bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of acute graft‐versus‐host disease: from intestinal microbiota alterations to donor T cell activation
Authors: Zeiser Robert , Socié Gerard , Blazar Bruce R. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryAcute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is a major life‐threatening complication of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). Here we discuss the aGVHD pathophysiology initiated by multiple signals that cause alloreactive T‐cell activation. The outcome of such donor T‐cell activation is influenced by T‐cell receptor‐signal strength, anatomical location, co‐stimulatory/co‐inhibitory signals and differentiation stage (naive, effector/memory) of T‐cells. Additionally, cross‐priming of T cells to antigens expressed by pathogens can contribute to aGVHD‐mediated tissue injury. In addition to the properties of donor T‐cell activation, highly specialized tissue resident cell types, such as innate lymphoid cells, antigen‐presenting cells, immune regulatory cells and various intestinal cell populations are critically involved in aGVHD pathogenesis. The role of the thymus and secondary lymphoid tissue injury, non‐haematopoietic cells, intestinal microflora, cytokines, chemokines, microRNAs, metabolites and kinases in aGVHD pathophysiology will be highlighted. Acute GVHD pathogenic mechanisms will be connected to novel therapeutic approaches under development for, and tested in, the clinic.
Positive post‐disaster images: A daydream machine?
Authors: Hancock Nicola J. , de Joux Neil R. , Wingreen Stephen C. , Kemp Simon , Thomas Jared , Helton William S. 
Published: September 2016

This study explores the impact of post‐earthquake images inserted in a vigilance task, in terms of performance, self‐reports of task‐focus, and cerebral activity using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Vigilance tasks present a sequence of stimuli in which only a few are pre‐designated critical or target stimuli requiring an overt response from the participant. Seventy‐one residents participated (51 women, 20 men) by taking part in a vigilance task with task‐irrelevant images inserted in the sequence. There were three conditions consisting positive (emotive inducing), negative (emotive inducing), and control (devoid of meaning) images embedded in the vigilance task to assess possible impacts on vigilance performance. The images were obtained through crowdsourcing and represented parts of the city 3–4 years post‐earthquake. Task performance was assessed with signal detection theory metrics of sensitivity A’ and bias β’’. This enables the separation of an individual's ability to accurately discriminate critical signals from non‐critical stimuli (sensitivity) and shifts in their willingness to respond to any stimuli whether critical or not (bias). Individuals viewing the positive images, relating to progress, rebuild, or aesthetic aspects within the city, had a more conservative response bias (they responded less to both rare critical and distractor stimuli) than those in the other conditions. These individuals also reported lower task‐focus, as would be expected. However, contrary to expectations, indicators of cerebral activity (fNIRS) did not differ significantly between the experimental groups. These results, when combined, suggest that mind wandering events may be being generated when exposed to positive post‐earthquake images.
Immigrant job search assimilation in Canada
Authors: Bowlus Audra J. , Miyairi Masashi , Robinson Chris 
Published: September 2016

AbstractImmigrant assimilation is a major issue in many countries. While most of the literature studies assimilation through a human capital framework, we examine the role of job search assimilation. To do so, we estimate an equilibrium search model of immigrants operating in the same labour market as natives, where newly arrived immigrants have lower job offer arrival rates than natives but can acquire the same arrival rates according to a stochastic process. Using Canadian panel data, we find substantial differences in job offer arrival and destruction rates between natives and immigrants that are able to account for three quarters of the observed earnings gap. The estimates imply that immigrants take on average 13 years to acquire the native search parameters. Due to immigrants facing much lower on‐the‐job offer arrival rates than natives, the model predicts that earnings growth through job search is minimal for immigrants prior to their job search assimilation.
