bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnicity as an independent predictive factor for the results of computed tomography pulmonary angiography and ultrasonography of the lower limbs
Authors: Liao S. , McAnulty K. , Lim C. , Reeve P. , Chang C. L. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundAsians, Pacific Islanders and Maori have significantly lower rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to Europeans, but its clinic implication regarding diagnosis and prevention is unclear.AimsTo investigate if ethnicity affects the yield of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and ultrasonography of the lower limbs.MethodsData previously collected for 523 patients from another study were used to analyse the effect of ethnicity on the results of CTPA; 1587 consecutive ultrasonography of lower limbs was retrospectively analysed according to ethnicity. The Wells score was retrospectively calculated to determine the pretest probability of VTE.ResultsThe positive rates of CTPA were 23.3% for European patients and 9.3% for non‐European patients. The rate ratio was 2.50 (confidence interval [CI] 1.27–4.95). European patients were 2.5 times more likely to have a positive scan result than non‐Europeans, given same pretest probability. There was a larger difference among patients with low and moderate pretest probability with a rate ratio of 4.27 (CI 1.62–11.3). The positive rates of ultrasound scans (USS) among European patients were 16.6 and 9.0% for non‐European patients. Rate ratio was 1.85 (CI 1.27–4.95). The difference was also more significant amongst patients with low and moderate pretest probability. The rate ratio was 2.31 (CI 1.38–3.86) for European patients compared to non‐European patients.ConclusionGiven the same pretest probability according to the Wells score, European patients had significantly higher positive rates of CTPA and ultrasonography of the lower limbs than non‐European patients. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings and establish an appropriate pretest assessment tool for non‐European patients.
Fibromyalgia onset has a high impact on work ability in Australians
Authors: Guymer E. K. , Littlejohn G. O. , Brand C. K. , Kwiatek R. A. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundAlthough the disabling effects of fibromyalgia (FM) are well recognised, there are no published data regarding the impact of FM on work ability in Australians. The impact of the development of FM symptoms on ability to work in Australians was explored in a pilot survey project.MethodMembers of the Fibromyalgia Support Network of Western Australia were invited to undertake an anonymous online survey. Information was gathered regarding demographics, symptom onset, the timing of diagnosis, employment status and changes in the ability to work.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty‐seven responses were analysed. Of the respondents, 90.6% were female, with a mean age of 51.1 ± 10.6 years and had experienced symptoms between 2 and 20 years; 52.8% were diagnosed less than 5 years previously. Of the participants, 54.2% were working full time and 21.5% working part time at symptom onset; however, only 15.6% were currently working full time, with 44.8% not currently working at all. Because of FM, 24.3% stopped and 32.6% reduced paid work directly within 5 years of symptom development, with 15.3% ceasing and an additional 17.4% reducing work because of symptoms before diagnosis. Due to FM symptoms, 35.1% currently received financial support because they were unable to work. While 24.3% reported FM medication increased their ability to work, 20.8% reported it reduced their ability to work.ConclusionA community pilot survey of Australians with FM indicates a high impact on work ability. This occurs from symptom onset and often before diagnosis. Early diagnosis and intervention may provide a window of opportunity to prevent work disability in FM.
Single‐dose rituximab in refractory lupus nephritis
Authors: Kotagiri P. , Martin A. , Hughes P. , Becker G. , Nicholls K. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundOff‐label use of rituximab in lupus nephritis is reported to be beneficial. While the optimal dose is unknown, the regimen of four intravenous doses of 375 mg/m2 is commonly employed, despite expense and potential side‐effects.AimTo investigate the response to single‐dose rituximab, added to standard corticosteroids plus additional immunosuppressive agent, in refractory lupus nephritis.MethodsConsecutive consenting patients with refractory lupus nephritis despite steroids plus either cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate or azathioprine were enrolled in this ethics‐approved, open‐label, prospective study. After baseline assessment, patients received one intravenous infusion of 375 mg/m2 rituximab. Clinical, biochemical and serological (DsDNA, complement) responses to this dose were analysed. Complete renal response (CR) was defined as normalisation of creatinine, albumin, proteinuria and urinary RBCs and partial response (PR) as ≥50% improvement in at least one parameter, without deterioration in others. B‐cell depletion was defined as peripheral CD19 lymphocyte count ≤0.05 × 109/L.ResultsFourteen patients were enrolled in the study. All were B‐cell‐depleted until 8 months post‐dose. Eleven patients (79%) responded (2CR, 9PR) at a median time of 5 months, with a 6‐month probability of renal response of 43%. Five patients (45%) relapsed at a median time of 17 months. DsDNA titres decreased in 69%. Side‐effects were minimal.ConclusionsSingle‐dose rituximab is effective in relapsed/refractory lupus nephritis. Longevity of B‐cell depletion with single‐dose rituximab is similar to that of four doses with potentially fewer side‐effects.
Characteristics of Schistosoma japonicum infection induced IFN‐γ and IL‐4 co‐expressing plasticity Th cells
Authors: Chen Dianhui , Xie Hongyan , Cha Hefei , Qu Jiale , Wang Mei , Li Lu , Yu Sifei , Wu Changyou , Tang Xiaoping , Huang Jun 
Published: May 2016

