bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of treatment outcomes between balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for gastric variceal bleeding hemostasis
Authors: Lee Shin Jae , Kim Seung Up , Kim Man‐Deuk , Kim Young Hwan , Kim Gyoung Min , Park Sung Il , Won Jong Yun , Lee Do Yun , Lee Kwang‐Hun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimBoth balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are considered effective treatments for gastric variceal bleeding (GVB). In this study, outcomes of these two procedures were compared in managing patients with GVB.MethodsA total of 142 patients undergoing BRTO (n = 95) or TIPS (n = 47) between 2005 and 2012 at two tertiary centers were selected for retrospective review.ResultsMean patient age (male, 115; female, 27) was 58.1 years. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis was the most common underlying cause (n = 63, 44.4%), followed by hepatitis B (n = 60, 42.3%) and hepatitis C (n = 7, 4.9%) viral infections. Concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was identified in 64 (45.1%) patients. During the follow‐up period (mean, 28.2 months), 27 patients (19%) experienced re‐bleeding. Cumulative re‐bleeding rates after BRTO (8.6% at 1 year; 22.7% at 3 years) were significantly lower than those after TIPS (19.8% at 1 year; 48.2% at 3 years; P = 0.006, log‐rank test). In multivariate analysis, TIPS (vs BRTO) was found independently predictive of re‐bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.174; P = 0.048), in addition to concurrent HCC and poor baseline Child–Pugh score (both P < 0.05). Although BRTO surpassed TIPS (P = 0.026, log‐rank test) in terms of overall postprocedural survival, independent factors predictive of poor overall survival after hemostasis were concurrent HCC (HR = 3.106), high Child–Pugh score (HR = 1.886 per 1‐point increase), and postprocedural hepatic encephalopathy (HR = 3.014; all P < 0.05).ConclusionBalloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration proved more effective than TIPS in hemostasis of GVB, associated with significantly less risk of re‐bleeding.
THE FINANCIAL REPRESSION‐LIBERALIZATION DEBATE: TAKING STOCK, LOOKING FOR A SYNTHESIS
Authors: Loizos Konstantinos 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFinancial repression and liberalization became the object of fierce debates between academics and policy makers since the early 1970s. As of the late 1980s, financial liberalization became also part of the ‘Structural Adjustment Programs’ sponsored by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. However, the literature on financial repression and liberalization remains controversial on its theoretical conclusions and policy implications. Given its importance for both the theory and policy of economic development and growth, this paper looks for a possible synthesis. After reviewing the theoretical contributions and empirical studies under the headings of the McKinnon–Shaw and new structuralists models, the survey concludes that a new synthesis might be found in the Post‐Keynesian attempt to take an institutional perspective within a globalised financial and economic environment.
Use of Treatment and Counseling Services and Mind‐Body Techniques by Students With Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties
Authors: Jayawardene Wasantha , Erbe Ryan , Lohrmann David , Torabi Mohammad 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool‐based treatment and counseling services (TCSs) can integrate mind‐body techniques (MBTs) to improve children's health, wellness, and academic performance. We aimed to describe the effect of school‐based TCS on MBT‐use among students experiencing difficulties with concentration, emotions, behaviors, and getting along (DCEBG).METHODSNational Health Interview Survey data were utilized (N2007 = 1225; N2012 = 1835). Logistic regression examined associations between TCS‐type and MBT‐use, while propensity score matching controlled for confounders in the prematch sample.RESULTSCompared with children without DCEBG, MBT‐use was higher among children with DCEBG, but it decreased from 2007 (9.7%) to 2012 (5.1%). Receipt of school‐based TCS increased from 2007 (11.3%) to 2012 (33.9%). Receipt of school‐only TCS, compared with nonschool‐only TCS, was associated with lower MBT‐use (OR2007 = 0.20; OR2012 = 0.54). After matching, this difference remained for 2007 (tprematch = −2.77; tpostmatch = −2.00), but not 2012 (tprematch = −2.53; tpostmatch = −0.88). School‐only TCS‐use increased with family activity limitations; in 2012, it decreased with higher parental education. Mind‐body techniques‐use was higher in girls and associated with higher parental education and family activity limitations.CONCLUSIONSWhile the relative increase of MBT integration by school‐based TCS is commendable and further encouraged, school mental health practitioners should account for the differential effects of family‐level factors on TCS‐choice and MBT‐use.
The Association Between Electronic Bullying and School Absenteeism Among High School Students in the United States
Authors: Grinshteyn Erin , Tony Yang Y. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWe examined the relationship between exposure to electronic bullying and absenteeism as a result of being afraid.METHODSThis multivariate, multinomial regression analysis of the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data assessed the association between experiencing electronic bullying in the past year and how often students were absent in the last month due to feeling unsafe at/in transit to school. The model controlled for other predictors of school absence including demographics, physical/behavioral health, and risk factors. Missing data were multiply imputed.RESULTSElectronic bullying was significantly associated with absences. Controlling for model covariates, the relative risk of missing 1 day of school was 1.77 times higher, the relative risk of missing 2 to 3 days of school per month increased by a factor of 2.08, and the relative risk of missing 4 or more days of school per month increased by a factor of 1.77 for those who experienced electronic bullying in the past year compared with those who were not electronically bullied.CONCLUSIONSElectronic bullying's association with absenteeism places it among already recognized negative influences such as depression and binge drinking, necessitating schools to implement policies to mediate the resulting harmful effects.
