bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic Variables, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Employment Outcomes for Transition‐Age Youth With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Kaya Cahit 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between demographic factors, vocational rehabilitation services, and employment outcomes for youth intellectual disabilities (ID). Findings from this study may potentially generate knowledge that could be used to inform development of new services and improvement of individualized vocational rehabilitation services for youth with ID. Chi‐squared automatic interaction detector and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate relationships between demographic variables, receipt of VR services and employment outcomes for youth with ID. The results indicate gender, race, education level, and cash benefits were significantly associated with employment outcomes for youth with ID. After controlling for the effect of demographic variables, job placement, on‐the‐job support, on‐the‐job training, maintenance, other services, technical assistance, and diagnostic and treatment services were significantly associated with competitive employment. Youth with ID who had a higher level of education were more likely to obtain competitive employment. In addition to it, job‐related services (e.g., job placement and on‐the‐job support) were significantly positively related to employment outcomes for youth with ID. There is a need for customized and supported employment, which has been found to be an effective in enhancing the employability of people with ID.
Role of Teriparatide in Glucocorticoid‐induced Osteoporosis through Regulating Cellular Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Wang Tao , Han Chao , Tian Peng , Li Peng‐fei , Ma Xin‐long 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the signaling pathways mediated by teriparatide in MLO‐Y4 cell lines based on the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through AKT pathways, which regulate apoptosis of bone cells.MethodsWe performed the DCFH‐DA assay to investigate the role of ROS in MLO‐Y4 cells caused by dexamethasone (Dex). Four groups were included: Dex group, Dex+NAC, Dex+ teriparatide group and control group (without any dispose). Real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to test the SOD2 and Cat mRNA expression. Western blot (WB) was used to investigate the AKT and caspase‐3 protein expression. A Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay test was conducted to explore the cell viability, and we also studied the apoptosis through western blot assay. A glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP) model was used to confirm the anti‐ROS and anti‐apoptosis ability of teriparatide.ResultsThe CCK‐8 assay revealed that Dex reduced the proliferative capability of cells significantly, whereas incubation with teriparatide resulted in a remarkable increase in the proliferation of osteocytes. In addition, teriparatide can rescue the effect of inhibiting cell proliferation due to Dex treatment. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that ROS levels increased in Dex‐treated MLO‐Y4 cells when compared with control groups. However, the Dex+Teriparatide group showed less ROS when compared with the Dex group. The expression of Sod2 and Cat, two antioxidant enzymes crucial for ROS elimination, was decreased in the Dex group, indicating a defect of the enzymatic antioxidant system. Compared to the Dex group, incubation with teriparatide resulted in a significant decrease in caspase‐3 level; when compared with the control group, the caspase‐3 level was not significantly different, indicating that teriparatide can rescue apoptosis during Dex exposure. Moreover, teriparatide promotes the expression of AKT, and rescues the apoptosis effect caused by Dex. The results of immunofluorescence also showed that Akt was highly expressed in the teriparatide group when compared with the Dex group. The microstructural parameters Tb.Th, BV/TV, and Tb.N in the methylprednisolone (MPS) group were markedly reduced compared with the control group, but additional treatment with teriparatide could remarkably reverse the methylprednisolone‐induced reduction of these parameters. Moreover, the parameter Tb.Sp was significantly increased in the methylprednisolone group compared to the control group, and this increase could be inhibited by teriparatide.ConclusionsTeriparatide can reduce the cellular ROS level caused by glucocorticoids to facilitate the proliferation of osteocytes through activating the AKT pathway. Meanwhile, the activated AKT can inhibit the activity of proteolytic enzyme caspase‐3 and prevent the activation of apoptosis cascade.
