bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current and emerging approaches for assessing von Willebrand disease in 2016
Authors: Federici A. B. 
Published: July 2016

Summaryvon Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder and is due to a deficiency and/or abnormality of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD is inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern, but women are apparently more symptomatic. Diagnosis of VWD is still difficult in most countries due to the multiple activities of VWF and the heterogeneity of the disease. VWD is mainly associated with mild mucosal bleeding although gastrointestinal and joint bleeds may occur in severe VWD forms. This review describes the most recent clinical and laboratory procedures for the correct diagnosis of VWD. Assays for the evaluation of the platelet‐dependent VWF activity (PD‐VWFact) with or without ristocetin as well as VWF collagen binding (VWF:CB) are currently in use. However, other tests such as VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), factor VIII procoagulant (FVIII:C), ristocetin‐induced platelet agglutination (RIPA), multimeric analysis (VWF:MA), VWF propeptide (VWFpp), VWF:FVIII binding assay (VWF:FVIIIB), and the assessment of biological response to desmopressin (DDAVP) are necessary to characterize VWD types. Levels of VWF activities <30 U/dL have been associated with a bleeding phenotype and the presence of mutations in the VWF gene.
Examining Organic and Mechanistic Structures: Do We Know as Much as We Thought?
Authors: Kessler Stacey R. , Nixon Ashley E. , Nord Walter R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBurns and Stalker's theory of organic/mechanistic structures (1961, The Management of Innovation. London: Tavistock) has been widely used. However, review of the empirical literature revealed inconsistencies in how the concepts have been operationalized. These inconsistencies may interfere with the ability to consolidate knowledge. This paper reviews the various ways in which researchers have operationalized the concepts, and summarizes the empirical findings derived from these operationalizations. In doing so, it highlights gaps and opportunities for future empirical and methodological work, suggesting the need to further our theoretical conceptualization of the concepts and to draw attention to Burns and Stalker's () largely neglected corollary of the employee experience. As such, this review provides a road map for future exploration of the wide‐ranging implications associated with organic and mechanistic structures.
Efficacy and safety of triamcinolone acetonide alone and in combination with 5‐fluorouracil for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ren YiMing , Zhou XianHu , Wei ZhiJian , Lin Wei , Fan BaoYou , Feng ShiQing 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPathological scars, such as keloids and hypertrophic scars, readily cause physical and psychological problems. Combination 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) with triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is presumed to enhance the treatment of pathological scars, although supportive evidence is lacking. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TAC alone and in combination with 5‐FU for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Five databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane databases, Embase and CNKI) were searched with the limitations of human subjects and English‐language text. Mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The control group received intralesional TAC alone, and the experimental group received TAC combined with 5‐FU injection. A pooled analysis of the effectiveness based on patient self‐assessment after treatment showed that the experimental group achieved better results than the control group (OR = 2·92, 95% CI = 1·63–5·22, P = 0·0003). Similarly, a pooled analysis of the effectiveness based on observer assessment following treatment produced the same conclusion (OR = 4·03, 95% CI = 1·40–11·61, P = 0·010). A meta‐analysis of scar height after treatment showed that the experimental group performed better than the control group (MD = −0·14, 95% CI = −0·23–0·05, P = 0·002). The erythema score of the experimental group after treatment was superior (MD = −0·20, 95% CI = −0·34–0·06, P = 0·004). The heterogeneity test showed no heterogeneity among the studies (P > 0·1, I2 = 0%). TAC combined with 5‐FU is more suitable for the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids, with greater improvement in scar height and patient satisfaction as well as fewer side effects.
