bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Progressivity of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Authors: Knott Rachel J. , Clarke Philip M. , Heeley Emma L. , Chalmers John P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThrough the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Government subsidises the cost of a large range of medicines. This study assesses the income‐related distribution of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme resources using patient‐level data from Medicare Australia and concentration indices. We find that use of, and government expenditure for, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme‐subsidised drugs is progressive in that more resources flow to lower income groups, even after adjusting for differences in medical need, as measured by age, sex, self‐assessed health and clinically assessed comorbidities. Of the major drug classes, cardiovascular drugs contributed substantially to the overall progressivity of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidies, accounting for almost 50 per cent.
A State‐Space Approach to Australian Gross Domestic Product Measurement
Authors: Rees Daniel M. , Lancaster David , Finlay Richard 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe use state‐space methods to construct new estimates of Australian gross domestic product growth from the published national accounts estimates of expenditure, income and production. Across a range of specifications, our measures are substantially less volatile than headline domestic product. We conclude that much of the quarter‐to‐quarter volatility in Australian domestic product growth reflects measurement error, rather than true shifts in the level of economic activity.
Information Disclosure and Bank Risk‐Taking under a Partially Implicit Deposit Insurance System: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Zongrun , Chen Jiangyan , Wan Yuanyuan , Jin Yanbo , Mazzanti Jared Anthony 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article examines the role of information disclosure on bank risk‐taking behaviour in China. The study uses a game theory model to analyse the interaction mechanism between bank risk‐taking behaviour and its information disclosure under China's partially implicit deposit insurance system. It is found that banks that are more likely to receive a government bailout when they are in trouble tend to take excessive risk. In addition, the implicit guarantee weakens the market‐monitoring effect of information disclosure. Using data from 60 commercial banks in China, we find strong empirical support for our findings.
HLA‐DPB1 variant rs3117242 is associated with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitides in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Wu Ziyan , Wu Qingjun , Xu Juanjuan , Chen Si , Sun Fei , Li Ping , Bai Yina , Zheng Wenjie , Chen Hua , Zhang Fengchun , Li Yongzhe 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThe vasculitis diseases granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangitis (MPA) are the two major forms of anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitides (AAV). A recent genome‐wide association study has shown that the genes HLA‐DPB1 and HLA‐DQ conferred susceptibility to GPA and MPA, respectively. We investigated the linkage between putative AAV‐related genes (HLA‐DPB1, ARHGAP18, CD226, CTLA‐4, MOSPD2 and PRTN3) and AAV in a Han Chinese population.MethodA Sequenom MassAarray system (iPLEX assay, Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA) was used to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 176 Han Chinese patients with AAV (100 with GPA, 76 with MPA) and 485 ethnically matched healthy controls.ResultThe frequency of the rs3117242 variant T allele (HLA‐DPB1) was significantly higher in GPA patients than in the controls (68.0% compared with 50.4%, OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.51–2.88, Bonferroni corrected P‐value [Pc] = 6.24E‐5), but was not significantly different between MPA patients and controls (Pc = 0.14). The same results were obtained via genotype distribution and logistic regression analysis based on three genetic models. The allele and genotype distributions of the other polymorphisms were not significantly associated with AAV patients as a whole or GPA or MPA patients considered separately.ConclusionThe rs3117242 of HLA‐DPB1 could be considered a genetic risk factor for GPA in Chinese Han people. These findings provide further insights and clues into the etiology of GPA and MPA.
