bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of HCV infection in liver transplant recipients with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir without ribavirin
Authors: Pillai A. A. , Maheshwari R. , Vora R. , Norvell J. P. , Ford R. , Parekh S. , Cheng N. , Patel A. , Young N. , Spivey J. R. , Mgbemena O. , Wedd J. P. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryBackgroundLedipasvir and sofosbuvir is a well‐tolerated regimen with high sustained virological response (SVR) rates in pre‐liver transplant patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but data in liver transplant recipients outside of clinical trials is limited.AimTo address this knowledge gap and assess SVR rates without the use of ribavirin in liver transplant recipientsMethodsThis is a retrospective study examining the treatment of 75 post‐liver transplant recipients with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir without ribavirin. Differences between SVR cohorts and predictors of SVR were analysed in an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) fashion.ResultsA total of 408 genotype 1, HCV patients were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir from October 2014 to August 2015 at our centre. Seventy‐three patients were post‐liver transplant and were treated with a median of 2.9 years from transplant. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir achieved an SVR12 of 95.9%. African Americans made up 28.8% of the cohort. Sixty‐three per cent of patients were treated previously, including 13.7% of patients previously treated with direct‐acting antivirals. Only 2.7% had recurrent allograft cirrhosis, and the majority (90.4%) was on calcineurin inhibitor based immunosuppressive therapy. Approximately 82% of patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2 or 3. In univariate logistic regression, only detectable week 8 viral load was predictive of failure to achieve SVR.ConclusionOur data confirm excellent SVR outcomes and favourable safety and tolerability profiles with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin in post‐liver transplant recipients infected with HCV, despite treatment guidelines to use ribavirin.
The dilemmas of normalising losses from climate change: Towards hope for Pacific atoll countries
Authors: Barnett Jonathon 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe idea that climate change may cause the loss of atoll countries is now taken for granted in much of climate change science, policy and media coverage. This normalisation of loss means atoll countries now face a future that is apparently finite, which is a grievous situation no other country has to contend with. This paper explains the dilemmas this presents to atoll countries. If there is a risk of forced migration, then strategic planning can minimise its social impacts. Yet, doing so may bring future dangers into the present by undermining efforts to facilitate adaptation to climate change, creating new identities and deterring investments in sustainable resource management. To overcome this dilemma, the paper argues for a more hopeful approach to the future of atoll countries, because for as long as the science of loss remains uncertain, and the limits to adaptation are unknown, forced migration cannot be taken as a matter of fact and could possibly be averted through emission reductions and a vastly improved and significantly more creative approach to adaptation.
Healing at the interface between recipient sites and autologous block bone grafts affixed by either position or lag screw methods: a histomorphometric study in rabbits
Authors: Caneva Marco , Botticelli Daniele , Carneiro Martins Evandro Neto , Caneva Martina , Lang Niklaus P. , Xavier Samuel P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the sequential healing at the interface gap occurring between autologous bone grafts and recipient sites using two types of fixation techniques.Material and methodsTwenty‐four adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used. Two bone grafts were collected from the calvaria and secured to the lateral aspect of the angle of mandible in each animal. Cortical perforations at the recipient sites were performed. However, no modifications were applied to the graft for its adaptation to the recipient site. Two types of fixation techniques by position or lag screws were applied. This was done by preparing osteotomy holes smaller or larger than the screw diameter, respectively. The animals were sacrificed after 3, 7, 20, and 40 days.ResultsAfter 3 days, the distance between the graft and the recipient site was similar between the two different fixations. Due to the anatomical shapes of the recipient sites and grafts, the distance between the two parts was lower in the central region (<0.1 mm) compared to the external regions of the graft (0.5–0.6 mm). The first evidence of small amounts of new (woven) bone was seen after 7 days, forming from the parent bone. The percentage increased after 20 and 40 days. After 40 days, the grafts were well incorporated within the recipient sites in both groups without any statistically significant difference.ConclusionsThe present study did not show superiority of one method over another. A fixation to a recipient site with perforations may be sufficient for incorporating an autologous bone graft even if its adaptation is not perfect and irrespectively of the fixation method. Distances of approximately half millimeter were bridged with newly formed bone.
