bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe infections in patients with lupus nephritis treated with immunosuppressants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Cynthia C , Liu Pei Yun , Tan Hui Zhuan , Lee Peishan , Chin Yok Mooi , Mok Irene YJ , Chan Choong Meng , Choo Jason CJ 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimLupus nephritis (LN) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and hence usually treated aggressively with immunosuppressants. This predisposes LN patients to increased infections, yet few studies have evaluated LN patients for infective complications. We aimed to describe the epidemiology and identify risk factors for infections requiring hospitalization among patients with biopsy‐proven LN.MethodsThis was a single‐centre retrospective cohort study of patients with biopsy‐proven LN between 1 January 2000 and 31 May 2009. Patients were excluded if they were <16 years old at time of biopsy, had previous kidney transplant or if pharmacotherapy data were incomplete. Hospitalizations for infections, bacteraemia and polymicrobial infections were recorded until patients’ last visit or when they received immunosuppression for non‐glomerulonephritis indications, such as solid organ transplant or chemotherapy.ResultsWe studied 189 patients who had biopsy‐proven lupus nephritis. Median age at diagnosis was 36.9 (IQR: 27.4, 47.5) years and 82% were female. Most patients received at least one immunosuppressant after LN diagnosis, including glucocorticosteroids in 94.2%. One hundred and four patients (60.3%) had at least one hospitalization for infection at 11 (1, 53) months from diagnosis. Bacteraemia occurred in 26 patients (13.8%) and 32 patients (16.9%) had polymicrobial infections. On multivariate analysis, LN relapse was associated with hospitalization for infection (OR 2.33 (1.18, 4.60), P = 0.01) and bacteraemia (OR 3.47 (1.05, 11.45), P = 0.04). Infection‐related mortality occurred in 10 patients (5.3%).ConclusionSerious infections are common among patients with LN and are associated with mortality.
Maternal vitamin D status and childhood asthma, wheeze, and eczema: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Zhenzhen , Zhang Jun , Yu Xiaodan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundMaternal vitamin D status has been reported to be associated with childhood allergic diseases. However, this association remains to be fully elucidated.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted using prospective cohort studies that examined the association between maternal vitamin D status and childhood allergic diseases including wheeze, eczema and asthma. We searched electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, the Wanfang (Chinese) database, the VIP (Chinese) database, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to August 2014. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from individual studies were synthesized using a fixed effects model.ResultsFour studies on the association between maternal vitamin D status and childhood asthma (3666 mother‐child pairs), four studies on the association between maternal vitamin D status and childhood wheeze (2225 mother‐child pairs) and three papers on the association between maternal vitamin D status and childhood eczema (2172 mother‐child pairs) met our inclusion criteria. Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy was associated with childhood eczema (pooled OR=0.904, 95% CI=0.831‐0.983). However, the meta‐analysis showed no statistical association between maternal vitamin D status and childhood asthma (pooled OR=0.981, 95% CI=0.944‐1.019) or childhood wheeze (pooled OR=0.995, 95% CI=0.982‐1.009).ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis found that lower maternal vitamin D during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of childhood eczema but was not associated with childhood asthma or wheeze. The role of maternal vitamin D as an important protective factor for the development of childhood eczema remains to be elucidated.
Tackling Non-Ignorable Dropout in the Presence of Time Varying Confounding
Authors: Doretti Marco , Geneletti Sara , Stanghellini Elena 
Published: May 2016

SummaryWe explore the sensitivity of time varying confounding adjusted estimates to different dropout mechanisms. We extend the Heckman correction to two time points and explore selection models to investigate situations where the dropout process is driven by unobserved variables and the outcome respectively. The analysis is embedded in a Bayesian framework which provides several advantages. These include fitting a hierarchical structure to processes that repeat over time and avoiding exclusion restrictions in the case of the Heckman correction. We adopt the decision theoretic approach to causal inference which makes explicit the no-regime-dropout dependence assumption. We apply our methods to data from the ‘Counterweight programme’ pilot: a UK protocol to address obesity in primary care. A simulation study is also implemented.
Does Peacetime Military Service Affect Crime?
Authors: Albæk Karsten , Leth‐Petersen Søren , le Maire Daniel , Tranæs Torben 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDraft lottery data combined with Danish longitudinal administrative records show that military service can reduce criminal activity for youth offenders. For this group, property crime is reduced, and our results indicate that the effect is unlikely to be the result of incapacitation only. We find no effect of military service on violent crime, on educational attainment, or on employment and earnings, either in the short run or in the long run. These results suggest that military service does not upgrade productive human capital directly, but rather affects criminal activity through other channels (e.g., by changing attitudes to criminal activity).
