bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cannabinoid receptor 1 polymorphism is protective against major depressive disorder in methadone‐maintained outpatients
Authors: Icick Romain , Peoc'h Katell , Karsinti Emily , Ksouda Kamilla , Hajj Aline , Bloch Vanessa , Prince Nathalie , Mouly Stéphane , Bellivier Frank , Lépine Jean‐Pierre , Laplanche Jean‐Louis , Vorspan Florence 
Published: September 2015

Background and ObjectivesThe burden of opiate dependence not only relies on somatic complications such as infectious diseases or acute intoxication but also on frequent psychiatric events such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal behavior (SB). Given the preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the associations between cannabinoid systems and both opiate dependence and psychiatric disorders, we chose to address whether one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 gene (CNR1) named rs2023239 would be associated with lifetime MDD and SB in a population of opiate‐dependent outpatients remitted under stable methadone treatment.MethodsSociodemographic and clinical data were included as independent factors in two logistic regression models aimed at predicting SB and MDD, respectively, performed with 85 Caucasian individuals.ResultsThe minor C allele of rs2023239 showed an independent protective effect against lifetime MDD after adjustment for potential confounders. It was not associated with variables related to suicidal behavior.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceDespite limitations due to the modest sample size, our results are consistent with previous research on the endocannabinoid system and suggest new leads for detecting subjects at risk of MDD, which remains insufficiently diagnosed and treated in patients suffering from severe addictive disorders. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1 –8)
Amphetamine‐induced psychosis: Transition to schizophrenia and mortality in a small prospective sample
Authors: Medhus Sigrid , Rognli Eline Borger , Gossop Michael , Holm Bjørn , Mørland Jørg , Bramness Jørgen G. 
Published: September 2015

Background and objectivesWe investigated transition from amphetamine‐induced psychosis (AIP) to schizophrenia.MethodsA sample of 28 individuals was identified while hospitalized for AIP. We reviewed their hospital records after six years.ResultsDuring follow‐up, seven individuals (25%) died and nine (32%) had moved from the area. Of the remaining 12, four individuals (25%) were diagnosed with schizophrenia. These individuals were, at baseline, characterized by fewer hallucinatory symptoms and more homelessness.Conclusion and scientific significanceHospitalization for AIP was a relatively specific risk factor for schizophrenia and the mortality rate in AIP was high. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1–4)
Effects of Gender on Electrocardiography in Subjects with Shortened Ventricular Depolarization (QRS)
Authors: Aydin Fatih , Aktoz Meryem , Altun Armagan , Gursul Erdal , Aksit Ercan 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundDistinctions between electrocardiograms of female and male subjects have been recognized for many years. Due to these differences, arrhythmias in each gender have a tendency to differ. In our study, we aimed to compare electrocardiography intervals between men and women with short QRS durations.MethodsSubjects with a QRS interval of ≤80 ms were included in the study. Patients were grouped by gender and the parameters were compared. Patients with diseases that might affect QRS interval and/or who were on medications were excluded. The electrocardiogram intervals of the subjects were measured, Holter monitors were placed, and parameters of time‐based heart rate variation were analyzed.ResultsA total of 100 patients (55% female) were included in the study. According to statistical analysis, no significant difference between the genders was observed in the heart rate or in the parameters, such as QT, JT, JTp, and TpTe intervals or heart rate‐corrected QTc, JTc, JTpc, and TpTec intervals, which affect repolarization and are known to be arrhythmia precursors by shortening or elongation. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for the parameters of heart rate variability time measures (SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD, and pNN50).ConclusionWe observed that when the QRS interval gets shorter, repolarization differences between the genders disappear. New studies are required on this subject.
Sex Work, Heroin Injection, and HIV Risk in Tijuana: A Love Story
Authors: Syvertsen Jennifer L. , Bazzi Angela Robertson 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe relationships between female sex workers and their noncommercial male partners are typically viewed as sites of HIV risk rather than meaningful unions. This ethnographic case study presents a nuanced portrayal of the relationship between Cindy and Beto, a female sex worker who injects drugs and her intimate, noncommercial partner who live in Tijuana, Mexico. On the basis of ethnographic research in Tijuana and our long‐term involvement in a public health study, we suggest that emotions play a central role in sex workers’ relationships and contribute in complex ways to each partner's health. We conceptualize Cindy and Beto's relationship as a “dangerous safe haven” in which HIV risk behaviors such as unprotected sex and syringe sharing convey notions of love and trust and help sustain emotional unity amid broader uncertainties but nevertheless carry very real health risks. Further attention to how emotions shape vulnerable couples’ health remains a task for anthropology.
