bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recipient single nucleotide polymorphisms in Paneth cell antimicrobial peptide genes and acute graft‐versus‐host disease: analysis of BMT CTN‐0201 and ‐0901 samples
Authors: Rashidi Armin , Shanley Ryan , Yohe Sophia L. , Thyagarajan Bharat , Curtsinger Julie , Anasetti Claudio , Waller Edmund K. , Scott Bart L. , Blazar Bruce R. , Weisdorf Daniel J. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryHost genetics shape the gut microbiota, and gut dysbiosis increases the risk of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD). Paneth cells and microbiota have interactions that contribute to immune regulation. α‐defensin‐5 (HD5) and regenerating islet‐derived protein 3 alpha (Reg3A) are the most abundant Paneth cell antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes for HD5 (DEFA5) and Reg3A (REG3A) predict aGVHD risk. We analysed pre‐transplant recipient peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from randomized Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) studies 0201 (94 patients with bone marrow and 93 with peripheral blood grafts) and 0901 (86 patients with myeloablative and 77 with reduced‐intensity conditioning; all using peripheral blood grafts). In multivariable analysis (with a SNP × graft source interaction term in CTN‐0201 and a SNP × conditioning intensity term in CTN‐0901), DEFA5 rs4415345 and rs4610776 were associated with altered incidence of aGVHD grade II–IV [rs4415345 G vs. C: hazard ratio (HR) 0·58, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0·37–0·92, P = 0·02; rs4610776 T vs. A: HR 1·53, 95% CI 1·01–2·32, P = 0·05] in CTN‐0201, but not CTN‐0901, suggesting a stronger effect in bone marrow allografts. REG3A SNP was not associated with aGVHD. Host genetics may influence aGVHD risk by modulating Paneth cell function.
Recent developments in the management of pleural infection: A comprehensive review
Authors: Bedawi Eihab O. , Hassan Maged , Rahman Najib M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectivesPleural infection is a condition commonly encountered by the respiratory physician. This review aims to provide the reader with an update on the most recent data regarding the epidemiology, microbiology, and the management of pleural infection.Data sourceMedline was searched for articles related to pleural infection using the terms “pleural infection,” “empyema,” and “parapneumonic.” The search was limited to the years 1997‐2017. Only human studies and reports in English were included.ResultsA rise in the incidence of pleural infection is seen worldwide. Despite the improvement in healthcare practices, the mortality from pleural infection remains high. The role of oral microflora in the etiology of pleural infection is firmly established. A concise review of the recent insights on the pathogenesis of pleural infections is presented. A particular focus is made on the role of tPA, DNAse and similar substances and their interaction with inflammatory cells and how this affects the pathogenesis and treatment of pleural infection.ConclusionPleural infection is a common disease with significant morbidity and mortality, as well as a considerable economic burden. The role of medical management is expanding thanks to the widespread use of newer treatments.
Glycaemic control and mortality in older people with type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II
Authors: Bruce David G. , Davis Wendy A. , Davis Timothy M. E. 
Published: July 2018

AimTo investigate whether tight glycaemic control achieved with metformin, insulin or sulphonylurea‐based pharmacotherapy increases all‐cause mortality in older people with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of individuals with known diabetes recruited between 2008 and 2011 and followed until 2016. The impact of baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) on mortality hazards was investigated in participants aged ≥75 years. Proportional hazards models for time to death were constructed from the baseline clinical assessment, then the variables of interest (HbA1c, treatment category and their interactions) were entered.ResultsThere were 367 participants (mean age 80.1 ± 3.9 years, median [interquartile range] HbA1c 50 [45‐56] mmol/mol or 6.7 [6.3‐7.3]%) who were followed for a median (interquartile range) 6.7 (4.5‐7.7) years, during which 40.9% of the participants died. At baseline, 60.4% were on metformin‐based treatment, 35.3% on sulphonylurea‐based treatment and 23.2% on treatment including insulin. Baseline HbA1c was significantly associated with mortality in a model that included interactions between HbA1c and the three treatment‐based groups compared with non‐pharmacological treatment. The metformin treatment group had higher mortality when HbA1c levels were <48 mmol/mol (<6.5%) and the sulphonylurea and insulin treatment groups had higher mortality when HbA1c levels were <52 mmol/mol (<7.0%), with hazard ratios of 2.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39‐4.97), 2.49 (95% CI 1.14‐5.44) and 2.22 (95% CI 1.12‐4.43), respectively.ConclusionsTight glycaemic control may be hazardous in older people with type 2 diabetes when achieved with pharmacotherapy with metformin, and especially with insulin or sulphonylureas. These data confirm that overtreatment is likely to be an important clinical problem in this vulnerable population.
