bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an Incentive Program on Educational Achievement of Indigenous Students
Authors: Dulleck Uwe , Silva‐Goncalves Juliana , Torgler Benno
Published: June 2016

This article introduces an incentive program that attempts to close the gap in educational attainment between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians, and provides an evaluation of its effectiveness. The program uses in‐kind incentives conditional on achievement of a specific target for academic grades, classroom behaviour and attendance, coupled with information sessions on the importance of educational achievement. In 2012, all indigenous students enrolled in 21 high schools in Queensland were invited to take part in the program. Using a differences‐in‐differences design, we find that the program improved classroom behaviour and academic grades and reduced unexplained absences for female students only. In contrast, the program improved scores on a standardised national assessment test for male students. Moreover, we find that the program is only effective for students from intact families.
The Deep Historical Roots of Macroeconomic Volatility
Authors: Tang Sam Hak Kan , Leung Charles Ka Yui
Published: June 2016

We present cross‐country evidence that a country's macroeconomic volatility, measured either by the standard deviation of output growth or the occurrence of trend‐growth breaks, is significantly affected by the country's historical variables. In particular, countries with longer histories of state‐level political institutions experience less macroeconomic volatility in post‐war periods. Robustness checks reveal that the effect of this historical variable on volatility remains significant and substantial after controlling for a host of structural variables investigated in previous studies. We also find that the state history variable is more important in countries with a higher level of macroeconomic volatility.
Trends in Approval Times for Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States and the European Union
Authors: Smart Richard D. , Blum Matthias , Wesseler Justus
Published: June 2016

Genetically engineered (GE) crops are subject to regulatory oversight to ensure their safety for humans and the environment. Their approval in the European Union (EU) starts with an application in a given Member State followed by a scientific risk assessment, and ends with a political decision‐making step (risk management). In the United States (US) approval begins with a scientific (field trial) step and ends with a ‘bureaucratic’ decision‐making step. We investigate trends for the time taken for these steps and the overall time taken for approving GE crops in the US and the EU. Our results show that from 1996–2015 the overall time trend for approval in the EU decreased and then flattened off, with an overall mean completion‐time of 1,763 days. In the US in 1998 there was a break in the trend of the overall approval time. Initially, from 1988 until 1997 the trend decreased with a mean approval time of 1,321 days; from 1998–2015, the trend almost stagnated with a mean approval time of 2,467 days.
Lung cancer radiation therapy in Australia and New Zealand: Patterns of practice
Authors: Islam Syed Muntasser , Vinod Shalini K , Lehman Margot , Siva Shankar , Kron Tomas , Dwyer Patrick M , Holloway Lois , Lao Louis , Yap Mei Ling , Ruben Jeremy D
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The RANZCR Faculty of Radiation Oncology Lung Interest Cooperative (FROLIC) surveyed patterns of lung cancer radiation therapy practice for non−small cell (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to evaluate current patterns of care and potential for improvement.

Methods

In October 2014, Radiation Oncologists (ROs) from all 62 departments in Australia and New Zealand were invited to a web‐based survey directed at those treating lung cancer. Questions covered current radiation therapy practice as well as quality measures.

Results

Fifty‐eight per cent of respondents used 4D‐CT simulation. For curative treatment, 98% employed 3D‐CRT and 34% intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques. Treatment verification was primarily performed using cone‐beam CT (86%). In NSCLC, the commonest curative dose‐fractionation regime was 60 Gy/30# (96%) and for palliative intent, 30 Gy/10# (76%). Forty‐four per cent treated patients with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) and half treated central tumours with this technique. In fit patients with synchronous solitary brain metastases, 80% would give radical treatment. For curative‐intent SCLC, 45–50.4 Gy/25–28# (61%) and 45 Gy/30#/1.5 Gy b.d. (48%) were used. Ninety‐four per cent discussed lung cancer patients at multidisciplinary meetings. Contours were peer‐reviewed by 74% and 50% for conventional fractionation and SABR respectively.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of ROs did not have access to 4D‐CT. The majority used 3D image verification and consistently prescribed evidence based doses. A significant number did not participate in peer‐review of contours. Practice in IMRT and synchronous oligo‐metastatic disease is variable and should be an area of future research. Utilising survey findings, FROLIC is developing consensus recommendations to guide practice.
Cross Mapping Between the Priority Nursing Care for Stroke Patients Treated With Thrombolytic Therapy and the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC)
Authors: Nonnenmacher Carine Lais , Ávila Christiane Wahast , Mantovani Vanessa Monteiro , de Oliveira Vargas Mara Ambrosina , Echer Isabel Cristina , de Fátima Lucena Amália
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

To verify the correspondence between the priority nursing care for
stroke patients treated with thrombolytic therapy and the Nursing Interventions
Classification (NIC).

METHODS

A cross‐mapping study with a semi‐structured interview was conducted with 11 expert nurses who described priority nursing care in clinical practice, and mapped it to the NIC.

RESULTS

Eleven nursing care priorities cited by the nurses were mapped to eight NICs, including Thrombolytic Therapy Management (4270).