Improved milk production through PG–PL system by provision of in‐house shelter management in lactating Murrah buffaloes during winter season
Authors: Haque N. , Singh M. , Hossain S. A. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryComprehensive information on the role of β‐casein and plasminogen–plasmin (PG–PL) system in milk secretion of Murrah buffaloes during winter season is lacking, although effects of cold stress can be ameliorated to an extent by altering microclimate at farm level. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the changes in productivity along with PG–PL system of milk, plasma hormones and metabolites of buffaloes during winter (December–January) season under two different management systems. Average minimum temperature and wind chill index during this season were 7.02 and 12.74 °C respectively. Buffaloes were divided in two groups of six animals each: control and treatment, where treatment group animals were placed in‐house with floor bedding of paddy straw and the control group animals in loose housing system without straw bedding. Physiological responses were recorded, and milk and blood samples were collected at weekly intervals for six‐week experimental period. Under in‐house management system, buffaloes experienced better comfort by alleviating environmental stress as their physiological responses such as respiration rate and pulse rate were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) as compared to the control, which subsequently resulted higher milk yield by 9.92% (p < 0.05). Analysis of milk samples revealed higher concentration of plasminogen (10.6 vs. 8.05 μg/ml; p < 0.01) and β‐casein (p < 0.05), and lower plasmin level (0.299 vs. 0.321 μg/ml; p < 0.05) in buffaloes under treatment group. It was also found that plasma cortisol, glucose and non‐esterified fatty acids levels were higher (p < 0.01) in control group as compared to the treatment animals by 13.6%, 8.14% and 12.6% respectively. However, milk composition, growth hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine level in plasma were similar in both the groups. Hence, it may be concluded that provision of in‐house shelter management with floor bedding of paddy straw during winter was effective to minimize environmental stress and improved milk production through manipulation of PG–PL system in buffaloes.
Future anti‐HBV strategies
Authors: Gane Edward J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlthough current oral antivirals can maintain viral suppression and reduce the risk of liver‐related complications, lifelong therapy is associated with high cost, risk of breakthrough and potential toxicity. There is a need to develop a finite course of treatment which can provide sustained off‐treatment virological and clinical response. The likely marker of such a clinical HBV CURE would be HBsAg clearance, but in addition cccDNA elimination would be required to prevent future reactivation (ie complete HBV cure). Chronic HBV infection is characterised by high viral and antigen burden and inadequate host immune responses, both of which will need to be overcome to achieve HBV CURE. Innovative approaches to restore innate and adaptive immune responses against HBV currently in clinical development include therapeutic vaccines, TLR‐7 and TLR‐8 agonists. In future, strategies to reverse T‐cell exhaustion such as checkpoint inhibitors may be feasible. Currently, the only antivirals in clinical use are the HBV polymerase inhibitors. However, many other steps of HBV virion life cycle can be targeted by small molecules, including inhibitors of HBV entry, nucleocapsid formation and virion assembly and release. siRNAs could inhibit many different steps by blocking multiple HBV transcripts. But, the ultimate goal will be to successfully eradicate or silence cccDNA. It is likely that successful HBV cure will require combination of immunomodulatory, antiviral and cccDNA silencing strategies. Efficacy, safety, route of administration and cost will ultimately determine the impact of these new regimens on the burden of HBV.
Why and how to measure renal function in patients with liver disease
Authors: Piano Salvatore , Romano Antonietta , Di Pascoli Marco , Angeli Paolo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPatients with advanced liver disease frequently have impaired renal function. Both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are quite common in patients with cirrhosis and both are associated with a worse prognosis in these patients. A careful assessment of renal function is highly important in these patients to help physicians determine their diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic management and to define transplantation strategies (liver transplantation alone vs simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation). Although they are still widely used in clinical practice, conventional biomarkers of renal function such as serum creatinine have several limitations in these patients. Recent progress has been made in the evaluation of renal function and new diagnostic criteria for AKI have been proposed. However, certain issues such as the noninvasive assessment of the glomerular filtration rate and/or improvement in the differential diagnosis between hepatorenal syndrome and acute tubular necrosis must still be addressed. The purposes of this paper are: (i) to highlight the importance of the evaluation of renal function in patients with cirrhosis; (ii) to review the state of the art in the assessment of renal function in these patients as well as advances that we expect will be made to improve the accuracy of available tools.
When can we stop nucleoside analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B?
