bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Cockcroft–Gault, MDRD and CKD‐EPI equations for estimating ganciclovir clearance
Authors: Palacio‐Lacambra Maria‐Eugenia , Comas‐Reixach Immaculada , Blanco‐Grau Albert , Suñé‐Negre Josep‐Maria , Segarra‐Medrano Alfonso , Montoro‐Ronsano José‐Bruno 
Published: May 2018

AimsAccurately estimating kidney function is essential for the safe administration of renally cleared drugs such as ganciclovir. Current practice recommends adjusting renally eliminated drugs according to the Cockcroft–Gault equation. There are no data on the utility of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equations in ganciclovir dosing. To evaluate which renal function equation best predicts ganciclovir clearance.MethodsThe performance of the Cockcroft–Gault equation, isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)‐traceable 4‐variable MDRD study (MDRD4‐IDMS) equation and CKD‐EPI equation in determining ganciclovir clearance were assessed retrospectively in patients treated with ganciclovir from 2004–2015. The MDRD4‐IDMS and CKD‐EPI equations adjusted to individual body surface area (MDRD4‐IDMS·BSA and CKD‐EPI·BSA, respectively) were also evaluated. Patients with intravenous ganciclovir peak and trough concentrations in their medical records were included in the study. Ganciclovir clearance was calculated from serum concentrations using a one‐compartment model. The five equations were compared based on their predictive ability, the coefficient of determination, through a linear regression analysis. The results were validated in a group of patients.ResultsOne hundred patients were included in the final analysis. Seventy‐four patients were analysed in the learning group and 26 in the validation group. The coefficient of determination was 0.281 for Cockcroft–Gault, 0.301 for CKD‐EPI·BSA, 0.308 for MDRD4‐IDMS·BSA, 0.324 for MDRD4‐IDMS and 0.360 for CKD‐EPI. Subgroup analysis also showed that CKD‐EPI is a better predictor of ganciclovir clearance. Analysis of the validation group confirmed these results.ConclusionsThe CKD‐EPI equation correlates better with ganciclovir clearance than the Cockcroft‐Gault and MDRD4‐IDMS equations, even the clinical difference between the equations is scarce.
Catching Fire: Institutional Interdependencies in Union‐Facilitated Knowledge Diffusion
Authors: McCarthy John E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractI find that school union representatives’ ‘boundary spanning’ communications throughout the school district predict the diffusion of knowledge between schools. Hence, my data reveal school union representatives as critical conduits for improvement‐related knowledge transfer and innovation. Yet, I also find that these external networks interact strongly with the level of workforce participation characterizing each school: The effects of external networks on internal knowledge diffusion are considerably stronger in more participative schools compared to less participative schools. This research contributes to industrial relations scholarship by demonstrating how union‐related institutions can foster unique social structures that directly strengthen innovation‐related capabilities, as well as how the efficacy of these networks depends on managerial norms at different areas of the organization. This study is also of timely practical relevance at a time when labour unions are increasingly painted as obstacles to, rather than potential facilitators of, improvement and innovation.
PF‐06526290 can both enhance and inhibit conduction through voltage‐gated sodium channels
Authors: Wang Lingxin , Zellmer Shannon G , Printzenhoff David M , Castle Neil A 
Published: May 2018

Background and PurposePharmacological agents that either inhibit or enhance flux of ions through voltage‐gated sodium (Nav) channels may provide opportunities for treatment of human health disorders. During studies to characterize agents that modulate Nav1.3 function, we identified a compound that appears to exhibit both enhancement and inhibition of sodium ion conduction that appeared to be dependent on the gating state that the channel was in. The objective of the current study was to determine if these different modulatory effects are mediated by the same or distinct interactions with the channel.Experimental ApproachElectrophysiology and site‐directed mutation were used to investigate the effects of PF‐06526290 on Nav channel function.Key ResultsPF‐06526290 greatly slows inactivation of Nav channels in a subtype‐independent manner. However, upon prolonged depolarization to induce inactivation, PF‐06526290 becomes a Nav subtype‐selective inhibitor. Mutation of the domain 4 voltage sensor modulates inhibition of Nav1.3 or Nav1.7 channels by PF‐06526290 but has no effect on PF‐06526290 mediated slowing of inactivation.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings suggest that distinct interactions may underlie the two modes of Nav channel modulation by PF‐06526290 and that a single compound can affect sodium channel function in several ways.
