bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of oral high‐trough level tacrolimus in acute/subacute interstitial pneumonia with dermatomyositis
Authors: Suzuka Takayasu , Kotani Takuya , Takeuchi Tohru , Fujiki Youhei , Hata Kenichiro , Yoshida Shuzo , Shoda Takeshi , Makino Shigeki , Arawaka Shigeki 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesWe assessed the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with glucocorticoids and high‐trough level tacrolimus (TAC) for the treatment of acute/subacute interstitial pneumonia (A/SIP) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM).MethodsEleven DM‐A/SIP patients were enrolled. The combination therapy with glucocorticoids and TAC was started as early as possible after DM‐A/SIP was diagnosed. We monitored the trough concentration of TAC. In the initial 3 months, we maintained the trough concentration of TAC at relatively high levels within a range of 15‐20 ng/mL. Then, we decreased the TAC doses stepwise to keep the trough concentration at 10‐15 ng/mL in the next 3 months and 5‐10 ng/mL as a maintenance dose.ResultsSeven patients had clinically amyopathic DM. Six patients were positive for anti‐aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase antibody and two were positive for anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 antibody. Ten patients survived for the period of the 24‐week follow up. One patient died under a tentative diagnosis of viral encephalitis at 4 months after the treatment. In the 10 surviving patients, interstitial pneumonia improved in eight patients and was not worse in two patients. Clinical examinations, including the Krebs von den Lungen‐6 levels, % forced vital capacity, and chest computed tomography score, were significantly improved by this combination therapy. Although grade 1 and 2 renal damage occurred in 4 and 2 patients, respectively.ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that early therapeutic intervention by a combination with glucocorticoids and initial high‐trough level TAC is effective for DM‐A/SIP although consideration of the risks of infection and renal damage is required.
Group therapy in a cohort study of Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Farah Taifoor Hamad , El‐Makawi Shirin Mostafa , Khalaf Ola Osama , Gaber Wafaa , Eleishi Hatem Hamdi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects many individuals' issues beyond those which are medically treated.ObjectiveTo study the impact of group therapy sessions on disease activity and functional abilities in RA patients.MethodsOne hundred and two patients with RA were divided into two groups; group A included 52 RA patients receiving their regular medical care in addition to group therapy sessions (cases); and group B included 50 RA patients receiving their regular medical care only (controls). Demographic, clinical and serological data were prospectively evaluated. All patients were assessed by using the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28) and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire ‐ Disability Index (mHAQ‐DI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) before, during and after group therapy sessions.ResultsGroup A showed a statistically significant improvement in DAS28 at the 3rd and 6th months (P < 0.01 and P < 0.04) respectively, significant improvement in mHAQ score at the 3rd and 6th months (P < 0.02 and P < 0.00) respectively, and significant improvement in HAD scale for depression and anxiety (P <0.001). In group A there was no significant correlation between DAS28 and both anxiety or depression (P = 0.6, r = 0.5 and P = 0.06, r = 0.06) respectively, but on correlating mHAQ to both anxiety and depression, there was a statistically significant positive correlation at 6 months (P = 0.01, r = 0.3 and P = 0.03, r = 0.3) respectively.ConclusionGroup therapy sessions improve disease outcome, functional disability and psychological well‐being in RA patients.