Progression of drug exanthemas to serious drug eruptions: A retrospective review identifying early determinants
Authors: Manriquez Juan , Andino‐Navarrete Romina , Cataldo‐Cerda Karina , Downey Camila , Berroeta Daniela 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesMaculo‐papular drug exanthema (MPE) is the most common type of cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CAR). Exanthematous macules and papules may also be the initial presentation of severe CAR (SCAR). We aimed to identify characteristics associated with the diagnosis of SCAR in CAR‐hospitalised patients.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was performed in a tertiary hospital in Chile. All CAR patients who were initially evaluated for exanthematous macules and papules were assessed for clinical, laboratory and pathological variables and these were contrasted with MPE or SCAR diagnosis at discharge.ResultsWe enrolled 86 patients, of whom 25 (29%) had an at‐discharge diagnosis of SCAR. SCAR patients were younger and the latency (time from starting drug to development of first skin lesions) was longer than in MPE patients: 43.6 ± 18.7 years versus 54.0 ± 21.8 years (P = 0.039) and 14 days; range 1 to 35, versus 7 days; range 1 to 45 (P = 0.001). The presence of cutaneous pain (OR 7.4 95% CI 1.3–41), mucosal involvement (OR 9.5 CI 95% 2.6– 34.5) and anticonvulsant use (OR 6.11 95% CI 1.91–19.53) were significantly associated with SCAR at discharge. Antibiotics use was significantly associated with MPE diagnosis (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.1–7.6). These six variables together explain 45% of the risk of having SCAR (R2 = 0.449). None of the early laboratory or pathological variables was associated with SCAR.ConclusionsIn hospitalised patients assessed for exanthematous macules and papules, the evaluation of these clinical features may aid in the early identification of SCAR cases.
Psychometric properties of the Posttraumatic Cognition Inventory within a Northern Ireland adolescent sample
Authors: Hyland Philip , Murphy Jamie , Shevlin Mark , Murphy Siobhan , Egan Arlene , Boduszek Daniel 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate the psychometric properties of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI; Foa et al., 1999, Psychol. Assess., 11, 303) among a cohort of older adolescents and to determine the relationship between post‐traumatic cognitions and a variety of psychological outcomes including depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.MethodsThe PTCI was investigated among a large sample (N = 785) of Northern Irish adolescents. Confirmatory factor analysis and composite reliability analysis were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the scale.ResultsThe familiar three‐factor solution of negative cognitions of self, negative cognitions of the world and others, and self‐blame was supported; however, it was necessary to remove eight items from the original 33‐item scale. The three‐factor structure was subsequently demonstrated to be factorially invariant across gender and to possess satisfactory internal reliability. The three PTCI factors were found to correlate with depression, anxiety, stress, and three dimensions of loneliness.ConclusionThese results provide the first piece of evidence that older adolescents cognitively respond to trauma in a similar manner to adults, that the PTCI is factorially invariant between genders, and that trauma cognitions are correlated with feelings of loneliness. The contextual dependent nature of the structure of the PTCI factors is discussed in relation to future research efforts.Practitioner points

The PTCI is a valid and reliable measure of trauma‐related cognitions among adolescents and works equally well for male adolescents and female adolescents.

Trauma cognitions are associated with a range of mental health problems beyond post‐traumatic stress disorder including depression, anxiety, stress, and various aspects of loneliness.

Reductions in trauma cognitions in survivors of trauma will have wide‐scale clinical benefits to patient well‐being.

The exact structure and make‐up of items in the PTCI may well be dependent on culture, context, and the nature of the trauma.

The study is limited due to the fact that the authors could not assess the severity of the trauma experienced by the adolescent sample.
2‐Pyridinyl‐4(3H)‐Quinazolinone: A Scaffold for Anti‐influenza A Virus Compounds
Authors: Liu Shixu , Wang Wei , Jiang Long , Wan Shengbiao , Zhang Lijuan , Yu Rilei , Jiang Tao 
Published: May 2015

A series of 2‐pyridinyl‐3‐substituted‐4(3H)‐quinazolinones were synthesized, and their anti‐influenza A virus activities were determined using the cytopathic effect inhibition assay. Most of the compounds were potent with IC50 values ranging from 51.6 to 93.0 μm, which are better than that of the currently marketed drug ribavirin. The molecular mechanisms of the new compounds were investigated using neuraminidase inhibition assay, cellular NF‐κB signaling pathway inhibition assay, and computational docking. Compound 4e, which is a N3 imidazol‐1‐ylpropyl‐substituted derivative of 2‐pyridinyl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone, had the most potent anti‐influenza A virus activity in vitro, and inhibited both virus neuraminidase and cellular NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, 2‐pyridinyl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone is a new scaffold for the design of potent anti‐influenza A virus compounds, offering an alternative approach to tackle influenza drug resistance.
