bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of hepatitis C virus leads to economic gains related to reduction in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensated cirrhosis in Japan
Authors: Younossi Z. M. , Tanaka A. , Eguchi Y. , Henry L. , Beckerman R. , Mizokami M.
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Sustained virologic response (SVR) for HCV is associated with a reduction in cirrhosis, HCC and mortality and their associated costs. Japanese HCV patients are older with higher prevalence of HCC. Here we used a decision‐analytic Markov model to estimate the economic benefit of HCV cure by reducing HCC and DCC burden in Japan. A cohort of 10 000 HCV genotype 1b (GT1b) Japanese patients was modelled with a hybrid decision tree and Markov state‐transition model capturing natural history of HCV over a lifetime horizon. Treatment options were approved all‐oral direct‐acting anti‐virals (DAAs) vs no treatment. Treatment efficacy was based on clinical trials and transition rates and costs obtained from Japan‐specific data. Cases of HCC, decompensated cirrhosis (DCC) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were projected for patients treated with DAAs vs NT. QALYs were monetized using a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of ¥4‐to‐¥6 million. Incremental savings with treatment were calculated by adding the projected cost of complications avoided to the monetized gains in QALYs. The model showed that DAA treatment vs no treatment, reduces 2057 cases of HCC and 1478 cases of decompensated cirrhosis and saves ¥850 446.73 and ¥338 229.90 per patient (ppt). Additionally, treatment can lead to additional 2.64 QALYs gained per patient. The indirect economic gains associated with treatment‐related QALY improvements were ¥10 576 000, ¥13 220 000 and ¥15 864 000 ppt (willingness‐to‐pay thresholds of ¥4 million, ¥5 million and ¥6 million). Total economic savings of treatment with DAAs (vs no treatment) was ¥7 526 372.63, ¥10 170 372.63 and ¥12 814 372.63, at these different willingness‐to‐pay thresholds. In conclusion treatment of HCV GT1b with all‐oral DAAs in Japan can lead to significant direct and indirect savings related to avoidance of HCC and DCC.
Impact of sustained virologic response on risk of type 2 diabetes among hepatitis C patients in the United States
Authors: Li J. , Zhang T. , Gordon S. C. , Rupp L. B. , Trudeau S. , Holmberg S. D. , Moorman A. C. , Spradling P. R. , Teshale E. H. , Boscarino J. A. , Schmidt M. A. , Daida Y. G. , Lu M. ,   the CHeCS Investigators
Published: February 2018

Data regarding the impact of hepatitis C (HCV) therapy on incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus are limited. We used the data from the longitudinal Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study—drawn from four large US health systems—to investigate how response to HCV treatment impacts the risk of subsequent diabetes. Among HCV patients without a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus or hepatitis B, we investigated the incidence of type 2 diabetes from 12 weeks post‐HCV treatment through December 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the effect of treatment status (sustained virologic response [SVR] or treatment failure) and baseline risk factors on the development of diabetes, considering any possible risk factor‐by‐SVR interactions, and death as a competing risk. Among 5127 patients with an average follow‐up of 3.7 years, diabetes incidence was significantly lower among patients who achieved SVR (231/3748; 6.2%) than among patients with treatment failure (299/1379; 21.7%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.96). Risk of diabetes was higher among African American and Asian American patients than White patients (aHR = 1.82 and 1.75, respectively; P < .05), and among Hispanic patients than non‐Hispanics (aHR = 1.86). Patients with BMI ≥ 30 and 25‐30 (demonstrated higher risk of diabetes aHR = 3.62 and 1.72, respectively; P < .05) than those with BMI < 25; patients with cirrhosis at baseline had higher risk than those without cirrhosis (aHR = 1.47). Among a large US cohort of patients treated for HCV, patients who achieved SVR demonstrated a substantially lower risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus than patients with treatment failure.
Pharmacokinetics of Florfenicol in the Orange‐spotted Grouper, Epinephelus coioides, Following Oral Administration in Warm Seawater
Authors: Feng Jing‐Bin , Ruan Hui‐Ting , Chen Hai‐Gang , Luo Jun‐Zhi , Dong Jun‐De
Published: February 2018

Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol were studied in the orange‐spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, at 29.0 ± 1.0 C following oral administration of 5 or 10 mg/kg. Rapid absorption occurred, with a Tmax (time to reach the maximum concentration) of 2–12 h in plasma, muscle, skin, liver, bile, intestine, kidney, and gill. The absorption rate appeared to decrease with increasing dosage, according to the observed Tmax in plasma, muscle, skin, liver, and kidney. The maximum concentration (Cmax) in plasma was 6.04 ± 1.11 and 13.01 ± 6.18 μg/mL at 5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, and was lower than that in the intestine but higher than in the other six tissues. A similar absorption and availability was found between the two doses by comparison of the ratios of area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) and dose among the tissues. A relatively low distribution level occurred in extravascular tissues based on the AUC values, with the exception of bile and intestine. The shortest and longest elimination half‐life (T1/2β) occurred in plasma (8.51 and 9.34 h at 5 and 10 mg/kg) and bile (18.13 and 17.63 h at 5 and 10 mg/kg), respectively. The elimination rate from plasma, muscle, and kidney was more rapid at 5 than at 10 mg/kg, according to the T1/2β; however, the opposite situation was observed in the remaining five tissues.
Nutritional Contribution of Biofloc within the Diet of Growout and Broodstock of Litopenaeus vannamei, Determined by Stable Isotopes and Fatty Acids
Authors: Magaña‐Gallegos Edén , González‐Zúñiga Rodrigo , Cuzon Gerard , Arevalo Miguel , Pacheco Eduardo , Valenzuela Manuel A. J. , Gaxiola Gabriela , Chan‐Vivas Elisa , López‐Aguiar Korinthia , Noreña‐Barroso Elsa
Published: February 2018

