article reference lists, restricted to the English language, and selected cohort studies analysing the following outcomes: all‐causes mortality (at 30 days, 1‐2‐3‐5 years), post‐operative and cardiopulmonary complications, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Two reviewers independently extracted the studies data and a third one resolved discrepancies.

Results

Twenty‐four studies comprising 132 162 patients met the inclusion criteria. As compared to controls, mortality risk was increased at all time‐periods (except at 3 years) for a BMI≥40, at 30 days for a BMI: 30‐34.9 and in none of the considered time‐periods for a BMI: 35‐39.9. Post‐operative complications were significantly higher for a BMI>30 and 30‐34.9. Due to the shortage/absence of data, we evaluated cardiopulmonary complications, hospital and ICU length of stay only in the BMI≥30 category. In these patients, only cardiopulmonary complications were increased as compared to controls.

Conclusions

Morbid obesity has an impact on patients’ survival after LT. However, since even a BMI>30 increases post‐transplant complications, new strategies should be included in the LT programme to favour weight loss in all obese candidates.
Instrumental Variables Estimation of Exposure Effects on a Time-to-Event Endpoint Using Structural Cumulative Survival Models
Authors: Martinussen Torben , Vansteelandt Stijn , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J. , Zucker David M.
Published: May 2017

The use of instrumental variables for estimating the effect of an exposure on an outcome is popular in econometrics, and increasingly so in epidemiology. This increasing popularity may be attributed to the natural occurrence of instrumental variables in observational studies that incorporate elements of randomization, either by design or by nature (e.g., random inheritance of genes). Instrumental variables estimation of exposure effects is well established for continuous outcomes and to some extent for binary outcomes. It is, however, largely lacking for time-to-event outcomes because of complications due to censoring and survivorship bias. In this article, we make a novel proposal under a class of structural cumulative survival models which parameterize time-varying effects of a point exposure directly on the scale of the survival function; these models are essentially equivalent with a semi-parametric variant of the instrumental variables additive hazards model. We propose a class of recursive instrumental variable estimators for these exposure effects, and derive their large sample properties along with inferential tools. We examine the performance of the proposed method in simulation studies and illustrate it in a Mendelian randomization study to evaluate the effect of diabetes on mortality using data from the Health and Retirement Study. We further use the proposed method to investigate potential benefit from breast cancer screening on subsequent breast cancer mortality based on the HIP-study.
Robust Mislabel Logistic Regression without Modeling Mislabel Probabilities
Authors: Hung Hung , Jou Zhi-Yu , Huang Su-Yun
Published: May 2017

Logistic regression is among the most widely used statistical methods for linear discriminant analysis. In many applications, we only observe possibly mislabeled responses. Fitting a conventional logistic regression can then lead to biased estimation. One common resolution is to fit a mislabel logistic regression model, which takes into consideration of mislabeled responses. Another common method is to adopt a robust M-estimation by down-weighting suspected instances. In this work, we propose a new robust mislabel logistic regression based on -divergence. Our proposal possesses two advantageous features: (1) It does not need to model the mislabel probabilities. (2) The minimum -divergence estimation leads to a weighted estimating equation without the need to include any bias correction term, that is, it is automatically bias-corrected. These features make the proposed -logistic regression more robust in model fitting and more intuitive for model interpretation through a simple weighting scheme. Our method is also easy to implement, and two types of algorithms are included. Simulation studies and the Pima data application are presented to demonstrate the performance of -logistic regression.
Pain and pain assessment in people with intellectual disability: Issues and challenges in practice
Authors: Doody Owen , E. Bailey Maria
Published: May 2017

Accessible summary

Pain is difficult to identify when people cannot communicate.

If pain is not identified, it cannot be managed and causes stress.

Pain assessment is essential in order to identify pain.

Pain assessment requires a combination of knowledge, health assessments and observations.

Background

Individuals with intellectual disability experience the same chronic diseases and conditions as the general population, but are more likely to have physical and psychological co‐morbidities, resulting in a higher risk of experiencing pain and having more frequent or severe pain.

Method

This position paper aims to highlight the importance of pain assessment for people with intellectual disability.

Results

As people with intellectual disability live within the community and/or remain in the family home, they are accessing a wide range of healthcare services. This necessitates that nurses across all care settings are knowledgeable regarding appropriate/alternative pain assessment methods for people with intellectual disability. While many pain assessment tools are available for use with the intellectual disability population, they are often not well established or infrequently used to establish their validity.

