bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of hematological and serum biochemical normal values of captive housed Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus monkeys and correlation with the age
Authors: Castro Jorge , Puente Pedro , Martínez Rafael , Hernández Alexander , Martínez Leticia , Pichardo Dagmara , Aldana Lizet , Valdés Iris , Cosme Karelia
Published: December 2015

Background

Some factors such as sex, age, and captivity conditions have a direct influence on the normal hematological and serum biochemical parameters of African green monkeys. On the other hand, reliability in reported values is in many cases limited by studied animal number (<200) and there is not report on the correlation of these parameters with the age in each sex animal group. Thus, this study sought determining normal hematological (11) and serum biochemical parameters (9) of 400 captive housed African green monkeys and also correlate them with the age of the animals.

Methods

A total of 200 females and 200 males were grouped by the sex and age groups (1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8 years old) for measuring normal values of hematological and serum biochemical parameters and to study the correlation of these parameters with the age of the animals.

Results

As key outcome, the main hematological and serum biochemical reference values of African green monkeys were determined. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among 95% of studied parameters between males and females. About 75% and 95% of the parameters were influenced by the age in the female and male groups, respectively. About 35% of hematological and serum biochemical parameters correlated positively (R2 > 0.5) with the age in the female monkeys. On the contrary in the male monkeys, only 45% of parameters correlated positively with the age (R2 > 0.5).

Conclusions

Thus, authors believe that results of this study are important for assisting researchers in the assessment of health status of captive housed African green monkeys for preclinical studies.
Role of d‐amino acid oxidase in the production of kynurenine pathway metabolites from d‐tryptophan in mice
Authors: Notarangelo Francesca M. , Wang Xiao‐Dan , Horning Kyle J. , Schwarcz Robert
Published: December 2015

The kynurenine pathway (KP), the major catabolic route of the essential amino acid l‐tryptophan (l‐TRP), contains several neuroactive compounds, including kynurenic acid, 3‐hydroxykynurenine (3‐HK), and quinolinic acid (QUIN). The role of the d‐enantiomer (d‐TRP) in KP metabolism has received little attention so far. d‐TRP can be converted to l‐TRP by d‐amino acid oxidase, and the same enzyme can produce d‐kynurenine, a known bioprecursor of KYNA. To analyze these complex metabolic events systematically in vivo, we injected mice with d‐TRP (300 mg/kg, i.p.) and examined KP metabolism in the absence or presence of the d‐amino acid oxidase inhibitor 3‐methylpyrazole‐5‐carboxylic acid (MPC; 100 mg/kg, i.p.,). After 90 min, newly formed l‐TRP was recovered in plasma, liver, forebrain, and cerebellum, and MPC prevented its neosynthesis in all tissues. In the same animals, de novo production of d‐kynurenine from d‐TRP was also observed, but was much higher in the periphery than in the brain. d‐TRP administration raised KYNA, 3‐HK, and QUIN levels in all tissues examined, and KYNA production from d‐TRP was significantly reduced after pre‐treatment with MPC. These results indicate that catabolic routes other than those classically ascribed to l‐TRP and l‐kynurenine can account for the synthesis of KYNA, 3‐HK and QUINin vivo.

image

The essential amino acid l‐tryptophan is catabolized via the kynurenine pathway (KP). We explored the role of the d‐enantiomer in KP metabolism in mice in vivo. We report that d‐tryptophan is metabolized in both brain and periphery and converted to KP metabolites, including d‐kynurenine and l‐kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3‐hydroxykynurenine, and quinolinic acid. Pharmacological experiments confirm the involvement of d‐amino acid oxidase in these processes. Our results indicate that this enzyme participates in the synthesis of KP metabolites from d‐tryptophan.
In vivo and in vitro effects of multiple sclerosis immunomodulatory therapeutics on glutamatergic excitotoxicity
Authors: Luchtman Dirk , Gollan René , Ellwardt Erik , Birkenstock Jérôme , Robohm Kerstin , Siffrin Volker , Zipp Frauke
Published: December 2015

In multiple sclerosis (MS), a candidate downstream mechanism for neuronal injury is glutamate (Glu)‐induced excitotoxicity, leading to toxic increases in intraneuronal Ca2+. Here, we used in vivo two‐photon imaging in the brain of TN‐XXL transgenic Ca2+ reporter mice to test whether promising oral MS therapeutics, namely fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, and their respective metabolites fingolimod‐phosphate and monomethyl fumarate, can protect neurons against acute glutamatergic excitotoxic damage. We also assessed whether these drugs can protect against excitotoxicity in vitro using primary cortical neurons, and whether they can directly inhibit Glu release from pathogenic T‐helper 17 lymphocytes. In vivo, direct and acute (1 h) administration of 100 mM Glu to the brainstem resulted in a rapid and significant up‐regulation in neuronal Ca2+ signaling as well as morphological excitotoxic changes that were attenuated by the NMDA‐receptor antagonist MK801. Direct CNS administration of MS drugs prior to Glu significantly delayed or reduced, but did not prevent the neuronal Ca2+ increase or morphological changes. In vitro, prolonged (24 h) treatment of primary neurons with the fumarates significantly protected against neurotoxicity induced by Glu as well as NMDA, similar to MK801. Furthermore, monomethyl fumerate significantly reduced Glu release from pathogenic T‐helper 17 lymphocytes. Overall, these data suggest that MS drugs may mediate neuroprotection via excitotoxicity modulating effects.