Introduction: Toward an Anthropology of Affect and Evocative Ethnography
Authors: Skoggard Ian , Waterston Alisse 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA growing interest in affect holds much promise for anthropology by providing a new frame to examine and articulate subjective and intersubjective states, which are key parts of human consciousness and behavior. Affect has its roots in the social, an observation that did not go unnoticed by Durkheim and since then has been kept in view by those social scientists interested in the emotions, feelings, and subjectivity. However, the challenge for ethnographers has always been to articulate in words and conceptualize theoretically what is only felt and sensed. What we are calling “evocative ethnography” is an ethnography that meets this challenge to make room for, and hold onto, feelings and affect in its description and explanation. The papers in this special issue accomplish that, as well as provide some anthropological insights into affect theory.
Treatment of inferior pole breast cancer with the oncoplastic ‘Crescent’ technique: the Westmead experience
Authors: Ng E‐Ern Ian , French James , Hsu Jeremy , Elder Elisabeth E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundConservative treatment of inferior breast cancers has been a challenge for breast surgeons due to the high incidence of poor cosmetic outcomes. In 2008, Renouvel et al. described an oncoplastic ‘Crescent’ technique utilizing an advancement flap to fill the defect after cancer excision in the lower pole of the breast. A follow‐up study demonstrated no local recurrence at 45 months and excellent or good cosmetic outcomes in over 70% of patients. This study aims to assess the outcomes of applying this ‘Crescent’ technique in a breast surgical unit.MethodsRetrospective study carried out at Westmead Breast Cancer Institute on 16 patients treated with the ‘Crescent’ technique. Data regarding patient and tumour characteristics, operative outcomes and complications were obtained. Patients were invited to complete a modified Breast‐Q questionnaire and have their photographs taken to assess patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome.ResultsOver 12 months, 16 women underwent the ‘Crescent’ technique. Mean tumour size was 11.4 mm (range 2.0–36 mm) and median resected volume was 33.0 g (range 15–117 g). One patient (7.1%) had involved margins. One patient returned to theatre for evacuation of a haematoma. Cosmetic outcome was excellent or good in over 80% of patients.ConclusionThe oncoplastic ‘Crescent’ technique is a safe and reliable technique with good cosmetic outcome that can be implemented in a breast surgical unit.
Surgical waiting time for radical cystectomy: a New Zealand experience
Authors: Kahokehr Arman , Glasson Julius , Studd Rodney 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe New Zealand Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued recommendations under the new ‘Faster Cancer Treatment Programme’ specifically mandating that ‘treatment begin within 31 days of a decision being made to have that treatment’. In preparation to plan compliance with these targets and identify delays, the wait‐times for radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer at our institution were reviewed.MethodsPatient data were collected for all patients who underwent radical cystectomy in Wellington Hospital from 2006 to 2013. Three interval periods for RC were defined and reviewed. The cause of delay was assessed. We looked at survival based upon delay periods.ResultsThere were 43 RC during the study period. The median time from recommendation to RC was 29 days (range 2–97). Seventeen (40%) were outside this time period due to requirement for further medical investigation (n = 7), patient‐related factors (n = 3), other speciality input needed (n = 3), scheduling factors (n = 2) and unknown factors (n = 2).ConclusionThe median wait‐time to RC was 29 days in our institution, within the MOH period. A significant proportion (40%) of patients had a delay of >31 days commonly due to patient factors such as co‐morbidities needing additional investigations. A delay of >31 days did not confer a worse survival outcome in this cohort.
Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion Results in Better Perfusion to the Striatum Than the Cerebral Cortex During Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest: A Microdialysis Study
Authors: Liang Meng‐Ya , Chen Guang‐Xian , Tang Zhi‐Xian , Rong Jian , Yao Jian‐ping , Wu Zhong‐Kai 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIt remains controversial whether contemporary cerebral perfusion techniques, utilized during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), establish adequate perfusion to deep structures in the brain. This study aimed to investigate whether selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) or retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) can provide perfusion equally to various anatomical positions in the brain using metabolic evidence obtained from microdialysis. Eighteen piglets were randomly assigned to 40 min of circulatory arrest (CA) at 18°C without cerebral perfusion (DHCA group, n = 6) or with SACP (SACP group, n = 6) or RCP (RCP group, n = 6). Microdialysis parameters (glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glutamate) were measured every 30 min in cortex and striatum. After 3 h of reperfusion, brain tissue was harvested for Western blot measurement of α‐spectrin. After 40 min of CA, the DHCA group showed marked elevations of lactate and glycerol and a reduction in glucose in the microdialysis perfusate (all P < 0.05). The changes in glucose, lactate, and glycerol in the perfusate and α‐spectrin expression in brain tissue were similar between cortex and striatum in the SACP group (all P > 0.05). In the RCP group, the cortex exhibited lower glucose, higher lactate, and higher glycerol in the perfusate and higher α‐spectrin expression in brain tissue compared with the striatum (all P < 0.05). Glutamate showed no difference between cortex and striatum in all groups (all P > 0.05). In summary, SACP provided uniform and continuous cerebral perfusion to most anatomical sites in the brain, whereas RCP resulted in less sufficient perfusion to the cortex but better perfusion to the striatum.
