bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Price transmission, asymmetric adjustment and threshold effects in the cotton supply chain: a case study for Vidarbha, India
Authors: Shrinivas Aditya , Gómez Miguel I. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis study examines price transmission asymmetries in Vidarbha's (India) cotton supply chain from 2002 to 2012. The analysis takes account of thresholds in price adjustments toward their long‐run equilibrium. The first stage considers the price dynamics between international and Indian domestic cotton prices. The second stage considers price transmission from domestic to farm gate cotton prices in Vidarbha. Results from the first stage indicate that Indian and international cotton markets are well‐integrated. In contrast, the second stage reveals significant threshold‐type nonlinearities as well as asymmetries in price transmission between domestic and farm gate prices. The short‐run dynamics suggest that the pass‐through from domestic to farm gate prices is larger when domestic prices decrease than when they increase. Moreover, back of the envelope calculations suggest that the loss in revenue for a typical farmer from a decrease in domestic price is larger than the gains from an increase in domestic price of the same magnitude. The implication is that traders benefit from price fluctuations at the expense of farmers. Evidence from fieldwork in Vidarbha suggest that asymmetries revealed in this analysis may be linked to trader's market power and inadequate market information among farmers.
The Effects of South Korean Social Workers' Professional Resources on their Understanding of a Patient's Right to End‐of‐Life Care Decisions in Long‐term Care Facilities
Authors: Han Sooyoun 
Published: May 2016

The aims of this study were to examine South Korean social workers' understanding of a patient's right to end‐of‐life care decisions (EOLCD) in long‐term care facilities and to explore the effectiveness of their professional resources in their understanding of this issue. A survey was conducted of 297 social workers from multiple long‐term care facilities in South Korea using structured questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews. A multiple regression model was used, controlling for gender and religion. The participants' professional resources were measured by years of work, license type, number of beds, knowledge of advanced directives, experience in the EOLCD process, and training. The results demonstrated that South Korean social workers' understanding of a patient's right to EOLCD was moderate (mean 3.46), and their general (β = 0.576, P < 0.001) and medical knowledge (β = 0.117, P < 0.001) of advance directives, experience in the EOLCD process (β = 0.222, P < 0.001), and training (β = 0.028, P < 0.001) positively and significantly increased their understanding of patient rights (R2 = 0.449, P < 0.001). The findings suggested that the development of academically supported and legally enforced standards and regulations for an EOLCD practice manual for long‐term‐care social workers would be beneficial.
Comparison between intraocular pressure spikes with water loading and postural change
Authors: Chong Calum WK , Wang Sarah B , Jain Neeranjali S , Bank Cassandra S , Singh Ravjit , Bank Allan , Francis Ian C , Agar Ashish 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the agreement between peak intraocular pressures measured through the water drinking test and the supine test, in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.DesignConsecutive, prospective, blinded.ParticipantsTwenty‐one patients from the Glaucoma Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.MethodsFor the supine test, intraocular pressure was recorded immediately after the patient had lain down and at 20 and 40 min. At the second evaluation, intraocular pressure was measured in each patient after drinking 10 mL/kg body weight of water for the water drinking test. Again, all patients had their intraocular pressure measured at 20 and 40 min (t = 20 and t = 40, respectively). Patients were excluded from the study if they had pre‐existing cardiac, renal or pulmonary complications or had concurrent ocular disease or an anatomical abnormality (including angle recession, peripheral anterior synechiae and developmental anomalies of the angle) that may have influenced intraocular pressure.Main Outcome MeasureBland–Altman analysis.ResultsBland–Altman analysis indicated an overall excellent agreement in terms of mean difference between methods (1.0, −1.0 and −0.90 mmHg, at 0, 20 and 40 min, respectively). Further, with the exception of t = 40, all measured time points had 95% confidence intervals within 6.5 mmHg of their mean difference on the Bland–Altman plot.ConclusionsThere was close agreement between the intraocular pressure values of the supine test and water drinking test. However, as the water drinking test may be uncomfortable and potentially hazardous, there is potential that the supine test may be a safer and more comfortable alternative.
