bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms within the human leucocyte antigen-E gene and their associations with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis as well as clinical outcome of anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Iwaszko M , Świerkot J , Kolossa K , Jeka S , Wiland P , Bogunia-Kubik K 
Published: August 2015

Summary
Involvement of the non-classical human leucocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) in both innate and acquired immune response suggests its possible role in development of autoimmune pathologies. This study was undertaken to investigate relationships between the HLA-E gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as to evaluate a potential of these polymorphisms to modulate clinical outcome of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment in female patients. A total of 223 female patients with RA receiving anti-TNF biological therapy and 134 female healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. Genotypings for two SNPs within the HLA-E gene (rs1264457 HLA-E*01:01/01:03; rs1059510 HLA-E*01:03:01/01:03:02) were performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification employing LightSNiP assays. Clinical response was evaluated according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria at 12 and 24 weeks after initiation of the therapy. The frequency of the HLA-E*01:01/01:01 genotype was decreased significantly in RA patients in comparison to controls (P = 0·031). The presence of the HLA-E*01:01/01:01 genotype in patients correlated with better EULAR response after 12 weeks of anti-TNF treatment, while 01:03 allele carriers were generally unresponsive to the treatment (P = 0·014). The HLA-E*01:03/01:03 genotype was also over-represented among non-responding patients in comparison to HLA-E*01:01/01:01 homozygotes (P = 0·021). With respect to the HLA-E rs1059510 variation, a better response after 12 weeks was observed more frequently in patients carrying the HLA-E*01:03:01/01:03:01 genotype than other genotypes (P = 0·009). The results derived from this study imply that HLA-E polymorphisms may influence RA susceptibility and affect clinical outcome of anti-TNF therapy in female RA patients.
Caseworkers' perceptions of the strengths of the child family and community
Authors: Zegarac Nevenka , Burgund Anita 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe 2002–2011 reforms of the social welfare system in Serbia produced changes to the assessment model in the field of child welfare. In addition to risks and needs, the new model considers the strengths of the child, family and community, marking a significant innovation for social welfare services. This paper aims to examine the perceptions of caseworkers regarding the strengths of the new assessment model that is used in social welfare centres in Serbia. Based upon a representative, stratified and random sample of 347 records of children who were referred to alternative care during a period of intense reform (2006–2011), notes taken by caseworkers were collected and analysed. The results indicate that strengths were poorly identified at the onset of work with the children, but improvement followed later in the process. This finding leads us to the conclusion that there are serious challenges and difficulties in transitioning from the problem‐oriented model to the new strengths‐oriented approach in the Serbian social welfare system.
Searching for the right track – managing care trajectories in child welfare
Authors: Enell Sofia , Denvall Verner 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper examines caseworkers' efforts to plan and find appropriate interventions for troublesome young people. Strauss's concept of trajectory is applied to analyse how Swedish caseworkers shape and manage the evolving care trajectories using assessments for young people in secure accommodation, i.e. institutional youth assessments. The empirical material consists of surveys to 82 caseworkers concerning 85 institutional youth assessments and interviews with 16 of these caseworkers. The findings reveal ongoing care trajectories that are out of control where the assessments are seen as an opportunity of change for the youths. Diagnoses, confirmations and plans for action are provided through the assessments and used by the caseworkers in negotiations for resources. Three orientations of contributions to the caseworkers' management of care trajectories were found, all reflecting the many uncertainties of child welfare work: child centred, professional and discharge of liability. In conclusion, the caseworkers searched for the right measures to manage change and achieve youth compliance, but it was also a matter of managing professional and organizational contingencies and passing on responsibility.
Planning for ex situ conservation in the face of uncertainty
Authors: Canessa Stefano , Converse Sarah J. , West Matt , Clemann Nick , Gillespie Graeme , McFadden Michael , Silla Aimee J. , Parris Kirsten M. , McCarthy Michael A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractEx situ conservation strategies for threatened species often require long‐term commitment and financial investment to achieve management objectives. We present a framework that considers the decision to adopt ex situ management for a target species as the end point of several linked decisions. We used a decision tree to intuitively represent the logical sequence of decision making. The first decision is to identify the specific management actions most likely to achieve the fundamental objectives of the recovery plan, with or without the use of ex‐situ populations. Once this decision has been made, one decides whether to establish an ex situ population, accounting for the probability of success in the initial phase of the recovery plan, for example, the probability of successful breeding in captivity. Approaching these decisions in the reverse order (attempting to establish an ex situ population before its purpose is clearly defined) can lead to a poor allocation of resources, because it may restrict the range of available decisions in the second stage. We applied our decision framework to the recovery program for the threatened spotted tree frog (Litoria spenceri) of southeastern Australia. Across a range of possible management actions, only those including ex situ management were expected to provide >50% probability of the species’ persistence, but these actions cost more than use of in situ alternatives only. The expected benefits of ex situ actions were predicted to be offset by additional uncertainty and stochasticity associated with establishing and maintaining ex situ populations. Naïvely implementing ex situ conservation strategies can lead to inefficient management. Our framework may help managers explicitly evaluate objectives, management options, and the probability of success prior to establishing a captive colony of any given species.