CONCLUSIONS

There was correspondence between all priority nursing care interventions for stroke patients treated with thrombolytic therapy and the NIC.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The nursing care cited by the nurses was corroborated by the NIC, providing evidence for the clinical practice.

OBJETIVO

Verificar a correspondência entre os cuidados de enfermagem prioritários a pacientes com acidente vascular encefálico tratados com terapia trombolítica e a Classificação das Intervenções de Enfermagem (NIC).

MÉTODOS

Estudo de mapeamento cruzado com uma entrevista semi‐estruturada aplicada a 11 enfermeiros especialistas que descreveram os cuidados de enfermagem prioritários na prática clínica, e mapeados para a NIC.

RESULTADOS

Onze cuidados de enfermagem prioritários foram citados pelos enfermeiros e mapeados em oito intervenções de enfermagem NIC, incluindo a Thrombolytic Therapy Management (4270).

CONCLUSÕES

Houve correspondência entre todos os cuidados de enfermagem prioritários para pacientes com acidente vascular encefálico tratados com a terapia trombolítica e as intervençães de enfermagem NIC.

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA DE ENFERMAGEM

Os cuidados de enfermagem citados pelos enfermeiros foram corroborados pela NIC, produzindo evidências para a prática clínica.
Long‐term outcomes of lung transplant recipients with hepatitis C infection: a retrospective study of the U.S. transplant registry
Authors: Koenig A. , Stepanova M. , Saab S. , Ahmed A. , Wong R. , Younossi Z. M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Chronic hepatitis C patients in need of a lung transplant are often considered ineligible due to their infection.

Aim

To assess the association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with long‐term outcomes of lung transplants.

Methods

From the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (1995–2011), we selected all adults with and without HCV infection who underwent lung transplantation.

Results

A total of 17 762 lung transplant recipients were included (55.5% bilateral). Of those, 319 (1.83%) had positive HCV serology. The HCV‐positive recipients were 1.6 years younger, less Caucasian and more African‐American, and had a significantly higher rate of co‐infection with hepatitis B virus (all P < 0.001). Post‐transplant patients were discharged alive at similar rates regardless of HCV status: 88.4% in HCV+ vs. 90.3% in HCV− (P = 0.25). The mortality rates were also similar at 1 and 2 years after transplantation (20.7% in HCV+ vs. 19.2% in HCV− and 31.6% in HCV+ vs. 28.9% in HCV−, respectively; both P > 0.05), but at post‐transplant year 3 year, mortality rate in HCV+ became significantly higher (42.5% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.04) and remained higher for the duration of the follow‐up (mean 9.1 years, max 18.4 years). In multivariate survival analysis, after adjustment for confounders, being HCV+ was associated with higher mortality: adjusted hazard ratio 1.24 (1.04–1.46), P = 0.01. No association of HCV infection with time to graft loss was found (P = 0.92).

Conclusions

Chronic HCV infection is associated with a moderate increase in post‐lung transplant mortality. Treatment of HCV in lung transplant recipients may, therefore, result in improvement of post‐transplant outcomes.
Do patients with intake of drugs labelled as sleep disturbing really sleep worse? A population based assessment from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study
Authors: Lehnich Anna‐Therese , Kowall Bernd , Kuß Oliver , Schmidt‐Pokrzywniak Andrea , Weinreich Gerhard , Dragano Nico , Moebus Susanne , Erbel Raimund , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Stang Andreas
Published: June 2016

Aim

The sleep disturbing effect of many drugs is derived from clinical trials with highly selected patient collectives. However, the generalizability of such findings to the general population is questionable. Our aim was to assess the association between intake of drugs labelled as sleep disturbing and self‐reported nocturnal sleep disturbances in a population‐based study.

Methods

We used data of 4221 participants (50.0% male) aged 45 to 75 years from the baseline examination of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study in Germany. The interview provided information on difficulties falling asleep, difficulties maintaining sleep and early morning arousal. We used the summary of product characteristics (SPC) for each drug taken and assigned the probability of sleep disturbances. Thereafter, we calculated cumulative probabilities of sleep disturbances per subject to account for polypharmacy. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) using log Poisson regression models with robust variance.

Results

The adjusted PRs of any regular nocturnal sleep disorder per additional sleep disturbing drug were 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97, 1.06) and 1.03 (95% CI 1.00, 1.07) for men and women, respectively. Estimates for each regular nocturnal sleep disturbance were similarly close to 1. PRs for regular nocturnal sleep disturbances did not increase with rising cumulative probability for drug‐related sleep disturbances.