The value of a feasibility study into long‐term macrolide therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bewick J. , Ahmed S. , Carrie S. , Hopkins C. , Sama A. , Sunkaraneni V. , Woods J. , Morris S. , Erskine S. , Philpott C.M. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThere is currently conflicting level 1 evidence in the use of long‐term antibiotics for chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. The primary aim of this feasibility study was to optimise future randomised trial design by assessing recruitment and retention of patients alongside providing preliminary data on symptomatic control.DesignProspective, multicentre feasibility (cohort) study with all patients receiving macrolide therapy for 12 weeks and a further subsequent 12‐week follow‐up. Participants received a 12‐week course of clarithromycin 250 mg alongside twice daily topical mometasone and nasal douching. Primary outcomes focused on recruitment, retention and compliance. Clinical and quality‐of‐life outcomes measures were also recorded.SettingPatients were prospectively recruited from six UK outpatient clinics.ParticipantsAdult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and no prior endoscopic sinus surgery underwent baseline assessment and then follow‐up at 3 and 6 months.Main outcome measuresSix‐month recruitment and retention data.ResultsOver 13 months, 55 adults were recruited from five centres. Four patients declined participation. 75% of patients were retained within the study. Dropouts included one medication contraindication, three unable to tolerate medication and 10 not attending full follow‐up. Sino Nasal Outcome Test‐22 and endoscopic scores showed statistically significant improvement. No other clinical or quality‐of‐life assessment improvements were seen.ConclusionRetention and recruitment to a trial using long‐term clarithromycin to treat chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps is achievable and this data will support a future randomised controlled trial. The study provides vital insight into trial design, thus informing UK research networks and rhinology researchers internationally.
Risk factors and outcome of stroke in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Findlay Mark D. , Thomson Peter C. , MacIsaac Rachael , Jardine Alan G. , Patel Rajan K. , Stevens Kathryn K. , Rutherford Elaine , Clancy Marc , Geddes Colin C. , Dawson Jesse , Mark Patrick B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractStroke incidence is high in end‐stage renal disease, and risk factors differ between the dialysis and general populations. However, risk factors and outcomes following renal transplantation remain unclear. We analyzed all adult patients with a functioning renal transplant from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2012. Data were extracted from the electronic patient record. Variables associated with stroke were identified by survival analyses; demographic, clinical, and imaging and laboratory variables were assessed and case fatality determined. Follow‐up was until 05/12/2013. A total of 956 patients were identified (median age 40.1 years, 59.9% male). Atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence was 9.2%, and 38.2% received a transplant during follow‐up. A total of 26 (2.7%) experienced a stroke during 4409 patient‐years of follow‐up (84.6% ischemic). Stroke incidence was 5.96/1000 patient‐years. Factors associated with stroke on regression analysis were prior stroke, diabetes, age, systolic hypertension, and hemoglobin. Atrial fibrillation was associated with time to stroke (P<0.001). Warfarin did not associate with ischemic stroke risk in those with AF. Fatality was 19.2% at 7, 23.1% at 28, and 42.3% at 365 days after stroke. Patients with a functioning renal transplant have a high stroke incidence and case fatality. Unlike those on hemodialysis, risk factors are similar to the general population. We did not demonstrate benefit from warfarin use in those with AF.
