bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial electrocardiogram as determinant of hospital course in ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Millard Michael A. , Nagarajan Vijaiganesh , Kohan Luke C. , Schutt Robert C. , Keeley Ellen C. 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundA proportion of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have an initial electrocardiogram (ECG) that is nondiagnostic and are definitively diagnosed on a subsequent ECG. Our aim was to assess whether patients with a nondiagnostic initial ECG are different than those with a diagnostic initial ECG.MethodsWe collected demographic, ECG, medication, angiographic, and in‐hospital clinical outcome data in consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI at our institution from June 2009 to June 2013.ResultsA total of 334 patients were included, 285 (85%) diagnosed on the initial ECG and 49 (15%) on a subsequent ECG. Patients with a nondiagnostic initial ECG had more comorbidities including prior congestive heart failure (14% vs. 3%, p < .001), coronary artery disease (47% vs. 24%, p = .001), diabetes (37% vs. 16%, p = .001), and hyperlipidemia (55% vs. 40%, p = .048); higher rates of chronic medication use including aspirin (47% vs. 27%, p = .005), beta‐blocker (47% vs. 22%, p < .001), and statins (53% vs. 28%, p = .001); longer door‐to‐balloon times (106 min vs. 45 min, p < .001); lower peak troponin levels (25 ng/ml vs. 50 ng/ml, p = .004), longer diagnostic ECG to balloon times (84 min vs. 75 min, p = .006); and higher rates of a patent infarct‐related artery on baseline angiography (41% vs. 24%, p = .018) which remained significant in a multivariable logistic regression model.ConclusionsApproximately one in seven STEMI patients had an initial ECG that was nondiagnostic for STEMI. These patients had more comorbidities, higher rates of medication use, and received delayed intervention (even after the diagnosis was definitive).
Donor CYP3A5 genotype influences tacrolimus disposition on the first day after paediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Calvo Pier Luigi , Serpe Loredana , Brunati Andrea , Nonnato Antonello , Bongioanni Daniela , Olio Dominic Dell' , Pinon Michele , Ferretti Carlo , Tandoi Francesco , Carbonaro Giulia , Salizzoni Mauro , Amoroso Antonio , Romagnoli Renato , Canaparo Roberto 
Published: January 2017

AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 genotype in paediatric liver transplant recipients and donors, and the contribution of age and gender to tacrolimus disposition on the first day after transplantation.MethodsThe contribution of the CYP3A4/5 genotype in paediatric liver transplant recipients and donors to the tacrolimus blood trough concentrations (C0) and the tacrolimus concentration/weight‐adjusted dose ratio on day 1 was evaluated in 67 liver‐transplanted children: 33 boys and 34 girls, mean age 4.5 years.ResultsDonor CYP3A5 genotype appears to be significantly associated with tacrolimus disposition on the first day after liver transplantation (P < 0.0002). Other physiological factors, such as recipient age and donor gender may also play a role and lead to significant differences in tacrolimus C0 and tacrolimus concentration/weight‐adjusted dose ratio on day 1. However, according to the general linear model, only recipient age appears to be independently associated with tacrolimus disposition on the first day after liver transplantation (P < 0.03). Indeed, there was a faster tacrolimus metabolism in children under 6 years of age (P < 0.02).ConclusionsDonor CYP3A5 genotype, recipient age and, to a lesser extent, donor gender appear to be associated with tacrolimus disposition on day 1 after transplant. This suggests that increasing the starting tacrolimus doses in paediatric patients under 6 years of age who receive a graft from a male extensive metabolizer may enhance the possibility of their tacrolimus levels reaching the therapeutic range sooner.
