bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Board characteristics and credit‐union performance
Authors: Unda Luisa A. , Ahmed Kamran , Mather Paul R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe examine the role of board characteristics on the performance of Australian credit unions during the period 2004–2012. Credit unions are unique as they are member‐owned institutions, and their directors are democratically elected by their members – an unusual governance structure that poses challenges for board effectiveness. We find that board remuneration, board expertise and attendance at meetings are associated with increased credit‐union performance and are consistent with the goal of maximising member benefits. While the unique features of credit unions limit the presence of external monitoring mechanisms, we provide evidence that these board characteristics are relevant for credit unions.
Life expectancy after the first suicide attempt
Authors: Jokinen J. , Talbäck M. , Feychting M. , Ahlbom A. , Ljung R. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo assess excess mortality among suicide attempters compared to the general population.MethodRemaining life expectancy was calculated for a nationwide cohort of all 187 894 persons 18 years or older hospitalised for the first time attempted suicide in Sweden in 1971–2010.ResultsLife expectancy was shortened throughout the lifespan for both men and women debuting with suicide attempt. The reduction in life expectancy for men debuting with a suicide attempt at 20 years of age was 18 years while the reduction for men debuting at 50 years of age was 10 years. For women attempting suicide, the life expectancy was shortened by 11 and 8 years respectively. The gender difference in life expectancy attenuated in patients making their first suicide attempt at age 70 years or older. Suicide deaths explained about 20% of the total mortality within 10 years of the suicide attempt and 5% in those with duration of four decades since the first suicide attempt.ConclusionThe life expectancy is dramatically reduced in patients attempting suicide. With most excess deaths being due to physical health conditions, public efforts should be directed both towards improving physical health and to prevent suicide.
High incidence of biliary stricture after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy
Authors: Sanjeevi Srinivas , Sparrelid Ernesto , Gilg Stefan , Jonas Eduard , Isaksson Bengt 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundAssociating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is a two‐stage procedure most frequently applied in the setting of an extended right‐sided hemi‐hepatectomy. Initial reports of high mortality have sparked debate regarding the safety and efficacy of the procedure. We describe a higher incidence of early post‐operative bile duct strictures after ALPPS, a complication rarely seen after conventional liver resection.MethodsAn institutional review was conducted to assess the incidence of post‐operative biliary strictures following conventional right‐sided or extended right‐sided hemi‐hepatectomy and ALPPS. Patient demographics and operative data were obtained from the patient database of Karolinska University Hospital.ResultsBetween 2010 and 2015, 528 hemi‐hepatectomies or extended hemi‐hepatectomies were performed, of which 500 were conventional liver resections and 28 were ALPPS. The incidence of post‐operative biliary stricture was 10.7% (n = 3) following ALPPS, 1.4% (n = 2) following extended right‐sided hepatectomy (P = 0.023; OR = 8.46; 95% CI 1.35–53.2) and 1.1% following formal right‐sided hepatectomy (P = 0.004; OR = 11.0; 95% CI 2.11–57.6). All biliary strictures were at the level of the hilum affecting the left hepatic duct. Pre‐operative comorbidity was less in the ALPPS group and post‐operative complications were more severe following ALPPS.ConclusionIatrogenic biliary strictures following conventional liver resection is an uncommon complication. It does, however, occur more frequently following ALPPS and is associated with an increased morbidity. Caution should therefore be exercised when dividing the right hilar pedicle at stage 2 of ALPPS.
Diabetic macular edema, innovative technologies and economic impact: New opportunities for the Lombardy Region healthcare system?
Authors: Foglia Emanuela , Ferrario Lucrezia , Bandello Francesco , Ferri Camilla , Figini Innocente , Franzin Michela , Gambaro Gianpiera , Introini Ugo , Medaglia Massimo , Staurenghi Giovanni , Tadini Patrizia , Fomiatti Andrea , Croce Davide 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeDiabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic benefits of introducing additional alternative technologies (Dexamethasone intravitreal implant – DEX – and Aflibercept injections), compared with the historical scenario of Ranibizumab intravitreal injections.MethodsA 3‐year budget impact model was developed, taking into consideration the perspective of the Lombardy Region Healthcare Service (LRHS). Total administration costs (real‐life data retrieved from clinical practice at three Departments of Ophthalmology) as well as costs related to the management of potential adverse events (information collected from the literature) were analysed.ResultsOver a 36‐month horizon, the results showed that a higher consumption of DEX could lead to significant economic savings for the Regional Healthcare Service, ranging from a minimum of −4.35% (if DEX were used only in the second‐line of treatment) to a maximum of −12.97% (if DEX were used in both the first‐line and second‐line), including the potential impact of adverse events. Therapy costs with Aflibercept and Ranibizumab were similar.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that concentrating all eligible patients within the Ranibizumab regimen is unlikely to represent a cost‐effective strategy. Indeed, significant economic advantages would be achieved by introducing the other licensed alternatives, Dexamethasone implant and Aflibercept, thus optimising DME Italian healthcare expenditure. The results demonstrate DEX as an advantageous technological alternative for the target population affected by DME, both as a first‐ and second‐line treatment option, reducing the economic burden of the pathology for the Regional/National Health Service.