Conclusions

SPC‐based probabilities of drug‐related sleep disturbances showed barely any association with self‐reported regular nocturnal sleep disturbances. We conclude that SPC‐based probability information may lack generalizability to the general population or may be of limited data quality.
Geraniol Induces Antinociceptive Effect in Mice Evaluated in Behavioural and Electrophysiological Models
Authors: La Rocca Viviana , da Fonsêca Diogo Vilar , Silva‐Alves Kerly Shamyra , Ferreira‐da‐Silva Francisco Walber , de Sousa Damião Pergentino , Santos Priscila Laise , Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo José , Leal‐Cardoso José Henrique , de Almeida Reinaldo Nóbrega
Published: June 2016

Geraniol (GER) is a monoterpene alcohol with various biochemical and pharmacological properties present in the essential oil of more than 160 species of herbs (especially the Cymbopogon genus). In this study, we evaluated the antinociceptive activity of GER in behavioural and electrophysiological in vitro experimental models of nociception using male Swiss mice. GER (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg i.p. and 50 or 200 mg/kg p.o.) reduced the number of writhes induced by acetic acid. The opioid antagonist naloxone (5 mg/kg s.c.) administered in mice subsequently treated with GER (25 mg/kg i.p.) did not reverse such antinociceptive activity, suggesting a non‐opioid pathway for the mechanism of action. GER (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg i.p.) reduced paw licking time in the second phase of the formalin test. Also, in the glutamate test, GER when administered 50 mg/kg i.p. reduced paw licking time, probably modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission. GER blocked reversibly components of the compound action potential (CAP) recorded in isolated sciatic nerve in a concentration‐ and drug exposure time‐dependent manner: 1 mM to 120 min. for the first component and 0.6 mM to 90 min. for the second component. The IC50 was calculated for the peak‐to‐peak amplitude (PPA) at 0.48 ± 0.04 mM. The conduction velocity was also reduced by exposure to GER starting from the concentration of 0.3 mM for both components of the CAP. In conclusion, it is suggested that GER has antinociceptive activity, especially in pain related to inflammation, and in part related to reduced peripheral nerve excitability.
The function and regulation of acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) and the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC): IUPHAR Review 19
Authors: Boscardin Emilie , Alijevic Omar , Hummler Edith , Frateschi Simona , Kellenberger Stephan
Published: June 2016

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) and the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) are both members of the ENaC/degenerin family of amiloride‐sensitive Na+ channels. ASICs act as proton sensors in the nervous system where they contribute, besides other roles, to fear behaviour, learning and pain sensation. ENaC mediates Na+ reabsorption across epithelia of the distal kidney and colon and of the airways. ENaC is a clinically used drug target in the context of hypertension and cystic fibrosis, while ASIC is an interesting potential target. Following a brief introduction, here we will review selected aspects of ASIC and ENaC function. We discuss the origin and nature of pH changes in the brain and the involvement of ASICs in synaptic signalling. We expose how in the peripheral nervous system, ASICs cover together with other ion channels a wide pH range as proton sensors. We introduce the mechanisms of aldosterone‐dependent ENaC regulation and the evidence for an aldosterone‐independent control of ENaC activity, such as regulation by dietary K+. We then provide an overview of the regulation of ENaC by proteases, a topic of increasing interest over the past few years. In spite of the profound differences in the physiological and pathological roles of ASICs and ENaC, these channels share many basic functional and structural properties. It is likely that further research will identify physiological contexts in which ASICs and ENaC have similar or overlapping roles.
Tuberin regulates reactive oxygen species in renal proximal cells, kidney from rodents, and kidney from patients with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Habib Samy L. , Abboud Hanna E.
Published: June 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an important endogenous source of DNA damage and oxidative stress in all cell types. Deficiency in tuberin resulted in increased oxidative DNA damage in renal cells. In this study, the role of tuberin in the regulating of ROS and NADPH oxidases was investigated. Formation of ROS and activity of NADPH oxidases were significantly higher in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and in primary culture of rat renal proximal tubular epithelial tuberin‐deficient cells compared to wild‐type cells. In addition, expression of NADPH oxidase (Nox)1, Nox2, and Nox4 (Nox isoforms) was higher in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and renal proximal tubular epithelial tuberin‐deficient cells compared to wild‐type cells. Furthermore, activity levels of NADPH oxidases and protein expression of all Nox isoforms were higher in the renal cortex of rat deficient in tuberin. However, treatment of tuberin‐deficient cells with rapamycin showed significant decrease in protein expression of all Nox. Significant increase in protein kinase C βII expression was detected in tuberin‐deficient cells, whereas inhibition of protein kinase C βII by bisindolylmaleimide I resulted in decreased protein expression of all Nox isoforms. In addition, treatment of mice deficient in tuberin with rapamycin resulted in significant decrease in all Nox protein expression. Moreover, protein and mRNA expression of all Nox were highly expressed in tumor kidney tissue of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex compared to control kidney tissue of normal subjects. These data provide the first evidence that tuberin plays a novel role in regulating ROS generation, NADPH oxidase activity, and Nox expression that may potentially be involved in development of kidney tumor in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.
Social media patient testimonials in implant dentistry: information or misinformation?
Authors: Ho Adrian , McGrath Colman , Mattheos Nikos
Published: June 2016

Objectives

This study aims to assess the educational value of YouTube patient testimonial videos in implant dentistry and qualitatively analyse the themes mentioned.

