bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syn‐orogenic fluid flow in the Jaca basin (south Pyrenean fold and thrust belt) from fracture and vein analyses
Authors: Crognier N. , Hoareau G. , Aubourg C. , Dubois M. , Lacroix B. , Branellec M. , Callot J. P. , Vennemann T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study aims at understanding the origin and nature of syn‐orogenic fluid flow in the Jaca basin from the South Pyrenean fold and thrust‐belt, as recorded in calcite and quartz veins of the Sierras Interiores (Spain) and the turbiditic basin, which cover upper Cretaceous to Late Eocene syntectonic deposits. The fracture network consists of a classical pattern of transverse and longitudinal fractures related to Layer Parallel Shortening (LPS) and folding respectively. Veins filled equally about the third of fractures in the carbonate shelf and turbidites. Carbon and oxygen isotopes of calcite veins mostly indicate precipitation from isotopically buffered water, consistent with high water‐rock interaction. In the Sierras Interiores, petrographical observations and fluid inclusion microthermometry are consistent with two distinct stages of precipitation. The first stage is characterized by relatively low Th and low salinities (155–205 °C and 0.5–3.2 wt% eq. NaCl). The second stage, which was characterized both by the formation of mode‐I joints and by mode‐I reactivation of pre‐existing veins, shows higher Th and salinities (215–270 °C and 2.2–5.7 wt% eq. NaCl). Waters recorded in the second stage are interpreted to have interacted with underlying Triassic evaporites and flowed along major thrusts before vein precipitation, which are locally in thermal disequilibrium with host‐rocks. We suggest the transition from a rather closed hydrological system during the first stage of vein formation, interpreted to have occurred during Eaux‐chaudes thrusting (upper Lutetian‐Bartonian), to a more open hydrological system during the second stage, which likely occurred during Gavarnie thrusting (Priabonian‐early Rupelian). Finally, we also document the migration in space and time of hydrothermal pulses along the South Pyrenean Foreland Basin, related to the westward propagation of major thrusts during the Pyrenean orogeny.
cDNA microarray analysis identifies NR4A2 as a novel molecule involved in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Takahashi H , Tsuboi H , Asashima H , Hirota T , Kondo Y , Moriyama M , Matsumoto I , Nakamura S , Sumida T 
Published: June 2017

Summary
To examine genes expressed specifically in labial salivary glands (LSGs) of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in comparison with those of patients with immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), and to identify the genes involved in the pathogenesis of SS. Gene expression in LSGs of SS patients, IgG4-RD patients and healthy controls (HC) was analysed by cDNA microarray. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to validate the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SS. Protein production of the validated gene in LSGs was examined by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The association of molecular functions of the gene with the pathological conditions in SS was examined using peripheral blood lymphocytes. Among 1320 DEGs up-regulated in SS, qPCR confirmed the up-regulation of NR4A2 in LSGs of SS compared with IgG4-RD. IF staining showed higher production of NR4A2 in nuclei of CD4+ T cells and interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells in LSGs of SS, compared with IgG4-RD. Over-expression of NR4A2 mRNA was observed in peripheral CD4+ T cells of SS patients, compared with HC. Nuclear NR4A2 expression in T helper type 17 (Th17)-polarized CD4+ T cells determined by cellular IF was significantly higher in SS than in HC. Importazole, an inhibitor of importin-β, inhibited nuclear transport of NR4A2 and Th17 polarization along with IL-21 expression in naive CD4+ T cells under Th17-polarizing conditions, but did not alter retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C (RORC) expression. NR4A2 seems to promote Th17 polarization via increased expression and intranuclear localization in CD4+ T cells of SS patients, which could play a critical role in the pathogenesis of SS.
Aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations after bimonthly intravitreal injections of aflibercept for age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Sawada Tomoko , Wang Xiying , Sawada Osamu , Saishin Yoshitsugu , Ohji Masahito 
Published: June 2017

AbstractImportanceClinical evidence supports the efficacy of bimonthly aflibercept injection for age‐related macular degeneration.BackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations and the efficacy of bimonthly aflibercept in patients with age‐related macular degeneration.DesignThis study is a prospective, interventional case series.ParticipantsEnrolled were 35 eyes with exudative age‐related macular degeneration from 35 patients.MethodsPatients received three bimonthly intravitreal aflibercept without loading doses. We collected the aqueous humor just before each injection, measured vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and measured best‐corrected visual acuity and central retinal subfield thickness before and after the injections.Main outcome measuresAqueous vascular endothelial growth factor and aflibercept concentrations were measured.ResultsThe vascular endothelial growth factor concentration was 135.4 ± 60.5 pg/mL (mean ± standard deviation, range 60.6–323.4) at baseline and below the lowest detectable limit in all eyes at month 2 and in 32 eyes at month 4 (P < 0.001 [month 2] and P < 0.001 [month 4]). The mean aflibercept concentration was 20.3 ng/mL at month 2 and 28.0 ng/mL at month 4. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.50 ± 0.36 at baseline to 0.36 ± 0.40 at month 6 (P < 0.001). The mean central retinal subfield thickness decreased from 353 ± 100 μm at baseline to 236 ± 45 μm at month 6 (P < 0.001).Conclusions and RelevanceBimonthly aflibercept injections without loading doses may be considered a treatment option for age‐related macular degeneration.
Social, health and ocular factors associated with primary open‐angle glaucoma amongst Chinese Singaporeans
Authors: Chiam Nathalie , Baskaran Mani , Li Zheng , Perera Shamira , Goh David , Husain Rahat , Khor Chiea Chuen , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Aung Tin , Vithana Eranga N 
Published: June 2017

AbstractImportanceThere is limited literature on lifestyle and health factors related to primary open‐angle glaucoma amongst Asians.BackgroundThis study evaluated the association of primary open‐angle glaucoma with smoking, health and ocular factors amongst Chinese Singaporeans.DesignCase–control study.ParticipantsThe study used 711 primary open‐angle glaucoma patients from a Singapore hospital and 2788 population‐based controls.MethodsSubjects underwent clinical examination and completed a questionnaire with details on family history of glaucoma, comorbidities, smoking and alcohol consumption. Glaucoma cases were subclassified as normal or high‐tension glaucoma according to their untreated intraocular pressures.Main outcome measuresThe association of various health and lifestyle factors, with normal‐tension and high‐tension glaucoma was evaluated.ResultsUsing multiple logistic regression, primary open‐angle glaucoma was associated with older age (odds ratio 1.12 per year older; 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.15; P < 0.001), family history of glaucoma (odds ratio 7.86; 95% confidence interval 4.48–13.79; P < 0.001), higher intraocular pressure (odds ratio 1.75 per 1 mmHg; 95% confidence interval 1.64–1.87; P < 0.001) and thinner central corneal thickness (odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.02; P < 0.001). Myopes were more likely to have primary open–angle glaucoma (P < 0.001). A current smoking habit was protective against normal‐tension glaucoma (odds ratio 0.30; 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.92; P = 0.035).Conclusions and relevanceOlder age, family history of glaucoma, higher intraocular pressure, thinner central corneal thickness and myopia were significantly associated with primary open‐angle glaucoma amongst Chinese Singaporeans.
