bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rise of Complementarity between Global and Regional Financial Institutions: Perspectives from Asia
Authors: Rana Pradumna B. , Pacheco Pardo Ramon 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGlobal economic governance is in flux. The institutions and norms set up by the US and other Western powers decades ago are being eroded. Regional organisations and emerging powers are challenging them. This is especially the case in East Asia and China. Or are they? In this article we argue that East Asian countries in general and China in particular are not challenging existing global institutions and norms. Instead, they are setting up and developing institutions that complement – rather than compete against – existing institutions. Even though there is a degree of ‘healthy’ competition between regional institutions and their global counterparts, the former are essentially complementary to the latter. Global institutions can offer knowledge and capacity building to regional institutions, which in turn can provide access to a larger pool of resources. To prove our argument, we analyse the cases of liquidity provision – in the form of the IMF and the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation – and development financing – with the World Bank on the one hand and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank on the other. Our findings suggest that the multi‐layering of international governance need not lead to competition between layers.
Gold at the end of the Rainbow? TheBRIand the Middle East
Authors: Ehteshami Anoushiravan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn 2013 China embarked on a new path of engagement with its Asian neighbours, a process which just three years later resulted in Asia's most daring and ambitious macro‐economic undertaking – an ‘initiative’ now known as China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). TheBRIhas the potential to transform Asia's political economy and the level of political, institutional and financial support from Beijing is underlining the importance of this major initiative to the world's fast‐emerging largest economy. The success of theBRIwill place China at the heart of the international system and help it build strong organic networks across Asia, and into Europe and East Africa. But it is in the outlying regions such as Central Asia and the Middle East that theBRI's metal will be tested, as indeed China's resilience as a major power. If China is able to overcome the geopolitical, cultural, institutional and socio‐economic barriers of these Asian regions then it will have made some headway towards creating Asia's first international community, arguably an ‘Asian international society’.
The United Nations and Civil Society in Times of Change: Four Propositions
Authors: Anheier Helmut K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe United Nations and organized civil society in the form of international NGOs have yet to find an optimal mode of engagement that works for both sides. This has many reasons, but foremost it is caused by a formalized and politicized administrative process with, in the end, rather limited participation opportunities for NGOs. The current regime fails to live up to its potential – a deficit that is becoming more acute as both the UN and NGOs face legitimacy pressures and have to brave geopolitical and resource uncertainties. In response, the article proposes a more differentiated cooperation model based on functional roles and new organizational formats. Such an approach could enable a mutually beneficial relationship to emerge between the United Nations system and international civil society.
A Time for Hope? Pursuing a Vision of a Fair, Sustainable and Healthy World
Authors: Friel Sharon 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe confluence of social and health inequities and global environmental degradation shines a light on fundamental ruptures in society. A systems view of humanity reminds us that this status quo is not static, and that the shifting political and economic sands provide an important window of opportunity to collectively change the system towards the public good, such that communities are able to live with good health, dignity and in an environmentally sustainable way. To enable this, global policy, and in particular global health policy must break out of the policy silos and refocus in a systems way. If the system is to adapt, an ambitious vision for the system is needed that is different to the status quo. No one regulatory model that can improve complex societal problems, rather we must use a plurality of approaches. Reorienting the system to achieve positive outcomes depends on reimagining the purpose of structural regulatory powers, and the releasing the agency of networks of concerned actors. In a hyper‐connected world there are many partners to help create systems of hope.
