bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced dispersal and survival in the sweet potato weevil (Euscepes postfasciatus) after irradiation
Authors: Ichinose Katsuya , Yasuda Keiji , Yamashita Nobuo , Matsumura Masaya , Okada Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn southern Japan, sweet potato weevils Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) are being eradicated using the sterile insect technique because of their damaging effects on sweet potato crops. However, the effect of irradiation on the dispersal and survival of this species needs to be evaluated.
We observed the dispersal of normal and irradiated weevils for 21 days after their release in a sweet potato field during all four seasons, and estimated their survival using the Weibull function.
Normal weevils generally moved further than irradiated weevils, and all weevils had greater dispersal distances in the summer than in the winter, with spring and autumn intermediate between these two extremes (summer: 0.23 m/day versus 0.29 m/day; winter: 0.15 m/day versus 0.07 m/day; spring: 0.20 m/day versus 0.17 m/day; autumn: 0.20 m/day versus 0.15 m/day, respectively).
Normal weevils had low variation in mean life expectancy (approximately 8 days throughout the year), whereas the life expectancy of irradiated weevils was drastically reduced in the summer (2.20 days).
The implications of these results for the efficiency of this eradication technique are discussed.
Association of Thrombomodulin Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Atherosclerotic Diseases: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xu Jie , Jin Jun , Tan Sheng 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPrevious studies have proved that the dysfunction of thrombomodulin (TM) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic diseases. In order to reveal their inherent relationship, we conducted a meta‐analysis to uncover the association between two polymorphisms ‐33G/A and Ala455Val (c.1418C>T) in the TM gene and atherosclerotic diseases. We carried out a systematic search in PubMed, Science Direct, BIOSIS Previews, SpringerLink, the Cochrane library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Database, the Wei Pu database, and the Wanfang Database. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to show the association. We included 22 eligible studies which involved 5472 patients and 7786 controls. There were statistically significant associations between ‐33G/A polymorphisms in TM and the MI group under the Allele and Recessive models in Asians (G vs. A: OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.56–0.78, P < 0.00001; GG vs. GA+AA: OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.56–0.78, P < 0.00001). However, these findings of the overall and subgroups showed that Ala455Val polymorphisms did not have any relationship with atherosclerotic diseases. After Bonferroni correction, the above associations remained statistically significant. This meta‐analysis provides robust evidence of association between the ‐33G/A polymorphism in the TM gene and the risk of myocardial infarction in Asians. The A allele may increase the incidence of MI in Asians. However, the Ala455Val variant was not associated with atherosclerotic risk. Further studies with adequate sample size are needed to verify our findings.
Isolation Through Humanitarianism: Subaltern Geopolitics of the Siege on Gaza
Authors: Smith Ron J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractScholars have argued that in attempts to achieve geopolitical goals, siege often results in covert assaults against civilian populations. In the Gazan context, siege subjects are rendered as surplus to the Israeli state, and are therefore isolated and deprived of basic human needs as well as human rights. In 2006, siege was enacted against Gaza, enforced by the Egyptian and Israeli militaries. As a consequence, the population of Gaza is isolated from the exchange of goods, services, people, and ideas. This article begins with an analysis of siege as a violent process and as a subset of occupation practices. Using ethnographic data collected in Gaza between 2009 and 2014, this article mobilizes the methods and approach of subaltern geopolitics to undermine the notion of siege as a humanitarian alternative to war. This study reveals the micro‐scale, graduated nature of siege and its impacts on the civilians living in Gaza.
Helicobacter‐negative gastritis: polymerase chain reaction for Helicobacter DNA is a valuable tool to elucidate the diagnosis
Authors: Kiss S. , Zsikla V. , Frank A. , Willi N. , Cathomas G. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundHelicobacter‐negative gastritis has been increasingly reported. Molecular techniques as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may detect bacterial DNA in histologically negative gastritis.AimTo evaluate of Helicobacter PCR in gastric biopsies for the daily diagnostics of Helicobacter‐negative gastritis.MethodsOver a 5‐year period, routine biopsies with chronic gastritis reminiscent of Helicobacter infection, but negative by histology, were tested by using a H. pylori specific PCR. Subsequently, PCR‐negative samples were re‐evaluated using PCR for other Helicobacter species.ResultsOf the 9184 gastric biopsies, 339 (3.7%) with histological‐negative gastritis and adequate material were forwarded to PCR analysis for H. pylori and 146 (43.1%) revealed a positive result. In 193 H. pylori DNA‐negative biopsies, re‐analysis using PCR primers for other Helicobacter species, revealed further 23 (11.9%) positive biopsies, including 4 (2.1%) biopsies with H. heilmannii sensu lato. PCR‐positive biopsies showed a higher overall inflammatory score, more lymphoid follicles/aggregates and neutrophils (P < 0.05). No Helicobacter DNA was found in control biopsies of 48 patients with neither primer set (P < 0.0001). In 274 patients with an endoscopic description, detection of H. pylori DNA was associated with ulcers and erosions (P < 0.01). Over all, in 339 histologically‐negative gastric biopsies, Helicobacter DNA was detected in 169 (49.9%) samples with at least one primer set.ConclusionMolecular testing offers a sensitive and specific diagnosis to a selected group of patients, in whom adequate searches for bacteria by conventional histology have resulted in the unsatisfactory diagnosis of H. pylori‐negative gastritis.
Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties of coadministered azithromycin and piperaquine in pregnant Papua New Guinean women
Authors: Moore Brioni R. , Benjamin John M. , Auyeung Siu On , Salman Sam , Yadi Gumul , Griffin Suzanne , Page‐Sharp Madhu , Batty Kevin T. , Siba Peter M. , Mueller Ivo , Rogerson Stephen J. , Davis Timothy ME 
Published: February 2016

AimsThe aim of the present study was to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of coadministered azithromycin (AZI) and piperaquine (PQ) for treating malaria in pregnant Papua New Guinean women.MethodsThirty pregnant women (median age 22 years; 16–32 weeks' gestation) were given three daily doses of 1 g AZI plus 960 mg PQ tetraphosphate with detailed monitoring/blood sampling over 42 days. Plasma AZI and PQ were assayed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Pharmacokinetic analysis was by population‐based compartmental models.ResultsThe treatment was well tolerated. The median (interquartile range) increase in the rate‐corrected electrocardiographic QT interval 4 h postdose [12 (6–26) ms0.5] was similar to that found in previous studies of AZI given in pregnancy with other partner drugs. Six women with asymptomatic malaria cleared their parasitaemias within 72 h. Two apararasitaemic women developed late uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections on Days 42 and 83. Compared with previous pregnancy studies, the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) for PQ [38818 (24354–52299) μg h l−1] was similar to published values but there was a 52% increase in relative bioavailability with each dose. The AUC0–∞ for AZI [46799 (43526–49462) μg h l−1] was at least as high as reported for higher‐dose regimens, suggesting saturable absorption and/or concentration‐dependent tissue uptake and clearance from the central compartment.ConclusionsAZI–PQ appears to be well tolerated and safe in pregnancy. Based on the present/other data, total AZI doses higher than 3 g for the treatment and prevention of malaria may be unnecessary in pregnant women, while clearance of parasitaemia could improve the relative bioavailability of PQ.
Living with bipolar disorder: the impact on patients, spouses, and their marital relationship
Authors: Granek Leeat , Danan Dor , Bersudsky Yuly , Osher Yamima 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesPatients with bipolar disorder are characterized by an unusually high divorce rate. As such, the purpose of the present study was to uncover information relating specifically to the impact of bipolar disorder on patients and spouses individually, and on the marital relationship from the perspectives of both patients and spouses.MethodsEleven patients with bipolar disorder and ten spouses were interviewed separately about the impact of bipolar disorder on their lives and on their marital relationship. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory method.ResultsThe impact of bipolar disorder for spouses included self‐sacrifice, caregiving burden, emotional impact, and a sense of personal evolution. The impact of bipolar disorder on patients included an emotional impact, responsibility for self‐care, and struggling socially and developmentally. When comparing patient and spouse perspectives on the impact of the disorder, neither the patient nor the spouse was able to accurately assess the impact of the disorder on their partner's lives. The impact of bipolar disorder on the relationship included volatility in the relationship, strengthening the relationship, weakening the relationship, and family planning.ConclusionsThe research indicated that patients and partners alike struggle with the tremendous impact of bipolar disorder on their lives and on their relationships. Given the high rates of divorce and volatility in these relationships, healthcare professionals can provide (or refer to) emotional and practical support both to patients and spouses on their own, and as a couple in their clinics.
Thrombopoietic status of patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Bat Taha , Bat Betul E. , El‐Moghraby Ahmed , Patel Samir , Feng Xingmin , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Sarac Erdal 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThrombocytopenia is a potential dialysis‐related treatment complication. Developments in bio‐compatible dialyser membranes have decreased the occurrence of thrombocytopenia. We investigated whether thrombopoiesis is impaired in haemodialysis patients by measuring the thrombopoietin level and absolute immature platelet number (AIPN) in the blood of patients undergoing haemodialysis. Samples were collected from the dialysis tubing pre‐ and post‐ haemodialysis in a cohort of 45 well‐characterized haemodialysis patients. Thrombopoietin levels and AIPN increased following haemodialysis, despite no change in platelet count. Observed increase in release of immature platelets from the bone marrow following haemodialysis indicates possible complement activation secondary to interaction between blood constituents and the dialysis membrane.