A simple technique for relocating chronic CIED leads to a subpectoral position for relief of erosion and pain
Authors: Hesselson Aaron B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundMethodology specific for moving superficial chronically implanted transvenous pacing leads to a subpectoral pocket is not described in the literature. Relocation of prepectoral leads and generator to a submuscular pocket for relief of erosion and pain with minimal pectoral trauma is possible by applying a variant of a previously described submammary tunneling technique.MethodsAll patients presenting for device follow‐up, elective battery replacement, or system upgrade over an 8‐month period were considered for relocation if experiencing significant thinning or pain over their prepectoral implant. Those selected for relocation then had their system moved subpectorally via the tunneling technique. Patients were followed for 6 months postoperatively for procedurally related complications and resolution of preprocedure symptoms.ResultsThirty‐two leads in 14 patients were all successfully relocated. Of the relocated leads, five (16%) were a three‐pin connector implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead. Three patients (21%) in the group required short‐term prescription analgesia in the immediate postdischarge period. Pain and erosion concerns abated in the study group by the 3‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsRelocation of superficial pacing leads with CIED generator to a subpectoral pocket facilitated by this tunneling method is successful, safe, and can accommodate single and multipin leads with minimal pectoral trauma and no nerve damage.
Genes for seed longevity in barley identified by genomic analysis on near isogenic lines
Authors: Wozny Dorothee , Kramer Katharina , Finkemeier Iris , Acosta Ivan F. , Koornneef Maarten 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGenes controlling differences in seed longevity between 2 barley (Hordeum vulgare) accessions were identified by combining quantitative genetics “omics” technologies in near isogenic lines (NILs). The NILs were derived from crosses between the spring barley landraces L94 from Ethiopia and Cebada Capa from Argentina. A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis on mature, nonaged seeds of the 2 parental lines and the L94 NILs by RNA‐sequencing and total seed proteomic profiling identified the UDP‐glycosyltransferase MLOC_11661.1 as candidate gene for the quantitative trait loci on 2H, and the NADP‐dependent malic enzyme (NADP‐ME) MLOC_35785.1 as possible downstream target gene. To validate these candidates, they were expressed in Arabidopsis under the control of constitutive promoters to attempt complementing the T‐DNA knockout line nadp‐me1. Both the NADP‐ME MLOC_35785.1 and the UDP‐glycosyltransferase MLOC_11661.1 were able to rescue the nadp‐me1 seed longevity phenotype. In the case of the UDP‐glycosyltransferase, with high accumulation in NILs, only the coding sequence of Cebada Capa had a rescue effect.
Internal Whistle‐Blowing in the Public Service: A Matter of Trust
Authors: Taylor Jeannette 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAlthough employee reporting of workplace ethical violations is recognized as an important measure for managing the integrity of the public service, not many public employees who have observed ethical violations actually report them. This article examines and compares the links between employee perceptions of trustworthiness of different organizational members and internal whistle‐blowing. It differentiates between trustworthy coworkers, supervisors, and senior managers. It uses cross‐sectional data from 10,850 employees in the Australian Public Service in 2013 and 2016, which are aggregated to construct longitudinal data for 60 organizations. Among the three groups examined, perceptions of trustworthy senior managers are found to be most strongly related to internal whistle‐blowing.
The Physical Characteristics of Specific Phases of Play During Rugby Union Match Play
Authors: Read Dale B. , Jones Ben , Williams Sean , Phibbs Padraic J. , Darrall-Jones Josh D. , Roe Greg A.B. , Weakley Jonathon J.S. , Rock Andrew , Till Kevin 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To quantify the frequencies and timings of rugby union match-play phases (ie, attacking, defending, ball in play [BIP], and ball out of play [BOP]) and then compare the physical characteristics of attacking, defending, and BOP between forwards and backs. Methods: Data were analyzed from 59 male rugby union academy players (259 observations). Each player wore a microtechnology device (OptimEye S5; Catapult, Melbourne, Australia) with video footage analyzed for phase timings and frequencies. Dependent variables were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model and assessed with magnitude-based inferences and Cohen d effect sizes (ES). Results: Attack, defense, BIP, and BOP times were 12.7 (3.1), 14.7 (2.5), 27.4 (2.9), and 47.4 (4.1) min, respectively. Mean attack (26 [17] s), defense (26 [18] s), and BIP (33 [24] s) phases were shorter than BOP phases (59 [33] s). The relative distance in attacking phases was similar (112.2 [48.4] vs 114.6 [52.3] m·min−1, ES = 0.00 ± 0.23) between forwards and backs but greater in forwards (114.5 [52.7] vs 109.0 [54.8] m·min−1, ES = 0.32 ± 0.23) during defense and greater in backs during BOP (ES = −0.66 ± 0.23). Conclusions: Total time in attack, defense, and therefore BIP was less than BOP. Relative distance was greater in forwards during defense, whereas it was greater in backs during BOP and similar between positions during attack. Players should be exposed to training intensities from in-play phases (ie, attack and defense) rather than whole-match data and practice technical skills during these intensities.