Evaluating the Design of Behavior Change Interventions: A Case Study of Rhino Horn in Vietnam
Authors: Olmedo Alegría , Sharif Vian , Milner‐Gulland E.J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBehavioral change interventions are increasingly widely used in conservation. Several projects addressing rhino horn consumption were recently launched in Vietnam. We used key informant interviews, document analysis, and marketing theory to explore their strategies for intervention design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. We developed a framework to evaluate whether they followed best practice and identify implementation challenges. Interventions could make greater use of key project design steps, including basing interventions on robust research to understand the behavior in question, identifying the target audience whose behavior interventions aim to change, and developing measures that can provide reliable evidence of success or not. Challenges include the need for law enforcement to complement campaigns; improving cooperation between NGOs; and clearly defining aims of demand‐reduction initiatives. Using best practice from other fields and considering demand reduction within the wider context of wildlife, trade policy will help address these challenges.
Comparison of the three conventional methods for the postoperative atrial fibrillation prediction
Authors: Aksu Uğur , Gulcu Oktay , Aksakal Emrah , Topcu Selim , Sevimli Serdar , Tanboga Ibrahim Halil 
Published: April 2017

IntroductionAlthough various risk factors have been defined for the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF), these parameters have not been adequately verified and validated. We investigated the atrial fibrillation detection capabilities of echocardiographic parameters in PAF developing and the determination of predictive values for clinical use.MethodWe enrolled 60 consecutive patients with 234 lesions who underwent CABG surgery. All patients underwent preoperative echocardiographic evaluation. Patients were divided into two groups according to PAF development status.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 67, and 73% were male and PAF occurred in 19 patients. In univariate analysis, left atrial volume index (LAVi), left ventricular global strain (LVGS) and ejection fraction were associated with PAF development. Parameters which were significant in univariate analysis were included in a logistic regression model to determine the independent predictors of PAF. LAVi was found to be an independent predictor of PAF.ConclusionAlthough several parameters have been defined for PAF development, LAVi is more advantageous than the other conventional methods in clinical decision making.
Smoking and obesity in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Versini Mathilde , Tiosano Shmuel , Comaneshter Doron , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Cohen Arnon D. , Amital Howard 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundBoth smoking and obesity have been demonstrated as risk factors in several autoimmune diseases. Little is known about the relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and both smoking and obesity.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between SLE, tobacco consumption and body mass index (BMI).Materials and methodsUsing data from the largest Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Israel, the Clalit Health Services, we searched for an association between SLE, smoking and obesity. Chi‐square and t‐test were used for univariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Data available from Clalit Health Services database included age, sex, BMI, smoking status, socioeconomic status (SES) and diagnoses of chronic diseases.ResultsThe study included 5018 patients with SLE and 25 090 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. In multivariate analysis, we found a significant association between smoking and SLE (OR = 1·91). Conversely, there was no association between BMI and SLE.ConclusionIn this study, we have shown that smoking is independently associated with SLE, whereas BMI scores were not.
