bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does coffee consumption impact on heaviness of smoking?
Authors: Ware Jennifer J. , Tanner Julie‐Anne , Taylor Amy E. , Bin Zhao , Haycock Philip , Bowden Jack , Rogers Peter J. , Davey Smith George , Tyndale Rachel F. , Munafò Marcus R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsCoffee consumption and cigarette smoking are strongly associated, but whether this association is causal remains unclear. We sought to: (1) determine whether coffee consumption influences cigarette smoking causally, (2) estimate the magnitude of any association and (3) explore potential mechanisms.DesignWe used Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses of observational data, using publicly available summarized data from the Tobacco and Genetics (TAG) consortium, individual‐level data from the UK Biobank and in‐vitro experiments of candidate compounds.SettingThe TAG consortium includes data from studies in several countries. The UK Biobank includes data from men and women recruited across England, Wales and Scotland.ParticipantsThe TAG consortium provided data on n ≤ 38 181 participants. The UK Biobank provided data on 8072 participants.MeasurementsIn MR analyses, the exposure was coffee consumption (cups/day) and the outcome was heaviness of smoking (cigarettes/day). In our in‐vitro experiments we assessed the effect of caffeic acid, quercetin and p‐coumaric acid on the rate of nicotine metabolism in human liver microsomes and cDNA‐expressed human CYP2A6.FindingsTwo‐sample MR analyses of TAG consortium data indicated that heavier coffee consumption might lead to reduced heaviness of smoking [beta = −1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −2.88 to −0.09]. However, in‐vitro experiments found that the compounds investigated are unlikely to inhibit significantly the rate of nicotine metabolism following coffee consumption. Further MR analyses in UK Biobank found no evidence of a causal relationship between coffee consumption and heaviness of smoking (beta = 0.20, 95% CI = –1.72 to 2.12).ConclusionsAmount of coffee consumption is unlikely to have a major causal impact upon amount of cigarette smoking. If it does influence smoking, this is not likely to operate via effects of caffeic acid, quercetin or p‐coumaric acid on nicotine metabolism. The observational association between coffee consumption and cigarette smoking may be due to smoking impacting on coffee consumption or confounding.
Changes in the structure of Melolonthidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) assemblages along a temporal gradient in a natural reserve in Chaco, Argentina
Authors: Ibarra Polesel Mario G , Damborsky Miryam P 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMelolonthidae beetles have been proposed as bioindicators because of their important role in the ecosystem and sensitivity to disturbance processes. However, the assemblage structure of these species in Argentina is unknown. In this study, the first attempt at determining Melolonthidae diversity, we analysed the abundance and diversity of the Melolonthidae assemblage and the species richness turnover over a period of three years. We collected samples in a gallery forest relict of a small protected area in which two light traps were installed. We collected a total of 474 specimens belonging to 38 species, two of which are new records for Argentina. The assemblage was characterised by numerous rare species, and the richness and diversity as well as the distribution of species abundance varied over the three years of the study. Replacement values varied based on the similarity indices that were used. Selected environmental variables (relative humidity, temperature and rainfall) were correlated with the richness and the abundance of the beetles. Our results suggest that the community of Melolonthidae could be considered dynamic, even over relatively short periods of time. Rare species play a major role in analyses of the similarity between assemblages and could suggest exaggerated turnover values. The high richness of the study area may be due to its good state of preservation or to its small area, which allows the entry of species from surrounding environments, showing how complex and fluid the Melolonthidae community can be in small patches of forest.