Programmed death-1 ligands 1 and 2 expression in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and their relationship with tumour- infiltrating dendritic cells
Authors: Jiao Q , Liu C , Li W , Li W , Fang F , Qian Q , Zhang X 
Published: January 2017

Summary
The programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, are co-stimulatory molecules that contribute to the negative regulation of T lymphocyte activation. It is still unclear whether there is correlation between PD-L1 or PD-L2 and tumour-infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The aim of this study was to analyse PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression and dendritic cells infiltration in tumour tissue of CSCC patients and investigate their clinical significance. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, CD1a and CD83 in 61 CSCC tissues. The immunofluoresence double-labelling technique was performed to detect the co-expression of PD-L1 or PD-L2 and CD1a or CD83 in tumour tissues. We found that 25 of 61 cases CSCC (40·98%) exhibited positivity for PD-L1, whereas 37 of 61 cases CSCC (60·66%) exhibited positivity for PD-L2. A higher percentage of CD1a-positive cases were observed on both PD-L1-positive and PD-L2-positive specimens compared with that of CD83-positive cases (92·29% versus 37·60%, 83·20% versus 33·16%). The expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 on CD1a+ cells was significantly higher than that on CD83+ cells in tumour tissues of CSCC patients. Furthermore, the expression rate of PD-L1 was associated with UICC stage, and the expression rate of PD-L2 was associated with predominant differentiation and tumour size in CSCC. Our results indicated that higher expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 on CD1a+ cells than that on CD83+ cells in CSCC tumour tissues may contribute to negative regulation in anti-tumour immune responses.
Properdin deficiency protects from 5-fluorouracil-induced small intestinal mucositis in a complement activation-independent, interleukin-10-dependent mechanism
Authors: Jain U , Midgen C A , Woodruff T M , Schwaeble W J , Stover C M , Stadnyk A W 
Published: January 2017

Summary
Intestinal mucositis is a serious complication of chemotherapy that leads to significant morbidity that may require dose or drug adjustments. Specific mitigating strategies for mucositis are unavailable, due partly to an incomplete understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms. We have previously shown an effect of properdin, a positive regulator of complement activation, in models of colitis. Here we use properdin-deficient (PKO) mice to interrogate the role of properdin and complement in small intestinal mucositis. Mucositis was induced by five daily injections of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in wild-type (WT), PKO, interleukin (IL)-10–/– and properdin/IL-10–/– double knock-out (DKO) mice. At the time of euthanasia their jejunum was collected for histology, immunohistochemistry and cytokine and complement activation measurements. Complement became activated in mice receiving 5-FU, indicated by increased intestinal levels of C3a and C5a. Compared to WT, PKO mice experienced significantly less mucositis, despite C3a levels as high as inflamed WT mice and slightly less C5a. Conversely, PKO mice had higher intestinal levels of IL-10. IL-10 expression was mainly by epithelial cells in both uninflamed and inflamed PKO mice. IL-10–/– mice proved to be highly susceptible to mucositis and DKO mice were equally susceptible, demonstrating that a lack of properdin does not protect mice lacking IL-10. We interpret our findings to indicate that, to a significant extent, the inflammation of mucositis is properdin-dependent but complement activation-independent. Additionally, the benefit achieved in the absence of properdin is associated with increased IL-10 levels, and IL-10 is important in limiting mucositis.
Ocular Nerve Growth Factor Administration Modulates Brain‐derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling in Prefrontal Cortex of Healthy and Diabetic Rats
Authors: Rosso Pamela , De Nicolò Sara , Carito Valentina , Fiore Marco , Iannitelli Angela , Moreno Sandra , Tirassa Paola 
Published: January 2017

SummaryAimsNerve growth factor (NGF) eyedrops (ed‐NGF) activate brain neurons, stimulate growth factors, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and exert neuroprotection in the forebrain of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (STZ rats). In this study, the effects of ed‐NGF on BDNF signaling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were explored in healthy and STZ‐diabetic rats, in which cortical neuronal and axonal loss, and altered circulating BDNF associated with depressive phenotype are also described.MethodsSTZ and healthy (CTR) adult rats received ed‐NGF twice a day for 2 weeks. Depressive phenotype was identified by force swimming test (FST). Proteins extracted from PFC were processed for ELISA and Western blot analyses to measure the expression of BDNF, proBDNF, and their receptors and intracellular signals.Resultsed‐NGF treatment modulates BDNF pathway in PFC and normalizes the STZ‐induced BDNF alterations by stimulating TRK‐mediated survival mechanism. A decreased latency in FST was also found in STZ rats, while no change was observed comparing CTR + NGF and STZ + NGF with CTR.ConclusionThe present data confirm the capacity of ed‐NGF treatment to affect brain neurons and lead to brain damage recovery by activating protective and remodeling pathways triggered by BDNF. We suggest that the ed‐NGF‐induced changes in BDNF signaling might influence the manifestation of depressive phenotype in diabetic rats.
