bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influencing relatives to respect donor autonomy: Should we nudge families to consent to organ donation?
Authors: Sharif Adnan , Moorlock Greg 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRefusing consent to organ donation remains unacceptably high, and improving consent rates from family or next‐of‐kin is an important step to procuring more organs for solid organ transplantation in countries where this approval is sought. We have thus far failed to translate fully our limited understanding of why families refuse permission into successful strategies targeting consent in the setting of deceased organ donation, primarily because our interventions fail to target underlying cognitive obstacles. Novel interventions to overcome these hurdles, incorporating an understanding of cognitive psychology and behavioral change therapy, may be beneficial. One potential intervention is to use the concept of nudge theory, where decision‐making is influenced by encouraging positive reinforcement and indirect suggestion. Purposefully nudging families to given consent for organ donation by understanding, and then overcoming, their inherent cognitive biases is novel but also controversial. This article explores the roles of relatives in decisions about organ donation, how nudge theory translates to organ donation and discusses the arguments for and against its application.
Commentary: Bipolar disorder in youth – what is it and where is it? – a commentary on Parry et al. (2018)
Authors: Carlson Gabrielle A. 
Published: January 2018

Parry and colleagues reexamine the 12 articles that comprise a widely cited, 2011 meta‐analysis of community studies of pediatric bipolar that stated no differences exist between rates in the United States and other countries. This reexamination concludes not only are there in fact considerable differences in rates of bipolar disorder (both bipolar I disorder and bipolar spectrum disorder) but also the rates overall are lower than the meta‐analysis stated.This editorial explains some of the reasons behind the overly enthusiastic reports of bipolar disorder rates in youth including definitional (what is pediatric and what is bipolar) and assessment ambiguities and the bona fide effort to explain the psychopathology underpinning explosive children. Although the questions of what prepubertal bipolar disorder is have themselves been polarizing, common ground is being increasingly found.
Resistance exercise and episodic memory function: a systematic review
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Frith Emily , Edwards Meghan K. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveEmerging research demonstrates that aerobic‐based physical activity is favourably associated with episodic memory function. Despite resistance exercises being associated with a multitude of health outcomes, independent of aerobic physical activity, less research has examined the effects of resistance exercise on episodic memory function. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to examine the extent to which resistance exercise may be associated with episodic memory function.MethodsComputerized searches were performed in PubMed, PsychInfo and Sports Discuss. Studies were included if they employed an experimental, cross‐sectional or prospective study design, and included acute or chronic resistance exercise as the independent variable, with episodic memory function as the outcome variable.ResultsEight experimental (one acute and seven chronic training studies) studies met the study inclusionary criteria. Seven of these studies were published in the last 5 years, highlighting the infancy of this line of research. Only three of the eight evaluated studies provided evidence of a positive effect of resistance exercise on memory function; within each of these three studies, there was also some indication of null (or unfavourable) effects.ConclusionThe findings of this systematic review do not provide compelling evidence for a beneficial effect of acute or chronic resistance exercise on episodic memory function. Additional research in this under‐investigated field is warranted.
Refinancing short‐term debt with a fixed monthly interest rate into funded juros under Philip II: an asiento with the Maluenda brothers
Authors: Álvarez‐Nogal Carlos , Chamley Christophe 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the fragmented geographical, fiscal, and financial state inherited by Philip II of Spain, while the public debt reached an unprecedented level (50–60 per cent of GDP), the critical refinancing of unfunded asientos into funded juros was operated by merchant‐bankers who signed the asientos. This process is illustrated, using abundant archival documentation, by an asiento with the Maluenda brothers in 1595, which provided the Crown with steady monthly cash payments for a year with options to sell juros for two‐thirds of the credit, and a monthly rate of 1 per cent on the interim balance. Other examples are provided.