Polyarticular evolution and late‐onset psoriasis may be associated with cardiovascular disease in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Queiro Rubén , Lorenzo Andrés , Tejón Patricia , Pardo Estefanía , Coto Pablo , Ballina Javier 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsPatients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), and they also show higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to corroborate these findings and identify factors associated with these events in our clinical setting.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 340 consecutive patients seen in a tertiary care hospital. The prevalence of CVRF was compared to that of 600 outpatients without inflammatory conditions. To analyze CVD‐associated factors, odds ratio (OR) values were calculated by conditional logistic regression analysis. Significant variables in the univariate analysis were then introduced in a multivariate analysis with a backward stepwise approach.ResultsPatients with psoriatic arthritis had higher frequencies of hypertension (36% vs 23%, OR 2.4, 95%CI: 1.6‐2.7, P < 0.0001), diabetes (13.8% vs 5%, OR 2.8, 95%CI: 1.7‐4.3, P < 0.0001), obesity (35% vs 22%, OR 2.1, 95%CI: 1.5‐2.8, P < 0.0001) and tobacco use (26% vs 21%, OR 1.4, 95%CI: 1.0‐1.8, P < 0.05). More PsA patients had CVD compared to non‐inflammatory patients (9.4% vs 5.8%, OR 1.68, 95%CI: 1.02‐2.76, P < 0.05). Independent CVD‐associated factors were: an age of onset of psoriasis >40 years (OR 3.4, 95%CI: 1.1‐10.0, P < 0.05), a high number of swollen joints during evolution (OR 2.9, 95%CI: 1.1‐8.0, P < 0.05), hypertension (OR 5.3, 95%CI: 1.6‐17.6, P < 0.01) and dyslipidemia (OR 2.6, 95%CI: 1.0‐7.2, P < 0.05).ConclusionsCardiovascular risk should be carefully evaluated in patients with PsA whose disease presents a high inflammatory burden and in those with late‐onset psoriasis.
A prospective study of alcohol involvement and the dual‐systems model of adolescent risk‐taking during late adolescence and emerging adulthood
Authors: Ellingson Jarrod M. , Corley Robin , Hewitt John K. , Friedman Naomi P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimsTo estimate interactions and unique effects of behavioral approach and behavioral control on alcohol involvement hypothesized by dual‐systems models, during adolescence and emerging adulthood.DesignIn a longitudinal study, behavioral approach and behavioral control were examined in relation to alcohol involvement, cross‐sectionally and prospectively.Setting and participantsA total of 846 general population twins born in Colorado, USA were assessed twice (mean = 17.3 and 22.8 years; female = 51.4%; white = 91.8%).MeasurementsBehavioral approach was measured by self‐report questionnaires of sensation‐seeking and subjective effects of alcohol. Behavioral control was measured by self‐reported lack of planning and nine executive functioning (EF) tasks. Interviewers administered semi‐structured clinical interviews to assess alcohol use and disorder (AUD).FindingsNone of 36 interaction effects was statistically significant (β = −0.16–0.14, P > 0.06), suggesting that dual systems are additively related to alcohol involvement. In multiple regression models, behavioral approach and behavioral control explained independent variance in alcohol use quantity (β = 0.09–0.33, P < 0.04) and frequency (β = −0.11–0.29, P < 0.03) at both waves. During adolescence, only subjective effects (β = 0.27–0.28, P < 0.001) explained independent variance in AUD. Moreover, measures of the same construct explained independent variance in alcohol involvement: for behavioral control, lack of planning and EF were associated with alcohol frequency in adolescence (β = −0.11–0.25, P < 0.02) and AUD in emerging adulthood (β = −0.09–0.16, P < 0.03). For the behavioral approach, subjective effects were associated with all measures at both waves (β = 0.20–0.33, P < 0.01) and sensation‐seeking was associated with all measures in emerging adulthood (β = 0.09–0.11, P < 0.04). In prospective models, adolescent alcohol involvement was associated with later lack of planning (β = 0.12–0.18, P < 0.03) and lack of planning in adolescence was associated with later alcohol involvement (β = 0.12–0.14, P < 0.02).ConclusionsBoth the behavioral approach and behavioral control components of dual‐systems models explain alcohol involvement during adolescence and adulthood, and different measures of the same system assess separate risk processes. The relations between alcohol involvement and the dual systems appear to be bidirectional.