Conclusion

Although self‐report is the gold standard in pain assessment, pain assessment for people with intellectual disability is often challenging as they may be unable to self‐report their pain due to their levels of communication or cognitive ability. Assessment requires a combination of approaches amalgamating: pain assessment, health assessment and observation of behaviours.
Managerial capital, occupational choice and inequality in a global economy
Authors: Dinopoulos Elias , Unel Bulent
Published: May 2017

This study proposes a simple theory of trade with endogenous firm productivity, occupational choice and income inequality. Individuals with different managerial talent choose to become entrepreneurs or workers. Entrepreneurs enhance firm productivity by investing in managerial capital. The model generates three income classes: low‐income workers facing the prospect of unemployment, middle‐income entrepreneurs managing domestic firms and high‐income entrepreneurs managing global firms. Trade liberalization policies raise unemployment and improve welfare. A reduction in per‐unit trade costs raises top incomes and generates labour‐market polarization. A reduction in fixed exporting costs has an ambiguous effect on top incomes and personal income distribution. Policies reducing labour‐market frictions or the costs of managerial‐capital acquisition create more jobs and improve welfare. The income distributional effects of labour‐market policies depend on which policy is implemented.
Access to credit and comparative advantage
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Keuschnigg Christian
Published: May 2017

Access to external funds is crucial for the entry and expansion of entrepreneurial firms and the sectors they predominantly arise in. This paper reports three important results. First, comparative advantage is shaped by factor endowments as well as fundamental determinants of corporate finance. In particular, a larger equity ratio of firms and tough governance standards relax financing constraints, lead to entry of firms at the lower bound of the productivity distribution and create an endogenous comparative advantage in sectors where entrepreneurial firms are clustered. Second, a small degree of protection in the constrained sector can raise a country's welfare by relaxing financing constraints if terms‐of‐trade effects are small. Third, a small degree of protection of the financially dependent industry in a financially underdeveloped country might even raise world welfare.
Recent drug therapies for corneal neovascularization
Authors: Liu Xinyao , Wang Shurong , Wang Xuanzhong , Liang Jiaming , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2017

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a common pathological change in ocular surface diseases. It is not only the factor that affects vision but also the main cause for corneal graft failure. Based on the mechanism of CNV, many achievements have been developed to suppress the formation of CNV. There are certain novel drugs such as aflibercept, gold nanoparticles, and netrins which provide us with new clues to treat CNV. However, we still need to develop more effective therapeutic drugs. It is of great significance to develop new effective drugs to suppress the occurrence of CNV. In this paper, recent drug therapies for CNV are reviewed. The electronic database (PubMed) is searched for relative basic research and randomized clinical trials that are published recently.
Design, synthesis, and preliminary bioactivity evaluation of N‐benzylpyrimidin‐2‐amine derivatives as novel histone deacetylase inhibitor
Authors: Zhou Yi , Dun Yanyan , Fu Huansheng , Wang Lei , Pan Xiaole , Yang Xinying , Fang Hao
Published: May 2017

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been identified for the treatment of cancer. Lately, we designed and synthesized a series of substituted N‐benzylpyrimidin‐2‐amine derivatives as potent HDAC inhibitors. In vitro HDAC inhibitory activities and antiproliferative activities of target compounds were investigated. Some target compounds showed potent HDAC inhibitory activities and possessed obvious antiproliferative activity against tumor cells. Target compounds 6a, 6d, 8a, 8c, and 8f not only exhibited almost equally enzymatic inhibitory activity with SAHA, but showed better antiproliferative activities.
The potential role of attitudes towards suicide between mental health status and suicidal ideation among Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Tan L. , Yang Q. H. , Chen J. L. , Zou H. X. , Xia T. S. , Liu Y.
Published: May 2017

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of mental health status and attitudes towards suicide on suicidal ideation in a sample of 6568 Chinese children and adolescents in China. Attitudes towards suicide were investigated as a possible moderator and mediator of the influence of mental health status on suicidal ideation.

Methods

Descriptive statistical analyses, Pearson correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analyses were adopted as methods of data analyses.

Results

Approximately 35.38% of children and adolescents in our study reported having suicidal ideation. Mental health status and attitudes towards suicide both had an independent effect on the severity of suicidal ideation. Results indicated that mental health status was positively associated with suicidal ideation, while attitudes towards suicide were negatively associated with suicidal ideation. Moderation analysis showed that the impact of mental health status on suicidal ideation was significantly greater among children and adolescents who reported favourable attitudes towards suicide. Attitudes towards suicide partially mediated the link between mental health status and the severity of suicidal ideation. Specifically, students who experienced poorer mental health status might be more likely to report significantly more favourable attitudes towards suicide, which in turn promote greater suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

These results have implications for the prevention of youth suicide, suggesting that mental health status and attitudes towards suicide could be important targets for prevention and intervention for children and adolescents at risk of suicidal ideation.
Circulating thyroid cancer biomarkers: Current limitations and future prospects
Authors: Nixon Alexander M. , Provatopoulou Xeni , Kalogera Eleni , Zografos George N. , Gounaris Antonia
Published: May 2017