The relative contributions of feed sources were determined through the isotopic signal (δ13C and δ15N) and fatty acid profile of feed items, shrimp muscle, and eggs of Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a biofloc system. In the growout phase, the isotope analysis showed the biofloc particle size class ≥250 μm contributed 55–100%; size ≥50 < 250 μm contributed 0–22%; and artificial feed contributed 0–45%. Principal component analysis applied to fatty acid profiles showed that biofloc ≥250 μm and artificial feed were the most important items in shrimp growout. For the egg production, isotope analysis suggested that the most important feed sources according to their relative contributions were polychaetes (0–100%), followed by artemia biomass (0–86%) and semi‐moist feed (0–66%), with lower contributions from squid, mussel, and the muscle of L. vannamei broodstock that had been cultured in biofloc. In terms of fatty acids, the most important items were artemia, polychaetes, and semi‐moist feeds. This work clarified the importance of feed sources for shrimp during culture in biofloc systems and during reproduction. Analysis of stable isotopes and fatty acids can be successfully used to trace the assimilation of nutrients during the nutrition of shrimp.
The miR‐139‐5p regulates proliferation of supratentorial paediatric low‐grade gliomas by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling
Authors: Catanzaro G. , Besharat Z. M. , Miele E. , Chiacchiarini M. , Po A. , Carai A. , Marras C. E. , Antonelli M. , Badiali M. , Raso A. , Mascelli S. , Schrimpf D. , Stichel D. , Tartaglia M. , Capper D. , von Deimling A. , Giangaspero F. , Mastronuzzi A. , Locatelli F. , Ferretti E.
Published: February 2018

Aims

Paediatric low‐grade gliomas (pLGGs) are a heterogeneous group of brain tumours associated with a high overall survival: however, they are prone to recur and supratentorial lesions are difficult to resect, being associated with high percentage of disease recurrence. Our aim was to shed light on the biology of pLGGs.

Methods

We performed microRNA profiling on 45 fresh‐frozen grade I tumour samples of various histological classes, resected from patients aged ≤16 years. We identified 93 microRNAs specifically dysregulated in tumours as compared to non‐neoplastic brain tissue. Pathway analysis of the microRNAs signature revealed PI3K/AKT signalling as one of the centrally enriched oncogenic signalling. To date, activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in pLGGs has been reported, although activation mechanisms have not been fully investigated yet.

Results

One of the most markedly down‐regulated microRNAs in our supratentorial pLGGs cohort was miR‐139‐5p, whose targets include the gene encoding the PI3K's (phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase) catalytic unit, PIK3CA. We investigated the role of miR‐139‐5p in regulating PI3K/AKT signalling by the use of human cell cultures derived from supratentorial pLGGs. MiR‐139‐5p overexpression inhibited pLGG cell proliferation and decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K target AKT and phosphorylated‐p70 S6 kinase (p‐p70 S6K), a hallmark of PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling activation. The effect of miR‐139‐5p was mediated by PI3K inhibition, as suggested by the decrease in proliferation and phosphorylation of AKT and p70 S6K after treatment with the direct PI3K inhibitor LY294002.

Conclusions

These findings provide the first evidence that down‐regulation of miR‐139‐5p in supratentorial pLGG drives cell proliferation by derepressing PI3K/AKT signalling.
Relationship tensions and mood: Adult children's daily experience of aging parents' stubbornness
Authors: HEID ALLISON R. , KIM KYUNGMIN , ZARIT STEVEN H. , BIRDITT KIRA S. , FINGERMAN KAREN L.
Published: February 2018

This study examined middle‐aged individuals' reports of parents' behaviors commonly attributed to stubbornness. Middle‐aged adults (N = 192) completed a 7‐day diary reporting their mood and how often they felt their parents (N = 254) engaged in behaviors often described as “stubbornness” (insistent or risky). Thirty‐one percent of middle‐aged children reported insistent behaviors, and 17% reported risky behaviors by their parent(s). Daily reports of parent behaviors attributed to stubbornness were positively associated with parent–child relationship quality, parent functional limitations, and child neuroticism. Reports of perceived parent insistent behaviors were also associated with greater daily negative mood among adult children. Findings highlight the impact of adult children's daily perceptions of parent behaviors commonly attributed to stubbornness on the individual and relationship.
Parasitized Natural Killer cells do not facilitate the spread of Toxoplasma gondii to the brain
Authors: Petit‐Jentreau L. , Glover C. , Coombes J. L.
Published: February 2018