The effect of haemopoietic stem cell transplantation on the ocular phenotype in mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler)
Authors: Javed Ahmed , Aslam Tariq , Jones Simon A. , Mercer Jean , Tyler Karen , Church Heather , Ghosh Arunabha , Wynn Robert , Sornalingam Krishanthy , Ashworth Jane 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether the ocular phenotype in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPSI) Hurler is affected by the efficacy of previous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).DesignA retrospective cohort study of patients with MPSI who had undergone treatment with HSCT.MethodsOcular phenotype was documented for each patient and compared to levels of biomarkers representing efficacy of previous transplantation. Main outcome measures: Assessment of visual acuity (VA), severity of corneal clouding and the presence of optic neuropathy or retinopathy. Biomarker assessment included dermatan sulphate/chondroitin sulphate (DS/CS) ratio and iduronidase enzyme level.ResultsSevere corneal clouding was significantly greater in patients with lower iduronidase levels (p = 0.023) and raised DS/CS ratio (R2 = 0.28 p = 0.043). Better VA was related to a higher iduronidase levels (R2 = 0.15, p = 0.004) and lower DS/CS ratio (R2 = 0.38, p = 0.001).ConclusionImproved ocular phenotypes in MPSI are associated with markers signifying efficacy of prior transplant. Early and effective HSCT may result in a better visual prognosis and reduction in ocular complications for patients with MPSI.
Diabetic macular oedema treated with intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor – 2–4 years follow‐up of visual acuity and retinal thickness in 566 patients following Danish national guidelines
Authors: Hodzic‐Hadzibegovic Delila , Sander Birgit Agnes , Monberg Tine Juul , Larsen Michael , Lund‐Andersen Henrik 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate long‐term functional and anatomical outcomes, discontinuation patterns, drug switching and rates of nonimprovement in patients treated with ranibizumab pro re nata (PRN) regimen for diabetic macular oedema (DME) according to the Danish national guidelines.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 566 eyes in 566 patients with centre‐involved DME who started intravitreal treatment with ranibizumab between January 2011 and December 2013 in the Greater Copenhagen region. Data were retrieved from a database and patient records between January 2011 and March 2016 and analysed using mixed‐model statistics.ResultsAt the conclusion of follow‐up, 24.6% were in active ranibizumab follow‐up, 25.4% had switched to other intravitreal pharmacotherapy, 31.6% had been discontinued because of disease stability, 13.8% had been lost to follow‐up, 1.4% had been discontinued because of low visual acuity (VA), and 3.2% had died. At baseline, mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and mean central subfield thickness (CST) were 64.9 (±15.0) letters and 400.2 (±120.3) μm. Mean change in BCVA and mean change in CST from baseline to 3, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of follow‐up were +3.9, +3.5, +2.7, +1.8, +2.3 letters and −97.4, −102.6, −106.9, −105.9, −131.6 μm, respectively. Mean number of injections was 6.1 in year 1 and 1.8 in year 4. In 93 patients, drug switching to aflibercept showed no difference between the two drugs on BCVA or CST. In 79 patients, CST decreased <10% compared to baseline during the first year.ConclusionIn a single‐centre clinical setting, 566 patients treated for DME with ranibizumab according to the Danish national guidelines were followed for up to 4 years. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) outcomes are in the low end of clinical studies, but studied on a wider population and achieved with fewer injections.
Wealth inequality: Theory, measurement and decomposition
Authors: Davies James B. , Fortin Nicole M. , Lemieux Thomas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper reviews the basic principles of inequality measurement, underlining the advantages and shortcomings of alternative measures from a theoretical standpoint and in the context of the study of the distribution of wealth. Adopting the two most popular measures, the Gini index and the P‐shares, the paper documents wealth inequality in Canada using the 1999, 2005 and 2012 Survey of Financial Security (SFS). It carries out several decompositions with covariates, featuring DFL‐type reweighting methods and Gini and P‐shares RIF regressions. The latter parallel decompositions deepen our understanding of how changes in socio‐demographic characteristics, including the compensating role of family formation and human capital, impact wealth inequality.
