bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cigarette use is increasing among people with illicit substance use disorders in the United States, 2002–14: emerging disparities in vulnerable populations
Authors: Weinberger Andrea H. , Gbedemah Misato , Wall Melanie M. , Hasin Deborah S. , Zvolensky Michael J. , Goodwin Renee D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and aimsWhile cigarette smoking has declined over time, it is not known whether this decline has occurred similarly among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) in the United States (US). The current study estimated trends in smoking from 2002 to 2014 among US individuals with and without SUDs.DesignLinear time trends of current smoking prevalence were assessed using logistic regression models.SettingUnited States; data were drawn from the 2002 to 2014 National Household Survey on Drug Use (NSDUH), an annual US cross‐sectional study.ParticipantsA representative, population‐based sample of US individuals age 12 yeas and older (total analytical population: n = 723 283).MeasurementsPast‐month current smoking was defined as having smoked at least 100 lifetime cigarettes and reporting smoking part or all of at least one cigarette during the past 30 days. Respondents were classified as having any SUD if they met criteria for abuse or dependence for one or more of the following illicit drugs: cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, tranquilizers, cocaine, heroin, pain relievers, simulants and sedatives. A second SUD variable included all drugs listed above excluding cannabis use disorder (CUD). An additional variable included respondents who met criteria for cannabis abuse or dependence.FindingsAmong those with any SUD, the prevalence of smoking did not change from 2002 to 2014 (P = 0.08). However, when CUDs were separated from other SUDs, a significant increase in prevalence of smoking was observed among those with SUDs excluding CUDs (P < 0.001), while smoking decreased among those with CUDs (P < 0.001). Smoking declined among those without SUDs (P < 0.001). In 2014, smoking remained significantly more common among those with any SUD (55.48%), SUDs excluding CUDs (63.34%) and CUDs (51.34%) compared with those without these respective disorders (18.16, 18.55 and 18.64%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe prevalence of cigarette smoking in the United States increased from 2002 to 2014 among people with substance use disorders (SUDs) excluding cannabis use disorders (CUDs) and declined among those with CUDs and without SUDs. In 2014, the prevalence of smoking was multifold higher among those with SUDs, including CUDs, compared with those without SUDs.
The possible role of CD8+/Vα7.2+/CD161++ T (MAIT) and CD8+/Vα7.2+/CD161lo T (MAIT‐like) cells in the pathogenesis of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Meggyes Matyas , Szanto Julia , Lajko Adrienn , Farkas Balint , Varnagy Akos , Tamas Peter , Hantosi Eszter , Miko Eva , Szereday Laszlo 
Published: December 2017

ProblemThe objective of this study was to compare the expressions of different immune‐checkpoint molecules by MAIT and MAIT‐like cells in healthy pregnancy and in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia.Method of studyPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stained with monoclonal antibodies to characterize MAIT and MAIT‐like cells. Flow cytometric analyses were used to measure PD‐1, TIM‐3, activation markers, and intracellular perforin expression.ResultsWe identified CD3+/CD8+/Vα7.2+/CD161++ MAIT cells and a minor cell population characterized by CD3+/CD8+/Vα7.2+/CD161lo surface markers. In measuring the expression of PD‐1 receptor, we found a significantly lower expression by MAIT cells in women with early‐onset pre‐eclampsia. CD69 expression by MAIT cells was significantly elevated in early‐onset pre‐eclamptic patients. Intracellular perforin content by MAIT and PD‐1+ MAIT cells was significantly increased in pre‐eclamptic patients compared with healthy individuals.ConclusionAltered frequency and reduced PD‐1 expression combined together with the elevated perforin content of MAIT cells insinuate their potential roles in the pathogenesis of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia.
Gastric ultrasound in the third trimester of pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial to develop a predictive model of volume assessment
Authors: Arzola C. , Perlas A. , Siddiqui N. T. , Downey K. , Ye X. Y. , Carvalho J. C. A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBedside gastric ultrasonography can be performed reliably by anaesthetists to assess gastric content in the peri‐operative period. We aimed to study the relationship between gastric cross‐sectional area, assessed by ultrasound, and volumes of clear fluids ingested by pregnant women. We recruited 60 non‐labouring third‐trimester pregnant women in a randomised controlled and assessor‐blinded study. A standardised scanning protocol of the gastric antrum was performed in the 45° semirecumbent and 45° semirecumbent‐right lateral positions. Subjects were randomly allocated to drink one out of six predetermined volumes of apple juice (0 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 300 ml, 400 ml). Qualitative and quantitative assessments at a baseline period after an 8‐h fast, and immediately after the drink, were used to establish the correlation between antral cross‐sectional area and volume ingested. A predictive model to estimate gastric volume was developed. Antral cross‐sectional area in the semirecumbent right lateral position significantly correlated with the ingested volume (Spearman rank correlation = 0.7; p < 0.0001). A cut‐off value of 9.6 cm2 discriminated ingested volumes ≥ 1.5 ml.kg−1 with a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 66.7%, and an area under the curve of 0.82. A linear predictive model was developed for gastric volume based only on antral cross‐sectional area (Volume (ml) = −327.1 + 215.2 × log (cross‐sectional area) (cm2)). We conclude that in pregnant women in the third trimester of gestation, the antral cross‐sectional area correlates well with volumes ingested, and this cut‐off value in the semirecumbent right lateral position discriminates high gastric volumes.