Developmental consequences of behavioral inhibition: a model in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Chun Katie , Capitanio John P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn children, behavioral inhibition is characterized by a disposition to withdraw in the presence of strangers and novel situations. Later in life, behavioral inhibition can result in an increased risk for anxiety and depression and a decrease in social behavior. We selected rhesus monkeys that, during infancy, showed evidence of behavioral inhibition in response to separation, and contrasted them with non‐inhibited peers. To understand the development of behavioral inhibition at juvenile age, we collected behavioral data in response to relocation; in response to a human intruder challenge; and in naturalistic outdoor field corrals. At 4 years of age (young adulthood), we again collected behavioral data in the outdoor field corrals to understand the adult social consequences of behavioral inhibition. We also included sex, dominance rank, and number of available kin in our analyses. Finally, to understand the consistency in behavior in behaviorally inhibited animals, we conducted exploratory analyses contrasting behaviorally inhibited animals that showed high vs. low durations of non‐social behaviors as adults. At juvenile age, behaviorally inhibited animals continued to show behavioral differences in the novel testing room and during the human intruder challenge, generally showing evidence of greater anxiety and emotionality compared to non‐inhibited controls. In their outdoor corrals, behaviorally inhibited juveniles spent more time alone and less time in proximity and grooming with mother and other adult females. In young adulthood, we found that behavioral inhibition was not related to time spent alone. We did find that duration of time alone in adulthood was related to time alone exhibited as juveniles; sex, dominance rank, or the number of kin were not influential in adult non‐social duration, either as main effects or as moderators. Finally, exploratory analyses revealed that behaviorally inhibited females that were more sociable (less time spent alone) as adults had spent more time grooming as juveniles, suggesting that high‐quality social interaction at a young age might mitigate the social consequences of behavioral inhibition. Overall, we believe that the many similarities with the human data that we found suggest that this monkey model of naturally occurring behavioral inhibition can be valuable for understanding social development.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and glycaemic control in prediabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Poolsup N. , Suksomboon N. , Plordplong N. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the effect of vitamin D on insulin resistance and glycaemic control in prediabetes.MethodsA literature search was conducted of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, Web of Science and www.clinicaltrials.gov, together with a historical search through the reference lists of relevant articles until end of June 2014. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials of vitamin D or vitamin D analogues in prediabetes and if they reported homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance or 2‐h plasma glucose after oral glucose tolerance test. Treatment effect was estimated according to mean difference in the changes from baseline of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c between vitamin D and control groups. Meta‐analysis of eligible studies was performed.ResultsA total of 10 randomized controlled trials were included. Vitamin D did not significantly improve homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose: the mean differences were ‐0.06 (95% CI ‐0.36 to 0.24) and ‐0.23 mmol/l (95% CI ‐0.65 to 0.19), respectively. Subgroup analysis suggested that vitamin D improved homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance in a subgroup with baseline 25‐hydroxyvitamin D ≥ 50 nmol/l [mean difference ‐0.59 (95% CI ‐1.14 to ‐0.04); P = 0.03] and improved 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose in the subgroup with baseline 25‐hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/l [mean difference ‐0.68 mmol/l (95% CI ‐1.35 to ‐0.01); P = 0.05]. Vitamin D significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels. The mean differences were ‐0.10 mmol/l (95% CI ‐0.18 to ‐0.03), P = 0.006 and ‐1 mmol/mol (95% CI ‐2 to 0), P = 0.008, respectively.ConclusionsNo beneficial effect of vitamin D in improving insulin resistance was identified.
Soft tissue fillers as non‐specific modulators of adipogenesis: change of the paradigm?
Authors: Kruglikov Ilja L. , Wollina Uwe 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDermal filler injection is a cornerstone of facial rejuvenation procedures. Based on available data in animal and human studies, we suppose that the activation and proliferation of adipose‐derived stem cells and expansion of mature adipocytes play a crucial role in long‐term effects of volumizing, tissue tightening and beautification.
