bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐9 inhibits the gastric cancer cell proliferation by targeting TNFAIP8
Authors: Gao Hong‐Yu , Huo Fu‐Chun , Wang Hai‐Yan , Pei Dong‐Sheng
Published: January 2017

Background and objectives

MicroRNA‐9 is frequently dysregulated in many human carcinoma types, including gastric cancer (GC). Previous studies demonstrated that the expression of TNFAIP8 in GC is correlated with tumour occurrence, development, invasion, metastasis and prognosis. However, till now, the relationship between MicroRNA‐9 and TNFAIP8 in GC has not been reported.

Materials and methods

Levels of miR‐9 and TNFAIP8 expression in GC tissues and in human GC cell lines were studied using qualitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting. Cell viability was detected using the CCK‐8 and clone formation assays. A dual‐luciferase reporter system was used to confirm the target gene of miR‐9.

Results

We found that the expression level of MicroRNA‐9 in GC tissues and cell lines was significantly lower than that in adjacent non‐cancerous tissues and human immortalized gastric epithelial cell (GES) line, respectively. In addition, overexpression of MicroRNA‐9 markedly inhibited GC cell proliferation in vitro and tumour growth in vivo. Further experiments revealed that TNFAIP8 was a direct and functional target of MicroRNA‐9 in GC and overexpression of MicroRNA‐9 obviously down‐regulated the expression of TNFAIP8, which was involved in the gastric carcinogenesis and cancer progression.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that MicroRNA‐9‐TNFAIP8 might represent a promising diagnostic biomarker for GC patients and could be a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of GC.
Conceptual Role Semantics and the Reference of Moral Concepts
Authors: Sinclair Neil
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the prospects for a conceptual or functional role theory of moral concepts. It is argued that such an account is well‐placed to explain both the irreducibility and practicality of moral concepts. Several versions of conceptual role semantics for moral concepts are distinguished, depending on whether the concept‐constitutive conceptual roles are (i) wide or narrow (ii) normative or non‐normative and (iii) purely doxastic or conative. It is argued that the most plausible version of conceptual role semantics for moral concepts involves only ‘narrow’ conceptual roles, where these include connections to motivational, desire‐like, states. In the penultimate section it is argued, contrary to what Wedgwood, Enoch and others have claimed, that such an account of moral concepts cannot plausibly be combined with the claim that moral concepts refer to robust properties.
Reducing conditions in soil of Gallocanta Lake, northeast Spain
Authors: Castañeda C. , Luna E. , Rabenhorst M.
Published: January 2017

Saline wetlands have received limited attention from researchers and this neglect has often resulted in their degradation and limited conservation, and insufficient information to design conservation and management plans. Gallocanta Lake is a nature reserve of international importance for winter birds. The importance of the soil here, which supports niches and protected habitats for certain species of birds, has been recognized more recently. The soil of Gallocanta Lake undergoes strong oscillations of saturation and drainage followed by drying because of irregular rain and variable flooding conditions associated with fluctuations in the level of the lake. This study examined reducing conditions and morphological indicators of reduction in the soil around the lake with indicators of reduction in soils (IRIS) tubes, which are coated with iron oxides. We surveyed five sites for between 22 and 34 weeks. The average amount of iron removed from the IRIS tubes during the period studied ranged between 4 and 96%. The intensity of reduction in the soil differs according to subtle topographic differences between sites; it increases with the decrease in elevation. The large soil salinity (electrical conductivity saturated soil extract, ECe, from 18.1 to 182 dS m–1), carbonate‐rich composition (from 18.4 to 69.7% calcium carbonate equivalent, CCE) and overall small organic matter content (from 0.4 to 6.2% organic matter) do not seem to constrain iron mobilization because of the reducing conditions. Differences in iron depletion and patterns on the IRIS tubes show the heterogeneity of soil conditions and the complexity of factors involved in redox processes. Further research is needed to gain knowledge of the redox processes in the context of pedogenesis in semiarid lacustrine environments.

Highlights

How soil intermittently exposed to waterlogging expresses redox conditions.

Current reducing conditions are evident in a fluctuating saline lake by IRIS tubes.

Soil reduction occurs in alkaline soil with intermittent waterlogging.

IRIS tubes are suitable field indicators of the heterogeneity of soil reducing conditions in saline lakes.
Is EU Administrative Law Failing in Some of Its Crucial Tasks?
Authors: Chiti Edoardo
Published: January 2017

Beneath the surface of steady changes in EU administrative law lurk a number of long‐term, structural problems. In this article, I argue that, because of these structural problems, EU administrative law is failing in some of its crucial tasks: (1) finding a balance between administrative convergence and administrative diversity within the EU legal system, (2) structuring administrative power and its exercise, (3) governing administrative instability. EU administrative law, however, is not necessarily trapped in the status quo. By identifying and articulating a number of long‐term problems, this article aims at providing some tools that future research could use in the discussion on the possible ways forward. More generally, it suggests that EU administrative law should be reshaped as a project of institutional design.
Responsive Adjudication and the ‘Social Legitimacy’ of the Internal Market
Authors: Mulder Jotte
Published: January 2017