Genetic variation in IL28B (IFNL3) and response to interferon‐alpha treatment in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Lindgren Marie , Samuelsson Jan , Nilsson Lars , Knutsen Håvar , Ghanima Waleed , Westin Johan , Johansson Peter L. , Andréasson Björn 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveIn myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) is an effective treatment with disease‐modifying properties but currently with no clear predictors of treatment outcome. Recent genomewide association studies in chronic hepatitis C have found a strong influence of genetic polymorphism near the IL28B (IFNL3) gene in response to IFN‐α treatment. In this study, we sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of IL28B rs12979860, rs8099917, and rs12980275 on IFN‐α treatment response in myeloproliferative neoplasms.MethodWe retrospectively evaluated 100 patients with MPN treated with IFN‐α. The hematologic treatment response on IFN‐α was compared between patients and correlated with host genetic variations in IL28B. The genotypes of IL28B were determined by allelic discrimination assays.ResultsThe CC genotype of rs12979860 was found significantly associated with hematologic response in polycythemia vera (PV) with a complete response (CR) in 79% (CC) compared to 48% (non‐CC), (P = .036). No association between the genotypes and treatment response on hydroxyurea was found.ConclusionThese results imply an effect of IL28B genotype on the outcome of IFN‐α treatment in MPN.
Long‐established and emerging pesticide poisoning in horses
Authors: Nagy A. L. , Cortinovis C. , Spicer L. J. , Perego M. C. , Caloni F. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryPoisoning is a frequent problem in domestic animals. Horses are the third most commonly affected species and pesticides are one of the main causes of toxicosis. Here within are reviewed the most frequent toxicoses where it emerges that the main causes are misuse and accidental exposure. Rodenticides, acetylcholinesterase insecticides followed by herbicides are the main cause of toxicosis and effects of emerging chemicals are being reported. Metaldehyde is still a problem, together with methiocarb. No information has been reported on poisoning with pesticide mixtures.
Advancing understanding and prediction in multiple stressor research through a mechanistic basis for null models
Authors: Schäfer Ralf B. , Piggott Jeremy J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGlobal environmental change is driven by multiple anthropogenic stressors. Conservation and restoration require understanding the individual and joint action of these stressors to evaluate and prioritize management measures. To date, most studies on multiple stressor effects have sought to identify potential stressor interactions, defined as deviations from null models, and related meta‐analyses have focused on quantifying the relative proportion of stressor interactions across studies. These studies have provided valuable insights about the complexity of multiple stressor effects, but remain largely devoid of a theoretical framework for null model selection and prediction of effects. We suggest that multiple stressor research would benefit by (1) integrating and developing additional null models and (2) selecting null models based on their mechanistic assumptions of the stressor mode of action and organism sensitivities as well as stressor–effect relationships for individuals and populations. We present a range of null models and outline their underlying assumptions and application in multiple stressor research. Moving beyond mere description requires multiple stressor research to shift its focus from identifying statistically significant interactions to the use and development of mechanistic (null) models. Justified selection of the appropriate null model is a first step to achieve this.
Cerebrospinal fluid HIV RNA in persons living with HIV
Authors: Di Carlofelice M , Everitt A , Muir D , Winston A 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesDespite adequate suppression of plasma HIV RNA, viral escape in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is widely reported. Rates of CSF HIV RNA escape vary in the literature. In persons living with HIV (PLWH) undergoing lumbar puncture examination for clinical reasons, we assessed rates of CSF HIV RNA escape.MethodsPersons living with HIV attending a designated HIV neurology service undergoing CSF assessment for clinical reasons between January 2015 and April 2017 were included in the study. CSF HIV RNA escape was defined as HIV RNA ≥ 0.5 log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL higher than plasma HIV RNA or detectable CSF HIV RNA when plasma HIV RNA was < 20 copies/mL. Clinical factors associated with CSF HIV RNA were assessed using logistic regression modelling.ResultsOf 38 individuals, 35 were receiving antiretroviral therapy, 30 were male and their mean age was 51 years. Clinical reasons for CSF assessment included investigation for cognitive decline (n = 25), early syphilis (n = 4) and other central nervous system (CNS) conditions (n = 9). HIV RNA was detectable in plasma and CSF in seven and six individuals, respectively, with two individuals (5.3%) meeting the definition of CSF escape. Detectable CSF HIV RNA was associated with a detectable plasma HIV RNA (P < 0.001) and a history of known antiretroviral drug resistance mutations (P = 0.021).ConclusionsThe prevalence of CSF viral escape in PLWH undergoing lumbar puncture examination for clinical reasons is lower than previously reported.
