bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eltrombopag (thrombopoietin‐receptor agonist) and plasmapheresis as rescue therapy of acute post‐renal transplant immune thrombocytopenia in a child with Schimke immuno‐osseous dysplasia—case report
Authors: Grenda Ryszard , Jarmużek Wioletta , Latoszyńska Joanna , Prokurat Sylwester , Rubik Jacek 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSIOD is rare disorder related to SMARCAL1 or SMARCAL2 gene mutation, including (among other comorbidities) T‐cell immunodeficiency, nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure. Up to 22% of primary patients may develop various autoimmune disorders. We report the case of 11‐year‐old male with SIOD, who presented ITP at 2 years after renal transplantation with decrease in platelet count (from normal) to 56 000/μL and then (gradually) to 2000/μL. There was no effect of iv. methylprednisolone/dexamethasone. As the presence of antibodies against GPIIb/IIIa, GPIb, and GPIaIIa platelet glycoproteins was confirmed, patient was given 50 g of IVIG and then was put on plasmapheresis; however, both showed poor direct effect. As we were afraid to give rituximab (due to expected overimmunosuppression), we prescribed the oral TPO‐receptor agonist (eltrombopag). Patient responded after 17 days of therapy, to the final dose of 50 mg/d (approx. 2 mg/kg). The antiplatelet antibodies disappeared after four plasmapheresis. Overall, the therapy was continued for 7 weeks and was stopped at platelet count of 433 000/μL. Platelet count remained stable in 8‐month follow‐up. Combination of plasmapheresis and TPO‐receptor agonist was effective in post‐renal transplant acute ITP in patient with SIOD.
Fulminant respiratory failure due to progressive metastatic pulmonary calcification with no predisposing factors after successful renal transplantation: A case report
Authors: Ueno Kazuyuki , Shimizu Masaki , Uchiyama Akio , Hatasaki Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe report the patient with MPC who developed fulminant respiratory failure that leads to death with no predisposing factors after successful renal transplantation. In addition to infectious diseases, MPC should be kept in mind when post‐transplantation patients develop pulmonary symptoms. The majority of the patients with MPC are asymptomatic; however, some patients develop fulminant respiratory failure and may progress to death. MPC can develop or progress in patients with no predisposing factors after successful renal transplantation.
On the after‐use and restoration of abandoned extracted peatlands in the Baltic countries
Authors: Karofeld Edgar , Jarašius Leonas , Priede Agnese , Sendžikaitė Jūratė 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), mires directly affected by peat extraction cover almost 90,000 ha. Of these, over 26,200 ha have already been extracted and are abandoned. The main aim of this article is to give an overview of the extent of extracted peatlands in the Baltics, the legislative background around the land‐use options, and the directions of after‐use of peatlands since the middle of the 20th century. We also critically review results from restoration of abandoned extracted peatlands and assess whether they are on a trajectory toward reinitiation of paludification and functioning mire ecosystems. Almost all currently existing abandoned extracted peatlands in the Baltics were abandoned during and shortly after the Soviet period (1940–1991) without any restoration measures. The rest of the extracted areas were mostly afforested, converted into agricultural lands, berry plantations, or water bodies. The after‐use was mostly experimental, lacking systematic, proper assessment of outcome, cost and benefits, and side effects. The data are scarce but it could be estimated that only <10% (Estonia and Lithuania) and <20% (Latvia) of the total area of abandoned extracted peatlands were used for some purposes after peat extraction. Recently, several trials aimed at restoring the mire vegetation and ecosystem functions have been started in abandoned extracted peatlands in all three countries. In the coming years, the restoration of extracted peatlands in the Baltics will start on much bigger areas within different projects and initiatives cofinanced by the European Union.
