bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do trends in mortality inequalities by deprivation and education in Scotland and England & Wales compare? A repeat cross-sectional study
Authors: McCartney Gerry , Popham Frank , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Walsh David , Schofield Lauren 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo compare the trends in mortality inequalities by educational attainment with trends using area deprivation.SettingScotland and England & Wales (E&W).ParticipantsAll people resident in Scotland and E&W between 1981 and 2011 aged 35–79 years.Primary outcome measuresAbsolute inequalities (measured using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII)) and relative inequalities (measured using the Relative Index of Inequality (RII)) in all-cause mortality.ResultsRelative inequalities in mortality by area deprivation have consistently increased for men and women in Scotland and E&W between 1981–1983 and 2010–2012. Absolute inequalities increased for men and women in Scotland, and for women in E&W, between 1981–1983 and 2000–2002 before subsequently falling. For men in E&W, absolute inequalities were more stable until 2000–2002 before a subsequent decline. Both absolute and relative inequalities were consistently higher in men and in Scotland. These trends contrast markedly with the reported declines in mortality inequalities by educational attainment and apparent improvement of Scotland’s inequalities with those in E&W.ConclusionsTrends in health inequalities differ when assessed using different measures of socioeconomic status, reflecting either genuinely variable trends in relation to different aspects of social stratification or varying error or bias. There are particular issues with the educational attainment data in Great Britain prior to 2001 that make these education-based estimates less certain.
The Absent Landscape in Xenophon’s Hiero
Authors: Fertik Harriet 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe treatment of space and place, a key issue in recent classical scholarship, has been neglected in previous discussions of Xenophon’sHiero. While the setting of the dialogue between Simonides and Hiero receives little comment in the text, I argue that the absent landscape is essential to Xenophon’s conception of tyranny. Hiero’s efforts to sate his desires and to protect himself have obliterated the landscape of Sicily. As the tyrant devours and does violence to the landscape, he alienates his community and leaves himself vulnerable and exposed. When Simonides advises Hiero to preserve and beautify the city, he shows the tyrant how to gain his subjects’ devotion and thus how to securely place himself in the world he rules. By teaching the tyrant to rebuild his landscape, however, Simonides establishes an inescapable alternation between the tyrant’s violence and self-defeat and the ultimate restoration of tyrannical power.
Winter Wind Regimes over Israel Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Berkovic Sigalit 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to objectively define and automatically reconstruct surface wind regimes over Israel. Unlike other previous studies that subjectively examined case studies or applied the semiobjective synoptic classification (SOC), this study shows the ability of the method of self-organizing maps (SOM) to directly define well-known wind regimes at the synoptic hours (0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC) during the winter. This ability sets the groundwork for future automatic climatological analysis and applications. The investigation is performed by analyzing surface wind measurements from 53 Israel Meteorological Service stations. The relation between the synoptic variables and the wind regimes is revealed from the averages of ECMWF interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) variables at each SOM wind regime. The inspection of wind regimes and their average pressure anomalies has shown that wind regimes relate to the gradient of the pressure anomalies rather than to the specific isobaric pattern. Two main wind regimes—strong western and strong eastern—are well known over this region. During daytime, SOM classification identifies these two regimes while SOC reveals only strong western regimes since SOC considers depth of the pressure gradients only in the case of low pressure centers. In accordance with previous studies, two main groups—winter low and high pressure centers and/or Red Sea troughs—are related to the strong westerly or easterly wind regimes with low diurnal variability and high daily persistence. Regimes under weak pressure gradients have higher diurnal variability, relatively lower steadiness, and weaker speed. Their daily persistence is not necessarily low.
Flood Frequency Analysis at Ungauged Sites Based on Regionally Estimated Streamflows
Authors: Requena Ana I. , Ouarda Taha B. M. J. , Chebana Fateh 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Estimation of flood events at ungauged sites is often performed through regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA). RFFA uses the available information at gauged sites to estimate the desired design events at the ungauged site. These regional methods are based on a prior aggregation of the hydrological information at the gauged sites, which implies loss of information. In the present study, a different approach or path for conducting RFFA is presented. First, the daily streamflow series at the ungauged site is regionally estimated from daily information at the gauged sites through a regional flow duration curve approach. Then, a local flood frequency analysis is performed on the extracted maximum peak flow series. The proposed approach, referred to as regional streamflow-based frequency analysis (RSBFA), is applied to a case study in the province of Quebec, Canada. Results indicate that the performance of the RSBFA approach is comparable to traditional methods. However, the proposed method has the advantages of being simple, flexible, and of providing the whole daily streamflow series at the ungauged site, which allows the direct estimation of a large number of other flow characteristics, such as low-flow features. The RSBFA approach also avoids performing a complete at-site flood frequency analysis at each gauged site. The fact that all the regional information is included in the regionally estimated daily streamflow series implies a number of benefits: annual or seasonal, absolute or specific, stationary or nonstationary, and univariate or multivariate flood quantiles corresponding to any return period may then be obtained through the estimated series without reconducting a regional analysis.
Association between Hypertension and Epistaxis: Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Min Hyun Jin , Kang Hyun , Choi Geun Joo , Kim Kyung Soo 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveWhether there is an association or a cause‐and‐effect relationship between epistaxis and hypertension is a subject of longstanding controversy. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the association between epistaxis and hypertension and to verify whether hypertension is an independent risk factor of epistaxis.Data SourcesA comprehensive search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases.Review MethodsThe review was performed according to the Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis guidelines.ResultsWe screened 2768 unique studies and selected 10 for this meta‐analysis. Overall, the risk of epistaxis was significantly increased for patients with hypertension (odds ratio, 1.532 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.181‐1.986]; number needed to treat, 14.9 [95% CI, 12.3‐19.0]). Results of the Q test and I2 statistics suggested considerable heterogeneity ( = 0.038, I2 = 49.3%). The sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding 1 study at a time, and it revealed no change in statistical significance.ConclusionAlthough this meta‐analysis had some limitations, our study demonstrated that hypertension was significantly associated with the risk of epistaxis. However, since this association does not support a causal relationship between hypertension and epistaxis, further clinical trials with large patient populations will be required to determine the impact of hypertension on epistaxis.
Pericytes secrete pro-regenerative molecules in response to platelet-derived growth factor-BB
Authors: Gaceb Abderahim , Özen Ilknur , Padel Thomas , Barbariga Marco , Paul Gesine 
Published: July 2017

