bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound ciliary plasty to treat glaucoma: efficacy and safety results on 152 patients
Authors: Aptel F. , Rouland J.F. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Ultrasound Ciliary Plasty (UCP) procedure using Focused ultrasound with second generation probe on a consecutive series of 152 glaucoma patients.MethodsProspective clinical series of 169 eyes of 152 patients with primary and secondary open angle or angle closure glaucoma treated between April 2015 and September 2016 in 2 University Hospitals. Procedures were conducted with second generation therapy probe comprising 6 piezoelectric transducers, with 8 seconds exposure time per transducer (standard protocol). Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed before the procedure, and at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after. Primary outcome was IOP reduction compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were success rate (defined as IOP reduction from baseline ≥20% and IOP >5 mmHg without adding medication compared to baseline), vision‐threatening complications, hypotensive medication use, complications, and re‐interventions.ResultsNo major intra‐ or post‐operative complications occurred. Ocular exam did not reveal lesions of ocular structures other than ciliary body and no or few signs of anterior chamber inflammation. Semi‐mydriasis was observed on fifteen eyes, reduced or resolved in a few weeks/months. Intraocular pressure was significantly reduced from a mean preoperative value of 27.1 ± 9.3 mmHg (3.1 hypotensive medications) to a mean value of 19.1 ± 7.6 mmHg (3.2 hypotensive medications) at last follow‐up, corresponding of a mean IOP reduction of 27%. Nineteen patients were re‐treated using focused ultrasound, 7 patients were considered as failure and treated by filtering surgery, and 8 patients with Diode laser cyclo‐destructive procedure.ConclusionsUltrasound Ciliary Plasty using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is an effective method to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
The New Common Agricultural Policy: Ηow do Member States Respond to Flexibility?
Authors: Henke Roberto , Benos Theo , De Filippis Fabrizio , Giua Mara , Pierangeli Fabio , Pupo D'Andrea Maria Rosaria 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a core policy of the European Union (EU), representing 40 per cent of the EU budget and a cornerstone of the integration process. Due to the path dependency that defined its evolution, it had always been a rather homogeneous and centralized policy. For the first time, the 2014–20 reform endowed Member States with the possibility to tailor the direct payments of the CAP along different fields of flexibility and thereby better address their national needs. This article examines these national choices in terms of the discontinuity they impose on the centralized policy model, showing that they reduced the policy inertia associated to the historical processes in place at the EU level, along a new national path dependency re‐shaping the CAP implementation. The flexibility introduced by the 2014–20 reform was particularly embraced by Member States that had been penalized by the ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ historical archetype.
Impact of ixekizumab on facial psoriasis and related quality of life measures in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients: 12‐week results from two phase III trials
Authors: Paul C. , Guenther L. , Torii H. , Sofen H. , Burge R. , Lin C.Y. , Potts Bleakman A. , Mallbris L. , Poulin Y. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundFacial psoriasis was reported in 17–68% of patients with psoriasis and shown to have a negative impact on patients’ personal and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).ObjectivesTo explore the association of facial psoriasis with patients’ HRQoL and to assess the relationship between ixekizumab (IXE) and improvement in facial psoriasis and changes in HRQoL.MethodsThis work reports the combined results of two phase III multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, active‐comparator trials in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Patients received placebo, etanercept (ETN; 50 mg twice weekly) or IXE [80 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or every 2 weeks (Q2W)] for up to 12 weeks following an initial 160‐mg dose. HRQoL parameters were analysed based on facial psoriasis status at baseline using analysis of covariance models. Improvement was assessed as percentage of patients with no facial psoriasis.ResultsThe combined database included 1133 patients with facial psoriasis and 1437 without. Patients treated with IXE whose facial psoriasis cleared had improved Dermatology Life Quality Index 0.1 responses (P < 0.01) compared with patients with facial psoriasis at Week 12. At Week 12, clearance of facial psoriasis compared with the presence of facial psoriasis was independently associated with significantly better improvement in Psoriasis Skin Appearance Bothersomeness scores in the IXE Q2W treatment group (P < 0.01). At Week 12, facial clearance and overall Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) improvement were observed in significant numbers of patients treated with IXE compared with ETN and placebo. Facial psoriasis clearance at Week 12 in patients treated with IXE or ETN was positively associated with PASI75 and PASI90 achievement.ConclusionFacial psoriasis had a larger negative impact on HRQoL than no facial psoriasis. Facial psoriasis clearance was associated with improved HRQoL. Significantly more IXE‐treated patients had rapid facial clearance vs. ETN and PBO, which led to better clinical outcomes.