Predictability of demographic rates based on phylogeny and biological similarity
Authors: Che‐Castaldo Judy , Che‐Castaldo Christian , Neel Maile C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLack of demographic data for most of the world's threatened species is a widespread problem that precludes viability‐based status assessments for species conservation. A commonly suggested solution is to use data from species that are closely related or biologically similar to the focal species. This approach assumes similar species and populations of the same species have similar demographic rates, an assumption that has yet to be thoroughly tested. We constructed a Bayesian hierarchical model with data on 425 plant species to predict demographic rates (intrinsic rate of population growth, recruit survival, juvenile survival, adult survival, and fecundity) based on biological traits and phylogenetic relatedness. Generally, we found small effects of species‐level traits (except woody polycarpic species tended to have high adult survival rates that increased with plant height) and a weak phylogenetic signal for 4 of the 5 demographic parameters examined. Patterns were stronger in adult survival and fecundity than other demographic rates; however, the unexplained variances at both the species and population levels were high for all demographic rates. For species lacking demographic data, our model produced large, often inaccurate, prediction intervals that may not be useful in a management context. Our findings do not support the assumption that biologically similar or closely related species have similar demographic rates and provide further evidence that direct monitoring of focal species and populations is necessary for informing conservation status assessments.
Dopamine in transplantation: Written off or comeback with novel indication?
Authors: Schnuelle Peter , Benck Urs , Yard Benito A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRenal‐dose dopamine has fallen out of favor in the intensive care unit (ICU) during past years due to its ineffectiveness to prevent impending or to ameliorate overt renal failure in the critically ill. By contrast, growing evidence indicates that low‐dose dopamine administered to the stable organ donor after brain death confirmation improves the clinical course of transplanted organs after kidney and heart transplantation. Ensuring a thorough monitoring for potential circulatory side effects, employment of dopamine at a dose of 4 μg/kg/min is safe in the deceased donor. Among recipients, the advantageous effect is easy to achieve, inexpensive, and devoid of adverse side effects. The mode of action relies on dopamine’s propensity to mitigate injury in various cell systems from isolated transplantable organs under cold storage conditions. The present review article summarizes the clinical evidence of dopamine donor pretreatment in solid organ transplantation and focuses on the underlying molecular mechanisms of cellular protection. Introducing the routine use of low‐dose dopamine for the management of the brain‐dead donor in the ICU before procurement provides an evidence‐based strategy to improve graft outcome after kidney transplantation without conferring harm to non‐renal grafts, namely to livers and hearts, in cases of multi‐organ donation.
Incidence of childhood Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Crete
Authors: Mamoulakis D. , Vrouvaki F. , Louvari V. , Galanakis E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate the epidemiology of childhood Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Crete over the last 25 years and to evaluate incidence trends over time.MethodsThe study included all children aged 0–14 years who live in Crete and were diagnosed during the 25‐year period from 1 January 1992 to 31 December 2016.ResultsA total of 271 children were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the 25‐year period: 148 boys and 123 girls (boy:girl ratio 1.2). The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis was 8.3 (5.0–12.0) years for boys and 8.0 (5.3–11.3) years for girls. The standardized annual incidence rate was 10.5 per 100 000 children (95% CI 9.2 to 11.8). Incidence rates were higher in children aged 5–9 years. During the 25‐year study period an average 4.4% annual increase in incidence was documented and was most prominent in the age group 5–14 years. Incidence seemed to remain relatively stable for the age group 0–4 years in the last decade. No seasonality of the clinical onset of Type 1 diabetes was observed.ConclusionsThe recent increase in Type 1 diabetes incidence places Crete among regions with high incidence as per the World Health Organization DiaMond project classification. The rising trends in incidence confirmed by this study are in accordance with the reported global trends in Type 1 diabetes incidence.