Methods

Videos were sampled consecutively on YouTube, using the keywords “dental implant patients' testimonials experience,” sorted “by relevance.” Patient testimonials on dental implant treatment were examined. Inaudible or non‐English videos were excluded. Four calibrated investigators scored the videos for educational content, using a matrix derived from the European Association for Osseointegration information booklet, and demographic details were recorded. Data were analysed qualitatively through inductive thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 202 videos were analysed (48 exclusions). Inter‐examiner reliability was fair to moderate for informative statements and poor to substantial for misleading statements. A mean of 1.8 informative statements were made per video, compared with misleading, 0.5. Many topics were rarely mentioned, with 19/30 themes appearing fewer than 5% of videos. Patients often informed that implants could improve aesthetics and function, but were misleading on aspects of pain control. Some statements may heighten expectations or imply permanency of treatment.

Conclusion

Balanced presentation in YouTube testimonials may be limited by bias of clinician‐uploaded content. Greater magnitude and breadth of information would improve educational value. Many important parameters of implant therapy were overlooked, whilst information was often potentially misleading.
Chronic Kidney Disease Alters Vitamin A Homeostasis via Effects on Hepatic RBP4 Protein Expression and Metabolic Enzymes
Authors: Jing J , Isoherranen N , Robinson‐Cohen C , Petrie I , Kestenbaum BR , Yeung CK
Published: June 2016

Vitamin A, via retinoic acid (RA), is a critical micronutrient. Normally, plasma concentrations are tightly regulated. Concentrations of vitamin A metabolites (13cis‐RA, atRA) and relationships between RBP4 and retinoids have never been fully evaluated in adult patients with CKD. We measured retinoid and RBP4 concentrations in plasma and urine from 55 adult patients with CKD and 21 matched healthy subjects. RBP4 and retinol levels were increased approximately twofold in patients with CKD, with a negative correlation between plasma retinol and eGFR (p = 0.006) and plasma RBP4 and eGFR (p = 0.0007). RBP4 renal clearance was higher in patients with CKD than healthy subjects but not associated with eGFR. Circulating concentrations of atRA increased and concentrations of 13cis‐RA decreased in subjects with CKD with no change in RA‐to‐retinol ratio. Increases in circulating retinol, RBP4, and atRA may be due to increased hepatic RBP4 synthesis, retinyl ester hydrolysis, and/or hepatic secretion of RBP4‐retinol.
Longitudinal strain of left ventricular basal segments and E/e′ ratio differentiate primary cardiac amyloidosis at presentation from hypertensive hypertrophy: an automated function imaging study
Authors: Schiano‐Lomoriello Vincenzo , Galderisi Maurizio , Mele Donato , Esposito Roberta , Cerciello Giuseppe , Buonauro Agostino , Della Pepa Roberta , Picardi Marco , Catalano Lucio , Trimarco Bruno , Pane Fabrizio
Published: June 2016

Background

Longitudinal strain is an early marker of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in several cardiac diseases. Our aim was to differentiate cardiac amyloidosis (CA) at diagnosis from hypertensive LV hypertrophy (LVH) by analysis of longitudinal myocardial deformation.

Methods

Thirty healthy controls (C), 30 newly diagnosed, never treated hypertensives with LVH (H‐LVH), and 33 patients with CA at diagnosis underwent echo Doppler including speckle tracking–based automated function imaging (AFI). Averaged peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS, 18 segments) and basal, middle, and apical longitudinal strain (BLS, MLS, and ALS, respectively, six segments each) were calculated.

Results

Left ventricular mass index, relative wall thickness, and ejection fraction did not differ between H‐LVH and CA. E/e′ ratio was higher in CA than in H‐LVH (P<.001) and C (P<.0001). GLS was lower in CA than in C (P<.0001), without difference with H‐LVH. ALS did not differ among the three groups, MLS was significantly lower in both CA and H‐LVH than in C but BLS was lower in CA compared to both H‐LVH and C (both P<.0001). In the pooled population, E/e′ was independently associated with BLS (β=−0.54, P<.0001). At receiver operating curve analysis, CA was predicted by BLS≤−11.3% (sensitivity=63.3%, specificity=100%) and E/e′≥12.3 (sensitivity=69.7%, specificity=83.3%). The best AUC (=0.819) was obtained by the combination E/e′+BLS.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight a real difference of E/e′ ratio and longitudinal strain of LV basal segments between hypertensive LVH and CA, which could be used to differentiate the two diseases.
SpatialDemography: a spatially explicit, stage‐structured, metacommunity model
Authors: Keyel Alexander C. , Gerstenlauer Jakob L. K. , Wiegand Kerstin
Published: June 2016

The responses of species and populations to changes in the environment (e.g. changes in climate and land use) are often complex and difficult to predict.

We have created the SpatialDemography model (R package: spatialdemography). The model is a spatially explicit, stage‐structured, matrix‐based metacommunity model, with the potential for modeling species’ and populations’ potential responses to environmental heterogeneity and change.

The SpatialDemography model assumes a cellular landscape populated by organisms with four life stages: a mobile dispersing stage, two sessile non‐reproductive stages, and a reproductive adult stage. Individuals are assumed to originate at the center of a given cell and disperse according to a specified dispersal kernel (e.g. log‐normal). All adult individuals are capable of producing offspring. The model approach and framework are described in the context of a hypothetical example with multiple competing species in a four cell landscape. In this example simulation, both spatial location and species interactions were important for understanding population dynamics.