Who gains from capital market integration? Tax competition between unionized and non‐unionized countries
Authors: Ogawa Hikaru , Sato Yasuhiro , Tamai Toshiki 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe welfare effects of capital market integration are examined under a model of tax competition with two asymmetric countries. The asymmetry is expressed through the labour market: one country has a perfect labour market whereas the other country's labour market is unionized. Our results indicate that the welfare effects of capital market integration differ depending on whether governments are active or passive in attracting capital. In the absence of active governments, capital market integration benefits the country with a competitive labour market whereas it harms the unionized country. Capital market integration benefits both countries if governments are active and compete for mobile capital using taxes/subsidies.
Reciprocal relationships and mechanism design
Authors: Celik Gorkem , Peters Michael 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe study an incomplete information game in which players can coordinate their actions by contracting among themselves. We model this relationship as a reciprocal contracting procedure where each player has the ability to make commitments contingent on the other players' commitments. We differ from the rest of the literature on reciprocal contracting by assuming that punishments cannot be enforced in the event that cooperation breaks down. We fully characterize the outcomes that can be supported as perfect Bayesian equilibrium outcomes in such an environment. We use our characterization to show that the set of supportable outcomes with reciprocal contracting is larger than the set of outcomes available in a centralized mechanism design environment in which the mechanism designer is constrained by his inability to enforce punishments against non‐participants. The difference stems from the players' ability in our contracting game to convey partial information about their types at the time they offer contracts. We discuss the implications of our analysis for modelling collusion between multiple agents interacting with the same principal.
Is the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence dependent on the number of active electrode poles achieved during permanent lead insertion?
Authors: Duelund‐Jakobsen J. , Lundby L. , Lehur P.‐A. , Wyart V. , Laurberg S. , Buntzen S. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimSacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is effective for faecal incontinence (FI). Little is known about the relationship between the implantation technique and the functional outcome. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the numbers of active electrode poles (AEP) achieved during permanent lead placement and subsequent function, therapeutic amplitude and the need for extra appointments between scheduled follow‐up visits.MethodOne hundred and eighty‐six patients with FI who underwent permanent implantation between May 2009 and March 2015 with a tined (barbed) lead (3093/3080, Medtronic) using the straight stylet were registered on the European two‐centre SNS prospective database (SNSPD). Correlation between the number of AEP, function, stimulation amplitude and the need for extra visits was analysed.ResultsThe numbers of patients having an intra‐operative motor response on stimulation of one, two, three and four poles were 18 (9.7%), 75 (40.3%), 61 (32.8%) and 32 (17.2%). The Wexner incontinence score was significantly reduced from 15 (±2.8) at baseline to 9.2 (±4.8) at the latest follow‐up after a mean 878 ± 561 days (SD; P < 0.001). No correlation was found between the number of AEP and the functional outcome (P > 0.05). Patients with four‐AEP had a reduced therapeutic amplitude up to 289 (±146) days of follow‐up (P < 0.03). The number of AEP did not influence the need for extra follow‐up visits (P < 0.223).ConclusionThe functional outcome and number of extra visits after SNS for FI did not depend on the number of AEP achieved. The therapeutic amplitude was reduced during the first postoperative year if four AEP were achieved during lead placement.
Faecal incontinence in patients with a sphincter defect: comparison of sphincteroplasty and sacral nerve stimulation
Authors: Rodrigues F. G. , Chadi S. A. , Cracco A. J. , Sands D. R. , Zutshi M. , Gurland B. , Da Silva G. , Wexner S. D. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimSphincteroplasty (SP) is used to treat faecal incontinence (FI) in patients with a sphincter defect. Although sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is used in patients, its outcome in patients with a sphincter defect has not been definitively evaluated. We compared the results of SP and SNS for FI associated with a sphincter defect.MethodPatients treated by SNS or SP for FI with an associated sphincter defect were retrospectively identified from an Institutional Review Board approved prospective database. Patients with ultrasound evidence of a sphincter defect were matched by age, gender and body mass index. The main outcome measure was change in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score (CCF‐FIS).ResultsTwenty‐six female patients with a sphincter defect were included in the study. The 13 patients in each group were similar for age, body mass index, initial CCF‐FIS and the duration of follow‐up. No differences were observed in parity (P = 1.00), the rate of concomitant urinary incontinence (P = 0.62) or early postoperative complications. Within‐group analysis showed a significant reduction of the CCF‐FIS among patients having SNS (15.9–8.4; P = 0.003) but not SP (16.9–12.9; P = 0.078). There was a trend towards a more significant improvement in CCF‐FIS in the SNS than in the SP group (post‐treatment CCF‐FIS 8.4 vs 12.9, P = 0.06). Net improvement in CCF‐FIS was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.06).ConclusionSignificant improvement in CCF‐FIS was observed in patients treated with SNS but not SP patients. A trend towards better results was seen with SNS.
