bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among Women of Somali and Kurdish Origin in Finland
Authors: Koukkula Mimmi , Keskimäki Ilmo , Koponen Päivikki , Mölsä Mulki , Klemetti Reija 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe tradition of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has spread in Europe as a result of immigration. Although it is known to have negative health impacts, the exact prevalence of FGM/C and its health effects in Finland are unknown. This study explores the prevalence of FGM/C, the sociodemographic characteristics associated with it, and its health effects among women of Somali and Kurdish origin in Finland.MethodsData were obtained from the Migrant Health and Well Being Study carried out in 2010–2012. This study uses data from interviews with Somali (N = 165) and Kurdish origin (N = 224) women. The participation rate was 37 percent for Somali and 54 percent for Kurdish origin women.ResultsThe prevalence of FGM/C was 69 percent among those of Somali origin and 32 percent among those of Kurdish origin. Having no education and older age were significantly associated with FGM/C, as was marriage amongst women of Somali origin, and the practice of Islam among women of Kurdish origin. Reporting good self‐perceived health was more common among women without FGM/C. Outpatient visits to medical doctors were less common among women of Somali origin with FGM/C, compared with women without FGM/C. About 26 percent of Somali origin and 39 percent of Kurdish origin women with FGM/C reported reproductive or other health problems because of FGM/C.DiscussionFGM/C is more common in Finland than previously assumed, particularly among women of Kurdish origin. Women with FGM/C need improved access to culturally competent health services to address the health impacts of FGM/C. Education and outreach to immigrant communities to prevent future FGM/C are also urgently needed.
Incorporating husband influences into a model of physical activity among older women
Authors: Ranby Krista W. , Aiken Leona S. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundHealth behaviour models focus primarily on intrapersonal constructs (e.g., self‐efficacy) which are good predictors of intention but less so of actual behaviour. Influences from the social environment, namely from close others, may improve prediction of engagement in ongoing behaviour.ObjectivesThis study sought to broadly assess husband influence on physical activity and to determine whether a multidimensional assessment of husband influence would improve prediction of wives’ physical activity.DesignA two‐wave (separated by 4 months) observational study of married women was employed.MethodWomen (n = 160, Mage = 63 years) reported intention, planning, and self‐efficacy for physical activity as well as previous month physical activity through Wave 1 mailed surveys. In Wave 2 telephone interviews conducted 4 months later, women reported on their perception of husband influences and their own physical activity in the previous month.ResultsPsychometric analyses supported five components of social support along with social control, injunctive norms, and descriptive norms as a broad assessment of husband social influence on physical activity. Husband influences significantly improved prediction of wives’ physical activity, over and above intrapersonal predictors (ΔR2 = .09). Social control related negatively to behaviour; moderation analyses revealed a strong negative association when women's intentions were low.ConclusionsThis work highlights the interpersonal social context and post‐intentional influences on daily health behaviour and offers guidance on the expansion of models of health behaviour as well as potential targets for intervention.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Behavioural intentions are the best predictors of behaviour; however, much variability in actual behaviour remains to be explained. Romantic partners are frequent providers of health‐related social support and social control.

What does this study add?

Provides multidimensional assessment of husband influence.

Improves prediction of behaviour using husband influences.

Demonstrates moderator of social control on behaviour.
Dendritic cells in inflammatory sinonasal diseases
Authors: Cao P.‐P. , Shi L.‐L. , Xu K. , Yao Y. , Liu Z. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are critical in linking the innate and adaptive immune responses, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many immune and inflammatory diseases as well as the development of tumours. The role of DCs in the pathophysiology of lung diseases has been widely studied. However, the phenotype, subset and function of DCs in upper airways under physiological or pathological conditions remain largely undefined. Allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are two important upper airway diseases with a high worldwide prevalence. Aberrant innate and adaptive immune responses have been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of AR and CRS. To this end, understanding the function of DCs in shaping the immune responses in sinonasal mucosa is critical in exploring the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AR and CRS as well as in developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the phenotype, subset, function and regulation of DCs in sinonasal mucosa, particularly in the setting of AR and CRS. Furthermore, this review discusses the perspectives for future research and potential clinical utility focusing on DC pathways in the context of AR and CRS.