Discovery of novel negletein derivatives as potent anticancer agents for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wu Jianlei , Chen Yingyu , Liu Xuanping , Gao Yu , Hu Jianda , Chen Haijun 
Published: December 2017

Baicalin and its aglycone baicalein derived from Scutellaria baicalensis exhibited potent anticancer effects in various types of cancer cell lines. However, the unfavorable pharmaceutical properties became the main obstacle for their potential clinical development. With the aim of development of novel anticancer agents based on the skeleton of baicalin, a series of novel negletein derivatives were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 8 (FZU‐02,006) with an N,N‐dimethylamino ethoxyl moiety at the C‐6 position exhibited significant enhanced antiproliferative effect against HL‐60 cells in vitro through regulating multisignaling pathways. These results revealed that compound 8 with the improved aqueous solubility (as HCl salt, >1 mg/ml) and enhanced antileukemia potency might serve as a promising lead for further development.
Developing educators of European undergraduate dental students: Towards an agreed curriculum
Authors: Chuenjitwongsa S. , Oliver R. G. , Bullock A. D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionRecent developments in European dental education are student‐focused, concerned with competency‐based and problem‐based learning. The development of dental educators has so far received little consideration. This study aimed to agree curriculum content for developing dental educators so that they are better able to support changing undergraduate dental education.MethodsAdopting consensus methodology, a 2‐round Delphi was conducted in 2012. Fifty‐three dental educators and 39 dental students across Europe volunteered to take part. The Delphi questionnaire was developed based on literature, piloted and sent to participants to gather opinions and seek consensus on educational content using rating scales and open‐ended questions. Numeric data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed thematically.Results and DiscussionThis study revealed 7 domains of curriculum content for dental educators. Four of these domains were considered essential: educational principles; educational practice in dentistry; curriculum, quality and improvement; and educational professionalism. Three domains were viewed as optional and could be tailored to local needs: educational principles in relation to specific contexts, educational research, and educational and healthcare management. When developing training for dental educators, factors which need consideration were identified as the academic position and teaching experience of educators, and the nature of clinical dental education.ConclusionThe results are beneficial for individual educators to inform professional development plans; institutions to devise faculty developments; ADEE to inform policies on developing European dental educators; and other disciplines to inform training for their educators.
DNA and RNA binding by the Wilms' tumour gene 1 (WT1) protein +KTS and −KTS isoforms—From initial observations to recent global genomic analyses
Authors: Ullmark Tove , Montano Giorgia , Gullberg Urban 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Wilms' tumour gene 1 protein (WT1) is a zinc finger transcription factor found indispensable for foetal development. WT1 has also been implicated in the development of tumours in several organ systems, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Four main WT1 isoforms come from 2 alternative splice events. One alternative splice results in the inclusion or exclusion of 3 amino acids, KTS, between zinc fingers 3 and 4 in the WT1 protein. The KTS insert has been extensively investigated due to the functional implications for DNA and RNA binding. In this review, we provide an overview of the research into the isoforms containing or lacking the KTS insert in leukaemic cells, as well as the research into the binding patterns of the WT1 −KTS and +KTS isoforms to DNA and RNA. Finally, we connect the results of the DNA binding research to the ChIP‐CHIP and ChIP‐Seq investigations into the global genomic binding of the WT1 protein that have recently been performed.
Assessment of procoagulant potential in patients with reactive thrombocytosis and its association with platelet count
Authors: Rottenstreich Amihai , Shai Ela , Kleinstern Geffen , Spectre Galia , Varon David , Kalish Yosef 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to determine hemostatic changes and characterize the procoagulant potential among patients with reactive thrombocytosis (RT).MethodsSixty patients with RT (median platelet count 718 × 109/L) and 20 healthy persons were tested for complete blood count, C‐reactive protein, von Willebrand factor (VWF), factor VIII and fibrinogen, and thrombin generation. Platelet studies, including light transmission aggregometry and Cone and Plate(let) Analyzer, were also conducted. Reticulated platelets and platelet P‐selectin expression were measured using flow cytometry.ResultsCompared to patients with mild thrombocytosis (platelet count 500‐700 × 109/L; n = 27), those with moderate‐to‐severe thrombocytosis (platelet count >700 × 109/L; n = 33) had significantly higher fibrinogen, factor VIII, and VWF antigen and activity levels; higher endogenous thrombin potential, peak thrombin generation and velocity index levels, and shorter time‐to‐peak thrombin level. VWF antigen and activity, fibrinogen, and factor VIII were positively associated with platelet count, whereas VWF activity/antigen ratio was inversely correlated. In a multivariate analysis of RT and control participants, only platelet count predicted endogenous thrombin potential with a positive‐linear correlation. No patients developed acquired von Willebrand syndrome.ConclusionsAs determined by thrombin generation, RT was associated with in vitro prothrombotic tendency, which correlated with platelet count. This may explain the increased thromboembolic risk previously reported in patients with RT.
