bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sociocultural context for sex differences in addiction
Authors: Becker Jill B. , McClellan Michelle , Reed Beth Glover 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this review, we discuss the importance of investigating both sex and gender differences in addiction and relapse in studies of humans and in animal models. Addiction is both a cultural and biological phenomenon. Sex and gender differences are not solely determined by our biology, nor are they entirely cultural; they are interactions between biology and the environment that are continuously played out throughout development. Lessons from the historical record illustrate how context and attitudes affect the way that substance use in men and women is regarded. Finally, cultural and environmental influences may differentially affect men and women, and affect how they respond to drugs of abuse and to treatment protocols. We recommend that both animal models and clinical research need to be developed to consider how contextual and social factors may influence the biological processes of addiction and relapse differentially in men and women.
Initiating nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm neonates at 5 cm as against 7 cm did not decrease the need for mechanical ventilation
Authors: Murki Srinivas , Nathani Prem Prakash , Sharma Deepak , Subramaniam Sreeram , Oleti Tejo Pratap , Chawla Deepak 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimThe optimum starting nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) for infants on bubble nCPAP is unknown. We compared whether an initial bubble nCPAP of 7 cm rather than 5 cm of water prevented the need for mechanical ventilation among preterm neonates with respiratory distress.MethodsPreterm neonates born at 27–34 weeks with the onset of respiratory distress within 24 hours of birth were randomised to receive high or standard nCPAP at either 7 cm or 5 cm of water, respectively. The primary outcome was the need for mechanical ventilation in the first week of life.ResultsThe baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The proportion of infants who required mechanical ventilation during the first week of life was similar between the two groups (standard 29/133, 21.8% versus high 30/138, 21.7%), with a relative risk of 0.99 and range of 0.56–1.77. The secondary outcomes were similar between the two groups, including mortality before discharge, pulmonary air leaks, need of surfactant therapy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and duration of nCPAP.ConclusionInitiating nCPAP at a higher pressure of 7 cm in preterm neonates with respiratory distress, rather than the standard 5 cm, did not decrease the need for mechanical ventilation during the first week of life.
Mediterranean diet, dietary polyphenols and low grade inflammation: results from the MOLI‐SANI study
Authors: Bonaccio Marialaura , Pounis George , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , Iacoviello Licia , de Gaetano Giovanni ,   on behalf of the MOLI‐SANI Study Investigators
Published: March 2016