This article is concerned with the social legitimacy of EU free movement adjudication. What does social legitimacy entail within the multi‐level ‘embedded liberalism’ construction of the internal market? How can the objective of free movement (market access) and a commitment to social diversity both be pursued without one necessarily trumping the other? This article seeks to contribute to these questions on the basis of a discussion of what has come to be known as the argument from transnational effects and the development of an adjudicative model that can be termed ‘socially responsive’. On the basis of an ‘ideal types’ analysis of the case law of the Court, it is concluded that responsiveness to Member State social context is lacking in any coherent form in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. However, a responsive model of adjudication can be (re)constructed by streamlining the identified ideal type adjudicative rationales. In the midst of this process of discovery, an operational rationale to establish the substantive (social) scope and reach of the internal market shall be submitted.
Minority Representation in Migraine Treatment Trials
Authors: Robbins Nathaniel M. , Bernat James L.
Published: January 2017

Background

Minorities have historically been underrepresented in clinical research trials despite having comparatively poor health indicators. Recognizing the dual inequalities of increased disease burden and decreased research participation, the National Institute of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act of 1993 mandated the inclusion and reporting of women and minorities in NIH‐funded research. While progress has been made in the subsequent decades, this underrepresentation of minorities in research trials persists and has been documented in multiple disciplines. However, the extent of adequate representation and reporting of minority inclusion in clinical trials for migraine remains unknown.

Objectives

In this systematic review and study, we review the literature examining the representation of women and minorities in migraine clinical research trials

Methods

First we searched PubMed for pertinent articles examining the inclusion of women and minorities in migraine clinical research trials. Second, we identified controlled‐trials for migraine published since 2011 in major neurology, headache, and general medicine journals using the terms “migraine randomized controlled trial.” We then reviewed the results manually and excluded pilot studies and those with fewer than 50 participants. We next determined (a) how frequently representation of minorities and women were reported in these major trials; (b) what factors correlated with reporting; and (c) whether women and minority inclusion comprised their ratios in the general population.

Results

We identified 128 relevant clinical trials, of which 36 met our inclusion criteria. All 36 trials (100%) reported gender frequency, and 25 of 36 (69.4%) reported ethnicity or race. Among all studies, women and Whites represented 84.2 and 82.9% of participants (mean), respectively. Studies conducted in the United States and funded by a private company were more likely to report race than studies conducted exclusively outside of the U.S. or with a public sponsor. No studies stratified efficacy or safety by ethnicity or gender. Men and non‐Whites in the U.S. were statistically underrepresented.

Conclusions

Most recent headache studies comply with the NIH mandate to include women and minorities in research trials, particularly U.S.‐based and industry‐funded studies. Whites are overrepresented compared to both the general population and the population of migraineurs. Future studies should strive to increase minority participation and investigate race‐based differences in migraine expression, treatment response, and medication toxicity.
HIV incidence in an open national cohort of men who have sex with men attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in England
Authors: Desai S , Nardone A , Hughes G , Delpech V , Burns F , Hart G , Gill ON
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) who repeat test for HIV at sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in England, and identify associated factors.

Methods

Annual HIV incidence and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for a national cohort of MSM who tested HIV negative at any STI clinic in England in 2012 and had a follow‐up test within 1 year using routinely collected data. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of HIV acquisition and population attributable risk for HIV infection was calculated for predictors.

Results

In 2012, 85 500 MSM not known to be HIV positive attended any STI clinic in England, and 31% tested for HIV at least twice within 1 year at the same clinic. HIV incidence was 2.0 per 100 person‐years (PY; 95% CI 1.8–2.2) among repeat testers. Incidence was higher among MSM of black ethnicity (3.2 per 100 PY) and those with a bacterial STI diagnosis at the initial attendance (3.2 per 100 PY). MSM with a previous syphilis or gonorrhoea infection were at significantly greater risk of acquiring HIV in the subsequent year [adjusted hazard ratio 4.1 (95% CI 2.0–8.3) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.4–3.2), respectively]. The predictors accounted for 37% of HIV infections.

Conclusions

Annual HIV incidence among MSM attending STI clinics in England is high. Previous STIs were predictors of HIV acquisition but only accounted for one in five infections. More discriminatory behavioural predictors of HIV acquisition could provide better triaging of HIV prevention services for MSM attending STI clinics.
Hexamidine salts – applications in skin health and personal care products
Authors: Parisi N. , Matts P. J. , Lever R. , Hadgraft J. , Lane M. E.
Published: January 2017

Hexamidine (HEX) has been used as a preservative in topical preparations since the 1950s. A number of studies also indicate that the molecule plays a beneficial role in skin homoeostasis. In this review, we describe the physicochemical properties of hexamidine diisethionate (HEX D) and the corresponding hydrochloride salt (HEX H). The biocidal and protease inhibition properties of HEX are outlined as well as the effects of HEX on lipid processing enzymes, corneocyte maturity, stratum corneum thickness and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Skin permeation properties of HEX D and HEX H are summarized, and formulation approaches for effective dermal targeting of HEX are discussed.
Si segregation and its role in reaching transparent YAG
Authors: Zamir Shlomit
Published: January 2017