The impact of bacterial colonization on graft success after total pancreatectomy with autologous islet transplantation: considerations for early definitive surgical intervention
Authors: Jolissaint Joshua S. , Langman Linda W. , DeBolt Claire L. , Tatum Jacob A. , Martin Allison N. , Wang Andrew Y. , Strand Daniel S. , Zaydfudim Victor M. , Adams Reid B. , Brayman Kenneth L. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether bacterial contamination of islets affects graft success after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT).BackgroundFactors associated with insulin independence after TPIAT are inconclusive. Although bacterial contamination does not preclude transplantation, the impact of bacterial contamination on graft success is unknown.MethodsPatients who received TPIAT at the University of Virginia between January 2007 and January 2016 were reviewed. Patient charts were reviewed for bacterial contamination and patients were prospectively contacted to assess rates of insulin independence.ResultsThere was no significant difference in demographic or perioperative data between patients who achieved insulin independence and those who did not. However, six of 27 patients analyzed (22.2%) grew bacterial contaminants from culture of the final islet preparations. These patients had significantly lower islet yield and C‐peptide at most recent follow‐up (P<.05), and none of these patients achieved insulin independence.ConclusionsIslet transplant solutions are often culture positive, likely secondary to preprocurement pancreatic manipulation and introduction of enteric flora. Although autotransplantation of culture‐positive islets is safe, it is associated with higher rates of graft failure and poor islet yield. Consideration should be given to identify patients who may develop refractory chronic pancreatitis and offer early operative management to prevent bacterial colonization.
Long‐term outcome after early cyclosporine withdrawal in kidney transplantation: ten years after
Authors: Tabibzadeh Nahid , Glowacki François , Frimat Marie , Elsermans Vincent , Provôt François , Lionet Arnaud , Gnemmi Viviane , Hertig Alexandre , Noël Christian , Hazzan Marc 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundDespite long‐term side effects, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) remain a cornerstone of immunosuppression in renal transplantation. Few trials assessed the long‐term outcome after early CNI withdrawal.MethodsThis intention‐to‐treat study assessed the 10‐year outcome of 108 patients randomly converted from a cyclosporine (CsA)—mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)—prednisone regimen to a dual therapy (CsA‐prednisone or MMF‐prednisone) at 3 months postgraft.ResultsAt 10 years, 3.7% in the CsA group and 35.2% in the MMF group remained on the protocol regimen (P<.001). eGFR was higher in the MMF group (64.4±21 vs 49.7±14.7 mL/min/1.73 m², P<.001), although acute rejection (12 vs 4 in the CsA group, P=.03) and Class II DSA incidences were increased. CNI‐related toxicity (P=.019) and moderate‐to‐severe IF/TA (P=.004) were higher in the CsA group. Ten‐year graft and patient survivals were not different. In multivariate analysis, acute rejection remained the strongest predictor of graft loss (HR=11.64, 95% CI [5.05‐26.79], P<.0001).ConclusionsMMF withdrawal largely failed due to CNI toxicity, while CsA withdrawal led to increased graft failure due to uncontrolled acute rejection without increasing graft survival. From this study, it remains unclear which patients could benefit from limiting CNI exposure.