Pregnant substance abusers in voluntary and coercive treatment in Norway: Therapists’ reflections on change processes and attachment experiences
Authors: Myra Siv M , Ravndal Edle , Torsteinsson Vigdis W , Øfsti Anne KS 
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore therapists’ discourses on treatment processes, when working with pregnant substance abusers in voluntary and coercive treatment, and looking for the clinical implications of these discourses.BackgroundTreatment of substance use disorder faces many challenges. One is pregnancy and motherhood, which are vulnerable and complex processes. The literature emphasises lack of optimal and knowledge‐based treatment for this group.DesignThe study follows a Foucauldian inspired discourse analysis.MethodForty therapists from four different residential units in Norway, offering both voluntary and coercive treatment of pregnant women with substance use disorders, were interviewed in focus groups. The semi‐structured interview schedule focused on exploring how therapists’ discourses on change processes and relationship experiences informed their clinical practice.ResultsHow to start “healthy” attachment processes between the pregnant woman and the unborn child was the dominant discourse among the therapists. Another important theme was coercion, and whether that as a contextual frame was negative or positive in creating attachment between mother and child. Other discourses were varieties of understanding attachment when the mothers had difficulties with substance abuse, the mothers’ own attachment histories, and social and cultural challenges.ConclusionSystematic work with attachment issues between the pregnant woman and her unborn child was the dominant perspective of nearly all the therapists. The contextual factors in the lives of the women were less prioritised, even though they are of decisive importance for the relationship between mother and child.Relevance to clinical practiceTreatment professionals need to focus more on the discursive dilemmas encountered in the relation between substance use disorders and the unborn child.
Effects of an individualised nutritional education and support programme on dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of older adults living alone
Authors: Ahn Jeong‐Ah , Park JeeWon , Kim Chun‐Ja 
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectivesThe effects of an individualised nutritional education and support programme on dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of 71 older adults living alone were examined.BackgroundAlthough a regular dietary meal plan is recommended for improving nutritional status of older adults living alone, little research is done in this field in Korea.DesignA pre‐ and post‐test controlled quasi‐experimental design was used at public health centres.MethodsThe intervention group participated in an intensive nutritional education and support programme once a week for 8 weeks with dietary menus provided by home visiting nurses/dieticians; control group received usual care. Dietary habits and nutritional knowledge were assessed using structured questionnaires; nutritional intake status was analysed using Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program 5.0.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 77.6 years, and 81.7% of the participants were women. At 8 weeks, there were significant interactions of group by time for dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and selected nutritional status of protein, iron and vitamins of B2 and C. Changes over time in the mean score of dietary habits and nutritional knowledge were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. The percentages of normal nutrition intake of protein, iron and vitamins A and C in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group at 8 weeks.ConclusionsNutritional education and support programme positively impacted dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and selected nutritional status in older adults living alone, and we highlight the need for community‐based nutritional education and counselling programmes.Relevance to clinical practiceOlder adults living alone in a community have relatively poor nutritional status and thus require tailored nutritional intervention according to objective nutritional analysis. It is necessary to link visiting nurses with dieticians in the community to manage effective nutritional programme continuously.
The Different Resistance of Two Astragalus Plants to UV‐B Stress is Tightly Associated with the Organ‐specific Isoflavone Metabolism
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Jia , Wang Yu , Abozeid Ann , Tian Dong‐Mei , Zhang Xiao‐ning , Tang Zhong‐Hua 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this work, the changes in isoflavone levels and the expression of genes involved in their biosynthesis were studied in two Astragalus by UPLC‐MS and real‐time PCR after 10 days of UV‐B treatment (λmax = 313 nm, 804 J m−2). Isoflavones were significantly induced by UV‐B irradiation. The influence might be activated by the regulation of these target genes. Our results indicate that (1) the resistance of Astragalus membranaceus might not be as good as Astragalus mongholicus in the enhanced UV‐B radiation environment; (2) the enhanced accumulation of calycosin and calycosin‐7‐glucoside with UV‐B treatment in roots of A. mongholicus might be derived from formononetin which is synthesized in the leaves; (3) the glycosylation process could be stimulated and activated by the enhanced UV‐B radiation in both A. mongholicus and A. membranaceus. In other words, glycosylation of isoflavones might play a crucial role for two Astragalus plants in response to UV‐B stress. Overall, this study offered a feasible elicitation strategy to understand the accumulation pattern of isoflavone in A. mongholicus and A. membranaceus, and also provided a reference for the changes in isoflavone levels of Astragalus in UV‐B enhanced environment in the future.