Effect of a universal anxiety prevention programme (FRIENDS) on children's academic performance: results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Skryabina Elena , Taylor Gordon , Stallard Paul 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundEvaluations of school‐based anxiety prevention programmes have reported improvements in psychological functioning although little is known about their effect upon educational outcomes.MethodsOne thousand three hundred and sixty‐two children from 40 primary schools in England took part in the randomised controlled trial, Preventing Anxiety in Children through Education in Schools. The trial investigated the effectiveness of a universal school‐based cognitive behaviour therapy prevention programme, FRIENDS, delivered by health care staff or school staff compared with usual personal, social, health and education (PSHE) lessons. Self‐report psychological outcomes and educational attainment on national standardised attainment tests in reading, writing and maths were collected 12 months postintervention. Analysis was performed at individual level using multivariable mixed effect models controlling for gender, type of intervention and school effect. Registered trial: ISRCTN: 23563048.ResultsAt 12 months, anxiety reduced in the health‐led FRIENDS group compared to school‐led FRIENDS and PSHE. There were no between‐group differences in academic performance regardless of gender, deprivation, ethnicity and additional educational needs.ConclusionsSchool‐based mental health interventions should assess psychological and educational outcomes. Further research should directly compare the effects of interventions led by health and school staff.
The Effect of Evidence‐Based Scripted Midwifery Counseling on Women's Choices About Mode of Birth After a Previous Cesarean
Authors: Chinkam Somphit , Ewan Jean , Koeniger‐Donohue Rebecca , Hawkins Joellen W. , Shorten Allison 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate how a scripted counseling intervention affected the experience of decision making and actual choice for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) or elective repeat cesarean birth (ERCB) in a cohort of women receiving care from nurse‐midwives.MethodsA pilot study of scripted counseling for women who had a previous cesarean about TOLAC versus ERCB was conducted at Boston Medical Center. Candidates for a TOLAC, receiving prenatal care from nurse‐midwives in 2012 and 2013, were enrolled before 28 weeks’ gestation. The women received 4 scripted counseling sessions during the routine prenatal visit, evidence‐based information pamphlets, and an opportunity to review the hospital TOLAC consent form. Pre and post questionnaires were completed regarding birth preference, information sources, and decision factors. A midpoint assessment of the participants’ knowledge of risks and benefits of TOLAC versus ERCB was conducted, and satisfaction with the intervention and outcome were assessed after the birth.ResultsTwenty‐two women participated in the study, and 20 completed all study questionnaires. More of the participants believed they had enough information after the intervention (95% after intervention vs 70% before the intervention). Reasons for choosing ERCB included being afraid of vaginal birth complications, having prior positive experience with cesarean, and convenience of knowing when the neonate will be born. Reasons for choosing a TOLAC included the personal importance of having a vaginal birth and that recovery is faster and easier. Few women cited concerns for their own safety and that of their newborns when choosing TOLAC.DiscussionWomen were satisfied with the scripted counseling and found it useful in helping them make a birth mode decision. While the scripted counseling did not appear to influence preferred mode of birth, it appeared to help women follow through with the mode of birth they chose prenatally.
Role of GABAAR trafficking in the plasticity of inhibitory synapses
Authors: Mele Miranda , Leal Graciano , Duarte Carlos B. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractNeuronal excitability depends on the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission, which in the CNS are mainly mediated by GABA and glutamate respectively. The plasticity of glutamatergic synapses and the underlying molecular mechanisms have been characterized to a large extent. In comparison, much less is known regarding the plasticity of GABAergic synapses, which is also important in the maintenance of the excitatory/inhibitory balance. GABAergic synapses, similarly to the glutamatergic synapses, adjust their strength depending on the pattern of neuronal activity. These alterations take place in the pre‐ and postsynaptic compartments, and short‐ and long‐term alterations have been described. At the postsynaptic level the plasticity of inhibitory synapses is largely mediated by modulation of the expression, localization and function of GABAA receptors, by mechanisms involving the participation of scaffold proteins and structural molecules. This review is focused on the key mechanisms that regulate GABAA receptor trafficking in response to alterations in neuronal activity or to stimulation of plasma membrane receptors. These alterations in GABAergic neurotransmission are important in the refinement of the pattern of activity of neuronal networks.