Is the Functional Threshold Power a Valid Surrogate of the Lactate Threshold?
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Morales Javier S. , Foster Carl , Lucia Alejandro , de la Villa Pedro 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To analyze the relationship between functional threshold power (FTP) and the lactate threshold (LT). Methods: A total of 20 male cyclists performed an incremental test in which LT was determined. At least 48 h later, they performed a 20-min time trial, and 95% of the mean power output was defined as FTP. Participants were divided into recreational (peak power output < 4.5 W·kg−1; n = 11) or trained cyclists (peak power output > 4.5 W·kg−1; n = 9) according to their fitness status. Results: The FTP (240 [35] W) was overall not significantly different (effect size = 0.20; limits of agreement = −2.4% [11.5%]) from the LT (246 [24] W), and both markers were strongly correlated (r = .95; P < .0001). Accounting for the participants’ fitness status, no significant differences were found between FTP and LT (effect size = 0.22; limits of agreement =2.1% [7.8%]) in trained cyclists, but FTP was significantly lower than the LT (P = .0004, effect size = 0.81; limits of agreement =−6.5% [8.3%]) in recreational cyclists. A significant relationship was found between relative peak power output and the bias between FTP and the LT markers (r = .77; P < .0001). Conclusions: FTP is a valid field test-based marker for the assessment of endurance fitness. However, caution should be taken when using FTP interchangeably with LT, as the bias between markers seems to depend on the athlete’s fitness status. Whereas FTP provides a good estimate of LT in trained cyclists, in recreational cyclists, it may underestimate LT.
Parents’ experience when their child has chronic abdominal pain: a qualitative study in Norway
Authors: Brodwall Anne , Glavin Kari , Lagerløv Per 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveFunctional abdominal pain occurs frequently in children and adolescents. It is an exclusion diagnosis; somatic diseases have to be ruled out. However little explanation is given for why the child is experiencing pain. The aim was to explore the experiences of parents of children with chronic abdominal pain discharged from hospital without a somatic explanation.DesignThe study has a qualitative design. The open questions concerned pain experiences and management. Interviews were conducted at the hospital, at the parents’ workplace or in their homes, audiotape recorded and transcribed. A descriptive content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed text.SettingParents of children referred from general practice located in urban and rural areas in two municipals in Norway.ParticipantsFourteen parents of children with functional abdominal pain aged 5–15 years.ResultsFourteen parents participated. Some explained that their child’s disability glued the parents together on a common project to help the child. Other parents could tell that siblings got less attention and complained about too much fuss during pain. Parents wished for diagnosis that could be treated efficiently. Some were still anxious that an undetected condition triggered pain. They prompted their doctor to do further examinations. However, some parents knew that social factors could inflict pain and were concerned that their child was unable to distinguish sensations like anxiety and ‘butterfly’ tensions from physical pain. The parents and children needed professional guidance on how to manage the pain .ConclusionThe doctor’s consultation should not end at the diagnosis of functional abdominal pain. Doctors may help these families further by focusing on pain management strategies.