Routine ultrasonography surveillance of native kidneys for renal cell carcinoma in kidney transplant candidates
Authors: Klein Jeffrey A. , Gonzalez Stevan A. , Fischbach Bernard V. , Yango Angelito F. , Rajagopal Arthi , Rice Kim M. , Saim Muhammad , Barri Yousri M. , Melton Larry B. , Klintmalm Goran B. , Chandrakantan Arun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a high incidence in the kidney transplant population and annual surveillance detects these tumors early in their natural history. Minimal guidelines exist regarding RCC surveillance in ESRD patients awaiting transplant. A retrospective review of our kidney transplant database examined the outcomes of annual ultrasonographic surveillance during initial kidney transplant evaluation and upon annual reassessment. Of 2642 patients listed for transplant, 145 patients were found to have masses during initial kidney transplant evaluation or annual imaging consistent with new complex cystic disease or RCC. A total of 71 patients had RCC identified, with 52 found on initial kidney transplant evaluation and 19 identified on annual surveillance. Male gender and African‐American race were independently associated with RCC (P<.05). RCC was detected a median of 2.0 years after listing (two annual ultrasonography studies). Patients with complex cysts were more likely to undergo transplantation (48.7%) compared to patients with RCC (21.1%; P<.001). There was no significant difference in survival between RCC patients and those found to have complex cystic disease, suggesting incidental RCC can be diagnosed early in the natural history and at a curable stage through implementation of a biennial surveillance program.
Patients with chronic kidney disease have abnormal upper gastro‐intestinal tract digestive function: A study of uremic enteropathy
Authors: Grant Claire J , Harrison Laura E , Hoad Caroline L , Marciani Luca , Gowland Penny A , McIntyre Christopher W 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimChronic kidney disease (CKD) affects gastrointestinal (GI) function and results in numerous adaptive and maladaptive responses. Disruption of the colonic microbiome and its attendant consequences—the loss of gut barrier integrity and increased generation of uremic toxins—has become well‐recognized. However, less attention has been paid to characterizing the mechanisms behind dysfunction of the upper GI tract, largely owing to the difficulty of studying small bowel function in vivo. This present study was designed to comprehensively describe upper GI function in those with advanced renal impairment.MethodsThirty‐five non‐diabetic subjects (12 CKD stage 4/5 patients, 23 healthy controls) underwent detailed GI magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in both fasted and fed states. Upper GI function was assessed by quantification of gastric emptying and intra‐luminal small bowel water. Characterization of hydration and cardiovascular status was performed at baseline. Gut barrier integrity was assessed using serum endotoxin level.ResultsChronic kidney disease was associated with dysmotility (gastric half‐emptying time 96 ± 32 vs 74 ± 27 min, P = 0.04) and reduced fasting and post‐prandial small bowel water (36 ± 22 mL vs 78 ± 42 mL, P < 0.001), reflecting abnormal digestive secretion, and absorption. This was related to the degree of endotoxemia (r = −0.60, P = 0.04) and poorer symptom scores, but not to disease severity, arterial stiffness or hydration status.ConclusionChronic kidney disease adversely affects digestive function. Abnormalities in digestive secretion and absorption may potentially have a broad impact in the prevention and treatment of both CKD and its complications. Further study is required to assess the factors that contribute to this dysfunction in a wider CKD population.
Efficacy of nonswallow nasogastric tube intubation: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fan Luo , Liu Qin , Gui Li 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo prospectively identify the effect of the nonswallow procedure of nasogastric tube insertion.BackgroundNasogastric intubation is one of the most important and basic skills in treatment and nursing. Patients generally experience discomfort and encounter complications during this procedure. Thus, practitioners need a more convenient, effective, quicker and safer method to improve the performance of this procedure.DesignThis prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted from March to May 2014 in the four units of Gansun Province Hospital in Lanzhou, China.MethodA total of 80 participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40). Participants in the experimental group underwent a nonswallow procedure for nasogastric tube insertion.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in nasogastric tube insertion between the study groups. A marked increase in the success rate at first intubation as well as a markedly reduced occurrence of nausea, tearing, mucosal injury and changes in vital signs (i.e. heart rate, breath, systolic pressure) were observed compared with the control group. No differences in the success rates at second and third intubation were observed between the groups.ConclusionsThe nonswallow procedure of nasogastric tube intubation relieves discomfort and ensures the safety of patients.Relevance to clinical practicePatients subjected to nasogastric intubation are more likely to benefit from the nonswallow procedure when nasogastric tube insertion is performed.