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. There has been a significant increase in its incidence over the past two decades attributable mainly to the use of more sensitive diagnostic modalities. Ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology is the mainstay of diagnosis of benign disorders and malignancy. However, approximately 20% of lesions cannot be adequately categorized as benign or malignant. In the postoperative setting, monitoring of thyroglobulin (Tg) levels has been employed for the detection of disease recurrence. Unfortunately, Tg antibodies are common and interfere with Tg measurement in this subset of patients. Despite this limitation, Tg remains the sole widely used thyroid cancer biomarker in the clinical setting. In an attempt to bypass antibody interference, research has focused mainly on mRNA targets thought to be exclusively expressed in thyroid cells. Tg and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) mRNA have been extensively studied both for discerning between benign disease and malignancy and in postoperative disease surveillance. However, results among reports have been inconsistent probably reflecting considerable differences in methodology. Recently, microRNA (miRNA) targets are being investigated as potential biomarkers in DTC. MiRNAs are more stable molecules and theoretically are not as vulnerable as mRNA during manipulation. Initial results have been encouraging but large‐scale studies are warranted to verify and elucidate their potential application in diagnosis and postoperative surveillance of thyroid cancer. Several other novel targets, primarily mutations and circulating cells, are currently emerging as promising thyroid cancer circulating biomarkers. Although interesting and intriguing, data are limited and derive from small‐scale studies in specific patient cohorts. Further research findings demonstrating their value are awaited with anticipation.
Critical factors for the recovery of marine mammals
Authors: Lotze Heike K. , Flemming Joanna Mills , Magera Anna M.
Published: May 2017

{en} Over the past decades, much research has focused on understanding the critical factors for marine extinctions with the aim of preventing further species losses in the oceans. Although conservation and management strategies are enabling several species and populations to recover, others remain at low abundance levels or continue to decline. To understand these discrepancies, we used a published database on abundance trends of 137 populations of marine mammals worldwide and compiled data on 28 potentially critical factors for recovery. We then applied random forests and additive mixed models to determine which intrinsic and extrinsic factors are critical for the recovery of marine mammals. A mix of life‐history characteristics, ecological traits, phylogenetic relatedness, population size, geographic range, human impacts, and management efforts explained why populations recovered or not. Consistently, species with lower age at maturity and intermediate habitat area were more likely to recover, which is consistent with life‐history and ecological theory. Body size, trophic level, social interactions, dominant habitat, ocean basin, and habitat disturbance also explained some differences in recovery patterns. Overall, a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors were important for species’ recovery, pointing to cumulative effects. Our results provide insight for improving conservation and management strategies to enhance recoveries in the future.
856. AETHIONEMA GRANDIFLORUM
Authors: Petitt Sally
Published: May 2017

Aethionema grandiflorum Boiss. & Hohen. is illustrated. Its synonyms are discussed and its cultivation is described; it is naturalised on the rock garden in Cambridge.
Are differences in population prevalence of alcohol's harm to others related to survey administration mode?
Authors: Sundin Erica , Landberg Jonas , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Room Robin , Ramstedt Mats
Published: May 2017

Introduction and Aims. This study assessed the comparability of estimates of alcohol's harm to others across different administration modes in Swedish general population surveys. Harm was categorised as harm from strangers' drinking and harm from heavy drinkers known to the respondent. Design and Methods. Three surveys were conducted in 2011/2012 (n = 6841), including identical questions. One was based on self‐administered postal or Web questionnaires, and two were based on computer‐assisted telephone interviews of which one included a more ambitious procedure in terms of for example monetary incentives to the respondents. Pearson χ2‐tests were used to compare differences in the prevalence of harm. To estimate potential effects of survey mode, the samples were pooled, and multivariate Poisson regression models with mode as explanatory variable were used, adjusting for socio‐demographic and behavioural factors. Results. Respondents in the two computer‐assisted telephone interviews were more likely to report harm from strangers' drinking compared with respondents in the self‐administered postal or Web questionnaires. However, no significant differences were found between survey modes concerning reports of harm from known people's drinking. Discussion and Conclusions. A survey mode based on interviews seems to facilitate reports of harm from strangers' drinking. This does not apply to reports of harm from known people's drinking. Therefore, the comparability of estimates of alcohol's harm to others between survey modes depends on the type of harm being studied. [Sundin E, Landberg J, Galanti MR, Room R, Ramstedt M. Are differences in population prevalence of alcohol's harmto others related to survey administration mode?
The Primacy of Discourse in the Study of Gender in Family Therapy
Authors: Sutherland Olga , LaMarre Andrea , Rice Carla
Published: May 2017