Impact of postoperative positioning on the outcome of pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: comparison between supine and prone positioning
Authors: Otsuka Keiko , Imai Hisanori , Miki Akiko , Nakamura Makoto 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPurposeTo compare the postoperative anatomic success rates and the frequency of complications between prone or supine postoperative positioning after transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).MethodsAll patients underwent primary 27‐gauge TSV for the treatment of primary RRD. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: group A was patients instructed to keep strict postoperative prone positioning for a minimum of 8 days. Group B was patients instructed to keep the prone positioning on the day of the surgery followed by supine positioning for minimum of 7 days from the day after surgery.ResultSixty‐two eyes were enrolled (group A: 32, group B: 30). There was no significant difference in baseline data between two groups. The initial and final anatomical success rates were 93.8% and 100% in group A and 93.3% and 100% in group B, respectively (p = 1, p = 1, respectively). Posterior synechia of the iris occurred in one eye in group A and in two eyes in group B (p = 0.61). Macular pucker and retinal fold did not occur in either group. Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP; mmHg) was 14.5 ± 2.9 in group A and 14.5 ± 2.6 in group B (p = 0.92). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was not statistically different between the groups during the follow‐up period (p = 0.36, p = 0.07, respectively).ConclusionSupine positioning may be an option as a postoperative positioning after TSV and gas tamponade for the treatment of RRD.
Bullying and cyberbullying studies in the school‐aged population on the island of Ireland: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Foody Mairéad , Samara Muthanna , O'Higgins Norman James 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundBullying research has gained a substantial amount of interest in recent years because of the implications for child and adolescent development.Aim and sampleWe conducted a meta‐analysis of traditional and cyberbullying studies in the Republic and North of Ireland to gain an understanding of prevalence rates and associated issues (particularly psychological correlates and intervention strategies) among young people (primary and secondary school students).MethodFour electronic databases were searched (PsychArticles, ERIC, PsychInfo and Education Research Complete) for studies of traditional bullying and cyberbullying behaviours (perpetrators, victims or both) published between January 1997 and April 2016.ResultsA final sample of 39 articles fit our selection criteria. CMA software was used to estimate a pooled prevalence rate for traditional/cyberbullying victimization and perpetration. A systematic review on the psychological impacts for all types of bullying and previously used interventions in an Irish setting is also provided.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate the influence moderating factors (e.g., assessment tools, answer scale, time frame) have on reported prevalence rates. These results are discussed in light of current studies, and points for future research are considered.
Acetylsalicylic acid in critically ill patients: a cross‐sectional and a randomized trial
Authors: Schoergenhofer Christian , Hobl Eva‐Luise , Schwameis Michael , Gelbenegger Georg , Staudinger Thomas , Heinz Gottfried , Speidl Walter S. , Zauner Christian , Reiter Birgit , Lang Irene , Jilma Bernd 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite decades of clinical use, the pharmacokinetics and the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in critically ill patients remain ill‐defined. We aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and the effects of different ASA formulations during critical illness.DesignA cross‐sectional study and a randomized, parallel‐group trial were performed. Critically ill patients under chronic oral ASA treatment (100 mg enteric‐coated) were screened for high ‘on‐treatment’ platelet reactivity (HTPR) according to arachidonic acid‐induced whole‐blood aggregometry. Thirty patients with HTPR were randomized to receive 100 mg ASA intravenously, 100 mg enteric‐coated ASA bid (bis in die) or 81 mg chewable ASA (n = 10 per group). Serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels, ASA and salicylic acid levels were quantified.ResultsOf 66 patients, 85% (95% confidence intervals 74–93%) had HTPR. Compared to baseline infusion of 100 mg, ASA significantly reduced platelet aggregation after 24 h to median 80% (Quartiles: 66–84%). Intake of 81 mg chewable ASA significantly reduced platelet aggregation to 75% (54–86%) after four hours, but increased it to 117% after 24 h (81–163%). Treatment with 100 mg enteric‐coated ASA bid decreased platelet aggregation after 24 h to median 56% (52–113%). Baseline TXB2 levels were median 0·35 ng/mL (0·07–0·94). Infusion of ASA or intake of 100 mg ASA bid reduced TXB2 levels to 0·07–0·18 ng/mL after 24 h, respectively. Chewable ASA reduced TXB2 levels only transiently. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed highly variable absorption patterns of oral ASA formulations.ConclusionThere is a very high prevalence of HTPR in critically ill patients on peroral ASA therapy, caused by an incomplete suppression of TXB2 and/or by impaired absorption of ASA.