Virological failure and development of new resistance mutations according to CD4 count at combination antiretroviral therapy initiation
Authors: Jose S , Quinn K , Dunn D , Cox A , Sabin C , Fidler S ,   the UK CHIC and UK HDRD Steering Committees
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesNo randomized controlled trials have yet reported an individual patient benefit of initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) at CD4 counts > 350 cells/μL. It is hypothesized that earlier initiation of cART in asymptomatic and otherwise healthy individuals may lead to poorer adherence and subsequently higher rates of resistance development.MethodsIn a large cohort of HIV‐positive individuals, we investigated the emergence of new resistance mutations upon virological treatment failure according to the CD4 count at the initiation of cART.ResultsOf 7918 included individuals, 6514 (82.3%), 996 (12.6%) and 408 (5.2%) started cART with a CD4 count ≤ 350, 351–499 and ≥ 500 cells/μL, respectively. Virological rebound occurred while on cART in 488 (7.5%), 46 (4.6%) and 30 (7.4%) with a baseline CD4 count ≤ 350, 351–499 and ≥ 500 cells/μL, respectively. Only four (13.0%) individuals with a baseline CD4 count > 350 cells/μL in receipt of a resistance test at viral load rebound were found to have developed new resistance mutations. This compared to 107 (41.2%) of those with virological failure who had initiated cART with a CD4 count < 350 cells/μL.ConclusionsWe found no evidence of increased rates of resistance development when cART was initiated at CD4 counts above 350 cells/μL.
Fibroblast growth factor 23: associations with antiretroviral therapy in patients co‐infected with HIV and hepatitis C
Authors: Young J , Mucsi I , Rollet‐Kurhajec KC , Klein MB ,   the Canadian Co‐infection Cohort
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesFibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been associated with cardiovascular mortality. We estimate associations between the level of plasma FGF23 and exposure to abacavir (ABC) and to other components of antiretroviral therapy in patients co‐infected with HIV and hepatitis C.MethodsBoth intact and c‐terminal FGF23 were measured in plasma using commercial assays for a sub‐cohort of 295 patients selected at random from the 1150 patients enrolled in the Canadian Co‐infection Cohort. The multiplicative effects of antiretroviral drug exposures and covariates on median FGF23 were then estimated using a hierarchical Bayesian model.ResultsThe median level of intact FGF23 was independent of either past or recent exposure to abacavir, with multiplicative ratios of 1.00 and 1.07, 95% credible intervals 0.90–1.12 and 0.94–1.23, respectively. Median intact FGF23 tended to increase with past use of both nonnucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors, but tended to decrease with recent use of either tenofovir, efavirenz or lopinavir. There were no obvious associations between the median level of c‐terminal FGF23 and individual drugs or drug classes. Age, female gender, smoking and the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index were all associated with a higher median c‐terminal FGF23 but not with a higher median intact FGF23.ConclusionsThe level of FGF23 in plasma was independent of exposure to ABC. Lower levels of intact FGF23 with recent use of tenofovir, efavirenz or lopinavir may reflect their adverse effects on bone and vitamin D metabolism relative to other drugs in their respective drug classes.
Comparative risk of failure of ABC/3TC or TDF/FTC based first‐line regimens in patients with a high viral load
Authors: Flandre P , Pugliese P , Allavena C , Katlama C , Cotte L , Cheret A , Cabié A , Rey D , Chirouze C , Bani‐Sadr F , Cuzin L ,   the Dat'AIDS Study group
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy, in current clinical practice, of first regimens containing abacavir with lamivudine (ABC/3TC) or tenofovir with emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) in patients with baseline viral load ≥100 000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL.MethodsUsing a prospective cohort, we selected all patients starting a first HIV regimen based either on ABC/3TC or on TDF/FTC. The propensity score (PS) method was used to limit the indication bias due to the observational nature of the data. Adjusting and weighting methods via PS were used to compare the effectiveness of a first regimen containing ABC/3TC or TDF/FTC. The primary outcome was treatment failure by month 12 (M12).ResultsOverall, 2781 patients started an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen with ABC/3TC or TDF/FTC each in combination with efavirenz, boosted atazanavir or boosted darunavir. Among the 2472 uncensored patients before M12, 962 (39%) had a baseline viral load ≥100 000 copies/mL of whom 294 were in treatment failure at or before M12. Our analyses showed no difference between ABC/3TC and TDF/FTC in the risk of treatment failure at M12 in patients starting an ARV regimen with a high viral load (≥100 000 copies/mL).ConclusionsUsing a large prospectively collected cohort of patients seeking care in France, we found no evidence that ABC/3TC based regimens led to more failures than TDF/FTC based ones in patients with high baseline viral loads.
Sunscreen formulations may serve as additional water barrier on skin surface: a clinical assessment
Authors: Shyr T. , Ou‐Yang H. 
