bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HOW TO MEASURE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF VECTOR‐BORNE DISEASES AT COUNTRY LEVEL
Authors: Basili Marcello , Belloc Filippo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVector‐borne diseases (VBDs) are widespread in less developed countries and reemerging in developed ones. Available economic studies agree that VBDs have significant effects on countries' economic outcomes, and affirm that a systematic evaluation of such effects is crucial for the efficient allocation of resources to health‐related priorities. This paper provides a comparative assessment of available methodologies for measuring the economic impact of VBDs at national level. We review both macroeconometric and micro‐based approaches, and examine advantages and disadvantages of current methods. We conclude by suggesting possible areas for future research.
‘Vitamin D and cognition in older adults’: updated international recommendations
Authors: Annweiler C. , Dursun E. , Féron F. , Gezen‐Ak D. , Kalueff A. V. , Littlejohns T. , Llewellyn D. J. , Millet P. , Scott T. , Tucker K. L. , Yilmazer S. , Beauchet O. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundHypovitaminosis D, a condition that is highly prevalent in older adults aged 65 years and above, is associated with brain changes and dementia. Given the rapidly accumulating and complex contribution of the literature in the field of vitamin D and cognition, clear guidance is needed for researchers and clinicians.MethodsInternational experts met at an invitational summit on ‘Vitamin D and Cognition in Older Adults’. Based on previous reports and expert opinion, the task force focused on key questions relating to the role of vitamin D in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Each question was discussed and voted using a Delphi‐like approach.ResultsThe experts reached an agreement that hypovitaminosis D increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults and may alter the clinical presentation as a consequence of related comorbidities; however, at present, vitamin D level should not be used as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker of Alzheimer's disease due to lack of specificity and insufficient evidence. This population should be screened for hypovitaminosis D because of its high prevalence and should receive supplementation, if necessary; but this advice was not specific to cognition. During the debate, the possibility of ‘critical periods’ during which vitamin D may have its greatest impact on the brain was addressed; whether hypovitaminosis D influences cognition actively through deleterious effects and/or passively by loss of neuroprotection was also considered.ConclusionsThe international task force agreed on five overarching principles related to vitamin D and cognition in older adults. Several areas of uncertainty remain, and it will be necessary to revise the proposed recommendations as new findings become available.
Derivation and Evaluation of Thresholds for Core and Tissue at Risk of Infarction Using CT Perfusion
Authors: McVerry Ferghal , Dani Krishna Ashok , MacDougall Niall J.J. , MacLeod Mary Joan , Wardlaw Joanna , Muir Keith W 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEComputed tomography perfusion provides information on tissue viability according to proposed thresholds. We evaluated thresholds for ischemic core and tissue at risk and subsequently tested their accuracy in independent datasets.MATERIALS AND METHODSTissue at risk was evaluated in patients with persistent arterial occlusions, and ischemic core thresholds in patients with recanalization and major clinical improvement. Scans were randomly allocated to derivation or validation groups for tissue at risk and core analysis. Optimum thresholds using mean transit time (MTT), cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume, and delay time (DT) were assessed.RESULTSAbsolute MTT, relative MTT and DT were best derived predictors of tissue at risk with thresholds of ≥7 seconds, ≥125%, and ≥2 seconds respectively. DT ≥ 2 seconds was the best predictor in the validation dataset (95% agreement levels = −44 to +30 mL, Bias = −6.9). Absolute and relative MTT were the best derived predictors of infarct volume in the core group (8 seconds and 125% respectively) but relative CBF of ≤45% performed best in the core validation dataset.CONCLUSIONSTime‐based perfusion thresholds perform well as predictors of tissue at risk of infarction with DT the best predictor. Relative CBF was the best predictor of ischemic core. Evaluation in larger populations is needed to confirm the performance of tissue viability thresholds.
Changes in the species and functional trait composition of the seed bank during semi‐natural grassland assembly: seed bank disassembly or ecological palimpsest?