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In this work, we review some of the mechanisms contributing to the plasticity of inhibitory synapses in the CNS, focusing on the regulation of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) trafficking in response to alterations in neuronal activity or to stimulation of different classes of plasma membrane‐associated receptors. Alterations in these mechanisms are important in the refinement of neuronal network activity.This article is part of a mini review series: “Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases”.
Hospital Distance and Readmissions Among VA‐Medicare Dual‐Enrolled Veterans
Authors: Wong Edwin S. , Rinne Seppo T. , Hebert Paul L. , Cook Meredith A. , Liu Chuan‐Fen 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPurposeGeographic access to inpatient care at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System is challenging for many veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) given relatively few VA hospitals nationwide. Veterans with lengthy travel distances may obtain non‐VA care, particularly those dually enrolled in Medicare. Our primary objective was to assess whether distance from VA patients’ residence to the nearest VA and non‐VA hospitals was associated with 30‐day all‐cause readmission and the system where patients were readmitted (VA or Medicare).MethodsUsing VA and Medicare administrative data, we identified 21,273 patients hospitalized for COPD between October 2008 and September 2011 and dually enrolled in VA and fee‐for‐service Medicare. Outcome variables were dichotomous measures denoting readmission for any cause within 30 days following discharge and whether the readmission occurred in a non‐VA hospital through Medicare. Distance to the nearest hospital was defined as the number of miles between patients’ residence ZIP code and the ZIP code of the nearest VA and non‐VA hospital accepting Medicare, respectively. Probit models with sample selection were applied to examine the relationship between hospital distance and outcome measures.FindingsRespective distances to the nearest VA and non‐VA hospital were not associated with 30‐day all‐cause readmission. Greater distance to the nearest VA hospital was associated with a greater conditional probability of choosing non‐VA hospitals for readmission.ConclusionsCOPD patients with poor geographic access to VA hospitals did not forgo subsequent inpatient care following their index hospitalization, but they were more likely to seek non‐VA substitutes.
Delay discounting and response disinhibition moderate associations between actigraphically measured sleep parameters and body mass index
Authors: Chan Wai Sze 
Published: July 2016

SummaryPrevious research suggests that the sleep–obesity association varies significantly across individuals. This study examined the associations between actigraphically measured sleep parameters and body mass index and hypothesized that the associations would be stronger in individuals with greater delay discounting, the devaluation of future rewards and response disinhibition and the difficulty in withholding previously rewarded responses. Seventy‐eight college students carried a wrist‐worn actigraph and completed diaries reporting bedtime, wake time and covariates including physical activity, alcohol and caffeine consumption, daytime nap duration and perceived stress for 7 days and completed the delay discounting and go/no‐go response disinhibition tasks. Their height and weight were measured. Only bedtime variability was significantly associated with body mass index in the main effect model controlling for all covariates (B = 0.03, P = 0.001). Delay discounting moderated associations of bedtime (B = 0.03, P < 0.001), sleep duration variability (B = 0.05, P = 0.002), bedtime variability (B = 0.03, P = 0.002) and wake time variability (B = 0.02, P < 0.001) with body mass index; these associations were significant only when the delay discounting rate was high. Response disinhibition moderated the association between bedtime variability and body mass index in a similar pattern (B = 0.01, P = 0.004). The findings suggest that, using actigraphy measures of sleep, circadian desynchrony rather than sleep duration is a risk factor for higher body mass index. The findings support the hypothesis that delay discounting and response disinhibition moderate the associations between sleep and body mass index. Delay discounting and response disinhibition might characterize individuals who are vulnerable to the influence of circadian desynchrony on weight.