Authors: Chong Chern Hao , Lim Seng Gee 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTreatment with nucleoside analogue (NAs) is now the most common treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and is recommended by all guidelines. Stopping NAs is a controversial issue in these patients, unless the clinical endpoints of HBeAg seroconversion or HBsAg seroclearance are achieved. While HBeAg seroconversion can occur in a significant number of patients, HBsAg seroclearance rates are low. HBsAg seroclearance is increasingly accepted as the ideal end of treatment, representing a functional cure. Treatment withdrawal leads to relapse in 50% of patients who achieve HBeAg seroconversion and complete at least 12 months of consolidation therapy. In HBeAg negative CHB, the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) stopping rules show that although clinical relapse occurs in approximately 43% and virological relapse occurs in 70%, very few patients experience flare or decompensation. NAs treatment for >2 years was associated with a lower rate of relapse. Recently, stopping NA therapy was shown to be associated with HBsAg in 20%‐39% of HBeAg negative patients and more frequently in those with low quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg). However, the most optimal level is unclear. Quantitative HBsAg is becoming a useful tool to predict a sustained response or relapse before stopping therapy. In conclusion, stopping NA therapy is generally safe and can be an option in specific situations such as HBeAg seroconversion. However, it is associated with disease relapse. Thus, patient selection based on qHBsAg may help identify patients who are more likely to achieve HBsAg seroclearance or a sustained response.
Program changes are effective and cost‐effective in increasing the amount of oil used in preparing corn soy blend porridge for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition in Malawi
Authors: Rogers Beatrice Lorge , Wilner Lauren B. , Maganga Gray , Walton Shelley Marcus , Suri Devika J. , Langlois Breanne K. , Chui Kenneth Kwan Ho , Boiteau Jocelyn M. , Vosti Stephen A. , Webb Patrick 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCorn Soy Blend (CSB) porridge is commonly prepared with oil for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). A recent review recommended that 30 g of oil be used with 100 g of CSB to increase energy density and micronutrient absorption. This study assessed the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of program changes aimed at achieving that target oil:CSB ratio in prepared porridge. Caregivers of children in MAM supplementary feeding programs were assigned to three groups: a control group received monthly rations of 1 L oil, 8 kg CSB in bulk, and social and behavior change communication (SBCC); intervention groups received 2.6 L oil, 8 kg CSB provided either in bulk (Group 1) or four 2‐kg packages with printed messages (Group 2), and enhanced SBCC emphasizing the target oil:CSB ratio. Compared to the control, both intervention groups had higher mean added oil per 100 g CSB (18 g, p < 0.01, and 13 g, p= 0.04, higher in groups 1 and 2, respectively), and greater odds of meeting or exceeding the target ratio (28.4, p< 0.01, and 12.7, p= 0.02, in groups 1 and 2, respectively). Cost per caregiver reaching the target ratio was most favorable in Group 1 ($391 in Group 1, $527 in Group 2, and $1,666 in the control). Enhanced SBCC combined with increased oil ration resulted in increased use of oil in CSB porridge in a supplementary feeding program. Modified packaging did not improve effectiveness. However, both interventions were more cost‐effective than standard programming.
When Do Scientific Explanations Compete? Steps Toward a Heuristic Checklist
Authors: Jones Todd , Pravica Michael 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIt's not uncommon for scientists to give different explanations of the same phenomenon, but we currently lack clear guidelines for deciding whether to treat such accounts as competitors. This article discusses how science studies can help create tools and guidelines for thinking about whether explanations compete. It also specifies how one family of discourse rules enables there to be differing accounts that appear to compete but don't. One hopes that being more aware of the linguistic mechanisms making compatible accounts appear to compete will prevent people from wasting resources trying to show which account is right.
Reproductive modification in forest plantations: impacts on biodiversity and society
Authors: Strauss Steven H. , Jones Kristin N. , Lu Haiwei , Petit Joshua D. , Klocko Amy L. , Betts Matthew G. , Brosi Berry J. , Fletcher Robert J. , Needham Mark D. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryGenetic engineering (GE) can be used to improve forest plantation productivity and tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses. However, gene flow fromGEforest plantations is a large source of ecological, social and legal controversy. The use of genetic technologies to mitigate or prevent gene flow has been discussed widely and should be technically feasible in a variety of plantation taxa. However, potential ecological effects of such modifications, and their social acceptability, are not well understood. Focusing onEucalyptus,Pinus,PopulusandPseudotsuga –genera that represent diverse modes of pollination and seed dispersal – we conducted in‐depth reviews of ecological processes associated with reproductive tissues. We also explored potential impacts of various forms of reproductive modification at stand and landscape levels, and means for mitigating impacts. We found little research on potential reactions by the public and other stakeholders to reproductive modification in forest plantations. However, there is considerable research on related areas that suggest key dimensions of concern and support. We provide detailed suggestions for research to understand the biological and social dimensions of containment technologies, and consider the role of regulatory and market restrictions that obstruct necessary ecological and genetic research.ContentsSummary1000I.Introduction1000II.Impacts of reproductive modification1001III.Synthesis1014IV.Research priorities1015V.Conclusion1016Acknowledgements1016References1016
Extensive recent secondary contacts between four European white oak species
Authors: Leroy Thibault , Roux Camille , Villate Laure , Bodénès Catherine , Romiguier Jonathan , Paiva Jorge A. P. , Dossat Carole , Aury Jean‐Marc , Plomion Christophe , Kremer Antoine 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Historical trajectories of tree species during the late Quaternary have been well reconstructed through genetic and palaeobotanical studies. However, many congeneric tree species are interfertile, and the timing and contribution of introgression to species divergence during their evolutionary history remains largely unknown.