Authors: Helsen Kenny , Hermy Martin , Honnay Olivier 
Published: July 2014

AbstractQuestionUnlike above‐ground plant community assembly, the processes that govern assembly of the soil seed bank following severe habitat disturbance are poorly understood. Two hypotheses have been put forward in this context: (1) the ‘ecological palimpsest hypothesis’ assumes a gradual accumulation of species in the seed bank; and (2) the ‘community disassembly hypothesis’ assumes a gradual deterministic loss of species from the seed bank. Here, we investigated which hypothesis is applicable to the seed bank assembly of semi‐natural grasslands, following forest clearance. Furthermore, we asked whether seed bank community divergence occurred at the species and at the functional trait level.LocationRestored and ancient (old) calcareous grasslands in south Belgium.MethodsThe species composition of 106 seed bank samples from three restoration age classes were obtained through a germination experiment. Community‐weighted means were calculated for 26 functional traits. We evaluated changes in species and functional composition with increasing grassland age. Differentiation in species and trait composition was compared between age groups. Finally, we tested for the occurrence of nestedness of the seed bank communities according to age.ResultsSeed bank species richness decreased with time since restoration, at the trait level reflected by the replacement of traits associated with generalist therophytes by traits typical for chamaephytes and grassland specialists. Whereas species differentiation remained relatively constant, trait differentiation decreased with time since restoration. The seed bank composition of old grasslands was a nested subset of that of young grasslands.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the ‘community disassembly hypothesis’ is applicable to the community assembly of semi‐natural grasslands. Directly following forest clearance, a diverse seed bank is formed, followed by a gradual net loss of species. Surprisingly, this species loss is not governed by seed persistence traits but by functional changes in the above‐ground community. This disassembly process results in one deterministic end state at the trait level, but not at the species level.
A role for matrix remodelling proteins in invasive and malignant meningiomas
Authors: Jalali Shahrzad , Singh Sanjay , Agnihotri Sameer , Wataya Takafumi , Salehi Fatemeh , Alkins R. , Burrell Kelly , Navab Roya , Croul Sidney , Aldape Kenneth , Zadeh Gelareh 
Published: July 2014

AimsMeningiomas are one of the most common brain tumours in adults. Invasive and malignant meningiomas present a significant therapeutic challenge due to high recurrence rates and invasion into surrounding bone, brain, neural and soft tissues. Understanding the molecular mechanism of invasion could help in designing novel therapeutic approaches in order to prevent the need for repeat surgery, decrease morbidity and improve patient survival. The aim of this study was to identify the key factors and underlying mechanisms which govern invasive properties of meningiomas.MethodsFormalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) as well as frozen tumour tissues from bone‐invasive, non‐invasive and malignant meningiomas were used for RNA microarray, quantitative real‐time PCR or Western blot analyses. Malignant meningioma cell lines (F5) were subject to MMP16 downregulation or overexpression and used for in vitro and in vivo functional assays. Subdural xenograft meningioma tumours were generated to study the invasion of tumour cells into brain parenchyma using cell lines with altered MMP16 expression.ResultsWe establish that the expression level of MMP16 was significantly elevated in both bone‐invasive and brain invasive meningiomas. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments indicated a role for MMP16 in meningioma cell movement, invasion and tumour cell growth. Furthermore, MMP16 was shown to positively regulate MMP2, suggesting this mechanism may modulate meningioma invasion in invasive meningiomas.ConclusionsOverall, the results support a role for MMP16 in promoting invasive properties of the meningioma tumours. Further studies to explore the potential value for clinical use of matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors are warranted.
