bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Dry Eye Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Kal Öznur , Ulusoy Mahmut Oğuz , Kal Ali , Tanriaşki Gülşah , Cezairlioğlu Şefik 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate dry eye parameters with conventional tests and tear meniscus with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS‐OCT) in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Thirty‐eight ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled. An ocular surface disease index questionnaire (OSDI) was administered. Before conventional dry eye tests, tear meniscus were evaluated using AS‐OCT. After a complete ocular examination, Schirmer and break‐up time (BUT) tests were performed and probable corneal staining was investigated. Schirmer test and BUT values were significantly lower in ESRD patients (P < 0.05). OSDI scores and corneal staining scores were significantly higher in ESRD patients (P < 0.05). Tear meniscus height, tear meniscus depth, and tear meniscus area, which were obtained by AS‐OCT were significantly lower in patients with ESRD (P < 0.05). Tear meniscus evaluation using AS‐OCT is an effective and non‐invasive method to assess tear meniscus in patients with ESRD. Patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis should obtain regular ophthalmic examination, especially for dry eye.
TRACING CHARGE TRAJECTORIES: A STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF RACE IN CHARGE CHANGES AT CASE SCREENING, ARRAIGNMENT, AND DISPOSITION*
Authors: KUTATELADZE BESIKI LUKA 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAlthough social scientists and legal scholars have made valuable headway in identifying and explaining the relationships between myriad demographic, social, and legal factors and case outcomes, a sizable gap in understanding remains with respect to how cases evolve across decision points and how charges change for different racial and ethnic groups at individual decision points and cumulatively. This gap is partially addressed in this study through the examination of charge decreases, increases, and no change at three essential decision points—case screening for prosecution, arraignment, and final disposition. The results show that, overall, screening and disposition were much more dynamic decision points than was arraignment and that one third of cases experienced a charge decrease at some point. Even though racial differences in charge reductions at case screening were not large, at arraignment and disposition, as well as cumulatively, Black and Latino defendants were less likely than White defendants to have charges decreased. Conversely, Asian defendants experienced even more favorable outcomes than White defendants as they were more likely to have charges reduced and less likely to experience an increase. These findings are framed in the context of focal concerns, cumulative disadvantage, and “charge reasonableness” arguments.
Maintenance and assessment of cell viability in formulation of non‐sporulating bacterial inoculants
Authors: Berninger Teresa , González López Óscar , Bejarano Ana , Preininger Claudia , Sessitsch Angela 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe application of beneficial, plant‐associated microorganisms is a sustainable approach to improving crop performance in agriculture. However, microbial inoculants are often susceptible to prolonged periods of storage and deleterious environmental factors, which negatively impact their viability and ultimately limit efficacy in the field. This particularly concerns non‐sporulating bacteria. To overcome this challenge, the availability of protective formulations is crucial. Numerous parameters influence the viability of microbial cells, with drying procedures generally being among the most critical ones. Thus, technological advances to attenuate the desiccation stress imposed on living cells are key to successful formulation development. In this review, we discuss the core aspects important to consider when aiming at high cell viability of non‐sporulating bacteria to be applied as microbial inoculants in agriculture. We elaborate the suitability of commonly applied drying methods (freeze‐drying, vacuum‐drying, spray‐drying, fluidized bed‐drying, air‐drying) and potential measures to prevent cell damage from desiccation (externally applied protectants, stress pre‐conditioning, triggering of exopolysaccharide secretion, ‘helper’ strains). Furthermore, we point out methods for assessing bacterial viability, such as colony counting, spectrophotometry, microcalorimetry, flow cytometry and viability qPCR. Choosing appropriate technologies for maintenance of cell viability and evaluation thereof will render formulation development more efficient. This in turn will aid in utilizing the vast potential of promising, plant beneficial bacteria as sustainable alternatives to standard agrochemicals.
