bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Miravirsen dosing in chronic hepatitis C patients results in decreased microRNA‐122 levels without affecting other microRNAs in plasma
Authors: van der Ree M. H. , van der Meer A. J. , van Nuenen A. C. , de Bruijne J. , Ottosen S. , Janssen H. L. , Kootstra N. A. , Reesink H. W. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundMicroRNA‐122 (miR‐122) is an important host factor for hepatitis C virus replication. Administration of miravirsen, an anti‐miR‐122 oligonucleotide, resulted in a dose dependent and prolonged decrease in HCV RNA levels in chronic hepatitis C patients.AimTo assess the plasma level of various miRNAs in patients dosed with miravirsen.MethodsWe included 16 of 36 chronic hepatitis C patients who received five injections of either 3 mg/kg (n = 4), 5 mg/kg (n = 4), 7 mg/kg (n = 4) miravirsen or placebo (n = 4) over a 4‐week period in a double‐blind, randomised phase 2a study. Plasma levels of 179 miRNAs were determined by qPCR and compared between patients dosed with miravirsen or placebo.ResultsMedian plasma miR‐122 level at baseline in patients receiving miravirsen was 3.9 × 103 compared to 1.3 × 104 copies/4 μL in placebo‐dosed patients (P = 0.68). At week 1, 4, 6 and 10/12, patients dosed with miravirsen had respectively a median 72‐fold, 174‐fold, 1109‐fold and 552‐fold lower expression of miR‐122 than at baseline (P = 0.001, as compared to patients receiving placebo). At week 4 of dosing, miRNA‐profiling demonstrated a significant lower expression of miR‐210 and miR‐532‐5p compared to baseline (3.0 and 4.7‐fold lower respectively). However, subsequent longitudinal analysis showed no significant differences in miR‐210 and miR‐532‐5p plasma levels throughout the study period.ConclusionsWe demonstrated a substantial and prolonged decrease in plasma miR‐122 levels in patients dosed with miravirsen. Plasma levels of other miRNAs were not significantly affected by antagonising miR‐122.
Retrospective analysis of causes of death in mountain pygmy‐possums (Burramys parvus) at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Scheelings TF , Dobson EC 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundIdentification and characterisation of deaths is important for the veterinary management of both wild and captive animals. It is especially important as a tool for monitoring health and disease within populations of endangered species for which little information on morbidity and mortality is known. Investigations into the causes of death and other important necropsy findings were made in a captive population of the critically endangered mountain pygmy‐possum (Burramys parvus).MethodsNecropsy records from January 2000–December 2013 were reviewed for all possums that had lived and died at Healesville Sanctuary (n = 48).ResultsThe average age of death of possums in this population was 4.7 years. The most common histological change in mountain pygmy‐possums was varying degrees of chronic progressive kidney disease (n = 17). Of these cases, eight animals (47%) had histological changes suggesting the kidney disease was the likely cause of death. Other causes of death included neoplasia (n = 5), necrotising pancreatitis (n = 4), pneumonia (n = 2), reproductive disease (n = 2) and trauma (n = 2). No cause of death was able to be identified in 33.3% (n = 16) of cases. Hepatic lipidosis (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 2) and degenerative joint disease (n = 2) were the most common comorbidities found.ConclusionProgressive renal disease, often with secondary metastatic mineralisation, appears to be a significant cause of mortality in captive mountain pygmy‐possums and further investigation into its pathophysiology, antemortem diagnosis and treatment is warranted.
Teaching the geographies of Canada: Reflections on pedagogy, curriculum, and the politics of teaching and learning
Authors: Laliberté Nicole , Catungal John Paul , Castleden Heather , Keeling Arn , Momer Bernard , Nash Catherine 
Published: October 2015

Key Messages

This paper is a collection of commentaries on teaching the geographies of Canada which together challenge traditional regional approaches from a variety of perspectives and politics.
It examines the politics of active learning, teaching resources, and received curricula while highlighting the embodied nature of the classroom environment.
It concludes that regional geography courses are an opportunity to challenge received knowledge if we are attentive to positionality and power in our classrooms—not only our own but also that of our students and the texts we engage with.