SpatialDemography can be applied to questions where an understanding of transient and long‐term demographic responses to spatiotemporal changes is desired. It is primarily applicable to metapopulations and metacommunities of organisms with early dispersal and sessile adults (i.e. modular organisms such as plants and some marine organisms). SpatialDemography differs from other population models in that it is spatially explicit, can incorporate biotic interactions, and is implemented in R.
Sublethal salinity stress contributes to habitat limitation in an endangered estuarine fish
Authors: Komoroske Lisa M. , Jeffries Ken M. , Connon Richard E. , Dexter Jason , Hasenbein Matthias , Verhille Christine , Fangue Nann A.
Published: June 2016

As global change alters multiple environmental conditions, predicting species’ responses can be challenging without understanding how each environmental factor influences organismal performance. Approaches quantifying mechanistic relationships can greatly complement correlative field data, strengthening our abilities to forecast global change impacts. Substantial salinity increases are projected in the San Francisco Estuary, California, due to anthropogenic water diversion and climatic changes, where the critically endangered delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) largely occurs in a low‐salinity zone (LSZ), despite their ability to tolerate a much broader salinity range. In this study, we combined molecular and organismal measures to quantify the physiological mechanisms and sublethal responses involved in coping with salinity changes. Delta smelt utilize a suite of conserved molecular mechanisms to rapidly adjust their osmoregulatory physiology in response to salinity changes in estuarine environments. However, these responses can be energetically expensive, and delta smelt body condition was reduced at high salinities. Thus, acclimating to salinities outside theLSZcould impose energetic costs that constrain delta smelt's ability to exploit these habitats. By integrating data across biological levels, we provide key insight into the mechanistic relationships contributing to phenotypic plasticity and distribution limitations and advance the understanding of the molecular osmoregulatory responses in nonmodel estuarine fishes.
Data preprocessing issues for incomplete medical datasets
Authors: Huang Min‐Wei , Lin Wei‐Chao , Chen Chih‐Wen , Ke Shih‐Wen , Tsai Chih‐Fong , Eberle William
Published: June 2016

While there is an ample amount of medical information available for data mining, many of the datasets are unfortunately incomplete – missing relevant values needed by many machine learning algorithms. Several approaches have been proposed for the imputation of missing values, using various reasoning steps to provide estimations from the observed data. One of the important steps in data mining is data preprocessing, where unrepresentative data is filtered out of the data to be mined. However, none of the related studies about missing value imputation consider performing a data preprocessing step before imputation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of two preprocessing steps, feature and instance selection, on missing value imputation. Specifically, eight different medical‐related datasets are used, containing categorical, numerical and mixed types of data. Our experimental results show that imputation after instance selection can produce better classification performance than imputation alone. In addition, we will demonstrate that imputation after feature selection does not have a positive impact on the imputation result.
The cost‐effectiveness of treating triple coinfection with HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Sánchez‐González G
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of treating patients infected with HIV and simultaneously coinfected with tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods

A mathematical model for HIV coinfection with TB and HCV is introduced. The model was designed to incorporate parameters of control for the coverage of care, which makes it useful for performing cost‐effectiveness analysis of public policies. A cost‐effectiveness analysis of early medical care of patients with TB and HCV coinfection, with coverage of 0 (basal), 25, 50, 75 and 100%, was performed for the whole cohort of patients and a special analysis was performed in a selected population with triple infection.

Results

The cost per resolved infection and the cost per year of life gained were found to be very cost‐effective for the population with triple infection, for all different coverages.

Conclusions

It is known that treating patients with HIV who are coinfected with TB or HCV implies high cost and low efficacy, but it is possible that the population with triple infections could achieve important benefits in terms of years of life gained.
Week 96 efficacy and safety of darunavir/ritonavir monotherapy vs. darunavir/ritonavir with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in the PROTEA trial
Authors: Girard PM , Antinori A , Arribas JR , Ripamonti D , Bicer C , Netzle‐Sveine B , Hadacek B , Moecklinghoff C
Published: June 2016

Objectives

PROTEA is a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) monotherapy as an alternative to triple therapy.

Methods

Patients fully suppressed on first‐line antiretrovirals (viral load < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) were switched to DRV/r 800/100 mg once daily, either as monotherapy (n = 137) or with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (n = 136). Treatment failure was HIV‐1 RNA level ≥ 50 copies/mL at week 96 or discontinuation of study treatment [Food and Drug Administration (FDA) snapshot algorithm].

Results

Patients were mainly male and white, with mean age 44 years. In the primary efficacy analysis, the percentage of patients with HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL by week 96 [intent to treat (ITT)] was lower in the DRV/r monotherapy arm (103 of 137 patients; 75%) than in the triple therapy arm (116 of 136 patients; 85%) [difference −10.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) −19.5, −0.7%]. In the switch‐included analysis, monotherapy was noninferior to triple therapy. In a post hoc analysis, for patients with nadir CD4 count ≥ 200 cells/μL, rates of HIV‐1 RNA suppression were 82 of 96 patients (85%) in the DRV/r monotherapy arm and 88 of 106 patients (83%) in the triple therapy arm. No treatment‐emergent primary protease inhibitor mutations were detected in either arm. The frequency of adverse events was similar in the two arms; however, one patient in the monotherapy arm was hospitalized with HIV encephalitis and elevated cerebrospinal fluid HIV‐1 RNA.