Food digestion capability and digestive enzyme activity in female adults of the wing‐dimorphic cricket Velarifictorus ornatus
Authors: Zhao Lv‐Quan , Liao Hong‐Yu , Zeng Yang , Wu Hong‐Jun , Zhu Dao‐Hong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractVelarifictorus ornatus (Shiraki) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) display distinct wing variation, and a physiological trade‐off between reproduction and flight muscles has been observed in long‐winged (LW) and short‐winged (SW) females. To understand the physiological basis of this trade‐off, we investigated the difference in the food digestion capability and digestive enzyme activity between LW and SW females. We found that the efficiency of conversion of digested food into body matter of SW females was significantly higher than that of the LW females, although there was no difference in the approximate digestibility between LW and SW females during the first 12 days after the adult emergence. Similarly, growth and relative growth were significantly higher in SW females. The food consumption of SW females was significantly higher than that of the LW females only in the first 6 days after the adult emergence, suggesting enhanced ovary development in SW females is probably because of the elevated efficiency of conversion of digested food into body matter coupled with greater consumption in the early stage after the adult emergence. Trypsin‐like activity was higher in SW females than in LW females, whereas no differences in the fresh weight of the midguts (including content) were observed between LW and SW females at 1, 3, or 5 h after refeeding after starvation for 18 h. In contrast, amylase activity varied significantly depending on time lapse after refeeding, being significantly higher in LW females than in SW females at 1 h after refeeding, but significantly lower in LW females than in SW females at 3 and 5 h after refeeding. The lipase activity displayed a similar trend in both LW and SW females after refeeding, with an initial decline followed by a slight increase; and no difference was observed between LW and SW females at any stage after refeeding.
Successful targeted treatment of mast cell activation syndrome with tofacitinib
Authors: Afrin Lawrence B. , Fox Roger W. , Zito Susan L. , Choe Leo , Glover Sarah C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMast cell (MC) activation syndrome (MCAS) is a collection of illnesses of inappropriate MC activation with little to no neoplastic MC proliferation, distinguishing it from mastocytosis. MCAS presents as chronic, generally inflammatory multisystem polymorbidity likely driven in most by heterogeneous patterns of constitutively activating mutations in MC regulatory elements, posing challenges for identifying optimal mutation‐targeted treatment in individual patients. Targeting commonly affected downstream effectors may yield clinical benefit independent of upstream mutational profile. For example, both activated KIT and numerous cytokine receptors activate the Janus kinases (JAKs). Thus, JAK‐inhibiting therapies may be useful against the downstream inflammatory effects of MCAS. The oral JAK1/JAK3 inhibitor, tofacitinib, is currently approved for rheumatoid arthritis and is in clinical trials for other chronic inflammatory disorders. Herein, we report two patients with MCAS who rapidly gained substantial symptomatic response to tofacitinib. Their improvement suggests need for further evaluation of this class of drugs in MCAS treatment.
CD70 and PD‐L1 in anaplastic thyroid cancer – promising targets for immunotherapy
Authors: Zwaenepoel Karen , Jacobs Julie , De Meulenaere Astrid , Silence Karen , Smits Evelien , Siozopoulou Vasiliki , Hauben Esther , Rolfo Christian , Rottey Sylvie , Pauwels Patrick 
Published: April 2017

AimsDuring recent years, immune checkpoint inhibition has proved to be effective in several solid malignancies. The aim of this study was to identify novel targets for immunotherapy in anaplastic thyroid cancer by analysis of the expression of tumour antigens for which therapeutic agents are available.Method and resultsBy immunohistochemistry we observed tumoral expression of CD70 in 49% of cases. Expression of its receptor, CD27, was present mainly in lymphocytes surrounding and infiltrating the tumour and observed only rarely in tumour cells. CD70 expression was associated with the presence of a precursor papillary thyroid carcinoma and the presence of BRAF V600E mutations in the anaplastic thyroid cancer lesion. Furthermore, the expression of CD70 seems stable during progression of the disease. Tumoral expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) was found in 28.6% of the anaplastic thyroid cancer cases. Programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1), the receptor of PD‐L1, was not expressed on the tumour cells. No association between CD70 expression and PD‐L1 expression could be demonstrated.ConclusionThese data suggest that targeted immunotherapy for CD70/CD27 and PD‐L1/PD‐1 might be promising in anaplastic thyroid cancer. However, as a low amount of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes was observed in most lesions, combined therapy with agents enhancing the invasion of lymphocytes in the tumour region needs to be considered.
