bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal inference in survival analysis using pseudo‐observations
Authors: Andersen Per K. , Syriopoulou Elisavet , Parner Erik T. 
Published: April 2017

Causal inference for non‐censored response variables, such as binary or quantitative outcomes, is often based on either (1) direct standardization (‘G‐formula’) or (2) inverse probability of treatment assignment weights (‘propensity score’). To do causal inference in survival analysis, one needs to address right‐censoring, and often, special techniques are required for that purpose.We will show how censoring can be dealt with ‘once and for all’ by means of so‐called pseudo‐observations when doing causal inference in survival analysis. The pseudo‐observations can be used as a replacement of the outcomes without censoring when applying ‘standard’ causal inference methods, such as (1) or (2) earlier. We study this idea for estimating the average causal effect of a binary treatment on the survival probability, the restricted mean lifetime, and the cumulative incidence in a competing risks situation.The methods will be illustrated in a small simulation study and via a study of patients with acute myeloid leukemia who received either myeloablative or non‐myeloablative conditioning before allogeneic hematopoetic cell transplantation. We will estimate the average causal effect of the conditioning regime on outcomes such as the 3‐year overall survival probability and the 3‐year risk of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultra‐small superparamagnetic iron oxides for metastatic lymph node detection: back on the block
Authors: Fortuin Ansje S. , Brüggemann Roger , van der Linden Janine , Panfilov Ilia , Israël Bas , Scheenen Tom W.J. , Barentsz Jelle O. 
Published: April 2017

In the past 15 years, encouraging clinical results for the detection of small lymph node metastases was obtained by the use of Combidex‐enhanced MRI (CEM, also known as magnetic resonance lymphography). Withdrawal of the European Medicines Agency approval application by the manufacturer made it impossible for patients to benefit from this agent; a loss, especially for men with prostate cancer. Current conventional imaging techniques are not as accurate as CEM is, thus a surgical diagnostic exploration (extended lymph node dissection) is still the preferred technique to evaluate the lymph nodes, resulting in peri‐ and postoperative complications. In 2013, the Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc) obtained all licenses and documentation for the production process of Combidex (ferumoxtran‐10), and manufactured the contrast agent under supervision of the Department of Pharmacy. Since 2014, 310 men with prostate cancer have been examined with CEM in the Radboudumc. Within this cohort, seven minor possibly contrast‐related adverse effects were observed after administration of Combidex. As the contrast agent is now back again in the Netherlands, this review highlights the working mechanism, previous results, observed side effects since the reintroduction, and the future perspectives for Combidex. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1471. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1471This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Frequent users of the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Seguin Jade , Osmanlliu Esli , Zhang Xun , Clavel Virginie , Eisman Harley , Rodrigues Robert , Oskoui Maryam 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesEmergency department (ED) crowding is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its etiology is multifactorial, and frequent ED use (defined as more or equal to five visits per year) is a major contributor to high patient volumes. Our primary objective is to characterize the frequent user population. Our secondary objective is to examine risk factors for frequent emergency use.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits at the Montreal Children’s Hospital using the Système Informatique Urgence (SIURGE), electronic medical record database. We analysed the relation between patient’s characteristics and the number of PED visits over a 1-year period following the index visit.ResultsPatients totalling 52,088 accounted for 94,155 visits. Of those, 2,474 (4.7%) patients had five and more recurrent visits and accounted for 16.6% (15,612 visits) of the total PED visits. Lower level of acuity at index visit (odds ratio [OR] 0.85) was associated with a lower number of recurrent visits. Lower socioeconomic status (social deprivation index OR 1.09, material deprivation index OR 1.08) was associated with a higher number of recurrent visits. Asthma (OR 1.57); infectious ear, nose, and sinus disorders (OR 1.33); and other respiratory disorders (OR 1.56) were independently associated with a higher incidence of a recurrent visit within the year following the first visit.ConclusionOur study is the first Canadian study to assess risk factors of frequent pediatric emergency use. The identified risk factors and diagnoses highlight the need for future evidence-based, targeted innovative research evaluating strategies to minimize ED crowding, to improve health outcomes and to improve patient satisfaction.
When state capacity dissolves: Explaining variation in violent conflict and conflict moderation
Authors: Gledhill John 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWhen state capacity dissolves, we ordinarily assume that violent conflict will break out, and then spiral towards a high degree of intensity. However, this is not always the case. Rather, on occasion, states suffer a sharp and severe loss of capacity, but little or no collective violence follows. And, on other occasions, violent conflict erupts, but that conflict does not escalate into civil war; rather, it plateaus, and then recedes. This article offers an analytic framework for explaining such variation in the presence, absence, and intensity of violent conflict following a dissolution of state capacity. I argue that the strength of state and societal organspriorto a loss of state capacity shapes the broad trajectory of violenceaftersuch a loss. In making that claim, I associate three state-society dynamics before state dissolution with three levels of violent conflict, post-dissolution. Drawing on multi-country fieldwork, I illustrate the proposed framework by presenting three diverse cases of dissolving state capacity and conflict: Georgia (1991–3); Albania (1991–2); and Yemen (2011–13).
