bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of CD8+ T‐cells with bone erosion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Joo Young Bin , Park Youngho , Kim Kwangwoo , Bang So‐Young , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Lee Hye‐Soon 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimBone erosion is a major problem worsening quality of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients’ lives. However, causal factors responsible for bone erosion in RA have remained unclear. We aimed to examine genetic variants conferring bone erosion in RA using a Korean genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and to search for possible biological mechanisms underlying the development of bone erosion.MethodWe obtained genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for 711 Korean RA patients using Illumina HapMap 550v3/660W arrays. Associations between SNPs and bone erosion status based on the Steinbrocker staging system were examined using multivariate logistic regression. Cell‐type‐specific enrichment of the epigenomic chromatin annotation H3K4me3 at the bone erosion associated variants was further investigated using National Institute of Health Roadmap Epigenomics data.ResultsAs we tested the associations between 439 289 SNPs and bone erosion in 385 patients with erosive RA and 326 with non‐erosive RA, none of the tested SNPs reached the genome‐wide significance threshold, although many loci showed modest genetic effect on bone erosion status with suggestive association (e.g., rs2741200 [P = 3.75 × 10−6] in the SLA‐TG locus and rs12422918 [P = 4.13 × 10−6] in SRGAP1). However, the top‐ranked SNPs and their linked proxies, which were mostly located in non‐coding variants, were significantly co‐localized with the highly tissue‐specific regulatory marker H3K4me3 in CD8+ memory T‐cells (P = 0.014).ConclusionAlthough, there was no large‐effect variants associated with bone erosion in our GWAS, we have shown that CD8+ memory T‐cells may have relevance with bone erosion in patients with RA through the analysis of ChiP‐seq data.
High‐dose intravenous steroid pulse therapy in ocular involvement of Behcet's disease: a pilot double‐blind controlled study
Authors: Mohammadi Mastaneh , Shahram Farhad , Shams Hormoz , Akhlaghi Massoomeh , Ashofteh Farimah , Davatchi Fereydoun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy of intravenous high‐dose pulses of methylprednisolone (IVPM) for treatment of ocular involvement in Behcet's disease (BD).MethodIn a double‐blind control study, we randomized BD patients with posterior uveitis (PU) and/or retinal vasculitis (RV) into two groups. They received either IVPM (1000 mg methylprednisolone) or placebo for 3 consecutive days. Both groups received combination therapy with IV cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and prednisolone for 6 months. Visual acuity (VA), Disease Activity Index (DAI) based on the inflammatory state of each section of each eye, total inflammatory (TIAI) and adjusted DAI (TADAI) for each patient were calculated. The comparisons were done by paired t‐ and Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsSeventeen patients in each group completed the treatment. The mean VA improved from 0.5 to 0.8 (P < 0.000001) for the study and from 0.6 to 0.7 (P < 0.02) for the placebo group. The difference was significant (P = 0.01). The comparison showed no significant difference regarding DAI improvement in other items (P > 0.2): PU, 1.9 to 0.5 (P < 0.0006) versus 2.3 to 0.8 (P < 0.0002); RV: 4.0 to 1.1 (P < 0.0004) versus 3.1 to 1.1 (P < 0.0005); TIAI: 23 to 5.7 (P < 0.0002) versus 24.8 to 8.4 (P < 0.003); TADAI: 24.1 to 7.3 (P < 0.0002) versus 25.9 to 7.9 (P < 0.004). We had one flare in the study versus seven in the placebo group (P < 0.005).ConclusionAdding high‐dose intravenous steroid pulse therapy to conventional combination therapy for severe ocular lesions of BD may cause better improvement on VA and fewer flares during the first 6 months of treatment.
Unraveling the expression of microRNA‐27a* & NKG2D in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and natural killer cells of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Sourour Shady K. , Aboelenein Heba R. , Elemam Noha M. , Abdelhamid Amira K. , Salah Samia , Abdelaziz Ahmed I. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground and aimThe activity of natural killer (NK) cells is known to be decreased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Nevertheless, the exact contribution of NK cells in the pathogenesis of SLE is still inconclusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small noncoding RNA molecules that play a fundamental role in regulating NK cell function. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of miRNAs that might potentially target an essential activating receptor, NKG2D in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and NK cells of SLE patients.MethodsIn silico analysis revealed miR‐27a* to potentially target NKG2D messenger RNA (mRNA), hence PBMCs and NK cells were isolated from blood samples of SLE patients and healthy controls. Next, the cells were transfected using mimics and antagomirs, after which miRNA/mRNA were quantified using real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe results of this study showed that miR‐27a* is overexpressed in the PBMCs and NK cells of SLE patients. In contrast, NKG2D was found to be downregulated in PBMCs and NK cells of SLE patients. Forcing the expression of miR‐27a* in PBMCs and NK cells enhances the expression of NKG2D in SLE patients. Furthermore, the ligand of NKG2D, ULBP2, was found to be downregulated in the PBMCs of SLE patients.ConclusionThe altered expression of the triad, miR‐27a* as well as NKG2D and ULBP2, is thought to be characteristic for NK cells in SLE patients. Hence, the ability of miR‐27a* to alter the expression of NKG2D may provide a new groundwork for understanding the role of miRNAs in NK cells of SLE patients.