Gene flow from multiple sources maintains high genetic diversity and stable population history of Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus in China
Authors: Ruan Luzhang , Xu Wei , Han Yuqing , Zhu Chaoying , Guan Bicai , Xu Changxin , Gao Bin , Zhao Dongqin 
Published: January 2018

In this study, we used mitochondrial control sequences and microsatellite data from 231 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus individuals sampled from 19 sites in China to analyse their genetic structure and evolutionary history. High genetic diversity was found for all populations, although microsatellite analysis showed that the genetic diversity in non‐migratory populations was significantly higher than in migratory populations. High gene flow occurred between neighbouring populations, although long‐distance gene flow also occurred. The Huazhong population was the single greatest genetic source for other populations. High gene flow probably led to the shallow genetic structure that we observed. Demographic expansion was found in migratory populations, non‐migratory populations and with all individuals combined. The expansion time for all populations combined was estimated to be 221 000 years ago. The Common Moorhen population grew rapidly during the interglacial before the last glacial maximum (LGM), then remained generally stable from the LGM to the present.
Study on radiation performances of dipole antenna with diamond‐structure EBG substrate fabricated by 3D printing technique
Authors: Chen Shibin , Zhao Xuan , Yao Yunshi , Ma Jingcun , Yang Shuangjian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn order to improve antenna radiation performances, a dipole antenna with 3D diamond‐structure electromagnetic band‐gap (EBG) substrate is analyzed and its transmission performances are investigated. The diamond‐structure EBG substrate was fabricated with aluminum oxide ceramic by 3D printing technique and sintering process, and its band‐gap measured by a transmission‐reflection method was between 9 and 11.5 GHz, with a maximal loss of −50 dB at 9.9 GHz. The radiation frequency of designed dipole antenna corresponded to the frequency of strongest reflection of the EBGs. Comparison of E‐plane radiation patterns of dipole antenna without substrate, dipole antenna with a common ceramic substrate and dipole antenna with EBGs showed that gain of dipole antenna with EBGs was 3 dB higher than that of dipole antenna with a common ceramic substrate and 5 dB higher than that of dipole antenna without substrate, thus the gain was improved by 3.2 times. Moreover, the radiation pattern of dipole antenna with EBGs was smoother, which showed that EBGs can effectively suppress propagation of surface waves. In addition, the main lobe width was reduced, thus antenna directivity was improved.
Association of betaine with blood pressure in dialysis patients
Authors: Wang Lulu , Zhao Mingming , Liu Wenjin , Li Xiurong , Chu Hong , Bai Youwei , Sun Zhuxing , Gao Chaoqing , Zheng Lemin , Yang Junwei 
Published: January 2018

Mechanisms underlying elevated blood pressure in dialysis patients are complex as a variety of non‐traditional factors are involved. We sought to explore the association of circulating betaine, a compound widely distributed in food, with blood pressure in dialysis patients. We used baseline data of an ongoing cohort study involving patients on hemodialysis. Plasma betaine was measured by high performance liquid chromatography in 327 subjects. Blood pressure level was determined by intradialytic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The mean age of the patients was 52.6 ± 11.9 years, and 58.4% were male. Average interdialytic ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 138.4 ± 22.7 mm Hg and 84.4 ± 12.5 mm Hg, respectively. Mean plasma betaine level was 37.6 μmol/L. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations of betaine with both systolic blood pressure (β = −3.66, P = .003) and diastolic blood pressure (β = −2.00, P = .004). The associations persisted even after extensive adjustment for cardiovascular covariates. Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between betaine and blood pressure was mainly limited to female patients. Our data suggest that alteration of circulating betaine possibly contributes to blood pressure regulation in these patients.
