bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medication adherence and the risk of severe asthma exacerbations: a systematic review
Authors: Engelkes Marjolein , Janssens Hettie M. , de Jongste Johan C. , Sturkenboom Miriam C.J.M. , Verhamme Katia M.C. 
Published: October 2014

The benefits of drug therapy for asthma have been well established, but adherence to treatment is poor, and this might be associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the association between adherence to asthma controller treatment and risk of severe asthma exacerbations in children and adults.A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, from inception until January 2014. Studies were included if data on the association between medication adherence and severe asthma exacerbations were presented. Quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.The search yielded 2319 unique publications, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction and quality scoring. High levels of heterogeneity across studies with regard to adherence and exacerbation measurements, designs and analysis precluded a formal meta-analysis. Although effect measures varied widely, good adherence was associated with fewer severe asthma exacerbations in high-quality studies.Good adherence tended to be associated with lower risk of severe asthma exacerbations. Future studies should use standardised methodology to assess adherence and exacerbations, and should consider inhaler competence.
Clinical manifestations of invasive pneumococcal disease by vaccine and non-vaccine types
Authors: Browall Sarah , Backhaus Erik , Naucler Pontus , Galanis Ilias , Sjöström Karin , Karlsson Diana , Berg Stefan , Luthander Joachim , Eriksson Margareta , Spindler Carl , Ejdebäck Mikael , Trollfors Birger , Darenberg Jessica , Kalin Mats , Örtqvist Åke , Andersson Rune , Henriques-Normark Birgitta 
Published: October 2014

Pneumococcal conjugated vaccines (PCVs) have shown protection against invasive pneumococcal disease by vaccine serotypes, but an increase in non-vaccine serotype disease has been observed. Type-specific effects on clinical manifestation need to be explored.Clinical data from 2096 adults and 192 children with invasive pneumococcal disease were correlated to pneumococcal molecular serotypes. Invasive disease potential for pneumococcal serotypes were calculated using 165 invasive and 550 carriage isolates from children.The invasive disease potential was lower for non-PCV13 compared to vaccine-type strains. Patients infected with non-PCV13 strains had more underlying diseases, were less likely to have pneumonia and, in adults, tended to have a higher mortality. Furthermore, patients infected with pneumococci belonging to clonal serotypes only expressing non-PCV13 capsules had a higher risk for septicaemia and mortality.PCV vaccination will probably lead to a decrease in invasive pneumococcal disease but an alteration in the clinical manifestation of invasive pneumococcal disease. Genetic lineages causing invasive pneumococcal disease in adults often express non-vaccine serotypes, which can expand after vaccination with an increased risk of infection in patients with underlying diseases.
Early-life origins of chronic respiratory diseases: understanding and promoting healthy ageing
Authors: Carraro Silvia , Scheltema Nienke , Bont Louis , Baraldi Eugenio 
Published: October 2014

Chronic obstructive respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often originate early in life. In addition to a genetic predisposition, prenatal and early-life environmental exposures have a persistent impact on respiratory health. Acting during a critical phase of lung development, these factors may change lung structure and metabolism, and may induce maladaptive responses to harmful agents, which will affect the whole lifespan.Some environmental factors, such as exposure to cigarette smoke, type of childbirth and diet, may be modifiable, but it is more difficult to influence other factors, such as preterm birth and early exposure to viruses or allergens.Here, we bring together recent literature to analyse the critical aspects involved in the early stages of lung development, going back to prenatal and perinatal events, and we discuss the mechanisms by which noxious factors encountered early on may have a lifelong impact on respiratory health.We briefly comment on the need for early disease biomarkers and on the possible role of “-omic” technologies in identifying risk profiles predictive of chronic respiratory conditions. Such profiles could guide the ideation of effective preventive strategies and/or targeted early lifestyle or therapeutic interventions.
Inhaled antibiotics: dry or wet?
Authors: Tiddens Harm A.W.M. , Bos Aukje C. , Mouton Johan W. , Devadason Sunalene , Janssens Hettie M. 
Published: October 2014