Family therapists and scholars increasingly adopt poststructural and postmodern conceptions of social reality, challenging the notion of stable, universal dynamics within family members and families and favoring a view of reality as produced through social interaction. In the study of gender and diversity, many envision differences as social constructed rather than as “residing” in people or groups. There is a growing interest in discourse or people's everyday use of language and how it may reflect and advance interests of dominant groups in a society. Despite this shift from structures to discourse, therapists struggle to locate the dynamics of power in concrete actions and interactions. By leaving undisturbed the social processes through which gendered and other subjectivities and relations of power are produced, therapists may inadvertently become complicit in the very dynamics of power they seek to undermine. In this article, we argue that discourse analysis can help family therapy scholars and practitioners clarify the link between language and power. We present published examples of discourse analytic studies of gender and sexism and examine the relevance of these ideas for family therapy practice and research.
Root caries experience among Australian adults
Authors: Hariyani Ninuk , Spencer A. John , Luzzi Liana , Do Loc Giang
Published: May 2017

Background

Increase in life expectancy and tooth retention in contemporary Australian adults may increase population‐level burden of having root caries. This study aimed to describe patterns and evaluate associations of root caries with socio‐demographic, socio‐economic, clinical and behavioural factors.

Methods

A secondary analysis was undertaken using data from the National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004‐2006, which included 5505 randomly general adults 15+ years old. Participants underwent an oral examination and completed an interview and a questionnaire. Prevalence and mean number of decayed/filled root (root DFS), untreated root (root DS), filled root (root FS), gingival recession, oral hygiene and gingival status were derived from examinations. Socio‐demographic, socio‐economic and behavioural factors were self‐reported. Multivariable models were generated to estimate prevalence ratios (PR), mean ratios (MR) and confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusting for number of surfaces with gingival recession. Additional analysis for older adults 60+ years old was presented.

Results

The prevalence of root caries was 25.3% (CI=23.6‐27.1) and 62.0% [CI=58.7‐65.1] among general and older adults, respectively. Risk factors found were similar in both populations. Smokers had higher prevalence and mean number of root DFS, DS and FS than never‐smokers. In contrast with poor oral hygiene, high income and frequent brushing were significantly associated with lower mean root DS. Frequent dental visiting was associated with higher root FS and DFS.

Conclusions

Root caries affected about a quarter of Australian general adults and more than a half of older adults. People who were smokers presented a significantly higher prevalence and severity of root caries.
Comparison of personality traits and successful aging in older Taiwanese
Authors: Chiao Chia‐Yi , Hsiao Chiu‐Yueh
Published: May 2017

Aim

The present study aimed to compare the difference of personality traits and successful aging among older Taiwanese adults. The proportions of successful agers who meet the criteria for successful aging was also be proposed.

Methods

A comparative descriptive study design was applied. To measure the definition of successful aging, three concepts proposed by Rowe and Kahn with five indicators were included. Demographic data were compared by the χ2‐test and Fisher's exact test across the subgroups defined by social economic status, marital status, and health habits. The comparison of personality traits and successful aging was applied by logistic regression.

Results

The results of the present study showed that the personality traits of conscientiousness, openness and emotional stability were found to be related to the dimensions of successful aging. In addition, except for the personality trait of openness, the personality traits of conscientiousness, extraversion, emotional stability and agreeableness were significantly different in the successful aging versus the non‐successful aging group.

Conclusions

The present study found the differences between personality traits and successful aging. Our study also provided essential information with regard to the differences of successful aging for older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2239–2246.
Greater stimulation of greenhouse gas emissions by stored yak urine than urea in an alpine steppe soil from the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau: A laboratory study
Authors: Cai Yanjiang , Du Ziyin , Yan Yan , Wang Xiaodan , Liu Xiuping
Published: May 2017

Urine deposition by grazing animals, with urea as the major constituent, is an important nitrogen (N) source in grassland ecosystems and may affect the production of three potent greenhouse gases (GHGs): nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). However, owing to the greater chemical complexity of urine, the effect of urine on GHG emissions may differ from that of urea, and this difference has not been well reported. A short‐term laboratory study was conducted to examine the influence of stored yak urine and urea at addition rates of 350 and 700 mg N m−1 soil on GHG emissions at 20 and 60% water holding capacity (WHC) in an alpine steppe soil from the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. Compared with no N addition, urea led to greater increases in soil ammonium N (NH4+–N) concentrations, while yak urine resulted in a greater increase in soil dissolved organic carbon concentrations. Greater (P < 0.05) cumulative N2O and CH4 emissions occurred under 60% than 20% WHC, but soil moisture content did not affect CO2 emissions (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant (P > 0.05) differences in N2O or CH4 emissions between the two N‐addition rates, regardless of N type. The increases in N2O and CH4 emissions after N addition were greater in the urine than in the urea treatments, particularly under 60% WHC. The average CO2 emissions for the two soil moisture contents in the urine treatments increased with increasing N‐addition rate, but the two urea treatments showed similar values to the control. The greater GHG emissions in the stored yak urine treatments were probably due to the existence of intrinsic organic carbon. Our results suggest that fresh yak urine may also possibly cause more GHG losses than urea under equivalent N application rates in alpine steppe soil on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
Aquifers Shared Between Mexico and the United States: Management Perspectives and Their Transboundary Nature
Authors: Sanchez Rosario , Eckstein Gabriel
Published: May 2017