Outcome predictors in dilated cardiomyopathy or myocarditis
Authors: Kuethe Friedhelm , Franz Marcus , Jung Christian , Porrmann Christiane , Reinbothe Franziska , Schlattmann Peter , Egerer Renate , Mall Gerhard 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to identify parameters of prognostic relevance in patients presenting with chronic left ventricular dysfunction who underwent endomyocardial biopsy.Materials and methodsA total of 351 consecutive patients (age 47·7 ± 12·6 years, 281 male) with a chronic left ventricular dysfunction were enrolled. Endomyocardial biopsies were analysed by histopathology according to Dallas criteria and immunohistological WHO criteria. Virus genome was detected by polymerase chain reaction. The combined end point was time to death or heart transplantation.ResultsAbout 19% of patients (n = 67) showed positive Dallas criteria and 39% (n = 118) immunohistochemical signs of inflammation. Viral genome was present in 58% (n = 155). During follow‐up, 25% (n = 89; 76 death, 13 HTx) reached the end point. Dallas‐positive histopathology (hazard ratio: 0·42; 95% CI: 0·29–0·84, P = 0·031), ejection fraction (hazard ratio: 0·97; 95% CI: 0·94–0·99, P = 0·019) and β‐blocker therapy (hazard ratio: 0·41; 95% CI: 0·23–0·69, P = 0·003) were independent outcome predictors. For patients under β‐blocker therapy, Dallas‐positive histopathology (hazard ratio: 0·37; 95% CI: 0·25–0·76, P = 0·009) and NYHA class III and class IV (hazard ratio: 2·11; 95% CI: 1·04–3·12, P = 0·006) were independent predictors.ConclusionsFor patients with a chronic left ventricular dysfunction, Dallas‐positive histopathology, β‐blocker therapy and left ventricular ejection fraction are the most striking parameters for outcome prediction.
Retrospective study on the incidence and outcome of proven and probable invasive fungal infections in high‐risk pediatric onco‐hematological patients
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Tridello Gloria , Castagnola Elio , Calore Elisabetta , Carraro Francesca , Mariotti Ilaria , Colombini Antonella , Perruccio Katia , Decembrino Nunzia , Russo Giovanna , Maximova Natalia , Baretta Valentina , Caselli Désirée 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundInvasive fungal infection (IFI) is a cause of morbidity, mortality and increased health costs in children undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).MethodsMulticenter, retrospective study to assess the incidence, outcome of proven and probable IFI (PP‐IFI) in children treated for acute leukemia, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma or who underwent HSCT from 2006 to 2012.ResultsOver the 7‐year period, 127 PP‐IFI were diagnosed in 123 patients, median age of 9.7 years. The 1‐year cumulative incidence was 2.5% (CI 1.8‐3.7) after frontline chemotherapy, 9.4% (CI 5.8‐15.0) after relapse, and 5.3% (CI 3.9‐7.1) after HSCT. Severe neutropenia was present in 98 (77%) patients. Culture‐proven agents were Candida spp., mostly non‐albicans, 28, mold 23, whereas three proven IFI were identified by histopathology. Favorable response to treatment within 3 months from diagnosis was observed in 77 (89%). The overall ninety‐day probability of survival was 68% (CI 59‐76).ConclusionsAbout two‐thirds of pediatric patients with PP‐IFI survived, regardless of whether the infection occurred after frontline chemotherapy, reinduction chemotherapy for disease relapse, or after HSCT. Further prospective studies are needed to define the impact of antifungal prophylaxis and early combination therapy on short‐term overall survival.