The efficacy, biodistribution and safety of an inhibinDNAvaccine delivered by attenuatedSalmonella choleraesuis
Authors: Chen Wei‐zhen , Li Ying‐mei , Yu Xue , Li Yue , Li Wen‐ke , Wang Qing‐ling , Liang Ai‐xin , Li Xiang , Yang Li‐guo , Han Li 
Published: December 2017

SummaryDNAvaccines, the third‐generation vaccines, were extensively studied. The attenuatedSalmonella choleraesuis(S. choleraesuis) was widely focused as a carrier to deliverDNAvaccines in the chromosome–plasmid balanced‐lethal system. The efficacy of inhibinDNAvaccine delivered by attenuatedS. choleraesuiswas proved in mice and cows in our previous studies. In this study, the efficacy of inhibinDNAvaccine was confirmed in rhesus monkeys. To further study the biodistribution and safety, the mice were immunized under laboratory conditions. The results of the rhesus monkeys showed the plasma IgA and IgG titres against inhibin were elevated, and the oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were increased with immunizing inhibinDNAvaccine. The biodistribution and safety assessment displayed the body weight, pathological change and haematology indexes where there is no significant difference between vaccinated mice and control. And the genomics analysis showed there was no integration of the inhibin gene into the mouse genome 2 months after immunization. This study indicated the inhibinDNAvaccine delivered by attenuatedS. choleraesuiswas safe. And this vaccine was a potential means to improve their reproductive traits in primates and other animals.
A bifunctional cellulase–xylanase of a new Chryseobacterium strain isolated from the dung of a straw‐fed cattle
Authors: Tan Hao , Miao Renyun , Liu Tianhai , Yang Lufang , Yang Yumin , Chen Chunxiu , Lei Jianrong , Li Yuhui , He Jiabei , Sun Qun , Peng Weihong , Gan Bingcheng , Huang Zhongqian 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA new cellulolytic strain of Chryseobacterium genus was screened from the dung of a cattle fed with cereal straw. A putative cellulase gene (cbGH5) belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 5 subfamily 46 (GH5_46) was identified and cloned by degenerate PCR plus genome walking. The CbGH5 protein was overexpressed in Pichia pastoris, purified and characterized. It is the first bifunctional cellulase–xylanase reported in GH5_46 as well as in Chryseobacterium genus. The enzyme showed an endoglucanase activity on carboxymethylcellulose of 3237 μmol min−1 mg−1 at pH 9, 90 °C and a xylanase activity on birchwood xylan of 1793 μmol min−1 mg−1 at pH 8, 90 °C. The activity level and thermophilicity are in the front rank of all the known cellulases and xylanases. Core hydrophobicity had a positive effect on the thermophilicity of this enzyme. When similar quantity of enzymatic activity units was applied on the straws of wheat, rice, corn and oilseed rape, CbGH5 could obtain 3.5–5.0× glucose and 1.2–1.8× xylose than a mixed commercial cellulase plus xylanase of Novozymes. When applied on spent mushroom substrates made from the four straws, CbGH5 could obtain 9.2–15.7× glucose and 3.5–4.3× xylose than the mixed Novozymes cellulase+xylanase. The results suggest that CbGH5 could be a promising candidate for industrial lignocellulosic biomass conversion.
A case report of basic calcium phosphate deposition disease mimicking septic arthritis
Authors: Luu Queenie , Nasibi Siroos , Sharma Praneal , Bonura Andrew , Massasso David 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe report a case of a 53‐year‐old man who presented with a diagnostic dilemma mimicking septic arthritis. It is important to consider the diagnosis of calcific peri‐arthritis clinically and recognize the hallmarks on radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging as this disease process resolves completely with conservative management like in our patient, and does not require operative intervention.