In the footsteps of Wallace: population structure in the breadfruit fruit fly, Bactrocera umbrosa (F.) (Diptera: Tephritidae), suggests disjunction across the Indo‐Australian Archipelago
Authors: Krosch Matt N , Schutze Mark K , Newman Jaye , Strutt Francesca , Bryant Litticia M , McMahon Jacinta , Clarke Anthony R 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the interplay between plant host and insect herbivore diversification underpins many areas of pure and applied research. The tephritid fruit fly Bactrocera umbrosa is a primary pest of a small number of Artocarpus species throughout Southeast Asia and the West Pacific. Recent molecular evidence supports a pattern of eastward migration and species diversification in Artocarpus. Here, we aimed to test whether population structure in B. umbrosa was associated with historical biogeographical barriers such as Wallace's Line and discuss observed patterns in the context of Artocarpus diversification. We used an integrative approach to explore population structure within B. umbrosa based on morphological (wing shape and aedeagus length) and molecular (mitochondrial COI and COII) data. Overall, aedeagi and wing centroid sizes were generally larger and exhibited greater variation in the West Pacific than Southeast Asia. Molecular data agreed with this trend, and COI also showed a subtle but clear disjunction between regions associated with Weber/Lydekker's Lines. Taken together, the West Pacific was supported as the putative origin of B. umbrosa, whereas movement westward into Southeast Asia occurred more recently, likely via a single colonisation event followed by highly restricted gene flow. Population structure in B. umbrosa does not reflect an ancient history of tracking Artocarpus diversification eastward out of Southeast Asia.
Preferences for anuran calls in hematophagous corethrellids (Diptera: Corethrellidae) from Southern Brazil
Authors: Ambrozio‐Assis André , Cortês Lopes Benedito , Amaral André P , Pinho Luiz C , Peeters Edwin T H M , Neckel‐Oliveira Selvino 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCorethrellids are hematophagous flies that locate their frog hosts by using their calls as an auditory cue. The attractiveness of frog calls to these insects has been associated with the complexity of the vocalisation or an evolutionary relationship between the fly and frog species. We investigated the possible preferences of a local Corethrella fauna for the calls of six anurans, three species of the genus Boana (Hylidae) and three Physalaemus (Leptodactylidae) species in the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Brazil. We recorded loops of the natural advertisement calls of the different frog host species, which we broadcast from acoustic traps consisting of modified CDC (Center for Disease Control) traps fitted with a speaker under the collecting system, but without a source of light. Nine species of hematophagous flies were captured during 360 h of trapping. Three of the species captured were new to Brazil, and two could not be identified and may represent new taxa. Two corethrellid species contributed 75% of the individuals captured and were present in all the acoustic traps, while three species were attracted to only one trap. The median richness and abundance of corethrellids varied significantly in relation to the different calls broadcast by the traps. These differences in the abundance and species richness of Corethrella in the traps indicate that the frog calls vary in their attractiveness to the hematophagous flies. A model‐based analysis using mvabund also indicated that the frog species and genera that produced the calls used in an acoustic trap were a significant factor determining the composition of the Corethrella assemblages captured in that trap. The variation found in the Corethrella communities of southern Brazil may be explained not only by the acoustic traits of frog vocalisations but also by differences in the morphological and ecological characteristics of the frog species.
Is the New Infant Jarvik 2015 Suitable for Patients<8 kg? In Vitro Study Using a Hybrid Simulator
Authors: Di Molfetta Arianna , Zielinski Krzysztof , Ferrari Gianfranco , Kozarski Macej , Okrzeja Piotr , Iacobelli Roberta , Filippelli Sergio , Perri Gianluigi , Darowski Marek , Massetti Massimo , Jarvik Robert , Amodeo Antonio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOur aim was to study the feasibility of implanting the Infant Jarvik 2015 in patients weighing less than 8 kg. The Infant Jarvik 2015 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was tested in a hybrid simulator of the cardiovascular system reproducing specific patients’ hemodynamics for different patient weights (2–7 kg). For each weight, the sensitivity of the pump to different circulatory parameters (peripheral resistance, left ventricular elastance, right ventricular elastance, heart rate, and heart filling characteristics) has been tested repeating for each experiment a pump ramp (10 000–18 000 rpm). The increase in the pump speed causes a decrease (increase) in the left (right) atrial pressure, an increase (decrease) in the arterial systemic (pulmonary) pressure, an increase in the right ventricular pressure, a decrease (increase) in the left (right) ventricular volume, a decrease in the left ventricular cardiac output, an increase in the LVAD output and an increase in the right ventricular cardiac output (total cardiac output). Suction was observed for lower weight patients and for higher pump speed in the case of vasodilation, left ventricular recovery, bradycardia, right ventricular failure, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Backflow was observed in the case of left ventricular recovery at lower pump speed. In the hybrid simulator, the Infant Jarvik 2015 could be suitable for the implantation in patients lower than 8 kg because of the stability of the device respect to the cardio/circulatory changes (low frequency of suction and backflow) and because of the capability of the device to maintain adequate patient hemodynamics.