Electrospun mullite nanofibers derived from diphasic mullite sol
Authors: Dong Xue , Liu Jiaqi , Li Xiutao , Zhang Xiuju , Xue Yunjia , Liu Jiachen , Guo Anran 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFine‐grained mullite nanofibers derived from the diphasic mullite sol were successfully fabricated by electrospinning and subsequent pyrolysis at 1500°C. Polymethylsiloxane and aluminum tri‐sec‐butoxide were selected as the silicon and aluminum source to synthesize the diphasic sol. Results show that the weight loss of mullite precursor fibers in our work was about 60 wt.%, which is similar with that of fibers fabricated using the monophasic sol. This low weight loss was mainly attributed to the high ceramic yield of polymethylsiloxane and low introduced polyvinylpyrrolidone content, which ensures the integrity of fiber morphology during the sintering process. Mullite fibers with 216 nm average diameter were fabricated after sintered at 1500°C and the corresponding grain size was only ~100 nm, much smaller than that in mullite fibers derived from monophasic sols. Therefore, it can be predicated that mullite fibers in this work should possess a higher mechanical strength than those derived from monophasic sols when the sintering temperature was higher than 1400°C and therefore was an ideal starting materials for the fabrication of mullite nanofibrous ceramics used as the high‐temperature thermal insulation materials.
Separating Leadership from Pay
Authors: Hostettler Stephan , Lambin Raphaël 
Published: April 2017

Performance management and incentive systems can play an important role in shaping a company's culture and promoting internal collaboration. Yet, in an uncertain and rapidly evolving world that rewards organizations for agility, performance management systems based on a single individual overall rating are being viewed with growing skepticism; and the once common practice of tying pay directly to such ratings is being reconsidered—and in many cases abandoned. But when carrying out this process of “separating leadership from pay,” companies must commit to providing employees with extensive ongoing feedback, as well as significant opportunities for development and growth that are not linked directly to financial rewards.In place of traditional bonus schemes whose payoffs are tied to individual performance measures, the authors also recommend the use of company‐wide bonus plans—similar in spirit to the General Motors plan described earlier in this issue—that reflect a philosophy of “sharing success” that aims to encourage and reinforce a culture of collaboration and agility. But for compensation plans built around sharing success to be effective, careful attention should be given to the “quality” of the results achieved. This can be accomplished by supplementing the use of Key Performance Indicators—such as, for example, economic profit—with the use of so‐called “boundary” KPIs—such as the percentage of satisfied clients—for which a minimum threshold must be met.
Aeromonas jandaei and Aeromonas veronii caused disease and mortality in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)
Authors: Dong H T , Techatanakitarnan C , Jindakittikul P , Thaiprayoon A , Taengphu S , Charoensapsri W , Khunrae P , Rattanarojpong T , Senapin S 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDiseases caused by motile aeromonads in freshwater fish have been generally assumed to be linked with mainly Aeromonas hydrophila while other species were probably overlooked. Here, we identified two isolates of non‐A. hydrophila recovered from Nile tilapia exhibiting disease and mortality after exposed to transport‐induced stress and subsequently confirmed their virulence in artificial infection. The bacterial isolates were identified as Aeromonas jandaei and Aeromonas veronii based on phenotypic features and homology of 16S rDNA. Experimental infection revealed that the high dose of A. jandaei (3.7 × 106 CFU fish−1) and A. veronii (8.9 × 106 CFU fish−1) killed 100% of experimental fish within 24 h, while a 10‐fold reduction dose killed 70% and 50% of fish, respectively. When the challenge dose was reduced 100‐fold, mortality of the fish exposed to A. jandaei and A. veronii decreased to 20% and 10%, respectively. The survivors from the latter dose administration were rechallenged with respective bacterial species. Lower mortality of rechallenged fish (0%–12.5%) compared to the control groups receiving a primary infection (37.5%) suggested that the survivors after primary infection were able to resist secondary infection. Fish exposed to either A. jandaei or A. veronii exhibited similar clinical signs and histological manifestation.