We quantified past and current gene flow events between four morphologically divergent oak species (Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Q. pyrenaica, Q. pubescens), by two independent inference methods: diffusion approximation to the joint frequency spectrum (∂a∂i) and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). For each pair of species, alternative scenarios of speciation allowing gene flow over different timescales were evaluated.

Analyses of 3524 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) randomly distributed in the genome, showed that these species evolved in complete isolation for most of their history, but recently came into secondary contact, probably facilitated by the most recent period of postglacial warming.

We demonstrated that: there was sufficient genetic differentiation before secondary contact for the accumulation of barriers to gene flow; and current European white oak genomes are a mosaic of genes that have crossed species boundaries and genes impermeable to gene flow.
Rubisco small subunits from the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas complement Rubisco‐deficient mutants of Arabidopsis
Authors: Atkinson Nicky , Leitão Nuno , Orr Douglas J. , Meyer Moritz T. , Carmo‐Silva Elizabete , Griffiths Howard , Smith Alison M. , McCormick Alistair J. 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Introducing components of algal carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) into higher plant chloroplasts could increase photosynthetic productivity. A key component is the Rubisco‐containing pyrenoid that is needed to minimise CO2 retro‐diffusion for CCM operating efficiency.

Rubisco in Arabidopsis was re‐engineered to incorporate sequence elements that are thought to be essential for recruitment of Rubisco to the pyrenoid, namely the algal Rubisco small subunit (SSU, encoded by rbcS) or only the surface‐exposed algal SSU α‐helices.

Leaves of Arabidopsis rbcs mutants expressing ‘pyrenoid‐competent’ chimeric Arabidopsis SSUs containing the SSU α‐helices from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can form hybrid Rubisco complexes with catalytic properties similar to those of native Rubisco, suggesting that the α‐helices are catalytically neutral.

The growth and photosynthetic performance of complemented Arabidopsis rbcs mutants producing near wild‐type levels of the hybrid Rubisco were similar to those of wild‐type controls. Arabidopsis rbcs mutants expressing a Chlamydomonas SSU differed from wild‐type plants with respect to Rubisco catalysis, photosynthesis and growth. This confirms a role for the SSU in influencing Rubisco catalytic properties.
Dynamic location changes of Bub1‐phosphorylated‐H2AThr133 with CENH3 nucleosome in maize centromeric regions
Authors: Su Handong , Liu Yalin , Dong Qianhua , Feng Chao , Zhang Jing , Liu Yang , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu 
Published: January 2017

Summary

The genomic stability of all organisms requires precise cell division with proper chromosome orientation. The Bub1‐H2Aph‐Sgo1 pathway and spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) components have been identified in yeast and mammals that are important for sister centromere orientation and chromosome segregation. However, their roles in plants are not clear.

Maize meiotic mutants and minichromosomes were used to study the role of H2AThr133 phosphorylation and SAC components in sister centromere orientation and chromosome segregation.

Unlike previously reported, SAC protein Bub1‐Sgo1 recruitment was independent of Rec8 in maize and did not play a role in centromere protection in meiosis I. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis with immnolocalization results indicate most CENH3 nucleosomes contain phosphorylated H2AThr133 in centromeric regions. H2AThr133ph spreads to encompass centromeric regions including the inner centromeric and pericentromeric regions during (pro)metaphase. The presence and localization of SAC components and H2AThr133ph on maize lines containing sister chromatids separate precociously in anaphase I revealed no direct role of these proteins on centromere orientation in meiosis I .

This work sheds light on the relationship between H2AThr133ph and CENH3 nucleosome in plants, and the phosphorylation with dynamic location changes in centomeric regions suggests temporal and spatial regulation roles for H2A phosphorylation in chromosome segregation.