Clinical reappraisal of SHORT syndrome with PIK3R1 mutations: toward recommendation for molecular testing and management
Authors: Avila M. , Dyment D.A. , Sagen J.V. , St‐Onge J. , Moog U. , Chung B.H.Y. , Mo S. , Mansour S. , Albanese A. , Garcia S. , Martin D.O. , Lopez A.A. , Claudi T. , König R. , White S.M. , Sawyer S.L. , Bernstein J.A. , Slattery L. , Jobling R.K. , Yoon G. , Curry C.J. , Merrer M.L. , Luyer B.L. , Héron D. , Mathieu‐Dramard M. , Bitoun P. , Odent S. , Amiel J. , Kuentz P. , Thevenon J. , Laville M. , Reznik Y. , Fagour C. , Nunes M.‐L. , Delesalle D. , Manouvrier S. , Lascols O. , Huet F. , Binquet C. , Faivre L. , Rivière J.‐B. , Vigouroux C. , Njølstad P.R. , Innes A.M. , Thauvin‐Robinet C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSHORT syndrome has historically been defined by its acronym: short stature (S), hyperextensibility of joints and/or inguinal hernia (H), ocular depression (O), Rieger abnormality (R) and teething delay (T). More recently several research groups have identified PIK3R1 mutations as responsible for SHORT syndrome. Knowledge of the molecular etiology of SHORT syndrome has permitted a reassessment of the clinical phenotype. The detailed phenotypes of 32 individuals with SHORT syndrome and PIK3R1 mutation, including eight newly ascertained individuals, were studied to fully define the syndrome and the indications for PIK3R1 testing. The major features described in the SHORT acronym were not universally seen and only half (52%) had four or more of the classic features. The commonly observed clinical features of SHORT syndrome seen in the cohort included intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) <10th percentile, postnatal growth restriction, lipoatrophy and the characteristic facial gestalt. Anterior chamber defects and insulin resistance or diabetes were also observed but were not as prevalent. The less specific, or minor features of SHORT syndrome include teething delay, thin wrinkled skin, speech delay, sensorineural deafness, hyperextensibility of joints and inguinal hernia. Given the high risk of diabetes mellitus, regular monitoring of glucose metabolism is warranted. An echocardiogram, ophthalmological and hearing assessments are also recommended.
Effects of thread size in the implant neck area on peri‐implant hard and soft tissues: an animal study
Authors: Choi Jay‐Yong , Moon Ik‐Sang , Yun Jeong‐Ho , Park Kwang‐Ho , Huh Jong‐Ki , Lee Dong‐Won 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this animal study was to examine the effects of thread size in the implant neck area on peri‐implant tissues in terms of BIC and hard‐ and soft‐tissue dimensions.Materials and methodsSix Beagle dogs received experimental implants in the mandible 3 month after the removal of premolars and first molars (P2, P3, P4, and M1). Two different types of implants were installed in each animal: Anyone microthread® as Group 1 and Anyone® as Group 2. Resonance frequency test, intraoral radiography, micro‐CT, and histomorphometry were used to evaluate peri‐implant tissue after implantation periods of 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsNo remarkable complication was observed during the healing period in either group. Resonance frequency testing revealed no significant difference between groups. In radiographic evaluation, Group 2 showed more bone loss than Group 1. However, this difference was not statistically significant. In the micro‐CT analysis, BIC and BIV values and soft‐tissue height were not significant in both groups. Histological analysis revealed no significant difference in BIC ratio, bone density, or bone loss between groups. However, soft‐tissue height was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P = 0.0004).ConclusionNo difference in peri‐implant hard or soft tissues was observed according to thread size in the implant neck area.