Brain disorders associated with corticotropin‐releasing hormone expression in the placenta among children born before the 28th week of gestation
Authors: Leviton Alan , Allred Elizabeth N. , Kuban Karl C.K. , O'Shea Thomas Michael , Paneth Nigel , Majzoub Joseph ,   ELGAN Study Investigators
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the relationship between placenta corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) expression and brain structure and function abnormalities in extremely preterm newborns.MethodsIn a sample of 1243 infants born before the 28th week of gestation, we evaluated the relationship between CRH expression in the placenta and the risk of brain ultrasound scan abnormalities identified while these infants were in the intensive care nursery, low scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐II of 900 of these children at age two years and head circumference measurements then more than one and two standard deviations below the mean.ResultsInfants who had a low placenta CRH messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) concentration were at increased risk of ventriculomegaly on an ultrasound scan. An elevated placenta CRH mRNA concentration was associated with increased risk of an inability to walk at age two years, and a Bayley Motor Scale 3 standard deviations below the mean.ConclusionPlacenta CRH mRNA concentration appears to convey information about the risk of brain damage in the infant born at an extremely low gestational age.
De Beers, Anglo American and Optima Magazine
Authors: Schwartz Michael , Comer Debra R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe consider in this article how the largest corporations in Apartheid South Africa used an in‐house magazine to manipulate their shareholders' perceptions of the current political scenario. We argue that in that era, business felt compelled to respond to the portrayal of events in South Africa presented by the international media. Furthermore, we examine the motivation of business for doing so and why that motivation does not exist in post‐apartheid South Africa.
The Real Walmart
Authors: Morillo Juan , McNally Callie , Block Walter E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Walmart Company is one of the favorite punching bags of market critics. They accuse this firm of underpaying employees, dealing unfairly with customers, exploiting suppliers, and bankrupting small competitors. Various political jurisdictions have banned this firm from their environs, either implicitly or explicitly. The present article offers a more nuanced position on the behemoth from Arkansas. Although it has some flaws, there is an overwhelming case to be made in its behalf as an employer, competitor, purchaser, benefactor of customers.
Genetic polymorphism of CYP1A2 but not total or free teriflunomide concentrations is associated with leflunomide cessation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hopkins Ashley M. , Wiese Michael D. , Proudman Susanna M. , O'Doherty Catherine E. , Upton Richard N. , Foster David J. R. 
Published: September 2015

AimLeflunomide, via its active metabolite teriflunomide, is used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, yet approximately 20 to 40% of patients cease due to toxicity. The aim was to develop a time‐to‐event model describing leflunomide cessation due to toxicity within a clinical cohort and to investigate potential predictors of cessation such as total and free teriflunomide exposure and pharmacogenetic influences.MethodsThis study included individuals enrolled in the Early Arthritis inception cohort at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between 2000 and 2013 who received leflunomide. A time‐to‐event model in nonmem was used to describe the time until leflunomide cessation and the influence of teriflunomide exposure and pharmacogenetic variants. Random censoring of individuals was simultaneously described. The clinical relevance of significant covariates was visualized via simulation.ResultsData from 105 patients were analyzed, with 34 ceasing due to toxicity. The baseline dropout hazard and baseline random censoring hazard were best described by step functions changing over discrete time intervals. No statistically significant associations with teriflunomide exposure metrics were identified. Of the screened covariates, carriers of the C allele of CYP1A2 rs762551 had a 2.29 fold increase in cessation hazard compared with non‐carriers (95% CI 2.24, 2.34, P = 0.016).ConclusionsA time‐to‐event model described the time between leflunomide initiation and cessation due to side effects. The C allele of CYP1A2 rs762551 was linked to increased leflunomide toxicity, while no association with teriflunomide exposure was identified. Future research should continue to investigate exposure–toxicity relationships, as well as potentially toxic metabolites.