SummarySchistosoma japonicum infection can induce granulomatous inflammation and cause tissue damage in the mouse liver. The cytokine secretion profile of T helper (Th) cells depends on both the nature of the activating stimulus and the local microenvironment (e.g. cytokines and other soluble factors). In the present study, we found an accumulation of large numbers of IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ CD4+ T cells in mouse livers. This IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ cell population increased from 0·68 ± 0·57% in uninfected mice to 7·05 ± 3·0% by week 4 following infection and to 9·6 ± 5·28% by week 6, before decreasing to 6·3 ± 5·9% by week 8 in CD4 T cells. Moreover, IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ Th cells were also found in mouse spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes 6 weeks after infection. The majority of the IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ Th cells were thought to be related to a state of immune activation, and some were memory T cells. Moreover, we found that these S. japonicum infection‐induced IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ cells could express interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐9, IL‐17 and high IL‐10 levels at 6 weeks after S. japonicum infection. Taken together, our data suggest the existence of a population of IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ plasticity effector/memory Th cells following S. japonicum infection in C57BL/6 mice.
The sclerotic ring of squamates: an evo‐devo‐eco perspective
Authors: Atkins Jade B. , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe sclerotic ring consists of several bones that form in the sclera of many reptiles. This element has not been well studied in squamates, a diverse order of reptiles with a rich fossil record but debated phylogeny. Squamates inhabit many environments, display a range of behaviours, and have evolved several different body plans. Most importantly, many species have secondarily lost their sclerotic rings. This research investigates the presence of sclerotic rings in squamates and traces the lineage of these bones across evolutionary time. We compiled a database on the presence/absence of the sclerotic ring in extinct and extant squamates and investigated the evolutionary history of the sclerotic ring and how its presence/absence and morphology is correlated with environment and behaviour within this clade. Of the 400 extant species examined (59 families, 214 genera), 69% have a sclerotic ring. Those species that do not are within Serpentes, Amphisbaenia, and Dibamidae. We find that three independent losses of the sclerotic ring in squamates are supported when considering both evolutionary and developmental evidence. We also show that squamate species that lack, or have a reduced, sclerotic ring, are fossorial and headfirst burrowers. Our dataset is the largest squamate dataset with measurements of sclerotic rings, and supports previous findings that size of the ring is related to both environment occupied and behaviour. Specifically, scotopic species tend to have both larger inner and outer sclerotic ring apertures, resulting in a narrower ring of bone than those found in photopic species. Non‐fossorial species also have a larger sclerotic ring than fossorial species. This research expands our knowledge of these fascinating bones; with further phylogenetic analyses scleral ossicles could become an extremely useful character trait for inferring the behaviour of fossil squamates.
Results From the International Drug Coated Balloon Registry for the Treatment of Bifurcations. Can a Bifurcation Be Treated Without Stents?
Authors: Bruch Leonhard , Zadura Mariusz , Waliszewski Matthias , Platonic Zeljko , Eränen Jaako , Scheller Bruno , Götting Bettina , Herberger Denny , Palmieri Cataldo , Sinicròpi Giuseppe , Motz Wolfgang 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThis observational study assessed the 9‐month clinical outcomes in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions suitable for drug‐coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. It was the intention to use DCB's without additional stenting (DCB‐only strategy) in selected patients for this chosen strategy. Bail‐out main branch (MB) and/or side branch (SB) stenting, however, were permissible when flow limiting dissections or excessive recoil occurred.BackgroundA multitude of interventional strategies have been studied to treat bifurcation lesions. With the availability of DCB angioplasty, investigators have been using this interventional tool with the optional implantation of bare metal stents (BMS).MethodsThis study is an international, prospective, multicenter registry enrolling patients with coronary bifurcation lesions including a side branch ≥2 mm in diameter. Patients with stable angina and documented ischemia or selected forms of unstable angina due to a culprit bifurcation lesion of any Medina classification type were recruited. The primary endpoint was clinically driven target‐lesion revascularization (TLR) at 9 months. Secondary endpoints included 9‐month major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, or TLR), technical success, in‐hospital outcomes and vessel thrombosis rates.ResultsA total 127 patients 66.1 ± 10.1 years of age were enrolled. Demographic characteristics were 80.3% (102/127) male gender, 31.5% (40/127) diabetes, 91.3% (116/127) hypertension, 7.1% (9/127) ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 9.4% (12/127) non ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The 130 lesions were treated with 184 DCB's and 64 BMS. In 53.8% (70/130) of all lesions the DCB‐only strategy could be used while 34.6% (45/130) of lesions had at least 1 stent (BMS) in the main branch, 8.5% (11/130) had at least 1 stent in the side branch and 3.1% (4/130) needed at least 1 stent in the main and side branch. 