Conclusions

In this study, in patients with HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL at baseline, switching to DRV/r monotherapy showed lower efficacy vs. triple therapy at week 96 in the primary ITT switch‐equals‐failure analysis, particularly in patients with CD4 counts < 200 cells/μL.
Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors and cytomegalovirus reactivation during late pregnancy
Authors: Alvarado‐Hernández D. L. , Benítez‐Sánchez A. , Rodríguez‐Cuevas J. S. , Rosales‐Saavedra T. , Guerra‐Palomares S. E. , Comas‐García A. , Noyola D. E. , García‐Sepúlveda C. A.
Published: June 2016

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents an important public health concern as it is associated with severe morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients, HIV‐infected individuals and pregnant women given the risk of congenital infection. Congenital CMV is a leading cause of neurological sequelae, developmental delay and birth defects worldwide. Cytomegalovirus can be transmitted to the foetus following maternal infection or reactivation. NK cells expressing killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) are part of the innate immune system and the first line of defence against viral incursions. Previous reports have shown that KIR genes are associated with CMV infections in the post‐transplant setting. In this study, we set out to determine whether a protective effect of KIR genes over CMV infection is seen in Mexican pregnant women. Cytomegalovirus infection was assessed through nucleic acid testing in 200 pregnant women and 600 healthy blood donors comprising the Mexican mestizo reference population. Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors and HLA‐C genotypes were obtained from 200 pregnant women and 300 reference samples using a comprehensive PCR‐SSP approach. We observed statistically lower carrier frequencies of cB03|tA01 gene‐content haplotype, of cB03 haplotype motif, of the KIR2DL5 + 2DS3/2DS5 gene pair and of KIR2DL5 amongst CMV‐positive pregnant women in comparison with those CMV negative. None of these were associated with CMV status in the reference population. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the most important factor determining CMV status during third‐trimester pregnancies was the KIR2DL5 + 2DS3/2DS5 gene pair (OR 0.376 (95%CI 0.174, 0.811, P = 0.013). Our results indicate that CMV‐protective KIR gene associations described in Caucasoid populations are also present in the genetically distinct Mexican mestizo population. Our results suggest that certain KIR gene combinations provide protection against CMV infections occurring during late‐term pregnancies, a finding of utmost epidemiological importance given its implication with congenital CMV infections.
Return Migration to India: Decision‐Making among Academic Engineers and Scientists
Authors: Sabharwal Meghna , Varma Roli
Published: June 2016

The decision‐making process among migrants, whether to leave their country of birth for a foreign country or deciding to return to their native country is complex and laden with challenges. This article seeks to understand the decision‐making process by which immigrant engineers and scientists select to return to India after study and work in the United States. It is based on in‐depth interviews conducted with 54 returned engineers and scientists. Results indicate that the decision to return is anything but a linear process as highlighted in rational choice theory. Prospect and planned behaviour theories are better positioned to explain the decision‐making process among returned migrant engineers and scientists.
Troubling the Fields: Choice, Consent, and Coercion of Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Workers
Authors: Silverman Stephanie J. , Hari Amrita
Published: June 2016

This article brings a new, theoretically minded approach to weighing the relative utilities and harms of Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) without dismissing the agency of SAWP enrollees or arriving at an abolitionist argument to end Temporary Migrant Worker (TMW) programmes in Canada. Building on the anti‐trafficking debate within feminist migration studies, we evaluate the availability and exercise of consent, choice, and coercion among SAWP workers. We draw on extensive documentation by scholars across disciplines to contextualize the SAWP within a socio‐economic history that engendered and continues to legitimize the “success” of the programme in both Mexico (the largest sending state) and Ontario (the largest provincial recipient of workers). Our analysis suggests that, while grievous, the SAWP's structural injustice ought not to preclude individuals from migrating and earning wages. The article concludes with recommendations to create a fairer avenue for Mexican workers into, through, and out of the SAWP.
Broadening of Diffraction Peak Widths and Temperature Nonuniformity During Flash Experiments
Authors: Lebrun Jean‐Marie , Jha Shikhar K. , McCormack Scott J. , Kriven Waltraud M. , Raj Rishi
Published: June 2016

Thermal expansion arising from Joule heating produces shifts in the diffraction peaks. The shifts are calibrated against the platinum standard to determine the specimen temperature during in ‐situ experiments at the Advanced Photon Source. Temperature gradients within the specimen cause the peaks to shift differently from different parts of the specimen. If the beam travels through the specimen the diffraction peak would broaden as a result of the nonuniform temperature. We report extensive measurements of peak widths in flash experiments over power dissipation levels that range from 300 to 2500 mW/mm3. Peak broadening occurs only above a critical power level. The broadening is transient, occurring only near the spike in power dissipation when the power supply is switched from voltage to current control (Stage II); it is estimated to arise from a nonuniformity of ~100°C within the specimen. The broadening subsides in the ensuing state of steady‐state flash under current control (Stage III).
Labor Unemployment Concern and Corporate Discretionary Disclosure
Authors: Ji Yuan , Tan Liang
Published: June 2016