Female Labor Participation in the Arab World: Evidence from Panel Data in Morocco
Authors: Verme Paolo , Barry Abdoul Gadiry , Guennouni Jamal 
Published: July 2016

AbstractFemale Participation Rates (FPRs) in the Arab world are low compared with the level of economic development of Arab countries. Beyond anecdotal evidence and cross‐country studies, there is very little evidence on what could explain this phenomenon. This paper models FPRs in Morocco using the richest set of panel data available for any Arab country to date. It finds marriage, secondary education, and GDP per capita to lower FPRs. These findings are robust to different estimators, endogeneity tests, specifications of the FPR equations, and sources of data. The explanation seems to reside in the nature of economic growth and gender norms. Economic growth has not generated jobs for women with secondary education and this factor reinforces the institution of marriage as a permanent alternative to work.
Treatment of HCV genotype 2 with sofosbuvir and ribavirin results in lower sustained virological response rates in real life than expected from clinical trials
Authors: Tacke Frank , Günther Rainer , Buggisch Peter , Klinker Hartwig , Schober Andreas , John Christine , Lutz Thomas , Pfeiffer‐Vornkahl Heike , Niederau Claus , Cornberg Markus , Sarrazin Christoph , Mauss Stefan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsHepatitis C virus (HCV) infections with genotype 2 (GT2) are generally considered as easy to treat. The current standard therapy is 12 weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin. However, sustained virological response (SVR) rates varied substantially in distinct subgroups. Therefore, re‐assessing the efficacy of interferon‐free therapy in cohorts with larger patient numbers is warranted.MethodsThe German Hepatitis C registry is a national multicenter cohort. Patients are treated at the discretion of the physician. Data are collected by a web‐based data system and confirmed by plausibility checks and on‐site monitoring.ResultsA total of 265 (4.3%) of 6034 patients enrolled in the registry were infected with GT2, and 236 had initiated treatment (60% males, 98% Caucasian, median age 54 years). Treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks achieved SVR at week 12 post‐treatment (SVR12) in 136/164 (83%) patients. SVR12 rates for this regimen were 80% (35/44) in treatment‐experienced patients, 74% (20/27) in cirrhotics and 75% (21/28) in patients with HCV‐RNA ≥6 million IU/mL. The overall SVR rate in patients treated with sofosbuvir/ribavirin 12 weeks per protocol (PP), excluding therapy discontinuation or lost to follow‐up, was 135/151 (89%). PP SVR12 rates were 91% for treatment naïve, 83% for cirrhotic and 80% for treatment‐experienced patients respectively.ConclusionsIn this large GT2 cohort, sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks achieved lower SVR rates compared to treatment outcomes expected from phase 3 trials. These findings highlight the need for establishing alternative treatment strategies for GT2 patients, especially in patients with unfavourable outcome factors.
Effects of environmental factors on seasonal and spatial changes in surface zooplankton in Golden Horn Estuary (Istanbul, Turkey)
Authors: Dorak Zeynep , Albay Meriç 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe abundance and spatial distribution of zooplankton at monthly intervals were studied in polluted Golden Horn Estuary (Istanbul, Turkey), from July 2006 to December 2007. Selected water quality parameters also were measured. The zooplankton community was characterized by the presence of freshwater, estuarine and marine species, with a total of 59 taxa. Rotifers were the most important fraction of the total zooplankton, comprising 36.52% of all the samples. The zooplankton exhibited seasonal patterns, with the highest abundance occurring in the summer (979 ind. L−1) and the lowest in the spring (856 ind. L−1). Rotifera was the most abundant group in the upper and middle estuary, whereas Copepoda usually reaches the maximum densities in the higher salinity waters in the lower estuary. The study results indicated that both the sampling time (seasons) and sampling sites jointly had significant effects on the zooplankton densities (manova P < 0.05), and horizontal patterns were related to electrical conductivity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, suspended particulate matter, pH and chlorophyll a measured in the estuary.
Competitive Exchange Rate and Public Infrastructure in a Macrodynamic of Economic Growth
Authors: Neto Antonio Soares Martins , Lima Gilberto Tadeu 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTWe develop a dual open‐economy model which incorporates a flow of public infrastructure as a factor of production to investigate effects of a competitive exchange rate policy under different levels of provision of public infrastructure. It is suggested that an exchange rate policy coordinated with a public infrastructure policy should produce better results. By increasing productivity in the tradable sector and reducing inflationary pressures, this supply‐side public policy contributes to the success of an economic growth strategy led by a competitive currency.