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) delivering antibiotics for the suppressive treatment ofPseudomonas aeruginosain cystic fibrosis patients were developed recently and are now increasingly replacing time-consuming nebuliser therapy. Noninferiority studies have shown that the efficacy of inhaled tobramycin delivered by DPI was similar to that of wet nebulisation. However, there are many differences between inhaled antibiotic therapy delivered by DPI and by nebuliser. The question is whether and to what extent inhalation technique and other patient-related factors affect the efficacy of antibiotics delivered by DPI compared with nebulisers. Health professionals should be aware of the differences between dry and wet aerosols, and of patient-related factors that can influence efficacy, in order to personalise treatment, to give appropriate instructions to patients and to better understand the response to the treatment after switching.In this review, key issues of aerosol therapy are discussed in relation to inhaled antibiotic therapy with the aim of optimising the use of both nebulised and DPI antibiotics by patients. An example of these issues is the relationship between airway generation, structural lung changes and local concentrations of the inhaled antibiotics. The pros and cons of dry and wet modes of delivery for inhaled antibiotics are discussed.
Selection criteria for intensive care unit referral of lung cancer patients: a pilot study
Authors: Toffart Anne-Claire , Pizarro Carola Alegria , Schwebel Carole , Sakhri Linda , Minet Clemence , Duruisseaux Michaël , Azoulay Elie , Moro-Sibilot Denis , Timsit Jean-François 
Published: October 2014

The decision-making process for the intensity of care delivered to patients with lung cancer and organ failure is poorly understood, and does not always involve intensivists. Our objective was to describe the potential suitability for intensive care unit (ICU) referral of lung cancer in-patients with organ failures.We prospectively included consecutive lung cancer patients with failure of at least one organ admitted to the teaching hospital in Grenoble, France, between December 2010 and October 2012.Of 140 patients, 121 (86%) were evaluated by an oncologist and 49 (35%) were referred for ICU admission, with subsequent admission for 36 (73%) out of those 49. Factors independently associated with ICU referral were performance status ⩽2 (OR 10.07, 95% CI 3.85–26.32), nonprogressive malignancy (OR 7.00, 95% CI 2.24–21.80), and no explicit refusal of ICU admission by the patient and/or family (OR 7.95, 95% CI 2.39–26.37). Factors independently associated with ICU admission were the initial ward being other than the lung cancer unit (OR 6.02, 95% CI 1.11–32.80) and an available medical ICU bed (OR 8.19, 95% CI 1.48–45.35).Only one-third of lung cancer patients with organ failures were referred for ICU admission. The decision not to consider ICU admission was often taken by a non-intensivist, with advice from an oncologist rather than an intensivist.
The severity of irritable bowel syndrome or the presence of fibromyalgia influencing the perception of visceral and somatic stimuli
Authors: Tremolaterra Fabrizio , Gallotta Serena , Morra Yvonne , Lubrano Ennio , Ciacci Carolina , Iovino Paola 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Background
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a frequent comorbidity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients with a higher functional bowel disorder severity index (FBDSI). We tested the possibility that mild to severe IBS patients without FMS would have a graduated visceral and somatic perception, and the presence of FMS would further enhance somatic, but conversely attenuate visceral perception.
Our aim was to study visceral and somatic sensitivity in mild IBS patients and in severe IBS patients with or without FMS.

Methods
Eleven mild IBS and 19 severe IBS with and without FMS patients were studied. Somatic and visceral stimuli were applied in each patient by means of electrical stimulations at active and control sites and by means of an electronic barostat in the rectum. Thresholds for discomfort and perception cumulative scores were measured.

Results
Mild and severe IBS patients without FMS demonstrated a significantly lower somatic perception cumulative score than severe IBS patients with FMS at active site. Conversely only severe IBS patients without FMS had significantly lower visceral thresholds for discomfort than mild IBS patients and severe IBS patients with FMS.