Bivalirudin versus heparin in primary PCI: clinical outcomes and cost analysis
Authors: Deharo Pierre , Johnson Thomas W , Rahbi Hazim , Kandan Raveen , Bowles Ruth , Mozid Abdul , Dorman Stephen , Strange Julian W , Baumbach Andreas 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThe evidence for benefits of bivalirudin over heparin has recently been challenged. We aimed to analyse the safety and cost-effectiveness following reintroduction of heparin instead of bivalirudin as the standard anticoagulation for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in a high-volume centre.Methods and resultsThis analysis was an open-label, prospective registry including all patients admitted to our centre for PPCI from April 2014 to April 2016. Heparin was reintroduced as standard anticoagulant in April 2015. During the 2 years, 1291 patients underwent a PPCI, 662 in the Bivalirudin protocol period (Cohort B) and 629 in the Heparin protocol period (Cohort H). Baseline and procedural characteristics were not significantly different, except for a higher use of thromboaspiration and femoral access in the earlier Cohort B. Glycoprotein 2b3a (Gp2b3a) antagonists were used in 24% of the patients in Cohort B versus 28% in Cohort H (P<0.01). We did not observe any differences in death at 180 days (11.03% in Cohort B vs 11.29% in Cohort H)(HR 95% CI 0.98 (0.72 to 1.33), P=0.88). The incidence of any bleeding complications at 30 days did not differ between the two periods (21.9% vs 21.9%, P=0.99). The cost related to the anticoagulants amounted to £246 236 in Cohort B versus £4483 in Cohort H (£324 406 vs £102 347 when adding Gp2b3a antagonists).ConclusionWe did not find clinically relevant changes in patient outcomes, including bleeding complications with reintroduction of heparin in our PPCI protocol. However, the use of heparin was associated with a major reduction in treatment costs.
Data from the US and UK cystic fibrosis registries support disease modification by CFTR modulation with ivacaftor
Authors: Bessonova Leona , Volkova Nataliya , Higgins Mark , Bengtsson Leif , Tian Simon , Simard Christopher , Konstan Michael W , Sawicki Gregory S , Sewall Ase , Nyangoma Stephen , Elbert Alexander , Marshall Bruce C , Bilton Diana 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundIvacaftor is the first cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator demonstrating clinical benefit in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). As ivacaftor is intended for chronic, lifelong use, understanding long-term effects is important for patients and healthcare providers.ObjectiveThis ongoing, observational, postapproval safety study evaluates clinical outcomes and disease progression in ivacaftor-treated patients using data from the US and the UK CF registries following commercial availability.MethodsAnnual analyses compare ivacaftor-treated and untreated matched comparator patients for: risks of death, transplantation, hospitalisation, pulmonary exacerbation; prevalence of CF-related complications and microorganisms and lung function changes in a subset of patients who initiated ivacaftor in the first year of commercial availability. Results from the 2014 analyses (2 and 3 years following commercial availability in the UK and USA, respectively) are presented here.ResultsAnalyses included 1256 ivacaftor-treated and 6200 comparator patients from the USA and 411 ivacaftor-treated and 2069 comparator patients from the UK. No new safety concerns were identified based on the evaluation of clinical outcomes included in the analyses. As part of safety evaluations, ivacaftor-treated US patients were observed to have significantly lower risks of death (0.6% vs 1.6%, p=0.0110), transplantation (0.2% vs 1.1%, p=0.0017), hospitalisation (27.5% vs 43.1%, p<0.0001) and pulmonary exacerbation (27.8% vs 43.3%, p<0.0001) relative to comparators; trends were similar in the UK. In both registries, ivacaftor-treated patients had a lower prevalence of CF-related complications and select microorganisms and had better preserved lung function.ConclusionsWhile general limitations of observational research apply, analyses revealed favourable results for clinically important outcomes among ivacaftor-treated patients, adding to the growing body of literature supporting disease modification by CFTR modulation with ivacaftor.EU PAS registration numberEUPAS4270
Pharmacological decrease of liver stiffness is pressure-related and predicts long-term clinical outcome
Authors: Piecha Felix , Mandorfer Mattias , Peccerella Teresa , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Poth Tanja , Vonbank Anna , Seitz Helmut Karl , Rausch Vanessa , Reiberger Thomas , Mueller Sebastian 
Published: May 2018