Abnormal Resting‐State Neural Activity and Connectivity of Fatigue in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zhang Jie‐Jin , Ding Jian , Li Jun‐Yi , Wang Min , Yuan Yong‐Sheng , Zhang Li , Jiang Si‐Ming , Wang Xi‐Xi , Zhu Lin , Zhang Ke‐Zhong 
Published: January 2017

SummaryAimsFatigue is a common burdensome problem in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), but its pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aimed at investigating the neural substrates of fatigue in patients with PD.MethodsA total of 17 PD patients with fatigue, 32 PD patients without fatigue, and 25 matched healthy controls were recruited. The 9‐item fatigue severity scale (FSS) was used for fatigue screening and severity rating. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS‐fMRI) data were obtained from all subjects. Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) was used to measure regional brain activity, and functional connectivity (FC) was applied to investigate functional connectivity at a network level.ResultsPD‐related fatigue was associated with ALFF changes in right middle frontal gyrus within the attention network and in left insula as well as right midcingulate cortex within the salience network. FC analysis revealed that above three regions showing ALFF differences had altered functional connectivity mainly in the temporal, parietal, and motor cortices.ConclusionOur findings do reveal that abnormal regional brain activity within attention and salience network and altered FC of above abnormal regions are involved in neural mechanism of fatigue in patients with PD.
Do Voluntary Clawback Adoptions Curb Overinvestment?
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis study tests whether the adoption of clawback provisions mitigates overinvestment. A clawback provision is a recoupment policy that allows certain bonuses previously paid to executives to be cancelled or “clawed back” if financial statements are restated.Research Findings/InsightsThis study focuses on 1,093 voluntary clawback adopters in the United States during 2006–2012 and uses propensity score matching to obtain a matched sample. We then perform a difference‐in‐differences analysis to assess pre‐ and post‐adoption changes in overinvestment. The empirical results show that (i) clawback provisions mitigate overinvestment, and (ii) overinvestment decreases most for those executives identified as overconfident or receiving higher option compensation.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsAgency conflict between shareholders and executives distorts a firm's investment decisions. According to the agency‐based explanation, better financial reporting quality decreases information asymmetry. Clawback provisions improve financial reporting and mitigate potential overinvestment under agency conflict. To the best of our knowledge, no other published study has discussed executives’ investment behavior or has reported that one benefit of clawback provisions is mitigating ex post overinvestment. It is important for regulators and academics to understand how clawback provisions impact executives’ behavior.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe results of this study provide political implications for mandatory clawback provisions under Section 954 of the Dodd‐Frank Act after 2016 in the US. Given that we show that voluntarily adopting clawback provisions curbs overinvestment, it is important to examine whether this new act should place restrictions on the form of executive pay.
Thrips counts and disease incidence in response to reflective particle films and conservation tillage in cotton and peanut cropping systems
Authors: Knight Ian A. , Rains Glen C. , Culbreath Albert K. , Toews Michael D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFeeding damage to seedling cotton and peanut inflicted by adult and immature thrips may result in stunted growth and delayed maturity. Furthermore, adult thrips can transmit Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) to seedling peanut, which reduces plant growth and yield. The objective of this research was to assess the efficacy of inert particle films, calcium carbonate or kaolin, in combination with conservation tillage, to reduce adult and immature thrips counts in cotton and peanut crops. Planting cotton or peanut into strip tillage utilizing a rolled rye winter cover crop significantly reduced immature thrips counts. Furthermore, plant damage ratings in cotton as well as TSWV incidence in peanut significantly decreased under conservation tillage. Aboveground cotton biomass and plant stand in cotton and peanut were unaffected by calcium carbonate or kaolin particle film applications. Within each week, immature thrips counts were unaffected by particle films, regardless of application rate. In cotton plots treated with kaolin, total Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) counts summed across weeks were significantly greater compared to the untreated control. For adult F. fusca counts at 3 weeks after planting, an interaction between tillage and particle film treatments was observed with fewer adult thrips in particle film and strip tillage treated peanut. Similarly, reduced TSWV incidence was observed in particle film‐treated peanut grown using conservation tillage. Neither cotton nor peanut yields were affected by particle film treatments.