It is well‐known that doping YAG with Si dramatically affects densification and grain growth, and as a result Si is commonly added to YAG as a sintering additive to achieve full density and transparency. In recent studies, the influence of Si was explored, but segregation of Si to grain boundaries in YAG was not detected. The present article contradicts previous findings by revealing an excess of Si at grain boundaries in YAG. The findings were corroborated using atom probe tomography and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first time Si segregation was discovered in SiO2‐doped YAG, and the first time a dopant concentration profile at grain boundaries in a ceramic material was characterized by atom probe tomography. Finally, a change is proposed for the method to calculate grain‐boundary mobility in the presence of a solute (Lucke and Detert), showing a good correspondence to the experimental results. These results can change the view on solute distribution in ceramic grain boundaries from theoretical and characterization aspects.
Early Canadian Multicenter Experience With WATCHMAN for Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: SAW JACQUELINE , FAHMY PETER , AZZALINI LORENZO , MARQUIS JEAN‐FRANCOIS , HIBBERT BENJAMIN , MORILLO CARLOS , CARRIZO ALDO , IBRAHIM REDA
Published: January 2017

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Background

There are limited data with WATCHMAN (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, MA, USA) for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and contraindications to anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of WATCHMAN in our early Canadian experience.

Methods

We report our pooled consecutive series of patients who underwent WATCHMAN implantation at four major Canadian centers. Indications for LAA closure were CHADS2 ≥ 1 or CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 2, and contraindication/intolerance to or failure on anticoagulation. Follow‐up imaging was typically performed 1–6 months postprocedure.

Results

One hundred and six patients underwent LAA closure with WATCHMAN from May 2013 to October 2015. The mean age was 74.8 ± 7.7, mean CHADS2 score was 2.8 ± 1.2, CHA2DS2‐VASc score was 4.3 ± 1.5, and HASBLED score was 3.2 ± 1.2. Permanent AF was present in 67.9% and paroxysmal AF in 32.1%. Indications for LAA closure were prior bleeding 89.6% (87 major bleeding and 8 minor bleeding), 9.4% were deemed high risk for bleeding, and 0.9% with recurrent strokes on warfarin. Procedural success was 97.2% (103 of 106), with one device embolization (snared percutaneously), one implant failure due to inadequate LAA depth, and one cardiac perforation requiring surgical repair before WATCHMAN implantation. The composite major safety event‐rate was 1.9% (1 death and 1 device embolization). Mean hospital stay was 1.8 ± 4.7 days. Antithrombotic therapy postimplant included dual antiplatelet therapy in 76 of 103 (73.8%). Mean follow‐up was 210 ± 182 days; there were two transient ischemic attacks, with estimated 66% reduction in thromboembolic events relative to CHADS2 predicted risk.

Conclusion

In our early Canadian experience, WATCHMAN for LAA closure in patients contraindicated to anticoagulation appeared safe and effective.
Association of Antitachycardia Pacing or Shocks With Survival in 69,000 Patients With an Implantable Defibrillator
Authors: STRICKBERGER S. ADAM , CANBY ROBERT , COOPER JOSHUA , COPPESS MARK , DOSHI RAHUL , JOHN ROY , CONNOLLY ALLISON T. , ROBERTS GREGORY , KARST EDWARD , DAOUD EMILE G.
Published: January 2017

ATP and Mortality in 69,000 ICD Patients

Aims

Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) is an effective treatment for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and can reduce the frequency of shocks in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The association between survival and ATP, as compared to a shock, has not been confirmed in a large patient population. This study aims to determine if patients with an ICD receiving ATP have lower mortality, as compared to those receiving shock.

Methods

Sixty‐nine thousand three hundred and sixty‐eight patients underwent ICD implantation between October 2008 and May 2013 and were enrolled in the remote monitoring network Merlin.net™ (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA). Patients were categorized into three groups based on the type of ICD therapy received during follow‐up: no therapy (N = 47,927), ATP (N = 8,049), and shock (N = 13,392) groups. Survival was determined by linking implant records to the Social Security Death Index.

Results

The no therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–0.64, P < 0.001) and ATP (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64–0.77, P < 0.001) groups were associated with a lower mortality risk than the shock group. These results were unaffected by age, gender, device type, atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, or ventricular rate. ATP was effective in 85% of episodes and ATP effectiveness was dependent on the ventricular rate.

Conclusions

Mortality rates were higher in ICD patients who received only ATP compared to no therapy, but ICD patients who received a shock had higher mortality compared to both groups. Furthermore, the data suggest that age, gender, device type, AF burden, and rate of arrhythmia do not change the trend of higher mortality in patients receiving ICD shock compared to ATP alone.
Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Myocardial Fibrosis and Relevant Cytokines in a Canine Model With Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: WANG JINGFENG , GONG XUE , CHEN HAIYAN , QIN SHENGMEI , ZHOU NIANWEI , SU YANGANG , GE JUNBO
Published: January 2017

CRT and Myocardial Fibrosis

Introduction

Though cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has now proved to be effective on cardiac reverse remodeling, data on the underlying molecular changes are limited. The present study aims to investigate the expression of cytokines concerning myocardial fibrosis in dyssynchronous heart failure (HF) and the potential benefits of CRT.