Tracing the origin of the early wet‐season Anopheles coluzzii in the Sahel
Authors: Lehmann Tovi , Weetman David , Huestis Diana L. , Yaro Alpha S. , Kassogue Yaya , Diallo Moussa , Donnelly Martin J. , Dao Adama 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn arid environments, the source of the malaria mosquito populations that re‐establish soon after first rains remains a puzzle and alternative explanations have been proposed. Using genetic data, we evaluated whether the early rainy season (RS) population of Anopheles coluzzii is descended from the preceding late RS generation at the same locality, consistent with dry season (DS) dormancy (aestivation), or from migrants from distant locations. Distinct predictions derived from these two hypotheses were assessed, based on variation in 738 SNPs in eleven A. coluzzii samples, including seven samples spanning 2 years in a Sahelian village. As predicted by the “local origin under aestivation hypothesis,” temporal samples from the late RS and those collected after the first rain of the following RS were clustered together, while larger genetic distances were found among samples spanning the RS. Likewise, multilocus genotype composition of samples from the end of the RS was similar across samples until the following RS, unlike samples that spanned the RS. Consistent with reproductive arrest during the DS, no genetic drift was detected between samples taken over that period, despite encompassing extreme population minima, whereas it was detected between samples spanning the RS. Accordingly, the variance in allele frequency increased with time over the RS, but not over the DS. However, not all the results agreed with aestivation. Large genetic distances separated samples taken a year apart, and during the first year, within‐sample genetic diversity declined and increased back during the late RS, suggesting a bottleneck followed by migration. The decline of genetic diversity followed by a mass distribution of insecticide‐treated nets was accompanied by a reduced mosquito density and a rise in the mutation conferring resistance to pyrethroids, indicating a bottleneck due to insecticidal selection. Overall, our results support aestivation in A. coluzzii during the DS that is accompanied by long‐distance migration in the late RS.
Anterior compartment descent: A new measure in the assessment of urethral hypermobility in women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Serdinšek Tamara , But Igor 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo introduce a new, simple, non‐invasive test to quantify urethral hypermobility.MethodsWe reviewed data of women with urinary incontinence who were examined at the Department for General Gynaecology and Urogynaecology, Clinic for Gynaecology and Perinatology, Maribor, Slovenia, between October 2010 and March 2014. Patients’ age, diagnosis, results of the Q‐tip test and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements were collected. In addition, a new parameter was defined as anterior compartment descent, a midline distance between the external urethral meatus and maximum descent of the anterior vaginal wall when performed the Valsalva maneuver. Statistical analysis was performed with spss software using the Mann–Whitney test, correlation, regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The analysis was also carried out separately for patients with anterior compartment prolapse stage 0 or I.ResultsA total of 472 women were included, 323 of them with anterior compartment prolapse stage 0 or I. Women with urethral hypermobility had significantly higher anterior compartment descent values than patients without urethral hypermobility (3.7 cm vs 2.6 cm, P < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between anterior compartment descent and the Q‐tip test (Spearman's rho = 0.55, P < 0.001). Age and anterior compartment descent were identified as independent variables for the presence of urethral hypermobility. When the cut‐off value is set at 3.5 cm, anterior compartment descent represents a test for urethral hypermobility assessment with sensitivity of 65.2%, specificity of 88.6%, positive predictive value of 97.0% and negative predictive value of 30.7%. Anterior compartment descent values were also significantly higher in patients with anterior compartment prolapse stage 0 or I (3.4 ± 0.7 cm vs 2.6 ± 0.7 cm, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe anterior compartment descent could be a valuable tool for the assessment of urethral hypermobility. Further effort should be directed into the standardization of the technique, determination of the normal range of anterior compartment descent, and its intra‐ and interobserver reliability.
New developments in chyluria after global programs to eliminate lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Abeygunasekera Anuruddha M , Sutharshan Kugadas , Balagobi Balasingam 
Published: May 2017

AbstractChyluria, commonly seen in south Asian countries, is mainly a manifestation of lymphatic filariasis as a result of infestation with Wuchereria bancrofti, although many other causes can contribute. Many patients can be effectively treated with dietary modifications and drug therapy. The most widely used drug is diethyl carbamazine. The recurrences are common after such treatment. Such patients would benefit from sclerotherapy to obliterate the lympatico‐renal fistulae located mainly in the renal pelvicalyceal system. The commonly used sclerosing agent is a combination of 5% povidone‐iodine and 50% dextrose instilled through a ureteric catheter. A small percentage of patients who recur after sclerotherapy and those with systemic complications, such as hypoproteinemia and edema, might require surgery in the form of renal hilar lymphatic disconnection. Although it is a major operation, the success rates are >90%. Laparoscopic and robotic techniques have minimized the morbidity related to such surgery. With the advent of the global program for eradication of filariasis initiated by the World Health Organization, the incidence of the disease is decreasing. Mass chemotherapy with diethyl carbamazine is the mainstay of this global program. Many years after eliminating filariasis, chyluria continue to occur in such populations, though in dwindling numbers. Future research should aim at finding more efficacious sclerosing agents with minimal recurrences.