Low grade inflammation is characterized by raised concentrations of inflammatory markers in the absence of any overt symptoms and is recognized as a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies suggest that low grade inflammation is mitigated by health promoting behaviours such as healthy eating patterns, physical activity, body weight maintenance and tobacco cessation. To date, large scale studies were mainly focused on circulating markers and little evidence is available on cellular biomarkers. The MOLI‐SANI study is a prospective cohort study that has recruited 24 325 men and women aged ≥35 years from the general population of the Molise Region, a Southern Italian area, with the purpose of investigating genetic and environmental risk/protection factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and cancer. Within this cohort, a composite score of low grade inflammation based on the use of plasmatic (C‐reactive protein) and cellular (leukocyte and platelet counts and granulocyte : lymphocyte ratio) biomarkers has been proposed and validated. This score accounts for all possible synergistic effects of such inflammatory markers, thus overcoming any potential bias linked to the multi‐collinearity of these variables. Of notice, the MOLI‐SANI study was the first to address the relationship between the traditional Mediterranean diet and platelet and leucocyte counts as emerging cellular biomarkers of low grade inflammation. The present review paper will discuss the main findings derived from the MOLI‐SANI study on the association of low grade inflammation with a Mediterranean eating pattern, with a particular emphasis on the associated dietary polyphenols.
‘HAVE YOU FELT ANGRY LATELY?’: A NOTE ON UNFAIR WAGE PERCEPTIONS AND THE NEGATIVE EMOTION OF ANGER
Authors: Pfeifer Christian 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe author analyses the nexus between unfair wage perceptions of workers and the frequency of the negative emotion of anger. For this purpose, German household panel data for the years 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 are used. Angry feelings in the last four weeks have occurred significantly more frequently for workers who perceive their wage as unfair, whereas the own absolute hourly wage is not significantly correlated with the frequency of having felt angry. The results further indicate that workers have felt more often angry if working hours are larger; but the economic significance seems rather small compared to unfair wage perceptions.
INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGIES IN OLIGOPOLY WITH HETEROGENEOUS FIRMS
Authors: Barac Maja , Moner‐Colonques Rafael 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the foreign direct investment (FDI) versus exports decision of foreign oligopolistic firms under cost heterogeneity. An additional motivation for firms to invest abroad is the technological sourcing via spillovers, which flow from the host more efficient firm to foreign less advantaged firms.For intermediate values of the set‐up costs associated with FDI entry, it is shown that foreign firms choose opposite entry strategies. An equilibrium where the less efficient foreign firm exports whereas the more efficient invests is more likely to happen when foreign firms become more heterogeneous, the larger the trade costs and not too big oligopolistic profitability. Interestingly, the opposite may also be an equilibrium thus finding that the more efficient firm does not choose to invest, a result that emphasizes the relevance of the strategic setting under consideration. The latter result identifies a market failure since welfare in the host market is higher when both firms undertake FDI; a finding that calls attention to how appropriate are host government policies towards internationalization strategies.
The Saudi Law of Ethics of Research on Living Creatures and its Implementing Regulations
Authors: Alahmad Ghiath 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia passed a Law and Implementing Regulations of Ethics of Research on Living Creatures in 14/09/1431 Hijri (24/08/2010). We have performed an ethical analysis of this law and, accordingly, this paper discusses the major components, key strengths, and weaknesses of this law. The Saudi system considers Islamic Shariah in addition to international research ethics guidelines. The Law and its Implementing Regulations contain all ethical requirements for research. We conclude that this law can serve as an example, not only for other Arab countries in the region that have similar values and social structure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but also for other Islamic countries.
Circulating cellular adhesion molecules and risk of diabetes: the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Pankow J. S. , Decker P. A. , Berardi C. , Hanson N. Q. , Sale M. , Tang W. , Kanaya A. M. , Larson N. B. , Tsai M. Y. , Wassel C. L. , Bielinski S. J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo test the hypothesis that soluble cellular adhesion molecules would be positively and independently associated with risk of diabetes.MethodsSoluble levels of six cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, E‐selectin, VCAM‐1, E‐cadherin, L‐selectin and P‐selectin) were measured in participants in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a prospective cohort study. Participants were then followed for up to 10 years to ascertain incident diabetes.ResultsSample sizes ranged from 826 to 2185. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI and fasting glucose or HbA1c, four cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, E‐selectin, VCAM‐1 and E‐cadherin) were positively associated with incident diabetes and there was a statistically significant trend across quartiles. Comparing the incidence of diabetes in the highest and lowest quartiles of each cellular adhesion molecule, the magnitude of association was largest for E‐selectin (hazard ratio 2.49; 95% CI 1.26–4.93) and ICAM‐1 (hazard ratio 1.76; 95% CI 1.22–2.55) in fully adjusted models. Tests of effect modification by racial/ethnic group and sex were not statistically significant for any of the cellular adhesion molecules (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe finding of significant associations between multiple cellular adhesion molecules and incident diabetes may lend further support to the hypothesis that microvascular endothelial dysfunction contributes to risk of diabetes.
Metabolic memory and all‐cause death in community‐based patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis T. M. E. , Chubb S. A. P. , Bruce D. G. , Davis W. A. 
Published: March 2016