Association of angiotensin‐converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang An‐Fang , Li Hui , Ke Lei , Yang Chao , Liu Xiao‐Yan , Yang Zu‐Cheng , Xu Fen , Jia Hong , Xu Wang‐Dong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine whether the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism confers susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/lupus nephritis (LN).MethodsA meta‐analysis was conducted on the association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and SLE/LN (when available) using: (i) the allelic contrast; (ii) the recessive; (iii) the dominant; and (iv) the additive models.ResultsA total of 27 relevant comparisons meeting the inclusion criteria were identified, involving 2718 SLE patients and 3655 controls. Meta‐analysis showed a significant association between SLE and the allele D in overall populations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.48, P = 0.004). Stratification by ethnicity indicated a strong association between the allele D and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05–1.75, P = 0.019). Meta‐analysis also showed a significant association between SLE and the DD genotype in overall populations (additive model) (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05–1.83, P = 0.022). In addition, we found significant associations between the recessive model and SLE in overall populations, Asians and Europeans (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11–1.88, P = 0.007; OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07–2.68, P = 0.024; and OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06–1.62, P = 0.013, respectively). With respect to the association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and LN risk, there was no significant association in either the overall populations or subpopulations.ConclusionThe present study might suggest that ACE I/D polymorphism may be a genetic molecular marker to predict SLE, while this polymorphism may not correlate with LN susceptibility.
A retrospective review of the persistence on bDMARDs prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the Australian population
Authors: Jones Graeme , Hall Stephen , Bird Paul , Littlejohn Geoff , Tymms Kathleen , Youssef Peter , Chung Eric , Barrett Rina , Button Peter 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimTo describe the persistence of biologic disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in Australian rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and assess the influence of methotrexate and other conventional DMARD (cDMARD) concomitant medications, and treatment line on bDMARD persistence and glucocorticoids usage.MethodRA patients, from the 10% Australian Medicare random sample, aged ≥18 for whom bDMARDs were dispensed were included. Individual sub‐cutaneous (SC) anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (anti‐TNFα) agents were combined as they were equivalent.ResultsData from 1230 patients were analyzed. For all patients the 12‐month persistence rates (based on Kaplan–Meier estimates) were 76% for intravenous (IV) tocilizumab, 63% abatacept (SC/IV), 61% SC‐anti‐TNFs and 36% IV‐infliximab. Persistence rates on first‐line bDMARDs were 79% (tocilizumab and abatacept), 64% (SC‐anti‐TNFs) and 13% (infliximab); rates were sustained for tocilizumab but dropped to 49% for abatacept and 51% for SC‐anti‐TNFs in the second‐line setting. Median treatment persistence was 40 months tocilizumab (95% CI: 30‐ND), 33 months abatacept (95% CI: 20‐ND); 22 months SC‐anti‐TNF (95% Cl: 18–27), and 4 months infliximab (95% CI: 2–13). Longer persistence was observed for SC‐anti‐TNFs and abatacept combined with methotrexate or other cDMARDs. For tocilizumab, persistence was robust with or without concomitant medications. The median oral glucocorticoid doses decreased from 4.1 mg/day (min 0, max 21) to 2.0 mg/day (min 0, max 17.3) over 2 years.ConclusionsTreatment persistence was longer on tocilizumab followed by abatacept then SC‐anti‐TNF therapy and was influenced by co‐therapy. Glucocorticoid dosage decreased with bDMARD use. This real‐world data highlights that persistence on bDMARDs differs according to biologics mode of action and co‐therapy.
Short‐selling constraints and corporate payout policy
Authors: Chen Hang , Zhu Yushu , Chang Liang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study shows that managers adjust corporate payout policies to counteract intensified short‐selling pressures following the removal of a short‐selling constraint. We use a controlled experiment, the Regulation SHO pilot program, to find that changing the short‐selling rule brings small companies to increase cash dividends, but not to repurchase more shares. Because paying dividends is costly, it is acknowledged as a more reliable signal of stock undervaluation than share repurchase. While our evidence suggests that companies select this payout strategy to deter predatory short sellers, it also shows that a short‐selling activity has a causal effect on corporate payout decisions.