Advances in predicting venous thromboembolism risk in children
Authors: Rühle Frank , Stoll Monika 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPaediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rare disorder but a rising incidence has been observed in recent years, due to improved VTE diagnosis and increased use of central venous catheters in the treatment of severe diseases. Risk assessment strategies are well established for adult patients, however, similar guidelines for paediatric patients are largely lacking. Several risk prediction tools have been reported in recent literature, which make use of established risk factors to assess VTE risk in paediatric subgroups, such as hospitalised children, cancer‐diagnosed children and paediatric trauma patients. Although these models suffer several limitations regarding their study size and heterogeneous selection of predictor variables, they offer potential for improving the thromboprophylaxis management in these children. Here, we give an overview on recently reported risk prediction models for paediatric VTE.
Molecular detection of minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bai Yinlei , Orfao Alberto , Chim Chor Sang 
Published: December 2017

SummaryDespite the significantly higher complete remission rates and improved survival achieved in the last decade, multiple myeloma (MM) patients continue to relapse due to persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD). Generally, MRD refers to persistence of low levels of disease in the order of one tumour cell in ≥105 normal cells. Currently, molecular and immunophenotypic techniques are employed for MRD detection. This review focuses on MRD detection by molecular techniques, including allele‐specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (ASO‐PCR), next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and digital PCR (dPCR), in addition to a brief description of, and comparison with, multiparameter flow cytometry. The basic principles, technical advantages and limitations, and the clinical impact of all three molecular techniques are reviewed and compared. They all have a sensitivity of at least 10−5, among which ASO real‐time quantitative PCR is the most well‐standardized, and NGS carries the highest sensitivity and applicability, while dPCR is still under investigation. Furthermore, molecular MRD negativity is a favourable prognostic factor for survival of patients with MM. However, several challenges inherent to molecular detection of MRD still remain to be overcome, particularly false negativity and failure to detect extramedullary disease. Finally, detection of MRD from peripheral blood remains challenging.
Sensitivity and specificity of the lymphocyte transformation test in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms causality assessment
Authors: Cabañas R. , Calderón O. , Ramírez E. , Fiandor A. , Caballero T. , Heredia R. , Herranz P. , Madero R. , Quirce S. , Bellón T. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe delayed hypersensitivity reaction. The determination of drug causality is complex. The lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) has been reported positive in more than 50% of DRESS cases. Nevertheless, the sensitivity and specificity of LTT specifically in DRESS have not yet been established. Rechallenge with the culprit drug is contraindicated and cannot be used as gold standard for sensitivity and specificity determination.ObjectiveTo estimate the sensitivity and specificity of LTT in a clinically defined series of patients with DRESS.MethodsSome 41 patients diagnosed with DRESS were included in the study. The results of the algorithm of the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System were used as the standard for a correct diagnosis of drug causality. A standard LTT was performed with involved drugs in acute or recovery samples. A stimulation index (SI) ≥2 in at least one concentration except for beta‐lactams (SI ≥3) and contrast media (SI ≥4) was considered positive. Contingency tables and ROC curves were used for analysis.ResultsSensitivity and specificity of LTT in the recovery phase of DRESS were 73% and 82%, respectively, whereas in the acute phase, they were only 40% and 30%, respectively. Comparison of skin tests and LTT confirmed a higher sensitivity and specificity of LTT in DRESS. LTT showed high sensitivity (S) and specificity (Sp) for anticonvulsants (S 100%, Sp 100%; P = .008), anti‐TB drugs (S 87.5%, Sp 100%; P = .004), and beta‐lactams (S 73%, Sp 100%; P = .001). ROC curves revealed that the best criteria for LTT positivity for all drugs are SI ≥2 in at least one concentration, increasing overall sensitivity to 80%, and for beta‐lactams from 73% to 92%.Conclusions and clinical relevanceLTT is a good diagnostic tool for drug causality in DRESS, mainly when performed in the recovery phase.