Conclusions
The presence of co-existing FMS or greater FBDSI affects somatic and visceral perception in a graded fashion across IBS patients.
Role of the skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Salava Alexander , Lauerma Antti 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder and characterized by abnormalities in both skin barrier structures and alternations of the immune response. Molecular genetics have dramatically changed our vision of the micro‐organisms colonizing the human skin and recently well‐documented changes in the skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis have become evident. The microbiome shifts have been primarily documented during disease flares and localized to sites of disease predilection, e.g. folds or facial area. In contrast, active treatment has been associated with a recolonisation and higher cutaneous microbial diversity. Additionally to the known dysfunctions in barrier function of the skin (e.g. filaggrin mutations) and immunologic disturbances (e.g. Th2‐shift), evidence is rising that atopic dermatitis is also connected to a dysbiosis of the microbial community without an invading pathogen. In the future the investigation of the patient's skin microbiome may have a foothold in the clinician's diagnostic repertoire and treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Boronic acids for sensing and other applications - a mini-review of papers published in 2013
Authors: Lacina Karel , Skládal Petr , James Tony D 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBoronic acids are increasingly utilised in diverse areas of research. Including the interactions of boronic acids with diols and strong Lewis bases as fluoride or cyanide anions, which leads to their utility in various sensing applications. The sensing applications can be homogeneous assays or heterogeneous detection. Detection can be at the interface of the sensing material or within the bulk sample. Furthermore, the key interaction of boronic acids with diols allows utilisation in various areas ranging from biological labelling, protein manipulation and modification, separation and the development of therapeutics. All the above uses and applications are covered by this mini-review of papers published during 2013.
Identification and Characterization of Membrane Androgen Receptors in the ZIP9 Zinc Transporter Subfamily: II. Role of Human ZIP9 in Testosterone-Induced Prostate and Breast Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Thomas Peter , Pang Yefei , Dong Jing , Berg A. Håkan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRecently, we discovered a cDNA in teleost ovarian follicle cells belonging to the zinc transporter ZIP9 subfamily (SLC39A9) encoding a protein with characteristics of a membrane androgen receptor (mAR). Here, we demonstrate that human ZIP9 expressed in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells and stably overexpressed in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells (PC-3-ZIP9) also displays the ligand binding and signaling characteristics of a specific, high-affinity mAR. Testosterone treatment of MDA-MB-468 and PC-3-ZIP9 cells caused activation of G proteins and second messenger pathways as well as increases in intracellular free zinc concentrations that were accompanied by induction of apoptosis. [1,2,6,7-3H]-testosterone binding and these responses were abrogated in MDA-MB-468 cells after ZIP9 small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment and absent in PC-3 cells transfected with empty vector, confirming that ZIP9 functions as an mAR. Testosterone treatment caused up-regulation of proapoptotic genes Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein), p53 (tumor protein p53), and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinases) in both cell lines and increased expression of Bax, Caspase 3, and cytochrome C proteins. Treatment with a zinc chelator or a MAPK inhibitor blocked testosterone-induced increases in Bax, p53, and JNK mRNA expression. The results suggest that both androgen signaling and zinc transporter functions of ZIP9 mediate testosterone promotion of apoptosis. ZIP9 is widely expressed in human tissues and up-regulated in malignant breast and prostate tissues, suggesting that it is a potential therapeutic target for treating breast and prostate cancers. These results provide the first evidence for a mechanism mediated by a single protein through which steroid and zinc signaling pathways interact to regulate physiological functions in mammalian cells.
Attachment ofGalerucella nymphaeae(Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)to surfaces with different surface energy