Association of disease‐specific causes of visual impairment and 10‐year mortality amongst Indigenous Australians: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Estevez José , Kaidonis Georgia , Henderson Tim , Craig Jamie E , Landers John 
Published: June 2017

AbstractImportanceVisual impairment significantly impairs the length and quality of life, but little is known of its impact in Indigenous Australians.BackgroundTo investigate the association of disease‐specific causes of visual impairment with all‐cause mortality.DesignA retrospective cohort analysis.ParticipantsA total of 1347 Indigenous Australians aged over 40 years.MethodsParticipants visiting remote medical clinics underwent clinical examinations including visual acuity, subjective refraction and slit‐lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segments. The major ocular cause of visual impairment was determined. Patients were assessed periodically in these remote clinics for the succeeding 10 years after recruitment. Mortality rates were obtained from relevant departments.Main Outcome MeasuresAll‐cause 10‐year mortality and its association with disease‐specific causes of visual impairment.ResultsThe all‐cause mortality rate for the entire cohort was 29.3% at the 10‐year completion of follow‐up. Of those with visual impairment, the overall mortality rate was 44.9%. The mortality rates differed for those with visual impairment due to cataract (59.8%), diabetic retinopathy (48.4%), trachoma (46.6%), ‘other’ (36.2%) and refractive error (33.4%) (P < 0.0001). Only those with visual impairment from diabetic retinopathy were any more likely to die during the 10 years of follow‐up when compared with those without visual impairment (HR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00–2.87; P = 0.049).Conclusions and RelevanceVisual impairment was associated with all‐cause mortality in a cohort of Indigenous Australians. However, diabetic retinopathy was the only ocular disease that significantly increased the risk of mortality. Visual impairment secondary to diabetic retinopathy may be an important predictor of mortality.
Using the RE‐AIM framework to identify and describe best practice models in family‐based intervention development: A systematic review
Authors: Isaacs Serena Ann , Roman Nicolette Vanessa , Savahl Shazly , Sui Xin‐Cheng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe family unit carries with it a responsibility of possibly being the most important predictor of positive child development. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and describe best practice models or processes in family‐based intervention development. The following databases were included in the review: PsychArticles, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, SocIndex, Sage, Sabinet, and Pubmed. Peer‐reviewed, English language, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods in nature conducted within the last 10 years. Interventions were required to include families as part of the programme as well as describe the model or process used in intervention development. Two self‐developed data extraction tables were developed for this review. The articles included for review were heterogeneous in terms of the outcomes, and so a narrative synthesis was used. After yielding an initial search of 400 studies, 28 articles were finally included for extraction and analysis with varying levels of intervention strength. Interventions are further described in terms of reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance dimensions. A feasible intervention appears to be one that is flexible, engages processes to recruit those who are most at‐risk and is facilitated by someone known to or from the same community as the participants, can retain its participants, and can be evaluated with the same participants at a minimum of 6 months later.
Participation of youth in decision‐making procedures during residential care: A narrative review
Authors: ten Brummelaar Mijntje D.C. , Harder Annemiek T. , Kalverboer Margrite E. , Post Wendy J. , Knorth Erik J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractParticipation in decision‐making procedures of young people in care is considered a key element that affects their current or future living circumstances and might improve the quality of decision‐making on and delivery of provided services.This narrative literature review, covering the period 2000–2016, focuses on the opportunities of young people to participate, the challenges and facilitators to participation, and the outcomes of care related to participation.Sixteen studies met our search criteria. Several studies show that young people seem to have limited possibilities to “meaningful” participation in decision‐making. Various challenges and facilitators in the participation process emerge with regard to the level of the young person, the professional, and the (sociocultural) context. None of the studies provides evidence for a connection between the “amount” of youth participation in decision‐making and/or treatment during the care process and the outcomes of residential care. Implications for research and practice are reflected upon.
The relationship between foster care families and birth families in a child welfare context: The determining factors
Authors: Chateauneuf D. , Turcotte D. , Drapeau S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChildren placed in foster care families usually continue to see their birth parents in supervised and home visits. These children deal with the fact that they belonged to two families in a context where the relationship between the two families is sometimes complex and tense. Based on 45 semi‐structured interviews conducted with foster care families and kinship foster care families, the present study examines the relationship between foster care parents and birth parents in a placement context, and focuses on the factors affecting the nature and quality of this relationship. The results showed that the quality of the relationship dynamics varies according to the following: how well and how often the parent–child visits took place, the birth parents' characteristics, and the foster carers' attitudes. The results also showed that placements in kinship foster care families were more likely to result in conflict and tension between the two parties than placements in regular foster care families.