Compliance with Endogenous Audit Probabilities
Authors: Konrad Kai A. , Lohse Tim , Qari Salmai 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we study the effect of endogenous audit probabilities on reporting behavior in a face‐to‐face compliance situation, such as at customs. In an experimental setting in which underreporting has a higher expected payoff than truthful reporting, we find an increase in compliance of about 80 percent if subjects have reason to believe that their behavior towards an officer influences their endogenous audit probability. Higher compliance is driven by considerations about how their own appearance and performance affect their audit probability, rather than by the social and psychological effects of face‐to‐face contact.
A Review of the Literature on Honor‐based Violence
Authors: Mayeda David Tokiharu , Vijaykumar Raagini 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHonor‐based violence (HBV) is a serious concern for women and girls from particular ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, while the sociology discipline pays significant attention to gender‐based violence in western contexts, HBV is a topic under‐studied in the field. This article reviews the literature on HBV, typically coming from social work, cultural studies, and feminist studies, and focuses on the phenomena's link to notions of masculinity and femininity, its collective nature, and the ways an Orientalist discourse has developed in western regions that address HBV. The article closes by identifying gaps in the existing literature, and offers suggestions for future directions.
What's Trust Got to Do With It? The Effects of In‐Group and Out‐Group Trust on Conventional and Unconventional Political Participation*
Authors: Crepaz Markus M. L. , Jazayeri Karen Bodnaruk , Polk Jonathan 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveThis article explores whether there is a systematic variation in conventional and unconventional political participation as a function of in‐group versus out‐group trust. We postulate that the narrower the moral community is, the more political participation is restricted to conventional activity that is perceived as an obligation, as a political act to be fulfilled, something akin to citizenship duty. However, individuals with high levels of out‐group trust—trust in people who are different or unknown—are more likely to participate in unconventional political activities that are public in nature and transcend concepts of duty, citizenship, or nation.MethodsTo obtain measures of in‐group and out‐group trust, we rely on various items in the fifth wave of the World Values Survey. Applying confirmatory factor analysis yields two separate forms of trust, which become our central predictor variables in addition to other, theoretically‐derived independent variables. We employ logistic regression with country cluster robust standard errors.Results and ConclusionThe results support our central assertions, even when controlling for the standard measure of generalized trust and a number of other factors. Individuals with higher in‐group trust report having voted at higher levels than individuals with lower in‐group trust. Individuals with higher levels of out‐group trust, however, participate more actively in nonconventional political activity. Surprisingly, the presence of out‐group trust has a slightly negative impact on voting. Our findings further emphasize the importance of differentiating between types of interpersonal trust, and answer recent calls for empirical research on the impact of forms of trust on political behavior.
“Laser Discoverers” – Web‐based User‐generated Content in Heritage Detection in Poland
Authors: Stereńczak Krzysztof , Zapłata Rafal , Sztampke Maciej , Bałazy Radomir 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis article presents the results and potential of using volunteered geographic information (VGI) in heritage detection. Research was completed under the project entitled “Laser Discoverers – non‐invasive examination and documentation of archeological and historical objects in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship”, carried out as a part of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education program entitled “The Paths of Copernicus”. Within the project, strong emphasis was placed on promotional and awareness‐raising activities, to involve as many voluntary users as possible. Project participants had at their disposal a web application, which provided access to a digital terrain model (DTM) where they identified possible heritage objects. All samples of data were additionally available in eight variants of sunshine, based on the simulation of sunlight from eight directions and at a constant angle. In total, 5,989 elementary areas with dimensions of 100 × 100 m were used for the project. After conducting a field inventory, Internet users together with specialists were able to recognize several thousands of potential archaeological and historic objects. During the project, approximately 10% of those features were verified through non‐invasive (field survey) work, with 75% success.