The Effect of Income on Mortality—new Evidence for the Absence of a Causal Link
Authors: Ahammer Alexander , Thomas Horvath G. , Winter-Ebmer Rudolf 
Published: September 2016

Summary
We analyse the effect of income on mortality in Austria by using administrative social security data. To tackle potential endogeneity concerns arising in this context, we estimate time invariant firm-specific wage components and use them as instruments for actual wages. Although we find quantitatively small yet statistically significant effects in our naive least squares estimations, instrumental variables regressions reveal a robust zero effect of income on 10-year death rates for workers aged 40–60 years, both in terms of coefficient magnitude and narrow width of confidence intervals. These results are robust to various sample specifications and both linear and non-linear estimation methods.
Change Point Estimation in High Dimensional Markov Random-Field Models
Authors: Roy Sandipan , Atchadé Yves , Michailidis George 
Published: September 2016

Summary
The paper investigates a change point estimation problem in the context of high dimensional Markov random-field models. Change points represent a key feature in many dynamically evolving network structures. The change point estimate is obtained by maximizing a profile penalized pseudolikelihood function under a sparsity assumption. We also derive a tight bound for the estimate, up to a logarithmic factor, even in settings where the number of possible edges in the network far exceeds the sample size. The performance of the estimator proposed is evaluated on synthetic data sets and is also used to explore voting patterns in the US Senate in the 1979–2012 period.
The effect of foot overpronation on Achilles tendon blood supply in healthy male subjects
Authors: Karzis K. , Kalogeris M. , Mandalidis D. , Geladas N. , Karteroliotis K. , Athanasopoulos S. 
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate Achilles tendon blood flow in individuals with overpronated feet during non‐weight‐ and weight‐bearing positions. Achilles tendon blood flow was measured by means of the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) in 15 male individuals with overpronated feet and 15 counterparts with normal feet, using power Doppler ultrasonography (PDI). Achilles tendon ultrasonographic (US) assessment was performed at its musculo‐tendinous junction (MTJ), mid‐tendon (MT), and osseotendinous junction (OTJ) at a non‐weight‐bearing relaxed position (RP) and during two‐leg stance (TLS) and one‐leg upright stance (OLS). PI and RI indices were significantly greater in individuals with overpronated feet compared to individuals with normal feet at the OTJ in OLS position (P < 0.01), and at MT in both TLS (P < 0.001) and OLS positions (P < 0.001). All individuals demonstrated also greater PI and RI indices at MT followed by the OTJ and MTJ in all positions (P < 0.001), and in OLS compared to TLS and the RP at the OTJ (P < 0.01) as well as at MT and MTJ (P < 0.001). The findings of the present study suggest that foot overpronation may affect Achilles tendon blood flow, particularly at mid‐tendon, thus enhancing the possibility for injury.
A test of basic psychological needs theory in young soccer players: time‐lagged design at the individual and team levels
Authors: González L. , Tomás I. , Castillo I. , Duda J. L. , Balaguer I. 
Published: September 2016

Within the framework of basic psychological needs theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) with a time‐lagged design was used to test a mediation model examining the relationship between perceptions of coaches’ interpersonal styles (autonomy supportive and controlling), athletes’ basic psychological needs (satisfaction and thwarting), and indicators of well‐being (subjective vitality) and ill‐being (burnout), estimating separately between and within effects. The participants were 597 Spanish male soccer players aged between 11 and 14 years (M = 12.57, SD = 0.54) from 40 teams who completed a questionnaire package at two time points in a competitive season. Results revealed that at the individual level, athletes’ perceptions of autonomy support positively predicted athletes’ need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), whereas athletes’ perceptions of controlling style positively predicted athletes’ need thwarting (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). In turn, all three athletes’ need satisfaction dimensions predicted athletes’ subjective vitality and burnout (positively and negatively, respectively), whereas competence thwarting negatively predicted subjective vitality and competence and relatedness positively predicted burnout. At the team level, team perceptions of autonomy supportive style positively predicted team autonomy and relatedness satisfaction. Mediation effects only appeared at the individual level.