A clinical application of preload stress echocardiography for predicting future hemodynamic worsening in patients with early‐stage heart failure
Authors: Saijo Yoshihito , Yamada Hirotsugu , Kusunose Kenya , Bando Mika , Nishio Susumu , Torii Yuta , Hirata Yukina , Seno Hiromitsu , Matsuura Tomomi , Ise Takayuki , Tobiume Takeshi , Yamaguchi Koji , Yagi Shusuke , Soeki Takeshi , Wakatsuki Tetsuzo , Sata Masataka 
Published: July 2018

AimTo improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure, risk stratification in their early stage is important. We assessed whether the change in transmitral flow (TMF) velocity pattern during preload augmentation can predict future hemodynamic worsening in early‐stage heart failure patients with impaired relaxation TMF pattern.MethodsWe designed a prospective cohort study that included 155 consecutive patients with impaired relaxation (IR) pattern at rest. Preload stress echocardiography was achieved using leg‐positive pressure (LPP), and changes in TMF pattern during the LPP was observed during baseline echocardiographic examination. The patients whose TMF pattern developed to pseudonormal (PN) pattern throughout the study period were classified into the change to PN group, and patients whose TMF pattern stayed in IR pattern were classified into the stay in IR group.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 17 months. The average age was 68 ± 11 years old, and 97 patients (63%) were male. Among 155 patients, 27 were classified into the change to PN group. A Cox proportional hazard analysis confirmed that the change in the peak atrial systolic TMF velocity during the LPP (ΔA, hazard ratio = 0.58 per 1SD; 95% CI = 0.39–0.88, P = 0.010) was the powerful independent predictor of change into PN pattern. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the patients with ΔA ≤ −7 cm/s had more likely to develop into PN pattern than patients with ΔA > −7 cm/s (P = 0.001).ConclusionsEvaluation of a response in TMF during the LPP might provide an incremental diagnostic value to detect future overt heart failure in patients with early‐stage heart failure.
Shocked by therapy? Unemployment in the first years of the socio‐economic transition in Poland and its long‐term consequences
Authors: Myck Michał , Oczkowska Monika 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe examine the long‐term implications of unemployment for material conditions and well‐being using the Polish sample from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Retrospective data from the SHARELIFE survey are used to reconstruct labour market experiences across the threshold of the socio‐economic transformation from a centrally planned to a free market economy in Poland. These individual experiences are matched with outcomes observed in the survey about 20 years later to examine their correlation with unemployment at the time of the transition. We find that becoming unemployed in the early 1990s correlates significantly with income, assets and a number of measures of well‐being recorded in 2007 and 2012. Using plant closures to reflect exogenous changes to labour market status at the time of the transition, we are able to confirm the causal effect of unemployment on income and house ownership 20 years later, but find no evidence for a long‐term causal relationship between unemployment and such measures of well‐being as life satisfaction, depression and subjective assessment of material conditions.