The ‘good mother’ struggles: Obstacles to the attainment of motherhood ideals among adult women formerly placed in residential care
Authors: Lanctôt N. , Turcotte M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe analysed narratives of motherhood produced by 13 women who were involved with the welfare system or the justice system during adolescence. The original contribution of our study was its focus on mothers who were turning age 30, so they were not in that period of generalized instability that characterizes the transition from care and into adulthood. This qualitative study was part of a larger study on French‐Canadian adolescents with a history of residential care. Semi‐directed interviews were conducted with 13 women, more than 15 years after their admission to residential care. Our data highlights that motherhood can contribute to the vulnerability of women who were involved with the welfare or the justice system as adolescents. Our results suggest that in order to shed a perceived deviant label and to compensate for the adverse events they experienced, they pursue internalized ideals of “good motherhood” that translate into restrictions and strain. Furthermore, they tend to refrain from allowing people into their lives and asking for help for fear of being judged. Yet, as their children are getting older and exhibiting problem behaviors of their own, the questioning of their parental practices and skills only becomes more intense.
Does gene expression in laryngeal subsites differ between patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux and controls?
Authors: Wood J.M. , Hussey D.J. , Woods C.M. , Astill D. , I Watson D. , Lee B. , Carney A.S. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo identify laryngeal mRNA gene changes in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).MethodLaryngeal biopsies from non‐smoking LPR patients (n=10; Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) >12 and a Reflux Finding Score (RFS) >6) and controls (n=9; RSI <12 and RFS <6) were collected from four subsites (true vocal cord, false vocal cord, medial arytenoid and posterior commissure) of the larynx. qRT‐PCR analyses were conducted on 20 reflux‐ and inflammation‐related genes, including interleukins 6 and 8, cytokeratins 8 and 14, mucin genes MUC1, MUC2, MUC3B, MUC4, MUC5B, MUC6 and MUC7 and carbonic anhydrase III. Statistical analysis (Mann‐Whitney U test) compared gene expression levels between LPR and control groups at each subsite.ResultsSite‐specific differences in squamous metaplasia and gene expression were noted in LPR patients, with the majority present in the medial arytenoid region. Significant.differences were noted in genes related to mucosal defence and inflammation, including CRNN, CD1d, TGFβ‐1, MUC2, MUC5B and CDH1.ConclusionWhilst the posterior commissure is commonly identified as the area demonstrating the most significant macroscopic change in LPR, the histological changes and genes assessed here showed more pronounced LPR associated differences in the medial arytenoid. We identified differences in expression of mucin genes, cytokeratin‐14 and molecular markers of inflammation. Whilst some of these changes may be metaplasia‐related, further evaluation of the mRNA expression of these genes may provide a useful biomarker panel for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of LPR.
Ileocaecal valve syndrome after surgery in adult patients: myth or reality?
Authors: Palmisano S. , Silvestri M. , Troian M. , Germani P. , Giudici F. , de Manzini N. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe onset of symptoms after removal of the ileocaecal valve (ICV) may be perceived as an unwanted effect of surgery and induce patients to bring unnecessary litigation against surgeons. The aim of our study is to assess the real impact on the quality of life of patients whose ICV has been surgically removed, using three validated questionnaires.MethodIn patients who had their ICV removed surgically, the Gastrointestinal Quality of life (GIQLI) questionnaire and those used by the European Organization for research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were administered before and after surgery. The empirical rule effect size method was used to evaluate the clinical significance of the statistical data.ResultsWe interviewed 225 patients. Data collected through the three questionnaires highlighted a trend towards postoperative improvement of the selected gastrointestinal symptoms compared with the baseline. The GIQLI questionnaire showed a statistically significant improvement in ‘pain’, ‘nausea’ and ‘constipation’ during the follow‐up. Constipation appeared more frequently in patients older than 70 years compared with younger ones. The EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 questionnaire showed a significant correlation between diarrhoea and extended right colectomy at 3 months after surgery, which was not confirmed at 6 months. The EORTC QLQ‐CR29 questionnaire showed a slight deterioration of ‘leakage of stools from the anal opening’ at 6 months after surgery, but this symptom was not deemed clinically significant.ConclusionWe found that bowel functions in most patients after surgical removal of the ICV were satisfactory. Providing patients with a comprehensive and exhaustive informed consent during preoperative consultations could promote patient trust and avoid misunderstandings.