Laser photogrammetry reveals variation in growth and early survival in free‐ranging bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Cheney B. , Wells R. S. , Barton T. R. , Thompson P. M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGrowth and body condition can be used as indices of health and fitness, but are difficult to collect for populations of conservation concern where individuals cannot be captured. We incorporated a laser photogrammetry system into boat‐based photo‐identification surveys that underpin individual‐based studies of cetacean populations. These data were integrated with >25 years of observations from a temperate bottlenose dolphin population in Scotland to investigate the influence of sex on growth patterns, effects of birth order on calf size and the longer term consequences of variation in early growth. Field measurements of the distance from the blowhole to the dorsal fin were made in multiple years from 87 dolphins that had been followed from birth, ranging in age from newborn to 26 years. These estimates were validated against direct measurements of 12 individuals that had previously been captured and released in Florida and two study individuals that subsequently stranded. Using relationships derived from other stranded individuals, age‐specific body lengths were used to produce growth curves that were based entirely on remote observations. Multilevel regression growth curve analyses suggested males and females showed similar patterns of growth, unlike bottlenose dolphins in sub‐tropical areas, and growth was best described by a Richards’ growth curve. Newborn length was unrelated to sex; however, females’ first calves were shorter than subsequent calves. Sample sizes remain small, yet there was evidence of fitness consequences of variation in calf length; calves that died in their first winter were significantly shorter than those that survived. The incorporation of this simple‐to‐use and inexpensive method into individual‐based photo‐identification studies provides new opportunities to non‐invasively investigate drivers of variation in growth and the demographic consequences of variation in early growth in cetaceans from protected populations.
Repetitive‐incessant electrical storm triggered by early repolarization
Authors: Chatzidou Sofia , Repasos Evangelos , Plastiras Sotiris , Kontogiannis Christos , Kosmopoulos Marinos , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Rokas Stelios 
Published: December 2017

Early repolarization syndrome (ERS) was originally considered a normal variant with benign outcome. However, recent studies have demonstrated that it can be linked to a considerable risk of life‐threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We report a case with an extraordinary, extremely malignant clinical expression of ERS refractory to all antiarrhythmic drugs including quinidine. This case demonstrates real‐time changes of dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) preceding a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)‐ventricular fibrillation (VF) and possible external factors triggering arrhythmia onset. Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) function was terminated 6 months after implantation due to multiple‐incessant electrical storm (ES). Catheter ablation was the definite treatment of this malignant entity.
Post‐operative telephone review is safe and effective: prospective study – Monash outpatient review by phone trial
Authors: Ma Yi , Jones Gregory , Tay Yeng Kwang , Hunter Toni , Holden Dane , Rodgers‐Wilson Stephen , Cashin Paul , Tan Pee Yau , Croagh Daniel 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionStudies have shown that post‐operative telephone follow‐up is satisfactory and effective. As high quality evidence is scant, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare it against outpatient clinic review for emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy or cholecystectomy.MethodPatients who received emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy or cholecystectomy were eligible for this study. Once recruited, they were randomly allocated to either clinic review or telephone follow‐up on discharge. Participants were reviewed at 2 weeks after operation and contacted again at 4 weeks after initial follow‐up for satisfaction survey.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐nine participants were recruited with one withdrawn consent and six excluded. Ninety‐six underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy and 76 had laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Ninety‐six attended clinic review and 76 had telephone follow‐up. The two groups were similar in baseline variables. Non‐attendance rate was higher for clinic review cohort (24% vs 6.6%, P = 0.002). Participants who received telephone review reported higher satisfaction level (9.31 vs 8.85, P = 0.002), and most patients prefer telephone follow‐up (73.1%, P < 0.0001). No difference was detected for missed complications (P = 0.354).ConclusionTelephone follow‐up post laparoscopic appendicectomy or cholecystectomy is safe, satisfying and effective.