Recursive Norm Development: The Role of Supranational Courts
Authors: Scribner Druscilla , Slagter Tracy 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHow do supranational regional courts, which occupy a space between the national and international, contribute to normative development? We demonstrate that norms are dynamic and require ‘translation’ in order to impact the international system and find expression at the national level. Norm translation is a recursive and dynamic process. We connect this process with research on transnational legal orders (TLOs) and introduce the notion of an ‘adjudicatory space’ in which international norms are interpreted by supranational judicial actors such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter‐American Court of Human Rights. We present a case study demonstrating how supranational courts utilize case‐law from many different sources to apply, refine, and cross‐culturally translate meanings of a norm (in this case violence against women as gender discrimination) into different regional and national cultural contexts. The recursive process of cross‐referencing and restatement of norms in supranational adjudicatory space demonstrated in the case study suggests that norm development is progressive, non‐linear, and non‐hierarchical. The case study also indicates that the locus of norm translation and refinement is not confined to well‐established human rights machinery of Europe; in the Global South local and transnational norm entrepreneurs are challenging social and legal norms.
Effect of species‐counting protocols and the spatial distribution of effort on rarefaction curves in relation to decision making in environmental‐impact assessments
Authors: Koblitz Rodrigo Vasconcelos , Lima Albertina Pimentel , Menin Marcelo , Rojas Diana , Condrati Luiz Henrique , Magnusson William Ernest 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRarefaction Curves are frequently used in Environmental Impact Assessments to evaluate sampling sufficiency, but without clear guidelines of how to ensure that the assumptions of the methods are met. Infrastructure projects in the Brazilian Amazon and elsewhere often occupy extensive areas in remote locations with difficult access, and random sampling under such conditions is impractical. We tested the influence of sampling unit (sample or individual), and geographic distance between samples on rarefaction curve s, and evaluated the magnitude of errors resulting from the misuse of rarefaction curve in decision making, using frogs from four Amazonian sampling sites. Individual‐based rarefaction curve were steeper than those generated by sample‐based rarefaction curve. Geographic distance influenced the number of exclusive species in a predictable fashion only in one area, and not in the Environmental Impact Assessment site. Misuse of rarefaction curve generated large errors in the identification of vulnerable taxa. Because the rarefaction curve model is sensitive to the assumption of randomness and geographic distance can influence it unpredictably, we suggest that rarefaction curve should generally not be used to estimate sample completeness when making management decisions for environmental licensing purposes.
Subspecialty approach for the management of acute cholecystitis: an alternative to acute surgical unit model of care
Authors: Tran Sonia , Choi Vincent , Hepburn Kirsten , Hewitt Nathan , Zhou Joel , Chan Daniel L. , Talbot Michael L. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundAcute cholecystitis is a common condition. Recent studies have shown an association between creation of an acute surgical unit (ASU) and improved outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a subspecialty based approach to the management of acute cholecystitis as an alternative to the traditional ‘generalist’ general surgery approach or the ASU model.MethodA 6‐year retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients admitted under a dedicated upper gastrointestinal service for acute cholecystitis undergoing emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy.ResultsSeven hundred emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed over this time. A total of 486 patients were available for analysis. The median time to operation was 2 days and median length of operation was 80 min. A total of 86.9% were performed during daylight hours. Eight cases were converted to open surgery (1.6%). Intra‐operative cholangiography was performed in 408 patients. The major complication rate was 8.2%, including retained common bile duct stones (2.3%), sepsis (0.2%), post‐operative bleeding (0.4%), readmission (0.6%), bile leak (2.1%), AMI (0.4%), unscheduled return to theatre (0.6%) and pneumonia (0.8%). There were no mortalities and no common bile duct injuries.ConclusionOver a time period that encompasses the current publications on the ASU model, a subspecialty model of care has shown consistent results that exceed established benchmarks. Subspecialty management of complex elective pathologies has become the norm in general surgery and this study generates the hypothesis that subspecialty management of patients with complex emergency pathologies should be considered a valid alternative to ASU. Access block to emergency theatres delays treatment and prolongs hospital stay.