AimsTo validate the findings, in a usual care setting, of glycaemic intervention trials, which have shown that tight control in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes protects against death during post‐study monitoring, but that it may be deleterious in long‐duration diabetes with vascular complications.MethodsA subset of 531 patients with type 2 diabetes from the community‐based observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase 1, who attended ≥5 annual reviews (mean follow‐up 15.9 years), were categorized by baseline diabetes duration [<1 year (Group 1); 1 to <5 years (Group 2); and ≥5 years (Group 3)]. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) trajectories over the first 5 years were determined [low, medium and high; equivalent to mean HbA1c ≤6.6% (<49 mmol/mol), 6.7–8.0% (50–64 mmol/mol) and ≥8.0% (>64 mmol/mol), respectively]. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess survival by duration and HbA1c trajectory. Cox proportional hazards modelling identified predictors of all‐cause death.ResultsThere was greater mortality in patients with a medium versus those with a low trajectory in Group 1: hazard ratio (HR) 1.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.003–3.94; p = 0.049], and in patients with a high versus a low trajectory in Group 2: HR 2.02 (95% CI 1.11–3.71; p = 0.022). In Group 3, both medium [HR 0.57 (95% CI 0.35–0.92; p = 0.022)] and high [HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.32–0.96); p = 0.035] trajectories were independently and inversely associated with death.ConclusionsIn community‐based patients with newly or recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes, poor glycaemic control was an adverse prognostic indicator. Tight control was independently associated with death in patients with diabetes duration ≥5 years. These data parallel intervention trial findings and support individualization of HbA1c targets.
The influence of storm characteristics on hydrological connectivity in intermittent channel networks: implications for nitrogen transport and denitrification
Authors: Welter Jill R. , Fisher Stuart G. 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Intermittent channel networks pose particular challenges for monitoring the extent of material transport and retention in arid river basins as a result of pulsed and highly variable rainfall‐runoff dynamics. Here, we examine how rainfall characteristics influence hydrological connectivity along a terrestrial–aquatic flowpath from upland hillslopes to low order intermittent channel networks. In addition, we explore the implications for nitrogen loss via denitrification as a function of variable flowpath length and soil water conditions associated with intermittent flow.

The size, timing and intensity of storms influenced the extent of hydrological connectivity and highest order channel flow. During summer monsoons, highest order channel flow increased most strongly with storm size, while in winter, the combination of days since last storm and storm intensity provided the best model; however, models containing storm size were also highly ranked.

Riparian terrace and vegetated hillslope soils had the highest denitrification potential; however, rates in channel sediments also were appreciable. Deep channel sediments dried slowly and may therefore remain biologically active for longer periods, increasing the potential for N losses via denitrification.