d‐Penicillamine modulates hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway through selective inhibition of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase
Authors: Brancaleone Vincenzo , Esposito Iolanda , Gargiulo Antonella , Vellecco Valentina , Asimakopoulou Antonia , Citi Valentina , Calderone Vincenzo , Gobbetti Thomas , Perretti Mauro , Papapetropoulos Andreas , Bucci Mariarosaria , Cirino Giuseppe 
Published: February 2016

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter produced from l‐cysteine through the enzymatic action of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE) and/or cystathionine‐β‐synthase. d‐Penicillamine is the d isomer of a dimethylated cysteine and has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As d‐penicillamine is structurally very similar to cysteine, we have investigated whether d‐penicillamine, as a cysteine analogue, has an effect on the H2S pathway.Experimental ApproachWe tested the effect of d‐penicillamine (0.01–1 mM) in mouse aortic rings mounted in isolated organ baths and determined whether it could affect H2S biosynthesis. In particular, we investigated any possible inhibitor or donor behaviour by using recombinant enzyme‐based assays and an in vivo approach.Key Resultsd‐Penicillamine, per se, showed little or no vasodilator effect, and it cannot be metabolized as a substrate in place of l‐cysteine. However, d‐penicillamine significantly reduced l‐cysteine‐induced vasodilatation in a concentration‐dependent manner through inhibition of H2S biosynthesis, and this effect occurred at concentrations 10 times lower than those needed to induce the release of H2S. In particular, d‐penicillamine selectively inhibited CSE in a pyridoxal‐5′‐phospate‐dependent manner.Conclusions and ImplicationsTaken together, our results suggest that d‐penicillamine acts as a selective CSE inhibitor, leading to new perspectives in the design and use of specific pharmacological tools for H2S research. In addition, the inhibitory effect of d‐penicillamine on CSE could account for its beneficial action in rheumatoid arthritis patients, where H2S has been shown to have a detrimental effect.
“More Normal than Welfare”: The Mincome Experiment, Stigma, and Community Experience
Authors: Calnitsky David 
Published: February 2016

Cet article traite de l'impact d'une expérience sociale menée dans les années 1970, l'Expérience du revenu annuel de base du Manitoba (MINCOME). J'examine le lieu de “saturation” de la MINCOME, la ville de Dauphin au Manitoba, où tous les habitants étaient admissibles à des versements de revenus annuels garantis pendant trois ans. À partir d'archives de récits qualitatifs des participants je montre que la conception et le discours autour de la MINCOME ont amené les participants à voir les versements d'un oeil pragmatique, contrairement à la perspective moralisatrice qu'inspire le bien‐être sociale. Conformément à la théorie existante cet article constate que la participation à la MINCOME n'a pas produit de stigmate social. Plus largement, cette étude discute de la faisabilité d'autres formes d'organisation socio‐économique à travers une prise en compte des aspects moraux de la politique économique. La signification sociale de la MINCOME était suffisamment puissante pour que même les participants ayant des attitudes négatives à l'égard d'aides gouvernementales se sentirent capables de recevoir des versements de la MINCOME sans un sentiment de contradiction. En occultant les distinctions entre les “pauvres méritants” et les “pauvres non‐méritants”, les programmes universalistes de support économique peuvent affaiblir la stigmatisation sociale et augmenter la durabilité du programme.This paper examines the impact of a social experiment from the 1970s called the Manitoba Basic Annual Income Experiment (Mincome). I examine Mincome's “saturation” site located in Dauphin, Manitoba, where all town residents were eligible for guaranteed annual income payments for three years. Drawing on archived qualitative participant accounts I show that the design and framing of Mincome led participants to view payments through a pragmatic lens, rather than the moralistic lens through which welfare is viewed. Consistent with prior theory, this paper finds that Mincome participation did not produce social stigma. More broadly, this paper bears on the feasibility of alternative forms of socioeconomic organization through a consideration of the moral aspects of economic policy. The social meaning of Mincome was sufficiently powerful that even participants with particularly negative attitudes toward government assistance felt able to collect Mincome payments without a sense of contradiction. By obscuring the distinctions between the “deserving” and “undeserving” poor, universalistic income maintenance programs may weaken social stigmatization and strengthen program sustainability.