Control methodologies for vibration control of smart civil and mechanical structures
Authors: Li Zhijun , Adeli Hojjat 
Published: November 2018

AbstractArtificial intelligence and expert system remains a key technology in the 21st century. Using active controllers, a structure can adaptively adjust its behaviour during dynamic loads. Such structures with self‐modifying capabilities are referred to as intelligent or smart structures. Smart structure technology has the potential to be a game changer in the structural engineering field. It promises to have enormous consequences in terms of preventing loss of life and damage to structure and their content especially for large structures with hundreds or thousands of components. A key element in successful implementation of smart active control technology is an effective control algorithm to compute the magnitudes of actual forces to be applied to the structure. In this paper, an overview of main active control methodologies for vibration control of smart civil and mechanical structures subjected to external dynamic loads is presented. The advantages and the disadvantages of different control algorithms are discussed. Finally, new trends in control algorithm research are pointed out including multiparadigm strategies, decentralized control, application of deep neural network machine learning techniques, control design for sustainability, and unification of the two fields of structural health monitoring and vibration control.
Proteolysis and in situ ruminal degradation of lucerne ensiled with Cistus ladanifer tannins
Authors: Dentinho Maria Teresa. P. , Paulos Kátia , Portugal Paula V. , Moreira Olga C. , Santos‐Silva José , Bessa Rui J. B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe effects of ensiling lucerne with graded inclusion of Cistus ladanifer condensed tannins (CT) on in silo fermentative parameters, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and on in situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were studied. Lucerne forage (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa) was sprayed with different solutions of C. ladanifer CT extract in 60 ml of water in order for dose 0 (control), 40 (L40), 80 (L80) and 120 (L120) g of CT per kg of lucerne DM and was ensiled in lab‐scale silos. After 35 days, the silages were analysed for chemical composition, and the in situ ruminal degradability was determined in rams. The inclusion of CT in the silages caused an important dose‐dependent reduction in soluble‐N, NH3‐N and a large increase in true protein content and N bound with neutral detergent fibre (NDF‐N), which indicates an effective proteolysis reduction during ensiling. Also, the rumen undegradable protein (RUP) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with CT inclusion. However, a linear decrease (P < 0.02) of 5%, 13% and 22% of IVOMD was observed for the silages L40, L80 and L120 respectively. The results obtained suggest that C. ladanifer CT can be used as silage additives to reduce proteolysis of high‐protein forages during ensiling. A level of CT of 40 g/kg DM seems to be the best compromise between the gains achieved by the protection of CP degradation in silo and in the rumen and the losses associated with the depression of the digestion and absorption.