The extent of N transport, storage and denitrification is in large part driven by the frequency, intensity and duration of individual rainfall events. Individual storm characteristics influence the magnitude of vertical and horizontal hydrological connectivity in the catchment, and therefore, the magnitude of transport, solute storage and biogeochemical processing in intermittent channel basins.
Recombinant long‐acting glycoPEGylated factor IX (nonacog beta pegol) in haemophilia B: assessment of target joints in multinational phase 3 clinical trials
Authors: Negrier C. , Young G. , Abdul Karim F. , Collins P. W. , Hanabusa H. , Colberg T. , Goldman B. , Walsh C. E. ,   the paradigm 2 and 4 Investigators
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe paradigm™2 and 4 phase 3 clinical trials investigated the safety and efficacy of nonacog beta pegol, a recombinant glycoPEGylated factor IX (FIX) with extended half‐life, in previously treated haemophilia B patients.AimThese post hoc analyses investigated the bleeding patterns in target joints.MethodsPatients randomized to 40 or 10 IU kg−1 once weekly prophylaxis who had at least one target joint were included. Baseline demographics and disease‐specific data were collected. Bleeding patterns were assessed, and an International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) definition of target joints was used.ResultsA total of 67% and 8% of patients in the 40 and 10 IU kg−1 arm, respectively, did not experience target joint bleeds during the paradigm™2 trial. Twenty‐four target joints were recorded in each prophylaxis arm at baseline. During the paradigm™2 trial, no bleeds were reported in 17 (71%) and 7 (29%) target joints in the 40 and 10 IU kg−1 arms respectively. All target joint bleeds in the 40 IU kg−1 once weekly prophylaxis arm were controlled with a single injection of 40 IU kg−1 nonacog beta pegol. By the latest ISTH definition, 90% and 58% of target joints in the 40 and 10 IU kg−1 arms, respectively, were no longer considered target joints at the end of the paradigm™2 trial. At the end of the paradigm™4 extension trial, all target joints in the 40 IU kg−1 arm were no longer considered target joints.ConclusionRoutine prophylaxis with 40 IU kg−1 once weekly nonacog beta pegol has the potential for effective management of target joint bleeds in haemophilia B patients.
Development of a tail vein transection bleeding model in fully anaesthetized haemophilia A mice – characterization of two novel FVIII molecules
Authors: Johansen P. B. , Tranholm M. , Haaning J. , Knudsen T. 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionThe tail tip bleeding model and the tail vein transection survival model in mice are important tools for assessment of in vivo effect in haemostasis research. While the tail vein transection model exhibits the best sensitivity to pharmacological intervention it uses death or near‐death as endpoint which is fully avoided in the tail tip bleeding model.AimThe aim of this study was to develop a new tail bleeding model maintaining the sensitivity of the previous survival model but avoiding death/near‐death as endpoint.MethodsCombining the two existing tail bleeding models we developed an optimized version of the survival model with full anaesthetic coverage and short duration of experiments. Using this model, we characterized the effect of turoctocog alfa, a B‐domain truncated FVIII molecule (NovoEight®), as well as the prolonged half‐life version of the same molecule (turoctocog alfa pegol, N8‐GP).ResultsData showed that the model was sensitive to clinically relevant doses of both turoctocog alfa as well as N8‐GP when dosed for ‘on demand’ treatment. The model also correctly identified a longer duration of effect for N8‐GP compared with turoctocog alfa. Moreover, the model allowed the use of mice of both genders and was reproducible over time.ConclusionThe optimized tail vein transection bleeding model is sensitive to standard as well as half‐life prolonged FVIII molecules and should be a valuable alternative to both the tail tip bleeding model, enhancing sensitivity to pharmacological intervention, as well as to the previously used tail vein transection survival model, avoiding death or near‐death as endpoint.
Viral dynamic modelling of Hepatitis C and resistance‐associated variants in haemophiliacs
Authors: Sherman K. E. , Ke R. , Rouster S. D. , Abdel‐Hameed E. A. , Park C. , Palascak J. , Perelson A. S. 
Published: March 2016

AimChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important source of morbidity and mortality among haemophiliacs. Limited data are available regarding treatment intervention using direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) and theoretical concerns regarding accumulation of drug‐associated resistance variants (RAVs) remain. We conducted a pilot study of treatment with telaprevir/pegylated interferon‐alfa/ribavirin to evaluate treatment response and the role of lead‐in DAA therapy on mutational selection of resistance variants.MethodsUltra‐deep sequence analysis was performed at baseline, 48 hours and 168 hours after treatment initiation.ResultsNo dominant RAVs were identified at baseline, but low‐level RAVs were noted at baseline in all subjects. Viral dynamic models were used to assess treatment responses. The efficacy parameter (Ɛ) for lead‐in ranged from 0 to 0.9745 (mean = 0.514). Subsequent addition of telaprevir resulted in a mean efficacy of more than 0.999. This was comparable to subjects who started all three medications simultaneously. A total of 80% achieved SVR. While rapid shifts in the RAV population following DAA initiation were observed, treatment failure associated with A156V was observed in only one patient. Adverse event profiles were similar to that observed in non‐haemophilia cohorts. There was no evidence of factor inhibitor formation. There was no evidence that lead‐in provided benefit in terms of response efficacy.ConclusionThese data support DAA‐based therapy in those with inherited bleeding disorders.
Flowering ground vegetation benefits wild pollinators and fruit set of almond within arid smallholder orchards
Authors: Norfolk Olivia , Eichhorn Markus P. , Gilbert Francis 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Pollination studies tend to focus on the conventional agriculture associated with Europe and the USA, leaving a gap in our understanding of how pollination services are maintained in smallholder agricultural systems that dominate much of the developing world.