Totally 36 aquifers have been identified along the Mexico‐U.S. border. Of these, only 16 have adequate data to provide a reasonable level of confidence to categorize them as transboundary. Limited and/or contrasting data over the other aquifers in the region reflects the void in transboundary groundwater management and assessment mechanisms throughout much of the Mexico‐U.S. border. This paper identifies management mechanisms, structures, and institutional prioritization related to transboundary aquifers shared between Mexico and the United States. It also evaluates the differences in the transboundary nature of these aquifers, and how their combined hydrological and geographical considerations interrelate with local and regional social, economic, political, and even scale dimensions to create complex management challenges.
Frequency‐Dependent Habituation Deficit of the Nociceptive Blink Reflex in Aura With Migraine Headache. Can Migraine Aura Modulate Trigeminal Excitability?
Authors: Perrotta Armando , Anastasio Maria Grazia , De Icco Roberto , Coppola Gianluca , Ambrosini Anna , Serrao Mariano , Sandrini Giorgio , Pierelli Francesco
Published: May 2017

Objective

To study the influence of the migraine aura on the trigeminal nociception, we investigated the habituation of the nociceptive blink reflex (nBR) R2 responses in aura with migraine headache (AwMH) and comparatively in migraine without aura (MWoA) and healthy subjects (HS).

Background

A clear deficit of habituation in trigeminal nociceptive responses has been documented in MWoA; however, similar data in MWA are lacking.

Methods

Seventeen AwMH, 29 MWoA, and 30 HS were enrolled and a nonrandomized clinical neurophysiological study examining nBR habituation by clinical diagnosis was devised. We delivered a series of 26 electrical stimuli, at different stimulation frequencies (SF) (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 Hz), subsequently subdivided in five blocks of five responses for each SF. The mean area values of the second to the fifth block expressed as the percentage of the mean area value of the first block were taken as an index of habituation for each SF.

Results

A significant lower mean percentage decrease of the R2 area across all blocks was found at 1, 0.5, 0.3, and 0.2 Hz SF in MWoA and at 0.3 and 0.2 Hz SF in AwMH, when compared to HS. In the most representative fifth block of responses, we found in MWoA vs HS at 1 Hz, 57.0 ± 27.8 vs 30.6 ± 12.0; at 0.5 Hz, 54.8 ± 26.1 vs 32.51 ± 17.7; at 0.3 Hz, 44.7 ± 21.6 vs 27.6 ± 13.2; at 0.2 Hz, 61.3 ± 29.5 vs 32.6 ± 18.0, and in AwMH vs HS at 0.3 Hz, 52.7 ± 24.7 vs 27.6 ± 13.2; at 0.2 Hz, 69.3 ± 38.6 vs 32.6 ± 18.0 as mean ± SD of the R2 area percentage of the first block, respectively. Interestingly, AwMH subjects did not show differences in mean percentage decrease of the R2 area at 1 and 0.5 Hz SF when compared to HS. No differences between groups were found at 0.1 and 0.05 Hz SF.

Conclusions

We demonstrated in AwMH a deficit of habituation of the nBR R2 responses after repeated stimulations, although less pronounced than that observed in MWoA of comparable clinical severity. We hypothesize that AwMH and MWoA share some pathogenetic aspects, and also that migraine aura physiopathology may play a modulating role on the excitability of the nociceptive trigeminal pathways.
The stability of vitamin A in fortified palm olein during extended storage and thermal treatment
Authors: Silalahi Dewi Kristina Natalia , Yuliyanti Dewi , da Silva Monica , Christianti Isti , Mulyono Karyanto , Wassell Paul
Published: May 2017

The stability of vitamin A in Refined Bleached Deodorised Palm Olein (RBDPOL) was studied for 24 months. Vitamin A decreased with time, temperature and thermal treatment (frying/cooking). RBDPOL fortification was observed over several temperature ranges, using PET, nylon and HDPE commercial packaging materials. After 24 months, the following vitamin A contents of 39–43 IU g−1 (39–45%) at 16–20 °C; 35–40 IU g−1 (43–49%) at 24–29 °C; and 28–39 IU g−1 (45–73%) at 24–45 °C were detected at the respective temperature ranges. Results showed stability of vitamin A fortified RBDPOL vegetable oil was not stable over typical shelf life (12 months). Depletion of vitamin A accelerated when the RBDPOL vegetable oil was subjected to high temperature thermal treatment.
Is it acceptable to use coagulation plasma samples stored at room temperature and 4°C for 24 hours for additional prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin, and D‐dimer testing?
Authors: Rimac V. , Coen Herak D.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Coagulation laboratories are faced on daily basis with requests for additional testing in already analyzed fresh plasma samples. This prompted us to examine whether plasma samples stored at room temperature (RT), and 4°C for 24 hours can be accepted for additional prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen (Fbg), antithrombin (AT), and D‐dimer testing.