image

Evidence suggests MS pathogenesis may involve neuronal excitotoxicity, induced by local release of glutamate. However, current MS drugs, including dimethyl fumerate (DMF) and fingolimod (FTY720) are largely anti‐inflammatory and not yet fully tested for their neuroprotective potential. Here, we show that the drugs, in particular DMF metabolite monomethyl fumerate (MMF), protect neurons by excitotoxicity modulating effects. Th17, T‐helper 17.
Glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase augments the intercellular transmission and toxicity of polyglutamine aggregates in a cell model of Huntington disease
Authors: Mikhaylova Elena R. , Lazarev Vladimir F. , Nikotina Alina D. , Margulis Boris A. , Guzhova Irina V.
Published: December 2015

The common feature of Huntington disease is the accumulation of oligomers or aggregates of mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT), which causes the death of a subset of striatal neuronal populations. The cytotoxic species can leave neurons and migrate to other groups of cells penetrating and damaging them in a prion‐like manner. We hypothesized that the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), previously shown to elevate the aggregation of mHTT, is associated with an increased efficiency of intercellular propagation of mHTT. GAPDH, on its own or together with polyglutamine species, was shown to be released into the extracellular milieu mainly from dying cells as assessed by a novel enzyme immunoassay, western blotting, and ultrafiltration. The conditioned medium of cells with growing GAPDH‐polyQ aggregates was toxic to naïve cells, whereas depletion of the aggregates from the medium lowered this cytotoxicity. The GAPDH component of the aggregates was found to increase their toxicity by two‐fold in comparison with polyQ alone. Furthermore, GAPDH‐polyQ complexes were shown to penetrate acceptor cells and to increase the capacity of polyQ to prionize its intracellular homolog containing a repeat of 25 glutamine residues. Finally, inhibitors of intracellular transport showed that polyQ‐GAPDH complexes, as well as GAPDH itself, penetrated cells using clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. This suggested a pivotal role of the enzyme in the intercellular transmission of Huntington disease pathogenicity. In conclusion, GAPDH occurring in complexes with polyglutamine strengthens the prion‐like activity and toxicity of the migrating aggregates.

image

Aggregating polygluatmine tracts were shown to release from the cells over‐expressing mutant huntingtin in a complex with glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The enzyme enhances the intracellular transport of aggregates to healthy cells, prionization of normal cellular proteins and finally cell death, thus demonstrating the pivotal role of GAPDH in the horizontal transmission of neurodegeneration.
Xerostomia Among Older Adults With Low Income: Nuisance or Warning?
Authors: Lee Young‐Shin , Kim Hee‐Gerl , Moreno Kim
Published: December 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of xerostomia and related factors among low‐income older adults in South Korea.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional, population‐based study.

Methods

Using data from the Home Healthcare Service Project, a population‐based interview survey with home healthcare service, a total of 9,840 adults 65 years of age and older were assessed for the presence of xerostomia in association with aspects of health lifestyles, chronic disease, oral conditions, and oral function.

Results

Overall, 40% of participants reported experiencing xerostomia. Multivariate regression analysis indicated xerostomia was more likely to be reported by women having symptoms of gingival bleeding/pain, having difficulty swallowing liquid or chewing solid food, and having multiple chronic diseases. Interestingly, older adults who live alone and drink alcohol (two or more times per week) reported fewer problems with xerostomia.

Conclusions

Increased focus on the detrimental health consequences of xerostomia would make treatment a higher priority. Improved assessment of at‐risk populations, particularly among the elderly, could lead to earlier preventative interventions, lessening the negative impact on quality of life.

Clinical Relevance

Health professionals along with the general public need increased knowledge about the detrimental effects of xerostomia on overall health. There is a need for earlier assessment and treatment to facilitate optimal health promotion and disease prevention.
Oral Cobalamin Supplementation in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies and Hypocobalaminemia
Authors: Toresson L. , Steiner J.M. , Suchodolski J.S. , Spillmann T.
Published: December 2015

Background

Cobalamin deficiency is commonly associated with chronic enteropathies (CE) in dogs and current treatment protocols recommend parenteral supplementation. In humans, several studies have reported equal efficacy of oral and parenteral cobalamin administration of cobalamin.

Objectives

To retrospectively evaluate whether oral cobalamin supplementation can restore normocobalaminemia in dogs with CE and hypocobalaminemia.

Animals

Fifty‐one client‐owned dogs with various signs of CE and hypocobalaminemia.

Material and Methods

Retrospective study based on a computerized database search for dogs treated at Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden during January 2012–March 2014. Inclusion criteria were dogs with signs of CE, an initial serum cobalamin ≤270 ng/L (reference interval: 234–811 ng/L) and oral treatment with cobalamin tablets. Serum cobalamin for follow‐up was analyzed 20–202 days after continuous oral cobalamin supplementation started.