Identification and expression profiling of novel plant cell wall degrading enzymes from a destructive pest of palm trees, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Authors: Antony B. , Johny J. , Aldosari S. A. , Abdelazim M. M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPlant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) from insects were recently identified as a multigene family of proteins that consist primarily of glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and carbohydrate esterases (CEs) and play essential roles in the degradation of the cellulose/hemicellulose/pectin network in the invaded host plant. Here we applied transcriptomic and degenerate PCR approaches to identify the PCWDEs from a destructive pest of palm trees, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, followed by a gut‐specific and stage‐specific differential expression analysis. We identified a total of 27 transcripts encoding GH family members and three transcripts of the CE family with cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase activities. We also identified two GH9 candidates, which have not previously been reported from Curculionidae. The gut‐specific quantitative expression analysis identified key cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases from R. ferrugineus. The expression analysis revealed a pectin methylesterase, RferCE8u02, and a cellulase, GH45c34485, which showed the highest gut enriched expression. Comparison of PCWDE expression patterns revealed that cellulases and pectinases are significantly upregulated in the adult stages, and we observed specific high expression of the hemicellulase RferGH16c4170. Overall, our study revealed the potential of PCWDEs from R. ferrugineus, which may be useful in biotechnological applications and may represent new tools in R. ferrugineus pest management strategies.
Activation of Aedes aegypti prophenoloxidase‐3 and its role in the immune response against entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Wang Y. , Jiang H. , Cheng Y. , An C. , Chu Y. , Raikhel A. S. , Zou Z. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSerine protease cascade‐mediated melanization is an important innate immune response in insects and crustaceans, which involves the proteolytic activation of prophenoloxidase (PPO). In this study, we investigated the role of Aedes aegypti PPO3 in antifungal immune defence. We expressed and purified recombinant PPO3 (rPPO3) in Escherichia coli and demonstrated that rPPO3 was activated by ethanol and, to a lesser extent, by cetylpyridinium chloride. In the presence of Cu2+, rPPO3 exhibited enzyme activity. Immunoblot results revealed that the rPPO3 was cleaved by the haemolymph from immune‐challenged mosquitoes or purified Ostrinia furnacalis serine protease 105 in vitro. The cleaved rPPO3 converted dopamine to toxic intermediates that killed fungal conidia of Beauveria bassiana in vitro. In mosquitoes challenged with Be. bassiana, cleavage of rPPO3 produced a 50 kDa phenoloxidase (PO) fragment. Further analysis revealed that the survival rate of mosquitoes with fungal infection increased significantly following injection of rPPO3 into the haemocoel. Taken together, our results suggest that proteolytic cleavage of the mosquito PPO3 plays an important role in the antifungal immune response. This has led to a better understanding of the mechanism of PPO activation in the mosquito and the role of melanization in the antifungal immune response.
Academies 2 – The New Batch: The Changing Nature of Academy Schools in England
Authors: Eyles Andrew , Machin Stephen , Silva Olmo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe English education system has undergone large‐scale restructuring through the introduction of academy schools. The most salient feature of these schools is that, despite remaining part of the state sector, they operate with more autonomy than the predecessors they replaced. Two distinct periods of academy school introduction have taken place, under the auspices of different governments. The first batch was initiated in the 2002–03 school year by the Labour government of the time, and was a school improvement programme directly aimed at turning around badly performing schools. The second batch involved a mass academisation process following the change of government in May 2010 and the Academies Act of that year, which resulted in increased heterogeneity of new academies. This paper compares the two batches of introduction with the aim of getting a better understanding of their similarities and differences, and their importance for education policy. To do so, we study what types of schools were more likely to change to academy status in the two programmes, and the impact of this change on the quality of new pupil enrolments into the new types of school. Whilst we do point out some similarities, these are the exception rather than the norm. For the most part, our analysis reveals a number of marked dissimilarities between the two programmes, in terms of both the characteristics of schools that became academies and the changes in pupil intakes that occurred post‐conversion.