Authors: Grohmann Constanze , Blankenstein Andreas , Koops Sven , Gorb Stanislav N. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractNumerous studies deal with insect attachment on surfaces with different roughness, however, little is known about insect attachment on surfaces with different chemistry. In the present study, we describe attachment structures of the water-lily leaf beetle Galerucella nymphaeae (Linnaeus, 1758) and test the hypothesis that larval and adult stages can generate strongest attachment on surfaces with contact angles that are similar to those of leaves of their host plants. The larvae bear a smooth attachment system with arolium-like structures at their legs and a pygopodium at the abdomen tip. Adults have pointed setae on the ventral side of the two proximal tarsomeres and densely arranged spatula-shaped ones on their third tarsomere. In a centrifugal force tester, larvae and adults attained highest friction forces and safety factors on surfaces with a water contact angle of 83° compared to those of 6, 26 and 109°. This comes close to the contact angle of their host plant Nuphar lutea (86°). The similarity of larval and adult performances might be a result of a similar chemical composition of their attachment fluid. We compare our findings with previous studies on the forces insects generate on surfaces with different surface energies.
Olfactory sensitivity to steroid glucuronates in Mozambique tilapia suggests two distinct and specific receptors for pheromone detection
Authors: Keller-Costa Tina , Canario Adelino V.M. , Hubbard Peter C. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Cichlids offer an exciting opportunity to understand vertebrate speciation; chemical communication could be one of the drivers of African cichlid radiation. Chemical signals mediate key aspects in the lives of vertebrates and often are species-specific. Dominant male Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus Peters 1852) release a sex pheromone, 5β-pregnan-3α,17α,20β-triol 3-glucuronate and its 20α-epimer, via their urine. The objective of this study was to assess sensitivity, specificity and versatility of the olfactory system of O. mossambicus to other steroids and their conjugates using the electro-olfactogram. O. mossambicus was sensitive to several 3-glucuronidated steroids, but did not respond to prostaglandins, unconjugated steroids or 17- or 20-conjugated steroids. Stimulation of the olfactory epithelium with increasing concentrations (10-12 M to 10-5 M) of 5β-pregnan-3α,17α,20β-triol 3-glucuronate, 5β-pregnan-3α,17α,20α-triol 3-glucuronate, 3α,17α-dihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one 3-glucuronate, etiocholanolone 3α-glucuronate and 17β-estradiol 3-glucuronate produced characteristic sigmoidal concentration-response curves. However, tilapia were most sensitive to 17β-estradiol-3-glucuronate, which also had the lowest apparent EC50 and maximal response amplitude. Cross-adaptation and binary mixture experiments suggested that 5β,3α-reduced pregnan- and androsta- 3-glucuronates share (a) common olfactory receptor(s), whereas 17β-estradiol 3-glucuronate is detected via (a) distinct olfactory receptor(s). In conclusion, the Mozambique tilapia has evolved high olfactory sensitivity and specificity to 3-glucuronidated steroids through two distinct olfactory receptor types; one detecting a male sex pheromone and a second detecting 17β-estradiol 3-glucuronate, a putative female-derived signal. However, O. mossambicus differs much in its olfactory perception from the more recently derived East African cichlid Astatotilapia burtoni, suggesting that chemical communication could, indeed, be involved in speciation.
Synthesis of Responsive Fluorescent Nucleobases 7-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-7-deazahypoxanthine and 7-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-7-deazaguanine Using Cross-coupling Reaction
Authors: Tokugawa Munefumi , Kaneko Kazuhei , Saito Masanori , Kanamori Takashi , Masaki Yoshiaki , Ohkubo Akihiro , Sekine Mitsuo , Seio Kohji 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In order to develop fluorescent guanine analogs having substitutions at the 7-positions, 7-(benzofuran-2-yl)-7-deazahypoxanthine (1a) and 7-(benzofuran-2-yl)-7-deazaguanine (1b), were synthesized from 7-deaza-7-iodohypoxanthine and 7-deaza-7-iodo-2-N-pivaloylguanine via a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling, respectively. Compound 1b showed strong fluorescence, with higher fluorescent quantum yields in less polar solvents; meanwhile, 1a showed higher activity in more polar solvents. It is expected that the guanine analogs can be incorporated into nucleosides to develop new fluorescent oligonucleotides.
Isocrates and Some topoi Re-Invented
Authors: Janik Joanna 
Published: October 2014