Factors predicting outcomes of micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy: results from a large single‐centre experience
Authors: Ganpule Arvind , Chhabra Jaspreet Singh , Kore Vinayak , Mishra Shashikant , Sabnis Ravindra , Desai Mahesh 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesTo present our single‐centre experience of the micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) technique and define its role in the management of renal calculi as well as to analyse the factors predicting outcome.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively analysed data from 139 patients who underwent microperc for renal calculi between June 2010 and November 2014 at our institution. The factors analysed were demographic variables, which included age, sex, stone volume, stone density (Hounsfield units [HU]) and stone location, and intra‐ and peri‐operative variables, such as operating time, drop in haemoglobin level, stone clearance and complications.ResultsThe mean ± sd (range) patient age was 38.99 ± 17 years (9 months to 73 years), stone volume was 1 095 ± 1 035 (105–6 650) mm3 and stone density was 1 298 ± 263 HU. The mean ± sd (range) operation duration was 50.15 ± 9.8 (35–85) min, hospital stay was 2.36 ± 0.85 (2–5) days and drop in haemoglobin level was 0.63 ± 0.84 (0–3.7) mg/dl. Eight patients had renal colic that was managed by antispasmodic medication, four patients had renal colic severe enough to warrant JJ stenting and three patients had urinary tract infections which were managed with appropriate antibiotics. We were able to complete microperc in 130 patients, with 119 (91.53%) patients being rendered completely stone‐free, while in 11 patients (8.46%) there were some residual fragments seen on imaging. On multivariate analysis, stone number, volume and density were found to be significant predictors of clearance. Conversion to mini‐ or standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy was required in nine patients (6.47%), with intra‐operative complications and stone number being the significant factors warranting conversion on a multivariate basis.ConclusionThe outcomes in the present study suggest that microperc is a promising treatment method for solitary renal stones with volumes <1 000 mm3 and stones with low density (HU), regardless of stone location. In the present series we achieved a high success rate with low morbidity; however larger, prospective and comparative studies from multiple centres are required to further establish the role of microperc in the management of renal calculi.
NONPARAMETRIC MODELS OF FINANCIAL LEVERAGE DECISIONS
Authors: Bastos João A. , Ramalho Joaquim J. S. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper applies nonparametric decision tree models to the analysis of financial leverage decisions. This approach presents three appealing features: (i) the relationship between leverage and explanatory variables is not predetermined but is derived from information provided by the data, (ii) the models respect the fractional nature of leverage ratios, and (iii) each covariate is allowed to influence in different ways the financial leverage decisions of firms automatically assigned to different groups. Based on a data set of Portuguese firms, decision trees are used to tackle both classification (the decision to issue debt) and regression (the decision on the amount of debt to be issued, conditional on using debt) problems. It is found that: (i) two‐part models are the most appropriate specification for explaining the overall amount of debt used by firms, (ii) there are no drastic differences between the results produced by tree and parametric models, although some divergences may arise, and (iii) tree models suggest relationships between covariates and leverage that parametric models fail to capture, especially when the sample size is small.
Targeted gene flow for conservation
Authors: Kelly Ella , Phillips Ben L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAnthropogenic threats often impose strong selection on affected populations, causing rapid evolutionary responses. Unfortunately, these adaptive responses are rarely harnessed for conservation. We suggest that conservation managers pay close attention to adaptive processes and geographic variation, with an eye to using them for conservation goals. Translocating pre‐adapted individuals into recipient populations is currently considered a potentially important management tool in the face of climate change. Targeted gene flow, which involves moving individuals with favorable traits to areas where these traits would have a conservation benefit, could have a much broader application in conservation. Across a species’ range there may be long‐standing geographic variation in traits or variation may have rapidly developed in response to a threatening process. Targeted gene flow could be used to promote natural resistance to threats to increase species resilience. We suggest that targeted gene flow is a currently underappreciated strategy in conservation that has applications ranging from the management of invasive species and their impacts to controlling the impact and virulence of pathogens.
miR‐372 suppresses tumour proliferation and invasion by targeting IGF2BP1 in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Xuan , Huang Mingjie , Kong Lingbao , Li Yong 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectivesMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non‐coding RNAs that regulate proteins and mRNAs for degradation or translational suppression. Up to now, the role of miR‐372 in renal cell carcinoma has remained unknown; in this study, we have aimed to reveal its functional importance in this tumour.Materials and methodsqRT‐PCR was performed to measure expression levels of miR‐372 in renal cell carcinoma cell lines and tissues. CCK‐8 and an invasion assay were performed to measure its functional role. Luciferase assays, qRT‐PCR and western blotting were performed to discover miR‐372′s target gene.ResultsWe demonstrated that miRNA‐372 was down‐regulated in renal cell carcinoma cell lines and tissue specimens; its over‐expression inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, we showed that miRNA‐372 repressed insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) expression by directly interacting with its putative binding site at the 3′‐UTR. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IGF2BP1 significantly reversed suppression of cell proliferation and invasion caused by miR‐372 over‐expression.ConclusionsOur data indicated that miR‐372 seemed to function as a tumour suppressor in renal cell carcinoma progression by inhibiting the IGF2BP1 expression.