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite capable of invading immune cells and co‐opting their migratory pathways to disseminate through the host. Natural Killer (NK) cells can be directly invaded by the parasite and this invasion alters NK cell migration, producing a hypermotile phenotype. However, the consequences of this hypermotile phenotype for the dissemination of T. gondii to the brain remain unknown. To address this, C57BL6/J mice were infected with freshly egressed tachyzoites (type IIPrugniaud strain) or with parasitized NK cells. Under both conditions, parasite loads in the brain were comparable, indicating that parasitized NK cells were not able to facilitate spread of T. gondii to the brain. Consistent with this, we found no evidence for the recruitment of endogenous NK cells to the brain at early time points post‐infection, nor any changes in the expression of α4β1 integrin, involved in recruitment of NK cells to the brain. We therefore found no evidence for a role for hypermotile NK cells in delivery of parasites to the brain during acute infection with T. gondii.
Vertical ridge augmentation in the esthetic zone
Authors: Rocchietta Isabella , Ferrantino Luca , Simion Massimo
Published: February 2018

The reconstruction of deficient alveolar ridges using vertical and/or horizontal guided bone regeneration techniques allows for ideal implant placement, which is crucial for function and also for esthetically successful outcomes. Unlike in the past, when meeting a patient's functional demands was sufficient, many patients now have greater expectations from their implant restoration. Hence, it is no longer enough simply to restore the edentulous space with a functioning tooth or teeth. It has been suggested that patients now measure their final restoration using the contralateral natural tooth as the gold standard. Both subjective and objective levels of patient information on dental implants have increased significantly in the last decade. As a result of this demand, implant literature has inherited and developed specific esthetic parameters and patient‐centered outcomes from studies in the restorative field. Unfortunately, studies reporting on guided bone regeneration in the esthetic zone entirely lack such parameters and outcomes. Currently, there is a strong need for a consensus on objective and well‐defined parameters to assess the esthetics in bone regeneration and subsequently on implant dentistry.
Horizontal bone‐augmentation procedures in implant dentistry: prosthetically guided regeneration
Authors: Chiapasco Matteo , Casentini Paolo
Published: February 2018

The rehabilitation of partially or totally edentulous patients with implant‐supported prostheses has become routine, with excellent long‐term outcome. A proper implant position is mandatory to achieve good functional and esthetic outcome and may require an adequate amount of alveolar bone and surrounding soft tissue. When this is lacking because of atrophy, sequelae of periodontal disease, traumas or congenital malformations, increased bone volume and/or keratinized mucosa can be obtained by guided bone regeneration, bone‐grafting techniques and alveolar bone expansion. This article presents an evidence‐based, prosthetically driven approach for the treatment of edentulous ridges with horizontal defects. The classification of bony defects, the main augmentation techniques, the selection criteria among different surgical procedures for different types of bony defects, and the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of each technique, are described in detail.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery
Published: February 2018

Business and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 1 Abdul-Kahar Adam, University of Education, Winneba, GhanaAndrzej Niemiec, Poznań University of Economics and Business, PolandAsad Ghalib, The University of Manchester, UKAshford Chea, Benedict College, USAComite Ubaldo, University of Calabria, ItalyDaiane Miranda Freitas, FACISA/Univicosa, BrazilDalia Susniene, Kaunas University of Technology, LithuaniaFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoGabriela O. Chiciudean, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaJulia Stefanova, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BulgariaKonstantinos N. Malagas, University of the Aegean, GreeceLucie Andreisová, University of Economics in Prague, CzechMike Rayner, University of Portsmouth, UKMythili Kolluru, College of Banking and Financial Studies, OmanOleksandr Mosin, National Mining University, UkraineOlha Komelina, Yuri Kondratyuk University, UkraineRashedul Hasan, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaRegina Lenart-Gansiniec, Jagiellonian University, PolandRocsana Tonis, Spiru Haret University, RomaniaSammy Kimunguyi, Office of The Auditor-General, KenyaTetiana Paientko, Kyiv National Economic Univercity, UkraineUmair Akram, Beijing Univ Posts & Telecommun, PAKISTANWaeibrorheem Waemustafa, Universiti Utara Malaysia, MalaysiaYanzhe Zhang, University of Canberra, AustraliaZeki Atıl Bulut, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey Ellery WillianmsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Business and Management StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://bms.redfame.com
Investigation of the Work Motivation Levels of Primary School Teachers
Authors: Ateş Hatice Kadioğlu , Yilmaz Perihan
Published: February 2018