Liver stiffness (LS) as measured by transient elastography is increasingly used to noninvasively assess liver fibrosis. However, LS is efficiently modulated by confounders like arterial and portal pressure (PP). We here study the effect of acute hemodynamic changes on LS (measured by µFibroscan) in a rodent model of cirrhosis in response to pharmacological modulation of PP by losartan, nitric oxide donors, and propranolol. Additionally, changes of LS and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) under propranolol therapy were assessed with regard to clinical outcomes in a human cohort of n = 38 cirrhotic patients. In the animal model, cirrhosis induction resulted in a significant increase of LS and PP. After losartan or NO application, a LS decrease of 25% was strongly correlated with a concomitant decrease of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and PP. In contrast, acute propranolol administration decreased heart rate but not MAP resulting in stable LS. In the human cohort, most patients ( n = 25, 66%) showed a LS decrease after propranolol treatment initiation which significantly correlated to HVPG ( r = 0.518, P < 0.01) but was not accompanied by statistically significant changes in transaminases or model of end-stage liver disease (MELD). On multivariate analysis, patients with decreasing LS on propranolol had a decreased risk for experiencing a transplantation or death than patients with increasing LS irrespective of HVPG. In conclusion, LS changes after pharmacological interventions are influenced by hemodynamic effects on arterial and portal pressure. In humans, a LS decrease may be predictive of improved outcome irrespective of MELD scores and may serve as an additional follow-up tool in the future. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Liver stiffness (LS) is efficiently modulated by changes in portal venous and systemic pressures in an animal model of liver cirrhosis irrespective of baseline LS and portal pressure values. In humans, most patients show a decrease in LS after propranolol treatment initiation without statistically significant changes in transaminases or model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores. A decrease in LS may be associated with improved outcome and thus another valuable tool in the follow-up of patients after propranolol treatment initiation.
Filaggrin and tight junction proteins are crucial for IL-13-mediated esophageal barrier dysfunction
Authors: Wu Liping , Oshima Tadayuki , Li Min , Tomita Toshihiko , Fukui Hirokazu , Watari Jiro , Miwa Hiroto 
Published: May 2018

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergy-mediated disease that is accompanied by IL-13 overexpression and an impaired esophageal barrier. Filaggrin (FLG) and tight junction (TJ) proteins are considered to contribute to epithelial barrier function. However, their functional involvement in EoE has not been elucidated. Here, we aimed to determine the IL-13-mediated barrier dysfunction and expression of TJ-related proteins in EoE and to characterize interactions among TJ-related proteins involved in the barrier function of the esophageal epithelium. Biopsy specimens from EoE patients were analyzed. Primary human esophageal epithelial cells (HEECs) were cultured using an air-liquid interface (ALI) system. The permeability of TJs was assayed by biotinylation. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured after stimulation with IL-13 and after siRNA silencing of FLG expression. FLG and TJ genes and proteins were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescent staining. The biotinylation reagent diffused through the paracellular spaces of whole stratified epithelial layers in EoE biopsy samples. The TEER decreased in ALI-cultured HEECs after IL-13 stimulation. Although the protein level of FLG decreased, that of the TJ proteins increased in the mucosa of EoE biopsy samples and in ALI-cultured HEECs after IL-13 stimulation. IL-13 altered the staining patterns of TJ proteins and the epithelial morphology. FLG siRNA transfection significantly decreased TEER. The IL-13-mediated reduced esophageal barrier is associated with the altered expression pattern but not with the levels of TJ-associated proteins. A deficiency of FLG altered the stratified epithelial barrier. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Esophageal permeability to small molecules was increased in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and could be induced by IL-13 in our unique air-liquid interface-cultured primary multilayer human esophageal epithelial cells in vitro. A deficiency of filaggrin disrupted the esophageal stratified epithelial barrier. The decreased esophageal barrier in EoE was associated with the altered staining pattern of tight junction proteins, although the levels of the proteins themselves do not appear to be changed.