Methods and Results

Left bundle branch ablation and rapid pacing was performed to induce a canine model of asynchronous HF. Animals were randomly divided into sham group, HF control group, and CRT group. Echocardiographic data including septum‐to‐posterior wall motion delay (SPWMD) and standard deviation of the time to peak systolic velocity (Ts‐SD) were collected. Histologic samples from lateral left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) free wall were analyzed and compared among different groups. Serum concentrations of NT‐proBNP, TGF‐β1, and osteopontin (OPN) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein and mRNA expressions of TGF‐β1/Smad and OPN from myocardial tissues were also detected and compared. CRT improved cardiac function and corrected intraventricular dyssynchrony with increased LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and decreased SPWMD and Ts‐SD (P < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that CRT restored cardiomyocyte diameter (from 4.50 to 6.08 μm) and collagen volume fraction (from 19.33% to 11.21%) of LV (P < 0.01), but had little effect on RV. Serum TGF‐β1 and OPN level were also reversed toward normal level after CRT (P < 0.05). Compared with sham group, a significantly higher protein and mRNA expressions of TGF‐β1/Smad and OPN were observed in HF control group, which were significantly downregulated in CRT group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

By means of coordinating LV dyssynchrony, cellular and molecular reverse remodeling relevant to fibrosis inhibition could also be invoked by CRT.
Higher maternal serum prolactin levels are associated with reduced glucose tolerance during pregnancy
Authors: Ekinci Elif I , Torkamani Niloufar , Ramchand Sabashini K , Churilov Leonid , Sikaris Ken A , Lu Zhong X , Houlihan Christine A
Published: January 2017

It is unknown if high prolactin levels during pregnancy contribute to the development of gestational diabetes. We hypothesized that higher prolactin levels are associated with reduced glucose tolerance, as determined by higher 2‐h glucose level from an oral glucose tolerance test in pregnancy. The 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was carried out at 28 weeks of gestation in 69 participants. A multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between serum prolactin and 2‐h glucose levels. Multivariable regression analysis showed an independent and significant relationship between third trimester prolactin and 2‐h glucose levels post oral glucose tolerance test. Higher prolactin levels were associated with higher glucose levels independent of age, body mass index, gravidity and parity. Higher prolactin levels associated with reduced glucose tolerance in the third trimester of pregnancy suggests the possible independent role of prolactin in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes.
Rational Inattention in Uncertain Business Cycles
Authors: ZHANG FANG
Published: January 2017

The paper proposes endogenous information choice as a channel through which uncertainty affects price dynamics. I consider a rational inattention model with volatility uncertainty and endogenous information processing capability. According to the model, firms' learning and optimal attention exhibits inertia and asymmetry in response to volatility changes. Firms choose to process more information when uncertainty rises, especially about aggregate conditions, and their pricing behavior changes accordingly. Using a Markov‐switching factor‐augmented vector autoregression (MS‐FAVAR), the paper also documents a significant positive correlation between volatility and firms' responsiveness to macro‐ and microlevel shocks, consistent with model predictions.
On the Persistence of Cross‐Country Inequality Measures
Authors: CHRISTOPOULOS DIMITRIS , MCADAM PETER
Published: January 2017

We examine inequality persistence in a multicountry unbalanced panel using a battery of stationarity and long‐run memory tests. Inequality is measured by the Gini indices of income inequality. Results suggest that we cannot reject a unit root in inequality measures. This applies to both gross and net indices: thus while redistributive measures have reduced the level of inequality, they have not sufficiently modified its apparent unit root. A more likely conclusion is that inequality measures are exceptionally persistent if not strictly a unit root. We also introduce a new panel stationarity test useful for series subject to unknown structural breaks.
Standing sagittal alignment of the whole axial skeleton with reference to the gravity line in humans
Authors: Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Okamoto Masashi , Hatsushikano Shun , Shimoda Haruka , Ono Masatoshi , Homma Takao , Watanabe Kei
Published: January 2017