Distinguishing lupus anticoagulants from factor VIII inhibitors in haemophilic and non‐haemophilic patients
Authors: Rampersad A. G. , Boylan B. , Miller C. H. , Shapiro A. 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionAccurate diagnosis of an inhibitor, a neutralizing antibody to infused factor VIII (FVIII), is essential for appropriate management of haemophilia A (HA). Low‐titre inhibitors may be difficult to diagnose due to high rates of false‐positive inhibitor results in that range. Transient low‐titre inhibitors and false‐positive inhibitors may be due to the presence of a lupus anticoagulant (LA) or other non‐specific antibodies. Fluorescence immunoassay (FLI) to detect antibodies to FVIII is a sensitive method to identify inhibitors in HA. Evaluations of antibody profiles by various groups have demonstrated that haemophilic inhibitors detected by Nijmegen‐Bethesda (NBA) and chromogenic Bethesda (CBA) assays correlate with positivity for anti‐FVIII immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 and G4.AimThis study sought to determine whether FLI could distinguish false‐positive FVIII inhibitor results related to LAs from clinically relevant FVIII inhibitors in HA patients.MethodsSamples from haemophilic and non‐haemophilic subjects were tested for LA, specific FVIII inhibitors by NBA and CBA, and anti‐FVIII immunoglobulin profiles by FLI.ResultsNo samples from LA‐positive non‐haemophilic subjects were positive by FLI for anti‐FVIII IgG4. Conversely, 91% of NBA‐positive samples from haemophilia subjects were positive for anti‐FVIII IgG4. Two of 11 haemophilia subjects had samples negative for anti‐FVIII IgG4 and CBA, which likely represented LA rather than FVIII inhibitor presence.ConclusionsAssessment of anti‐FVIII profiles along with the CBA may be useful to distinguish a clinically relevant low‐titre FVIII inhibitor from a transient LA in HA patients.
Beyond the ‘normal’ to the ‘new possibles’: Australian students’ experiences in Asia and their roles in making connections with the region via the New Colombo Plan
Authors: Tran Ly Thi , Vu Thao Thi Phuong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroduced in 2014, the New Colombo Plan (NCP) represents the Australian government's signature initiative of student mobility and public diplomacy. The programme aims to expose Australian undergraduate students to the Indo‐Pacific. This article focuses on analysing Australian students’ experiences in Asia via the NCP. The article draws on a research project that includes policy discourse analysis and 52 interviews with government representatives, academics, mobility officers and Australian students learning abroad via the NCP. The research found that if well designed, NCP student mobility programmes have the potential to enable students to move beyond their initial instrumental goal of using learning abroad predominantly as a means to pursue their personal interest in travel and/or enhance their own employability towards engagement for the collective. The article proposes the notions of mobility as becoming and mobility as connecting as the conceptual frame to understand Australian students’ experiences and engagement with Asia in the current context characterised by the government's strategy to use student mobility as a vehicle of public diplomacy. It highlights the need to focus more on developing students’ in‐country participatory capitals and build a coherent mechanism to sustain NCP alumni's post‐return engagement with individuals and communities in the region and promote the region back in Australia. The article concludes with suggestions for related stakeholders to facilitate students’ roles in making meaningful, productive and sustainable connections between Australia and Asia.
The role of brain biopsy in the clinical management of HIV‐related focal brain lesions
Authors: Acosta MC , Kundro M , Viloria G , Peressín Paz A , Morello F , Latorre F , Seoane E , Toibaro J , Losso M 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesUp to 20% of HIV‐related focal brain lesion (FBL) diagnoses cannot be determined without invasive procedures. In such cases, brain biopsy is an important step in the evaluation algorithm. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical outcomes of patients with FBL, the proportion of diagnoses confirmed by brain biopsies and their aetiologies, and to analyse the proportion of patients in whom the biopsy motivated a change in therapeutic management.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed. The data from clinical records of patients with HIV‐related FBL admitted between January 2005 and December 2015 were reviewed.ResultsA total of 137 patients were included in the study. The median age was 39 years [interquartile range (IQR) 33–44.5 years]. The median CD4 count was 54 cells/μL (IQR 21–124 cells/μL). Cerebral brain biopsy was performed in 21.16% of patients (29 of 137); 68.9% of these individuals (20 of 29) were diagnosed by histology, with results of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in 20.6% (six of 29), progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy in 6.8% (two of 29), toxoplasmosis in 6.8% (two of 29), tuberculoma in 6.8% (two of 29), and other diagnoses in 27.6% (eight of 29). In nine patients, the histology was nonspecific. In 75.8% of patients (22 of 29), the result of the biopsy led to a change in the therapeutic management. We did not observe higher rates of mortality related to the procedure. Overall mortality at 30 and 90 days was similar in patients who were and were not biopsied.ConclusionsIn this retrospective cohort study, cerebral biopsy was associated with significant adjustments in therapeutic management for a high percentage of patients.