Safety and efficacy response to interferon beta‐1a therapy in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis: Interim results of a postmarketing surveillance study
Authors: Saida Takahiko , Makioka Haruki , Kira Jun‐ichi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate safety and efficacy of intramuscular interferon beta‐1a (IFN beta‐1a) in Japanese patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis over the first 2 years of treatment.MethodsSafety data were collected from patients registered in a postmarketing surveillance (PMS) study and combined with spontaneous safety reports from other Japanese patients receiving IFN beta‐1a. Efficacy, including annualized relapse rate (ARR), was assessed only in patients in the postmarketing surveillance study.ResultsSafety analyses were based on 2589 patients, and efficacy analyses included 1241 of the 1638 patients registered in the postmarketing surveillance study who had completed 2 years of treatment (mean treatment duration, 598 days). Safety findings were consistent with those seen in clinical trials; the most commonly reported adverse event was fever (9.8%). The ARR decreased by 71% (from 0.95 at baseline, before study enrolment, to 0.28 at the last on‐therapy assessment) overall, and by 89% (from 1.22 to 0.14) among the 374 IFN beta‐naive patients. Among the 653 patients with relapse data at baseline and at year 2, 401 (61.4%) were classified as responders to intramuscular IFN beta‐1a therapy (defined as those with lower ARR at both year 1 and year 2 than at baseline), with an 87% reduction in ARR (from 1.29 at year 1 to 0.17 at year 2).ConclusionsThe results of this interim analysis are consistent with those of previous studies carried out largely in Caucasian patients, and show the efficacy and safety of intramuscular IFN beta‐1a treatment for Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis in clinical practice.
Caregiver involvement in behavioural health services in the context of child welfare service referrals: a qualitative study
Authors: Pérez Jolles Monica , Flick Jodon Anne (Jodi) , Wells Rebecca , Chuang Emmeline 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHuman service agencies serve a growing number of adults with behavioural health needs. Despite these agencies' key role in identifying need and facilitating services, many individuals do not receive care or end services prematurely. Few studies have explored the experiences of families referred to behavioural health services by such agencies or the extent to which families' perceptions of service need align with those of treatment providers and frontline workers. This study presents findings from a qualitative study of caregivers involved with child welfare agencies who were referred to behavioural health services. Researchers reviewed agencies' case records and conducted in‐depth interviews with 16 caregivers, 9 child welfare caseworkers and 12 behavioural health treatment counsellors. Findings suggest that when deciding to engage in services, caregivers weigh not only their individual and family behavioural health needs but also potential agency intervention, including loss of child custody. Many professionals reported that involvement with a child welfare agency hindered the caregiver's disclosure of behavioural healthcare needs. Implications for managers and practitioners are discussed.
Towards best practice: combining evidence‐based research, structured assessment and professional judgement
Authors: De Bortoli Lillian , Ogloff James , Coles Jan , Dolan Mairead 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLimitations of instruments adopting consensus and actuarial approaches are well documented when assessing risk of abusive behaviour. Whilst the consensus approach is flexible and useful for structuring information, it relies upon the practitioner's ability to combine information and apply knowledge of empirical research. The actuarial approach involves a graduated probability measure in the form of a score that determines the likelihood of a particular event occurring; however, this approach focuses upon static risk factors and tends to be inflexible given its necessary reliance on nomothetic factors. A third approach, structured professional judgement comprises evidence‐based risk factors and decision‐making guidelines to inform professional judgement and standardize assessments. Instruments focus upon dynamic risk factors that assist practitioners monitor risk levels and manage risk. This approach is useful for social work practice that commonly requires ongoing risk assessments and risk management. Structured professional judgement has not been meaningfully explored in Australian child protection practice despite it being used successfully for approximately two decades for assessing a range of offending and violent behaviour. Given the complexity of child protection cases, further research on approaches to risk assessment that combine evidence‐based research, structured assessment and clinical judgement, is warranted.
Clinical Outcomes of Implants Placed in Extraction Sockets and Immediately Restored: A 7‐Year Single‐Cohort Prospective Study
Authors: Barone Antonio , Marconcini Simone , Giammarinaro Enrica , Mijiritsky Eitan , Gelpi Federico , Covani Ugo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe placement of implants immediately after tooth extraction has proven to be a predictable treatment strategy with a very high success rate.PurposeThe aim of the present 7‐year prospective single cohort study was to evaluate the success rate, marginal bone level (MBL), soft tissue stability of implants placed in fresh extraction sockets and immediately restored.Material and MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 37 implants in 32 patients (19 females and 13 males) with an average age of 40.1 ± 13.3 (range: 21–63 years) who received immediate implants and immediate single unit restorations. Outcome evaluations were: implant failures, complications, MBL, width of keratinized gingiva, facial soft tissue (FST) levels, modified Plaque Index and modified Bleeding Index.Results and ConclusionsThe cumulative survival rate was of 94.6% at 7‐year visit. The mean MBL was −0.6 ± 0.49 mm at baseline and 1 ± 0.2 mm after 7 years. The FST Level was 0.4 ± 0.69 mm at baseline and 0.02 ± 0.70 mm at the 7‐year follow‐up. The Width of Keratinazed Gingiva was 3.8 ± 0.47 mm at baseline and 3.1 ± 0.42 mm at 7‐year follow‐up. Implants placed immediately after tooth extraction and immediately restored showed predictable clinical outcomes in this prospective study.