Does the quality of life impact of tonsillitis correlate with SIGN guideline compliance? An assessment of range and normality
Authors: Roplekar R. , Van M. , Hussain S.S.M. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the scores of those who are eligible to be listed for tonsillectomy through compliance with the SIGN guidelines for any trends or range.DesignA prospective study of all patients (aged 16 or above) listed for elective tonsillectomy from a nurse led tonsil clinic. Patients were given a TOI‐14 questionnaire to complete after they had been added to the waiting list for surgery, but before undergoing tonsillectomy. Scores were assessed using SPSS.SettingOutpatient clinic.ParticipantsPatients aged over 16 listed for Tonsillectomy via SIGN Guideline 117.Main outcome measureScores from TOI‐14, completed pre‐operatively.Results155 patients were listed from the nurse led clinic from October 2012 to August 2014; 5 questionnaires were excluded for being incomplete. The score range was 55 (15–70), with a calculated mean score of 45.62 and standard deviation of 9.701. Over 95% of results were within 2 standard deviations of the mean. A calculated negative skew also confirms that most patients who have clinical indications for tonsillectomy compliant with the SIGN guidelines show a higher score on the TOI‐14.ConclusionThis analysis indicates a trend of pre‐intervention scores on the TOI‐14 questionnaire for those patients who have a SIGN guideline compliant clinical indication for a tonsillectomy. We therefore propose that this suggests correlation between ‘clinically strong’ indication for tonsillitis and patient perceived Quality of Life impact.
Corporal Punishment Verses in the Qur'an are to be Reinterpreted to Counter Violent Extremist Practices from Within the Islamic Juristic Tradition
Authors: Azmeh Wayel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCorporal punishments in the Qur'an, also grouped under the Arabic term Ḥudūd, have been understood as a set of preordained harsh punishments due whenever their conditions are met. They not only served mainly as a deterrent, but also as a penal code in traditional religious Islamic law books. This essay argues that those Ḥudūd‐Qur'anic corporal punishments can be reinterpreted to only represent an upper limit never to be exceeded, favoring more lenient noncorporal punishments, or even no punishment at all by the state. For the Qur'an recommends forgiveness for murder, theft, brigandage, slander, and adultery. If this powerful Qur'anic paradigm is to be well understood and popularized, it would contribute to eroding the ideological basis of the extremists’ propaganda machine. It would also help Muslims connect to their Islamic tradition in a modern pluralistic society without undue tension. An historic overview of the penal culture at the time of the Qur'anic revelation, and then through its modern evolution in various geographic locations, including Muslim majority societies is used to contextualize the discussion. Two possible counter arguments based on Muslim tradition are addressed, namely the concept of abrogation in the Qur'an, and the Hadith (Prophetic traditions) undermining this reading of the Qur'an.
Identification of new markers of recurrence in patients with unprovoked deep vein thrombosis by gene expression profiling: the retro study
Authors: Montes Ramón , Guruceaga Elisabet , González‐Porras José R. , Reverter Joan C. , Marco Pascual , Pina Elena , Páramo José A. , Hermida José , Lecumberri Ramón ,   Grupo de Trabajo de Patología Trombótica de la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH)
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess differences in the gene expression profile of peripheral blood cells between patients with early recurrent thrombosis vs. patients without recurrent events after withdrawal of anticoagulant therapy for a first episode of unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (uDVT), to identify novel predictors of recurrence.MethodsIn the discovery population (N = 32), a microarray RNA assay followed by RT‐PCR confirmation were performed. In the validation population (N = 44) a multiple RT‐PCR‐based strategy was applied to assess genes differentially expressed in the discovery population.ResultsThe sex‐adjusted Linear Model for Microarray Data analysis showed 102 genes differentially expressed (P < 0.01) in the discovery population. Nineteen of them underwent further confirmation in the validation population. The gene encoding for Acyl‐CoA Synthetase Family Member 2 (ACSF2) was underexpressed in recurrent DVT patients in both, the discovery (P = 0.007) and validation populations (P = 0.004). In the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, the areas under the curve of ACSF2 expression were 0.77 and 0.80, respectively.ConclusionsFor the first time an association between ACSF2 expression and the risk of recurrent DVT is suggested. Should this association be confirmed in larger prospective studies, ACSF2 could become useful for the selection of patients requiring extended anticoagulant therapy.