Methods

We measured PT, aPTT, Fbg in 50 and AT in 30 plasma samples with normal and pathological values, within 4 hours of blood collection (baseline results) and after 24‐hours storage at RT (primary tubes), and 4°C (aliquots). D‐dimer stability was investigated in 20 samples stored in primary tubes at 4°C.

Results

No statistically significant difference between baseline results and results in samples stored at RT and 4°C was observed for PT (P=.938), aPTT (P=.186), Fbg (P=.962), AT (P=.713), and D‐dimers (P=.169). The highest median percentage changes were found for aPTT, being more pronounced for samples stored at 4°C (13.0%) than at RT (8.7%).

Conclusion

Plasma samples stored both at RT and 4°C for 24 hours are acceptable for additional PT, Fbg, and AT testing. Plasma samples stored 24 hours in primary tubes at 4°C are suitable for D‐dimer testing.
Risk and vulnerability in social assistance receipt of young adults in Finland
Authors: Ilmakunnas Ilari
Published: May 2017

Social background may affect not only individuals’ wellbeing, but also their ability to manage the typical and problematic transitions occurring during young adulthood. Hence, this article has used Finnish population register data to analyse how social background and critical life‐course factors predict the number of months of social assistance received annually among young adults aged 19–29. Special interest was given to asking whether those with a disadvantaged social background are more vulnerable to the effects of critical life‐course factors. The results showed that social background and critical life‐course factors have independent effects on social assistance receipt. Additionally, this study shows that the effects and the incidence of critical life‐course factors can be affected by social background.
A Methodical Approach for Systematic Life Cycle Assessment of Wood‐Based Furniture
Authors: Wenker Jan L. , Richter Klaus , Rüter Sebastian
Published: May 2017

Existing life cycle assessment (LCA) studies for furniture focus on single pieces of furniture and use a bottom‐up approach based on their bill of materials (BOM) to build up the data inventories. This approach does not ensure completeness regarding material and energy fluxes and representativeness regarding the product portfolio. Integrating material and energy fluxes collected at company level into product LCA (top‐down approach) over‐rides this drawback. This article presents a method for systematic LCA of industrially produced furniture that merges the top‐down approach and bottom‐up approach. The developed method assigns data collected at the company level to the different products while, at the same time, considering that wood‐based furniture is a complex product. Hence, several classifications to reduce the complexity to a manageable level have been developed. Simultaneously, a systematic calculation routine was established. The practical implementation of the developed method for systematic LCA is carried out in a case study within the German furniture industry. The system boundary was set in accord with the EN 15804 specification cradle‐to‐gate‐with‐options. The analysis therefore includes the manufacturing phase supplemented by an end‐of‐life scenario. The case study shows that the manufacturing of semifinished products (especially wood‐based panels and metal components) as well as the electric energy demand in furniture manufacturing account for a notable share of the environmental impacts. A sensitivity analysis indicates that up to roughly 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions are not recorded when conducting an LCA based on a BOM instead of applying the developed approach.
Development of a rectal sexually transmitted infection (STI) Model in Rhesus macaques using Chlamydia trachomatis serovars E and L2
Authors: Henning Tara R. , Morris Monica , Ellis Shanon , Kelley Kristen , Phillips Christi , Ritter Jana , Jones Tara , Nachamkin Eli , Chen Cheng Y. , Hong Jaeyoung , Kang Joseph , Patton Dorothy , McNicholl Janet , Papp John , Kersh Ellen N.
Published: May 2017

Background

Rectal STI coinfection models enhance the understanding of rectal HIV transmission risk factors.

Materials and Methods

Rhesus macaques (n=9) were exposed to one of three rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) challenges: C. trachomatis L2 (CT‐L2); C. trachomatis serovar E (CT‐E), followed by CT‐L2; or CT‐E, treatment/clearance, then CT‐L2. Infections were monitored by PCR. Weekly blood and rectal secretion/lavage samples were collected for cytokine analyzes and/or epithelial sloughing, occult, and overt blood determinations.