Results

All dogs became normocobalaminemic with oral cobalamin supplementation. The mean increase in serum cobalamin concentration after treatment was 794 ± 462 ng/L. Serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly higher after supplementation (mean 1017 ± 460 ng/L; P < .0001) than at baseline (mean 223 ± 33 ng/L).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our results suggest that oral cobalamin supplementation is effective in normalizing serum cobalamin concentrations in dogs with CE. Prospective studies comparing cellular cobalamin status in dogs being treated with parenteral versus oral cobalamin supplementation are warranted before oral supplementation can be recommended for routine supplementation.
cmv1 is a gate for Cucumber mosaic virus transport from bundle sheath cells to phloem in melon
Authors: Guiu‐Aragonés Cèlia , Sánchez‐Pina María Amelia , Díaz‐Pendón Juan Antonio , Peña Eduardo J. , Heinlein Manfred , Martín‐Hernández Ana Montserrat
Published: December 2015

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has the broadest host range among plant viruses, causing enormous losses in agriculture. In melon, strains of subgroup II are unable to establish a systemic infection in the near‐isogenic line SC12‐1‐99, which carries the recessive resistance gene cmv1 from the accession PI 161375, cultivar ‘Songwhan Charmi’. Strains of subgroup I overcome cmv1 resistance in a manner dependent on the movement protein. We characterized the resistance conferred by cmv1 and established that CMV‐LS (subgroup II) can move from cell to cell up to the veins in the inoculated leaf, but cannot enter the phloem. Immunogold labelling at transmission electron microscopy level showed that CMV‐LS remains restricted to the bundle sheath (BS) cells in the resistant line, and does not invade vascular parenchyma or intermediary cells, whereas, in the susceptible line ‘Piel de Sapo’ (PS), the virus invades all vein cell types. These observations indicate that the resistant allele of cmv1 restricts systemic infection in a virus strain‐ and cell type‐specific manner by acting as an important gatekeeper for virus progression from BS cells to phloem cells. Graft inoculation experiments showed that CMV‐LS cannot move from the infected PS stock into the resistant cmv1 scion, thus suggesting an additional role for cmv1 related to CMV transport within or exit from the phloem. The characterization of this new form of recessive resistance, based on a restriction of virus systemic movement, opens up the possibility to design alternative approaches for breeding strategies in melon.
Diagnosis and management of aspergillosis in the Netherlands: a national survey
Authors: Lestrade Pieter P. A. , Meis Jacques F. , Arends Jan P. , van der Beek Martha T. , de Brauwer Els , van Dijk Karin , de Greeff Sabine C. , Haas Pieter‐Jan , Hodiamont Caspar J. , Kuijper Ed J. , Leenstra Tjalling , Muller Anouk E. , Oude Lashof Astrid M. L. , Rijnders Bart J. , Roelofsen Eveline , Rozemeijer Wouter , Tersmette Mathijs , Terveer Elizabeth M. , Verduin Cees M. , Wolfhagen Maurice J. H. M. , Melchers Willem J. G. , Verweij Paul E.
Published: December 2015

A survey of diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis was conducted in eight University Medical Centers (UMCs) and eight non‐academic teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Against a background of emerging azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus routine resistance screening of clinical isolates was performed primarily in the UMCs. Azole resistance rates at the hospital level varied between 5% and 10%, although rates up to 30% were reported in high‐risk wards. Voriconazole remained first choice for invasive aspergillosis in 13 out of 16 hospitals. In documented azole resistance 14 out of 16 centres treated patients with liposomal amphotericin B.
Comparison of biotyping methods as alternative identification tools to molecular typing of pathogenic Cryptococcus species in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Nyazika Tinashe K. , Robertson Valerie J. , Nherera Brenda , Mapondera Prichard T. , Meis Jacques F. , Hagen Ferry
Published: December 2015

Cryptococcal meningitis is the leading fungal infection and AIDS defining opportunistic illness in patients with late stage HIV infection, particularly in South‐East Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa. Given the high mortality, clinical differences and the extensive ecological niche of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes, there is need for laboratories in sub‐Sahara African countries to adopt new and alternative reliable diagnostic algorithms that rapidly identify and distinguish these species. We biotyped 74 and then amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genotyped 66 Cryptococcus isolates from a cohort of patients with HIV‐associated cryptococcal meningitis. C. gattii sensu lato was isolated at a prevalence of 16.7% (n = 11/66) and C. neoformans sensu stricto was responsible for 83.3% (n = 55/66) of the infections. l‐Canavanine glycine bromothymol blue, yeast‐carbon‐base‐d‐proline‐d‐tryptophan and creatinine dextrose bromothymol blue thymine were able to distinguish pathogenic C. gattii sensu lato from C. neoformans sensu stricto species when compared with AFLP genotyping. This study demonstrates high C. gattii sensu lato prevalence in Zimbabwe. In addition, biotyping methods can be used as alternative diagnostic tools to molecular typing in resource‐limited areas for differentiating pathogenic Cryptococcus species.
‘I didn't feel like I was alone anymore’: evaluating self‐organised employee coping practices conducted via Facebook
Authors: Cohen Nicola , Richards James
Published: December 2015