Human beings stand upright with the chain of balance beginning at the feet, progressing to the lower limbs (ankles, knees, hip joints, pelvis), each of the spinal segments, and then ending at the cranium to achieve horizontal gaze and balance using minimum muscle activity. The details of the alignment and balance of the chain, however, are not clearly understood, due to the lack of information regarding the three‐dimensional (3D) orientation of all bony elements in relation to the gravity line (GL). We performed a clinical study to clarify the standing sagittal alignment of whole axial skeletons in reference to the GL using the EOS slot‐scanning 3D X‐ray imaging system with simultaneous force plate measurement in a healthy human population. The GL was defined as a vertical line drawn through the centre of vertical pressure measured by the force plate. The present study yielded a complete set of physiological alignment measurements of the standing axial skeleton from the database of 136 healthy subjects (a mean age of 39.7 years, 20–69 years; men: 40, women: 96). The mean offset of centre of the acoustic meati from the GL was 0.0 cm. The offset of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae was posterior to the GL with the apex of thoracic kyphosis at T7, 5.0 cm posterior to the GL. The sagittal alignment changed to lordosis at the level of L2. The apex of the lumbar lordosis was L4, 0.6 cm anterior to the GL, and the centre of the base of the sacrum (CBS) was just posterior to the GL. The hip axis (HA) was 1.4 cm anterior to the GL. The knee joint was 2.4 cm posterior and the ankle joint was 4.8 cm posterior to the GL. L4‐, L5‐ and the CBS‐offset in subjects in the age decades of 40s, 50s and 60s were significantly posterior to those of subjects in their 20s. The L5‐ and CBS‐offset in subjects in their 50s and 60s were also significantly posterior to those in subjects in their 30s. HA was never posterior to the GL. In the global alignment, there was a positive correlation between offset of C7 vertebra from the sagittal vertical axis (a vertical line drawn through the posterior superior corner of the sacrum in the sagittal plane) and age, but no correlation was detected between the centre of the acoustic meati‐GL offset and age. Cervical lordosis (CL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence, hip extension, knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion increased significantly with age. Our results revealed that aging induces trunk stooping, but the global alignment is compensated for by an increase in the CL, PT and knee flexion, with the main function of CL and PT to maintain a horizontal gaze in a healthy population.
CONVERGENCEOF CAPITAL AND INSURANCE MARKETS: CONSISTENT PRICING OF INDEX‐LINKED CATASTROPHE LOSS INSTRUMENTS
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Pokutta Sebastian , Vogl Nikolai
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Index‐linked catastrophe loss instruments have become increasingly attractive for investors and play an important role in risk management. Their payout is tied to the development of an underlying industry loss index (reflecting losses from natural catastrophes) and may additionally depend on the ceding company's loss. Depending on the instrument, pricing is currently not entirely transparent and does not assume a liquid market. We show how arbitrage‐free and market‐consistent prices for such instruments can be derived by overcoming the crucial point of tradability of the underlying processes. We develop suitable approximation and replication techniques and—based on these—provide explicit pricing formulas using cat bond prices. Finally, we use empirical examples to illustrate the suggested approximations.
Evaluation of coagulation during treatment with directly acting antivirals in patients with hepatitis C virus related cirrhosis
Authors: Tripodi Armando , D'Ambrosio Roberta , Padovan Lidia , Tosetti Giulia , Aghemo Alessio , Primignani Massimo , Chantarangkul Veena , Peyvandi Flora , Colombo Massimo
Published: January 2017

Background & Aims

The effect of direct‐acting‐antivirals (DAA) on coagulation of hepatitis‐C‐virus (HCV)‐related cirrhosis is unknown.

Methods

We investigated 28 patients on DAA treatment and performed prothrombin‐time, thrombin generation with and without thrombomodulin, whole‐blood thromboelastometry, as well as the individual procoagulants (II, VIII, XIII, von Willebrand) and anticoagulants, antithrombin and protein‐C.

Results

Patients had undetectable HCV‐RNA at the end‐of‐ treatment and at 12‐weeks after end‐of‐treatment (sustained virological response). Transaminases were significantly decreased at both end‐of‐treatment and at 12‐weeks. Prothrombin‐time declined at 12‐weeks, but did not reach statistical significance. Factor‐II, protein‐C and antithrombin increased significantly at end‐of‐treatment (P<.001) and persisted at 12‐weeks. Factor‐VIII decreased at end‐of‐treatment and to a greater extent at 12‐weeks when reached statistical significance (P<.05). Factor‐VIII/protein‐C ratio decreased sharply, reached statistical significance at end‐of‐treatment (P<.01) and persisted at 12‐weeks. Von‐Willebrand decreased at end‐of‐treatment and reached statistical significance at 12‐weeks (P<.001). Endogenous‐thrombin‐potential without thrombomodulin increased significantly at end‐of‐treatment (P<.01) and persisted at 12‐weeks. No changes were observed after addition of thrombomodulin. Endogenous‐thrombin‐potential ratio (with/without thrombomodulin) decreased and reached statistical significance at 12‐weeks (P<.05). Thromboelastometry clotting time decreased sharply, reached statistical significance at end‐of treatment (P<.001) and persisted at 12‐weeks.

Conclusions

Treatment with DAAs in HCV‐related cirrhosis results in improvement of the individual pro‐ and anticoagulants. It can be hypothesised that the net effect does not substantially modify their balance (as shown by the unchanged thrombin generation in the presence of thrombomodulin) but makes it more stable and less amenable to be perturbed as presumably occurs before treatment when there is a partial deficiency for both.
Origin of mass‐independent oxygen isotope variation among ureilites: Clues from chondrites and primitive achondrites
Authors: Sanders I. S. , Scott E. R. D. , Delaney J. S.
Published: January 2017