Results

Chlamydial infections were successfully established in each animal, with varying degrees of persistence. Mucosal IL‐1beta was upregulated in animals consecutively infected with CT‐E then CT‐L2 (P=.05). Epithelial sloughing was also significantly increased post‐infection in this group (P=.0003).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates successful rectal infection of rhesus macaques with CT‐E and CT‐L2 and describes measures of assessing rectal inflammation and pathology. Different infection strategies yield varying inflammatory and pathologic outcomes, providing well‐described models for future SIV/SHIV susceptibility studies.
Developmental effects of androgens in the human brain
Authors: Nguyen T.‐V.
Published: May 2017

Neuroendocrine theories of brain development posit that androgens play a crucial role in sex‐specific cortical growth, although little is known about the differential effects of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cortico‐limbic development and cognition during adolescence. In this context, the National Institutes of Health Study of Normal Brain Development, a longitudinal study of typically developing children and adolescents aged 4‐24 years (n=433), offers a unique opportunity to examine the developmental effects of androgens on cortico‐limbic maturation and cognition. Using data from this sample, our group found that higher testosterone levels were associated with left‐sided decreases in cortical thickness (CTh) in post‐pubertal boys, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, compared to right‐sided increases in CTh in somatosensory areas in pre‐pubertal girls. Prefrontal‐amygdala and prefrontal‐hippocampal structural covariance (considered to reflect structural connectivity) also varied according to testosterone levels, with the testosterone‐related brain phenotype predicting higher aggression levels and lower executive function, particularly in boys. By contrast, DHEA was associated with a pre‐pubertal increase in CTh of several regions involved in cognitive control in both boys and girls. Covariance within several cortico‐amygdalar structural networks also varied as a function of DHEA levels, with the DHEA‐related brain phenotype predicting improvements in visual attention in both boys and girls. DHEA‐related cortico‐hippocampal structural covariance, on the other hand, predicted higher scores on a test of working memory. Interestingly, there were significant interactions between testosterone and DHEA, such that DHEA tended to mitigate the anti‐proliferative effects of testosterone on brain structure. In sum, testosterone‐related effects on the developing brain may lead to detrimental effects on cortical functions (ie, higher aggression and lower executive function), whereas DHEA‐related effects may optimise cortical functions (ie, better attention and working memory), perhaps by decreasing the influence of amygdalar and hippocampal afferents on cortical functions.
Balloon aortic valvuloplasty in contemporary practice
Authors: Sandhu Kully , Krishnamoorthy Suresh , Afif Ashari , Nolan James , Gunning Mark G.
Published: May 2017

Background

There has been a revival of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for severe aortic stenosis, as a result of an increasing number of patients undergoing trans‐catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, there has not been universal adoption of BAV as a standalone, nor bridging therapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the practice at our institution between June 2009 and May 2016 was performed. Demographic, clinical, procedural, and follow‐up data on all patients were collected.

Results

A total of 200 patients with a median age of 82 years and severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent BAV from June 2009 to May 2016. All patients had appreciable comorbidity with a mean logistic Euro SCORE of 48 ± 11 and mean standard Euro SCORE 15 ± 4. BAV was performed for palliation in 118 (59%), as a bridging therapy for TAVI in 55 (27.5%) and bridging to surgical AVR in 27 patients (13.5%), respectively. Major complications occurred in 14 patients (7%) including 2 in‐patient deaths (1%). A statistically significant improvement in symptoms and a decrease in trans‐valvular gradient were observed.

Conclusion

BAV is an effective treatment strategy, either as a bridge to definitive therapy or as a palliative procedure, with an acceptable mortality. BAV is associated with a significant improvement in symptoms and is valuable as a palliative treatment in high‐risk patients, where no other invasive option is available.
Adversity and resilience amongst resettling Western Australian paediatric refugees
Authors: Hanes Gemma , Sung Lydia , Mutch Raewyn , Cherian Sarah
Published: May 2017

Aim

Cumulative adverse childhood experiences have long‐term consequences and may manifest within and influence health, educational and psychosocial domains. The Princess Margaret Hospital Refugee Health Service (RHS) undertakes multidisciplinary screening of refugee children <16 years, allowing standardised identification of negative childhood experiences. Addition of the extended Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in 2014 aimed to augment psychological assessment of this cohort.

Methods

An audit of prospectively collected standardised RHS proformas, health records and initial and 6‐month follow‐up SDQs for new patients aged 2–16 years between August 2014 and January 2016 was undertaken. Wider refugee adverse childhood experiences (R‐ACE) were also captured.

Results

Initial SDQ data were obtained from 204 patients (mean age 9.2 ± SD 4.4 years) with 143 follow‐up SDQs available. One third (37.3%) had at least one psychological symptom identified based on initial screening proforma. Multiple R‐ACE were disclosed with 126 of 201 (62.7%) experiencing ≥3. African ethnicity, age >10 years, separation anxiety on initial proforma and no formal parental education were associated with higher R‐ACE. Initial SDQ results varied with age/ethnicity; however, peer problem scores were consistently elevated. Total difficulty SDQ scores did not capture psychopathology at expected frequencies. Improvement in follow‐up SDQ results were appreciated for children aged 4–10 years. Most patients (80.2%) disclosed improvement in health status following RHS involvement.