Kenya's tourist industry and global production networks: gender, race and inequality
Authors: CHRISTIAN MICHELLE 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this article, I consider the position of gender and race in the tourism global production network in Kenya. To address a gap in scholarship on global production networks, I explore the racial and gender characteristics evident in functionally upgraded national tour operators and socially upgraded workers and community members around the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The main findings address the relation of race and gender to disarticulation practices identified in ‘societal’, ‘network’ and ‘territorial’ forms of embeddedness supported by racial and gender representations of skill capabilities and tourist desires. These practices and representations support a production network symbolized by whites, Kenyan‐Asians and expatriates in the highest value segments and jobs, and indigenous African, Maasai and female workers in the lowest value positions. The findings highlight how disarticulation in economic and social upgrading is a gendered and racial process that perpetuates social difference and hierarchy.
Life and death in Hong Kong in an age of cosmopolitanism
Authors: TYNER JAMES A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRecent events in Hong Kong direct attention to a disturbing trend – the neglect of (selected) life. The society is increasingly discarding its policies and practices concerning immigrant workers, foreign pregnant women and impoverished men and women, whom it deems unworthy of protection or assistance. In this article, I argue for a radical cosmopolitanism that would entail a commitment not only to preventing the taking of life and building a non‐killing society but also to the elimination of the structural conditions that disallow life to the point of death. Drawing on recent bio‐political debates in Hong Kong, I consider the sovereign right over life and death within the neoliberal state. I argue that the state predicates neoliberal sovereignty on a systemic indifference to life; it calculates its bio‐political decisions according to a bio‐arithmetic of economic productivity and social responsibility; and it allows those whom it deems unworthy ‘to die’. As a potential counter discourse, I outline the coordinates and discuss the implications of a commitment to a radical cosmopolitanism.
Children's rights advocacy as transnational citizenship
Authors: HÄKLI JOUNI , KALLIO KIRSI PAULIINA 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this article, we develop conceptual tools for analysing the practices of children's rights organizations and professionals as transnational citizenship. To this end, we set out to trace a continuum of citizenship practices in which global and local influences and forces enmesh in ways that are difficult to grasp when treated as two separate realms. To theorize the social dynamism and spatial constitution of transnational citizenship as a local–global continuum, we turn to Bourdieu's field theory. By analysing the Committee on the Rights of the Child's handling of the Finnish Periodic Report on children's rights, and how Finnish children's rights advocates mobilize its recommendations, we show that transnational citizenship in the field of children's rights is practised not merely ‘out there’ but also ‘right here’. We conclude by discussing what novel insights field theory has to offer to the study of advocacy practices as transnational citizenship.
Survey of influenza and other respiratory viruses diagnostic testing in US hospitals, 2012–2013
Authors: Su Su , Fry Alicia M. , Kirley Pam Daily , Aragon Deborah , Yousey‐Hindes Kimberly , Meek James , Openo Kyle , Oni Oluwakemi , Sharangpani Ruta , Morin Craig , Hollick Gary , Lung Krista , Laidler Matt , Lindegren Mary Lou , Schaffner William , Atkinson Annette , Chaves Sandra S. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundLittle is known about laboratory capacity to routinely diagnose influenza and other respiratory viruses at clinical laboratories and hospitals.AimsWe sought to assess diagnostic practices for influenza and other respiratory virus in a survey of hospitals and laboratories participating in the US Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network in 2012–2013.Materials and MethodsAll hospitals and their associated laboratories participating in the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv‐NET) were included in this evaluation. The network covers more than 80 counties in 15 states, CA, CO, CT, GA, MD, MN, NM, NY, OR, TN, IA, MI, OH, RI, and UT, with a catchment population of ~28 million people. We administered a standardized questionnaire to key personnel, including infection control practitioners and laboratory departments, at each hospital through telephone interviews.ResultsOf the 240 participating laboratories, 67% relied only on commercially available rapid influenza diagnostic tests to diagnose influenza. Few reported the availability of molecular diagnostic assays for detection of influenza (26%) and other viral pathogens (≤20%) in hospitals and commercial laboratories.ConclusionReliance on insensitive assays to detect influenza may detract from optimal clinical management of influenza infections in hospitals.