Spinning the industrial revolution
Authors: Humphries Jane , Schneider Benjamin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe prevailing explanation for why the industrial revolution occurred first in Britain during the last quarter of the eighteenth century is Allen's ‘high wage economy’ view, which claims that the high cost of labour relative to capital and fuel incentivized innovation and the adoption of new techniques. This article presents new empirical evidence on hand spinning before the industrial revolution and demonstrates that there was no such ‘high wage economy’ in spinning, which was a leading sector of industrialization. We quantify the working lives of frequently ignored female and child spinners who were crucial to the British textile industry with evidence of productivity and wages from the late sixteenth to the early nineteenth century. Spinning emerges as a widespread, low‐productivity, low‐wage employment, in which wages did not rise substantially in advance of the introduction of the jenny and water frame. The motivation for mechanization must be sought elsewhere.
Impact of ruxolitinib pretreatment on outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Shahnaz Syed Abd Kadir Sharifah , Christopeit Maximilian , Wulf Gerald , Wagner Eva , Bornhauser Martin , Schroeder Thomas , Crysandt Martina , Mayer Karin , Jonas Julia , Stelljes Matthias , Badbaran Anita , Ayuketang Ayuk Francis , Triviai Ioanna , Wolf Dominik , Wolschke Christine , Kröger Nicolaus 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionRuxolitinib is the first approved drug for treatment of myelofibrosis, but its impact of outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is unknown.Patients and methodsWe reported on 159 myelofibrosis patients (pts) with a median age of 59 years (r: 28‐74) who received reduced intensity ASCT between 2000 and 2015 in eight German centers from related (n = 23), matched (n = 86) or mismatched (n = 50) unrelated donors. Forty‐six (29%) patients received ruxolitinib at any time point prior to ASCT. The median daily dose of ruxolitinib was 30 mg (range 10‐40 mg) and the median duration of treatment was 4.9 months (range 0.4‐39.1 months).ResultsPrimary graft failure was seen in 2 pts (4%) in the ruxolitinib and 3 (2%) in the non‐ruxolitinib group. Engraftment and incidence of acute GVHD grade II to IV and III/IV did not differ between groups (37% vs 39% and 19% vs 28%, respectively), nor did the non‐relapse mortality at 2 years (23% vs 23%). A trend for lower risk of relapse was seen in the ruxolitinib group (9% vs 17%, P = .2), resulting in a similar 2 year DFS and OS (68% vs 60% and 73% vs 70%, respectively). No difference in any outcome variable could be seen between ruxolitinib responders and those who failed or lost response to ruxolitinib.ConclusionsThese results suggest that ruxolitinib pretreatment in myelofibrosis patient does not negatively influence outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Functional and structural characterization of zebrafish ASC
Authors: Li Yajuan , Huang Yi , Cao Xiaocong , Yin Xueying , Jin Xiangyu , Liu Sheng , Jiang Jiansheng , Jiang Wei , Xiao Tsan Sam , Zhou Rongbin , Cai Gang , Hu Bing , Jin Tengchuan 
Published: May 2018

The zebrafish genome encodes homologs for most of the proteins involved in inflammatory pathways; however, the molecular components and activation mechanisms of fish inflammasomes are largely unknown. ASC [apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐recruitment domain (CARD)] is the only adaptor involved in the formation of multiple types of inflammasomes. Here, we demonstrate that zASC is also involved in inflammasome activation in zebrafish. When overexpressed in vitro and in vivo in zebrafish, both the zASC and zASC pyrin domain (PYD) proteins form speck and filament structures. Importantly, the crystal structures of the N‐terminal PYD and C‐terminal CARD of zebrafish ASC were determined independently as two separate entities fused to maltose‐binding protein. Structure‐guided mutagenesis revealed the functional relevance of the PYD hydrophilic surface found in the crystal lattice. Finally, the fish caspase‐1 homolog Caspy, but not the caspase‐4/11 homolog Caspy2, interacts with zASC through homotypic PYD–PYD interactions, which differ from those in mammals. These observations establish the conserved and unique structural/functional features of the zASC‐dependent inflammasome pathway.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under accession numbers 5GPP and 5GPQ.