Predictors of persistent diarrhea in norovirus enteritis after solid organ transplantation
Authors: Chong Pearlie P. , van Duin David , Sonderup Jessica L. , Grant Wendy J. , Kalil Andre C. , Florescu Diana F. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSolid organ transplant (SOT) recipients may develop protracted diarrheal illness from norovirus. We performed a retrospective chart review between January 2010 and April 2014 to identify predictors of persistent diarrhea in transplant recipients with norovirus enteritis. A total of 152 SOT recipients with mean age of 31.5 years (SD 23.1) were included: 43.4% male, 34.2% pediatric patients. Allograft types were abdominal 136 (89.5%) (kidney [39.5%], liver‐small bowel [23%], other [27%]) and thoracic 16 (10.5%). The median time to diagnosis of first norovirus enteritis episode from date of transplantation was 1.7 (0.3‐5.3) years. At time of presentation, diarrhea was present in 141 (93%). Thirty percent had persistent diarrhea at 2 weeks. Hospitalization was required for treatment in 121 (80%) of episodes with the mean length of stay of 10±15.2 days. Most (91%) infections were due to norovirus genogroup II, and gastrointestinal coinfections were seen in 23 (19%) norovirus enteritis episodes. Nausea at time of diagnosis (P=.002) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the preceding 90 days (P=.036) were identified as independent risk factors for persistent diarrhea using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Our study shows that nausea on presentation and prior CMV infection were associated with persistent diarrhea in patients with norovirus enteritis.
Spatial patterns of seagrass dispersal and settlement
Authors: Grech Alana , Wolter Jolan , Coles Rob , McKenzie Len , Rasheed Michael , Thomas Christopher , Waycott Michelle , Hanert Emmanuel 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimThe movement of propagules among plant populations affects their ability to replenish and recover after a disturbance. Quantitative data on recovery strategies, including the effectiveness of population connectivity, are often lacking at broad spatial and temporal scales. We use numerical modelling to predict seagrass propagule dispersal and settlement to provide an approach for circumstances where direct, or even indirect, measures of population dynamics are difficult to establish.LocationGreat Barrier Reef, Australia.MethodsWe used the finite‐element Second‐generation Louvain‐la‐Neuve Ice‐ocean Model (SLIM) to resolve the hydrodynamics of the central Great Barrier Reef and to simulate the dispersal of seagrass. We predicted dispersal and settlement patterns by releasing 10.6 million passive particles representing seagrass propagules at known sites of seagrass presence. We considered two fractions when modelling seagrass dispersal: floating and suspended propagules. Both fractions were modelled using 34 simulations run for a maximum of 8 weeks during the peak seagrass reproductive period, capturing variability in winds, tides and currents.ResultsThe ‘virtual’ seagrass propagules moved on average between 30 and 60 km, but distances of over 900 km also occurred. Most particle movement was to the north‐west. The season (month) of release and source locations of the particles correlated with their dispersal distance, particularly for particles released offshore, with the complex coastal topography impeding movements close to the coast. The replenishment and recovery potential of the northernmost meadows was influenced by southern meadows. Protected north‐facing bays were less likely to receive particles.Main conclusionsOur approach advances the conservation and management of marine biodiversity by predicting a key component of ecosystem resilience at a spatial scale that informs marine planning. We show a complex interaction among time, wind, water movement and topography that can guide a management response to improving replenishment and recovery after disturbance events.