This study was conducted to examine the work motivation levels of primary school teachers working in primary school institutions located in Istanbul province, Kucukcekmece district. The descriptive survey model was used in this study. The population of the study consists of primary school teachers and primary school administrators working in state primary school institutions that are affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in Kucukcekmece district. The sample of the study consisted of 343 primary school teachers and 28 primary school administrators that were selected using the disproportionate element sampling method from 14 state primary schools among the primary school institutions located in Kucukcekmece district. The “Work Motivation Scale” was used in order to collect data in the study. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of the work motivation scale was calculated as 0.897 in this study. SPSS 20.0 package software was used in the study. The average of the scores obtained by primary school teachers from the work motivation scale is = 41.84, and the standard deviation is 10.32. The scores that can be obtained from the scale are between 18 and 90. Accordingly, scores between 18 and 42 were interpreted as the low level of motivation, scores between 43 and 66 were interpreted as the intermediate level of motivation, and scores between 67 and 90 were interpreted as the high level of motivation. In general, it can be said that the work motivation of primary school teachers is low. The average work motivation scores do not vary by gender, age and marital status.
Stretch‐induced Ca2+ independent ATP release in hippocampal astrocytes
Authors: Xiong Yingfei , Teng Sasa , Zheng Lianghong , Sun Suhua , Li Jie , Guo Ning , Li Mingli , Wang Li , Zhu Feipeng , Wang Changhe , Rao Zhiren , Zhou Zhuan
Published: February 2018

Key points

Similar to neurons, astrocytes actively participate in synaptic transmission via releasing gliotransmitters.

The Ca2+‐dependent release of gliotransmitters includes glutamate and ATP.

Following an ‘on‐cell‐like’ mechanical stimulus to a single astrocyte, Ca2+ independent single, large, non‐quantal, ATP release occurs.

Astrocytic ATP release is inhibited by either selective antagonist treatment or genetic knockdown of P2X7 receptor channels.

Our work suggests that ATP can be released from astrocytes via two independent pathways in hippocampal astrocytes; in addition to the known Ca2+‐dependent vesicular release, larger non‐quantal ATP release depends on P2X7 channels following mechanical stretch.

Astrocytic ATP release is essential for brain functions such as synaptic long‐term potentiation for learning and memory. However, whether and how ATP is released via exocytosis remains hotly debated. All previous studies of non‐vesicular ATP release have used indirect assays. By contrast, two recent studies report vesicular ATP release using more direct assays. In the present study, using patch clamped ‘ATP‐sniffer cells’, we re‐investigated astrocytic ATP release at single‐vesicle resolution in hippocampal astrocytes. Following an ‘on‐cell‐like’ mechanical stimulus of a single astrocyte, a Ca2+ independent single large non‐quantal ATP release occurred, in contrast to the Ca2+‐dependent multiple small quantal ATP release in a chromaffin cell. The mechanical stimulation‐induced ATP release from an astrocyte was inhibited by either exposure to a selective antagonist or genetic knockdown of P2X7 receptor channels. Functional P2X7 channels were expressed in astrocytes in hippocampal brain slices. Thus, in addition to small quantal ATP release, larger non‐quantal ATP release depends on P2X7 channels in astrocytes.
Low temperature plasma enhanced deposition approach for fabrication of microcrystalline GaP/Si superlattice
Authors: Gudovskikh Alexander S. , Uvarov Alexander V. , Morozov Ivan A. , Baranov Artem I. , Kudryashov Dmitriy A. , Zelentsov Kirill S. , Bukatin Anton S. , Kotlyar Konstantin P.
Published: February 2018

A plasma technology approach to grow microcrystalline GaP/Si superlattices was explored. The layers of GaP were grown using time modulated plasma enhanced deposition (atomic layer deposition approach), while Si layers were grown using the conventional plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition mode with high hydrogen dilution. The (3 nm)GaP/(2 nm)Si superlattices were formed on Si and GaP substrates either by the growth of an amorphous GaP/Si multilayer structure followed by thermal annealing at 450–900 °C or by growth of a microcrystalline GaP/Si superlattice at temperatures not exceeding 400 °C. A quantum confinement effect of thin 2 nm Si layers was demonstrated by the appearance of a peak at 500 cm−1 in Raman spectra. The crucial role of hydrogen behavior in Si crystallization and void formation during the annealing of amorphous and growth of microcrystalline GaP/Si structures was demonstrated.
Constitutive and TNFα-inducible expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 in glioblastoma and neurospheres: Implications for CAR-T cell therapy
Authors: Pellegatta Serena , Savoldo Barbara , Di Ianni Natalia , Corbetta Cristina , Chen Yuhui , Patané Monica , Sun Chuang , Pollo Bianca , Ferrone Soldano , DiMeco Francesco , Finocchiaro Gaetano , Dotti Gianpietro
Published: February 2018

CSPG4 is frequently expressed in glioblastoma and presents a viable target for CAR-T cell treatment.
Dynamic Dispersal of Surface Layer Biofilm Induced by Nanosized TiO
2
Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance and Waveguide
Authors: Zhang Peng , Guo Jin-Song , Yan Peng , Chen You-Peng , Wang Wei , Dai You-Zhi , Fang Fang , Wang Gui-Xue , Shen Yu
Published: February 2018

Pollutant degradation is present mainly in the surface layer of biofilms, and the surface layer is the most vulnerable to impairment by toxic pollutants. In this work, the effects of nanosized TiO
2
(n-TiO
2
) on the average thicknesses of
Bacillus subtilis
biofilm and on bacterial attachment on different surfaces were investigated. The binding mechanism of n-TiO
2
to the cell surface was also probed. The results revealed that n-TiO
2
caused biofilm dispersal and the thicknesses decreased by 2.0 to 2.6 μm after several hours of exposure. The attachment abilities of bacteria with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on hydrophilic surfaces were significantly reduced by 31% and 81% under 10 and 100 mg/liter of n-TiO
2
, respectively, whereas those of bacteria without EPS were significantly reduced by 43% and 87%, respectively. The attachment abilities of bacteria with and without EPS on hydrophobic surfaces were significantly reduced by 50% and 56%, respectively, under 100 mg/liter of n-TiO
2
. The results demonstrated that biofilm dispersal can be attributed to the changes in the cell surface structure and the reduction of microbial attachment ability.