Brain pericytes not only maintain the anatomical, biochemical and immune blood–brain barrier, but display features of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. MSCs have pro-regenerative properties attributed to their secretome. However, whether also brain pericytes possess such pro-regenerative capacities is largely unknown. Here we characterize the secretome and microvesicle (MV) release of human brain pericytes mediated by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)/PDGF receptor beta (PDGFRβ) signalling. Upon PDGF-BB, pericytes release not only a plethora of growth factors and a panel of cytokines, but also MVs containing BDNF, FGFb, βNGF, VEGF and PLGF, a response that is specific for PDGFRβ signalling and activation of the ERK 1/2 pathway. In contrast, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an activator of the innate immune system, stimulates the secretion of much higher amounts of mainly inflammatory cytokines and activates the NFκB pathway. Pericytes change their morphology and undergo opposite changes in surface marker expression, respectively. Our findings provide evidence that the secretome of human brain pericytes varies greatly depending on the exogenous stimulus. The differential secretory functions of pericytes may play an important role in either regulating neuroinflammation or contributing to neurorestoration and identify a possible new target cell for neuroregeneration.
Hospitable universities and integration of refugees: First responses from Austria and Poland
Authors: Kontowski Daniel , Leitsberger Madelaine 
Published: July 2017

European universities responded in different ways to the ‘refugee crisis’ of 2015. Some subscribed to the agenda of higher education (HE) as a universal human right, while others stressed different long-term benefits of offering access to it. Yet, the unprecedented sense of moral urgency that guided immediate declarations of support and subsequent actions has largely remained unaddressed. With the crisis becoming a new reality for many countries, HE has a role to play in the social inclusion of refugees, even in countries that were not attractive destinations for refugees in the past. In this article, we provide an overview of the reasons why HE institutions supported refugees, and present the results of an empirical study of Poland and Austria during the 2015–2016 academic year. We then evaluate those first responses utilizing parts of Ager and Strang’s framework of integration, and discuss issues of institutional readiness, capabilities and the public role of HE stemming from this comparison. Our findings suggest that reasons such as acknowledgement of basic rights, or utilizing social capital are insufficient to explain and understand strong integrative support measures. We propose that refugee support by HE institutions is both better understood and promoted through the language of hospitality.
Tiny RNAs and their voyage via extracellular vesicles: Secretion of bacterial small RNA and eukaryotic microRNA
Authors: Choi Ji-Woong , Um Jee-Hyun , Cho Jin-Hyun , Lee Heon-Jin 
Published: July 2017