Effect of magnesium source on the fabrication of kotoite Mg3B2O6 ceramic
Authors: Morkan Ayse , Gul Esra , Morkan İzzet , Kahveci Gülden 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe effect of magnesium source on the fabrication of kotoite, Mg3B2O6, ceramic has been investigated by high temperature solid‐state reaction route based on the calcination of different magnesium sources, containing magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium nitrate with boric acid. The X‐ray powder diffraction results showed that single‐phase kotoite, Mg3B2O6, was synthesized using MgNO3.6H2O and 5 wt.% excess of H3BO3 powders as starting materials at 900°C for 48 hours. Mg3B2O6 obtained, is well crystallized, in orhorhombic crystal structure with lattice parameters of a = 5.399(9), b = 8.424(6), and c = 4.506(5) Å. Jana2006 refinement of this product shows excellent fit of the experimental data with software data, GOF= 1.33. The crystallite size of the product was calculated as 40.50 nm using Debye‐Scherrer's equation. The existence of BO3 triangles were detected by FTIR measurements of Mg3B2O6. The thermal properties were studied in the temperature range of 20°C to 1400°C by TG/DTA. The results showed that thermal stability of Mg3B2O6 is detected about 1380°C. Scanning electron microscopy was employed for observation of microstructure. The microstucture of obtained ceramic samples strongly depended on the magnesium source on the fabrication of Mg3B2O6 ceramic.
Gene flow does not prevent personality and morphological differentiation between two blue tit populations
Authors: Dubuc‐Messier Gabrielle , Caro Samuel P. , Perrier Charles , van Oers Kees , Réale Denis , Charmantier Anne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the causes and consequences of population phenotypic divergence is a central goal in ecology and evolution. Phenotypic divergence among populations can result from genetic divergence, phenotypic plasticity or a combination of the two. However, few studies have deciphered these mechanisms for populations geographically close and connected by gene flow, especially in the case of personality traits. In this study, we used a common garden experiment to explore the genetic basis of the phenotypic divergence observed between two blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) populations inhabiting contrasting habitats separated by 25 km, for two personality traits (exploration speed and handling aggression), one physiological trait (heart rate during restraint) and two morphological traits (tarsus length and body mass). Blue tit nestlings were removed from their population and raised in a common garden for up to 5 years. We then compared adult phenotypes between the two populations, as well as trait‐specific Qst and Fst. Our results revealed differences between populations similar to those found in the wild, suggesting a genetic divergence for all traits. Qst–Fst comparisons revealed that the trait divergences likely result from dissimilar selection patterns rather than from genetic drift. Our study is one of the first to report a Qst–Fst comparison for personality traits and adds to the growing body of evidence that population genetic divergence is possible at a small scale for a variety of traits including behavioural traits.