IMPORTANCE
Nanoparticles can penetrate into the outer layer of biofilm in a relatively short period and can bind onto EPS and bacterial surfaces. The current work probed the effects of nanosized TiO
2
(n-TiO
2
) on biofilm thickness, bacterial migration, and surface properties of the cell in the early stage using the surface plasmon resonance waveguide mode. The results demonstrated that n-TiO
2
decreased the adhesive ability of both cell and EPS and induced bacterial migration and biofilm detachment in several hours. The decreased adhesive ability of microbes and EPS worked against microbial aggregation, reducing the effluent quality in the biological wastewater treatment process.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces lavendulae
subsp.
lavendulae
CCM 3239 (Formerly “
Streptomyces aureofaciens
CCM 3239”), a Producer of the Angucycline-Type Antibiotic Auricin
Authors: Busche Tobias , Novakova Renata , Al'Dilaimi Arwa , Homerova Dagmar , Feckova Lubomira , Rezuchova Bronislava , Mingyar Erik , Csolleiova Dominika , Bekeova Carmen , Winkler Anika , Sevcikova Beatrica , Kalinowski Jörn , Kormanec Jan , Rückert Christian
Published: February 2018

Streptomyces lavendulae
subsp.
lavendulae
CCM 3239 produces the angucycline antibiotic auricin and was thought to be the type strain of
Streptomyces aureofaciens
. We report the complete genome sequence of this strain, which consists of a linear chromosome and the linear plasmid pSA3239, and demonstrate it to be
S. lavendulae
subsp.
lavendulae
.
Do female sex workers have lower uptake of HIV treatment services than non-sex workers? A cross-sectional study from east Zimbabwe
Authors: Rhead Rebecca , Elmes Jocelyn , Otobo Eloghene , Nhongo Kundai , Takaruza Albert , White Peter J , Nyamukapa Constance Anesu , Gregson Simon
Published: February 2018

Objective

Globally, HIV disproportionately affects female sex workers (FSWs) yet HIV treatment coverage is suboptimal. To improve uptake of HIV services by FSWs, it is important to identify potential inequalities in access and use of care and their determinants. Our aim is to investigate HIV treatment cascades for FSWs and non-sex workers (NSWs) in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, and to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and intermediate determinants that might explain differences in service uptake.

Methods

Data from a household survey conducted in 2009–2011 and a parallel snowball sample survey of FSWs were matched using probability methods to reduce under-reporting of FSWs. HIV treatment cascades were constructed and compared for FSWs (n=174) and NSWs (n=2555). Determinants of service uptake were identified a priori in a theoretical framework and tested using logistic regression.

Results

HIV prevalence was higher in FSWs than in NSWs (52.6% vs 19.8%; age-adjusted OR (AOR) 4.0; 95% CI 2.9 to 5.5). In HIV-positive women, FSWs were more likely to have been diagnosed (58.2% vs 42.6%; AOR 1.62; 1.02–2.59) and HIV-diagnosed FSWs were more likely to initiate ART (84.9% vs 64.0%; AOR 2.33; 1.03–5.28). No difference was found for antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence (91.1% vs 90.5%; P=0.9). FSWs’ greater uptake of HIV treatment services became non-significant after adjusting for intermediate factors including HIV knowledge and risk perception, travel time to services, physical and mental health, and recent pregnancy.

Conclusion

FSWs are more likely to take up testing and treatment services and were closer to achieving optimal outcomes along the cascade compared with NSWs. However, ART coverage was low in all women at the time of the survey. FSWs’ need for, knowledge of and proximity to HIV testing and treatment facilities appear to increase uptake.
I did NOT feel like this at all before the accident: do men and women report different health and life consequences of a road traffic injury?
Authors: Hasselberg Marie , Kirsebom Marie , Bäckström Josefin , Berg Hans-Yngve , Rissanen Ritva
Published: February 2018

Background

Worldwide, injuries represent one of the leading causes of mortality, and nearly one-quarter of all injuries are road traffic related. In many high-income countries, the burden of road traffic injuries (RTIs) has shifted from premature death to injury and disability with long-term consequences; therefore, it is important to assess the full burden of an RTI on individual lives.

Objective

To describe how men and women with minor and moderate injuries reported the consequences of an RTI on their health and lives.

Methods

The study was designed as an explorative qualitative study, in which the answers to an open-ended question concerning the life and health consequences following injury were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Participants

A total of 692 respondents with a minor or a moderate injury were included.

Results

The respondents reported the consequences of the crash on their health and lives according to four categories: physical consequences, psychological consequences, everyday life consequences and financial consequences. The results show that medically classified minor and moderate injuries have detrimental long-term health and life consequences. Although men and women report some similar consequences, there are substantial differences in their reported psychological and everyday life consequences following an injury. Women report travel anxiety and PTSD-like symptoms, being life altering for them compared with men, for whom these types of reports were missing.