Regional climate on the breeding grounds predicts variation in the natal origin of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico over 38 years
Authors: Flockhart D. T. Tyler , Brower Lincoln P. , Ramirez M. Isabel , Hobson Keith A. , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Altizer Sonia , Norris D. Ryan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAddressing population declines of migratory insects requires linking populations across different portions of the annual cycle and understanding the effects of variation in weather and climate on productivity, recruitment, and patterns of long‐distance movement. We used stable H and C isotopes and geospatial modeling to estimate the natal origin of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in eastern North America using over 1000 monarchs collected over almost four decades at Mexican overwintering colonies. Multinomial regression was used to ascertain which climate‐related factors best‐predicted temporal variation in natal origin across six breeding regions. The region producing the largest proportion of overwintering monarchs was the US Midwest (mean annual proportion = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.36–0.41) followed by the north‐central (0.17; 0.14–0.18), northeast (0.15; 0.11–0.16), northwest (0.12; 0.12–0.16), southwest (0.11; 0.08–0.12), and southeast (0.08; 0.07–0.11) regions. There was no evidence of directional shifts in the relative contributions of different natal regions over time, which suggests these regions are comprising the same relative proportion of the overwintering population in recent years as in the mid‐1970s. Instead, interannual variation in the proportion of monarchs from each region covaried with climate, as measured by the Southern Oscillation Index and regional‐specific daily maximum temperature and precipitation, which together likely dictate larval development rates and food plant condition. Our results provide the first robust long‐term analysis of predictors of the natal origins of monarchs overwintering in Mexico. Conservation efforts on the breeding grounds focused on the Midwest region will likely have the greatest benefit to eastern North American migratory monarchs, but the population will likely remain sensitive to regional and stochastic weather patterns.
Prediction of Remediation of a Heterogeneous Aquifer: A Case Study
Authors: Moreno Ziv , Paster Amir 
Published: January 2017

AbstractContaminant plumes whose characteristic length is smaller than the horizontal integral scale of the hydraulic conductivity, K, are abundant in shallow, phreatic aquifers. In such cases, the aquifer can be regarded as layered, with K being only a function of the vertical coordinate. The heterogeneity of K has a critical role upon the efficiency of remediation of such sites, for example, by Pump and Treat schemes. The expected efficiency is a random variable, with uncertainty. Quantifying this uncertainty can be of great importance to decision making. In this study, we focus on a case study in the coastal aquifer of Israel and compare two different approaches for constructing realizations of K: continuous and indicator. We observe a significant difference between the constructed realizations, which results in a considerable difference in the predicted remediation efficiency and its uncertainty. Furthermore, we study the effect of conditioning the realizations by a rather limited number of K data points. We find that the conditioning results in a major reduction of the uncertainty. In addition, we compare the results of the transport model to a simplified semi‐analytical solution that is based on assuming radial flow. We find a good agreement with the three‐dimensional numerical model. This result illustrates that the simplified solution can be used for prediction of the remediation efficiency when the flow at the plume vicinity can be regarded as radial.