TIMING OF SEXUAL DEBUT AMONG UNMARRIED YOUTHS AGED 15–24 YEARS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Amo-Adjei Joshua , Tuoyire Derek Anamaale 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis study aimed to contribute to the evidence on the timing of sexual debut in young people in sub-Saharan African countries. Data were extracted from 34 nationally representative surveys conducted in the region between 2006 and 2014. The study sample comprised unmarried women (n=167,932) and men (n=76,900) aged 15–24 years. Descriptive techniques and Cox proportional regression models were used to estimate the timing of sexual debut, and Kaplan–Meier hazard curves were used to describe the patterns of sexual debut in each country by sex. For the countries studied, sexual debut for both women and men occurred between the ages of 15 and 18 years, with median ages of 16 for women and 17 for men. Overall, education and household wealth provided significant protection against early sexual debut among women, but the reverse was found among men for wealth. Women in rural areas, in female-headed households and in Central, South and West Africa reported higher hazards of early commencement of sexual activity than their counterparts in urban, male-headed households and East Africa. However, the impact of these variables on male sexual debut did not follow a consistent pattern. Varied timing, as well as country-specific risk factors associated with sexual debut for young women and men across sub-Saharan Africa, were identified. Sexual health programmes and interventions for young people may require different approaches for young women and men.
How Modernity Arrived to Godavari
Authors: WILSON JON 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article traces the way in which modern institutions emerged in one region of British-ruled India—the Godavari Delta of coastal Andhra—during the early nineteenth century. Rejecting recently popular cultural theories and the vague language of ‘multiple modernities’, it suggests that modernity can be defined as the practical effort to govern subjects perceived as strangers with abstract and general categories. But, arguing that our conception of modernity needs to be limited, the article suggests that modern institutions always rely on non-modern ways of life: the rule of law depends on ideas about individual honour; bureaucracy; on family connections and affective expressions of loyalty; and rational interests that are coordinated by archaic idioms of political leadership. The peculiarity of the history of modernity in imperial India was marked not by the limited or partial imposition of modern practices, but by the British regime's reluctance to accept the legitimacy of the very non-modern forms of power it relied on. Tracing this process in the Godavari Delta, the article shows how a regime with limited local resources asserted the monopolistic authority of its structures of government, but in doing so, corroded its own capacity to exercise power. Local institutions which had coordinated local productive resources were undermined, but alternative forms of local leadership were unable to emerge. The consequence was famine in the 1830s, and in the 1840s an effort to refound the imperial regime by imposing British power on the region's natural resources.
Adjunctive yoga v. health education for persistent major depression: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Uebelacker L. A. , Tremont G. , Gillette L. T. , Epstein-Lubow G. , Strong D. R. , Abrantes A. M. , Tyrka A. R. , Tran T. , Gaudiano B. A. , Miller I. W. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine whether hatha yoga is an efficacious adjunctive intervention for individuals with continued depressive symptoms despite antidepressant treatment.MethodWe conducted a randomized controlled trial of weekly yoga classes (n = 63) v. health education classes (Healthy Living Workshop; HLW; n = 59) in individuals with elevated depression symptoms and antidepressant medication use. HLW served as an attention-control group. The intervention period was 10 weeks, with follow-up assessments 3 and 6 months afterwards. The primary outcome was depression symptom severity assessed by blind rater at 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms over the entire intervention and follow-up periods, social and role functioning, general health perceptions, pain, and physical functioning.ResultsAt 10 weeks, we did not find a statistically significant difference between groups in depression symptoms (b = −0.82, s.e. = 0.88, p = 0.36). However, over the entire intervention and follow-up period, when controlling for baseline, yoga participants showed lower levels of depression than HLW participants (b = −1.38, s.e. = 0.57, p = 0.02). At 6-month follow-up, 51% of yoga participants demonstrated a response (⩾50% reduction in depression symptoms) compared with 31% of HLW participants (odds ratio = 2.31; p = 0.04). Yoga participants showed significantly better social and role functioning and general health perceptions over time.ConclusionsAlthough we did not see a difference in depression symptoms at the end of the intervention period, yoga participants showed fewer depression symptoms over the entire follow-up period. Benefits of yoga may accumulate over time.
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in North America with special reference to its role in British forestry
Authors: Roche L. , Haddock P. G. 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisThe natural distribution of Sitka spruce is examined in relation to the species' role in British forestry. Particular attention is therefore given to a description of habitats on the Queen Charlotte Islands, and also on the adjacent mainland of British Columbia where Sitka spruce is sympatric with white spruce (Picea glauca) and hybridisation occurs. Examples of genetic variation are given and it is suggested that a knowledge of the genecologv of the species in its natural habitat would help to elucidate its full ecological and genetic potential in Britain.
