bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers chloroform extract – a preclinical study
Authors: Philip Sheena , Tom Greeshma , Vasumathi Asha V 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers is an inevitable ingredient of Ayurvedic rasayanas for the treatment of disorders with unregulated inflammation. However, studies regarding the mechanism of anti-inflammatory potential of this plant at the molecular level are lacking.

Methods
In vitro evaluations were conducted in RAW264.7 macrophages which were preincubated with chloroform extract of T. cordifolia (CETC) and subsequently stimulated with LPS. The expressions of COX-2, TNF-α and iNOS genes were analysed by SQRT-PCR and Western blot, cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and PGE2) levels by ELISA, NF-κB activation and p38 MAPK phosphorylation by Immunoblot and confocal imaging. Anti-inflammatory potential of CETC was validated further in a rat model of carrageenan-induced hind paw edema. Phytochemical characterisation was carried out using the HPLC technique.

Key findings
The LPS-induced upregulation of proinflammatory biomarkers was significantly prevented by CETC, without inhibiting COX-1. CETC- and LPS-incubated cells showed reduced phosphorylated p38 MAPK levels, and higher levels NF-κB were retained in cytoplasm. Rats pretreated with CETC showed a statistically significant decrease in paw oedema (P ≤ 0.05), and HPLC characterisation detected stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The LD50 of CETC lies above 2000 mg/Kg body weight.

Conclusions
These findings encourage us strongly to focus on CETC to develop anti-inflammatory drugs with lower degree of inhibition to the constitutively expressing COX-1.
Early Oligocene Calocedrus (Cupressaceae) from the Maoming Basin, South China, and its paleogeographic and paleoclimatic implications
Authors: Wu Yan , Jin Jian‐Hua , Li Nan , He Hui‐Min , Chen Ting , Liu Xiao‐Yan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe genus Calocedrus Kurz is characterized by flattened branches covered with decussate and dimorphic leaves. In this study, we describe fossil foliage of Calocedrus discovered in the Shangcun Formation (early Oligocene) of the Maoming Basin, South China. The fossils have wedge‐shaped branchlet segments and scale‐like strongly dimorphic leaves, similar to the fossil species Calocedrus lantenoisi (Laurent) Tao. There have been no detailed studies of the morphological features and cuticle structures of C. lantenoisi. Therefore, a newly emended diagnosis of the species C. lantenoisi is given based on a detailed study of leaf morphology and cuticular characters exhibited by the Maoming fossils. This is one of the earliest fossil records of Calocedrus in the world, providing additional evidence for the early biogeographic history of this genus and supporting the inference that eastern Asian Calocedrus is primitive among all the living species. The extant species of Calocedrus are mainly distributed in mountainous regions. On the basis of the “nearest living relative” analysis, we propose that the Maoming Basin was adjacent to a mountainous region during the early Oligocene.
Discovery of the genus Pseudoroegneria (Triticeae, Poaceae) in the Western Mediterranean on exploring the generic boundaries of Elymus
Authors: Lucía Víctor , Martínez‐Ortega M. Montserrat , Rico Enrique , Anamthawat‐Jónsson Kesara 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, we review the classification of two species, Elymus hispanicus and E. marginatus, which are restricted to highly valuable and sensitive Mediterranean ecosystems. The genomic composition of the two species is analysed by in situ hybridization. In addition, lodicule morphology and foliar anatomy of both species are compared with those of E. caninus, E. repens, E. sibiricus (i.e., the type species of Elymus s.s.) and Pseudoroegneria strigosa (i.e., the type species of Pseudoroegneria). The genomic formula 2n = 8x = 56; HStStSt is proposed for E. hispanicus and 2n = 4x = 28; StSt for E. marginatus. In this latter species, the absence of the ribosomal genes in one of the two St genomes suggests that diploidization may have occurred during the evolution of the species. Regarding foliar anatomy, E. hispanicus, E. caninus, E. repens, and E. sibiricus shared several characteristics, but the leaf blades of E. marginatus proved anatomically more similar to those of Ps. strigosa. The data compiled support the contention that: (i) E. hispanicus belongs to Elymus s.s.; (ii) E. marginatus should be transferred to Pseudoroegneria; and (iii) the morphology of the lodicules should be carefully reconsidered for appropriately describing the boundaries between Elymus s.s. and Pseudoroegneria. The new combination Ps. marginata is proposed and a detailed iconography of the plant is provided.
Genome‐wide based model predicting recovery from portosystemic shunting after liver shunt attenuation in dogs
Authors: Van den Bossche Lindsay , van Steenbeek Frank G. , Weber Maarten F. , Spee Bart , Penning Louis C. , van Sluijs Freek J. , Zomerdijk Flin , Groot Koerkamp Marian J. A. , Rothuizen Jan , Burgener Iwan A. , Kummeling Anne 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundIn dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS), recovery after surgical CPSS attenuation is difficult to predict.ObjectivesOur aim was to build a model with plasma albumin concentration and mRNA expression levels of hepatic gene products as predictors of recovery from portosystemic shunting after surgery.AnimalsSeventy‐three client‐owned dogs referred for surgical attenuation of CPSS.MethodsA prediction model was constructed using 2 case‐control studies of recovered and nonrecovered dogs after surgical CPSS attenuation. In the 1st study, a dog‐specific gene expression microarray analysis was used to compare mRNA expression in intraoperatively collected liver tissue between 23 recovered and 23 nonrecovered dogs. In the 2nd study, preoperative plasma albumin concentration and the expression of microarray‐selected genes were confirmed by RT‐qPCR in intraoperatively collected liver samples of 31 recovered and 31 nonrecovered dogs, including 35 dogs from the 1st study.ResultsIn the 1st study, 43 genes were differently expressed in recovered and nonrecovered dogs. The mean preoperative plasma albumin concentration in recovered dogs was higher compared to nonrecovered dogs (23 and 19 g/L, respectively;P = .004). The best fitting prediction model in the 2nd study included preoperative plasma albumin concentration and intraoperativeDHDH,ERLEC1, andLYSMD2gene expression levels.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceA preclinical model was constructed using preoperative plasma albumin concentration and intraoperative hepatic mRNA expression of 3 genes that were unbiasedly selected from the genome to predict recovery from portosystemic shunting after shunt ligation. Further development is essential for clinical application.
Health literacy in pressure injury: Findings from a mixed‐methods study of community‐based patients and carers
Authors: Durrant Lisa A. , Taylor James , Thompson Helen , Usher Kim , Jackson Debra 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe present study, drawn from a larger mixed‐methods case study, provides insights into the health literacy of community‐based patients with pressure injuries, and their carers, and critically analyzes the patient information resources available; crucial because health literacy is associated with patient care and outcomes for patients. Two datasets were used to better understand patient literacy in relation to pressure injury: (i) narratives from patients and carers; and (ii) analysis of patient education resources. Narratives were subject to content analysis and patient education resources available to the patients were analyzed drawing on the Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook, the National Health Service Toolkit for Producing Patient Resources, and compared to an internationally‐advocated pressure injury leaflet. The study findings indicated that despite leaflets broadly meeting required production and content guidelines, patients appeared to poorly engage with these materials and demonstrated limited health literacy in relation to pressure injury. Although improvements in leaflet production and readability might be advantageous, emphasis should remain on quality patient–health‐care professional relationships to enable tailored patient education that can enhance awareness and engagement with treatment and prevention interventions.
Adverse events witnessed by nursing students during clinical learning experiences: Findings from a longitudinal study
Authors: Stevanin Simone , Causero Giulia , Zanini Antonietta , Bulfone Giampiera , Bressan Valentina , Palese Alvisa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNo evidence from any longitudinal study design has been reported to date with regard to patient safety (PS) incidents witnessed by nursing students during their training. Therefore, with the aim of closing this gap in available knowledge, a longitudinal study was performed from 2012 to 2015 by involving all nursing students (n= 145) enrolled in two Italian nursing programs. At the end of each academic year, students were invited to report in writing all PS incidents witnessed during their clinical learning experience; the number of days each student spent in their clinical setting was also collected from administrative records. Ninety students were included and 94 incidents were reported: 17 (18.1%) by first year students, 27 (28.7%) by second year students, and 50 (53.2%) by third year students. One third of students did not report any PS incident at the end of each academic year, while only a few reported more than one. The incidence density was 3.8/1000 days of clinical training without statistical differences across academic years. Supporting nursing students by encouraging them to share, discuss, and reflect on their clinical learning experience might increase their confidence in reporting safety incidents.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity increases phosphorus uptake efficiency of European beech
Authors: Köhler Julia , Yang Nan , Pena Rodica , Raghavan Venket , Polle Andrea , Meier Ina C. 
Published: May 2018

Summary

Increases in summer droughts and nitrogen (N) deposition have raised concerns of widespread biodiversity loss and nutrient imbalances, but our understanding of the ecological role of ectomycorrhizal fungal (ECMF) diversity in mediating root functions remains a major knowledge gap.

We used different global change scenarios to experimentally alter the composition of ECMF communities colonizing European beech saplings and examined the consequences for phosphorus (P) uptake (H333PO4 feeding experiment) and use efficiencies of trees. Specifically, we simulated increases in temperature and N deposition and decreases in soil moisture and P availability in a factorial experiment.

Here, we show that ECMF α diversity is a major factor contributing to root functioning under global change. P uptake efficiency of beech significantly increased with increasing ECMF species richness and diversity, as well as with decreasing P availability. As a consequence of decreases in ECMF diversity, P uptake efficiency decreased when soil moisture was limiting. By contrast, P use efficiencies were a direct (negative) function of P availability and not of ECMF diversity.

We conclude that increasing summer droughts may reduce ECMF diversity and the complementarity of P uptake by ECMF species, which will add to negative growth effects expected from nutrient imbalances under global change.
Resilience of socially valued properties of natural systems to repeated disturbance: A framework to support value‐laden management decisions
Authors: Zeeman Mary Lou , Meyer Katherine , Bussmann Erika , Hoyer‐Leitzel Alanna , Iams Sarah , Klasky Ian J. , Lee Victoria , Ligtenberg Stephen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs global change delivers new disturbance patterns to agricultural and ecological systems, there is profound concern that many of the natural systems on which humans rely are exhibiting gradual declines or sudden regime shifts. We describe a “flow‐kick” paradigm for modeling populations subject to regular patterns of discrete shocks, and use it to develop a framework that both identifies management strategies to achieve socially valued system properties and characterizes resilience of these properties to changing disturbance patterns. We apply the framework to four examples of logistically growing species where the socially valued properties are assumed to be (i) high abundance, (ii) low abundance, (iii) fishery yield, and (iv) fishery profit. In Example 3, we describe how the flow‐kick approach generalizes the classical maximum sustainable yield. In Example 4, the flow‐kick approach surprises us by identifying management strategies that yield higher profits than the maximum admitted by the corresponding Gordon–Schaeffer model.Recommendations for Resource ManagersConsider using flow‐kick modeling to:explicitly represent the dynamics of a natural resource that is shaped by discrete, recurrent disturbances (e.g., harvests of a biological population).quantify the resilience of a natural resource, and its socially valued properties, to discrete, recurrent disturbances.quantify the resilience of a managed resource to additional disturbance or change in management strategy.Instead of using management to optimize according to a single objective, consider what functional properties of a system create value for stakeholders, and identify disturbance patterns (management strategies) that achieve acceptable levels of stakeholder value.When multiple stakeholders derive different values from a resource, search for mutually acceptable management strategies by first identifying acceptable value levels, and then identifying the disturbance patterns that achieve acceptable levels for each stakeholder. Do different stakeholders' sets of acceptable disturbance patterns overlap? If not, how close are they?
Dynamics of carbon dioxide gas (CO2): Effects of varying capability of plants to absorb CO2
Authors: Devi Sapna , Gupta Nivedita 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo explore the effects of variation in the capability of plants to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed here. The model is developed under the presumption that capability of plants to inhale/store CO2varies plantwise. Primarily, whole plant population is divided into two categories for the analysis. Qualitative analysis for boundedness of solutions, existence, and stability of equilibrium points, along with permanence of the model system is carried out. The model analysis reveals that increasing the growth rate of plants, whose capability to absorb atmospheric CO2is more, depleted CO2more rapidly as compared to other ones, and if we increase harvesting rate coefficient, the concentration of CO2increases accordingly. Numerical simulations are performed to support and interpret the analytical results. Finally, the plant population is categorized inn‐parts and model is generalized to better understand the dynamics of the ecosystem.Summary for ManagersGlobal warming is a very serious issue to be tackled in the present scenario. CO2has contributed more than any driver to global warming and if it accumulates unabated, then its irreversible influence will continue.To reduce the increasing level of global warming, we have to mitigate atmospheric CO2. One important element that can help to solve this problem, is the plantation of new forests.In plantation process, if we are planting only those plants which are the good sequesters of CO2, then it will not be preferable because every plant has its own importance in the ecosystem. So, for more precise results, managers should first categorize whole plant population and then do the analysis for the reduction of CO2without disturbing the balance of the ecosystem.Managers should implement policies to extend the forestry area which consists those plants which are the good sequesters of CO2and prevent unnecessary harvesting.