An ordered mesoporous network consisting of carbon‐coated ultrasmall SnO2 nanoparticles with enhanced Lithium storage
Authors: Zhao Yun , Lin Qidong , Li Yong , Ma Canliang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAn unique ordered mesoporous network consisting of carbon‐coated SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) is developed by a facile self‐assemble strategy via a solvethermal route in which employs N,N‐dimethylformamide/H2O as mixture solvent and polyvinyl pyrrolidone as barrier agent and carbon source. The SnO2‐NPs with an uniform dimension of ~5 nm are observed to interconnect with each other, and assemble into high‐compact blocks where abundant mesopores with an average diameter of ~4 nm are found throughout the body. The carbon coating with a thickness of <1 nm are confirmed to exist on these SnO2‐NPs, which is of great importance to avoid the severe sintering that occurs in the case of bare SnO2‐NPs. Furthermore, the carbon coating plays roles in enhancing conductivity and keeping the active particles from being directly contacted with electrolyte, and thus contributes to enhanced reversible capacity of 949 mAh g−1 and improved initial Coulombic efficiency. The composite electrode with a high tap density of 2.0 g cm−3 exhibits substantially elevated electrochemical performances, such as a charge capacity of 565 mAh g−1 vs 223 mAh g−1 of common SnO2‐NPs after 60 cycles and greatly improved rate capability, indicating the promising applications of this advanced micro‐nano architecture for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries.
The Role of Bank Funding Diversity: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vo Xuan Vinh 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper analyzes the impact of bank funding diversity on bank income and risk in emerging markets. We utilize a data sample which includes 37 Vietnamese banks for the period 2006–2015. We find that banks with diversified funding sources have advantages in improving profitability. However, we also find that banks with higher funding liquidity tend to participate in more risk‐taking activities. The findings contradict the notion that banks which have access to diversified funding sources are able to improve profitability without increasing their risk‐taking. The study has strong implication for banks managers and prudential authorities in emerging markets.
Laser‐induced metallization of porous Si3N4 ceramic and its brazing to TiAl alloy
Authors: Zhao Yixuan , Bian Hong , Fu Wei , Hu Yu , Song Xiaoguo , Liu Duo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe poor wettability of traditional brazing filler alloys on the surface of ceramics always lead to the formation of defects in the joints and weaken the bonding strength eventually, especially the porous ceramics. Metallization on ceramics is an effective way to improve the wettability. In this work, laser‐induced cladding process was applied to metalize the surface of porous Si3N4 ceramic, and the traditional AgCu eutectic filler alloy can wet on the metalized surface completely. The metalized porous Si3N4 ceramic brazed to TiAl alloy successfully using AgCu filler alloy. The interfacial microstructure and mechanical property of the porous Si3N4/TiAl alloy brazed joint was significantly improved by the novel laser‐induced metallization process.
Factors associated with dental fractures in Brazilian individuals
Authors: Tavares Luiz H. S. , Ferreira Dennis de C. , Côrtes Antonieta de Q. , Machado Andréia G. , Abad Ernani da C. , Lourenco Eduardo J. V. , Gonçalves Lucio S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to assess the association of sex, age, group of teeth, and type of accident (exposure) with dental fractures (outcome: enamel‐dentine fracture without [EDF] or with pulp exposure [EDPF] and root fracture RF]).MethodsIn total, 1046 patients were selected. Logistic binary regression was used.ResultsThe findings showed that EDF has less change of affecting individuals ≤9 years of age than ≥40 years of age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35‐0.95). Violence (OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.77‐5.31), traffic accidents (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.05‐2.13), and sporting accidents (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19‐2.44)] were associated with EDF. Regarding EDPF, the mandibular lateral incisors had a 10 times higher chance of being injured than canines and posterior teeth (OR: 10.43, 95% CI: 1.74‐62.4). Those aged ≤9 years (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07‐0.58) and 10‐19 years (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17‐0.88) had a significantly lower chance of being affected by RF.ConclusionEDF and RF are associated with individuals ≥40 years of age; violence and traffic and sporting accidents are also associated with EDF, and mandibular incisors have a greater chance of being affected by EDPF.