Deterioration, improvement of kidney function over time and determinants in the Cape Town Bellville South cohort
Authors: Matsha Tandi E , Soita David J , Hassan Shafick M , Erasmus Rajiv T , Kengne Andre P 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to assess the trajectories of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and determinants of change during a 3‐year period in free‐living mixed‐ancestry South Africans.MethodsIn all 320 (78.1% women) adults, aged 56.2 years, from Cape Town were examined in 2008 and 2011. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was based on the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease model; and staging of eGFR used the National Kidney Foundation's classification.ResultsMean eGFR (mL/min per 1.73 m2) was 68.6 at baseline and eGFR stages were: >90 (9.4%), 60–90 (58.7%), 30–60 (28.1%) and <30 (0.9%). eGFR increased by 8 mL/min during follow‐up, reflecting variable trajectories by baseline eGFR stages, sex, hypertension and glucose tolerance (all P‐interaction ≤0.012). Movements across eGFR stages during follow‐up favoured improvement in 113 participants (35.3%), and worsened in 23 (7.2%). In adjusted multinomial logistic regressions, men had a 72% (43–86%) lower chance of improvement, while each mmHg higher systolic blood pressure conferred a 7% (3–11%) risk of deterioration. Equivalent for each 1% HbA1c was 30% (8–56%). Participants with glucose intolerance had 102% (3–297%) higher chances of improvement than diabetics.ConclusionVariable trajectories of eGFR with time were observed in this cohort, reflecting the effects of modifiable risk factors such as hypertension and dysglycaemia.
Factors limiting and facilitating changes in caring for the intensive care unit patients' relatives
Authors: Zaforteza Concha , García‐Mozo Ana , Amorós Sylvia M , Pérez Eva , Maqueda Mónica , Delgado Joaquina 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTAimTo explore how the intensive care unit (ICU) context influenced receptivity to change in clinical practice, in order to improve the care offered to patients' relatives.BackgroundFamilies of critically ill patients have unmet needs that are not being addressed. Lack of attention to these needs is related more to the ICU context than to a lack of scientific evidence.DesignParticipatory action research (PAR), a qualitative study conducted in a Spanish ICU.MethodEleven participants agreed to represent their teams in all scheduled group discussions. Field diaries were kept by the principal investigator and discussion participants, and five in‐depth interviews were conducted. Content analysis was performed.ResultsFour factors limited change: (1) Not acknowledging the legitimacy of scientific evidence regarding the families of critically ill patients. (2) Imbalanced power relationships between the members of multidisciplinary teams. (3) Lack of nurse participation in the information flows. (4) The organization of time and physical space in the unit. Three factors facilitated change: (1) A sense of individual and shared commitment. (2) Leadership in day‐to‐day matters. (3) A process based on reflection.ConclusionsPAR can lead to change in clinical practice, although the process is complex and requires substantial input of time and energy. Contextual factors limiting this change were structural whereas facilitating factors were circumstantial and depended upon individuals' characteristics. Professionals working at the bedside are capable of identifying, developing and introducing changes to the context in which they work.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowing these factors and sharing the experience of a successful change process can help others design processes appropriate to their site.
Suppression of collagen‐induced arthritis by oral administration of transgenic rice seeds expressing altered peptide ligands of type II collagen
Authors: Iizuka Mana , Wakasa Yuhya , Tsuboi Hiroto , Asashima Hiromitsu , Hirota Tomoya , Kondo Yuya , Matsumoto Isao , Takaiwa Fumio , Sumida Takayuki 
Published: July 2014

SummaryRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with the recognition of self proteins secluded in arthritic joints. We previously reported that altered peptide ligands (APLs) of type II collagen (CII256‐271) suppress the development of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). In this study, we generated transgenic rice expressing CII256‐271 and APL6 contained in fusion proteins with the rice storage protein glutelin in the seed endosperm. These transgene products successfully and stably accumulated at high levels (7–24 mg/g seeds) in protein storage vacuoles (PB‐II) of mature seeds. We examined the efficacy of these transgenic rice seeds by performing oral administration of the seeds to CIA model mice that had been immunized with CII. Treatment with APL6 transgenic rice for 14 days significantly inhibited the development of arthritis (based on clinical score) and delayed disease onset during the early phase of arthritis. These effects were mediated by the induction of IL‐10 from CD4+ CD25− T cells against CII antigen in splenocytes and inguinal lymph nodes (iLNs), and treatment of APL had no effect on the production of IFN‐γ, IL‐17, IL‐2 or Foxp3+ Treg cells. These findings suggest that abnormal immune suppressive mechanisms are involved in the therapeutic effect of rice‐based oral vaccine expressing high levels of APLs of type II collagen on the autoimmune disease CIA, suggesting that the seed‐based mucosal vaccine against CIA functions via a unique mechanism.