Combination TS‐1 plus EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer after progression on first‐line or further EGFR‐TKIs: A phase II, single‐arm trial
Authors: Yang Lu , Yang Sheng , Liu Yutao , Li Junling , Hu Xingsheng , Wang Yalei , Zhang Yan , Wang Yan 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundEGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combined with TS‐1 might overcome EGFR‐TKI resistance, which has been indicated by several preclinical studies. We investigated the synergistic efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of EGFR‐TKIs and TS‐1 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with acquired resistance to previous EGFR‐TKI therapy.MethodsThis was a phase II, single‐arm and single‐center prospective study. Stage IIIB–IV NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to prior EGFR‐TKI treatment were enrolled. All patients were administered combination therapy of TS‐1 and continuing EGFR‐TKIs in this study. The primary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), while overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and safety were secondary endpoints.ResultsA total of 42 patients with acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs were eligible for this study. The median PFS for all patients was five months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6–5.4). The OS and DCR were 31.9 (95% CI 17.8–46.0) months and 69.0% (29/42), respectively. No grade 4 toxicity or grade 3 hematologic toxicity was observed in this study. One patient (2%) experienced grade 3 elevated total serum bilirubin.ConclusionThe combination treatment of TS‐1 and EGFR‐TKIs was effective and well tolerated by patients who had experienced prior EGFR‐TKI treatment failure. Our results need to be validated by larger prospective clinical trials.
Enhanced longevity and metabolism by brown adipose tissue with disruption of the regulator of G protein signaling 14
Authors: Vatner Dorothy E. , Zhang Jie , Oydanich Marko , Guers John , Katsyuba Elena , Yan Lin , Sinclair David , Auwerx Johan , Vatner Stephen F. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryDisruption of the regulator for G protein signaling 14 (RGS14) knockout (KO) in mice extends their lifespan and has multiple beneficial effects related to healthful aging, that is, protection from obesity, as reflected by reduced white adipose tissue, protection against cold exposure, and improved metabolism. The observed beneficial effects were mediated by improved mitochondrial function. But most importantly, the main mechanism responsible for the salutary properties of the RGS14 KO involved an increase in brown adipose tissue (BAT), which was confirmed by surgical BAT removal and transplantation to wild‐type (WT) mice, a surgical simulation of a molecular knockout. This technique reversed the phenotype of the RGS14 KO and WT, resulting in loss of the improved metabolism and protection against cold exposure in RGS14 KO and conferring this protection to the WT BAT recipients. Another mechanism mediating the salutary features in the RGS14 KO was increased SIRT3. This mechanism was confirmed in the RGS14 X SIRT3 double KO, which no longer demonstrated improved metabolism and protection against cold exposure. Loss of function of the Caenorhabditis elegans RGS‐14 homolog confirmed the evolutionary conservation of this mechanism. Thus, disruption of RGS14 is a model of healthful aging, as it not only enhances lifespan, but also protects against obesity and cold exposure and improves metabolism with a key mechanism of increased BAT, which, when removed, eliminates the features of healthful aging.
Costal Margin Tenderness and the Risk for Intraabdominal Injuries in Children With Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Flynn‐O'Brien Katherine T. , Kuppermann Nathan , Holmes James F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of radiation exposure from computed tomography (CT) imaging in children is well recognized. Patient history and physical examination findings, including costal margin tenderness (CMT), influence a physician's decision to image a child with blunt torso trauma. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of CMT for identifying children with intraabdominal injuries (IAI) found on CT and IAI undergoing acute intervention.MethodsWe conducted an analysis of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) IAI public use data set, representing a large prospective multicenter cohort study from May 2007 to January 2010. Isolated CMT was defined as CMT without other identified PECARN risk factors for IAI (i.e., abdominal or thoracic wall trauma, abdominal tenderness or pain, decreased breath sounds, or vomiting). Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds of IAI in children presenting with isolated and nonisolated CMT. Risk differences were calculated to estimate the risk of IAI independently attributable to CMT in the setting of isolated PECARN risk factors. Finally, CT use among exposure groups was estimated to quantify potentially avoidable imaging.ResultsAmong 9,174 children with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 14 or 15 who sustained blunt torso trauma, 1,267 (13.8%) had CMT. Among those with CMT, 177 (14.0%) had isolated CMT and 1,090 (86.0%) had nonisolated CMT. No children (0/177; 0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0%–2.1%) with isolated CMT had IAI, compared to 17.2% (187/1,090; 95% CI = 15.0%–19.5%) of those with nonisolated CMT. The risk differences were not statistically significant. 36/177 (20.3%; 95% CI = 14.7%–27.0%) children with isolated CMT underwent abdominal CT scans.ConclusionsThe risk of IAI associated with isolated CMT is minimal. For children with blunt abdominal trauma and isolated CMT, abdominal CT scan is of low yield.