We investigate how firms strategically vary their disclosure policies in response to labor unemployment concern. Using changes in state unemployment insurance laws as exogenous variations of labor unemployment concern, we show that firms provide more bad news forecasts when unemployment concern is low. This relation is stronger when firms are financially constrained, when CEOs and CFOs have higher equity incentives, and when workers are likely to be affected more by unemployment. Our findings are not driven by earnings management reversal or underlying performance changes, and are robust to a battery of identification tests. Finally, we find a similar effect of unemployment concern on disclosure using the tone of 10‐K and 10‐Q filings as an alternative proxy for corporate disclosure. Overall, our findings suggest that labor unemployment concern is an important consideration for corporate discretionary disclosure.
Low Intensity Epicardial Pacing During the Absolute Refractory Period Augments Left Ventricular Function Mediated by Local Catecholamine Release
Authors: ITO BRUCE R. , COVELL JAMES W. , CURTIS GUY P.
Published: June 2016

Cardiac Function Increased by Pacing Induced Catecholamines

Background

Biventricular epicardial (Epi) pacing can augment left ventricular (LV) function in heart failure. We postulated that these effects might involve catecholamine release from local autonomic nerve activation. To evaluate this hypothesis we applied low intensity Epi electrical stimuli during the absolute refractory period (ARP), thus avoiding altered activation sequence.

Methods

Anesthetized pigs (n = 6) were instrumented with an LV pressure (LVP) transducer, left atrial (LA) and LV Epi pacing electrodes, and sonomicrometer segment length (SL) gauges placed proximal and remote to the LV stimulation site. A catheter was placed into the great cardiac vein adjacent to the LV pacing site for norepinephrine (NE) analysis. During LA pacing at constant rate, 3 pulses (0.8 milliseconds, 2–3x threshold) were applied to the LV Epi electrodes during the ARP. An experimental run consisted of baseline, stimulation (10 minutes), and recovery (5 minutes), repeated 3 times before and after β1‐ receptor blockade (BB, metoprolol).

Results

ARP stimulation produced significant increases in cardiac function reflected by elevated LVP, LV, dP/dtmax, and reduced time to LV dP/dtmax. This was accompanied by increased coronary NE levels and increases in LVP versus SL loop area in the remote myocardial segment. In contrast, the proximal segment exhibited early shortening and decreased loop area. BB abolished the changes in SL and LV function despite continued NE release.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that ARP EPI stimulation induces NE release mediating augmented global LV function. This effect may contribute to the beneficial effect of biventricular Epi pacing in heart failure in some patients.
Is There a Role for Genetics in the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death?
Authors: FARAGLI ALESSANDRO , UNDERWOOD KATHERINE , PRIORI SILVIA G. , MAZZANTI ANDREA
Published: June 2016

Genetics for Sudden Cardiac Death

The identification of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) is fundamental for both acquired cardiovascular diseases (such as coronary artery diseases, CAD) and inherited arrhythmia syndromes (such as the long‐QT syndrome, LQTS). Genetics may play a role in both situations, although the potential to exploit this information to reduce the burden of SCD varies among these two groups. Concerning acquired cardiovascular diseases, which affect most of the general population, preliminary data suggest an association between genetics and the risk of dying suddenly. The maximal utility, instead, is reached in inherited arrhythmia syndromes, where the discovery of monogenic diseases such as LQTS tracked the way for the first genotype‐phenotype correlations.

The aim of this review is to provide a general overview focusing on the current genetic knowledge and on the present and future applicability for prevention in these two populations at risk for SCD.
Peri‐implant crevicular fluid biomarkers as discriminants of peri‐implant health and disease
Authors: Zani Sabrina Rebollo , Moss Kevin , Shibli Jamil Awad , Teixeira Eduardo Rolim , de Oliveira Mairink Renata , Onuma Tatiana , Feres Magda , Teles Ricardo Palmier
Published: June 2016

Aim

The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the potential of peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) analytes to discriminate between peri‐implant health and disease using a multi‐biomarker approach.

Methods

We collected PICF samples from the mesio‐buccal site of every implant (n = 145) from 52 subjects with peri‐implantitis and measured the levels of 20 biomarkers using Luminex. We grouped implants and subjects based on the clinical characteristic of the sampled sites and implants into: healthy sites from healthy implants (HH), diseased sites from diseased implants (DD) and healthy sites from diseased implants (HD). The significance of the differences between the HH and DD groups was determined using general linear models controlling for false discovery rate. We used logistic regression to determine the best multi‐biomarker models that could distinguish HH from DD subjects and HH from HD subjects.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between HH and DD groups for 12/20 biomarkers. Logistic regression resulted in a 6‐biomarker model (Flt‐3L, GM‐CSF, IL‐10, sCD40L, IL‐17 and TNFα) that discriminated HH from DD subjects (AUC = 0.93) and a 3‐biomarker model (IL‐17, IL‐1ra and vascular endothelial growth factor) that distinguished HH from DD subjects (AUC = 0.90).