Conclusions

Refugee children have complex backgrounds with exposure to multiple traumatic events. Comprehensive standardised health and psychological screening is recommended to target intervention. Further validation of culturally age‐appropriate mental health screening tools in this diverse population is required.
Impacts of human disturbance in tropical dry forests increase with soil moisture stress
Authors: Chaturvedi R. K. , Raghubanshi A. S. , Tomlinson K.W. , Singh J. S.
Published: May 2017

Questions

(1) Which disturbances (harvesting, browsing, drought and fire) are important for tree mortality in a tropical dry forest (TDF), and do these change with size class (juvenile, sapling, adult)? (2) How is mortality and recruitment in a TDF related to soil moisture content (SMC) and does the relationship change for different size classes? (3) Is disturbance‐related mortality selectively removing particular species from the TDF?

Location

Sonebhadra and Mirzapur districts, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Methods

We analysed the structure of a TDF in central India in terms of the tree composition of juveniles, saplings and adults at five distinct sites located along a gradient of SMC, and recorded the numbers of individuals in each size class killed by the four disturbance types over 2 yr. We also recorded total stem density and recruitment at each site. We compared annual mortality index (AMI) and its four disturbance components (harvesting, browsing, drought and fire) and annual recruitment index (ARI) against the mean SMC of each site using GLMM.

Results

The impact of all disturbances on total AMI decreased as SMC increased whereas ARI increased as SMC increased. Mortality due to harvesting was substantially higher than other disturbances for adult and sapling trees, whereas both harvesting and browsing were important drivers of mortality for juveniles. There was little evidence that particular species were being deliberately selected for harvesting across sites.

Conclusions

Tree saplings and adults in this TDF were mainly killed by harvesting, indicating that anthropogenic impacts on tree mortality are more important than non‐anthropogenic impacts in the TDF, and impacts of all disturbances become more severe with increasing water stress. Thus changes in TDF structure due to harvesting are likely to be more rapid in more arid environments.
A Disruptive Influence? “Prevent-ing” Problems and Countering Violent Extremism Policy in Practice
Authors: Innes Martin , Roberts Colin , Lowe Trudy
Published: May 2017

This article describes how disrupting the activities of suspected violent extremists has become an increasingly significant construct in the policy and practice of the Prevent strand of UK Counter-Terrorism. Informed by empirical data collected during semi-structured interviews with police officers involved in conducting disruptions and members of the communities where these occurred, blended with a limited amount of field observation, the analysis documents how and why a logic of disruption has assumed increasing prominence in counter terrorism work. In respect of police interventions in particular, implementing disruptions, rather than pursuing fully-fledged prosecutions, represents a pragmatic way of reconciling increasing demand with limited resources, as well as managing some of the difficulties of translating intelligence into legal evidence. Conceptualized in this way, the analysis positions disruption as a distinctive mode of crime prevention; one premised upon logics of near-event interdiction. As such, it is understood as rather different in its operations and functions to other forms of “early intervention” that are increasingly prominent in much contemporary crime prevention policy. By focusing upon how specific Prevent interventions are implemented and performed this analysis makes a particular contribution to our knowledge of counter terrorism work. This reflects the fact that most previous studies of Prevent and other countering violent extremism programs have provided analyses of community perceptions and reactions to policing and the policy frame, rather than the configuration of the interventions themselves.
Spontaneous Regression of a Plaque‐Type Striated Muscle Hamartoma
Authors: Calderón‐Castrat Ximena , Román‐Curto Concepción , Santos‐Briz Angel , Fernández‐López Emilia , Fraile Alonso María del Carmen
Published: May 2017

Striated muscle hamartoma (SMH) is a rare, congenital or acquired, benign tumor that predominantly affects children. Therapeutic management has classically been surgical intervention. We present a pediatric case of a facial plaque‐type SMH with spontaneous regression that highlights the importance of clinical observation for a conservative approach.
Enhancing undergraduate nursing students’ global health competencies in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yoonseo , Han Kihye , Yoo Hae Young
Published: May 2017

Objectives

As the need for greater global health competency increases for health care professionals in South Korea, educational efforts for nursing students have begun. This study examined the effectiveness of two educational courses for freshmen and sophomores that were designed to improve students’ global health competencies.

Design and Sample

A trend study was conducted for all undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a 4‐year undergraduate nursing program in 2013 and 2014.

Measures

We assessed students’ global health competencies (1‐knowledge and interests in global health and health equity, 2‐global health skills, and 3‐learning needs) in 2013 and 2014 and analyzed variance between mean scores by year and by course exposure, using 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Students who took both global health courses (sophomores in both years) reported higher global health‐related knowledge and interests than did freshmen (p < .01); these scores were not sustained a year later.

Conclusions

The two courses may have improved students’ global health competencies. Reinforcement of knowledge in later courses may be needed to build on the global competencies.