“Taking charge” of stigma: Treatment seeking alleviates mental illness stigma targeting men
Authors: Moss‐Racusin Corinne A. , Miller Hannah G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis research provided a novel experimental test of mental illness stigma and reactions to treatment seeking decisions for male and female targets. In Experiment 1 (N = 420), robust stigma emerged for targets exhibiting major depressive disorder; they were rated as less likeable, competent, and hirable than comparable normatively functioning targets. These results were unaffected by target gender. In Experiment 2 (N = 322), moderated mediation analysis revealed that a depressed male target embodying masculine stereotypes by seeking professional treatment experienced less stigma than an identical male target who did not seek treatment (and respect mediated this difference). For female targets, treatment seeking did not impact respect or stigma. Implications for the gender gap in treatment seeking and relevant interventions are discussed.
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Creating a Crosswalk with the Mini‐Mental State Examination
Authors: Saczynski Jane S. , Inouye Sharon K. , Guess Jamey , Jones Richard N. , Fong Tamara G. , Nemeth Emese , Hodara Ariel , Ngo Long , Marcantonio Edward R. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo establish Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores that correspond to well‐established cut‐points on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE).DesignCross‐sectional observational study.SettingGeneral medical service of a large teaching hospital.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 75 and older (N = 199; mean age 84, 63% female).MeasurementsThe MoCA (range 0–30) and the MMSE (range 0–30) were administered within 2 hours of each other. The Abbreviated MoCA (A‐MoCA; range 0–22) was calculated from the full MoCA. Scores from the three tests were analyzed using equipercentile equating, a statistical method for determining comparable scores on different tests of a similar construct by estimating percentile equivalents.ResultsMoCA scores were lower (mean 19.3 ± 5.8) than MMSE scored (mean 24.1 ± 6.6). Traditional MMSE cut‐points of 27 for mild cognitive impairment and 23 for dementia corresponded to MoCA scores of 23 and 17, respectively.ConclusionScores on the full and abbreviated versions of the MoCA can be linked directly to the MMSE. The MoCA may be more sensitive to changes in cognitive performance at higher levels of functioning.
Clinical importance of median mandibular flexure in oral rehabilitation: a review
Authors: Sivaraman K. , Chopra A. , Venkatesh S. B. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe mandible has a property to flex inwards around the mandibular symphysis with change in shape and decrease in mandibular arch width during opening and protrusion of the mandible. The mandibular deformation may range from a few micrometres to more than 1 mm. The movement occurs because of the contraction of lateral pterygoid muscles that pulls mandibular condyles medially and causes a sagittal movement of the posterior segments. This movement of mandible can have a profound influence on prognosis and treatment outcome for various restorative, endodontics, fixed, removable and implant‐related prosthesis. The review unfolds the causes, importance and clinical implications of median mandibular flexure in oral rehabilitation. This review also highlights the appropriate preventive measures and techniques that should be adopted by clinicians to minimise the effect of flexural movement of the jaw during oral rehabilitation. This would not only help clinicians to achieve a good prosthesis with accurate fit and longevity but also maintain the health of the surrounding periodontal or periimplant gingival tissues and bone.
Differences in oscillatory whistles produced by spinner (Stenella longirostris) and pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata) dolphins
Authors: Gruden Pina , White Paul R. , Oswald Julie N. , Barkley Yvonne , Cerchio Salvatore , Lammers Marc , Baumann‐Pickering Simone 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAcoustic recordings of two closely related species, spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) and pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), were investigated from four different geographic locations: two in the Central Tropical Pacific, one in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and one in the Indian Ocean. The two delphinid species occur in tropical and warm temperate waters, with overlapping ranges. They produce very similar vocalizations, but at the same time their calls exhibit a certain degree of intraspecific variation among different geographic locations as has been observed in other delphinid species. Oscillatory whistles (whistles with at least two oscillations in their frequency contours) were identified and manually extracted from the recordings. Whistles with four or more maxima (oscillations) occurred only in spinner dolphins and they were present in all geographic regions investigated. In addition, the oscillatory whistles with two and three maxima were significantly more frequent in spinner than in spotted dolphins. The differences in oscillatory whistles for these two species seem to be consistent across study areas and therefore, could be used in addition to other whistle features to help distinguish between them.