bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma calprotectin as a biomarker of mortality at antiretroviral treatment initiation in advanced HIV – pilot study
Authors: Kamau Faith W. , Gwela Agnes , Nyerere Andrew K. , Riitho Victor , Njunge James M. , Ngari Moses M. , Prendergast Andrew J. , Berkley James A. 
Published: March 2020

Background: In advanced HIV, significant mortality occurs soon after starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in low- and middle-incomes countries. Calprotectin is a biomarker of innate response to infection and inflammatory conditions. We examined the association between plasma calprotectin at initiation of ART and mortality among individuals with advanced HIV. Methods: We conducted a pilot case-cohort study among HIV infected adults and children over 5 years old with CD4+ <100/mm3 at ART initiation at two Kenyan sites. Participants received three factorial randomised interventions in addition to ART within the REALITY trial (ISRCTN43622374). Calprotectin was measured by ELISA in archived plasma of those who died within 24 weeks (cases) and randomly selected participants who survived for 48 weeks (non-cases) for whom samples were available. Factors associated with baseline plasma calprotectin were investigated using linear regression. To test association with mortality, Cox proportional hazards models with inverse sampling probability weights and adjusted for age, sex, site, BMI, viral load, randomised treatments, and clustered by CD4 count were fitted. Results: Baseline median (IQR) plasma calprotectin was 6.82 (2.65–12.5) µg/ml in cases (n=39) and 5.01 (1.92–11.5) µg/ml in non-cases (n=58). Baseline calprotectin was associated with age, neutrophil count and the presence of cough, but not other measured indicators of infection. In adjusted multivariable models, baseline calprotectin was associated with subsequent mortality: HR 1.64 (95% CI 1.11 - 2.42) and HR 2.77 (95% CI 1.58 - 4.88) for deaths during the first twenty-four and four weeks respectively. Calprotectin levels fell between baseline and 4 weeks among both cases and non-cases irrespective of randomised interventions. Conclusion: Among individuals with advanced HIV starting ART in Kenya, plasma calprotectin may have potential as a biomarker of early mortality. Validation in larger studies, comparison with other biomarkers and investigation of the sources of infection and inflammation are warranted.
eHealth systems for the optimised care of patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Klösch Michael , Klösch Christoph , Kundt Firuzan Sari , van der Zee-Neuen Antje , Dieplinger Anna Maria 
Published: March 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases worldwide. The demands on health services are rising as more people are diagnosed with the condition. In order to meet this demand, eHealth systems are increasingly being integrated into nursing care. Methods: Between November 2018 and February 2019, a literature search was carried out in the databases PubMed and CINAHL. Results: Twenty articles were found on nurses' use of eHealth systems, the majority with patients with diabetes. From this research, it would seem that eHealth systems have had a proven positive influence on patients' state of health and understanding of therapy. Subjectively perceived communication with the nursing staff also improved. Problems can arise in the implementation phase. Conclusion: In the future, increasingly, nurses will have to integrate eHealth systems into the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. It is important that nurses understand such systems in order to guarantee a sustainable and successful implementation.
A comparison of inpatients with leg ulceration using published randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lian Yaping , Stather Philip , Gohel Manj 
Published: March 2020

Background: Leg ulcers are a significant burden and reduce patients' quality of life. In recent years, a plethora of information has been issued regarding leg ulcer management and ‘the demographics of patients affected in the community. However, little is known about the leg ulcer population and how these patients should be managed in acute hospitals. Aim: To compare the demographic data of inpatients with leg ulcers referred to the tissue viability service in a large teaching hospital with data on leg ulcer populations in acute and community settings. Methods: Inpatient demographic data were retrospectively obtained from electronic patient records. A literature search identified studies regarding leg ulcer populations in acute and community settings. Results: The patient population in acute settings is around 10 years older than that in community settings, with much greater levels of comorbidity and higher mortality rates. Conclusion: An improved understanding of inpatients with leg ulcers would allow investigations and interventions to be targeted better, enabling evidence-based, patient-centred referral and care pathways. Further research is required to understand the aetiology and outcomes of leg ulcers for the inpatient population.
The lived experience of patients from an ethnic group in Indonesia undergoing diabetic foot ulcer treatment
Authors: Suza Dewi Elizadiani , Eltrikanawati Tengku , Tarigan Rosina , Setiawan  , Gunawan Joko 
Published: March 2020

Background: A foot ulcer is a severe complications of diabetes, and patients' cultural backgrounds can greatly influence how they manage this condition. Aim: To explore the experience of people of the Batak Karo ethnic group in Indonesia in diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Methods: This was a phenomenological study where a purposeful sample of 10 people with diabetic foot ulcers participated in in-depth interviews. Data analysis was thematic using Van Manen's hermeneutic approach. Results: Five themes emerged from the study data: beliefs about health disorders; physical, psychological, social and spiritual changes; traditional treatments; cultural beliefs; and seeking health services. Discussion: People in the Batak Karo ethnic group strongly believe in supernatural powers and magic, and take part in a variety of traditional ceremonies to treat diabetic foot ulcers. They also use traditional treatments, including herbs. Nurses treating different ethnic groups, such as the Batak Karo people, should be culturally aware and competent to provide adequate care for them.
Zagadnienia konstrukcyjne umów publicznoprawnych
Authors: Staniszewska Lucyna 
Published: March 2020

The formulation of legal provisions by the administration does not have to take the form of administrative decisions. One of the legal forms of the administration is public-law contracts. This is one of the forms of administration which still requires a further scientific analysis. Contracts are useful instruments, and therefore it may be worth looking at their different types and construction. They may be classified according to the parties to the legal relationship created. There are two types of contracts, i.e. between admin­istrative bodies and between an administrative body and an entity. The doctrine refers to contracts of the latter type as administrative and legal agreements. Such agreements have developed in the Polish legal order after the systemic changes. Unfortunately, the legislator has not provided their legal definition, they are regu­lated in special laws, most often by indicating contractual provisions constituting essentialia negotii. The doctrine does not explicitly define the character of the con­tracts concluded by the administrative body and its contractor, nor has the final characteristics of the content of contracts in the administration as a whole been made. There is still a lack of consensus as to the construction of public law contracts and the rules governing them. There is an urgent need to regulate the essence of administrative contracts, and in particular to indicate their construction and legal nature, in order to better protect legal entities entering into them. The purpose of public-law contracts is to improve the quality of administration, and increase the efficiency of administrative activities. More administrative contracts also mean higher decentralisation of the state. Moreover, the idea of extending the use of public-law contracts is consistent with the principle of the participatory role of citizens in achieving public effects. The Polish legislator may draw on the regulations of other countries, for instance Germany, where public-law contracts have received legal definitions.
Knockdown of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 inhibits glioma progression by regulating miR-338-3p/RRM2
Authors: Yin Zhangxing , Liao Liqing , Mao Sheng , Liu Ying , Xie Tao , Yu Hua , Zhao Wenxu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe dysregulated lncRNA play essential roles in glioma development. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of lncRNA potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 opposite strand/ antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) in glioma progression. Tumor tissues and adjacent normal samples were collected from 30 glioma patients. The expression levels of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1, microRNA (miR)-338-3p and ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot analyses. Levels of cell viability, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion in glioma cell lines were determined using cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC and trans-well assays, respectively. The role of KCNQ1OT1 in glioma development in vivo was investigated using a xenograft model. The target association between miR-338-3p and KCNQ1OT1 or RRM2 was validated by luciferase reporter assay. The results found that expression of KCNQ1OT1 was enhanced in glioma tissues and cells, and KCNQ1OT1 knockdown inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion, and xenograft tumor growth, but promoted apoptosis. miR-338-3p was targeted via KCNQ1OT1 and could reverse the effect of KCNQ1OT1 on glioma progression. RRM2 was targeted via miR-338-3p and attenuated the suppressive effect of miR-338-3p on glioma cell viability, migration and invasion. Besides, KCNQ1OT1 overexpression increased RRM2 expression, and this event was weakened via miR-338-3p up-regulation. In conclusion, the present finding suggest that silencing of KCNQ1OT1 can suppress the development and progression of glioma by up-regulating miR-338-3p and down-regulating RRM2.
Total haemoglobin – a reference measuring system for improvement of standardisation
Authors: Grote-Koska Denis , Klauke Rainer , Kaiser Patricia , Kramer Udo , Macdonald Rainer , Lerche Dietmar , Staaden Antje , Brand Korbinian , Schumann Gerhard 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundTotal haemoglobin (Hb) concentration in blood belongs to the most requested measurands, and the HiCN method (hemiglobincyanide) is accepted as a reference. Although the reaction principle is clearly characterised, measurement conditions and settings are not consistently defined, some of them influencing the results. An improvement of standardisation is the object.MethodsAfter method optimization, measurement results between different calibration laboratories (CL) were compared with each other and also with results of the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB), with target values of certified reference material, within the RELA scheme, and to >1500 results from routine laboratories.ResultsOverall deviations between three CLs were ≤0.5% (n = 24 samples) in a measurement range of 20 g/L to 300 g/L. A CV of 0.4% was determined in pooled blood (1 year long-term imprecision, 99.0%–101.1% recovery of the mean). For selected measurements (n = 4 samples) the PTB participated without significant differences to three CLs, and no significant differences were observed comparing CLs to certified values of reference materials. The expanded measurement uncertainty (probability 95%) was estimated as 1.1%.ConclusionsA reference measuring system, comprising measuring instruments and other devices, including reagents and supply, to generate reference measurement values for total Hb concentration of high accuracy and low measurement uncertainty is presented. Measurement parameters are investigated and defined. The reference measuring system is ready to offer service to EQA providers and to the IVD industry for certifying control materials or calibrators.
Assessing physical examination skills using direct observation and volunteer patients
Authors: Clark Bennett W. , Lee Yi Zhen Joan , Niessen Timothy , Desai Sanjay V. , Garibaldi Brian T. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Feedback based on direct observation of the physical examination (PE) is associated with enhanced educational outcomes, yet attending physicians do not frequently observe graduate trainees performing the PE.