Association of parental education with tooth loss among Korean Elders
Authors: Han Dong‐Hun , Khang Young‐Ho , Choi Ho‐Jun 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveThere are few reports showing an association between childhood socioeconomic circumstances and tooth loss among the elderly. The purpose of this study was (i) to examine the association between early childhood socioeconomic position (parental education level) and tooth loss and (ii) to determine the relative effects of the subjects’ education level, occupation, and income on tooth loss in Korean elders.Material and methodsData from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey on 8814 Korean elders (age ≥65 years) were analyzed. Demographic factors (age, survey year, marital status, and residence area), health behaviors (dental check‐up during the past year and cigarette smoking), and the presence of a somatic health problem (diabetes) were included in our gender‐specific analyses. Tooth loss was defined as edentulism or severe tooth loss (<20 teeth). For our analyses, chi‐square test and Student's t‐tests and multiple logistic regressions were performed.ResultsA low parental education level was associated with elevated odds of edentulism (OR = 1.87 for father's education and 1.52 for mother's education among male elders and OR = 1.73 for father's education and 1.55 for mother's education among female elders) and with severe tooth loss (OR = 1.58 for father's education and 1.53 for mother's education among male elders and OR = 1.25 for father's education and 1.48 for mother's education among female elders). The association between parental education level and tooth loss was attenuated after adjusting for the subject's education level, occupation, and income. Relative magnitude of attenuation varied with personal factors (education > income > occupation). In a fully adjusted model, father's education level was significantly associated with edentate status (OR = 1.96 for male elders and 1.46 for female elders), but not with severe tooth loss.ConclusionOur results indicate that early life socioeconomic circumstances measured by the father's education level were independently associated with the edentate status of Korean elders.
Independent effect of polymeric nanoparticle zeta potential/surface charge, on their cytotoxicity and affinity to cells
Authors: Shao Xiao‐Ru , Wei Xue‐Qin , Song Xu , Hao Li‐Ying , Cai Xiao‐Xiao , Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Peng Qiang , Lin Yun‐Feng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesUp to now, little research has been focussed on discovering how zeta potential independently affects polymeric nanoparticle (NP) cytotoxicity.MethodsPolymeric nanoparticles of gradient zeta potential ranging from −30 mv to +40 mv were fabricated using the same poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx) biopolymer. Interaction forces between nanoparticles and cells were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles to cells was investigated by using MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide) assay.ResultsFour kinds of nanoparticle with similar sizes and gradient zeta potentials, were fabricated. Those with positive surface charges were found to be more toxic than those with negative surface charges. Positively charged nanoparticles or nanoparticles with higher ‘like’ charges, offered higher interaction force with cells.ConclusionThis work proposes a novel approach for investigating interaction between NPs and cells, and discloses the importance of controlling zeta potential in developing NPs‐based formulations in the future.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia: Treatment analysis and follow up of over 200 consecutive patients at a single center
Authors: Ramchandani Mohan , Reddy D. Nageshwar , Darisetty Santosh , Kotla Rama , Chavan Radhika , Kalpala Rakesh , Galasso Domenico , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Rao G. V. 