Relationship between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Kim Hack‐Lyoung , Lim Woo‐Hyun , Seo Jae‐Bin , Zo Joo‐Hee , Kim Myung‐A , Kim Sang‐Hyun 
Published: January 2018

Although brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has been widely used as an index of arterial stiffness, no consensus exists about whether baPWV can reflect central aortic stiffness. The authors investigated the association between baPWV and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP) in a total of 109 consecutive patients (mean age, 62.3 ± 11.3 years; 67.9% men). Most patients (91%) had obstructive coronary artery disease, and mean baPWV and APP values were 1535 ± 303 cm/s and 66.8 ± 22.5 mm Hg, respectively. In univariate analysis, there was a significant linear correlation between baPWV and APP (r = .635, P < .001). The correlation between baPWV and APP remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (β = 0.574, P < .001; R2 = .469). Arterial stiffness measured by baPWV showed a strong positive correlation with invasively measured APP, independent of clinical confounders. Therefore, baPWV can be a good marker of central aortic stiffness.
Performance of 4 definitions of childhood elevated blood pressure in predicting subclinical cardiovascular outcomes in adulthood
Authors: Fan Hui , Hou Dongqing , Liu Junting , Yan Yinkun , Mi Jie 
Published: January 2018

We aimed to compare the ability of the pediatric blood pressure (BP) standards issued by the US Fourth Report, the recently proposed US, Chinese, and international standards to predict adult hypertension and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). 2296 children were randomly selected from Beijing at baseline. The follow‐up survey was conducted among 1177 adults. Subclinical adult CVD was assessed using the carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). The prevalence of pediatric elevated BP was significantly higher according to the Chinese standards vs the Fourth Report, the updated US standards, and the international standards (18.7% vs 14.2%, 17.5%, and 18.0%, respectively; all Ps < .001). Children identified as elevated BP using any of the 4 standards were more likely to have adult hypertension, high cfPWV, and high LVMI than children without elevated BP. However, only the Chinese and updated US standards can predict the increased risk of adult high CIMT. Our results indicated that the Chinese standards performed equally or better compared with 3 other standards in predicting adult hypertension and subclinical CVD.
Norcantharidin, a clinical used chemotherapeutic agent, acts as a powerful inhibitor by interfering with fibrinogen–integrin αIIbβ3 binding in human platelets
Authors: Hsia Chih‐Hsuan , Lu Wan‐Jung , Lin Kuan‐Hung , Chou Duen‐Suey , Geraldine Pitchairaj , Jayakuma Thanasekaran , Chang Nen‐Chung , Sheu Joen‐Rong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDuring platelet activation, fibrinogen binds to its specific platelet receptor, integrin αIIbβ3, thus completing the final common pathway for platelet aggregation. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a promising anticancer agent in China from medicinal insect blister beetle. In this study, we provided the evidence to demonstrate NCTD (0.1–1.0 μM) possesses very powerful antiplatelet activity in human platelets; nevertheless, it had no effects on surface P‐selectin expression and only slight inhibition on ATP‐release reaction in activated platelets. Moreover, NCTD markedly hindered integrin αIIbβ3 activation by interfering with the binding of FITC‐labelled PAC‐1. It also markedly reduced the number of adherent platelets and the single platelet spreading area on immobilized fibrinogen as well as clot retraction. Additionally, NCTD attenuated phosphorylation of proteins such as integrin β3, Src and FAK in platelets spreading on immobilized fibrinogen. These results indicate that NCTD restricts integrin αIIbβ3‐mediated outside‐in signalling in human platelets. Besides, NCTD substantially prolonged the closure time in human whole blood and increased the occlusion time of thrombotic platelet plug formation and prolonged the bleeding time in mice. In conclusion, NCTD has dual activities, it can be a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment, and the other side it possesses powerful antiplatelet activity for treating thromboembolic disorders.