A global systematic review of ecological field studies on two major invasive plant species, Ageratina adenophora and Chromolaena odorata
Authors: Yu Fuke , Akin‐Fajiye Morodoluwa , Thapa Magar Khum , Ren Jie , Gurevitch Jessica 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimMuch of what is known about invasion biology is based on research conducted in North America and Europe, leading to limitations and potential biases in our knowledge. We address these limitations by conducting a systematic review to assess the literature on ecological studies of two major tropical and subtropical invasive plant species, Ageratina adenophora and Chromolaena odorata. Our goals were to: (1) collect the literature on the invasion biology of these species by broadly searching five databases (one international and four regional); (2) determine limitations to the international literature available in the ISI Web of Science (WOS); (3) quantitatively summarize the scope of the invasion literature on the two species; and (4) propose future studies based on what we found.LocationGlobal.MethodsUsing specific search terms, we searched the literature for A. adenophora and C. odorata in the ISI WOS, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Indian Journals, Nepal Journals Online and African Journals Online (AJOL). We extracted information on journal titles, publication years, study area locations, habitats investigated and study focus.ResultsWe found 101 papers for A. adenophora and 61 papers for C. odorata, published from 1987 to 2015. A high percentage of the studies were conducted in China, western and southern Africa, and India. Studies from WOS most frequently focused on the mechanism of invasion, while studies from CNKI and AJOL focused on the impacts of the invader.Main conclusionsWeb of Science is not sufficient for generalizing about the invasion biology literature, particularly if the goal is a comprehensive assessment that includes areas other than North America, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. In future systematic reviews, other databases should be used if possible, including those in languages other than English. For future research, several research areas should be studied more thoroughly for A. adenophora and C. odorata invasions, including possible multiple factors responsible for invasion, and impacts of co‐occurring invasive species.
Development of microsatellite markers for the pine needle blight pathogen, Dothistroma pini
Authors: Siziba V. I. , Wingfield M. J. , Sadiković D. , Mullett M. S. , Piškur B. , Barnes I. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryDothistroma needle blight of Pinus spp. is a serious disease that can be caused by two distinct fungal species: Dothistroma septosporum and D. pini. Dothistroma septosporum has a broad pine host range, a worldwide distribution and has caused many serious epidemics. In contrast, D. pini has a more limited distribution; known only from Europe and the USA. Unlike the situation for the better‐known D. septosporum, the population biology of D. pini has not been intensively studied. Microsatellite markers developed for D. septosporum either do not amplify in D. pini or they are uninformative. The aim of this study was to develop a robust set of microsatellite markers that amplify across different D. pini isolates from a range of geographical locations and different host species. The genome of an isolate from Ukraine was sequenced using Mi‐Seq Illumina sequencing. Thirty‐two primer pairs were designed to amplify microsatellite regions targeting a mixture of di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐ and hexa‐ nucleotide repeat regions. The results yielded 16 polymorphic markers that amplified across 32 isolates from seven countries and four hosts. Screening of the polymorphic markers on a population of D. pini from France and Slovenia revealed that the Slovenian isolates were clonal but that those from France were genetically more diverse. The markers developed in this study will provide a useful tool with which to study the population structure and genetic diversity of D. pini populations in countries where it is emerging as an important pathogen.
Pathological gambling in Parkinson's disease: what are the risk factors and what is the role of impulsivity?
Authors: Heiden Petra , Heinz Andreas , Romanczuk‐Seiferth Nina 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe incidence of pathological gambling in Parkinson's patients is significantly greater than in the general population. A correlation has been observed between dopamine agonist medication and the development of pathological gambling. However, scientists conjecture that the affected patients have underlying risk factors. Studies analysing Parkinson's patients have detected that patients who developed pathological gambling are younger, score higher on novelty‐seeking tests, are more impulsive and are more likely to have a personal or family history of alcohol addiction. In addition, some genetic variations have been associated with the susceptibility of developing pathological gambling, which include mutations of DRD3, 5‐HTTLPR and GRIN2B. Studies focusing on neurofunctional discrepancies between Parkinson's patients with and without pathological gambling have found increased functional activation and dopamine release in regions associated with the mesolimbic reward system. Furthermore, there is also evidence showing increased processing of reward and decreased activation elicited by punishment, suggesting altered learning processes. Furthermore, the role of deep brain stimulation of the nucleus subthalamicus (STN DBS) is controversial. In most Parkinson's patients, pathological gambling resolved after the initiation of the STN DBS, which might be explained by discontinuation or decrease in dopamine agonist medication. However, it has been also shown that some patients are more impulsive while the STN DBS is activated. These differences may depend on the DBS localization in the more limbic or motor part of the STN and their regulative effects on impulsivity. Further research is needed to clarify susceptibility factors for the development of pathological gambling in Parkinson's patients.