Motherhood, Employment, and Life Satisfaction: Trends in Germany Between 1984 and 2015
Authors: Preisner Klaus , Neuberger Franz , Posselt Lukas , Kratz Fabian 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveThis article analyzes trends in the relationships among motherhood, employment, and life satisfaction in Germany and regresses them on changing motherhood norms.BackgroundMotherhood norms have changed in recent decades in Germany, and differences in labor force participation between mothers and women without children have decreased. We research whether differences in life satisfaction have decreased at the same time.MethodAnalyses are based on the German Socio‐Economic Panel (1984–2015) and restricted to women aged 16 to 45 (N = 18,238). A series of hybrid panel regressions was used to determine intrapersonal and interpersonal motherhood and employment effects on life satisfaction over decades. Polynomial regressions were used to relate these effects to changing motherhood norms.ResultsThe negative effects of motherhood on life satisfaction are less prevalent today than they were in the past. The interpersonal maternal happiness gap has disappeared, and the intrapersonal motherhood effect on life satisfaction has increased during the past decades.ConclusionAs restrictive social norms for maternal employment have lost ground, the transition to motherhood has become increasingly conducive to life satisfaction for both working and nonworking mothers.ImplicationNormative and public support of women's freedom to choose among different motherhood roles is key to reducing financial and time pressures of mothers and thereby increasing maternal life satisfaction. Further support is needed for mothers without partners or jobs.
Value development during adolescence: Dimensions of change and stability
Authors: Daniel Ella , Benish‐Weisman Maya 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveValue change stability was examined in a longitudinal sample of Jewish and Arab Israeli adolescents.MethodAdolescents (N = 520; 55.4% girls; Mage = 13.76, SD = 0.52, at initial assessment) reported value importance at four annual evaluations.ResultsAdolescents increased in values’ internal coherence and rank‐order stability. Their value hierarchy was consistent and differentiated from the hierarchy of adults. Latent growth curve analyses indicated a similar pattern of mean‐level value change for both ethnic groups: an increase in power and a decrease in tradition values; an increase in self‐direction values among Jewish adolescents but not among Arab participants. Overall, the perceived importance of power, achievement, and self‐direction values was more likely to increase than decrease, and the importance of conformity, tradition, security, and benevolence values was more likely to decrease than increase. Intraindividual changes in value importance followed the postulated pattern, as compatible values changed together, whereas conflicting values changed in opposite directions.ConclusionsThis article suggests that values become better indicators of individual characteristics during adolescence. Adolescents increase their endorsement of self‐focused values and decrease their valuation of other‐focused values. They maintain the integrity of their value system despite value changes, confirming and validating value theory.
By myself and liking it? Predictors of distinct types of solitude experiences in daily life
Authors: Lay Jennifer C. , Pauly Theresa , Graf Peter , Biesanz Jeremy C. , Hoppmann Christiane A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveSolitude is a ubiquitous experience, often confused with loneliness, yet sometimes sought out in daily life. This study aimed to identify distinct types of solitude experiences from everyday affect/thought patterns and to examine how and for whom solitude is experienced positively versus negatively.MethodOne hundred community‐dwelling adults aged 50–85 years (64% female; 56% East Asian, 36% European, 8% other/mixed heritage) and 50 students aged 18–28 years (92% female; 42% East Asian, 22% European, 36% other/mixed) each completed approximately 30 daily life assessments over 10 days on their current and desired social situation, thoughts, and affect.ResultsMultilevel latent profile analysis identified two types of everyday solitude: one characterized by negative affect and effortful thought (negative solitude experiences) and one characterized by calm and the near absence of negative affect/effortful thought (positive solitude experiences). Individual differences in social self‐efficacy and desire for solitude were associated with everyday positive solitude propensity; trait self‐rumination and self‐reflection were associated with everyday negative solitude propensity.ConclusionsThis study provides a new framework for conceptualizing everyday solitude. It identifies specific affect/thought patterns that characterize distinct solitude experience clusters, and it links these clusters with well‐established individual differences. We discuss key traits associated with thriving in solitude.