A significantly lower potency observed for the 3rd WHO International Standard for Parvovirus B19V DNA with the cobas TaqScreen DPX test
Authors: Pisani G. , Cristiano K. , Fabi S. , Simeoni M. , Marino F. , Gaggioli A. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundIn the context of the Official Medicines Control Laboratories plasma pool testing for Parvovirus B19 DNA, we use the cobas TaqScreen DPX test. When we re‐evaluated this method using the 3rd B19 DNA WHO IS at the final concentration of 4 log IU/mL, we observed a titre lower than expected, i.e. 3.79 log IU/mL. Therefore, we further investigated the accuracy of the DPX test.Materials & MethodsThe following B19V DNA materials were tested by using both the DPX test and an in‐house real‐time PCR:

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd WHO ISs for B19V DNA
The Non WHO B19V DNA Reference Material for NAT
The Biological Reference Preparation B19 virus DNA for NAT testing, batch 1
.ResultsThe DPX test showed a good accuracy for all B19V DNA materials with the exception of the 3rd WHO IS for B19V DNA. In fact, an underestimation of about 38% was observed for all dilutions of this standard with respect to the nominal titre. With the B19V in‐house real‐time PCR, all four materials proved to be well calibrated against the 1st WHO IS for B19V DNA, used as external standard curve.ConclusionIn this study, we demonstrated that the DPX test underestimates the B19V DNA content of the 3rd WHO IS for B19V DNA and that this is not due to an incorrect potency assigned to the standard but, most probably, to a mismatch between the primers/probe and the sequence of the target region in the 3rd WHO IS for B19V DNA.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James 
Published: May 2016

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 3 Abdul Azim Akhtar Amb. J. Morales Dr. Abdul Zahoor Khan Jangraiz Khan Jenny Tonsing K.O. Aramide, Katja Eman Małgorzata Haładewicz Maria Virginia G Aguilar Ombretta Caldarice Patricia Wiener Paula Hanasz Priyono Rachael Walsh Rachita Shrivastava Roy Sharif Alghazo James Young Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science Studies Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://ijsss.redfame.com This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Modified Vaccinia Ankara Virus Vaccination Provides Long-Term Protection against Nasal Rabbitpox Virus Challenge
Authors: Jones Dorothy I. , McGee Charles E. , Sample Christopher J. , Sempowski Gregory D. , Pickup David J. , Staats Herman F. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
Modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA) is a smallpox vaccine candidate. This study was performed to determine if MVA vaccination provides long-term protection against rabbitpox virus (RPXV) challenge, an animal model of smallpox. Two doses of MVA provided 100% protection against a lethal intranasal RPXV challenge administered 9 months after vaccination.
Broad Cross-Protection Is Induced in Preclinical Models by a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Composed of L1/L2 Chimeric Virus-Like Particles
Authors: Boxus Mathieu , Fochesato Michel , Miseur Agnès , Mertens Emmanuel , Dendouga Najoua , Brendle Sarah , Balogh Karla K. , Christensen Neil D. , Giannini Sandra L. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
At least 15 high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are linked to anogenital preneoplastic lesions and cancer. Currently, there are three licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) of the L1 major capsid protein from HPV-2, -4, or -9, including the AS04-adjuvanted HPV-16/18 L1 vaccine. The L2 minor capsid protein contains HPV-neutralizing epitopes that are well conserved across numerous high-risk HPVs. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess the capacity to broaden vaccine-mediated protection using AS04-adjuvanted vaccines based on VLP chimeras of L1 with one or two L2 epitopes. Several chimeric VLPs were constructed by inserting L2 epitopes within the DE loop and/or C terminus of L1. Based on the shape, yield, size, and immunogenicity, one of seven chimeras was selected for further evaluation in mouse and rabbit challenge models. The chimeric VLP consisted of HPV-18 L1 with insertions of HPV-33 L2 (amino acid residues 17 to 36; L1 DE loop) and HPV-58 L2 (amino acid residues 56 to 75; L1 C terminus). This chimeric L1/L2 VLP vaccine induced persistent immune responses and protected against all of the different HPVs evaluated (HPV-6, -11, -16, -31, -35, -39, -45, -58, and -59 as pseudovirions or quasivirions) in both mouse and rabbit challenge models. The degree and breadth of protection in the rabbit were further enhanced when the chimeric L1/L2 VLP was formulated with the L1 VLPs from the HPV-16/18 L1 vaccine. Therefore, the novel HPV-18 L1/L2 chimeric VLP (alone or in combination with HPV-16 and HPV-18 L1 VLPs) formulated with AS04 has the potential to provide broad protective efficacy in human subjects.

IMPORTANCE
From evaluations in human papillomavirus (HPV) protection models in rabbits and mice, our study has identified a prophylactic vaccine with the potential to target a wide range of HPVs linked to anogenital cancer. The three currently licensed vaccines contain virus-like particles (VLPs) of the L1 major capsid protein from two, four, or nine different HPVs. Rather than increasing the diversity of L1 VLPs, this vaccine contains VLPs based on a recombinant chimera of two highly conserved neutralizing epitopes from the L2 capsid protein inserted into L1. Our study demonstrated that the chimeric L1/L2 VLP is an effective vehicle for displaying two different L2 epitopes and can be used in a quantity equivalent to what is used in the licensed vaccines. Hence, using the chimeric L1/L2 VLP may be a more cost-effective approach for vaccine formulation than adding different VLPs for each HPV.