Published: May 2015

Background and AimPeroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a recently introduced technique for the treatment of achalasia cardia (AC). Data regarding safety and efficacy are still emerging. We report our experience of POEM emphasizing its safety, efficacy and follow‐up data.MethodsPatients with AC (220; mean age 39 years, range 9–74 years) underwent POEM from January 2013 to August 2014 for AC. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was done. POEM was carried out by the standard technique of mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, and myotomy of the esophageal and gastric muscle bundles followed by closure of the mucosal incision by hemoclips. Eckardt score, high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and timed barium esophagogram (TBE) were used to evaluate the results. Post‐procedure patients were followed up.ResultsTechnical success rate of POEM was 96%. At 1 year, clinical success rate was 92%. Mean Eckardt score was 7.2 ± 1.55 prior to POEM and 1.18 ± 0.74 after POEM (P = 0.001). There was significant improvement of esophageal emptying on TBE (38.4 ± 14.0 % vs 71.5 ± 16.1 % (P = 0.001). Pre‐procedure and post‐procedure mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 37.5 ± 14.5 mmHg and 15.2 ± 6.3 mmHg, respectively. (P = 0.001) Erosive esophagitis was seen in 16% of patients who underwent POEM. There were no major adverse events.ConclusionsStudy demonstrates excellent safety profile of POEM with significant relief of symptoms, reduced pressure at HRM and improved emptying at TBE. Further prospective studies are required to compare with other treatment modalities.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO): is there life before death in the presence of PFO?
Authors: Seiler Christian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPatent foramen ovale (PFO) is an embryologic remnant with incomplete postnatal adhesion of the cardiac atrial septum primum and secundum. After birth, the prevalence of PFO decreases from about 35% at young to approximately 20% at old age. PFO has been associated with numerous conditions such as decompression illness in divers, migraine, high‐altitude pulmonary oedema, cerebrovascular and coronary ischaemia, and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. PFO is the cause of intermittent atrial right‐to‐left shunt, and it can be the source of cardiac paradoxical embolism. So far, randomized controlled trials have not documented a reduced rate of cerebrovascular recurrent events in patients receiving PFO device closure as compared to those on medical treatment. The purpose of this article was to critically evaluate evidence on the pathophysiologic, clinical as well as prognostic relevance of PFO.
Modelling the current and future dry‐season distribution of the edible stinkbug Encosternum delegorguei in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dzerefos C.M. , Erasmus B.F.N. , Witkowski E.T.F. , Guo D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRural communities in South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe annually harvest from winter aggregations of the edible stinkbug Encosternum (= Haplosterna) delegorguei Spinola (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). Using a regional maximum entropy modelling method (MAXENT) for winter field records of E. delegorguei, current and future climate scenarios were identified. Winter precipitation and to a lesser degree summer precipitation and winter temperature were the climatic variables found to limit the regional distribution of E. delegorguei. The receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) yielded an AUC (area under the curve) value of 0.995, indicating a reliable model, although interpretations must consider the influence of elevation for this insect. A testable hypothesis regarding future distribution of E. delegorguei in the face of climate change has been formulated for its winter range. Predator‐prey relationships and food source also influence the occurrence of E. delegorguei and may override the influence of climate. The current distribution modelled identifies potential new sites in areas of similar climate which may be unknown to harvesters. Areas for mini‐livestock pilot studies provide opportunities for extending commercial potential and ensuring a sustainable, valuable food source during periods of food scarcity.
Insect herbivores drive the loss of unique chemical defense in willows
Authors: Volf Martin , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta , Hrcek Jan , Novotny Vojtech 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThroughout the course of their evolution, plants have acquired a wide range of chemical and mechanical defenses to protect against herbivores. Ehrlich & Raven's coevolutionary theory suggests that this diversification of defensive traits is driven by the strong impact of novel traits on insect herbivores. However, the impact of plant defenses on insects is difficult to compare between related plant species due to variation in environmental and biotic conditions. We standardized these factors as far as possible by analyzing the effects of chemical and mechanical defensive traits on insects in a local community of 11 Salicaceae species growing in sympatry, and their leaf‐chewing herbivores. Defensive traits (salicylates, flavonoids, tannins, trichomes, and leaf toughness) were generally not inter‐correlated, with the exception of a negative correlation between salicylates and trichomes. The content of salicylates, a novel group of defensive metabolites in the Salicaceae, was correlated with low herbivore diversity and high host specificity. Despite these effects, the phylogeny of the studied species shows loss of salicylates in some Salix species instead of their further diversification. This could be due to salicylates not decreasing the overall abundance of herbivores, despite accounting for up to 22% of the dry leaf mass and therefore being costly. The defense of low‐salicylate willow species is thus probably maintained by other defensive traits, such as trichomes. Our study shows that the balance between costs and benefits of defensive traits is not necessarily in favor of novel compounds and illustrates a process, which may lead to the reduction in a defensive trait.