Heteronormativity and prostate cancer: A discursive paper
Authors: Kelly Daniel , Sakellariou Dikaios , Fry Sarah , Vougioukalou Sofia 
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectivesTo discuss the risks that heteronormative assumptions play in prostate cancer care and how these may be addressed.BackgroundThere is international evidence to support the case that LGBT patients with cancer are less likely to report poor health or self‐disclose sexual orientation. Gender‐specific cancers, such as prostate cancer, require particular interventions in terms of supportive care. These may include advice about side‐effect management (such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction), treatment choices and social and emotional issues. In this paper, we discuss and analyse the heteronormative assumptions and culture that exist around this cancer. We argue that this situation may act as a barrier to effective supportive care for all Lesbian women, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual patients, in this case men who have sex with men.[Correction added on 21 September 2017, after first online publication: The first sentence of the Background section has been revised for clarity in this current version.]DesignTheoretical exploration of heteronormativity considered against the clinical context of prostate cancer.MethodsIdentification and inclusion of relevant international evidence combined with clinical discussion.ResultsThis paper posits a number of questions around heteronormativity in relation to prostate cancer information provision, supportive care and male sexuality. While assumptions regarding sexual orientation should be avoided in clinical encounters, this may be difficult when heteronormative assumptions dominate. Existing research supports the assertion that patient experience, including the needs of LGBT patients, should be central to service developments.ConclusionAssumptions about sexual orientation should be avoided and recorded accurately and sensitively, and relational models of care should be promoted at the start of cancer treatment in an appropriate manner. These may assist in reducing the risks of embarrassment or offence to nonheterosexual patients, or to professionals who may adopt heteronormative assumptions.Relevance to clinical practiceHaving an awareness of the risks of making heteronormative assumptions in clinical practice will be useful for all health professionals engaged in prostate cancer care. This awareness can prevent embarrassment or upset for patients and ensure a more equitable provision of service, including men with prostate cancer who do not identify as heterosexual.
Clinical Characteristics of Abutment Teeth with Gingival Discoloration
Authors: Ristic Ljubisa , Dakovic Dragana , Postic Srdjan , Lazic Zoran , Bacevic Miljana , Vucevic Dragana 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPurposeThe grey‐bluish discoloration of gingiva (known as “amalgam tattoo”) does not appear only in the presence of amalgam restorations. It may also be seen in cases of teeth restored with cast dowels and porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) restorations. The aim of this article was to determine the clinical characteristics of abutment teeth with gingival discoloration.Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted on 25 patients referred for cast dowel and PFM restorations. These restorations were manufactured from Ni‐Cr alloys. Ninety days after cementing the fixed prosthodontic restorations, the abutment teeth (n = 61) were divided into a group with gingival discoloration (GD) (n = 25) and without gingival discoloration (NGD) (n = 36). The control group (CG) comprised the contralateral teeth (n = 61). Plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were assessed before fabrication and also 90 days after cementation of the PFM restorations.ResultsThe gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depths of the abutment teeth that had GD were statistically higher before restoration, in comparison with the abutment teeth in the NGD and control groups. Ninety days after cementation, the abutment teeth with GD had significantly lower gingival indexes and probing depths, compared to the abutment teeth in the NGD group. Both abutment teeth groups (GD and NGD) had significantly higher values of clinical attachment levels when compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in plaque index values between the study groups.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that impairment of periodontal status of abutment teeth seemed to be related to the presence of gingival discolorations. Therefore, fabrication of fixed prosthodontic restorations requires careful planning and abutment teeth preparation to minimize the occurrence of gingival discolorations. Clinical relevance: With careful preparation of abutment teeth for cast dowels and crown restorations it may be possible to decrease the frequency of gingival discolorations adjacent to abutment teeth.