Outcome following second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Aljasem Hassan A. , Messner Hans A. , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan , Viswabandya Auro , Thyagu Santhosh , Deotare Uday , Michelis Fotios V. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveSecond allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) may be indicated following relapse or graft failure following first HCT. Our retrospective single‐center study sought to investigate parameters that influence post‐second allogeneic HCT survival.MethodWe investigated 92 patients who underwent second allogeneic HCT between 1980 and 2016 for relapse or graft failure following first HCT. Median age at second HCT was 41 years (range 16‐68), performed for relapse in 59 patients (64%) and for graft failure in 33 patients (36%).ResultsOn univariate analysis, 3‐year OS of the entire cohort was 35% (95% CI=25‐45). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score (3‐year OS 48% for ECOG 0‐1, 18% for ECOG 2‐3, P=.0006), second HCT indication (3‐year OS 43% for relapse, 20% for graft failure, P=.02), time from first HCT to relapse/graft failure (3‐year OS for <12months 21%, for ≥12months 46%, P=.009), and conditioning intensity (3‐year OS for MA 42% vs other regimens 23%, P=.08) significantly influenced OS. Multivariable analysis confirmed ECOG score (HR=2.15 for ECOG 2‐3, 95% CI=1.32‐3.51, P=.002) and second HCT indication (HR=1.67 for graft failure, 95% CI=1.02‐2.75, P=.04) to independently influence survival.ConclusionSecond HCT may offer long‐term survival particularly to patients with good performance status who relapse post‐first HCT.
Maintenance of equine anaesthesia over the last 50 years: Controlled inhalation of volatile anaesthetics and pulmonary ventilation
Authors: Mosing M. , Senior J. M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIn the first edition of this journal, Barbara Weaver wrote a review titled ‘Equine Anaesthesia’, stating that, at that time, it was quickly becoming accepted practice that many horses were being anaesthetised ‘by essentially similar procedures, i.e. premedication, induction and then maintenance by controlled inhalation’. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first edition of this journal, this review covers the development of understanding and practice of inhalational anaesthesia and controlled ventilation in horses over the last 50 years. We review how the perceived benefits of halothane led to its widespread use, but subsequently better understanding of halothane's effects led to changes in equine anaesthetic practice and the utilisation of different inhalation agents (e.g. isoflurane and sevoflurane). We discuss how more recently, better understanding of the effects of the ‘newer’ inhalation agents’ effects has led to yet more changes in equine anaesthetic practice, and while, further new inhalation agents are unlikely to appear in the near future, further enhancements to anaesthetic practice may still lead to improved outcomes. We review advances in our understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the equine lung as well of the effects of anaesthesia on lung function and how these predispose to some of the common problems of gas exchange and ventilation during anaesthesia. We identify the aims of optimal mechanical ventilation for anaesthetic management and whether the various methods of ventilatory support during equine anaesthesia achieve them. We also highlight that further developments in equipment and optimal ventilator modes are likely in the near future.
Multiaxial low‐cycle fatigue life evaluation under different non‐proportional loading paths
Authors: Qu W. L. , Zhao E. N. , Zhou Q. , Pi Y.‐L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper presents analytical and experimental investigations for fatigue lives of structures under uniaxial, torsional, multiaxial proportional, and non‐proportional loading conditions. It is known that the rotation of principal stress/strain axes and material additional hardening due to non‐proportionality of cycle loading are the 2 main causes resulting in shorter fatigue lives compared with those under proportional loading. This paper treats these 2 causes as independent factors influencing multiaxial fatigue damage and proposes a new non‐proportional influencing parameter to consider their combined effects on the fatigue lives of structures. A critical plane model for multiaxial fatigue lives prediction is also proposed by using the proposed non‐proportional influencing factor to modify the Fatemi‐Socie model. The comparison between experiment results and theoretical evaluation shows that the proposed model can effectively predict the fatigue life due to multiaxial non‐proportional loading.
Flourishing: positive emotion regulation strategies of pharmacy students
Authors: Basson Mariëtta J , Rothmann Sebastiaan 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate whether flourishing students use different emotion regulation strategies from moderately mentally healthy and languishing students.

Methods
Registered pharmacy students (779) at the North-West University in South Africa completed the emotion regulation profile and Mental Health Continuum – Short Form. The data were analysed using a latent class analysis in Mplus 7.31.

Key findings
Three latent classes were revealed comprising languishing (14.2%), moderately mentally healthy (47.5%) and flourishing students (38.3%). Students who flourished were more likely to use adaptive positive emotion regulation strategies (savouring the moment, behavioural display, capitalising). Students who languished were inclined to use maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (inattention, fault finding, external attribution).

Conclusion
Flourishing students increase or maintain their positive emotions and refrain from decreasing their positive emotions.