Ureilite meteorites are abundant, carbon‐rich, primitive achondrites made of coarse‐grained, equilibrated olivine and pyroxene (usually pigeonite). They probably sample the baked, heterogeneous, melt‐depleted mantle of a large, once‐chondritic parent body that was broken up catastrophically while still young and hot. Heterogeneity in the parent body is inferred from a considerable “slope‐1” variation from one meteorite to another in oxygen isotopes (−2.5‰ < Δ17O < −0.2‰), which correlates with both molar FeO/MgO (range 0.03–0.35) and molar FeO/MnO (range 3–57), i.e., Δ17O correlates with the redox state. No consensus has yet emerged on the cause of these correlated trends. One view favors their inheritance via silicates from hot nebular (preaccretion) processes. Another invokes smelting (reduction of FeO by C in the hot parent body). Here, guided mainly by similar trends among equilibrated ordinary and R chondrites, studies of their unequilibrated counterparts, and work on other primitive achondrites, we propose a new model for ureilites in which the parent body accreted nebular ice with high‐∆17O, Mg‐rich silicates with low ∆17O, and varying amounts of metallic iron. Water from the thawing ice then oxidized the metal yielding secondary FeO‐bearing minerals with high ∆17O that, with metamorphism, became incorporated into the ureilite silicates. FeO/MgO, FeO/MnO, and ∆17O correlate because they rose in unison by amounts that varied spatially, depending on the local amount of metal that was oxidized. We suggest that the parent body was so large (radius ≫ 100 km) that smelting was inhibited and that carbon played a passive role in ureilite evolution. Although ureilites are regarded as complicated meteorites, we believe our analysis explains their mass‐independent oxygen isotope trend and related FeO variation through well‐understood processes and enlightens our understanding of the evolution of early planetesimals from cold, wet bodies to hot, dry ones.
Petrogenesis of the EET 92023 achondrite and implications for early impact events
Authors: Yamaguchi A. , Shirai N. , Okamoto C. , Ebihara M.
Published: January 2017

We report petrology and geochemistry of an achondrite EET 92023 and compare it with normal and anomalous eucrites. EET 92023 is an unbrecciated achondrite and shows a granular texture mainly composed of low‐Ca pyroxene and plagioclase, petrologically similar to normal cumulate eucrites such as Moore County. However, this rock contains a significant amount of kamacite and taenite not common in unbrecciated, crystalline eucrites. EET 92023 contains a significant amount of platinum group elements (PGEs) (ca. 10% of CI), several orders of magnitude higher than those of monomict eucrites. We suggest that the metallic phases carrying PGEs were incorporated by a projectile during or before igneous crystallization and thermal metamorphism. The projectile was likely to be an iron meteorite rather than chondritic materials, as indicated by the lack of olivine and the presence of free silica. Therefore, the oxygen isotopic signature is indigenous, rather than due to contamination of the projectile material with different oxygen isotopic compositions. A significant thermal event involving partial melting and metamorphism after the impact event indicates that EET 92023 records early impact events which took place shortly after the crust formation on a differentiated protoplanet when the crust was still hot.
Immunization and treatment updates: 2016‐2017 influenza season
Authors: de St. Maurice Annabelle , Halasa Natasha
Published: January 2017

Influenza‐associated infections cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among immunocompromised patients. Immunization is the primary mode of prevention of disease; however, efficacy in immunocompromised patients may be limited. Antiviral medications are important for treatment and prophylaxis of affected individuals. This article reviews treatment and prevention recommendations for the 2016‐2017 influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.
Effects of Tamarix removal on the community dynamics of riparian birds in a semiarid grassland
Authors: Raynor Edward J. , Cable Ted T. , Sandercock Brett K.
Published: January 2017

Invasion of riparian habitats by non‐native plants is a global problem that requires an understanding of community‐level responses by native plants and animals. In the Great Plains, resource managers have initiated efforts to control the eastward incursion of Tamarix as a non‐native bottomland plant (Tamarix ramosissima) along the Cimarron River in southwestern Kansas, United States. To understand how native avifauna interact with non‐native plants, we studied the effects of Tamarix removal on riparian bird communities. We compared avian site occupancy of three foraging guilds, abundance of four nesting guilds, and assessed community dynamics with dynamic, multiseason occupancy models across three replicated treatments. Community parameters were estimated for Tamarix‐dominated sites (untreated), Tamarix‐removal sites (treated), and reference sites with native cottonwood sites (Populus deltoides). Estimates of initial occupancy (ψ2006) for the ground‐to‐shrub foraging guild tended to be highest at Tamarix‐dominated sites, while initial occupancy of the upper‐canopy foraging and mid‐canopy foraging guilds were highest in the treated and reference sites, respectively. Estimates of relative abundance for four nesting guilds indicated that the reference habitat supported the highest relative abundance of birds overall, although the untreated habitat had higher abundance of shrub‐nesters than treated or reference habitats. Riparian sites where invasive Tamarix is dominant in the Great Plains can provide nesting habitat for some native bird species, with avian abundance and diversity that are comparable to remnant riparian sites with native vegetation. Moreover, presence of some native vegetation in Tamarix‐dominated and Tamarix‐removal sites may increase abundance of riparian birds such as cavity‐nesters. Overall, our study demonstrates that Tamarix may substitute for native flora in providing nesting habitat for riparian birds at the eastern edge of its North American range.
Antonio de Fuenmayor's Life of Pius V: A pope in early modern Spanish historiography
Authors: Pattenden Miles
Published: January 2017