Increase in pollen sensitization in Swedish adults and protective effect of keeping animals in childhood
Authors: Bjerg A. , Ekerljung L. , Eriksson J. , Näslund J. , Sjölander S. , Rönmark E. , Dahl Å. , Holmberg K. , Wennergren G. , Torén K. , Borres M. P. , Lötvall J. , Lundbäck B. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundTo date, most studies of the ‘allergy epidemic’ have been based on self‐reported data. There is still limited knowledge on time trends in allergic sensitization, especially among adults.ObjectiveTo study allergic sensitization, its risk factors and time trends in prevalence.MethodsWithin West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS), a population‐based sample of 788 adults (17–60 years) underwent skin prick tests (SPTs) for 11 aeroallergens 2009–2012. Specific IgE was analysed in 750 of the participants. Those aged 20–46 years (n = 379) were compared with the European Community Respiratory Health Survey sample aged 20–46 year from the same area (n = 591) in 1991–1992.ResultsAmong those aged 20–46 years, the prevalence of positive SPT to pollen increased, timothy from 17.1% to 29.0% (P < 0.001) and birch from 15.6% to 23.7% (P = 0.002) between 1991–1992 and 2009–2012. Measurements of specific IgE confirmed these increases. Prevalence of sensitization to all other tested allergens was unchanged. In the full WSAS sample aged 17–60 years, any positive SPT was seen in 41.9%, and the dominating sensitizers were pollen (34.3%), animals (22.8%) and mites (12.6%). Pollen sensitization was strongly associated with rhinitis, whereas indoor allergens were more associated with asthma. Growing up with livestock or furred pets decreased the risk of sensitization, adjusted odds ratio 0.53 (0.28–0.995) and 0.68 (0.47–0.98), respectively.ConclusionPollen sensitization has increased in Swedish adults since the early 1990s, while the prevalence of sensitization to other allergens has remained unchanged. This is one plausible explanation for the increase in rhinitis 1990–2008 in Swedish adults, during which time the prevalence of asthma, which is more associated with perennial allergens, was stable. Contact with animals in childhood seems to reduce the risk of sensitization well into adulthood. One major factor contributing to the rise in pollen allergy is a significant increase in levels of birch and grass pollen over the past three decades.
Infliximab therapy balances regulatory T cells, tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) expression and soluble TNFR2 in sarcoidosis
Authors: Verwoerd A , Hijdra D , Vorselaars A D M , Crommelin H A , van Moorsel C H M , Grutters J C , Claessen A M E 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology that most commonly affects the lungs. Although elevated levels of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported, the extent to which they play a role in sarcoidosis pathogenesis remains unclear. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is thought to be one of the driving forces behind granuloma formation, illustrated by the efficacy of infliximab in severe sarcoidosis. Tregs express TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) highly. Here, we examined the influence of infliximab therapy on Tregs and (soluble) TNFR2 levels in sarcoidosis, and correlated these with response to therapy. We observed that relative frequencies of Tregs were significantly higher in patients (n = 54) compared to healthy controls (n = 26; median 6·73 versus 4·36%; P &lt; 0·001) and decreased following therapy (4·95; P &lt; 0·001). Baseline TNFR2 expression on Tregs was increased significantly in patients versus controls (99·4 versus 96·2%; P = 0·031), and also in responders to therapy versus non-responders (99·6 versus 97·3%; P = 0·012). Furthermore, baseline soluble TNFR2 (sTNFR2) was higher in responders than in non-responders (mean 174 versus 107 pg/ml; P = 0·015). After treatment, responders showed a significant reduction in sTNFR2 levels in peripheral blood (−44·7 pg/ml; P &lt; 0·001), in contrast to non-responders (+3·59 pg/ml). Our results demonstrated that Treg frequencies and TNFR2 expression on Tregs are increased in sarcoidosis, followed by a decline during infliximab therapy, suggesting a pathophysiological role of this T cell subset. Interestingly, sTNFR2 levels at baseline differed significantly between responders and non-responders, making it a potential marker in predicting which patients might benefit from infliximab.
Which molecular markers for assessing which taxonomic level? The case study of the mite family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: Vicente dos Santos Victor , Tixier Marie‐Stephane 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe use of molecular markers for resolving systematics issues has improved our knowledge of life history. However, for the taxa studied herein—the predatory mite family Phytoseiidae—molecular phylogeny is impeded by a lack of suitable markers for deeper taxonomic levels. This study aims (i) to establish DNA amplification protocols for molecular markers known to resolve supraspecific nodes in other taxa, (ii) to determine their individual performance in assessing the clustering of species, genera, tribes and subfamilies, and (iii) to characterize the additional information provided when markers are concatenated. A new phylogenetic index is proposed based on ecological concepts, considering trees as a community of nodes. New and efficient protocols for DNA amplification of six molecular markers are provided. The concatenated tree globally provides more robust and reliable information, especially for deeper nodes. However, for assessing species identification and within‐genera phylogenies, the combined use of six markers does not seem necessary, underlining the need to resize experiments depending on their taxonomic objectives. Finally, this study lays the methodological foundations with which to test the present Phytoseiidae classification as the first phylogeny obtained shows incongruence with the present morphological classification.