Conclusion

These differences emphasise the importance of considering gender-specific physical and psychological consequences following an RTI.
Vitamin D Status in Prepubertal Children with Isolated Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency: Effect of Growth Hormone Therapy
Authors: Hamza Rasha Tarif , Hamed Amira I , Sallam Mahmoud T
Published: February 2018

Few studies, and with controversial results, analyzed vitamin D status in children before and after growth hormone (GH) treatment. Thus, we aimed to assess vitamin D status in prepubertal children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD), and to evaluate the effect of GHD and GH treatment on vitamin D levels. Fifty prepubertal children with isolated GHD were compared with 50 controls. All were subjected to history, anthropometric assessment and measurement of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), serum calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone (PTH) at diagnosis and 1 year after GH therapy. Serum 25(OH)D levels <30 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL were defined as vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, respectively. 25(OH)D was lower in cases than controls. Forty per cent of children with GHD were 25(OH)D insufficient and 44% deficient, while 16% were sufficient at baseline. There was a positive correlation between 25(OH)D and peak GH levels. Peak GH was a significant predictor of 25(OH)D levels. After 1 year of GH therapy, 25(OH)D increased (18.42±5.41 vs 34.5±10.1 ng/mL; P<0.001). Overall, 22% of cases remained insufficient and 24% deficient, with an increase in prevalence of children with normal levels (54%; P<0.001). 25(OH) correlated negatively with PTH (r=−0.71, P=0.01). In conclusion, hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in children with GHD and significantly improved 1 year after GH therapy. 25(OH)D should be assessed in children with GHD at diagnosis and during follow-up.
Effect of ageing on the calibration of ballistic gelatin
Authors: Guey Jason , Rodrigues S , Pullen A , Shaw B , Kieser D C
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Ballistic gelatin is commonly used as a validated surrogate for soft tissue during terminal ballistic testing. However, the effect of a delay between production and testing of a gelatin mould remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine any potential effects of ageing on ballistic gelatin.

Methods

Depth of penetration (DoP) of 4.5 mm spherical fragment simulating projectiles was ascertained using mixtures of 10%, 11.25% and 20% Type A 250 Bloom ballistic gelatin. Testing was performed daily for 5 days using velocities between 75 and 210 m/s. DoP at day 5 was statistically compared with day 1, and net mass change was recorded daily.

Results

No significant difference was found for DoP observed with time in any of the samples (P>0.05). Spearman correlation was excellent in all moulds. The moulds with known standard calibrations remained in calibration throughout the study period. Mass loss of less than 1% was noted in all samples.

Conclusion

Mass loss was the only quantifiable measure of changes in the blocks with time, but did not correlate with any changes in DoP. This may provide reassurance when undertaking such testing that an inadvertent delay will not significantly alter the penetration properties of the mould. Future research is recommended to determine any potential effect on the mechanical properties of gelatin at higher velocity impacts and whether the calibration corresponds to an adequate simulation under such conditions.
Face transplantation for the blind: more than being blind in a sighted world
Authors: Lee Joseph
Published: February 2018

Face transplantation (FT) is a landmark in reconstructive surgery involving vascularised composite allotransplantation. A recent issue of FT for patients who are blind has arisen. Some bioethicists recommend not excluding a patient who is blind, as this may amount to discrimination. From an ethical standpoint, FT for those with blindness is appropriate in selected candidates. This article seeks to add to the clinical evidence supporting FT for those with blindness by detailing a complementary psychosocial perspective. Currently, there is little relevant research about the subjectivity of the blind. This is critical since the arguments against FT for the blind refer to their inability to see their face and to view the reaction of others to their disfigured faces. We begin with a brief look at examples of FT involving blindness and associated arguments. The next part is a multidisciplinary investigation of the experiences of the blind. These are gleaned from a close reading of the literature and drawing inferences, as direct studies are rare. The discussion analyses identity themes of the blind in relation to their faces: as they experience it; the face they wish to show to the world; and how others perceive and react to their face in a saturated environment of imagery and visual communication. Disability and the blind person’s experience of faces are well-founded considerations for medical practitioners and ethics boards in the process of FT decision-making.
Implementing post-trial access plans for HIV prevention research
Authors: Paul Amy , Merritt Maria W , Sugarman Jeremy
Published: February 2018

Ethics guidance increasingly recognises that researchers and sponsors have obligations to consider provisions for post-trial access (PTA) to interventions that are found to be beneficial in research. Yet, there is little information regarding whether and how such plans can actually be implemented. Understanding practical experiences of developing and implementing these plans is critical to both optimising their implementation and informing conceptual work related to PTA. This viewpoint is informed by experiences with developing and implementing PTA plans for six large-scale multicentre HIV prevention trials supported by the HIV Prevention Trials Network. These experiences suggest that planning and implementing PTA often involve challenges of planning under uncertainty and confronting practical barriers to accessing healthcare systems. Even in relatively favourable circumstances where a tested intervention medication is approved and available in the local healthcare system, system-level barriers can threaten the viability of PTA plans. The aggregate experience across these HIV prevention trials suggests that simply referring participants to local healthcare systems for PTA will not necessarily result in continued access to beneficial interventions for trial participants. Serious commitments to PTA will require additional efforts to learn from future approaches, measuring the success of PTA plans with dedicated follow-up and further developing normative guidance to help research stakeholders navigate the complex practical challenges of realising PTA.
Who calls the shots? The ethics of adolescentself-consent for HPV vaccination
Authors: Agrawal Suchi , Morain Stephanie R
Published: February 2018