Some ecological aspects of Sitka spruce
Authors: Malcolm D. C. 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisThe general adaptations of the species are described in relation to the environment of its natural distribution and are shown to be well suited to its use as an exotic in forestry. What is known of natural stand dynamics has little relevance to the cultivation of the species in pure plantations but the interaction with climate and soils is important in determining the limits to its growth and in prediction of productivity. Atmospheric humidity, windiness and accumulated temperature appear to be the most influential climatic variables and, given adequate soil conditions, can be used to give good estimates of potential production. Sitka spruce flowers freely and regenerates readily, demonstrating its ability to survive unaided in British conditions.
A review of coning and seed production in Picea sitchensis
Authors: Philipson J. J. 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisSitka spruce grown from seed has a juvenile phase of about twenty years before coning commences; mature trees and grafted scions cone intermittently and produce good cone crops every three–five years. These characteristics have lengthened the breeding programme and reduced seed production in orchards. Production of male and female cones can be enhanced by treatments such as heat and drought and by application of a mixture of gibberellins A4 and A7 (GA4/7) to mature grafts. To enhance flowering consistently in container grown grafts the GA4/7 must be applied together with a cultural treatment, but with larger grafts in the field GA4/7 alone is often effective. Attempts to induce cone production in juvenile trees, however, have been less successful. Female cones initiated on field grown trees in response to inductive treatments yield seed of a similar quantity and quality to that from cones on untreated trees. The physiological mechanisms of coning, and cone induction techniques, are discussed.
The physiology ofSalix
Authors: Raven J. A. 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisSalixhas many physiological features in common with other deciduous woody plants, e.g. C3photosynthesis, occurrence of latitudinal photoperiodic ecotypes, and organic N (no) flux to the shoot in the xylem. Special points about the physiology ofSalixspp. which may have impact on their ecology and economic uses include: (i) relatively high (for woody plants) light-saturated rate of photosynthesis on a leaf area or leaf dry weight basis, (ii) sex differences in water (transpiration) costs of growth, (iii) very limited seed longevity and a wide range of temperature and light conditions permitting germination, and (iv) ready rooting and establishment of naturally or artificially detached twigs and branches. Areas in which work onSalixhas been especially influential for the development of plant physiology include: (i) the analysis of phloem functioning using aphids, (ii) the role of photoinhibition under natural conditions, and (iii) the realisation that the woody habit need not constrain the achieved activity of enzymes and hence N-based metabolic rates.
Organizational Learning Strategies and Verbal Memory Deficits in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Nitzburg George C. , Cuesta-Diaz Armando , Ospina Luz H. , Russo Manuela , Shanahan Megan , Perez-Rodriguez Mercedes , Larsen Emmett , Mulaimovic Sandra , Burdick Katherine E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground: Verbal memory (VM) impairment is prominent in bipolar disorder (BD) and is linked to functional outcomes. However, the intricacies of VM impairment have not yet been studied in a large sample of BD patients. Moreover, some have proposed VM deficits that may be mediated by organizational strategies, such as semantic or serial clustering. Thus, the exact nature of VM break-down in BD patients is not well understood, limiting remediation efforts. We investigated the intricacies of VM deficits in BD patients versus healthy controls (HCs) and examined whether verbal learning differences were mediated by use of clustering strategies. Methods: The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) was administered to 113 affectively stable BD patients and 106 HCs. We compared diagnostic groups on all CVLT indices and investigated whether group differences in verbal learning were mediated by clustering strategies. Results: Although BD patients showed significantly poorer attention, learning, and memory, these indices were only mildly impaired. However, BD patients evidenced poorer use of effective learning strategies and lower recall consistency, with these indices falling in the moderately impaired range. Moreover, relative reliance on semantic clustering fully mediated the relationship between diagnostic category and verbal learning, while reliance on serial clustering partially mediated this relationship. Conclusions: VM deficits in affectively stable bipolar patients were widespread but were generally mildly impaired. However, patients displayed inadequate use of organizational strategies with clear separation from HCs on semantic and serial clustering. Remediation efforts may benefit from education about mnemonic devices or “chunking” techniques to attenuate VM deficits in BD. (JINS, 2017, 23, 358–366)
Expression of GHR and PGC-lα in association with changes of MyHC isof orm types in longissimus muscle of Erhualian and Large White pigs (Sus scrofa) during postnatal growth
Authors: Zhao Ru-Qian , Yang Xiao-Jing , Xu Qin-Fu , Wei Xi-Hui , Xia Dong , Chen Jie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMyofibre composition in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of Erhualian (EHL) and Large White (LW) pigs was investigated by determining the ratios of mRNA abundances of four myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms (MyHC I, MyHC 2a, MyHC 2x and MyHC 2b) using multiplex RT-PCR. The relationship between expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α coactivator-lα (PGC-lα) mRNAs and changes ofmyofibre type composition during postnatal growth from 3 to 180 days of age were analysed. At 3 days of age, proportions of MyHC I, 2a and 2x fibres were high while only a few MyHC 2b fibres were differentiated. Dramatic changes were observed from day 3 to day 20 with significantly decreased MyHC I, 2a and 2x fibres but abrupt increases in MyHC 2b fibres in both breeds of pigs. Breed difference was exhibited only from day 90, with higher MyHC 2b but less MyHC I and 2a expression in LW pigs. Developmental pattern of GHR mRNA expression in LD muscle coincided with that of MyHC 2b, with LW pigs expressing higher abundance of GHR mRNA. PGC-lα mRNA expression followed distinct patterns in the two breeds of pigs, a higher level of PGC-lα mRNA being expressed in LD muscle of EHL pigs, the breed that possessed more oxidative fibres (MyHC I and MyHC 2a).