Intertwining nutrient‐sensory networks and the control of antibiotic production inStreptomyces
Authors: Urem Mia , Świątek‐Połatyńska Magdalena A. , Rigali Sébastien , van Wezel Gilles P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryActinobacteria are producers of a plethora of natural products of agricultural, biotechnological and clinical importance. In an era where mankind has to deal with rapidly spreading antimicrobial resistance, streptomycetes are of particular importance as producers of half of all antibiotics used in the clinic. Genome sequencing efforts revealed that their capacity as antibiotic producers has been underestimated, in particular as many biosynthetic pathways are silent under standard laboratory conditions. Here we review the global regulatory networks that control antibiotic production in streptomycetes, with emphasis on carbon‐ and aminosugar‐related nutrient sensory pathways. Recent research has revealed intriguing connections between these regulons, and overlap and antagonism between the activities of among others the global regulatory proteins AtrA, DasR and Rok7B7 as well as GlnR (nitrogen control) and PhoP (phosphate control), are discussed. Finally, we provide ideas as to how these novel insights might help us to find ways to activate the transcription of silent biosynthetic gene clusters.
Invasion of hepatocytes by Plasmodium sporozoites requires cGMP‐dependent protein kinase and calcium dependent protein kinase 4
Authors: Govindasamy K. , Jebiwott S. , Jaijyan D. K. , Davidow A. , Ojo K. K. , Van Voorhis W. C. , Brochet M. , Billker O. , Bhanot P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryInvasion of hepatocytes by sporozoites is essential for Plasmodium to initiate infection of the mammalian host. The parasite's subsequent intracellular differentiation in the liver is the first developmental step of its mammalian cycle. Despite their biological significance, surprisingly little is known of the signalling pathways required for sporozoite invasion. We report that sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes requires signalling through two second‐messengers – cGMP mediated by the parasite's cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG), and Ca2+, mediated by the parasite's calcium‐dependent protein kinase 4 (CDPK4). Sporozoites expressing a mutated form of Plasmodium berghei PKG or carrying a deletion of the CDPK4 gene are defective in invasion of hepatocytes. Using specific and potent inhibitors of Plasmodium PKG and CDPK4, we demonstrate that PKG and CDPK4 are required for sporozoite motility, and that PKG regulates the secretion of TRAP, an adhesin that is essential for motility. Chemical inhibition of PKG decreases parasite egress from hepatocytes by inhibiting either the formation or release of merosomes. In contrast, genetic inhibition of CDPK4 does not significantly decrease the number of merosomes. By revealing the requirement for PKG and CDPK4 in Plasmodium sporozoite invasion, our work enables a better understanding of kinase pathways that act in different Plasmodium stages.
Development of the Japanese version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool‐Short
Authors: Kita Sachiko , Haruna Megumi , Hikita Naoko , Matsuzaki Masayo , Kamibeppu Kiyoko 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis study develops a Japanese version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool, comprising two simple questions, to examine its accuracy and validity. A cohort study involving women in the third trimester of pregnancy and one month after childbirth was conducted in an antenatal clinic in a Tokyo suburb. The Japanese versions of the Index of Spouse Abuse and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to examine the cut‐off point, accuracy, and validity of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool. Results showed that the tool demonstrated good accuracy (sensitivity 66.7–71.4%, specificity 89.7%), using an alternative cut‐off point (i.e. responses of “some tension” or “some difficulty” [2 points] for one item and “a lot of tension” or “great difficulty” [1 point] for the other), and good concurrent, convergent, and predictive validity. The results indicated that the Woman Abuse Screening Tool could be useful in Japanese perinatal health settings, as an initial screening tool to detect intimate partner violence efficiently and effectively during pregnancy.