Conclusion

PICF biomarkers might help discriminate peri‐implant health from disease.
Functional bone histology of zebrafish reveals two types of endochondral ossification, different types of osteoblast clusters and a new bone type
Authors: Weigele Jochen , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: June 2016

The zebrafish is as an important vertebrate animal model system for studying developmental processes, gene functions and signalling pathways. It is also used as a model system for the understanding of human developmental diseases including those related to the skeleton. However, surprisingly little is known about normal zebrafish skeletogenesis and osteogenesis. As in most vertebrates, it is commonly known that the bones of adult zebrafish are cellular unlike that of some other teleosts. After careful histological analyses of each zebrafish adult bone, we identified several acellular bones, with no entrapped osteocytes in addition to several cellular bones. We show that both cellular and acellular bones can even occur within the same skeletal element and transitions between these two cell types can be found. Furthermore, we describe two types of osteoblast clusters during skeletogenesis and two different types of endochondral ossification. The epiphyseal plate, for example, lacks a zone of calcification and a degradation zone with osteoblasts. A new bone type that we term tubular bone was also identified. This bone is completely filled with adipose tissue, unlike spongy bones. This study provides important insight on how osteogenesis takes place in zebrafish, and especially on the transition from cellular to acellular bones. Overall, this study leads to a deeper understanding of the functional histological composition of adult zebrafish bones.
Micro ribonucleic acid‐93 promotes oncogenesis of cervical cancer by targeting RAB11 family interacting protein 1
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Fenfen , Xu Junfen , Wang Xinyu , Ye Feng , Xie Xing
Published: June 2016

Aim

Micro ribonucleic acid (RNA)‐93 (miR‐93) is a novel oncogenic miRNA dysregulated in many types of tumors. We aimed to further study the expression pattern and clinical significance of miR‐93 and its target, the RAB11 family interacting protein 1 (RAB11FIP1) gene, in cervical cancer.

Methods

Mir‐93 and RAB11FIP1 expression in cervical cancer (n = 168), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or 3 (n = 60) and normal cervical tissues (n = 48) was examined by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell chamber invasion assay were performed to investigate the function of miR‐93 in the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and CaSki. Luciferase activity assay was conducted to identify the target gene of miR‐93.

Results

Mir‐93 expression levels in cervical cancer and CIN tissues were significantly increased (P = 0.032), but the RAB11FIP1 protein was significantly decreased (P = 0.006) compared with normal tissues. Neither was associated with clinicopathological variables. Enforced miR‐93 knockdown or RAB11FIP1 overexpression suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis, but did not influence invasion in cervical cancer cells. Luciferase activity indicated that RAB11FIP1 was a direct target for miR‐93.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that overexpression of miR‐93 via targeting RAB11FIP1 as an early event plays an important role in oncogenesis of cervical cancer. MiR‐93 and its target protein RAB11FIP1 may be potential therapeutic targets for cervical cancer and its precursors.
Long‐term patient satisfaction after retropubic and transobturator mid‐urethral slings for female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Al‐Zahrani Ali A. , Gajewski Jerzy
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to report long‐term patient outcomes after retropubic and transobturator mid‐urethral slings for female stress urinary incontinence.

Methods

Women who underwent mid‐urethral sling for stress urinary incontinence between 2000 and 2010 were invited to participate in a survey regarding their overall improvement. Patients' outcomes were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form and the Global Response Assessment Scale.

Results

The questionnaires were completed by 330 patients. Their median age at the time of surgery was 54.8 years (±12.9) and the median follow‐up period was 11.9 years (±6.4). Retropubic and transobturator approaches were performed in 128 (38.8%) and 202 (61.2%) patients, respectively. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form score dropped from an average of 14 (±4.1) to 6.4 (±6) with no significant difference between the two groups. The Global Response Assessment Scale showed an 9% greater improvement in the retropubic (66.4%) over the transobturator (57.4%) approach. De novo overactive bladder was the commonest long‐term reported adverse event, affecting 18/330 patients (5.5%). Voiding dysfunction that required surgical correction following the retropubic approach occurred in three patients (2.3%).

Conclusion

Mid‐urethral slings for the management of female stress urinary incontinence had good and durable long‐term effects. Although the retropubic approach gave better results, they were not significantly different than those of the transobturator approach.
Immature ovarian teratoma with hyponatremia and low serum vasopressin level
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Takei Yuji , Saga Yasushi , Machida Shizuo , Takahashi Yoshifumi , Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: June 2016

Hyponatremia is often caused by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Hypersecretion of vasopressin from malignant tumors can be considered a cause of SIADH. Most of these ectopic productions of vasopressin are complications of small cell lung cancer. Cases concomitant with ovarian tumors are very rare, and a specific causative substance from the ovary is often unknown. A 16‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with an ovarian tumor. She developed hyponatremia that was resistant to medical treatment, but immediately improved after surgical resection of the tumor. Her diagnosis was SIADH caused by an ovarian tumor; however, her serum vasopressin level was normal. It is possible that a vasopressin‐like substance causing SIADH was secreted by either nervous system tissue within an immature teratoma or small cell lung cancer. We should be cautious when SIADH is a complication of an ovarian tumor.