The long‐term fracturing of the labour movement has led to increased attention to employee coping practices under new management practices and labour processes. However, the literature caters little for the recent rise of employees taking to social networking sites (SNSs), such as Facebook, to find ways to cope with the pressures of contemporary employment. To explore the self‐organised coping qualities of SNSs, interviews were conducted with front line workers, employed by a large anti‐trade union US retailer, who contribute to a self‐organised Facebook group set up as a place for fellow employees to deal with collective employment‐related problems. The main findings suggest employee self‐organised Facebook groups represent an important development and extension to the coping practices available to individual and groups of employees. The main implication of the findings is that Facebook groups appear to strengthen and widen the options for employee resilience in an age of continuing trade union retreat.
Introgression of antioxidant activity into cassava (Manihot esculenta C.): an effective technique for extending fresh storage roots shelf life
Authors: Nduwumuremyi Athanase , Melis Rob , Shanahan Paul , Asiimwe Theodore
Published: December 2015

Physiological postharvest deterioration (PPD) of cassava is the main constraint affecting its nutritional and economical values. PPD is induced by wounds when detaching storage roots from mother plant during harvesting. It is accelerated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as oxygen ion (O2) and peroxide (O2)−2. The carotenoid content and its antioxidant property can help in extending shelf life of cassava storage roots. The primary mode of action of carotenoids as antioxidant is to quench singlet oxygen. Cassava breeding was reported to successfully introgress and improve carotenoid content into cassava. The two types of phytoene synthase (PSY) enzymes (PSY1 and PSY2) are key regulators of carotenoids accumulation in cassava. Carotenoids formation and accumulation in cassava storage roots are induced by a single nucleotide polymorphism in PSY2 which causes a non‐conservative amino acid exchange. This single nucleotide polymorphism in PSY gene is co‐segregated with β‐carotene in cassava storage roots, a phenomenon that could help to unravel the mechanism of introgression of carotenoids into cassava. This article investigates breeding feasibility for improving quality of cassava landraces in developing countries.
Functional characterization of the chaperon‐like protein Cdc48 in cryptogein‐induced immune response in tobacco
Authors: Rosnoblet Claire , Bègue Hervé , Blanchard Cécile , Pichereaux Carole , Besson‐Bard Angélique , Aimé Sébastien , Wendehenne David
Published: December 2015

Cdc48, a molecular chaperone conserved in different kingdoms, is a member of the AAA+ family contributing to numerous processes in mammals including proteins quality control and degradation, vesicular trafficking, autophagy and immunity. The functions of Cdc48 plant orthologues are less understood. We previously reported that Cdc48 is regulated by S‐nitrosylation in tobacco cells undergoing an immune response triggered by cryptogein, an elicitin produced by the oomycete Phytophthora cryptogea. Here, we inv estigated the function of NtCdc48 in cryptogein signalling and induced hypersensitive‐like cell death. NtCdc48 was found to accumulate in elicited cells at both the protein and transcript levels. Interestingly, only a small proportion of the overall NtCdc48 population appeared to be S‐nitrosylated. Using gel filtration in native conditions, we confirmed that NtCdc48 was present in its hexameric active form. An immunoprecipitation‐based strategy following my mass spectrometry analysis led to the identification of about a hundred NtCdc48 partners and underlined its contribution in cellular processes including targeting of ubiquitylated proteins for proteasome‐dependent degradation, subcellular trafficking and redox regulation. Finally, the analysis of cryptogein‐induced events in NtCdc48‐overexpressing cells highlighted a correlation between NtCdc48 expression and hypersensitive cell death. Altogether, this study identified NtCdc48 as a component of cryptogein signalling and plant immunity.
Compensatory mechanisms mitigate the effect of warming and drought on wood formation
Authors: Balducci Lorena , Cuny Henri E. , Rathgeber Cyrille B. K. , Deslauriers Annie , Giovannelli Alessio , Rossi Sergio
Published: December 2015

Because of global warming, high‐latitude ecosystems are expected to experience increases in temperature and drought events. Wood formation will have to adjust to these new climatic constraints to maintain tree mechanical stability and long‐distance water transport. The aim of this study is to understand the dynamic processes involved in wood formation under warming and drought. Xylogenesis, gas exchange, water relations and wood anatomy of black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] saplings were monitored during a greenhouse experiment where temperature was increased during daytime or night‐time (+6 °C) combined with a drought period. The kinetics of tracheid development expressed as rate and duration of the xylogenesis sub‐processes were quantified using generalized additive models. Drought and warming had a strong influence on cell production, but little effect on wood anatomy. The increase in cell production rate under warmer temperatures, and especially during the night‐time warming at the end of the growing season, resulted in wider tree‐rings. However, the strong compensation between rates and durations of cell differentiation processes mitigates warming and drought effects on tree‐ring structure. Our results allowed quantification of how wood formation kinetics is regulated when water and heat stress increase, allowing trees to adapt to future environmental conditions.
PTSD in solid organ transplant recipients: Current understanding and future implications
Authors: Supelana C. , Annunziato R. A. , Kaplan D. , Helcer J. , Stuber M. L. , Shemesh E.
Published: December 2015