Derivation and validation of the APPEND score: an acute appendicitis clinical prediction rule
Authors: Mikaere Hinetamatea , Zeng Irene , Lauti Melanie , Kularatna Malsha , MacCormick Andrew D. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundAlthough many clinical prediction rules (CPRs) for appendicitis exist, none have been developed for a New Zealand population presenting with right iliac fossa (RIF) pain. The aim of this study was to derive and validate an appendicitis CPR for our population.MethodThis is a retrospective review of all patients from December 2010 to February 2012 of at least 15 years of age presenting to the general surgery service with RIF pain. Patient data were divided into derivation and validation groups. Univariate and multiple regression analyses identified significant predictors of appendicitis which were used to construct a CPR. A retrospective validation study was then performed and the CPR was refined accordingly. Finally, the accuracy of the CPR was tested.ResultsThe final components of the new CPR, the APPEND score, were Anorexia, migratory Pain, local Peritonism, Elevated C‐reactive protein, Neutrophilia and male gender (Dude). This CPR has an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84. The CPR can stratify patients into low, intermediate and high‐risk groups which may standardize patient care and reduce the negative appendicectomy rate.ConclusionA new CPR for predicting appendicitis, in patients presenting with RIF pain, has been derived and validated for use in our population. A prospective study to further evaluate its performance is required.
How Does Trade Openness Affect Regional Demographic Transitions? Evidence from China's Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Zhu Shujin , Li Renyu , Zhong Tenglong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of trade openness and other variables on the demographic transition in China using the instrumental variables regression method based on provincial panel data for the period between 1981 and 2013. The results indicate that trade openness is one of the determinants of China's demographic transition and has two distinct effects: (i) an income effect that accelerated the demographic transition by increasing per capita income; and (ii) a human capital effect that suppressed the demographic transition by reducing human capital accumulation. The effects of trade on demographic transition vary across different regions. This study identifies the important determinants of demographic transition in China's regions, and has rich policy implications for demographic transition and the upgrading of trade structure.
Comparing predictors of part‐time and no vocational engagement in youth primary mental health services: A brief report
Authors: Cairns Alice J. , Kavanagh David J. , Dark Frances , McPhail Steven M. 
Published: May 2017

AimThis investigation aims to identify if correlates of not working or studying were also correlated with part‐time vocational participation.MethodsDemographic and vocational engagement information was collected from 226 participant clinical charts aged 15 to 25 years accessing a primary youth health clinic. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine potential correlates no and part‐time vocational engagement compared to those full‐time.ResultsA total of 33% were not working or studying and 19% were part‐time. Not working or studying was associated with secondary school dropout and a history of drug use. These associations were not observed in those participating part‐time.ConclusionsThis result suggests that the markers of disadvantage observed in those not working or studying do not carry over to those who are part‐time. Potentially, those who are part‐time are less vulnerable to long‐term disadvantage compared to their unemployed counterparts as they do not share the same indicators of disadvantage.
Moisture‐induced greening of the South Asia over the past three decades
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Tao , Liu Dan , Guo Hui , Huang Huabing , Zhao Yutong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSouth Asia experienced a weakening of summer monsoon circulation in the past several decades, resulting in rainfall decline in wet regions. In comparison with other tropical ecosystems, quantitative assessments of the extent and triggers of vegetation change are lacking in assessing climate‐change impacts over South Asia dominated by crops. Here, we use satellite‐based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to quantify spatial–temporal changes in vegetation greenness, and find a widespread annual greening trend that stands in contrast to the weakening of summer monsoon circulation particularly over the last decade. We further show that moisture supply is the primary factor limiting vegetation activity during dry season or in dry region, and cloud cover or temperature would become increasingly important in wet region. Enhanced moisture conditions over dry region, coinciding with the decline in monsoon, are mainly responsible for the widespread greening trend. This result thereby cautions the use of a unified monsoon index to predict South Asia's vegetation dynamics. Current climate–carbon models in general correctly reproduce the dominant control of moisture in the temporal characteristics of vegetation productivity. But the model ensemble cannot exactly reproduce the spatial pattern of satellite‐based vegetation change mainly because of biases in climate simulations. The moisture‐induced greening over South Asia, which is likely to persist into the wetter future, has significant implications for regional carbon cycling and maintaining food security.