While the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is medically indicated to reduce the risk of genital warts and certain types of cancer, rates of HPV vaccination repeatedly fall short of public health goals. Individual-level factors contributing to low vaccination rates are well documented. However, system-level barriers, particularly the need for parental consent, have been less explored. To date, there is no legal or ethical consensus in the USA regarding whether adolescents might permissibly self-consent to the HPV vaccine. Consequently, there is considerable variability in medical practice at the provider and state level. In this essay, we explore the ethical acceptability of vaccinating adolescents for HPV without parental consent. We argue that the same ethical considerations that justify permitting minors to consent to treatment for sexual and reproductive health care—namely, public health benefit and adolescents’ developing autonomy—similarly justify permitting minors to consent to HPV vaccination. Based on this analysis, we conclude that allowing adolescents to self-consent to the HPV vaccine is ethically justifiable and should be reflected in US state policies.
Treatment of blood blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery with flow diversion
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Chinea Angel , Primiani Christopher T , Ren Zeguang , Kan Peter , Srinivasan Visish M , Hanel Ricardo , Aguilar-Salinas Pedro , Turk Aquilla S , Turner Raymond D , Chaudry M Imran , Ringer Andrew J , Welch Babu G , Mendes Pereira Vitor , Renieri Leonardo , Piano Mariangela , Elijovich Lucas , Arthur Adam S , Cheema Ahmed , Lopes Demetrius Klee , Saied Ahmed , Baxter Blaise W , Hawk Harris , Puri Ajit S , Wakhloo Ajay K , Shallwani Hussain , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H , Dabus Guilherme , Linfante Italo
Published: February 2018

Background

Blood blister aneurysms (BBA) are a rare subset of intracranial aneurysms that represent a therapeutic challenge from both a surgical and endovascular perspective.

Objective

To report multicenter experience with flow diversion exclusively for BBA, located at non-branching segments along the anteromedial wall of the supraclinoidal internal carotid artery (ICA).

Methods

Consecutive cases of BBA located at non-branching segments along the anteromedial wall of the supraclinoidal ICA treated with flow diversion were included in the final analysis.

Results

49 patients with 51 BBA of the ICA treated with devices to achieve the flow diversion effect were identified. 43 patients with 45 BBA of the ICA were treated with the pipeline embolization device and were included in the final analysis. Angiographic follow-up data were available for 30 patients (32 aneurysms in total); 87.5% of aneurysms (28/32) showed complete obliteration, 9.4% (3/32) showed reduced filling, and 3.1% (1/32) persistent filling. There was no difference between the size of aneurysm (≤2 mm vs >2 mm) or the use of adjunct coiling and complete occlusion of the aneurysm on follow-up (P=0.354 and P=0.865, respectively). Clinical follow-up data were available for 38 of 43 patients. 68% of patients (26/38) had a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 0–2) at 3 months. There were 7 (16%) immediate procedural and 2 (5%) delayed complications, with 1 case of fatal delayed re-rupture after the initial treatment.

Conclusions

Our data support the use of a flow diversion technique as a safe and effective therapeutic modality for BBA of the supraclinoid ICA.
Controlling resistant hypertension
Authors: Spence J David
Published: February 2018

Resistant hypertension (failure to achieve target blood pressures with three or more antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic) is an important and preventable cause of stroke. Hypertension is highly prevalent in China (>60% of persons above age 65), and only ~6% of hypertensives in China are controlled to target levels. Most strokes occur among persons with resistant hypertension; approximately half of strokes could be prevented by blood pressure control. Reasons for uncontrolled hypertension include (1) non-compliance; (2) consumption of substances that aggravated hypertension, such as excess salt, alcohol, licorice, decongestants and oral contraceptives; (3) therapeutic inertia (failure to intensify therapy when target blood pressures are not achieved); and (4) diagnostic inertia (failure to investigate the cause of resistant hypertension). In China, an additional factor is lack of availability of appropriate antihypertensive therapy in many healthcare settings. Sodium restriction in combination with a diet similar to the Cretan Mediterranean or the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet can lower blood pressure in proportion to the severity of hypertension. Physiologically individualised therapy for hypertension based on phenotyping by plasma renin activity and aldosterone can markedly improve blood pressure control. Renal hypertension (high renin/high aldosterone) is best treated with angiotensin receptor antagonists; primary aldosteronism (low renin/high aldosterone) is best treated with aldosterone antagonists (spironolactone or eplerenone); and hypertension due to overactivity of the renal epithelial sodium channel (low renin/low aldosterone; Liddle phenotype) is best treated with amiloride. The latter is far more common than most physicians suppose.
An alternative roughness index to IRI for flexible pavements
Authors: OBrien Eugene J. , Taheri Abdolrahim , Malekjafarian Abdollah
Published: February 2018