PTSS are quite prevalent in transplant recipients, although full‐scale PTSD may not be that common. Those symptoms have been linked to poor transplant outcomes, perhaps owing to non‐adherence to medications and other recommendations, brought about by the avoidance dimension of the PTSD/PTSS construct (patients may avoid taking their medications because they serve as reminder of the emotionally traumatic event—the transplant). It is possible to treat PTSD via specific psychotherapeutic techniques, and the treatment has been shown to be safe and likely effective in other populations. Therefore, practitioners who treat transplant recipients should be familiar with the presentation and treatment of those symptoms. This manuscript provides a systematic literature review of the PTSD/PTSS presentation in the pediatric transplant setting, a synthesis of available research findings, and suggestions for current care and future research.
Relationship between circulating tumour cell count and prognosis following chemotherapy in patients with advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Xiao Yi , Zhao Jing , Chen Minjiang , Xu Yan , Zhong Wei , Xing Jia , Wang Mengzhao
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

This study investigated whether circulating tumour cells (CTC) are detectable in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and whether CTC count could provide prognostic information or serve as an indicator of patient response to chemotherapy.

Methods

We enrolled 46 patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent NSCLC. CTC were measured at baseline in all patients and in 23 patients, CTC were also measured before every chemotherapy cycle. The relationship between CTC count and tumour size was analysed.

Results

CTC were present in 40 patients (87%); among them, 29 (63%) had a CTC count of ≥3 cells/3.2 mL, 17 (37%) had a CTC count of ≥5 cells/3.2 mL and 7 (15.2%) had a CTC count of ≥8 cells/3.2 mL. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 7.3 months and 16 months, respectively. A CTC count of more than eight prior to chemotherapy was a strong predictor of reduced PFS (P = 0.018) and OS (P = 0.026). A multivariate analysis indicated that baseline CTC count was an independent negative prognostic factor for survival. However, no correlation was observed between CTC count and tumour size after two chemotherapy cycles, its relationship with chemotherapy response still needs to be defined.

Conclusion

Baseline CTC count is an independent negative prognostic factor for NSCLC; The relationship of CTC and survival after chemotherapy still needs to be defined.
(Cost‐)effectiveness of self‐treatment of exacerbations in patients with COPD: 2 years follow‐up of a RCT
Authors: Zwerink Marlies , Kerstjens Huib AM , van der Palen Job , van der Valk Paul , Brusse‐Keizer Marjolein , Zielhuis Gerhard , Effing Tanja
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

Long‐term effectiveness of action plans in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is minimally investigated. We have evaluated the (cost‐)effectiveness of a self‐management programme with or without self‐treatment of exacerbations after 2 years follow‐up.

Methods

Self‐management with or without self‐treatment of exacerbations was randomly assigned to patients. All patients participated in four self‐management meetings. Patients in the self‐treatment group (STG) also learned to use an action plan to start a course of prednisolone and/or antibiotics in case of worsening of symptoms. Primary outcome was the duration and severity of exacerbations.

Results

Data of 70 COPD patients in the STG and 72 patients in the control group (CG) were analysed. Over 2 years, the median number of exacerbation days was significantly lower in the STG (50, IQR: 32–115) compared with the CG (82, IQR: 22–186) (P = 0.047), as was the mean symptom score of an exacerbation (STG: 43.4, IQR 27.2–68.6 vs CG: 55.9, IQR: 31.2–96.8) (P = 0.029). Also, patients in the STG visited the respiratory physician and emergency department less frequently than patients in the CG with incidence rate ratios of 1.52 (95% CI: 1.28–1.79) and 2.27 (95% CI: 1.11–4.62), respectively. Direct medical costs per patient over 2 years were €1078 lower in the STG.

Conclusion

Self‐treatment of exacerbations is beneficial in COPD patients without significant comorbidities because it reduces exacerbation duration, exacerbation severity and health‐care utilization leading to considerable cost savings.
Gender differences of muscle and crural fascia origins in relation to the occurrence of medial tibial stress syndrome
Authors: Edama M. , Onishi H. , Kubo M. , Takabayashi T. , Yokoyama E. , Inai T. , Watanabe H. , Nashimoto S. , Koga Y. , Kageyama I.
Published: December 2015

Although women reportedly have a higher prevalence of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) than men, the possible role of gender‐based anatomical differences has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of gender‐based differences in the range of muscle attachments along the entire medial tibia, the proportion of muscle attachment at the middle and distal thirds of the medial margin of the tibia, the structure of the crural fascia, and chiasm position. The specimens were 100 legs of 55 Japanese cadavers. Statistical analysis was carried out using a chi‐square test to compare anatomical features between the sexes. The flexor digitorum longus (FDL) had a higher proportion of attachment to the middle and distal thirds of the medial margin of the tibia than the soleus (SOL; P < 0.001). The proportion of the SOL attachment to the middle and distal thirds of the medial margin of the tibia was 33.3% in men and 72.5% in women (P < 0.001). The soleal aponeurosis was not observed in any specimen. In all specimens the FDL formed the top layer of both chiasms. These results suggest that the higher prevalence of MTSS reported among women may be the result of gender‐based anatomical differences.
Reconciling Windfarms with Rural Place Identity: Exploring Residents’ Attitudes to Existing Sites
Authors: Wheeler Rebecca
Published: December 2015