The changing epidemiology and aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma from 1969 through 2013 in Alaska Native people
Authors: Connelly Marc , Bruce Michael G. , Bulkow Lisa , Snowball Mary , McMahon Brian J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsAlaska Native people have an increased rate of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to the United States population. Viral hepatitis is a risk factor for malignancy and the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in Alaska. With the introduction of hepatitis B immunization in 1982, as well as the emergence of hepatitis C virus in this population, the epidemiology and aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in Alaska have changed.MethodsUsing the Alaska Native Tumor Registry, all cases of viral and non‐viral hepatocellular carcinoma occurring from 1969 through 2013 were identified and reviewed. Incidence rates per 100 000 population were calculated for hepatocellular carcinoma overall and by aetiological category.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma were identified in 148 Alaska Native persons. Overall tumour rate was 3.82 per 100 000 and did not change significantly over the study period. Hepatitis B‐associated cases decreased significantly over the study period (P = 0.048) and were eliminated in persons under the age of 20. Hepatitis C‐associated cases increased significantly (P < 0.001). Undetermined hepatocellular carcinoma rates also decreased (P = 0.034).ConclusionsOverall hepatocellular carcinoma rates in Alaska Native people remained stable over the study period, but the epidemiology and aetiology are changing. Two decades after routine hepatitis B immunization, the hepatocellular carcinoma age distribution has shifted to cases presenting later in life. This is consistent with an ageing hepatitis B‐infected population with no new infected young persons' coming into the population, as well as the emergence of hepatitis C in adults.
AN INDICATOR FOR ECOSYSTEM EXTERNALITIES IN FISHING
Authors: RAVN‐JONSEN LARS , ANDERSEN KEN H. , VESTERGAARD NIELS 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEcosystem externalities arise when one use of an ecosystem affects its other uses through the production functions of the ecosystem. We use simulations with a size‐spectrum ecosystem model to investigate the ecosystem externality created by fishing of multiple species. The model is based upon general ecological principles and is calibrated to the North Sea. Two fleets are considered: a “forage fish” fleet targeting species that mature at small sizes and a “large fish” fleet targeting large piscivorous species. Based on the marginal analysis of the present value of the rent, we develop a benefit indicator that explicitly divides the consequences of fishing into internal and external benefits. This analysis demonstrates that the forage fish fleet has a notable economic impact on the large fish fleet, but the reverse is not true. The impact can be either negative or positive, which entails that for optimal economic exploitation, the forage fishery has to be adjusted according to the large fish fishery. With the present large fish fishery in the North Sea, the two fisheries are well adjusted; however, the present combined exploitation level is too high to achieve optimal economic rents.
Development of a Novel Covalent Folate‐Albumin‐Photosensitizer Conjugate
Authors: Beaudoin Simon , Leyton Jeffrey V. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThere is considerable interest in the development of novel and more efficient delivery systems for improving the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). The authors in this highlighted issue describe the synthesis and the photobiological characterizations of two photosensitizer (PS) conjugates based on β‐carboline derivatives covalently conjugated to folic acid (FA) coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a carrier system specifically targeting cancer cells overexpressing FA receptor alpha (FRα). Accordingly, only the FA–BSA–β‐carboline conjugates are internalized specifically in FRα‐positive cells and are proved to be phototoxic. On the other hand, albumin–β‐carboline conjugates without FA or β‐carboline derivatives alone are not internalized and nontoxic. This conjugate is among the first to produce a conjugate composed of a PS and FA molecules that are directly conjugated to BSA. In addition, the in vitro studies are the first evidence that directly conjugated FA‐BSA can be used as carriers to selectively enhance cytotoxicity by PDT relative to unmodified PS or nontargeted BSA‐PS. This strategy is a positive step forward for the covalent design and construction of a photodynamic nanomedicine for FR‐positive tumors.