Zika Virus Infects Human Sertoli Cells and Modulates the Integrity of the
In Vitro
Blood-Testis Barrier Model
Authors: Siemann David N. , Strange Daniel P. , Maharaj Payal N. , Shi Pei-Yong , Verma Saguna 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Confirmed reports of Zika virus (ZIKV) in human seminal fluid for months after the clearance of viremia suggest the ability of ZIKV to establish persistent infection in the seminiferous tubules, an immune-privileged site in the testis protected by the blood-testis barrier, also called the Sertoli cell (SC) barrier (SCB). However, cellular targets of ZIKV in human testis and mechanisms by which the virus enters seminiferous tubules remain unclear. We demonstrate that primary human SCs were highly susceptible to ZIKV compared to the closely related dengue virus and induced the expression of alpha interferon (IFN-α), key cytokines, and cell adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM-1] and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1]). Furthermore, using an
in vitro
SCB model, we show that ZIKV was released on the adluminal side of the SCB model with a higher efficiency than in the blood-brain barrier model. ZIKV-infected SCs exhibited enhanced adhesion of leukocytes that correlated with decreases in SCB integrity. ZIKV infection did not affect the expression of tight and adherens junction proteins such as ZO-1, claudin, and JAM-A; however, exposure of SCs to inflammatory mediators derived from ZIKV-infected macrophages led to the degradation of the ZO-1 protein, which correlated with increased SCB permeability. Taken together, our data suggest that infection of SCs may be one of the crucial steps by which ZIKV gains access to the site of spermatozoon development and identify SCs as a therapeutic target to clear testicular infections. The SCB model opens up opportunities to assess interactions of SCs with other testicular cells and to test the ability of anti-ZIKV drugs to cross the barrier.

IMPORTANCE
Recent outbreaks of ZIKV, a neglected mosquito-borne flavivirus, have identified sexual transmission as a new route of disease spread, which has not been reported for other flaviviruses. To be able to sexually transmit for months after the clearance of viremia, ZIKV must establish infection in the seminiferous tubules, the site of spermatozoon development. However, little is known about the cell types that support ZIKV infection in the human testis. Currently, there are no models to study mechanisms of virus persistence in the seminiferous tubules. We provide evidence that ZIKV infection of human Sertoli cells, which are an important component of the seminiferous tubules, is robust and induces a strong antiviral response. The use of an
in vitro
Sertoli cell barrier to describe how ZIKV or inflammatory mediators derived from ZIKV-infected macrophages compromise barrier integrity will enable studies to explore the interactions of other testicular cells with Sertoli cells and to test novel antivirals for clearing testicular ZIKV infection.
Daycare attendance and respiratory tract infections: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Schuez-Havupalo Linnea , Toivonen Laura , Karppinen Sinikka , Kaljonen Anne , Peltola Ville 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveWe explored the burden of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in young children with regard to day-care initiation.DesignLongitudinal prospective birth cohort study.Setting and methodsWe recruited 1827 children for follow-up until the age of 24 months collecting diary data on RTIs and daycare. Children with continuous daycare type and complete data were divided into groups of centre-based daycare (n=299), family day care (FDC) (n=245) and home care (n=350). Using repeated measures variance analyses, we analysed days per month with symptoms of respiratory tract infection, antibiotic treatments and parental absence from work for a period of 6 months prior to and 9 months after the start of daycare.ResultsWe documented a significant effect of time and type of daycare, as well as a significant interaction between them for all outcome measures. There was a rise in mean days with symptoms from 3.79 (95% CI 3.04 to 4.53) during the month preceding centre-based daycare to 10.57 (95% CI 9.35 to 11.79) at 2 months after the start of centre-based daycare, with a subsequent decrease within the following 9 months. Similar patterns with a rise and decline were observed in the use of antibiotics and parental absences. The start of FDC had weaker effects. Our findings were not changed when taking into account confounding factors.ConclusionsOur study shows the rapid increase in respiratory infections after start of daycare and a relatively fast decline in the course of time with continued daycare. It is important to support families around the beginning of daycare.
Death by HDAC Inhibition in Synovial Sarcoma Cells
Authors: Laporte Aimée N. , Poulin Neal M. , Barrott Jared J. , Wang Xiu Qing , Lorzadeh Alireza , Vander Werff Ryan , Jones Kevin B. , Underhill T. Michael , Nielsen Torsten O. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Conventional cytotoxic therapies for synovial sarcoma provide limited benefit, and no drugs specifically targeting the causative SS18-SSX fusion oncoprotein are currently available. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has been shown in previous studies to disrupt the synovial sarcoma oncoprotein complex, resulting in apoptosis. To understand the molecular effects of HDAC inhibition, RNA-seq transcriptome analysis was undertaken in six human synovial sarcoma cell lines. HDAC inhibition induced pathways of cell-cycle arrest, neuronal differentiation, and response to oxygen-containing species, effects also observed in other cancers treated with this class of drugs. More specific to synovial sarcoma, polycomb group targets were reactivated, including tumor suppressor CDKN2A, and proapoptotic transcriptional patterns were induced. Functional analyses revealed that ROS-mediated FOXO activation and proapoptotic factors BIK, BIM, and BMF were important to apoptosis induction following HDAC inhibition in synovial sarcoma. HDAC inhibitor pathway activation results in apoptosis and decreased tumor burden following a 7-day quisinostat treatment in the Ptenfl/fl;hSS2 mouse model of synovial sarcoma. This study provides mechanistic support for a particular susceptibility of synovial sarcoma to HDAC inhibition as a means of clinical treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(12); 2656–67. ©2017 AACR.
Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Therapy for Resectable Esophageal Cancer: Is There a Standard of Care?
Authors: Almhanna Khaldoun , Shridhar Ravi , Meredith Kenneth L. 
Published: September 2017

Background Carcinoma of the esophagus is an aggressive and lethal disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. Despite changes in the treatment approach over the past two decades and even following complete resection, most patients will eventually relapse and die as a result of their disease. Several clinical trials evaluated different modalities in treating locally advanced esophageal cancer; however, because of stage migration and the changes in disease epidemiology, applying these trials to clinical practice has become a daunting task. Methods We searched Medline and conference abstracts for randomized studies published in the past three decades. We restricted our search to articles published in English. Results Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection is an accepted standard of care in the United States for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Esophagectomy remains an essential component of treatment and can lead to improved overall survival, especially when performed at high-volume institutions. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy following curative resection in patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation remains unclear. Conclusions Several questions still need to be answered regarding the use of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. The optimal chemotherapy regimen has not yet been identified for these patients, although newer therapies show promise.
Is the Newest Vital Sign a Useful Measure of Health Literacy in HIV Disease?
Authors: Kordovski Victoria M. , Woods Steven Paul , Avci Gunes , Verduzco Marizela , Morgan Erin E. 
Published: September 2017

Background: Limited health literacy is common among persons infected with HIV and has been linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes, but there are no well-validated screening measures of health literacy in this vulnerable clinical population. The present study evaluates the usefulness of the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) as a brief measure of health literacy in HIV disease. Methods: Seventy-eight HIV+ adults were administered the NVS, Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), and Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS). Main criterion variables included plasma HIV viral load, medication management capacity, self-efficacy for medication management, and perceived relationships with healthcare providers. Results: The NVS showed good internal consistency and moderate correlations with the REALM and SILS. Rates of limited health literacy were highest on the NVS (30.3%) as compared to SILS (6.6%) and REALM (9.2%). A series of regressions controlling for education showed that the NVS was incrementally predictive of viral load, medication management capacity and self-efficacy, and relationships with healthcare providers, above and beyond the REALM and SILS. Conclusion: The NVS shows evidence of reliability, convergent validity, and incremental criterion-related validity and thus may serve as useful screening tool for assessing health literacy in HIV disease.
Mouse models of metastasis: progress and prospects
Authors: Gómez-Cuadrado Laura , Tracey Natasha , Ma Ruoyu , Qian Binzhi , Brunton Valerie G. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to distant sites within the body to establish secondary tumors. Although this is an inefficient process, the consequences are devastating as metastatic disease accounts for &gt;90% of cancer-related deaths. The formation of metastases is the result of a series of events that allow cancer cells to escape from the primary site, survive in the lymphatic system or blood vessels, extravasate and grow at distant sites. The metastatic capacity of a tumor is determined by genetic and epigenetic changes within the cancer cells as well as contributions from cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mouse models have proven to be an important tool for unraveling the complex interactions involved in the metastatic cascade and delineating its many stages. Here, we critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the current mouse models and highlight the recent advances that have been made using these models in our understanding of metastasis. We also discuss the use of these models for testing potential therapies and the challenges associated with the translation of these findings into the provision of new and effective treatments for cancer patients.
The Impact of University Support on the Creation of Student Entrepreneurs: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Choi Kyungmin , Park Jongwon , Cho Daegon , Chu Hyo-Youn 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study examines the effect of investment by universities on student entrepreneurial activities, with an emphasis on the mediating effect of educational support. The effectiveness of university support on students’ entrepreneurial aspirations and motivations has long been of interest to researchers; however, the outcomes of previous studies are inconclusive. These studies mostly used survey data from a fraction of universities in a given country. To treat this topic more comprehensively, we empirically analyze how university support of entrepreneurial activities affects the number of student founders using a nationwide panel data set annually collected by a government agency in South Korea. Our findings suggest a significant and positive effect of university investment in entrepreneurship on the number of student founders. Differential mediating effects are observed according to the type of educational support. The results of this study may provide guidance in policy development for university and college educators in the form of a few recommendations for policymakers based on an understanding of the effectiveness of investments related to entrepreneurial activities.