Clinical course and prognostic factors of pulmonary aspergilloma
Authors: Lee Jung‐Kyu , Lee Yeon Joo , Park Sung Soo , Park Jong Sun , Cho Young‐Jae , Park Young Sik , Yoon Ho Il , Lee Choon‐Taek , Lee Jae Ho 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveThere is limited data on size change during natural progression of pulmonary aspergilloma. We aimed at elucidating the clinical course and prognosis of aspergilloma according to its size change.MethodsA multicentre retrospective observational study was performed in 143 adult pulmonary aspergilloma patients with serial chest computed tomography images. The clinical course and risk of haemoptysis according to the size change of the cavity or mass of aspergillomas was evaluated.ResultsMedian follow‐up duration was 5.1 years. The size of aspergillomas changed in 39.2% of study subjects. Decreased and increased volumes of aspergilloma were observed in 13.3% and 25.9%, respectively. Patients with decreased volume had significantly higher C‐reactive protein, and more severe bronchiectasis and tuberculosis‐destroyed lung. Clinically significant haemoptysis occurred in 50.3% of patients and was significantly associated with the cavity and mass volume of aspergilloma, but not the extent of volume change. A mean cavity diameter of more than 22 mm and a mass diameter of more than 18 mm increased the risk of clinically significant haemoptysis.ConclusionsA significant portion of pulmonary aspergilloma changed size in our population. The prevalence of clinically significant haemoptysis was associated with absolute size of cavity and mass of aspergilloma.
Inferences on Relative Failure Rates in Stratified Mark-Specific Proportional Hazards Models with Missing Marks, with Application to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine Efficacy Trials
Authors: Gilbert Peter B. , Sun Yanqing 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe paper develops hypothesis testing procedures for the stratified mark-specific proportional hazards model in the presence of missing marks. The motivating application is preventive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine efficacy trials, where the mark is the genetic distance of an infecting HIV sequence to an HIV sequence represented inside the vaccine. The test statistics are constructed on the basis of two-stage efficient estimators, which utilize auxiliary predictors of the missing marks. The asymptotic properties and finite sample performances of the testing procedures are investigated, demonstrating double robustness and effectiveness of the predictive auxiliaries to recover efficiency. The methods are applied to the RV144 vaccine trial.
Global Permutation Tests for Multivariate Ordinal Data: Alternatives, Test Statistics and The Null Dilemma
Authors: Jelizarow Monika , Cieza Alarcos , Mansmann Ulrich 
Published: July 2014

SummaryWe discuss two-sample global permutation tests for sets of multivariate ordinal data in possibly high dimensional set-ups, motivated by the analysis of data collected by means of the World Health Organization's ‘International classification of functioning, disability and health’. The tests do not require any modelling of the multivariate dependence structure. Specifically, we consider testing for marginal inhomogeneity and direction-independent marginal order. As opposed to max-T-tests, which are known to have good power against alternatives with few strong individual effects, the tests proposed have good power against alternatives with many weak individual effects. Permutation tests are valid only if the two multivariate distributions are identical under the null hypothesis. By means of simulations, we examine the practical effect of violations of this exchangeability condition. Our simulations suggest that theoretically invalid permutation tests can still be ‘practically valid’. In particular, they suggest that the degree of the permutation procedure's failure may be considered as a function of the difference in group-specific covariance matrices, the proportion between group sizes, the number of variables in the set, the test statistic used and the number of levels per variable.