Outsourcing day surgery to private for-profit hospitals: the price effects of competitive tendering
Authors: Hagen Terje P. , Holom Geir Hiller , Amayu Kebebew N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSetting prices for elective patient treatments in private for-profit (PFP) hospitals in traditional tax-funded health systems is challenging since both the organisation of these hospitals and the tasks they perform differ considerably from what we find in public hospitals. From the year 2000, Norway became one of a few countries to gradually implement a procurement system based on competitive tendering when outsourcing elective surgery. In this study we analyse the effect of introducing competitive tendering on the prices paid to PFP hospitals. Pricing data were collected from the formal contracts awarded to PFP hospitals and defined in terms of both absolute and relative prices. We found that PFP hospitals performed day surgeries at markedly lower prices than public hospitals and that competitive tendering triggered the price reduction. We speculate that the PFP hospitals’ lack of acute services, less severe patient population, reduced teaching responsibilities and ability to streamline production, as well as other factors, explain the lower prices at PFP hospitals.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Deregulated AJAP1/β-catenin/ZEB1 signaling promotes hepatocellular carcinoma carcinogenesis and metastasis
Authors: Han Jihua , Xie Changming , Pei Tiemin , Wang Jiabei , Lan Yaliang , Huang Kaihua , Cui Yifeng , Wang Fengyue , Zhang Jiewu , Pan Shangha , Liang Yingjian , Zhen Tongsen , Song Ruipeng , Sun Boshi , Li Yuejin , Shi Huawen , Yang Guangchao , Liu Xirui , Zhu Mingxi , Wang Yan , Li Keyu , Liu Yao , Meng Fanzheng , Liao Fei , Meng Xianzhi , Hong Xuehui , Liu Lianxin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAdherens junctions-associated protein 1 (AJAP1) is an integral membrane protein that is thought to function as a tumor suppressor in various malignancies. Downregulation of AJAP1 mRNA levels may predict recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. This was addressed in the present study by examining the role of AJAP1 in HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro as well as in human specimens and mouse xenograft model. We found that AJAP1 expression was reduced in HCC cells and human HCC tissue, which was associated with metastasis. AJAP1 overexpression inhibited HCC progression and metastasis, while its silencing had the opposite effect both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, AJAP1 blocked epithelial–to–mesenchymal transition by interacting with β-catenin and inhibiting its nuclear translocation, which suppressed zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) transcription. These results indicate that AJAP1 inhibits HCC metastasis, and is thus a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
cPLA2α mediates TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in breast cancer through PI3k/Akt signaling
Authors: Chen Lu , Fu Hui , Luo Yi , Chen Liwei , Cheng Runfen , Zhang Ning , Guo Hua 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA high incidence of tumor recurrence and metastasis has been reported in breast cancer patients; nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), has been implicated in tumorigenesis and breast cancer metastasis. EMT events are now directly associated with tumor metastasis, and this progress is dependent on the inflammatory microenvironment. Cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) has been shown to participate in a series of biological processes including inflammation and cancer development. However, the role and molecular mechanism of cPLA2α in breast cancer EMT and metastasis remain enigmatic. In this study, we found that cPLA2α was commonly overexpressed in most human breast cancer tissues and significantly correlated with a poor prognosis for human breast cancer. Functional studies demonstrated that cPLA2α overexpression was significantly associated with elevated migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. Conversely, reduced cPLA2α expression strongly attenuated metastasis and the EMT program of MDA-MB-231 cells. Further study found that knockdown of cPLA2α in MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments revealed that cPLA2α downregulation in MDA-MB-231 cells markedly restrained tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. This study indicates the potential role of cPLA2α in breast cancer metastasis and indicates that this molecule is a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer.