bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial biofilms: a possible mechanism for chronic infection in patients with lumbar disc herniation – a prospective proof‐of‐concept study using fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Ohrt‐Nissen Søren , Fritz Blaine G. , Walbom Jonas , Kragh Kasper N. , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Dahl Benny , Manniche Claus 
Published: April 2018

A relationship has been suggested between lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and chronic bacterial infection frequently involving Propionibacterium acnes, which is known to cause chronic infection through the formation of biofilm aggregates. The objective of the study was to assess whether a disc infection involving biofilm formation is present in patients with LDH. A total of 51 LDH patients and 14 controls were included. Bacterial DNA was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 16/51 samples in the LDH group and 7/14 controls (p = 0.215). Sequencing identified bacteria in 9/16 and 6/7 PCR positive samples in the LDH and control groups, respectively. All samples were stained using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microscopy demonstrated tissue‐embedded bacterial aggregates with host inflammatory cells in 7/51 LDH patients and no controls. The presence of both bacterial aggregates and inflammatory cells suggests a chronic infection in a subset of LDH patients. The finding of bacterial 16S rDNA in both LDH and control disc tissue highlights the importance of microscopic observation to discriminate infection vs contamination. Our findings may have therapeutic implications, as the treatment of biofilm infections is different and more challenging than traditional infections.
Cannabis, from plant to pill
Authors: Grof Christopher P. L. 
Published: April 2018

The therapeutic application of cannabis is attracting substantial public and clinical interest. The cannabis plant has been described as a veritable ‘treasure trove’, producing more than 100 different cannabinoids, although the focus to date has been on the psychoactive molecule delta‐9‐tetraydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Other numerous secondary metabolites of cannabis, the terpenes, some of which share the common intermediary geranyl diphosphate (GPP) with the cannabinoids, are hypothesized to contribute synergistically to their therapeutic benefits, an attribute that has been described as the ‘entourage effect’. The effective delivery of such a complex multicomponent pharmaceutical relies upon the stable genetic background and standardized growth of the plant material, particularly if the raw botanical product in the form of the dried pistillate inflorescence (flos) is the source. Following supercritical CO2 extraction of the inflorescence (and possibly bracts), the secondary metabolites can be blended to provide a specific ratio of major cannabinoids (THC : CBD) or individual cannabinoids can be isolated, purified and supplied as the pharmaceutical. Intensive breeding strategies will provide novel cultivars of cannabis possessing elevated levels of specific cannabinoids or other secondary metabolites.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Teicoplanin in Haematological Malignancy Patients with Febrile Neutropenia and Optimizing Dosage Regimens
Authors: Hu Sasa , Wang Taotao , You Haisheng , Wei Shuangyu , Song Hongjuan , Zhang Tao , Zhang Di , Dong Yalin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study used high‐performance liquid chromatography to measure 202 teicoplanin plasma trough concentrations (Cmin) in 114 haematological malignancy patients with febrile neutropenia. Patients were divided into two groups according to the mean initial dose (MID) over the first 3 days of treatment: (i) MID = 533.33 mg/day (loading dose group, 400 mg q12h for three doses followed by 400 mg qd, n = 62) and (ii) MID < 533.33 mg/day (unloaded or underloaded group, n = 52). During the first 3 days after treatment, the overall Cmin was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (10.96 ± 5.44 mg/L versus 6.31 ± 3.73 mg/L, mean ± S.D.; p = 0.002), as was the qualifying rate of Cmin > 10 mg/L (54.5% versus 11.1%, p = 0.001), and the probability of Cmin < 5 mg/L was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (13.6% versus 40.7%, p = 0.037). After 3 days, the average Cmin and qualifying rates did not differ significantly between the two groups, and the average Cmin was <10 mg/L in both groups. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that creatinine clearance (p = 0.004) and MID (p = 0.010) could affect Cmin during the first 3 days of treatment and that age (p = 0.022) only could affect Cmin after 3 days. In conclusion, it is necessary to apply loading dose to achieve teicoplanin Cmin > 10 mg/L rapidly and, from a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic perspective, 600 mg is recommended as loading and maintenance dose for these patients when AUC24/minimum inhibitory concentration > 345.
SATB2 targeted by methylated miR‐34c‐5p suppresses proliferation and metastasis attenuating the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer
Authors: Gu Jingfeng , Wang Guiqi , Liu Haixia , Xiong Chaohui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivesSATB2 has been shown to be markedly reduced in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues relative to paired normal controls; however, the mechanism behind remains not well understood. To investigate why SATB2 was down‐regulated in CRC, we attempted to analyse it from the angle of miRNA‐mRNA modulation.Materials and methodsSATB2 expression was detected in CRC tissues using immunohistochemistry and verified using real‐time PCR on mRNA level, followed by analysis of clinicopathological significance of its expression. Metastatic variation of CRC cells was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. To find out the potential miRNA that directly regulate the SATB2, luciferase reporter assay was performed following the bioinformatic prediction.ResultsSATB2 was confirmed to be closely linked with the metastasis and shorter overall survival of CRC in our own cases. Silencing of SATB2 was shown to be able to promote the metastatic ability of CRC cells in vivo, enhancing the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, miR‐34c‐5p was identified to be a novel miRNA that can directly modulate the SATB2. It turned out that the promoter of miR‐34c‐5p was methylated, which leads to the repression of miR‐34c‐5p in CRC. Treatment with 5‐Aza‐dC can reasonably and significantly restore the level of miR‐34c‐5p in CRC cells relative to control, thereby down‐regulating the SATB2.ConclusionsTogether, our study revealed that SATB2 targeted by methylated miR‐34c‐5p can suppress the metastasis, weakening the EMT in CRC.
How Should Colleges Treat Multiple Admissions Test Scores?
Authors: Mattern Krista , Radunzel Justine , Bertling Maria , Ho Andrew D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe percentage of students retaking college admissions tests is rising. Researchers and college admissions offices currently use a variety of methods for summarizing these multiple scores. Testing organizations such as ACT and the College Board, interested in validity evidence like correlations with first‐year grade point average (FYGPA), often use the most recent test score available. In contrast, institutions report using a variety of composite scoring methods for applicants with multiple test records, including averaging and taking the maximum subtest score across test occasions (“superscoring”). We compare four scoring methods on two criteria. First, we compare correlations between scores and FYGPA by scoring method. We find them similar (). Second, we compare the extent to which test scores differentially predict FYGPA by scoring method and number of retakes. We find that retakes account for additional variance beyond standardized achievement and positively predict FYGPA across all scoring methods. Superscoring minimizes this differential prediction—although it may seem that superscoring should inflate scores across retakes, this inflation is “true” in that it accounts for the positive effects of retaking for predicting FYGPA. Future research should identity factors related to retesting and consider how they should be used in college admissions.
The bigger picture: young children's perception of fatness in the context of other physical differences
Authors: Charsley J. S. , Collins S. C. , Hill A. J. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundNegative obesity stereotypes and anti‐fat attitudes have been observed in children from age three. It is uncertain whether this is specific to fatness or generalizable to other visible differences.ObjectivesTo determine whether young children base decisions about qualities in others and friendship choices more on fatness than other visible differences between people.MethodsUsing a personal construct theory approach, 85 children (mean age 5.7, 42 girls) completed a simple repertory grid. The children were asked about differences (constructs) between four illustrations (elements) that showed children as healthy weight, fat, the opposite gender and in a wheelchair. Children were also asked about friendship with the illustrated children and self‐image preferences. Their answers were grouped using thematic analysis.ResultsThe fat, opposite gender and wheelchair‐bound characters were equally chosen by children as different to the standard character. When identifying differences, fatness or body shape was referred to significantly less than gender or being in a wheelchair. Children were more likely to reject an opposite gender character as a friend, or as someone they would like to be, than to reject the fat character. Only one child, themselves overweight, voiced strong anti‐fat attitudes.ConclusionsApparent negativity towards fatness is fostered by failure to consider other visible differences and by children's ‘like me’ peer preferences. It was less desirable in the eyes of most 5‐year old girls to be a boy than to be fat. This offers some reassurance to those working to improve children's health literacy in obesity.
Vitamin D during pregnancy and offspring body composition: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hyde N. K. , Brennan‐Olsen S. L. , Wark J. D. , Hosking S. M. , Holloway‐Kew K. L. , Pasco J. A. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundEvidence regarding the association between gestational vitamin D status and offspring body composition during childhood is inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between maternal vitamin D and offspring lean and fat mass in the Vitamin D in Pregnancy birth cohort.MethodsSubjects were mother–child pairs recruited from the Australian‐based Vitamin D in Pregnancy cohort study. Mothers were recruited before 16 weeks' gestation and provided a blood sample at both recruitment and at 28–32 weeks' gestation. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by radioimmunoassay (Tyne and Wear, UK). Offspring lean and fat mass were quantified by using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar Prodigy, Madison, WI, USA) at 11 years of age.ResultsMedian maternal 25(OH)D levels were 55.9 (42.2–73.3) and 56.1 (43.6–73.9) at recruitment and 28–32 weeks' gestation, respectively. Maternal smoking was identified as an effect modifier in the association between maternal vitamin D status at recruitment and offspring body composition. In smokers, but not non‐smokers, serum 25(OH)D status at recruitment was negatively associated with offspring fat mass percentage and positively associated with lean mass (both p < 0.05). There was no association with 25(OH)D status at 28–32 weeks' gestation.ConclusionsMaternal vitamin D status in early pregnancy, in smokers, is associated with offspring body composition. These important findings warrant confirmation in larger studies and trials.
Is there a deprivation and maternal education gradient to child obesity and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity? Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Noonan R. J. , Fairclough S. J. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryObjectiveThe primary aim was to examine associations between individual‐level and area‐level measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and different measures of overweight/obesity in 7‐year‐old English children. A secondary aim was to examine associations between individual‐level and area‐level measures of SES and moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA).MethodsData were from wave four of the Millennium Cohort Study. Children were classified as normal weight, overweight/obese and centrally obese. MVPA was accelerometer derived. Individual‐level and area‐level SES were defined using self‐reported maternal education and the 2004 English Indices of Multiple Deprivation, respectively. Adjusted linear and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted.ResultsThree thousand seven hundred seventeen children (1890 girls) had complete data. Children in the lowest maternal education group and highest deprivation decile were at greatest risk of overweight and central obesity. MVPA was inversely associated with deprivation, and the most deprived children were most likely to achieve 60 min of daily MVPA.ConclusionsIndividual‐level and area‐level SES were independently related to overweight and central obesity. Higher rates of overweight and central obesity among deprived children are not due to physical inactivity. Further research examining the concurrent effect of diet and MVPA on child weight status by deprivation is warranted.
SjHSP60 induces CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs via TLR4‐Mal‐drived production of TGF‐β in macrophages
Authors: Zhou Sha , Qi Qianqian , Wang Xiaofan , Zhang Lina , Xu Lei , Dong Liyang , Zhu Jifeng , Li Yalin , Wang Xuefeng , Xu Zhipeng , Liu Feng , Hu Wei , Zhou Liang , Chen Xiaojun , Su Chuan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in limiting immunopathological damage to host organs after schistosome infection. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is an essential factor for the periphery conversion of CD4+CD25− T cells into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs by inducing the key transcription factor Foxp3. Antigen presenting cells (APCs), which highly express TGF‐β, are involved in parasite antigen‐induced Treg conversion in peripheral. However, the mechanisms underlying high TGF‐β induction in APCs by parasite antigens remain to be clarified during schistosome infection. Here, we demonstrated that Schistosoma japonicum stress protein, heat shock protein 60 (SjHSP60), promoted TGF‐β production in macrophages (Mφ). Furthermore, we showed that activation of TLR4‐Mal (MyD88 adaptor‐like protein) signaling by SjHSP60 is necessary for induction of TGF‐β expression in Mφ, which subsequently promoted Treg induction. Our results not only demonstrate a novel mechanism of TGF‐β production in Mφ for inducing Tregs in mice with schistosomiasis, but also allude to the possibility of targeting parasite stress protein for potential therapeutics.
Ranking Forecasts by Stochastic Error Distance, Information and Reliability Measures
Authors: Ardakani Omid M. , Ebrahimi Nader , Soofi Ehsan S. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe stochastic error distance (SED) introduced by Diebold and Shin () ranks forecast models by divergence between distributions of the errors of the actual and perfect forecast models. The basic SED is defined by the variation distance and provides a representation of the mean absolute error, but by basing ranking on the entire error distribution and divergence, the SED moves beyond the traditional forecast evaluations. First, we establish connections between ranking forecast models by the SED, error entropy and some partial orderings of distributions. Then, we introduce the notion of excess error for forecast errors of magnitudes larger than a tolerance threshold and give the SED representation of the mean excess error (MEE). As a function of the threshold, the MEE is a local risk measure. With the distribution of the absolute error as a prior for the threshold, its Bayes risk is the entropy functional of the survival function, which is a known measure in the information theory and reliability. Notions and results are illustrated using various distributions for the error. The empirical versions of SED, MEE and its Bayes risk are compared with the mean squared error in ranking regression and autoregressive integrated moving average models for forecasting bond risk premia.
Process evaluation of implementing Protected Mealtimes under clinical trial conditions
Authors: Porter Judi , Ottrey Ella 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the implementation of Protected Mealtimes and contrast the findings with implementation fidelity.BackgroundProtected Mealtimes is a systems approach developed to address the issue of malnutrition in hospitalized patients. Previous studies have used a pre‐–post study design, with no high‐quality trials previously undertaken to measure the effect of the intervention.DesignA prospective, stepped‐wedge cluster randomized controlled trial was undertaken October–November 2015. This process evaluation was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods to explain discrepancies between expected and observed clinical trial outcomes.MethodsQualitative data were collected using focus groups with the healthcare team and contrasted with fidelity data. Quantitative data were collected using attendance lists, audits and observations and analysed descriptively. Concept‐driven coding was undertaken using a framework derived from studies citing the Theoretical Domains Framework.FindingsStaff training in the trial protocol was viewed positively, however, not all staff attended. Staff were generally enthusiastic about Protected Mealtimes with many programme aspects successfully implemented. Limited staffing resources, particularly of nursing staff, hindered implementation. The presence of trial observers affected staff morale by increasing feelings of stress and anxiety.ConclusionProcess data allowed challenges for the implementation of Protected Mealtimes under clinical trial conditions to be described. Given our inability to implement the trial protocol fully due to the complexity of the mealtime environment and the lack of efficacy on nutritional intake, alternative approaches should be considered to resolve the problem of hospital malnutrition.
Task‐related fMRI in hemiplegic cerebral palsy—A systematic review
Authors: Gaberova Katerina , Pacheva Iliyana , Ivanov Ivan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRationaleFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used widely to study reorganization after early brain injuries. Unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) is an appealing model for studying brain plasticity by fMRI.AimTo summarize the results of task‐related fMRI studies in UCP in order to get better understanding of the mechanism of neuroplasticity of the developing brain and its reorganization potential and better translation of this knowledge to clinical practice.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on the PubMed database by keywords: “cerebral palsy”, “congenital hemiparesis”, “unilateral”, “Magnetic resonance imaging” , “fMRI”, “reorganization”, and “plasticity” The exclusion criteria were as follows: case reports; reviews; studies exploring non‐UCP patients; and studies with results of rehabilitation.ResultsWe found 7 articles investigated sensory tasks; 9 studies—motor tasks; 12 studies—speech tasks. Ipsilesional reorganization is dominant in sensory tasks (in 74/77 patients), contralesional—in only 3/77. In motor tasks, bilateral activation is found in 64/83, only contralesional—in 11/83, and only ipsilesional—8/83. Speech perception is bilateral in 35/51, only or dominantly ipsilesional (left‐sided) in 8/51, and dominantly contralesional (right‐sided) in 8/51. Speech production is only or dominantly contralesional (right‐sided) in 88/130, bilateral—26/130, and only or dominantly ipsilesional (left‐sided)—in 16/130.DiscussionThe sensory system is the most “rigid” to reorganization probably due to absence of ipsilateral (contralesional) primary somatosensory representation. The motor system is more “flexible” due to ipsilateral (contralesional) motor pathways. The speech perception and production show greater flexibility resulting in more bilateral or contralateral activation.ConclusionsThe models of reorganization are variable, depending on the development and function of each neural system and the extent and timing of the damage. The plasticity patterns may guide therapeutic intervention and prognostics, thus proving the fruitiness of the translational approach in neurosciences.
How Friedman and Schwartz Became Monetarists
Authors: LOTHIAN JAMES R. , TAVLAS GEORGE S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDuring the early‐1940s, both Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz downplayed the role of money in the economy. By the mid‐1950s, they had not only become what later were called monetarists, but the findings from their joint work defined monetarism. The key factor underlying the change in their views was what they learned from their study of U.S. historical experience, especially their empirical confirmation of the Fed's role in the Great Depression. Here, the influence of Clark Warburton on Friedman's thinking loomed large. We document Friedman's advocacy of the constant‐money‐growth rule as an outgrowth of his and Schwartz's empirical research.
The concept of compassion within UK media‐generated discourse: A corpus‐informed analysis
Authors: Bond Carmel , Stacey Gemma , Field‐Richards Sarah , Callaghan Patrick , Keeley Philip , Lymn Joanne , Redsell Sarah , Spiby Helen 
Published: April 2018

Aims and objectivesTo examine how the concept of compassion is socially constructed within UK discourse, in response to recommendations that aspiring nurses gain care experience prior to entering nurse education.BackgroundFollowing a report of significant failings in care, the UK government proposed prior care experience for aspiring nurses as a strategy to enhance compassion amongst the profession. Media reporting of this generated substantial online discussion, which formed the data for this research. There is a need to define how compassion is constructed through language as a limited understanding exists, of what compassion means in health care. This is important, for any meaningful evaluation of quality, compassionate practices.DesignA corpus‐informed discourse analysis.MethodsA 62,626‐word corpus of data was analysed using Laurence Anthony software “AntCon”, a free corpus analysis toolkit. Frequent words were retrieved and used as a focal point for further analysis. Concordance lines were computed and analysed in the context of which frequent word‐types occurred. Patterns of language were revealed and interpreted through researcher immersion.ResultsFindings identified that compassion was frequently described in various ways as a natural characteristic attribute. A pattern of language also referred to compassion as something that was not able to be taught, but could be developed through the repetition of behaviours observed in practice learning. In the context of compassion, the word‐type “nurse” was used positively.ConclusionThis study adds to important debates highlighting how compassion is constructed and defined in the context of nursing. Compassion is constructed as both an individual, personal trait and a professional behaviour to be learnt. Educational design could include effective interpersonal skills training, which may help enhance and develop compassion from within the nursing profession. Likewise, ways of thinking, behaving and communicating should also be addressed by established practitioners to maintain compassionate interactions between professionals as well as nurse–patient relationships. Future research should focus on how compassionate practice is defined by both health professionals and patients.Relevance to clinical practiceTo maintain nursing as an attractive profession to join, it is important that nurses are viewed as compassionate. This holds implications for professional morale, associated with the continued retention and recruitment of the future workforce. Existing ideologies within the practice placement, the prior care experience environment, as well as the educational and organisational design, are crucial factors to consider, in terms of their influences on the expression of compassion in practice.