There is a wealth of literature exploring attitudes towards windfarms and the various debates surrounding them. However, for the most part, this literature has focused on responses to proposed sites, rather than exploring the long‐term impacts of windfarms on local residents. This paper presents the findings from qualitative research in three English villages, which investigated how existing local windfarms are perceived and experienced by local residents, and how such new structures are incorporated into conceptualisations of rural place over time. The results show that, whilst concerns remain in some instances, the windfarms have (perhaps surprisingly) become a familiar and unremarkable – or even valued – part of the landscape for many people. Here, the varied interpretations of existing windfarms, and the place‐based processes underlying them, are discussed with particular reference to rural identities and local contexts. The potential implications of the findings for managing future rural change are also considered.
Master regulators in primary skin fibroblast fate reprogramming in a human ex vivo model of chronic wounds
Authors: Noizet Maïté , Lagoutte Emilie , Gratigny Marlène , Bouschbacher Marielle , Lazareth Isabelle , Roest Crollius Hugues , Darzacq Xavier , Dugast‐Darzacq Claire
Published: December 2015

Fibroblasts are important players in regulating tissue homeostasis. In the dermis, they are involved in wound healing where they differentiate into contractile myofibroblasts leading to wound closure. In nonhealing chronic wounds, fibroblasts fail to undertake differentiation. We established and used a human ex vivo model of chronic wounds where fibroblasts can undergo normal myofibroblast differentiation, or take on a nondifferentiable pathological state. At the whole genome scale, we identified the genes that are differentially regulated in these two cell fates. By coupling the search of evolutionary conserved regulatory elements with global gene network expression changes, we identified transcription factors (TF) potentially involved in myofibroblast differentiation, and constructed a network of relationship between these key factors. Among these, we found that TCF4, SOX9, EGR2, and FOXS1 are major regulators of fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. Conversely, down‐regulation of MEOX2, SIX2, and MAF causes reprogramming of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts even in absence of TGF‐β, the natural inducer of myofibroblast differentiation. These results provide insight into the fibroblast differentiation program and reveal a TF network essential for cellular reprogramming. They could lead to the development of new therapeutics to treat fibroblast‐related human pathologies.
USING THE FUZZY MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING APPROACH FOR SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS PRIORITIZATION
Authors: Achimugu Philip , Selamat Ali , Ibrahim Roliana
Published: December 2015

To avoid breach of agreement or contract in software development projects, stakeholders converge to prioritize specified requirements. This is due to the fact that, not all the specified requirements can be implemented in a single release. Therefore, prioritization is the act of rating requirements according to their relative importance by project stakeholders in order to plan for software release phases. The problem of existing prioritization techniques includes computational complexities, ranking inaccuracy and large disparities between final ranks among others. Consequently, this paper presents an improved approach for prioritizing requirements for software projects requirements with stakeholders based on the limitations of existing prioritization techniques using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) approach.
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY IN MAJOR RIVERS OF KELANTAN STATE, MALAYSIA
Authors: Nasirum Garba Nuraddeen , Ramli Ahmad Termizi , Saleh Muneer Aziz , Mohd Sanusi Mohd Syazwan , Gabdo Hamman Tukur , Sadiq Aliyu Abubakar
Published: December 2015

Assessment of natural radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) and terrestrial gamma radiation dose rates (TGRD) in major rivers of Kelantan states, Malaysia were conducted. Measurements were carried out using a portable [NaI(TI)] micro roentgen (µR) survey meter and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for in situ TGRD and the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in water samples, respectively. The mean TGRD was found to be 312.98 nGy h-1 and from water samples analyzed, the mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K was found to be 13.31 mBq L-1, 4.39 mBq L-1 and 1118.72 mBq L-1 which were about 3 times and slightly higher than the world average values of 5 mBq L-1 and 3 mBq L-1 respectively.
A STATE OF THE ART COMPARISON OF DATABASES FOR FACIAL OCCLUSION
Authors: Abdu Yusuf Abdulganiyu , Mohamad Fatma Susilawati , Sufyanu Zahraddeen
Published: December 2015

Face recognition continues to be one of the most popular research areas of image processing and computer vision. There are various face databases available to researchers for face detection and recognition. These databases are customized for a particular need of one algorithm. They are range in size, scope, and purpose. Few of these databases from the literature contain face occlusions in several positions of the faces to enable real world applications.  In this paper, we present four different occlusion face databases. These are Aleix-Robert (AR), Bosphorus, Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW), and University of Milano Bicocca Database (UMB) face databases. At each section, the key features of the database are presented with the recording conditions, though not all of them are discussed at the same level of details. Detailed comparisons of the databases were made based on controlled and uncontrolled databases, 2D and 3D databases and also their uniqueness. Comparison was also made with other databases out of the categorization mentioned. The databases are useful for performing a rigorous benchmarking of face detection and recognition algorithms.
AN APPLICATION OF SOFT SET IN DECISION MAKING
Authors: Dauda M. K. , Mamat Mustafa , Waziri M. Y.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, the definition of soft set and a detailed theoretical study of basic operations of soft sets such as intersection, extended intersection, restricted intersection, union, restricted union, complement and relative complement, Null and universal soft set are given. With the aid of definition of AND operation of soft sets and tabular representation of soft set, we are able to show that soft set has vital and real life application in decision making. The main aim of this paper is to use the concept of AND operation to sort out two best candidates out of five applicants in an interview conducted by a certain bank. Also the identification of Idempotent Property of “AND” and “OR” operation of soft sets is given and proved.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO NON-ADOPTION OF VALUE ENGINEERING METHODOLOGY FOR BUILDING SERVICES
Authors: Ganiyu Amuda-Yusuf , R. Taibat Adebiyi , A. Damola Oyewumi
Published: December 2015