A Bayesian Dose Finding Design for Clinical Trials Combining a Cytotoxic Agent with a Molecularly Targeted Agent
Authors: Riviere M.-K. , Yuan Y. , Dubois F. , Zohar S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryNovel molecularly targeted agents (MTAs) have emerged as valuable alternatives or complements to traditional cytotoxic agents in the treatment of cancer. Clinicians are combining cytotoxic agents with MTAs in a single trial to achieve treatment synergism and better outcomes for patients. An important feature of such combinational trials is that, unlike the efficacy of the cytotoxic agent, that of the MTA may initially increase at low dose levels and then approximately plateau at higher dose levels as MTA saturation levels are reached. Therefore, the goal of the trial is to find the optimal dose combination that yields the highest efficacy with the lowest toxicity and meanwhile satisfies a certain safety requirement. We propose a Bayesian phase I–II design to find the optimal dose combination. We model toxicity by using a logistic regression and propose a novel proportional hazard model for efficacy, which accounts for the plateau in the MTA dose–efficacy curve. We evaluate the operating characteristics of the proposed design through simulation studies under various practical scenarios. The results show that the design proposed performs well and selects the optimal dose combination with high probability.
Managing Some Motorised Recreational Boating Challenges in South African Estuaries: A Case Study at the Kromme River Estuary
Authors: Lee Deborah Ellen , Hosking Stephen Gerald , Du Preez Mario 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEstuaries in South Africa face negative crowding effects with respect to motorised boat use because of competing demand. This paper proposes this be managed through user charges and that the setting of these charges be informed by applying a choice experiment to estimate user preferences for reduced motorised boat congestion on the Kromme River Estuary, Eastern Cape. The application of this method led the paper to deduce that users are willing to pay an additional supplementary charge of R548 per annum during peak periods (only) in order to experience a decrease in negative crowding effects.
Antennal heart morphology supports relationship of Zoraptera with polyneopteran insects
Authors: WIPFLER BENJAMIN , PASS GÜNTHER 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe antennal hearts of the zorapteran Zorotypus hubbardi and of two psocopteran species (Caecilius sp., Embidopsocus sp.) are described in detail and compared to those of other insects. In Zorotypus, the ampullae of this organ are located dorsally of the antennal base. They are attached to the frontal cuticle of the head capsule and laterally suspended by two delicate bands of connective tissue. The associated muscles comprise a well‐developed M. interampullaris and a M. ampulloaortica, which together act as dilators of the ampullae. The connected antennal vessel has a very thin wall and is uniform along its entire length. In the two studied psocopterans the ampullae are likewise connected to the head capsule and have two additional elastic bands. In Caecilius sp. the anterior band is muscular, while in Embidopsocus sp. it is the posterior one. The psocopteran antennal hearts have no additional musculature. Antennal hearts with a musculature configuration resembling that of Zoraptera are known only from Dictyoptera, Phasmatodea and some orthopterans. This condition thus might be a synapomorphy of a polyneopteran subgroup including Zoraptera.
Evaluating a program to increase blood donation among racial and ethnic minority communities in New York City
Authors: Frye Victoria , Caltabiano Melinda , Kessler Debra A. , Schaffler Harvey , Reboza Mark , Hillyer Christopher D. , Shaz Beth H. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundIndividuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), thalassemia, and leukemia often require frequent transfusion and run the risk of red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization. To prevent alloimmunization or when alloimmunization is present, phenotype‐matched and antigen‐negative RBCs are transfused. To increase the probability of a phenotypic match, donors and recipients should share the same racial and/or ethnic background. Because the majority of patients with SCD are of African and Hispanic or Latino descent, a donor base of racial and ethnic minority donors providing an adequate supply of antigen‐negative RBC units that can be phenotypically matched is required to meet the needs of frequently transfused patients.Study Design and MethodsThe New York Blood Center began the PreciseMatch program in 2005 to increase donations among African American and Hispanic/Latino donors by 150 incremental units per month. To evaluate the program, we conducted a systematic analysis of program documentation, focus group results, and collections data by race and ethnicity over time.ResultsThe program achieved 75% of the operationalized goal of a 150‐unit‐per‐month increase; 75% of donors were first‐time donors, with deferral rates at new drives as high as 50%. Significant time and effort was involved in cultivating the community connections that facilitated new drives.ConclusionsAlthough PreciseMatch fell short of targets, it served as a foundation for relationships with diverse communities. Further research is needed to understand better how to increase minority donation using existing infrastructure and in the face of market pressures to collect blood as efficiently as possible.