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that bind to the 3′-untranslated region of target mRNAs and have transcriptional or translational inhibitory function in eukaryotes. Before microRNAs were widely known, bacterial non-coding small RNAs around 50–200 nt in length were discovered whose mechanism of action resembled that of microRNAs. Recently, RNAs that are of similar size to or smaller than microRNAs have been discovered in bacteria and indeed, this class of small RNAs have been found throughout all domains of life. Moreover, recent findings suggest that these tiny RNAs can be released via extracellular vesicles (such as exosomes in eukaryotes and outer membrane vesicles in bacteria), which in turn heralds a new field of research, interkingdom communication. This review discusses two similar classes of small RNAs in evolutionarily distinct eukaryotes and bacteria. In addition to their biogenesis and regulation, we discuss small RNA vehicles and their secretion. Impact statement The possible endogenous functions of small RNAs such as regulatory small RNAs in bacteria and microRNAs in eukaryotes have been extensively studied since they were first discovered. However, their powerful functions should not be seen as limited to their cells of origin. Recently, several papers have demonstrated that small RNAs function as signaling molecules between cells. This is possible because small RNAs can be shuttled around after being incorporated into environmentally protective extracellular vesicles. It is now clearly plausible that secreted small RNAs can regulate other types of cells through biofluids. Given their “common molecule” status, the role of small RNAs in mediating bacteria-human crosstalk is an emerging and competitive area of genetic research. This review provides insight into the function of small RNAs in intercellular and even interkingdom communication.
Topical moringin cream relieves neuropathic pain by suppression of inflammatory pathway and voltage-gated ion channels in murine model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Giacoppo Sabrina , Iori Renato , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela 
Published: July 2017

Background Neuropathic pain represents the major public health burden with a strong impact on quality life in multiple sclerosis patients. Although some advances have been obtained in the last years, the conventional therapies remain poorly effective. Thus, the discovery of innovative approaches to improve the outcomes for multiple sclerosis patients is a goal of primary importance. With this aim, we investigated the efficacy of the 4-(α−L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate (moringin), purified from Moringa oleifera seeds and ready-to-use as topical treatment in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, murine model of multiple sclerosis. Female C57BL/6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55) were topically treated with 2% moringin cream twice daily from the onset of the symptoms until the sacrifice occurred about 21 days after experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction. Results Our observations showed the efficacy of 2% moringin cream treatment in reducing clinical and histological disease score, as well as in alleviating neuropathic pain with consequent recovering of the hind limbs and response to mechanical stimuli. In particular, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed that 2% moringin cream was able to counteract the inflammatory cascade by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-17 and interferon-γ) and in parallel by increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10). Interestingly, 2% moringin cream treatment was found to modulate the expression of voltage-gated ion channels (results focused on P2X7, Nav 1.7, Nav 1.8 KV4.2, and α2δ-1) as well as metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5 and xCT) involved in neuropathic pain initiation and maintenance. Conclusions Finally, our evidences suggest 2% moringin cream as a new pharmacological trend in the management of multiple sclerosis-induced neuropathic pain.
A Description of Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in a Major Urban Center Receiving Conservative Care
Authors: Kamar Fareed B. , Tam-Tham Helen , Thomas Chandra 
Published: July 2017

Background: Conservative/palliative (nondialysis) management is an option for some individuals for treatment of stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little is known about these individuals treated with conservative care in the Canadian setting. Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients treated with conservative care for category G5 non-dialysis CKD in a Canadian context. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Urban nephrology center. Patients: Patients with G5 non-dialysis CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min/1.73 m2). Measurements: Baseline patient demographic and clinical characteristics of conservative care follow-up, advanced care planning, and death. Methods: We undertook a descriptive analysis of individuals enrolled in a conservative care program between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2015. Results: One hundred fifty-four patients were enrolled in the conservative care program. The mean age and standard deviation was 81.4 ± 9.0 years. The mean modified Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 3.4 ± 2.8. The median duration of conservative care participation was 11.5 months (interquartile range: 4-25). Six (3.9%) patients changed their modality to dialysis. One hundred three (66.9%) patients died during the study period. Within the deceased cohort, most (88.2%) patients completed at least some advanced care planning before death, and most (81.7%) of them died at their preferred place. Twenty-seven (26.7%) individuals died in hospital. Limitations: Single-center study with biases inherent to a retrospective study. Generalizability to non-Canadian settings may be limited. Conclusions: We found that individuals who chose conservative care were very old and did not have high levels of comorbidity. Few individuals who chose conservative care changed modality and accepted dialysis. The proportions of engagement in advanced care planning and of death in place of choice were high in this population. Death in hospital was uncommon in this population.
The Influence of Medical Insurance on Patient Access to Orthopaedic Surgery Sports Medicine Appointments Under the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Wiznia Daniel H. , Nwachuku Emmanuel , Roth Alexander , Kim Chang-Yeon , Save Ameya , Anandasivam Nidharshan S. , Medvecky Michael , Pelker Richard 
Published: July 2017