Productivity and nutritive value of Brachiaria decumbens and performance of dairy heifers in a long‐term silvopastoral system
Authors: Lima Marina A. , Paciullo Domingos S. C. , Morenz Mirton J. F. , Gomide Carlos A. M. , Rodrigues Renato A. R. , Chizzotti Fernanda H. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSilvopastoral system (SPS) has been suggested to ensure sustainability in animal production systems in tropical ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and nutritive value traits of Brachiaria decumbens and performance of dairy heifers in SPS and open pasture (OP) during the summer and autumn of two consecutive years in the SPS and OP (17th and 18th years after establishment). Experimental design was a randomized complete block with two treatments (SPS and OP) and three replications in subdivided plots with repeated measures in time. There was reduction in the tiller population density, total and green forage mass, and total and green forage bulk density in the SPS when compared to the OP in the summer. In the autumn, no difference was observed between the systems. Shading in SPS increased crude protein content of the grass pasture by 25% and 33% when compared to the OP during the first and second experimental years, respectively, and reduced neutral detergent fibre content. However, it did not change acid detergent fibre or lignin content. OP provided higher stocking rate and weight gain per area than the SPS. Average daily gain was higher in the OP in the second experimental year. Severe shading conditions should be avoided, because in the long‐term they may threaten the persistence and sustainability of pasture in the SPS. It is recommended to plant a low density of trees or implement management strategies of the tree component by either thinning or pruning over the years after planting.
Building Bridges to the Community: the Kirkham Family Connectors (KFC) Prison Programme
Authors: HALL LAUREN JAY , BEST DAVID , OGDEN‐WEBB CLARE , DIXON JACQUI , HESLOP ROB 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFamilies represent a form of social capital that can influence effective reintegration depending on the strength of the bond, and the nature of the relationship. An innovative training programme delivered at HMP Kirkham was designed to mobilise the strengths of prisoners, in the period prior to their release, by engaging family members as bridges to community resources and by a shared planning process designed to build stronger bonds between prisoners and their families. The conceptual framework for the Kirkham Family Connectors (KFC) project is based on the principles of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and Assertive Linkage (assisting individuals in engaging with such assets). The project aimed to build prisoner resettlement capital by identifying what each prisoner's skills and strengths were, what enthused and engaged them, and to create partnerships with family members to establish accessible pathways to related resources in the communities to which they would be returning on their release. Evaluation data show that the programme generated hope and a sense of partnership among participants and key lessons for a strengths‐based intervention to support the prison‐community transition. All three of the participating groups – staff, prisoners, and families – reported positive engagement and an emerging sense of hope, and group cohesion through shared goals. There is considerable scope for both peer and probation staff delivery of the programme in the future, and for extending the scale and the scope of the project.
Association between smoking type and prevalence of atopic dermatitis and asthma in men and women
Authors: Moon Hye‐Mi , Kim Yoonjung , Kwak Yeunhee , Kim Kyunghee 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed to examine the association between smoking type and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis and asthma in men and women.BackgroundCases of allergic diseases have been steadily increasing worldwide. Smoking is associated with serious diseases. Only a few studies have assessed the association between smoking and atopic dermatitis and asthma in adults, and gender difference studies are scarce despite a significant difference in smoking rates.MethodsWe conducted a secondary cross‐sectional analysis of 17 886 adults with atopic dermatitis and 17 889 with asthma aged ≥19 years, using raw data from the Fifth Korea national Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010‐2012).ResultsThe prevalence of atopic dermatitis in men was not associated with active or passive smoking, whereas asthma prevalence in men was associated with indoor passive smoking exposure at home. We found that atopic dermatitis prevalence in women was associated with current smoking status, whereas asthma prevalence in women was associated with the presence of an indoor daily smoker at home and indoor passive smoking exposure at home.ConclusionAsthmatic adults should be informed of the hazards of passive smoking, and women with atopic dermatitis should in particular be dissuaded from smoking.
Investment Committee, Corporate Cash Holdings and Corporate Life Cycle
Authors: Eulaiwi Baban , Al‐Hadi Ahmed , Hussain Syed Mujahid , Al‐Yahyaee Khamis Hamed 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe investigate the association between voluntary formation of board investment committee (IC) and corporate cash holdings of nonfinancial firms over the corporate life cycle stages for a large sample of Gulf Cooperation Council firms during 2005–2016. We find that IC increases corporate cash holdings in growth and maturity stages of firm, compared to introduction, shake‐out, and decline stages. These results have important implications for investors, policy makers, and regulators. Our findings are robust to various econometrics specifications.