Clause Typing and Feature Inheritance of Discourse Features
Authors: Lochbihler Bethany , Mathieu Eric 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe aim of this article is twofold. First, we claim that δ‐features (discourse features), as well as ϕ‐features, can be inherited from C to T (Richards 2007, Chomsky 2008), as shown bywh‐agreement on T in Ojibwe (Algonquian). Our analysis supports Miyagawa's (2010) hypothesis that discourse and agreement features are two sides of the same coin, which can be distributed differently crosslinguistically. Second, we propose that although ϕ and δ typically bundle together on a single C head, this is not the case in all languages and in fact will vary parametrically. Ojibwe clause typing is partitioned between agreement/ϕ‐features on independent order (i.e., plain matrix) C and discourse/δ‐features on conjunct order (e.g., embedded) C. This parameter, that certain features may or may not bundle on C, captures a significant cluster of properties in Ojibwe: Initial Change, lack of person prefixes in the conjunct order in contrast with the independent, as well as the availability of long‐distance agreement. Our proposal supports the idea that much crosslinguistic variation reduces to the distinct feature structures making up functional heads, such as v,D, and C, rather than to primitives.
Role of climate changes for wind gap formation in a young, actively growing mountain range
Authors: Hampel Andrea , Hetzel Ralf 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWind gaps in actively growing mountain ranges are unique geomorphological features testifying to the competition between tectonics and fluvial incision. Although it is clear that these landforms reflect the defeat of rivers during sustained rock uplift, the role of climate changes in their formation has never been explored. Here, we use a coupled tectonics–landscape evolution model to show that temporal changes in precipitation rate exert an important control on wind gap formation. In models with a constant precipitation rate, rivers flowing across a growing range are either defeated at an early stage or they abandon their valleys very late, if at all. If precipitation varies, wind gaps form mostly c. 100–200 ka after a transition to drier conditions because of sediment aggradation upstream of the range. Our results suggest that the Pliocene–Quaternary aridification of Central Asia contributed to wind gap formation in active mountain ranges in the foreland of northeastern Tibet.
Impact of the introduction of mandatory generic substitution in South Africa: private sector sales of generic and originator medicines for chronic diseases
Authors: Gray Andrew Lofts , Santa‐Ana‐Tellez Yared , J Wirtz Veronika 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of mandatory offer of generic substitution, introduced in South Africa in May 2003, on private sector sales of generic and originator medicines for chronic diseases.MethodsPrivate sector sales data (June 2001 to May 2005) were obtained from IMS Health for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; ATC code A02BC), HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins; C10AA), dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (C08CA), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I; C09AA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; N06AB). Monthly sales were expressed as defined daily doses per 1000 insured population per month (DDD/TIM). Interrupted time‐series models were used to estimate the changes in slope and level of medicines use after the policy change. ARIMA models were used to correct for autocorrelation and stationarity.ResultsOnly the SSRIs saw a significant rise in level of generic utilisation (0.2 DDD/TIM; P < 0.001) and a fall in originator usage (−0.1 DDD/TIM; P < 0.001) after the policy change. Utilisation of generic PPIs fell (level 0.06 DDD/TIM, P = 0.048; slope 0.01 DDD/TIM, P = 0.043), but utilisation of originator products also grew (level 0.05 DDD/TIM, P < 0.001; slope 0.003, P = 0.001). Generic calcium antagonists and ACE‐I showed an increase in slope (0.01 DDD/TIM, P = 0.016; 0.02 DDD/TIM, P < 0.001), while the originators showed a decrease in slope (‐0.003 DDD/TIM, P = 0.046; −0.01 DDD/TIM, P < 0.001). There were insufficient data on generic statin use before the policy change to allow for analysis.ConclusionThe mandatory offer of generic substitution appeared to have had a quantifiable effect on utilisation patterns in the 2 years after May 2003. Managed care interventions that were already in place before the intervention may have blunted the extent of the changes seen in this period. Generic policies are an important enabling provision for cost‐containment efforts. However, decisions taken outside of official policy may anticipate or differ from that policy, with important consequences.