Published: August 2015

SynopsisObjectivesExtended water exposure can cause stratum corneum swelling and a more porous skin barrier. People often wear water‐resistant sunscreen formulations during extended period of water activities in the summer to protect skin from harmful UV rays. We wanted to evaluate whether sunscreen formulations can also serve as additional water barriers to help mitigate the disruption in stratum corneum caused by constant exposure to water.MethodsWe conducted trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement in a controlled water patch (including salt and chlorine water) model and then applied this relevant model to study the effects of pre‐treatments of sunscreen sprays and stick. We also conducted water sorption–desorption test in vivo with and without sunscreens. Finally, we studied the effect of constant water exposure combined with a known irritant, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), in a randomized clinical trial.ResultsWe found that application of sunscreen formulations help mitigate water‐induced barrier disruption by repelling water at skin surface. Pre‐treatment of sunscreen also statistically decreased the irritation in an acute patch test model.ConclusionsHydrophobic sunscreen formulations can help protect skin from extended water exposure by serving as additional water barriers.
Nature of Transboundary Water Conflicts: Issues of Complexity and the Enabling Conditions for Negotiated Cooperation
Authors: Choudhury Enamul , Islam Shafiqul 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWater access, demand, usage and management become complex due to the crossing of multiple boundaries: political, social and jurisdictional, as well as physical, ecological and biogeochemical. This paper focuses on a particular class of complex water problems: the allocation of transboundary water (TBW) among competing riparians with conflicting needs. The complexity in TBW allocation lies in the dynamic consequences of competition that arise from the interconnections and feedbacks among actors, processes and institutions operating in the knowledge and political communities. Consequently, many TBW allocation issues become contingent upon the dynamic changes that occur within the knowledge and political communities as well as the interactions and feedback occurring between these two communities. In addition to understanding and addressing the contingent contextual factors that span the knowledge and political communities, resolving complex TBW problems also needs to be guided by contextual application of two global principles – equity and sustainability – as anchors to accommodate the values and interests of the stakeholders involved in a TBW problem. This paper examines the process that led to the relatively successful resolution of conflict over allocating the waters in the Indus basin between India and Pakistan. Using the Indus water treaty as an illustrative case, the paper identifies three enabling conditions that underlie the effectiveness of negotiating a treaty and its continuous efficacy in addressing TBW problems. The paper argues that effective resolution of complex TBW problems is rooted in the nature of the negotiation process, the provisions in the negotiated agreement and the establishment of institutional means to solve emergent problems that are related to the original agreement.
Effects of Free‐Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment on Sap Flow and Canopy Microclimate of Maize Grown under Different Water Supply
Authors: Manderscheid R. , Erbs M. , Burkart S. , Wittich K.‐P. , Löpmeier F.‐J. , Weigel H.‐J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe rise of atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) affects stomatal conductance and thus transpiration and leaf temperature. We evaluated the effect of elevated [CO2] levels under different water supply on daily sap flow and canopy microclimate (air temperature (Tc) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD)) of maize. The crop was cultivated in circular field plots under ambient (AMB, 378 μmol mol−1) and elevated [CO2] (FACE, 550 μmol mol−1) using free‐air CO2 enrichment with sufficient water in 2007, while in 2008 a DRY semicircle received only half as much water as compared to the WET semicircle from mid of July. In 2007, sap flow was measured in WET simultaneously under AMB and FACE conditions and was significantly decreased by elevated [CO2]. In 2008, sap flow was measured in all four treatments but not simultaneously. Therefore, data were correlated with potential evaporation and the slopes were used to determine treatment effects. Drought reduced whole‐plant transpiration by 50 % and 37 % as compared to WET conditions under AMB and FACE, respectively. Moreover, CO2 enrichment did not affect sap flow under drought but decreased it under WET by 20 % averaged over both years. The saving of water in the period before the drought treatment resulted in a displacement of dry soil conditions under FACE as compared to AMB. Under WET, CO2 enrichment always increased Tc and VPD during the day. Under DRY, FACE plots were warmer and drier most of the time in August, but cooler and damper short after the start of drought in July and from the end of August onwards. Thus, the CO2 effect on transpiration under drought was variable and detectable rather easy by measuring canopy microclimate.
New Insights into the Setting Processes of Glass Ionomer Cements from Analysis of Dielectric Properties
Authors: Šantić Ana , Čalogović Marina , Pavić Luka , Gladić Jadranko , Vučić Zlatko , Lovrić Davorin , Prskalo Katica , Janković Bernard , Tarle Zrinka , Moguš‐Milanković Andrea 
Published: August 2015

The setting processes in the commercial glass ionomer cement (Fuji IX Fast) and resin modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji II LC) were investigated by the dielectric spectroscopy. The changes in the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity [ε*(ω)] as well as dielectric loss (tan δ) with time for Fuji IX Fast show several distinct regions which are related to the different stages of the acid–base reaction. Interestingly, the first stage that lasts for approximately 12 min terminates with a sharp decrease in dielectric parameters which is most probably related to the instantaneous (micro)fracturing of the sample due to a rapid build–up of the shrinkage stress. On the other hand, evolution of the dielectric properties during the setting of Fuji II LC indicates fast reaction in the initial stage (within few minutes) followed by the slow gradual change as a result of the competing nature of the acid–base reaction and light‐activated polymerization.