Inducibly decreased MITF levels do not affect proliferation and phenotype switching but reduce differentiation of melanoma cells
Authors: Vlčková Kateřina , Vachtenheim Jiri , Réda Jiri , Horák Pavel , Ondrušová Lubica 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMelanoma arises from neural crest‐derived melanocytes which reside mostly in the skin in an adult organism. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a tumorigenic programme through which cells acquire mesenchymal, more pro‐oncogenic phenotype. The reversible phenotype switching is an event still not completely understood in melanoma. The EMT features and increased invasiveness are associated with lower levels of the pivotal lineage identity maintaining and melanoma‐specific transcription factor MITF (microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor), whereas increased proliferation is linked to higher MITF levels. However, the precise role of MITF in phenotype switching is still loosely characterized. To exclude the changes occurring upstream of MITF during MITF regulation in vivo, we employed a model whereby MITF expression was inducibly regulated by shRNA in melanoma cell lines. We found that the decrease in MITF caused only moderate attenuation of proliferation of the whole cell line population. Proliferation was decreased in five of 15 isolated clones, in three of them profoundly. Reduction in MITF levels alone did not generally produce EMT‐like characteristics. The stem cell marker levels also did not change appreciably, only a sharp increase in SOX2 accompanied MITF down‐regulation. Oppositely, the downstream differentiation markers and the MITF transcriptional targets melastatin and tyrosinase were profoundly decreased, as well as the downstream target livin. Surprisingly, after the MITF decline, invasiveness was not appreciably affected, independently of proliferation. The results suggest that low levels of MITF may still maintain relatively high proliferation and might reflect, rather than cause, the EMT‐like changes occurring in melanoma.
Fracture resistance of prepared premolars restored with bonded new lab composite and all‐ceramic inlay/onlay restorations: Laboratory study
Authors: Wafaie Ramy Ahmed , Ibrahim Ali Ashraf , Mahmoud Salah Hasab 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the influence of new light curing lab composite, lithium‐disilicate glass‐ceramic and yttrium‐stabilized zirconia‐based ceramic on the fracture resistance of maxillary premolars with class II inlay and onlay preparations.MethodsSeventy sound maxillary premolars were divided randomly into seven main groups. The first group was left intact (control group). The remaining six groups were prepared with inlay and onlay cavities and restored with lab composite (SR Nexco), lithium‐disilicate glass‐ceramic (IPS e.max Press) and yttrium‐stabilized zirconia‐based ceramic (ICE Zirkon). The restorations were cemented with luting resin composite (Variolink N). All specimens were thermocycled 5000 cycles between 5°C ± 2°C and 55°C ± 2°C and were then cyclic loaded for 500 000 cycles. The specimens were subjected to a compressive load in a universal testing machine using a metal sphere until fracture occurred. The results were analyzed by 2‐way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc tests. The level of significance was set at P < .05.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences among the means of control group and the groups restored with zirconia ceramic inlays and onlays (P > .05). However, statistically significant differences were found among the means of control group and the groups restored with lab composite inlays, lab composite onlays, pressable glass ceramic inlays and pressable glass ceramic onlays (P < .05).ConclusionsThe fracture resistance of prepared teeth for inlay and onlay restorations is inferior to the intact teeth when lab composite is used. Conversely, when a ceramic material being used, the prepared teeth for inlay and onlay restorations showed a comparable strength to the intact teeth especially zirconia ceramic.Clinical SignificancePremolar teeth restored with zirconia ceramic inlays and onlays exhibited fracture resistance comparable to intact teeth.