Plasmodium falciparum infection in febrile Congolese children: prevalence of clinical malaria 10 years after introduction of artemisinin‐combination therapies
Authors: Etoka‐Beka Mandingha Kosso , Ntoumi Francine , Kombo Michael , Deibert Julia , Poulain Pierre , Vouvoungui Christevy , Kobawila Simon Charles , Koukouikila‐Koussounda Felix 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the proportion of malaria infection in febrile children consulting a paediatric hospital in Brazzaville, to determine the prevalence of submicroscopic malaria infection, to characterise Plasmodium falciparum infection and compare the prevalence of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria according to haemoglobin profiles.MethodsBlood samples were collected from children aged <10 years with an axillary temperature ≥37.5 °C consulting the paediatric ward of Marien Ngouabi Hospital in Brazzaville. Parasite density was determined and all samples were screened for P. falciparum by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the P. falciparum msp‐2 marker to detect submicroscopic infections and characterise P. falciparum infection. Sickle cell trait was screened by PCR.ResultsA total of 229 children with fever were recruited, of whom 10% were diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria and 21% with submicroscopic infection. The mean parasite density in children with uncomplicated malaria was 42 824 parasites/μl of blood. The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.59 in children with uncomplicated malaria and 1.69 in children with submicroscopic infection. The mean haemoglobin level was 10.1 ± 1.7 for children with uncomplicated malaria and 12.0 ± 8.6 for children with submicroscopic infection. About 13% of the children harboured the sickle cell trait (HbAS); the rest had normal haemoglobin (HbAA). No difference in prevalence of uncomplicated malaria and submicroscopic infection, parasite density, haemoglobin level, MOI and P. falciparum genetic diversity was observed according to haemoglobin type.ConclusionThe low prevalence of uncomplicated malaria in febrile Congolese children indicates the necessity to investigate carefully other causes of fever.
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM‐1) and cytokine gene variants in complicated and uncomplicated malaria
Authors: Adukpo Selorme , Gyan Ben A. , Ofori Michael F. , Dodoo Daniel , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Meyer Christian G. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundMalaria elicits inflammatory responses, which, if not well regulated, may exert detrimental effects. When activated, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM‐1) enhances inflammatory responses by increasing secretion of IL‐8 and other Th1 cytokines. In contrast, TREM‐like transcript 1 (TREML‐1) promotes anti‐inflammatory responses by binding to TREM‐1 ligands and competing with TREM‐1, thus antagonizing TREM‐1 activation to reduce inflammation. Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) also mediates anti‐inflammatory responses by activating endothelial protein C (PC). Upon microbial stimulation, soluble forms of TREM‐1 (sTREM‐1) and soluble EPCR (sEPCR) are released. Their plasma levels reflect the degree of inflammation and the severity of infection.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study comparing patients with severe with uncomplicated malaria, sTREM‐1, soluble TREML‐1 (sTREML‐1) and sEPCR plasma levels as well as plasma levels of sEPCR derived from convalescent patients were quantified. Samples were collected on admittance of paediatric patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum to hospitals in Accra, Ghana. Distinct genetic regions of the genes encoding TREM‐1, EPCR, interleukin (IL)‐8 and IL‐18 encompassing known genetic polymorphisms that influence plasma levels underwent DNA sequencing.ResultsHigher sTREM‐1 levels were observed among children suffering from severe malaria compared to those with uncomplicated malaria (P = 0.049). Low TREM‐1 to TREML‐1 ratios were associated with uncomplicated malaria (P = 0.033). The TREM1 rs2234237T variant causing the amino acid exchange Thr25Ser, which has been associated with higher TREM‐1 plasma levels, was significantly more frequent among patients with severe malaria than in those with uncomplicated malaria (P = 0.036). Low levels of sEPCR were observed in severe and uncomplicated malaria, while variant genotypes of IL8, IL18 and EPCR did not show any association.ConclusionHigher plasma levels of sTREM‐1 alone or relative to sTREML‐1 during malaria predispose to the phenotype of severe malaria. Carriage of the TREM1 rs2234237T allele appears to be a risk factor for the development of severe malaria.