Financial literacy amongst elderly Australians
Authors: Xue Rui , Gepp Adrian , O'Neill Terry J. , Stern Steven , Vanstone Bruce J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFinancial illiteracy is widespread amongst the elderly. Financially illiterate people are more likely to experience asset loss and outlive their savings after retirement. This paper measures financial literacy of elderly Australians using Item Responses Theory. Using a Lasso regression, we find that younger, married males with higher income and greater net wealth are more likely to be financially literate. Better financial literacy is also associated with good health, higher educational attainment, better occupation and outright home ownership. Our findings suggest policy‐makers take action and we make informed and practicable policy recommendations.
Behavioral adaptations of a large carnivore to human activity in an extremely arid landscape
Authors: Barocas A. , Hefner R. , Ucko M. , Merkle J. A. , Geffen E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDriven by the availability of food subsidies and landscape transformation, large carnivore populations are increasingly inhabiting the vicinity of humans. To persist in human proximity, while avoiding conflict and mortality, they must make adjustments in their spatial behavior. Understanding such behavioral adaptations can be crucial to formulate conservation strategies. We used GPS location data to study the movement and space use of protected Arabian wolves in the extremely arid Negev Desert (Israel), where natural prey densities are reduced. We examined wolf preference for the proximity of human infrastructure, while testing the hypothesis that wolves would use areas where ungulates were more likely to occur. Wolves showed a strong spatial association with humans, spending a large proportion of their time in proximity of human infrastructure and moving primarily along roads. Wolves also increased their movement during the night. In addition, wolves that had higher availability of human infrastructure in their home ranges showed increased selection for such features, suggesting a positive functional response. Finally, wolves did not show preference for areas of high ungulate occurrence at either spatial scale. These findings, combined with recent diet analyses, indicate that wolves rely on human subsidies, proportioned by the availability of garbage and agricultural produce. Our results demonstrate that wolves fine‐tune their space use to persist in the vicinity of humans. Additional conditions that enable such persistence include effective legal protection and positive local attitudes toward wolves. We conclude that such circumstances can promote spatial coexistence of humans and large carnivores. The strong observed spatial association and evident dietary dependence of wolves on subsidies from a low‐density human population may also reflect the conditions that led to dog domestication.
Residents from non‐English‐speaking countries of birth in Australian aged care facilities
Authors: Low Lee‐Fay , LoGiudice Dina 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo describe the activity of daily living and behavioural and complex care needs of residents born in non‐English‐speaking countries in Australian aged care facilities.MethodsDe‐identified cross‐sectional data were provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for all residents in government‐funded facilities on 30 June 2015. Analyses included t‐tests, chi‐squared tests and logistic regressions.ResultsA total of 33 168 (19%) residents were born in one of 188 non‐English‐speaking countries. Compared to residents born in English‐speaking countries, they were significantly younger, lived in larger facilities, were more likely to be male and live in an urban area. Their care requirements were greater for activities of daily living and behavioural and complex care. Residents from non‐English‐speaking countries living in ethno‐specific facilities had higher levels of these needs.ConclusionThe needs of residents born in non‐English‐speaking countries should be considered when planning aged care services.