Experimental study on the friction effect of plastic stents for biliary stone fragmentation (with video)
Authors: Kwon Chang‐Il , Kim Gwangil , Jeong Seok , Choi Sung Hoon , Ko Kwang Hyun , Lee Don Haeng , Cho Joo Young , Hong Sung Pyo 
Published: June 2017

Background and AimIn patients with irretrievable or intractable bile duct stone, temporary insertion of a plastic stent (PS) followed by further endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgery has been recommended as a ‘bridge’ therapy. However, the exact mechanism of stone fragmentation has not been discovered. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether PS shape can facilitate stone fragmentation.MethodsUsing a new in vitro bile flow phantom model, we compared the friction effect among three different PS groups (straight PS group, double pigtail‐shaped PS group, and screw‐shaped PS group) and a control group. Each group had 10 silicon tube blocks that separately contained one stone and two PS. The control group had 10 blocks each with only a stone and no PS. We carried out analysis of the friction effect by stone weight and volume changes among the groups, excluding fragmented stones.ResultsAfter 8 weeks, complete fragmentation was noted in one out of 34 cholesterol stones (2.9%) and in four out of six pigmented stones (66.7%). Fragmentation tended to be more prominent in the screw‐shaped PS group than in the straight PS group, double pigtail‐shaped group, and control group (volume change: −11.33%, 7.94%, 4.43%, and 2.05%, respectively, P = 0.1390; weight change: −9.30%, 0.71%, −0.10%, and −1.23%, respectively, P = 0.3553).ConclusionStone fragmentation may be induced by PS friction effect. Also, screw‐shaped plastic stents may improve friction effect. These results may help guide future PS development and clinical decisions.
The Financing of Investment in Utility Assets
Authors: Zafiris Nicos 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article concerns appropriate ways to finance investment in quasi‐public assets, such as those of utilities. Pursuing the principle of charging the user, analogies are drawn with not‐for‐profit investment, dedicated to the service of users. Focusing on intergenerational equity, an arguably typical pattern of intergenerational investment transactions is identified and proposed as a financing norm. It is shown that, while an investing generation will always experience a real resource cost, the burden can be alleviated in welfare terms if all new investment is financed by borrowing. Charges or taxes levied for maintenance and replacement of assets offer scope for improving the intergenerational welfare balance.
China's Interest Rate Pass‐through to Commercial Banks Before and After Interest Rate Liberalisation
Authors: Liu Kerry 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOn 23 October 2015, the People's Bank of China (PBoC) completed the process of interest rate liberalisation. This study examines China's interest rate pass‐through to the lending rate of commercial banks before and after interest rate liberalisation. Based on data from Q3, 2007 to Q2, 2016, the study shows that the interest rate pass‐through from policy rate to lending rate, which was effective before October 2015, lost effectiveness thereafter. PBoC interventions, the ‘Impossible Trinity’ theory and institutional factors may contribute to this ineffectiveness of the policy rate pass‐through, which may also be related to the higher premium for risk required by banks and to the worsening of their financial condition. The study also offers policy advice in response to the declining effectiveness of China's interest rate pass‐through.