Use of high‐resolution colonic manometry to establish etiology and direct treatment in patients with constipation: Case series with correlation to histology
Authors: Li Yuwei , Cong Jiying , Fei Fei , Zhang Zhao , Yu Yongjun , Xu Chen , Zhang Xipeng , Zhang Shiwu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and AimDifferent clinical treatments are available to treat patients with constipation. We aimed to study the etiology and direct treatment in a case series of patients with constipation by the use of high‐resolution colonic manometry (HRCM).MethodsHigh‐resolution colonic manometry was used to record the colorectal peristaltic contractions of the entire colon in patients. Based on the results of HRCM, 151 patients with constipation were classified into groups and received different clinical treatment such as a total or subtotal colectomy, local excision, or conservative treatment. Paraffin‐embedded samples obtained after resection were studied using hematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunohistochemical staining.ResultsAll patients underwent HRCM over 24 h. Based on the amplitude, intensity, and trends in peristaltic contractions recorded by HRCM, we observed 117 patients with slow‐transit constipation and 34 with functional outlet obstruction constipation. After an overall evaluation of the results of HRCM and anorectal function, 26, 23, 27, and 75 patients were treated with total colectomy, subtotal colectomy, local excision, and conservative treatment, respectively. Furthermore, histological examination of surgical samples showed vacuolar degeneration of nerve plexuses as well as of the muscularis propria, which also showed fibrosis in its outer layers in patients with constipation.ConclusionDifferent types of constipation showed different colonic motility patterns and morphological changes in the colonic wall. HRCM plays an important role in the diagnosis and classification of patients with constipation. Furthermore, HRCM can accurately identify the diseased colonic segments and help to choose the appropriate treatment.
Competition, Loan Rates, and Information Dispersion in Nonprofit and For‐Profit Microcredit Markets
Authors: BAQUERO GUILLERMO , HAMADI MALIKA , HEINEN ANDRÉAS 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe describe the competitive environment of microcredit markets globally and we study the effects of competition on loan rates of microfinance institutions (MFIs). We use a new database from rating agencies, covering 379 for‐profit and nonprofit MFIs in 67 countries over 2002–2008. Controlling for interest rate ceilings and other country‐specific factors, we first find that nonprofits are relatively insensitive to industry‐wide concentration changes, while for‐profits charge significantly lower rates in less concentrated markets. Second, we find spillover effects between the for‐profit and nonprofit segments. Third, we show that the effects of concentration are consistent with an information dispersion mechanism.
Financial Stress Regimes and the Macroeconomy
Authors: GALVÃO ANA BEATRIZ , OWYANG MICHAEL T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSome financial stress events lead to macroeconomic downturns, while others appear to be isolated to financial markets. We identify financial stress regimes using a model that explicitly links financial variables to macro‐economic outcomes. The stress regimes are identified using an unbalanced panel of financial variables with an embedded method for variable selection. Our identified stress regimes are associated with corporate credit tightening and with NBER recessions. An exogenous deterioration in our financial conditions index has strong negative effects in economic activity, and negative amplification effects on inflation in the stress regime. These results are obtained with a novel factor‐augmented vector autoregressive model with smooth‐transition regimes (FASTVAR).
Exploring the effect of a lifestyle intervention on cancer risk: 43‐year follow‐up of the randomized Oslo diet and antismoking study
Authors: Botteri E. , de Lange T. , Tonstad S. , Berstad P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground/objectivesThe Oslo diet and antismoking study showed that counselling for a healthy lifestyle reduced lifelong coronary mortality in high‐risk men. We explored whether the same counselling reduced also cancer risk.MethodsThe study randomly allocated males at high coronary risk to either a 5‐year intervention for lifestyle changes (cholesterol‐lowering dietary changes, weight loss and stopping smoking) or a control group (1 : 1) in 1972/73. We explored the incidence and mortality of all cancers and cancer forms related to smoking, BMI or diet up to 43 years after randomization.ResultsA total of 595 men in the intervention and 621 in the control group were included. At inclusion median age was 45 years, 588 (48.4%) subjects were overweight (BMI > 25 kg m−2) and 925 (76.1%) current smokers. The intervention did not reduce the risk of cancer after 43 years (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–1.15). In the first 25 years of follow‐up, among the 1088 (89.5%) men who were overweight/obese and/or smokers, the intervention reduced the incidence of those cancer forms related to smoking, BMI or diet (including carcinoma of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts; adjusted HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49–0.99). The intervention had no significant effect on incidence beyond 25 years, or on mortality.ConclusionsThe 5‐year counselling for a healthy lifestyle did not reduce the overall cancer risk in the very long term. However, in the first 25 years, the counselling reduced the risk of relevant cancer types in overweight/obese subjects and smokers.