Current topics in red cell biology: report on the Red Cell Special Interest Group meeting held at NHS Blood and Transplant Bristol on 30 October 2015
Authors: Bullock T. , Bruce L. J. , Ridgwell K. 
Published: May 2016

SUMMARYThe Red Cell Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting, hosted by the British Blood Transfusion Society, provides an annual forum for the presentation of UK‐ and European‐based red cell research. The 2015 meeting was held on Friday 30 October at the National Health Service Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) facility in Filton, Bristol and provided an exciting and varied programme on the themes of erythropoiesis, malaria biology and pathophysiology and red cells properties in stress and disease. Ten speakers presented on these topics over the course of one day. The meeting was well attended by over 90 delegates. Posters were presented during the lunch break, and abstracts from the posters are published at the end of this issue.
Deletion of
nuoG
from the Vaccine Candidate Mycobacterium bovis BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
Improves Protection against Tuberculosis
Authors: Gengenbacher Martin , Nieuwenhuizen Natalie , Vogelzang Alexis , Liu Haipeng , Kaiser Peggy , Schuerer Stefanie , Lazar Doris , Wagner Ina , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

The current tuberculosis (TB) vaccine,
Mycobacterium bovis
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), provides insufficient protection against pulmonary TB. Previously, we generated a listeriolysin-expressing recombinant BCG strain, which to date has successfully completed phase I and phase IIa clinical trials. In an attempt to further improve efficacy, we deleted the antiapoptotic virulence gene
nuoG
, encoding NADH dehydrogenase 1 subunit G, from BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
.
In vitro
, deletion of
nuoG
unexpectedly led to strongly increased recruitment of the autophagosome marker LC3 to the engulfed vaccine, suggesting that
nuoG
also affects xenophagic pathways. In mice, BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
Δ
nuoG
vaccination was safer than BCG and improved protection over that of parental BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
, significantly reducing TB load in murine lungs, ameliorating pulmonary pathology, and enhancing immune responses. Transcriptome analysis of draining lymph nodes after vaccination with either BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
or BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
Δ
nuoG
demonstrated earlier and stronger induction of immune responses than that with BCG SSI and suggested upregulation of inflammasome activation and interferon-induced GTPases. In summary, BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
Δ
nuoG
is a promising next-generation TB vaccine candidate with excellent efficacy and safety.

IMPORTANCE
Autophagy and apoptosis are fundamental processes allowing cells to degrade their components or kill themselves, respectively. The immune system has adopted these mechanisms to eliminate intracellular pathogens. Residing in host cells, the causative agent of tuberculosis,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, has evolved strategies to set cellular programs of autophagy and apoptosis “on hold.” The mycobacterial gene
nuoG
was found to prevent host cell apoptosis. We have deleted
nuoG
in the live vaccine candidate BCG Δ
ureC
::
hly
, which is in phase II clinical development, to leave cellular apoptosis “on go” upon immunization. In preclinical models, this strategy boosted immunity and improved protection from
M. tuberculosis
infection. Unexpectedly, we obtained compelling evidence that mycobacterial
nuoG
facilitates inhibition of autophagic pathways, suggesting a new role for this gene in the host-pathogen interplay in tuberculosis.
Quantum-chemical study of nitrogen and magnesium co-doping in α-Cr2O3
Authors: Jácome Soraya , Stashans Arvids 
Published: May 2016

Study of corundum-type chromium oxide ([Formula: see text]-Cr2O3) crystal doped with the nitrogen and magnesium impurities has been carried out through the use of first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Three cases corresponding different impurity–impurity distances have been considered. Structural, electronic and magnetic properties have been studied for all co-doping cases. The [Formula: see text]-type electrical conductivity was found when distance between the Mg and N atoms is equal to 4.10 Å. The results obtained are consistent with the available experimental data.