Background: The goal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was to expand patient access to health care. Since the rollout of the PPACA, Medicaid patients have demonstrated difficulty obtaining appointments in some specialty care settings. Purpose: To assess the effect of insurance type (Medicaid and private) on patient access to orthopaedic surgery sports medicine specialists for a semiurgent evaluation of a likely operative bucket-handle meniscus tear. The study was designed to determine whether disparities in access exist since the PPACA rollout. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The design was to call 180 orthopaedic surgery sports medicine specialists in 6 representative states (California, Ohio, New York, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina) between June 2015 and December 2015. An appointment was requested for the caller’s fictitious 25-year-old-brother who had suffered a bucket-handle meniscus tear. Each office was called twice to assess the ease of obtaining an appointment: once for patients with Medicaid and once for patients with private insurance. For each call, data pertaining to whether an appointment was given, wait times, and barriers to receiving an appointment were recorded. Results: A total of 177 surgeons were called within the study period. Overall, 27.1% of offices scheduled an appointment for a patient with Medicaid, compared with 91.2% ( P < .0001) for a patient with private insurance. Medicaid patients were significantly more likely to be denied an appointment due to lack of referral compared with private patients (40.2% vs 3.7%, P < .0001), and Medicaid patients were more likely to experience longer wait times for an appointment (15 vs 12 days, P < .029). No significant differences were found in patients’ access to orthopaedic surgery sports medicine specialists between Medicaid-expanded and -nonexpanded states. Medicaid reimbursement for knee arthroscopy with meniscus repair was not significantly correlated with appointment success rate or patient waiting periods. Conclusion: Despite the passage of the PPACA, patients with Medicaid have reduced access to care. In addition, patients with Medicaid confront more barriers to receiving appointments than patients with private insurance and wait longer for an appointment.
Systems and precision medicine approaches to diabetes heterogeneity: a Big Data perspective
Authors: Capobianco Enrico 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBig Data, and in particular Electronic Health Records, provide the medical community with a great opportunity to analyze multiple pathological conditions at an unprecedented depth for many complex diseases, including diabetes. How can we infer on diabetes from large heterogeneous datasets? A possible solution is provided by invoking next‐generation computational methods and data analytics tools within systems medicine approaches. By deciphering the multi‐faceted complexity of biological systems, the potential of emerging diagnostic tools and therapeutic functions can be ultimately revealed. In diabetes, a multidimensional approach to data analysis is needed to better understand the disease conditions, trajectories and the associated comorbidities. Elucidation of multidimensionality comes from the analysis of factors such as disease phenotypes, marker types, and biological motifs while seeking to make use of multiple levels of information including genetics, omics, clinical data, and environmental and lifestyle factors. Examining the synergy between multiple dimensions represents a challenge. In such regard, the role of Big Data fuels the rise of Precision Medicine by allowing an increasing number of descriptions to be captured from individuals. Thus, data curations and analyses should be designed to deliver highly accurate predicted risk profiles and treatment recommendations. It is important to establish linkages between systems and precision medicine in order to translate their principles into clinical practice. Equivalently, to realize their full potential, the involved multiple dimensions must be able to process information ensuring inter‐exchange, reducing ambiguities and redundancies, and ultimately improving health care solutions by introducing clinical decision support systems focused on reclassified phenotypes (or digital biomarkers) and community‐driven patient stratifications.
Η Φτώχεια στο Δήμο Αθηναίων: Στατιστικοί Δείκτες και Ποιοτική Ανάλυση
Authors: Πετράκη Μαρία , Υφαντόπουλος Γιάννης 
Published: July 2017

Το άρθρο αυτό εξετάζει τους κοινωνικούς και οικονομικούς παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τον κίνδυνο φτώχειας στο Δήμο Αθηναίων. Χρησιμοποιούνται στοιχεία από δειγματοληπτική έρευνα που διενεργήθηκε το β΄ εξάμηνο του 2012 σε τυχαίο δείγμα 800 νοικοκυριών.Τα ερευνητικά ερωτήματα είναι τα εξής: Ποιά είναι η έκταση και το βάθος της φτώχειας στο Δήμο Αθηναίων; Ποιές είναι οι ομάδες υψηλού κινδύνου; Ποιοί είναι αυτοί που πλήττονται περισσότερο από την κρίση; Υπάρχουν διαφορές στη φτώχεια μεταξύ Συνόλου Ελλάδος και Δήμου Αθηναίων; Η ανάλυση των στοιχείων βασίζεται σε απλές και σύνθετες κατανομές καθώς και σε σχετικούς ποσοτικούς δείκτες και ποιοτικές αναλύσεις. Ιδιαίτερα, αναδεικνύεται ότι ο κίνδυνος φτώχειας στην Αθήνα κυμαίνεται σε υψηλά επίπεδα, τα οποία όμως είναι χαμηλότερα από ότι ισχύει για το σύνολο της χώρας (έτος 2013: 23,1%).Καθώς οι κοινωνικές δαπάνες περιορίζονται λόγω της κρίσης, διαπιστώνεται ότι οι στοχευμένες πολιτικές σε τοπικό επίπεδο είναι απαραίτητες για την ανακούφιση των ομάδων κάτω από το όριο φτώχειας και όσων πλήττονται από την οικονομική ύφεση.