The International Roughness Index (IRI) is widely accepted as a measure of pavement condition. However it was developed as an indicator of passenger comfort as they travel in a vehicle on the pavement. In this paper, for the assumed failure model adopted, IRI is not found to be a good indicator of remaining pavement service life. The 3D continuous wavelet transform is proposed and shown to be a more effective indicator. Specific scales related to natural frequencies of the vehicle fleet, particularly the body mass frequency, are more significant than others. A weighted mean of the wavelet coefficients for these scales is used as an indicator of remaining life. One hundred randomly generated class A profiles are generated and their histories of damage progression throughout their lives are simulated. The new indicator is applied to the initial profiles to determine which ones are more vulnerable to damage than others. In numerical simulations using the assumed damage model, the wavelet based indicator is shown to be well correlated with service life.
Abnormal behavior of potassium adsorbed phosphorene
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yang Ming , Yang Bao , Loh Kian Ping , Wu Jianlan , Feng Yuan Ping
Published: February 2018

First-principles calculation is carried out to study adsorption of potassium (K) on phosphorene, a single layer of black phosphorus (BP). Interesting adsorption distance dependent electronic properties were found for the K adsorption on phosphorene surface, which is different from that for the K adsorption on a few-layer black phosphorus. While the bandgap of few-layer BP decreases monotonically as K approaches its surface and a Dirac point emerges, that of phosphorene decreases first and then increases, remaining open at any separation between K and phosphorene. This abnormal behavior is a result of weaker Stark effect and charge localization in phosphorene.
Macroevolutionary Patterns of Flowering Plant Speciation and Extinction
Authors: Vamosi Jana C. , Magallón Susana , Mayrose Itay , Otto Sarah P. , Sauquet Hervé
Published: February 2018

Species diversity is remarkably unevenly distributed among flowering plant lineages. Despite a growing toolbox of research methods, the reasons underlying this patchy pattern have continued to perplex plant biologists for the past two decades. In this review, we examine the present understanding of transitions in flowering plant evolution that have been proposed to influence speciation and extinction. In particular, ploidy changes, transitions between tropical and nontropical biomes, and shifts in floral form have received attention and have offered some surprises in terms of which factors influence speciation and extinction rates. Mating systems and dispersal characteristics once predominated as determining factors, yet recent evidence suggests that these changes are not as influential as previously thought or are important only when paired with range shifts. Although range extent is an important correlate of speciation, it also influences extinction and brings an applied focus to diversification research. Recent studies that find that past diversification can predict present-day extinction risk open an exciting avenue for future research to help guide conservation prioritization.
Rebooting Human Immunology
Authors: Davis Mark M. , Brodin Petter
Published: February 2018

Recent progress in both conceptual and technological approaches to human immunology have rejuvenated a field that has long been in the shadow of the inbred mouse model. This is a healthy development both for the clinical relevance of immunology and for the fact that it is a way to gain access to the wealth of phenomenology in the many human diseases that involve the immune system. This is where we are likely to discover new immunological mechanisms and principals, especially those involving genetic heterogeneity or environmental influences that are difficult to model effectively in inbred mice. We also suggest that there are likely to be novel immunological mechanisms in long-lived, less fecund mammals such as human beings since they must remain healthy far longer than short-lived rodents in order for the species to survive.
Simulation of Crystallization of Biominerals
Authors: Demichelis Raffaella , Schuitemaker Alicia , Garcia Natalya A. , Koziara Katarzyna B. , De La Pierre Marco , Raiteri Paolo , Gale Julian D.
Published: February 2018

Biominerals are crucial materials that play a vital role in many forms of life. Understanding the various steps through which ions in aqueous environment associate to form increasingly structured particles that eventually transform into the final crystalline or amorphous poly(a)morph in the presence of biologically active molecules is therefore of great significance. In this context, computer modeling is now able to provide an accurate atomistic picture of the dynamics and thermodynamics of possible association events in solution, as well as to make predictions as to particle stability and possible alternative nucleation pathways, as a complement to experiment. This review provides a general overview of the most significant computational methods and of their achievements in this field, with a focus on calcium carbonate as the most abundant biomineral.
Basic and Translational Neuroscience of Childhood-Onset Dystonia: A Control-Theory Perspective
Authors: Sanger Terence D.
Published: February 2018

Dystonia is a collection of symptoms with involuntary muscle activation causing hypertonia, hyperkinetic movements, and overflow. In children, dystonia can have numerous etiologies with varying neuroanatomic distribution. The semiology of dystonia can be explained by gain-of-function failure of a feedback controller that is responsible for stabilizing posture and movement. Because postural control is maintained by a widely distributed network, many different anatomic regions may be responsible for symptoms of dystonia, although all features of dystonia can be explained by uncontrolled activation or hypersensitivity of motor cortical regions that can cause increased reflex gain, inserted postures, or sensitivity to irrelevant sensory variables. Effective treatment of dystonia in children requires an understanding of the relationship between etiology, anatomy, and the specific mechanism of failure of postural stabilization.