94.5% patients (121/127) were available for follow‐up after 9.8 ± 2.0 months. The TLR rate was 4.6% in the absence of any thrombotic events in the treated vessels whereas the 9‐month MACE rate was 6.2%.ConclusionThis observational study suggests that the DCB‐only strategy is safe and effective to treat selected bifurcations while benefiting from a shortened dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).
Investigation of Acrylic Resin Disinfection Using Chemicals and Ultrasound
Authors: Muscat Ylainia , Farrugia Cher , Camilleri Liberato , Arias‐Moliz Maria Teresa , Valdramidis Vasilis , Camilleri Josette 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeDental prosthetic and orthodontic appliances are transported from the clinic to the laboratory for additions and repairs. These appliances, containing microbes from the oral flora, are a high risk for cross‐contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical and ultrasound disinfection against two in vitro biofilms and an in vivo formed biofilm grown on unprepared and polished polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) surfaces.Materials and MethodsRough and polished self‐curing PMMA surfaces were infected with strains of both Candida albicans and Streptococcus oralis. After incubation, the samples were treated with different disinfection methods, including ultrasound treatment for both 15 and 30 seconds, and immersion in glutaraldehyde and alcohol‐based chemical disinfectants (MD520 and Minuten, respectively). The disinfecting efficacy was assessed by colony forming units (CFU) analysis and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore the adequacy of bacterial elimination of application of 30‐second ultrasound and MD520 was assessed on PMMA retrieved from ten volunteers by CFU analyses. ANOVA with p = 0.05 followed by the Tukey post hoc test and the Student t‐test was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe ultrasound treatment for 30 seconds, MD520, and Minuten were the most effective disinfectant methods as they reduced the microbial counts compared to the control (p < 0.05) as shown in the in vitro analyses. S. oralis adhered more to rough acrylic resin surfaces (p < 0.05). Ultrasound treatment was the most effective way to reduce microbial counts on PMMA exposed to oral flora (p = 0.043).ConclusionUltrasound treatment for 30 seconds was effective against C. albicans, S. oralis, and the oral flora as shown by testing microbial growth on agar plates and SEM.
How can clinical ethics guide the management of comorbidities in the child with Rett syndrome?
Authors: Downs Jenny , Forbes David , Johnson Michael , Leonard Helen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRett syndrome is a rare disorder caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Those affected generally have severe functional impairments, and medical comorbidities such as scoliosis and poor growth are common. There is a paucity of information on the natural history of many rare disorders and an even greater deficit of evidence to guide best practice. The population‐based and longitudinal Australian Rett Syndrome Database established in 1993 has supported investigations of the natural history of Rett syndrome and effectiveness of treatments. This paper reviews the disorder Rett syndrome and evidence for the management of scoliosis and poor growth within a clinical ethics framework. Compared with conservative management, we have shown that spinal fusion is associated with reduced mortality and better respiratory health. We have also shown that gastrostomy insertion is associated with subsequent weight gain. Family counselling for both procedures necessarily must include family perspectives and careful clinical attention to their needs and wishes. Vignettes describing family decision‐making and experiences are presented to illustrate the principals of beneficence and autonomy in determining the best interests of the child and family. A blend of evidence‐based practice with a strong clinical ethics framework has capacity to build existing strengths in families and reduce the negative impacts of disability and in so doing, optimise the health and wellbeing of those with Rett syndrome.
A Strategy‐Proofness Characterization of Plurality Rule
Authors: CAMPBELL DONALD E. , KELLY JERRY S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAssuming at least four individuals and at least four alternatives, a social choice function on the domain of profiles at which there is an alternative ranked first by more individuals than any other alternative is nondictatorial, strategy‐proof, and has full range if and only if it is plurality rule.
Terminal bacteroid differentiation in the legume−rhizobium symbiosis: nodule‐specific cysteine‐rich peptides and beyond
Authors: Alunni Benoît , Gourion Benjamin 
Published: May 2016