Isocrates and Some topoi Re-Invented
Isocrates, a political commentator, writer and teacher, was usually praised for his style and erudition, but hardly considered to be an original author. This opinion, however, seems to be a little unjust; Isocrates was perfectly able to use his profound knowledge of the Greek tradition in order to support his views, not always in a way one might have expected. In the way Isocrates refers to the well-known motifs and personalities one may discover an original approach. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate this technique with reference to Solon’ ethics and the person of Socrates.
Global Dual Sourcing and Order Smoothing: The Impact of Capacity and Lead Times
Authors: Boute Robert N. , Van Mieghem Jan A. 
Published: October 2014

After decades of offshoring production across the world, companies are rethinking their global networks. Local sourcing is receiving more attention, but it remains challenging to balance the offshore sourcing cost advantage against the increased inventories, because of its longer lead time, and against the cost and (volume) flexibility of each source’s capacity. To guide strategic allocation in this global network decision, this paper establishes reasonably simple prescriptions that capture the key drivers. We adopt a conventional discrete-time inventory model with a linear control rule that smoothes orders and allows an exact and analytically tractable analysis of single- and dual-sourcing policies under normal demand. Distinguishing features of our model are that it captures each source’s lead time, capacity cost, and flexibility to work overtime. We use Lagrange’s inversion theorem to provide exact and simple square-root bound formulae for the strategic sourcing allocations and the value of dual sourcing. The formulae provide structural insight on the impact of financial, operational, and demand parameters, and a starting point for quantitative decision making. We investigate the robustness of our results by comparing the smoothing policy with existing single- and dual-sourcing models in a simulation study that relaxes model assumptions. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Buy-It-Now or Take-a-Chance: Price Discrimination Through Randomized Auctions
Authors: Celis L. Elisa , Lewis Gregory , Mobius Markus , Nazerzadeh Hamid 
Published: October 2014

Increasingly detailed consumer information makes sophisticated price discrimination possible. At fine levels of aggregation, demand may not obey standard regularity conditions. We propose a new randomized sales mechanism for such environments. Bidders can “buy-it-now” at a posted price, or “take-a-chance” in an auction where the top d > 1 bidders are equally likely to win. The randomized allocation incentivizes high-valuation bidders to buy-it-now. We analyze equilibrium behavior and apply our analysis to advertiser bidding data from Microsoft Advertising Exchange. In counterfactual simulations, our mechanism increases revenue by 4.4% and consumer surplus by 14.5% compared to an optimal second-price auction. This paper was accepted by Assaf Zeevi, stochastic models and simulation.
What Death Can Tell: Are Executives Paid for Their Contributions to Firm Value?
Authors: Nguyen Bang Dang , Nielsen Kasper Meisner 
Published: October 2014

Using stock price reactions to sudden deaths of top executives as a measure of expected contribution to shareholder value, we examine the relationship between executive pay and managerial contribution to shareholder value. We find, first, that the managerial labor market is characterized by positive sorting: managers with high perceived contributions to shareholder value obtain higher pay. The executive pay-contribution relationship is stronger for professional executives and for executives with high compensation. We estimate, second, that an average top executive (chief executive officer) appears to retain 71% (65%) of the marginal rent from the firm-manager relationship. We examine, third, how the executive pay-contribution relationship varies with individual, firm, and industry characteristics. Overall, our results are informative for the ongoing discussion about the level of executive compensation. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Selecting the Best? Spillover and Shadows in Elimination Tournaments
Authors: Brown Jennifer , Minor Dylan B. 
Published: October 2014

We consider how past, current, and future competition within an elimination tournament affect the probability that the stronger player wins. We present a two-stage model that yields the following main results: (1) a shadow effect wherein the stronger the expected future competitor, the lower the probability that the stronger player wins in the current stage; and (2) an effort spillover effect wherein previous effort reduces the probability that the stronger player wins in the current stage. We test our theory predictions using data from high-stakes tournaments. Empirical results suggest that shadow and spillover effects influence match outcomes and have already been priced into betting markets.This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.