Methane emission from feather moss stands
Authors: Kanaparthi Dheeraj , Reim Andreas , Martinson Guntars O. , Pommerenke Bianca , Conrad Ralf 
Published: May 2017

AbstractData from remote sensing and Eddy towers indicate that forests are not always net sinks for atmospheric CH4. However, studies describing specific sources within forests and functional analysis of microorganisms on sites with CH4 turnover are scarce. Feather moss stands were considered to be net sinks for carbon dioxide, but received little attention to their role in CH4 cycling. Therefore, we investigated methanogenic rates and pathways together with the methanogenic microbial community composition in feather moss stands from temperate and boreal forests. Potential rates of CH4 emission from intact moss stands (n = 60) under aerobic conditions ranged between 19 and 133 pmol CH4 h−1 gdw−1. Temperature and water content positively influenced CH4 emission. Methanogenic potentials determined under N2 atmosphere in darkness ranged between 22 and 157 pmol CH4 h−1 gdw−1. Methane production was strongly inhibited by bromoethane sulfonate or chloroform, showing that CH4 was of microbial origin. The moss samples tested contained fluorescent microbial cells and between 104 and 105 copies per gram dry weight moss of the mcrA gene coding for a subunit of the methyl CoM reductase. Archaeal 16S rRNA and mcrA gene sequences in the moss stands were characteristic for the archaeal families Methanobacteriaceae and Methanosarcinaceae. The potential methanogenic rates were similar in incubations with and without methyl fluoride, indicating that the CH4 was produced by the hydrogenotrophic rather than aceticlastic pathway. Consistently, the CH4 produced was depleted in 13C in comparison with the moss biomass carbon and acetate accumulated to rather high concentrations (3–62 mM). The δ13C of acetate was similar to that of the moss biomass, indicating acetate production by fermentation. Our study showed that the feather moss stands contained active methanogenic microbial communities producing CH4 by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and causing net emission of CH4 under ambient conditions, albeit at low rates.
Which factors most influence referral for restorative dental treatment under sedation and general anaesthesia in children with complex disabilities: caries severity, child functioning, or dental service organisation?
Authors: Norderyd Johanna , Faulks Denise , Molina Gustavo , Granlund Mats , Klingberg Gunilla 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe UN Convention on the Rights of the Child gives all children right to the highest standard of services for treatment and rehabilitation. For children with disabilities, sedation and general anaesthesia (GA) are often indicated for dental treatment; however, accessibility to this varies. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Child and Youth version (ICF‐CY) enables a biopsychosocial description of children undergoing dental treatment.AimTo investigate conscious sedation and GA in children with complex disabilities and manifest caries and analyse how caries, child functioning, and dental service organisation relate to dental GA (DGA), comparing Argentina, France, and Sweden using the ICF‐CY.DesignQuantitative, cross‐sectional; data collected through structured interviews, observation, and dental records.ResultsSedation and DGA were common. Children with limitations in interpersonal interactions and relationships were more likely to have had DGA (OR: 5.3, P = 0.015). Level of caries experience was strongly correlated with experience of DGA. There were significant differences between countries regarding caries prevalence, sedation, DGA, and functional and environmental factors.ConclusionsAlthough caries experience and child functioning are important, dental health service organisation had the most impact on the incidence of DGA, and for the use of conscious sedation, for children with complex disabilities.
Responsiveness of the Arabic version of the ECOHIS to dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia
Authors: Farsi Deema J. , Farsi Nada J. , El‐Housseiny Azza A. , Damanhouri Wesam H. , Farsi Najat M. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe Arabic version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (A‐ECOHIS) has been validated, but its ability to detect change was not tested.AimTo evaluate the responsiveness of the A‐ECOHIS to dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia (DRGA).DesignA consecutive sample of 131 parents of children aged 6 years or younger, scheduled for DRGA were recruited from three public hospitals. The parents completed the A‐ECOHIS before and 4 weeks following DRGA. The responsiveness of the A‐ECOHIS was assessed by evaluating changes in scores before and after DRGA, and by measuring the change in scores in relation to the global question.ResultsThe A‐ECOHIS scores were higher among parents who reported poor oral health on the global question than those reporting better oral health (P = 0.001). There was a significant reduction in the scores at follow‐up (P < 0.001). The effect size was 1.5 for the total scale, and 1.3 and 1.6 for the child and family impacts, respectively. After DRGA, the child and family impact section scores decreased by 78.6% and 77.9%, respectively. The majority of parents reported improvement in children's overall oral health‐related quality of life post‐operatively (94%).ConclusionThe A‐ECOHIS was responsive to DRGA.
Health service network design: a robust possibilistic approach
Authors: Mousazadeh M. , Torabi S. A. , Pishvaee M. S. , Abolhassani F. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a biobjective mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model is developed for a hierarchical three‐level health service network design problem, which is then transformed to its linear counterpart. The model aims to minimize the total establishment cost and total weighted distance between patient zones and health facilities simultaneously. In order to cope with inherent epistemic uncertainty in input parameters, four variants of a novel hybrid robust possibilistic programming (HRPP) approach are introduced. Finally, a real case study is provided to illustrate the performance and applicability of the proposed HRPP models in practice.