SummaryTerminal bacteroid differentiation (TBD) is a remarkable case of bacterial cell differentiation that occurs after rhizobia are released intracellularly within plant cells of symbiotic legume organs called nodules. The hallmarks of TBD are cell enlargement, genome amplification and membrane permeabilization. This plant‐driven process is governed by a large family of bacteroid‐targeted nodule‐specific cysteine‐rich (NCR) peptides that were until recently thought to be restricted to a specific lineage of the legume family, including the model plant Medicago truncatula. Recently, new plant and bacterial factors involved in TBD have been identified, challenging our view of this phenomenon at mechanistic and evolutionary levels. Here, we review the recent literature and discuss emerging questions about the mechanisms and the role(s) of TBD.

Contents

Summary
411

I.
Terminal bacteroid differentiation: a tool to optimize nitrogen fixation?
411

II.
Terminal bacteroid differentiation in non‐IRLC legume plants: a
case of convergent coevolution?
412

III.
NCR peptide intracellular targets: from a blurry landscape to the line of sight
412

IV.
The Janus face of NCR peptides: two NCR peptides prevent bacteroid death
413

V.
A general fitness defect as a major cause of why rhizobial mutants cannot undergo terminal differentiation?
414

VI.
Bacterial strategies to survive the NCR peptide challenge and/or to escape TBD
414

VII.
Beyond NCR peptides, other plant proteins are required for bacteroid differentiation
415

VIII.
Conclusions
415

Acknowledgements
416

References
416
The carbon bonus of organic nitrogen enhances nitrogen use efficiency of plants
Authors: Franklin Oskar , Cambui Camila Aguetoni , Gruffman Linda , Palmroth Sari , Oren Ram , Näsholm Torgny 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe importance of organic nitrogen (N) for plant nutrition and productivity is increasingly being recognized. Here we show that it is not only the availability in the soil that matters, but also the effects on plant growth. The chemical form of N taken up, whether inorganic (such as nitrate) or organic (such as amino acids), may significantly influence plant shoot and root growth, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). We analysed these effects by synthesizing results from multiple laboratory experiments on small seedlings (Arabidopsis, poplar, pine and spruce) based on a tractable plant growth model. A key point is that the carbon cost of assimilating organic N into proteins is lower than that of inorganic N, mainly because of its carbon content. This carbon bonus makes it more beneficial for plants to take up organic than inorganic N, even when its availability to the roots is much lower – up to 70% lower for Arabidopsis seedlings. At equal growth rate, root:shoot ratio was up to three times higher and nitrogen productivity up to 20% higher for organic than inorganic N, which both are factors that may contribute to higher NUE in crop production.
Parental Characteristics can Explain Why Japanese Women Give Birth to the Smallest Infants in the United States
Authors: Morisaki Naho , Kawachi Ichiro , Oken Emily , Fujiwara Takeo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundWhether birthweight differences observed between races are due to modifiable factors remains controversial. In the United States, Asian infants weigh less than white infants and Japanese infants weigh the least.MethodsUsing US Natality data, we evaluated 4 132 319 singleton term livebirths to parents of non‐Hispanic white or Japanese race/ethnicity from 2009 to 2012. Infants were categorised by parental race/ethnicity (both white, n = 4 116 637; Japanese father/white mother, n = 2377; white father/Japanese mother, n = 7478; both Japanese, n = 5827). We used multivariable regression to sequentially adjust for maternal characteristics to determine to what extent they explained differences in fetal growth due to maternal race/ethnicity.ResultsInfants born to Japanese mothers were smaller by 132 (95% CI 101, 122) grams, with