The Multimodality Imaging of Primary Cardiac Hydatid Cyst Located in the Right Ventricular Free Wall
Authors: Celik Murat , Yıldırım Erkan , Yuksel Uygar Cagdas , Bozlar Ugur , Karabacak Kubilay , Erol Gokhan 
Published: May 2016

Mini‐AbstractPrimary cardiac hydatid cyst seen in the right ventricle is an infrequent appearance of disease. An immediate and precise identification of cystic lesion is critical, especially if a surgery is planned. In this context, the multimodality imaging can give precious knowledge on both the lesion and its relation to other cardiac and extracardiac structures and thereby can guide the surgery.
In vitro and in vivo effects of JAK2 inhibition in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Geissler Klaus , Jäger Eva , Barna Agnes , Sliwa Thamer , Knöbl Paul , Schwarzinger Ilse , Gisslinger Heinz , Valent Peter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), colony‐forming units granulocyte/macrophage (CFU‐GM), which grow in vitro in the absence of exogenous growth factors, arise from the abnormal clone that is responsible for the overproduction of granulomonocytic cells. Previous in vitro findings including ours suggest that divergent molecular aberrations in CMML seem to converge within the GM‐CSF signaling pathway. As JAK2 is a sentinel kinase in this pathway, JAK2 inhibition may be an attractive treatment approach in CMML. We investigated the in vitro effects of the specific JAK2 inhibitor TG101209 on the autonomous CFU‐GM formation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with CMML. TG101209 was found to either block or strongly inhibit spontaneous CFU‐GM growth in all 10 patients tested. This inhibitory effect was dose dependent and significantly more pronounced as compared to the inhibitory effect on stimulated CFU‐GM growth from normal individuals. In a CMML patient with splenomegaly, who was treated with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib off label, we can demonstrate a spleen response and the disappearance of constitutional symptoms which was associated with a decrease in autonomous CFU‐GM formation ex vivo. Pharmacological JAK2 inhibition may be an interesting approach to be systematically studied in patients with CMML.
A Multi‐Family Group Intervention for Adolescent Depression: TheBEST MOODProgram
Authors: Poole Lucinda A. , Lewis Andrew J. , Toumbourou John W. , Knight Tess , Bertino Melanie D. , Pryor Reima 
Published: May 2016

Depression is the most common mental disorder for young people, and it is associated with educational underachievement, self‐harm, and suicidality. Current psychological therapies for adolescent depression are usually focused only on individual‐level change and often neglect family or contextual influences. The efficacy of interventions may be enhanced with a broader therapeutic focus on family factors such as communication, conflict, support, and cohesion. This article describes a structured multi‐family group approach to the treatment of adolescent depression: Behaviour Exchange Systems Therapy for adolescent depression (BEST MOOD).BEST MOODis a manualized intervention that is designed to address both individual and family factors in the treatment of adolescent depression.BEST MOODadopts a family systems approach that also incorporates psychoeducation and elements of attachment theories. The program consists of eight multifamily group therapy sessions delivered over 2 hours per week, where parents attend the first four sessions and young people and siblings join from week 5. The program design is specifically aimed to engage youth who are initially resistant to treatment and to optimize youth and family mental health outcomes. This article presents an overview of the theoretical model, session content, and evaluations to date, and provides a case study to illustrate the approach.
Genetic variation but weak genetic covariation between pre‐ and post‐copulatory episodes of sexual selection inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Travers L. M. , Garcia‐Gonzalez F. , Simmons L. W. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWhen females mate polyandrously, male reproductive success depends both on the male's ability to attain matings and on his ability to outcompete rival males in the fertilization of ova post‐copulation. Increased investment in ejaculate components may trade off with investment in precopulatory traits due to resource allocation. Alternatively, pre‐ and post‐copulatory traits could be positively related if individuals can afford to invest heavily in traits advantageous at both episodes of selection. There is empirical evidence for both positive and negative associations between pre‐ and post‐copulatory episodes, but little is known about the genetic basis of these correlations. In this study, we measured morphological, chemical and behavioural precopulatory male traits and investigated their relationship with measures of male fitness (male mating success, remating inhibition and offensive sperm competitiveness) across 40 isofemale lines ofDrosophila melanogaster. We found significant variation among isofemale lines, indicating a genetic basis for most of the traits investigated. However, we found weak evidence for genetic correlations between precopulatory traits and our indices of male fitness. Moreover, pre‐ and post‐copulatory episodes of selection were uncorrelated, suggesting selection may act independently at the different episodes to maximize male reproductive success.