Antonio de Fuenmayor's Vida y Hechos de Pío V (1595) is one of the earliest hagiographic texts written about Pius V, the most famous of Counter‐Reformation popes and the victor of the Battle of Lepanto (1571). But, because Fuenmayor wrote in Spanish rather than Italian, his text has never received much attention. This article presents it in its context for the first time and argues that Fuenmayor highlights an important problem in the developing genre of early modern Spanish historiography: how to incorporate the pope in the national histories promoted by Philip II, III, and IV? Contemporary Spaniards praised Fuenmayor's text highly, a fact which may have had as much to do with its highly political role as a critical rebuke of Clement VIII and, later, of Urban VIII as it did with the text's literary qualities. The fact that Fuenmayor's depiction of Pius V is just as carefully constructed as better‐known Italian examples underlines how Italians, though they staffed most of the papacy's offices at this time, held no monopoly over how the pope's image was defined. Other Catholics, in this case the Spanish Monarchy, put forward rival visions which better served their own interests, even when those visions were at odds with those projected from Rome in order to further their own political interests.
Factors Influencing Serum Concentrations of Immunoglobulin D in the Adult Population: An Observational Study in Spain
Authors: Carballo I. , Rabuñal N. , Alvela L. , Pérez L.‐F. , Vidal C. , Alonso M. , Sopeña B. , Gude F. , Gonzalez‐Quintela A.
Published: January 2017

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is the least studied of immunoglobulin classes. This study sought to investigate the potential relationship between demographic, metabolic, lifestyle and immunological factors, and serum IgD concentrations in a general adult population. We measured serum IgD concentrations by means of a commercial turbidimetric assay in 413 individuals (median age, 55 years; 45% males), randomly selected from the adult population of a Spanish municipality. Serum IgD concentrations displayed considerable variation in the population, ranging from undetectable (<6.7 mg/l) to 878 mg/l. Serum IgD concentrations were undetectable in 78 cases (18.9%) and >100 mg/l in 39 cases (9.4%). Median IgD was 21.9 mg/l. Serum IgD concentrations were negatively associated with age and positively associated with smoking, after adjustment for potential confounders. Overweight individuals showed lower concentrations of IgD than did normal‐weight individuals. Atopy (positivity of skin tests to aeroallergens) was not significantly associated with IgD concentrations, although non‐symptomatic atopics showed higher IgD concentrations. No consistent association was observed between serum IgD concentrations and gender, metabolic syndrome, or alcohol consumption. No significant association was found between baseline IgD concentrations and development of either allergic or immune disease after a median 11.4 years of follow‐up. In conclusion, serum IgD concentrations in adults show a wide variation in the population and may be influenced by common factors, particularly age and smoking habit. These factors should be taken into account when defining reference ranges for serum IgD concentrations.
‘Let the King Save the Poor’: The Discursive Mechanism Underlying the Under‐exercise of Social Rights in South Korea
Authors: Jung Yong Moon
Published: January 2017

This study was prompted by discrepancies observed between the quantitative expansion and the qualitative stalemate in social policy in South Korea. Despite a revamped social security system, changes in South Korean social policies have not led to significant coverage expansion or improved income and poverty distribution. The frequent appearance of the Korean proverb that ‘even the King cannot save the poor’ in policy participants' narratives reflects a lack of confidence in the Government's ability to address persistent social disadvantages and the prevalence of a fatalistic policy perspective. This proverb has a conceptual affinity with an individualistic approach and has effectively functioned as a governance tool to oppress the progress of welfare rights. This research shows that an expenditure‐based model could lead to actual policy situations being misrepresented. Further, institutional policy arrangements may not be a sufficient condition for improving policy performance. It is suggested that a rights‐based approach should be adopted for both theorization of the transition of the welfare regimes and discursive practice for a policy paradigm change.
Identification of the novel KIR2DL1*033 allele from a southern Chinese Han individual by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Zhang G.‐B. , Chen R. , Deng Z.‐H.
Published: January 2017

The novel KIR2DL1*033 allele differs from the closest allele 2DL1*00302 by a single nonsynonymous mutation.
Red cell antibodies – clinical significance or just noise?
Authors: White J.
Published: January 2017

Red cell antibodies can cause mortality and morbidity in both transfusion and antenatal settings and also have relevance in transplantation. A clinically significant antibody can be defined as one capable of causing accelerated destruction of a significant proportion of transfused cells, or one capable of crossing the placenta and causing haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The specificity, Ig class, thermal range and concentration of the antibody can predict clinical significance; however, the clinical situation and patient's individual immune response are also significant factors. The aim is to detect antibodies that are likely to cause problems in the clinical setting for which the antibody screening is designed, for example patient pretransfusion, antenatal or donor. Detection of ‘insignificant’ antibodies creates additional work and leads to potential delay in providing compatible blood for transfusion, or unnecessary repeat testing/interventions in pregnancy. The balance between sensitivity and specificity can be influenced by the methods and technologies selected. It is not possible to detect all potentially clinically significant antibodies, or to avoid detecting all clinically insignificant antibodies, that is ‘noise’. Antibody detection (screening) can be optimized by designing protocols appropriate to the population to be screened, utilizing knowledge of the characteristics of red cell antibodies, understanding of the principles, strengths and limitations of the methods/technologies validated for use, and ongoing quality assurance of testing. All alloantibodies detected in screening should be investigated for specificity, and the results interpreted in clinical context.
Keys to move to self‐sufficiency in safe blood components based on voluntary blood donation
Authors: Maghsudlu M.
Published: January 2017