Time‐extended local rtPA infiltration for acutely thrombosed hemodialysis fistulas
Authors: Regus Susanne , Lang Werner , Heinz Marco , Rother Ulrich , Meyer Alexander , Almási‐Sperling Veronika , Uder Michael , Schmid Axel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroduction: This study describes results of a modified local thrombolysis technique for acutely thrombosed hemodialysis (HD) arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), which is characterized by prolonged recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) local exposure times. Contrary to the standard lyse‐ and‐ wait (L&W) technique with local reaction times of 20–40 minutes, the modified protocol allows timing of challenging angioplasty maneuvers to the next regular working day.Methods: From February 2009 to April 2014, 84 patients on HD presented with 152 acutely thrombosed AVF. They proceeded to local thrombolysis including a single shot infiltration of rtPA, local reaction time up to 40 hours and finally percutaneous stenosis angioplasty. Success rates, major adverse events and need for temporary catheter placements (TCP) were retrospectively analyzed.Findings: The local thrombolysis time after single shot infiltration was 18.6 ± 6.2 (range 2–40) hours. Mean rtPA‐ dosage was 2.7 mg ± 1.2. The overall success rate was 89.5% and the major complication rate was 3.3%, whereas TCP was necessary in 12.5%. The PP/SP at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 month were 86% ± 3%/95% ± 2%, 68% ± 4%/92% ± 2%, 43% ± 4%/90% ± 2%, 28% ± 4%/82% ± 3%, 12% ± 3%/82% ± 3%, 7% ± 2%/63% ± 4%, respectively.Conclusion: The modified L&W technique with prolonged local rtPA reaction times is a safe and effective declotting procedure. The need for TCP was not increased and therefore comparable to the standard technique.
Comparison between real‐time tissue elastography and vibration‐controlled transient elastography for the assessment of liver fibrosis and disease progression in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Koizumi Yohei , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Tokumoto Yoshio , Yoshida Osamu , Watanabe Takao , Nakamura Yoshiko , Imai Yusuke , Yukimoto Atsushi , Kumagi Teru , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshiou , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: January 2017

AimAssessing disease progression in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is necessary in order to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate both the diagnostic accuracy of both real‐time tissue elastography (RTE) and vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE), and the usefulness of hepatic and splenic elasticity as predictive markers for the progression of symptomatic PBC.MethodsThe study participants were 44 patients with PBC. We assessed hepatic and splenic elasticity using RTE and VCTE and measured serum markers related to fibrosis and hepatic and splenic blood flow using Doppler ultrasonography. We then compared RTE and VCTE for diagnostic accuracy. Patients with asymptomatic PBC were followed every 1–3 months.ResultsBoth RTE and VCTE performed well and had superior diagnostic accuracy compared with biochemical markers. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for RTE and VCTE were 0.92 and 0.92, 0.95 and 0.91, and 0.97 and 0.91 for F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3, and F = 4, respectively. During follow‐up, nine patients (25.0%) developed liver‐related symptoms. Multivariate analysis revealed that splenic elasticity assessed using RTE was a significant independent factor for the development of liver‐related symptoms (odds ratio, 2.19; P = 0.024).ConclusionsReal‐time tissue elastography offered better diagnostic accuracy for severe fibrosis and cholangitis than VCTE. Splenic elasticity determined using RTE is a useful parameter for evaluating liver‐related symptoms and an effective predictive marker of disease progression in patients with asymptomatic PBC.
Market strategy for promoting green consumption: Consumer preference and policy implications for laundry detergent
Authors: Jo Manseok , Shin Jungwoo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGreen consumption is a very common phrase in our daily lives, yet product characteristics that mainly contribute to the diffusion of green products are largely unknown. Based on microeconomic theory, we conduct a conjoint survey of consumer preferences for a ubiquitous green product—laundry detergent. We analyze the correlation between consumers' demographic variables and attributes of laundry detergents through a hierarchical Bayesian mixed logit model. We find that consumer preferences for attributes display significant heterogeneity. Age and income significantly influence the marginal preferences for attributes. An examination of consumer willingness to pay and of the relative importance of each attribute reveals that price and base material are the most important attributes. Green attributes, such as skin irritation potential and biodegradability, tend to be less important. This study also examines preference heterogeneity based on previous purchase experience. To promote green consumption, we emphasize the need for policies that reduce the value‐action gap.