Short‐ and long‐term clinical and patient‐reported outcomes following laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy using biological mesh for pelvic organ prolapse: a prospective cohort study of 224 consecutive patients
Authors: McLean R. , Kipling M. , Musgrave E. , Mercer‐Jones M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimLaparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) is potentially a safe and effective operation to correct pelvic organ prolapse and to treat obstructive defaecation and solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate, in a prospective, consecutive cohort of patients, the long‐term clinical outcomes following LVMR, patient‐reported functional and quality of life outcomes, and urinary and sexual dysfunction.MethodData on 224 patients who underwent LVMR with Permacol™ biological mesh were collected prospectively from May 2008 to October 2016. Outcome measures were complications, recurrence, mortality, patient satisfaction, patient‐reported functional and quality of life outcomes, and urinary and sexual dysfunction. Scores were compared using the two‐tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere was no mortalities associated with LVMR in this series; complications occurred in 10.7% of patients (4.9% early, 5.8% late). Mesh‐related morbidity was 0.45% and vaginal suture‐related morbidity was 1.33%. Recurrence occurred in 25 patients (11.4%), 5% at 12 months, 10.7% at 5 years. Significant improvement in patient‐reported functional outcomes were seen (P < 0.001) for both constipation and faecal incontinence symptoms. Furthermore, significant improvement in quality of life outcomes for patients with constipation, faecal incontinence and prolapse persisted through follow‐up (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was positive for > 90% of patients during follow‐up. Symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence and dyspareunia improved significantly postoperatively (P < 0.001).ConclusionLVMR using Permacol is associated with low morbidity and mortality, recurrence and, additionally, significantly improved constipation, faecal incontinence and prolapse functional and quality of life outcomes, with associated improvement in urogynaecological symptoms.
Old‐growth forests buffer climate‐sensitive bird populations from warming
Authors: Betts Matthew G. , Phalan Ben , Frey Sarah J. K. , Rousseau Josée S. , Yang Zhiqiang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimHabitat loss and climate change constitute two of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide, and theory predicts that these factors may act synergistically to affect population trajectories. Recent evidence indicates that structurally complex old‐growth forest can be cooler than other forest types during spring and summer months, thereby offering potential to buffer populations from negative effects of warming. Old growth may also have higher food and nest‐site availability for certain species, which could have disproportionate fitness benefits as species approach their thermal limits.LocationPacific Northwestern United States.MethodsWe predicted that negative effects of climate change on 30‐year population trends of old‐growth‐associated birds should be dampened in landscapes with high proportions of old‐growth forest. We modelled population trends from Breeding Bird Survey data for 13 species as a function of temperature change and proportion old‐growth forest.ResultsWe found a significant negative effect of summer warming on only two species. However, in both of these species, this relationship between warming and population decline was not only reduced but reversed, in old‐growth‐dominated landscapes. Across all 13 species, evidence for a buffering effect of old‐growth forest increased with the degree to which species were negatively influenced by summer warming.Main conclusionsThese findings suggest that old‐growth forests may buffer the negative effects of climate change for those species that are most sensitive to temperature increases. Our study highlights a mechanism whereby management strategies to curb degradation and loss of old‐growth forests—in addition to protecting habitat—could enhance biodiversity persistence in the face of climate warming.
The International Dimension of Financialization in Developing and Emerging Economies
Authors: Bortz Pablo G. , Kaltenbrunner Annina 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThis contribution discusses the international aspect of financialization in developing and emerging economies (DEEs). It argues that international financialization is more than just an increase in cross‐border capital flows but entails distinct qualitative changes in the way economic agents are integrated into international financial markets. Moreover, in line with the emerging literature on subordinated financialization, the article shows how these changes have been shaped by, and have themselves exacerbated, the subordinated position of DEEs in the international economic and financial system and hence have contributed to uneven international development. Based on an empirical discussion of recent changes in DEEs’ international financial integration, the article concludes with some concrete policy proposals on how to confront these international aspects of financialization.
Modeling pathogenesis and treatment response in childhood absence epilepsy
Authors: Knox Andrew T. , Glauser Tracy , Tenney Jeffrey , Lytton William W. , Holland Katherine 
Published: December 2017

SummaryObjectiveChildhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a genetic generalized epilepsy syndrome with polygenic inheritance, with genes for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and T‐type calcium channels implicated in the disorder. Previous studies of T‐type calcium channel electrophysiology have shown genetic changes and medications have multiple effects. The aim of this study was to use an established thalamocortical computer model to determine how T‐type calcium channels work in concert with cortical excitability to contribute to pathogenesis and treatment response in CAE.MethodsThe model is comprised of cortical pyramidal, cortical inhibitory, thalamocortical relay, and thalamic reticular single‐compartment neurons, implemented with Hodgkin‐Huxley model ion channels and connected by AMPA, GABAA, and GABAB synapses. Network behavior was simulated for different combinations of T‐type calcium channel conductance, inactivation time, steady state activation/inactivation shift, and cortical GABAA conductance.ResultsDecreasing cortical GABAA conductance and increasing T‐type calcium channel conductance converted spindle to spike and wave oscillations; smaller changes were required if both were changed in concert. In contrast, left shift of steady state voltage activation/inactivation did not lead to spike and wave oscillations, whereas right shift reduced network propensity for oscillations of any type.SignificanceThese results provide a window into mechanisms underlying polygenic inheritance in CAE, as well as a mechanism for treatment effects and failures mediated by these channels. Although the model is a simplification of the human thalamocortical network, it serves as a useful starting point for predicting the implications of ion channel electrophysiology in polygenic epilepsy such as CAE.