One of the oldest resolutions of WHO urges member states to promote the blood services based on voluntary non‐remunerated blood donation (VNRBD). Consequently, achieving self‐sufficiency in six driver products has been focused on by the WHO and other international agencies in 2010. However, both VNRBD and self‐sufficiency are not a reality in many countries. In this article, proposed ways to achieve self‐sufficiency in blood products and plasma‐derived medicines are discussed. The main proposed ways included are as follows: (i) Donor management: attention to public awareness, donors’ expectations, selection criteria and donor care are so important to maintain a sustainable base for voluntary blood donors. (ii) Wastage blood management: a focused programme can reduce evitable blood product wastage. (iii) Patient blood management plays an important role in avoiding unnecessary exposure to blood and components. In Iran, more than 2 100 000 units of whole blood are being collected annually, all of them from voluntary blood donors. These units are processed to RBC, Plt and FFP that cover all the needs of hospitals generally. Based on formal agreements between Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) and the fractionators, redundant FFP is sent to be processed, which covers most albumin and IVIG demand. IBTO has achieved 100% of VNRBD all over the country since 2007 as well as a good start in self‐sufficiency in PDM by improving donor management, wastage management and patient blood management as well as developing quality systems in the blood transfusion establishment. The experience of Iran has shown that self‐sufficiency in PDM based on VNRBD is an achievable goal that needs a multidisciplinary programme and effort.
Reportes integrados y generación de valor en empresas colombianas incluidas en el Índice de Sostenibilidad Dow Jones
Authors: Correa-García Jaime Andrés , Hernández-Espinal María Clara , Vásquez-Arango Lorena , Soto-Restrepo Yudy Marcela
Published: January 2017

Los reportes integrados satisfacen la actual demanda de información de los grupos de interés que necesitan tomar mejores decisiones y observar en ellos la generación de valor de las empresas. Para cumplir el objetivo de la investigación, se tomaron como base los Reportes Integrados de 2013 de las diez empresas colombianas incluidas en el Índice de Sostenibilidad Dow Jones (Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, DJSI) para mercados emergentes, y se establecieron cinco variables (estructura del informe, gobierno corporativo, económica, social y ambiental) con sus respectivos indicadores, para evaluar el cumplimiento de su revelación según algunas guías internacionales, teniendo como resultado que las empresas dan la suficiente importancia a la revelación de información integrada para mostrarse más competitivas y transparentes en el mercado.
Elasticidades de demanda de un medicamento antidepresivo en Colombia como estrategia para evaluar poder de mercado
Authors: Cadena-Lozano Javier Bernardo , Ariza-Garzón Miller Janny , Pulido-Cruz Carlos Gerardo
Published: January 2017

En este artículo se desarrolló un ejercicio de estimación de la elasticidad precio de la demanda de un medicamento “tipo” utilizado para el tratamiento de la depresión. Este trastorno afecta física y mentalmente a un gran número de personas en el mundo y constituye un problema de salud pública con prevalencia creciente. Se estimaron dos modelos econométricos vectoriales para el periodo anterior a la expedición de la circular 03 del 2013 que regula los precios de los medicamentos en Colombia. Como resultado se obtuvo una elasticidad precio no significativa de 0.35 %, es decir, que los cambios en el precio no generan la respuesta esperada en la demanda, comportamiento que sugiere la existencia de un alto poder de mercado de la empresa que elabora dicho producto “tipo”, lo cual es evidencia de la necesidad de implementar dicha circular.
Genome Sequence of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Strain SC16
Authors: Rastrojo Alberto , López-Muñoz Alberto Domingo , Alcamí Antonio
Published: January 2017

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), also known as
Human herpesvirus 1
, is a highly prevalent human neurotropic pathogen that causes a variety of diseases, including lethal encephalitis. Here, we report the genome sequence of the HSV-1 strain SC16.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Coniochaeta ligniaria
NRRL 30616, a Lignocellulolytic Fungus for Bioabatement of Inhibitors in Plant Biomass Hydrolysates
Authors: Jiménez Diego Javier , Hector Ronald E. , Riley Robert , Lipzen Anna , Kuo Rita C. , Amirebrahimi Mojgan , Barry Kerrie W. , Grigoriev Igor V. , van Elsas Jan Dirk , Nichols Nancy N.
Published: January 2017

Here, we report the first draft genome sequence (42.38 Mb containing 13,657 genes) of
Coniochaeta ligniaria
NRRL 30616, an ascomycete with biotechnological relevance in the bioenergy field given its high potential for bioabatement of toxic furanic compounds in plant biomass hydrolysates and its capacity to degrade lignocellulosic material.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactococcus piscium CNCM I-4031, a Bioprotective Strain for Seafood Products
Authors: Marché Laurent , Saraoui Taous , Remenant Benoit , Zagorec Monique , Prévost Hervé , Delbarre-Ladrat Christine , Leroi Françoise , Pilet Marie France
Published: January 2017

Lactococcus piscium
CNCM I-4031 is a psychotrophic foodborne lactic acid bacterium showing potential interest for the biopreservation of seafood products due to its inhibition properties toward pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. The analysis of its genome will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between these bacteria.