The procurement of building services (BS) constitutes a great challenge in the construction industries of both developed and developing countries. Adoption of value engineering (VE) methodology could aid BS components selection at design and installations stages. However, the methodology is not appropriately used by the project team during design and installation of BS. Leading to overdesign, poor quality specification, lack of team work and unreliable budget estimate. The main objective of this paper is to determine the factors preventing the adoption of VE in the procurement of BS projects. A questionnaire was design to collect information on 18 generic factors contributing to non-adoption of VE. The questionnaire was administered to randomly selected practitioners in clients’, contracting and consulting types of organisations in Malaysia. The result shows that lack of understanding of VE by clients organisations, lack of request for the services, and inadequate time to conduct the study are the most important factors deterring adoption of VE for building services. The factors analysis of result for the 18 variables produced a four (4) factors result as: Non-involvement of stakeholders; education and traditional practice; resistance to change, and lack of experience about VE. It is essentially important for industry clients to understand the importance of adopting VE so as to ensure that time required for the study are pre-planned and budgeted for at project inception
SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC HOUSING TRANSFORMATION IN THE CONVERGENCE OF EMIC AND ETIC PARADIGMS
Authors: Danladi Isah Abubakar , Hayat Khan Tareef
Published: December 2015

Recent studies on the global ideology of public housing are significantly focused on the cultural values of inhabitants. Thus rapid transformation of originally design housing units that are based on modern standards by inhabitants is widespread. The emic and etic principles was used to evaluate existing situation where indigenous culture inclusive housing demand is on the rise. Retrospectively, established principles of emic and etic concept in directing public housing design was measured to test the synthesis- an interphase thought to provide sustainability amidst conflicting indigenous space demand and regulated homogenous designs. The study uncovered a chaotic but culture-specific genesis that comprise of formalized antecedents that can no longer be ignored, but lacks standardisation. Instead, the etic and emic interphase (convergences) remains a delusion proffering unintended solutions. Implacably, rigour in the concept of culture bonds sustainability process in public housing, hence its standardization is required to be undertaken in order to clarify and process the potentials of the alternative (the intersection) to the etic and emic approaches
EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ) PERFORMANCE IN HOSPITAL BUILDINGS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Stephen Nimlyat Pontip , Zin Kandar Mohd , Sediadi Eka
Published: December 2015

This study investigates and summarises the results of physical measurement of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in hospital building wards in Plateau State, Nigeria comparing two hospital settings. The results indicate that the mean indoor air temperature in the case study hospital ward buildings exceeded the range of 23-26oC as recommended by international standards. The temperature levels in the teaching hospital ward buildings were relatively lower than what was obtained in the specialist hospital whose ward buildings lack proper ventilation. The amount of daylight requirement on an average were below 300Lux in the specialist hospital whose façade orientation and window-wall-ratio (WWR) could not allow for maximum sunlight penetration, while it was above 300Lux in the teaching hospital. However, the sound intensity level in both hospital ward buildings ranged between 52.7dBA and 71.3dBA. This study therefore recommend that, hospital building design or retrofitting should employed common strategies towards increasing ventilation and daylight with minimal energy consumption.
CONSUMER DECISION MAKING PROCESS MODEL FOR HOUSING DEMAND
Authors: Akinyode Babatunde Femi , Hayat Khan Tareef , Bin Hj Ahmad Abdullah Sani
Published: December 2015

Every part of man’s life today involves in the consumption of goods and services. Housing as a product is part of goods that is consumed by man. Studies on housing demand as related to all categories of housing consumer, how and why consumers make specific decisions on housing demand, are not common. This study aimed at examining the Consumer Decision Making Process Model (CDMPM), and applying it in the field of housing through which sustainable housing delivery can be expected to be achieved in Nigerian urban centres. This paper essentially employed fifty literature reviews after winnowing through relevant published articles, books, conference proceedings, unpublished thesis, government reports and monographs, in order to identify all issues that relate to the application of the Model in Housing demand. The understanding of this model is expected to help to look at the process of the decision making of different consumers with different status or background by examining the factors being considered in housing demand among various alternatives, the evaluation of the chosen alternative and its effects on their social, and psychological wellbeing for the purpose of achieving the safety, comfort and conveniences of housing consumers. This could serve as a road guide for private and public housing sectors as well as housing policy makers towards sustainable housing delivery.
ICT COMPETENCIES AMONG STUDENTS ENROLLED IN MASTERS IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mansir Dodo , Muhammad Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq , Kasim Narimah
Published: December 2015