Impaired muscle relaxation and mitochondrial fission associated with genetic ablation of cytoplasmic actin isoforms
Authors: O'Rourke Allison R. , Lindsay Angus , Tarpey Michael D. , Yuen Samantha , McCourt Preston , Nelson D'anna M. , Perrin Benjamin J. , Thomas David D. , Spangenburg Espen E. , Lowe Dawn A. , Ervasti James M. 
Published: December 2017

While α‐actin isoforms predominate in adult striated muscle, skeletal muscle‐specific knockouts (KOs) of nonmuscle cytoplasmic βcyto‐ or γcyto‐actin each cause a mild, but progressive myopathy effected by an unknown mechanism. Using transmission electron microscopy, we identified morphological abnormalities in both the mitochondria and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in aged muscle‐specific βcyto‐ and γcyto‐actin KO mice. We found βcyto‐ and γcyto‐actin proteins to be enriched in isolated mitochondrial‐associated membrane preparations, which represent the interface between mitochondria and sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum important in signaling and mitochondrial dynamics. We also measured significantly elongated and interconnected mitochondrial morphologies associated with a significant decrease in mitochondrial fission events in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking βcyto‐ and/or γcyto‐actin. Interestingly, mitochondrial respiration in muscle was not measurably affected as oxygen consumption was similar in skeletal muscle fibers from 12 month‐old muscle‐specific βcyto‐ and γcyto‐actin KO mice. Instead, we found that the maximal rate of relaxation after isometric contraction was significantly slowed in muscles of 12‐month‐old βcyto‐ and γcyto‐actin muscle‐specific KO mice. Our data suggest that impaired Ca2+ re‐uptake may presage development of the observed SR morphological changes in aged mice while providing a potential pathological mechanism for the observed myopathy.
Deep hooking, landing success and gear loss using inline and offset circle and J hooks when bait fishing for white sturgeon
Authors: Lamansky J. A. , Meyer K. A. , DuPont J. M. , Bowersox B. J. , Bentz B. , Lepla K. B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe issue of deep hooking is of concern in white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, fisheries because nearly all anglers use bait with a stationary presentation on the river bottom to catch them, and bait fishing is often associated with higher instances of deep hooking and hooking mortality. Deep hooking rates, landing success and catch rates were investigated for anglers bait fishing for white sturgeon using circle and J hooks with inline and offset alignments fished with both active and passive hook‐setting methods. Anglers hooked 578 white sturgeon and landed 508 fish, ranging in size from 60 to 316 cm total length (mean = 137 cm). Deep hooking rates averaged 0.6% and did not differ between hook types, hook alignments or hook‐setting methods. Landing success (the proportion of hooked sturgeon that were successfully landed) and catch rates were also equivalent between hook types, hook alignments and hook‐setting methods; landing success averaged 88% and catch rates averaged 0.27 fish/hr. Results of this study indicate that deep hooking is rare when angling for white sturgeon using standard bait‐fishing gear regardless of hook‐setting method or whether circle or J hooks were used; regulations restricting hook type in sturgeon bait fisheries are therefore unwarranted.
Plasticity in the diel vertical movement of two pelagic predators (Prionace glauca and Alopias vulpinus) in the southeastern Indian Ocean
Authors: Heard Matthew , Rogers Paul J. , Bruce Barry D. , Humphries Nicolas E. , Huveneers Charlie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractManagement and conservation of marine predator species relies on a fundamental knowledge of their movements and behaviour. Pop‐up satellite archival tags were used to investigate the vertical movement patterns of five blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and one thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) within the southeastern Indian Ocean. Sections of similar depth distribution, identified using a split moving window analysis, were investigated in relation to the thermal structure of the water column and activity rates. Minimum horizontal displacement of between 66 and 5,187 km for blue sharks and 16 km for the thresher shark were recorded over 863 tracking days. Maximum depths ranged from 540 to 807 m for blue sharks and 144 m for the thresher shark. All sharks displayed plasticity in their depth distribution, with diel vertical movements and surface‐oriented movements the two most common patterns. Diel movement of prey is the most likely explanation for diel vertical movements of thresher and blue sharks. This study has improved our understanding of the vertical movement patterns of these pelagic predators and the relationship between their depth distribution, temperature, and activity.