Methods
We recruited volunteer patients (VPs), each with an abnormality of the cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological system. Interns examined each VP, then presented a differential diagnosis and management plan to two clinician educators, who, themselves, had independently examined the VPs. The clinician educators assessed interns along five domains and provided post-examination feedback and teaching. We collected data on intern performance, faculty inter-rater reliability, correlation with a simulation-based measure of clinical skill, and resident and VP perceptions of the assessment.

Results
A total of 72 PGY-1 interns from a large academic training program participated. Performance on the cardiovascular and respiratory system was superior to performance on the neurologic exam. There was no correlation between results of an online test and directly observed cardiovascular skill. Interns preferred feedback from the direct observation sessions. VPs and faculty also rated the experience highly. Inter-rater reliability was good for the respiratory exam, but poor for the cardiovascular and neurologic exams.

Conclusions
Direct observation of trainees provides evidence about PE skill that cannot be obtained via simulation. Clinician educators’ ability to provide reliable PE assessment may depend on the portion of the PE being assessed. Our experience highlights the need for ongoing training of clinician educators in direct observation, standard setting, and assessment protocols. This assessment can inform summative or formative assessments of physical exam skill in graduate medical education.
Carbon nanomaterials enhanced cement-based composites: advances and challenges
Authors: Du Mingrui , Jing Hongwen , Gao Yuan , Su Haijian , Fang Hongyuan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCarbon nanomaterials, predominantly carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene nanoplates, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, possess superior chemical, physical and mechanical properties. They have been successfully introduced into ordinary Portland cement to give enhancements in terms of mechanical properties, durability and electrical/thermal conductivity, and to modify the functional properties, converting conventional cement-based materials into stronger, smarter and more durable composites. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the properties of carbon nanomaterials, current developments and novel techniques in carbon nanomaterials enhanced cement-based composites (CN-CBCs). Further study of the applications of CN-CBCs at industrial scale is also discussed.
Preparation and properties of 3D interconnected CNTs/Cu composites
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Fu Shaoli , Liang Dong , Chen Xiaohong , Mi Xujun , Liu Ping , Zhang Yi , Hui David 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the 3D pore structure of CuCr powders were obtained by pre-press shaping process, and finally the 3D interconnected carbon nanotubes/copper (CNTs/Cu) composites with excellent properties were insitu synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The morphology and structure of CNTs/ Cu composites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results showed that the quality of CNTs and the interfacial bonding strength of CNTs/ Cu composites can be improved owing to the 3D pore structure. Meanwhile, the 3D pore structure was favorable to avoid pollution of CNTs during the synthesis process. The tensile strength of CNTs/ Cu composites increased to 421.2 MPa, with 47.6% enhancements compared to CuCr. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction (COF) reduced to 0.22 and the corrosion resistance were increased by 51.86% compared to CuCr. Consequently, our research provides a novel and an effective method for the synthesis of high quality CNTs/ Cu composites.
Excess spectroscopy and its applications in the study of solution chemistry
Authors: Zhang Yaqin , Wu Zhiwei , Wang Yaqian , He Hongyan , Yu Zhiwu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCharacterization of structural heterogeneity of liquid solutions and the pursuit of its nature have been challenging tasks to solution chemists. In the last decade, an emerging method called excess spectroscopy has found applications in this area. The method, combining the merits of molecular spectroscopy and excess thermodynamic functions, shows the ability to enhance the apparent resolution of spectra, provides abundant information concerning solution structures and intermolecular interactions. In this review, the thinking and mathematics of the method, as well as its developments, are presented first. Then, research progress related to the exploration of the method is thoroughly reviewed. The materials are classified into two parts, small-molecular solutions and ionic liquid solutions. Finally, potential challenges and the perspective for further development of the method are discussed.
Transition metal complexes of monodentate 2-oxazolines containing long chain alkyl groups. The crystal structure of trans-PdCl2(κ
1-N-rac-2-heptadecyl-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-2-oxazole)2