Toxicity, behavior impairment, and repellence of essential oils from pepper‐rosmarin and patchouli to termites
Authors: Bacci Leandro , Lima Janaína K.A. , Araújo Ana Paula A. , Blank Arie F. , Silva Indira M.A. , Santos Abraão A. , Santos Ane C.C. , Alves Péricles B. , Picanço Marcelo C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPlant essential oils are potential sources of insecticidal compounds, but have rarely been explored for their effect on termites. In the present study, we assessed the chemical composition of essential oils of Lippia sidoides Cham. (pepper‐rosmarin; Verbenaceae) and Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (patchouli; Lamiacaeae) and evaluated their toxicity, behavioral impairment, and repellence to termite species of the genera Amitermes and Microcerotermes (Isoptera: Termitidae: Termitinae). The main components of essential oils of L. sidoides and P. cablin were thymol (44.6%) and patchouli alcohol (36.6%), respectively. The essential oil of P. cablin was most potent against Amitermes cf. amifer Silvestri and had the lowest LD50 (0.63 μg mg−1). There was no difference in toxicity for Microcerotermes indistinctus Mathews between the essential oils of L. sidoides (LD50 = 1.49 μg mg−1) and P. cablin (LD50 = 1.67 μg mg−1). Pogostemon cablin essential oil was the most toxic to M. indistinctus (LC50 = 0.32 μl ml−1) and A. cf. amifer (LC50 = 0.29 μl ml−1). The essential oils analyzed exhibited high toxicity and repellence to the termites, in addition to reducing behavioral interactions among individuals, thus constituting potential termiticides.
Phosphorus sorption, supply potential and availability in soils with contrasting parent material and soil chemical properties
Authors: Daly K. , Styles D. , Lalor S. , Wall D. P. 
Published: May 2015

SummarySoil phosphorus (P) management requires a more targeted and soil‐specific approach than is currently applied for agronomic recommendations and environmental evaluation. Phosphorus buffering capacities control the supply of P in the soil solution and were measured across Irish soils with contrasting parent material and chemical properties. Langmuir sorption buffer capacities (MBCs) and binding energies (b) were strongly correlated with soil pH and extractable aluminium (Al). A broken‐line regression fitted to the relationship between MBC and Al derived a change‐point value for Al above which MBC increased linearly. Soils above the change point were predominantly acidic to neutral with non‐calcareous parent material, with larger buffering capacities and binding energies than calcareous soils. Ratios of Mehlich3‐Al and P (Al:P) were used to relate buffering capacity to supply potential in non‐calcareous soils. Large ratios of Al:P were associated with poor P availability, characteristic of strongly P‐fixing soils. Threshold values of iron‐oxide paper strip P (FeO‐P) and Morgan's P revealed Al:P ratios where soils began to supply P in available form. The change‐point for Morgan's P fell within the current target index for P availability; however, the confidence interval was more compatible with previous agronomic P indices used in Ireland. Relationships between Morgan's P and measures of extractable P, M3‐P and Olsen P, deviated in calcareous soils at large soil P contents, indicative of P precipitation processes dominating in these soils. Identifying differences in soil P buffering capacity at the laboratory scale would improve agronomic and environmental assessment at field and catchment scales.