In South Sinai, Egypt, almond is cultivated as part of an arid agroforestry system in traditional orchard gardens that contain a mixture of fruit trees inter‐planted with vegetables and herbs. This study investigated the relative contribution of honeybees and wild insects for pollination of almond trees and assessed how flowering ground vegetation influenced pollinator densities and fruit set.

Results showed that almond was highly dependent on insect pollination, with bagged flowers producing less than 8% of the fruit set of insect‐ and hand‐pollinated flowers. Fruit set was correlated with wild pollinator visitation, but not with honeybee visitation. Furthermore, the presence of honeybee hives had no effect upon fruit set.

The abundance and species richness of flowering ground vegetation was positively related to pollinator abundance within the gardens and associated with enhanced fruit set. Over half of the flowering ground flora were minority crops grown alongside almond, suggesting that facilitation can occur between simultaneously flowering crops.

In these diverse orchard gardens, flowering minority crops benefited wild pollinators and increased fruit set in the primary orchard crop. If mutual facilitation occurs between other crop species, then the diverse cropping systems associated with smallholder farms are likely to enhance pollination services within traditional agricultural landscapes.
Effects of pH and salt concentration on functional properties of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seed albumin concentrate
Authors: Vuong Huynh Thanh Hai , Tran Ngoc Minh Chau , Tran Thi Thu Tra , Ton Nu Minh Nguyet , Le Van Viet Man 
Published: March 2016

SummarySearching new protein sources is essential due to an increase in protein demand. In this study, rambutan seed albumin concentrate (RSAC) with the protein content of 80.8% was isolated from defatted rambutan seed meal. The effects of pH and sodium chloride concentration on solubility and functional properties of RSAC were investigated. RSAC had minimum solubility at pH 4. Water absorption capacity at pH 7 and oil absorption capacity of RSAC were 0.79 and 6.13 mL g−1, respectively. Both foaming and emulsifying capacities achieved maximal levels at pH 12. In sodium chloride solution, foaming capacity and stability achieved maximal levels at the concentration of 0.6 mol L−1, while the highest emulsifying capacity and stability were noted at the concentration of 0.2 mol L−1. The least gelation concentration of RSAC was 100 g L−1 and this value decreased by five times as salt concentration in the protein solution was 0.6 mol L−1. RSAC was a potential functional ingredient in food processing.
Selection of reference genes for expression analysis in the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli
Authors: Ibanez F. , Tamborindeguy C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe selection of reference genes is a crucial step for quantitative real‐time PCR analyses and increasingly the use of more than one reference gene for accurate and reliable normalization is being recommended. In this study, a set of six genes was selected and their stability was assessed in different life stages and female organs of Bactericera cockerelli harbouring or not the bacterial pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) haplotype B. The stability of each gene was determined using the BestKeeper, NormFinder and GeNorm programs. These analyses identified elongation factor‐1a, ribosomal protein subunit L5 and ribosomal protein subunit 18 as the most stable genes to analyse gene expression during the insect life stages irrespective of Lso presence; Lso haplotype B only affected their respective ranking. By contrast, a common set of normalizers could not be found amongst the different female organs tested (bacteriomes, alimentary canals and reproductive organs).
Causes and prevention of foot problems in Greater one‐horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in zoological institutions
Authors: von Houwald F. 
Published: March 2016

Greater one‐horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis have been successfully maintained by and bred at zoological gardens in the past half century. Despite this success, decades ago it was recognized that this species frequently develops foot lesions. Such damage can impair the health and well‐being of an individual, and contribute to a reduction of its lifespan. The death of a breeding bull or cow will have an effect upon the success of the breeding programme. Various studies have been carried out to determine the types and causes of foot problems in Greater one‐horned rhinoceros with the aim of identifying long‐term solutions to this health concern. The most effective method for preventing lesions and improving the health of the feet in rhinoceros is to utilize an appropriate substrate (e.g. 50 cm‐deep untreated wood chips) in both outdoor enclosures and indoor stables.