Detection of different categories of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a multi‐regional study comparing the clinical sensitivity of hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV‐DNA testing
Authors: Lelie Nico , Bruhn Roberta , Busch Michael , Vermeulen Marion , Tsoi Wai‐Chiu , Kleinman Steven ,   the International NAT Study Group
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUNDTwenty‐two users of individual donation nucleic acid amplification technology (ID‐NAT) in six geographical regions provided detailed hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection data in first‐time, lapsed, and repeat donations and classified confirmed HBV‐positive donors into different infection categories. These data were used to compare the clinical sensitivity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV‐DNA testing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSIn total 10,981,776 donations from South Africa, Egypt, the Mediterranean, North and Central Europe, South East Asia, and Oceania were screened for HBV‐DNA using the Ultrio assay (Grifols/Hologic) and for HBsAg using a chemiluminescence immunoassay, and 9455 HBV‐infected donations were identified. HBsAg‐negative window period (WP), HBsAg‐positive and occult HBV infection (OBI) stages were determined using supplemental serology, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and replicate multiplex and discriminatory HBV NAT test strategies. For two regions, additional data sets using the more sensitive Ultrio Plus assay were assessed.RESULTSRegional HBV detection rates in first‐time donors varied between 0.08% and 1.07%, with WP NAT yield rates varying between 1:7700 and 1:294,000 and OBI NAT yield rates varying from 1:3900 to 1:59,000. HBsAg CLIA detected 97.0% of infections in first‐time donors, 62.7% in lapsed donors, and 41.0% in repeat donors; whereas Ultrio detected 93.1%, 95.0%, and 98.3% of infections in these respective groups. HBV‐DNA detection rates in HBsAg‐positive donors varied from 90.2% to 96.3% between regions but increased significantly (range, 95.2‐98.2%) with the Ultrio Plus assay.CONCLUSIONID‐NAT and serology are complementary in detecting HBV infection in first‐time donors, but HBV‐DNA is superior to HBsAg detection in repeat donors.
The effect of adjunctive noncontact low frequency ultrasound on deep tissue pressure injury
Authors: Honaker Jeremy S. , Forston Michael R. , Davis Emily A. , Weisner Michelle M. , Morgan Jennifer A. , Sacca Emily 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe optimal treatment for deep tissue pressure injuries has not been determined. Deep tissue pressure injuries represent a more ominous early stage pressure injury that may evolve into full thickness ulceration despite implementing the standard of care for pressure injury. A longitudinal prospective historical case control study design was used to determine the effectiveness of noncontact low frequency ultrasound plus standard of care (treatment group) in comparison to standard of care (control group) in reducing deep tissue pressure injury severity, total surface area, and final pressure injury stage. The Honaker Suspected Deep Tissue Injury Severity Scale (range 3‐18[more severe]) was used to determine deep tissue pressure injury severity at enrollment (Time 1) and discharge (Time 2). A total of 60 subjects (Treatment = 30; Control= 30) were enrolled in the study. In comparison to the control group mean deep tissue pressure injury total surface area change at Time 2 (0.3 cm2), the treatment group had a greater decrease (8.8 cm2) that was significant (t = 2.41, p = 0.014, r2 = 0.10). In regards to the Honaker Suspected Deep Tissue Injury Severity Scale scores, the treatment group had a significantly lower score (7.6) in comparison to the control group (11.9) at time 2, with a mean difference of 4.6 (t = 6.146, p = 0.0001, r2 = 0.39). When considering the final pressure ulcer stage at Time 2, the control group were mostly composed of unstageable pressure ulcer (57%) and deep tissue pressure injury severity (27%). In contrast, the treatment group final pressure ulcer stages were less severe and were mostly composed of stage 2 pressure injury (50%) and deep tissue pressure injury severity (23%) were the most common at time 2. The results of this study have shown that deep tissue pressure injury severity treated with noncontact low frequency ultrasound within 5 days of onset and in conjunction with standard of care may improve outcomes as compared to standard of care only.