Carry‐over effects of conditions at the wintering grounds on breeding plumage signals in a migratory bird: roles of phenotypic plasticity and selection
Authors: Järvistö P. E. , Calhim S. , Schuett W. , Sirkiä P. M. , Velmala W. , Laaksonen T. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo understand the consequences of ever‐changing environment on the dynamics of phenotypic traits, distinguishing between selection processes and individual plasticity is crucial. We examined individual consistency/plasticity in several male secondary sexual traits expressed during the breeding season (white wing and forehead patch size, UV reflectance of white wing patch and dorsal melanin coloration) in a migratory pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) population over an 11‐year period. Furthermore, we studied carry‐over effects of three environmental variables (NAO, a climatic index; NDVI, a vegetation index; and rainfall) at the wintering grounds (during prebreeding moult) on the expression of these breeding plumage traits of pied flycatcher males at individual and population levels. Whereas NAO correlates negatively with moisture in West Africa, NDVI correlates positively with primary production. Forehead patch size and melanin coloration were highly consistent within individuals among years, whereas the consistency of the other two traits was moderate. Wing patch size decreased with higher NAO and increased with higher rainfall and NDVI at the individual level. Interestingly, small‐patched males suffered lower survival during high NAO winters than large‐patched males, and vice versa during low NAO winters. These counteracting processes meant that the individual‐level change was masked at the population level where no relationship was found. Our results provide a good example of how variation in the phenotypic composition of a natural population can be a result of both environment‐dependent individual plasticity and short‐term microevolution. Moreover, when plasticity and viability selection operate simultaneously, their impacts on population composition may not be evident.
Preoperative platelet lymphocyte ratio is superior to neutrophil lymphocyte ratio to be used as predictive marker for lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Acharya Swetha , Rai Pragati , Hallikeri Kaveri , Anehosur Venkatesh , Kale Jyoti 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether the neutophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) before complete surgical staging will provide information on lymph node metastasis (LNM) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and to evaluate the relation of NLR and PLR with the various clinicopathologic characteristics.MethodsThe clinicopathological data and the preoperative complete blood investigation details were obtained from 68 OSCC patients who underwent surgical treatment. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate cut‐off, sensitivity, and specificity values for preoperative NLR and PLR in order to predict LNM.ResultsLymph node involvement was detected in 24 (35%) patients. The best cut‐off value for predicting LNM was 128.5 for the PLR, with 75% sensitivity and 70.45% specificity (P < 0.05). Fifty‐five percent of patients had PLR ≤ 128.5 and 45% had PLR > 128.5. The PLR was higher in the lymph‐node‐positive group than in the negative group (147.63 ± 35.49 vs. 120.51 ± 42.5) (P < 0.05). There was an association between PLR cut‐off and tumor stage. The best cut‐off value for predicting LNM was 1.77 for NLR, with sensitivity of 87.5% and 25% specificity (P = 0.92).ConclusionPreoperative PLR is directly associated with nodal involvement status of OSCC. Preoperative PLR is superior to NLR for predicting LNM in OSCC.
STATISTICAL ARBITRAGE PAIRS TRADING STRATEGIES: REVIEW AND OUTLOOK
Authors: Krauss Christopher 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis survey reviews the growing literature on pairs trading frameworks, i.e., relative‐value arbitrage strategies involving two or more securities. Research is categorized into five groups: The distance approach uses nonparametric distance metrics to identify pairs trading opportunities. The cointegration approach relies on formal cointegration testing to unveil stationary spread time series. The time‐series approach focuses on finding optimal trading rules for mean‐reverting spreads. The stochastic control approach aims at identifying optimal portfolio holdings in the legs of a pairs trade relative to other available securities. The category “other approaches” contains further relevant pairs trading frameworks with only a limited set of supporting literature. Finally, pairs trading profitability is reviewed in the light of market frictions. Drawing from a large set of research consisting of over 100 references, an in‐depth assessment of each approach is performed, ultimately revealing strengths and weaknesses relevant for further research and for implementation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND THE GREENED SAMUELSON RULE
Authors: Chen Yunmin , Lin Brian Chi‐ang , Anderson John E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of green government spending as an effective instrument for enhancing both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. Utilizing a model with two types of households examined in the optimal taxation literature, this paper analyzes the impact of green spending, the properties of optimal tax rates, and the optimal provision of the public good. We derive a modified greened version of the Samuelson rule, that is, the optimal provision of the public good in connection with environmental sustainability. Our results indicate that the overall effect of green spending measured in terms of government revenue is subject to several factors such as the influence of green spending on environmental sustainability, the cost of green spending, pollution effects, and so on. To determine the optimal provision of public goods, the aforementioned factors have to be taken into account. For instance, if the pollution effect is stronger, the individual marginal effective tax rate and the commodity tax rate on the polluting good will increase to discourage the demand for consuming polluting commodities.