higher risk of small for gestational age (relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.56 (95% CI 1.47, 1.65) and lower risk of large for gestational age RRR 0.49, 95% CI 0.44, 0.54), compared to infants of white mothers. Differences in social factors and in maternal age, parity, and gestational age only minimally explained this difference. However, additionally adjusting for maternal height, body mass index and gestational weight gain substantially attenuated this difference to 20 (95% CI 12, 29) grams in birthweight, 0.91 (95% CI 0.86, 0.97) times risk of small for gestational age, and 1.06 (95% CI 0.96, 1.17) times risk of large for gestational age, with the effect similar across strata of paternal race/ethnicity.ConclusionDifferences in fetal growth between infants from Japanese and white mothers could be explained by differences in maternal height, pre‐pregnancy weight, and gestational weight gain. Fetal growth potential appears to be similar across racial/ethnic groups when parental sizes are similar.
Red Tape: Developing and Validating a New Job‐Centered Measure
Authors: van Loon Nina M. , Leisink Peter L. M. , Knies Eva , Brewer Gene A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRed tape studies typically focus on burdensome rules that have negative effects on organizations, as perceived by managers. The one‐item general red tape scale is representative of this approach. However, scholars have called for improved measures that address the scale's shortcomings. This article introduces a new measurement scale that features (1) red tape as a two‐dimensional construct that includes compliance burden and lack of functionality and (2) a job‐centered approach that measures red tape as experienced by employees in their jobs rather than more generally in the organization. A set of survey questions derived from interviews with government employees was validated using data from 1,203 government employees. The findings indicate that the two‐dimensional job‐centered red tape scale is reliable and valid. The authors conclude that this measure can improve research and be used by managers for a “quick scan” to detect the location and severity of red tape.
Natural cultch type influences habitat preference and predation, but not survival, in reef‐associated species
Authors: Levine Erica A. , Gosnell John S. , Goetz Emily M. , Malinowski Christopher R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA shared origin with fresh and dredged cultch and availability via mining have made fossil cultch a commonly used reef restoration substrate. However, important differences in shape and size between whole‐shell cultch and fossil cultch may impact the complexity of reefs constructed from these materials. To determine if these differences may impact the development of restored reefs, we quantified the interstitial space each cultch type provides and constructed reef mesocosms to measure (1) the immediate effects of exposure to each cultch type on mortality of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus duorarum); (2) the tendency of crab, shrimp, and Florida crown conch (Melongena corona) to be found on habitats composed of each substrate type and their position within each in split‐substrate mesocosms; and (3) the influence of cultch type on predation of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) by crabs and conch. Aggregation of fossil cultch contains more shells and provides less interstitial space than an equivalent volume of whole‐shell cultch. Although immediate mortality following deployment was low and did not differ among cultch types, we found that all species were more likely to be found on fresh cultch over fossil cultch in choice experiments and used each habitat type differently. Cultch type also impacted the size of oysters consumed by crabs in short‐term feeding trials. The structure and traits of habitats created by various materials should be added to the growing list of issues considered when natural communities are to be restored in oyster reefs and other environments.