Facilities Management (FM) is a discipline having close ties with the efficient management of an organisations built environment. In today’s ever competitive business environments, a core mandate for FM employees is to acquire Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills which enables, supports and acts as a utility for innovation towards optimally and efficiently managing the built environment. The rate of continuous developments in ICT however equally calls for a continuous review in ICT skills in FM. Literature sadly shows that few reviews on ICT skills are conducted, especially in developing countries. As such, this research studied ICT competencies among 49 students enrolled in Masters in Facilities Management (MFM) in 2013/2014 Academic Session in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Nigeria with a view to assessing the application of ICT in the student’s places of work. A survey was conducted on the MFM students to collect data using a structured questionnaire. Results reveal that while all students studied use an ICT devise in their place of work, Relative Importance Index however revealed that word processing, spread sheet and downloading (specifically for research) using online databases are the three most used ICT applications. Owning to the shortage of skills in the more technical ICT applications studied which are fundamentally required in current FM practice, the researchers recommended that the MFM curriculum should give more priority in teaching the ICT applications in deficit so that the students can meet up with the marketability requirements for FM practice upon graduation.
INSIGHTS INTO SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL WATER SERVICES IN NIGERIAN URBAN AREA
Authors: Shuaibu Abdul-Wahab , Rafee Majid Mohammad , Aliyu Hussaini Bapetel
Published: December 2015

This paper reviewed the operation of the Small Scale Commercial Water Providers (SSCWP) in Yola, the capital of Adamawa state, North Central Nigeria. It provide an insight into their contributions, pattern of expenditure on commercial water supply, their operational constraints and possible solutions; and implications of all these issues for sustainable urban development. The methodology employed a household survey and a survey covering the operations of the SSCWP as well as government officials. Results obtained show that 65% of households in Yola presently rely on SSCWP as a coping strategy. The study recommends regulatory oversight to be created through legislation geared towards a water policy that will improve access to portable water base on an all-inclusive approach. This will lead to improvement in public health.
INTERFACE DESIGN FOR DYSLEXIA: TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION ON TEXT PRESENTATION
Authors: Ismail Rozita , Jaafar Azizah
Published: December 2015

The use of educational courseware and online materials for learning has the potential in helping dyslexic children in education and self-development. As reading is one of the dyslexic’s main problems, a guideline for making text in digital presentation is essential. We conducted a research to explore teachers’ perception on the criteria of text in designing online materials for dyslexic children. These features are based on user studies with a group of dyslexic students from four primary schools in Klang Valley. 50 teachers from four schools participated in this study. The data were analyzed using standard descriptive statistical methods. It is hoped that the result will give suggestion on the criteria of text in digital presentation for developing educational courseware or any online materials for dyslexic.
IMPLEMENTATION OF UMMP USING THE LOCALIZATION OF WEB OBJECTS IN USER INTERFACE DESIGN
Authors: Baharum Aslina , Jaafar Azizah
Published: December 2015

Websites play an important role as a communication tool between people around the world. This phenomenon introduces the medium of communication, the user interface (UI), between humans and machines as a key player. The existing web development process recognizes this importance but does not follow any precise guidelines for the construction of UI as an activity within the system development life cycle. This paper describes a method for constructing UI based on users’ Mental Model patterns (uMMp) from the localization of web objects. This method can be incorporated into the development process in order to better fulfill users’ expectations. The uMMp describe interface design solutions favouring the development of a UI.
COMPARING SOUND TYPES FOR STRESS THERAPY IN A VIRTUAL-REALITY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Abdul Latif Rubijesmin , Ismail Rozita
Published: December 2015

This paper discusses about comparing different sound types used in stress therapy among Malaysians. The aim of the stress therapy is to reduce stress among users, thus a virtual reality environment was used which replaces the traditional guided therapy sessions. Two sessions were conducted at different timings; each session using different sound type, (zikr and classical music). By the end of each session, comparisons of stress level were made. Stress therapy with zikr as background sound produced better impact on reducing stress level among participants. This paper focuses on the effect of sound towards reducing stress.
COMPUTATION AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF DOUBLE STAGE FILTER FOR IMAGE PROCESSING
Authors: Chee Huat Teo , Abdul Manap Nurulfajar , Mat Ibrahim Masrullizam
Published: December 2015

Double Stage Filter (DSF) is a hybrid stereo matching algorithm which consists of basic block matching and dynamic programming algorithms, basic median filtering and new technique of segmentation. The algorithm acquire disparity maps which will be analyzed by using evaluation functions such as PSNR, MSE and SSIM. The computation of DSF and existing algorithms are presented in this paper. The Phase 2 in DSF is to remove the unwanted aspects such as depth discontinuities and holes from occlusion from the raw disparity map. Segmentation, merging and median filtering are the major parts for post processing of DSF algorithm. From the results of evaluation functions, the disparity maps attained by DSF is closer to the ground truth compared to other algorithms while its computation takes only few seconds longer than DP algorithm but its capable to obtain better results of disparity map.