Measuring medical students’ attitudes and knowledge about geriatrics and gerontology in Brazilian medical students: A comparison of instruments
Authors: Lucchetti Alessandra LG , da S Ezequiel Oscarina , Moreira‐Almeida Alexander , Lucchetti Giancarlo 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo compare instruments available for evaluating attitudes and knowledge about geriatrics and gerontology.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study investigated 83 third‐year Brazilian medical students (with exposure to geriatrics and gerontology) and 75 incoming students (with no exposure to this content). We used the University of California at Los Angeles Geriatrics Attitudes Scale, Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz, modified Maxwell–Sullivan Attitude Survey, Aging Semantic Differential Scale and an instrument assessing their cognitive knowledge in geriatrics.ResultsThe instruments investigated had moderate‐to‐high correlations when evaluating similar constructs, had satisfactory or borderline internal consistency for the most part (Cronbach's α: 0.62–0.94) and were capable of discriminating between students exposed or not to practical and theoretical content.ConclusionOur findings reinforce previous studies that these scales are capable of differentiating students who have or have not had exposure/intervention and, in general, seem to be assessing different constructs.
Population density estimates of forest duikers (Philantomba monticola & Cephalophus spp.) differ greatly between survey methods
Authors: Kamgaing Towa Olivier William , Bobo Kadiri Serge , Djekda Daniel , Azobou Keumbeng Blondel Vasco , Hamadjida Bobo Réné , Balangounde Moaga Yannick , Simo Kamdem Joel , Yasuoka Hirokazu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEstimating duiker populations is essential for conservation programmes in Central Africa, but what the most reliable survey method is remains unclear. We estimated forest duiker population densities in Southeast Cameroon using three line‐transect methods: dung counts and diurnal direct observation over 338.2 km, and nocturnal direct observation over 334.7 km. Nocturnal observations resulted in 59.8 and 9.0 individuals km−2 for the blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) and red duikers (Cephalophus callipygus, C. dorsalis, C. leucogaster and C. nigrifrons), respectively, which were much higher than estimates by dung counts and diurnal observation. Only dung counting was applicable for the yellow‐backed duiker (0.8 individuals km−2), due to low encounter rates obtained by the other methods. We argue that nocturnal observation is the most accurate method because the torchlight can pick out duikers' eyes even if the animals are shy and hiding and because multiple counts are unlikely. By contrast, the other methods probably underestimate densities due to poor visibility and reliance on dung production and decay rates calculated in different areas. These results can affect figures used in wildlife management decisions, such as the maximum sustainable yield of game animals, which generally have been based on densities estimated using a single survey method.
Birch pollen‐related foods can cause late eczematous reactions in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wassmann‐Otto A. , Heratizadeh A. , Wichmann K. , Werfel T. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and birch pollen allergy pollen‐related foods are able to cause late eczematous response. However, the relevance of AD worsening by ingestion of birch pollen‐related foods is still a matter of debate.ObjectiveThe purpose of this retrospective study was to determine how frequently birch pollen‐related foods induce a deterioration of eczema. Additionally, the diagnostic value of specific IgE (sIgE) determination was evaluated.MethodsA total of 182 children and adults with AD and suspected birch pollen‐related food allergy underwent 261 double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC). Total and sIgE levels were determined prior to DBPCFC.ResultsSixty‐five patients developed allergic reactions (responders) upon DBPCFC with birch pollen‐related foods (n = 103 DBPCFC). Of these, 32 patients exhibited significant deterioration of AD defined as a median increase of 15.4 severity scoring of atopic dermatitis index points (95% CI 12.4‐16.3) from baseline making up 37% of all positive reactions. Responders showed significantly higher sIgE levels to birch pollen and apple as well as a higher prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis compared to nonresponders (P < .05). However, patients with late eczematous response could not be differentiated from those with isolated immediate‐type reactions by sIgE levels.ConclusionIn a subpopulation of patients with AD and birch pollen sensitization, related foods should be considered as a trigger for an aggravation of eczema. As sufficient markers for prediction of late eczematous reactions are still lacking, DBPCFC cannot be replaced in diagnosis of birch pollen‐related foods in patients with AD.Clinical implicationsIn patients with AD and birch pollen allergy, birch pollen‐related foods should be considered as a provocation factor for an aggravation of disease signs and symptoms.