IS SELF‐MANAGEMENT POSSIBLE? A STUDY ON THE RECOVERED FACTORIES IN BRAZIL
Authors: PIRES Aline Suelen 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe scenario outlined by the productive restructuring associated with the economic crisis and other changes in the Brazilian economy in the 1990s led to the bankruptcy of many businesses and resulted in an increase in unemployment and uncertainty in work relations. Thus, the workers sought other forms of survival, including associated work. Some groups began to organize themselves with the aim of collectively assuming the management of bankrupted factories in order to keep their jobs. The first ‘recovered factories’ appeared in Brazil. In this context, some supporting institutions were also born, in order to support these experiences, as well as other initiatives within the cooperative and social economy. Our proposal is to make a general analysis of the current situation of the recovered factories in Brazil, discussing whether and how the values of cooperativism and self‐management are present in these factories today.
Interferon‐free therapy of chronic hepatitis C with direct‐acting antivirals does not change the short‐term risk for de novo hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Mettke F. , Schlevogt B. , Deterding K. , Wranke A. , Smith A. , Port K. , Manns M. P. , Vogel A. , Cornberg M. , Wedemeyer H. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance with IFN‐based therapies reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There has been some debate if IFN‐free therapy with direct‐acting antivirals alters the risk for HCC.AimTo investigate the HCC incidence in cirrhotic HCV patients who cleared HCV with direct‐acting antivirals vs untreated controls.MethodsWe prospectively monitored 373 patients with chronic hepatitis C who received IFN‐free therapies with direct‐acting antiviral after January 2014. A retrospective control cohort of untreated cirrhotic patients was recruited out of 3715 HCV patients who were followed at our centre between 2007 and 2013, with similar HCC screening protocols.Results158 direct‐acting antiviral‐treated and 184 control patients with liver cirrhosis were included in this analysis. The groups did not differ in gender and genotype distribution, severity of liver disease and prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Patients were followed up for a median of 440 (range 91‐908) and 592 (range 90‐1000) days. HCCs developed in 6 and 14 patients during follow‐up, resulting in an incidence of 2.90 vs 4.48 HCCs per 100 person‐years. In the direct‐acting antiviral‐treated group, there was no new case of HCC later than 450 days after treatment initiation. In multivariate analysis, higher MELD‐Scores and AFP‐levels were independently associated with HCC development. Transplant‐free patient survival was similar in both groups.ConclusionsIFN‐free direct‐acting antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C does not alter the short‐term risk for HCC in patients with liver cirrhosis. A reduced HCC incidence may become evident after more than 1.5 years of follow‐up.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: thiopurines decrease the risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lu M. J. , Qiu X. Y. , Mao X. Q. , Li X. T. , Zhang H. J. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundPatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk of developing colorectal neoplasia.AimTo investigate whether thiopurines can decrease the risk of developing colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD).MethodsWe conducted a meta‐analysis of 24 observational studies involving 76,999 participants to evaluate the risks of developing colorectal neoplasia in IBD patients receiving thiopurine treatment. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risks of colorectal neoplasia were calculated using a random‐effects model.ResultsThe overall pooled estimate revealed a protective effect of thiopurine use on colorectal neoplasia in patients with IBD (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.46‐0.86). The effect was significant in UC patients (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.45‐0.98), but was not significant in CD patients (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.54‐2.09). Thiopurines exposure significantly decreased the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.45‐0.96) and advanced colorectal neoplasia (CRC and/or high‐grade dysplasia) (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.44‐0.89), but did not decrease the risk of dysplasia alone (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.37‐2.21). Tendencies towards the protective effect of thiopurines were distinct in clinic‐based studies (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.42‐0.82) and case‐control studies (OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.26‐0.62), but not in population‐based studies (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.55‐1.62) and cohort studies (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.81‐1.18). Interestingly, studies conducted in Europe (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31‐0.77), rather than in North America (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.67‐1.24), showed the protective effect of thiopurines.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis revealed an antineoplastic effect of thiopurines on colorectal neoplasia in patients with IBD, particularly amongst patients with UC.