Authors: Chojnacka Maja W. , Adjei Jeanette A. , Lough Alan J. , Sacripante Guerino G. , Gossage Robert A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The synthesis, characterisation and properties of several divalent metal complexes (Co, Ni, Pd) containing 2-oxazoline ligands L1–L3, appended with long chain alkyl and/or ester groups, is reported. The X-ray crystal structure aspects of one such complex, trans-PdCl2(rac-2-heptadecyl-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-2-oxazole)2 (i.e. PdCl2(L1)2: 3), is described. This latter material contains one of the longest alkyl chains to be crystallographically characterised appended to an oxazoline ligand. The complexes reported herein represent the first transition metal derivatives of these high molecular weight, long chain and presumably low polarity monodentate oxazoline ligands. A combination of spectral and theoretical calculations (semi-empirical PM6(tm) level of theory) are used to support the proposed structure in the case of the hydrates of NiCl2 and CoBr2 complexes derived from L1. A trio of PdCl2 complexes of the ligand set are likewise detailed. Complex 3 is shown to be a useful pre-catalyst for the promotion of a Heck coupling reaction between bromobenzene and styrene under typical conditions.
Nitric Oxide Signaling Strengthens Inhibitory Synapses of Cerebellar Molecular Layer Interneurons through a GABARAP-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Larson Erik A. , Accardi Michael V. , Wang Ying , D'Antoni Martina , Karimi Benyamin , Siddiqui Tabrez J. , Bowie Derek 
Published: March 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule that fulfills diverse functional roles as a neurotransmitter or diffusible second messenger in the developing and adult CNS. Although the impact of NO on different behaviors such as movement, sleep, learning, and memory has been well documented, the identity of its molecular and cellular targets is still an area of ongoing investigation. Here, we identify a novel role for NO in strengthening inhibitory GABAAreceptor-mediated transmission in molecular layer interneurons of the mouse cerebellum. NO levels are elevated by the activity of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) following Ca2+entry through extrasynaptic NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDARs). NO activates protein kinase G with the subsequent production of cGMP, which prompts the stimulation of NADPH oxidase and protein kinase C (PKC). The activation of PKC promotes the selective strengthening of α3-containing GABAARs synapses through a GΑΒΑ receptor-associated protein-dependent mechanism. Given the widespread but cell type-specific expression of the NMDAR/nNOS complex in the mammalian brain, our data suggest that NMDARs may uniquely strengthen inhibitory GABAergic transmission in these cells through a novel NO-mediated pathway.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTLong-term changes in the efficacy of GABAergic transmission is mediated by multiple presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. A prominent pathway involves crosstalk between excitatory and inhibitory synapses whereby Ca2+-entering through postsynaptic NMDARs promotes the recruitment and strengthening of GABAAreceptor synapses via Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Although Ca2+transport by NMDARs is also tightly coupled to nNOS activity and NO production, it has yet to be determined whether this pathway affects inhibitory synapses. Here, we show that activation of NMDARs trigger a NO-dependent pathway that strengthens inhibitory GABAergic synapses of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons. Given the widespread expression of NMDARs and nNOS in the mammalian brain, we speculate that NO control of GABAergic synapse efficacy may be more widespread than has been appreciated.
Network Analysis of Linkage Disequilibrium Reveals Genome Architecture in Chum Salmon
Authors: McKinney Garrett , McPhee Megan V , Pascal Carita , Seeb James E , Seeb Lisa W 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Many studies exclude loci that exhibit linkage disequilibrium (LD); however, high LD can signal reduced recombination around genomic features such as chromosome inversions or sex-determining regions. Chromosome inversions and sex-determining regions are often involved in adaptation, allowing for the inheritance of co-adapted gene complexes and for the resolution of sexually antagonistic selection through sex-specific partitioning of genetic variants. Genomic features such as these can escape detection when loci with LD are removed; in addition, failing to account for these features can introduce bias to analyses. We examined patterns of LD using network analysis to identify an overlapping chromosome inversion and sex-determining region in chum salmon. The signal of the inversion was strong enough to show up as false population substructure when the entire dataset was analyzed, while the effect of the sex-determining region on population structure was only obvious after restricting analysis to the sex chromosome. Understanding the extent and geographic distribution of inversions is now a critically important part of genetic analyses of natural populations. Our results highlight the importance of analyzing and understanding patterns of LD in genomic dataset and the perils of excluding or ignoring loci exhibiting LD. Blindly excluding loci in LD would have prevented detection of the sex-determining region and chromosome inversion while failing to understand the genomic features leading to high-LD could have resulted in false interpretations of population structure.