An immunologically relevant rodent model demonstrates safety of therapy using a tumour‐specific IgE
Authors: Josephs D. H. , Nakamura M. , Bax H. J. , Dodev T. S. , Muirhead G. , Saul L. , Karagiannis P. , Ilieva K. M. , Crescioli S. , Gazinska P. , Woodman N. , Lombardelli C. , Kareemaghay S. , Selkirk C. , Lentfer H. , Barton C. , Canevari S. , Figini M. , Downes N. , Dombrowicz D. , Corrigan C. J. , Nestle F. O. , Jones P. S. , Gould H. J. , Blower P. J. , Tsoka S. , Spicer J. F. , Karagiannis S. N. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundDesigning biologically informative models for assessing the safety of novel agents, especially for cancer immunotherapy, carries substantial challenges. The choice of an in vivo system for studies on IgE antibodies represents a major impediment to their clinical translation, especially with respect to class‐specific immunological functions and safety. Fcε receptor expression and structure are different in humans and mice, so that the murine system is not informative when studying human IgE biology. By contrast, FcεRI expression and cellular distribution in rats mirror that of humans.MethodsWe are developing MOv18 IgE, a human chimeric antibody recognizing the tumour‐associated antigen folate receptor alpha. We created an immunologically congruent surrogate rat model likely to recapitulate human IgE‐FcεR interactions and engineered a surrogate rat IgE equivalent to MOv18. Employing this model, we examined in vivo safety and efficacy of antitumour IgE antibodies.ResultsIn immunocompetent rats, rodent IgE restricted growth of syngeneic tumours in the absence of clinical, histopathological or metabolic signs associated with obvious toxicity. No physiological or immunological evidence of a “cytokine storm” or allergic response was seen, even at 50 mg/kg weekly doses. IgE treatment was associated with elevated serum concentrations of TNFα, a mediator previously linked with IgE‐mediated antitumour and antiparasitic functions, alongside evidence of substantially elevated tumoural immune cell infiltration and immunological pathway activation in tumour‐bearing lungs.ConclusionOur findings indicate safety of MOv18 IgE, in conjunction with efficacy and immune activation, supporting the translation of this therapeutic approach to the clinical arena.
Neuromuscular blocking agents induced anaphylaxis: Results and trends of a French pharmacovigilance survey from 2000 to 2012
Authors: Petitpain N. , Argoullon L. , Masmoudi K. , Fedrizzi S. , Cottin J. , Latarche C. , Mertes P. M. , Gillet P. ,   The French Network of Regional Pharmacovigilance Centres
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPerioperative anaphylaxis mainly involves neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) with an IgE‐mediated mechanism. In France, this life‐threatening condition is reported by anesthetists and allergologists, and two safety alerts concerning suxamethonium were raised in 2011 and 2012. This led to start a national survey over the 2000‐2012 period which objectives were to provide a descriptive analysis, to estimate incidence rates, and to analyze the trends over this period.MethodsThe French pharmacovigilance database was retrospectively queried for all the available NMBAs. Anaphylaxis cases with elevated tryptase and positive skin tests were qualified as “confirmed cases.” Subgroup analysis compared atracurium and cisatracurium vs suxamethonium and rocuronium.ResultsA total of 680 confirmed cases and 944 nonconfirmed cases were identified. Suxamethonium was the most implied NMBA (64%). Incidence rates (according to sales data) of suxamethonium and rocuronium were, respectively, 10‐ and 13‐folds higher than those of the others NMBAs, regardless the confirmed/nonconfirmed status. Cisatracurium incidence rates remained stable over the period, while suxamethonium and atracurium increased and rocuronium first decreased but re‐increased after 2006. Male patients were more frequent in the subgroup “atracurium‐cisatracurium” (P = .019), whereas obesity and emergency setting were more frequent in the subgroup “rocuronium‐suxamethonium.” Shared characteristics were the poorly documented previous exposure to NMBA(s) and an insufficient adherence of patients to perform skin tests, showing the need to improve this procedure.ConclusionSuxamethonium and rocuronium are markedly more involved in perioperative anaphylaxis than the other available NMBAs. Patients should be more informed about their perioperative anaphylaxis and its consequences.