Orthotics and taping in the management of vertebral fractures in people with osteoporosis: a systematic review
Authors: Goodwin Victoria A , Hall Abigail J , Rogers Emily , Bethel Alison 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo establish the current evidence base for the use of orthotics and taping for people with osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF).DesignSystematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies.Data sourcesMedline, Medline-In Process, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, PEDro, TRIP, EThOS, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Cochrane (CDSR, DARE, CMR, HTA, EED) plus Cochrane Central, UK Clinical Research Network portfolio, Controlled Clinical Trials register and the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials register.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesAll study designs were considered if they reported in English and evaluated the impact of using an external support, such as a spinal brace, orthosis or postural tape, with adults with OVF. All outcomes were considered.ResultsNine studies were included comprising two parallel-group randomised controlled trials, four randomised cross-over trials, two before-after (single arm) studies and a parallel group observational study. No qualitative studies were identified. A wide range of outcomes assessing impairments, activities and participation were assessed but the findings were mixed. The quality of studies was limited.ConclusionsThe current evidence for using orthotic devices or taping for people with OVF is inconsistent and of limited quality and therefore careful consideration should be taken by clinicians before prescribing them in practice.Systematic review registration numberCRD42015020893.
Protocol for a process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial to improve management of multimorbidity in general practice: the 3D study
Authors: Mann Cindy , Shaw Alison , Guthrie Bruce , Wye Lesley , Man Mei-See , Hollinghurst Sandra , Brookes Sara , Bower Peter , Mercer Stewart , Salisbury Chris 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionAs an increasing number of people are living with more than 1 long-term condition, identifying effective interventions for the management of multimorbidity in primary care has become a matter of urgency. Interventions are challenging to evaluate due to intervention complexity and the need for adaptability to different contexts. A process evaluation can provide extra information necessary for interpreting trial results and making decisions about whether the intervention is likely to be successful in a wider context. The 3D (dimensions of health, drugs and depression) study will recruit 32 UK general practices to a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness of a patient-centred intervention. Practices will be randomised to intervention or usual care.Methods and analysisThe aim of the process evaluation is to understand how and why the intervention was effective or ineffective and the effect of context. As part of the intervention, quantitative data will be collected to provide implementation feedback to all intervention practices and will contribute to evaluation of implementation fidelity, alongside case study data. Data will be collected at the beginning and end of the trial to characterise each practice and how it provides care to patients with multimorbidity. Mixed methods will be used to collect qualitative data from 4 case study practices, purposively sampled from among intervention practices. Qualitative data will be analysed using techniques of constant comparison to develop codes integrated within a flexible framework of themes. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated to describe case study sites and develop possible explanations for implementation variation. Analysis will take place prior to knowing trial outcomes.Ethics and disseminationStudy approved by South West (Frenchay) National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee (14/SW/0011). Findings will be disseminated via a final report, peer-reviewed publications and practical guidance to healthcare professionals, commissioners and policymakers.Trial registration numberISRCTN06180958.
Novel application of a discrete choice experiment to identify preferences for a national healthcare-associated infection surveillance programme: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Russo Philip L , Chen Gang , Cheng Allen C , Richards Michael , Graves Nicholas , Ratcliffe Julie , Hall Lisa 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo identify key stakeholder preferences and priorities when considering a national healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance programme through the use of a discrete choice experiment (DCE).SettingAustralia does not have a national HAI surveillance programme. An online web-based DCE was developed and made available to participants in Australia.ParticipantsA sample of 184 purposively selected healthcare workers based on their senior leadership role in infection prevention in Australia.Primary and secondary outcomesA DCE requiring respondents to select 1 HAI surveillance programme over another based on 5 different characteristics (or attributes) in repeated hypothetical scenarios. Data were analysed using a mixed logit model to evaluate preferences and identify the relative importance of each attribute.ResultsA total of 122 participants completed the survey (response rate 66%) over a 5-week period. Excluding 22 who mismatched a duplicate choice scenario, analysis was conducted on 100 responses. The key findings included: 72% of stakeholders exhibited a preference for a surveillance programme with continuous mandatory core components (mean coefficient 0.640 (p<0.01)), 65% for a standard surveillance protocol where patient-level data are collected on infected and non-infected patients (mean coefficient 0.641 (p<0.01)), and 92% for hospital-level data that are publicly reported on a website and not associated with financial penalties (mean coefficient 1.663 (p<0.01)).ConclusionsThe use of the DCE has provided a unique insight to key stakeholder priorities when considering a national HAI surveillance programme. The application of a DCE offers a meaningful method to explore and quantify preferences in this setting.