Surgical Infection after Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Arthrodesis: CT Analysis of Spinal Fusion
Authors: Andrés‐Cano Pablo , Cerván Ana , Rodríguez‐Solera Miguel , Antonio Ortega Jose , Rebollo Natividad , Guerado Enrique 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of infection after instrumented lumbar spine surgery, the demographic and surgical variables associated with acute infection, and the influence of infection and debridement on the consolidation of spinal fusion.MethodsAfter obtaining approval from the hospital ethics committee, an observational study was made on a prospective cohort of consecutive patients surgically treated by posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis (n = 139, 2005–2011). In all cases, the minimum follow‐up period was 18 months. The following bivariate analysis was conducted of demographic and surgical variables: non‐infection group (n = 123); infection group (n = 16). Fusion rates were determined by multislice CT. Logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsIncidence of deep infection requiring debridement: 11.51% (95% confidence interval, 5.85–17.18]). Bivariate analysis: differences were observed in hospital stay (7.0 days [range, 4–10] vs 14.50 days [range, 5.25–33.75]; P = 0.013), surgical time (3.15 h vs 4.09 h; P = 0.004), body mass index (25.11 kg/m2 [22.58–27.0] vs 26.02 kg/m2 [24.15 to 29.38]; P = 0.043), Charlson comorbidity index (median, 0 vs 1; P = 0.027), and rate of unsuccessful consolidation according to CT (18.4% vs 72.7%; P = 0.0001). In a model of multivariate logistic regression, taking as the dependent variable unsuccessful arthrodesis after 1 year, and adjusting for the other independent variables (infection, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and surgical time), the only variable that was significantly associated with an outcome of unsuccessful spinal fusion after 1 year was infection, with OR = 12.44 (95% confidence interval, 2.50–61.76).ConclusionDeep infection after instrumented lumbar spine arthrodesis is a common complication that compromises the radiographic outcome of surgery. Patients who develop a postoperative infection and require debridement surgery are 12 times less likely to achieve satisfactory radiological fusion.
Short‐term Follow‐up of Antibiotic‐loaded Articulating Cement Spacers in Two‐stage Revision of Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Series
Authors: Tian Meng‐qiang , Yang Xian‐teng , Tian Xiao‐bin , Sun Yun‐bo , Duan Yuan‐hui , Sun Li 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveInfection of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare but devastating complication. Two‐stage revision is an effective treatment for late infected TKA. This study aimed to assess the short‐term results of two‐stage revision using articulating antibiotic‐loaded spacers.MethodsTwenty‐five patients (10 men and 15 women) were diagnosed with late infections after TKA and treated with two‐stage revision from April 2006 to August 2010; 19 of these patients had TKA for osteoarthritis and 6 for rheumatoid arthritis. Median age was 64.9 (range, 56–83) years. In the first‐stage surgery, the prosthesis and all bone cement was removed. After thorough debridement, bone cement with vancomycin and tobramycin was put into a die cavity and made into temporary femoral and tibial spacers, respectively. In the cases of good knee range of motion, the temporary spacers were affixed to the bone surface using the same antibiotic bone cement. In the second surgery, gentamycin Refobacin Bone Cement with vancomycin was used to fix the prosthesis. After two‐stage revision, patients were followed up clinically and radiologically at 1, 3, and 6 months, and then annually. Knee Society Score (KSS), knee function score, knee pain score, and knee range of motion (ROM) were assessed.ResultsAmong the group, all spacers were easily removed, and bone defect degree showed no obvious change compared with pre‐implant, 24 (96%) patients had been debrided once, and 1 patient had been debrided twice before reimplant prosthesis. Mean follow‐up was 64.2 (range, 52–89) months. There was no infection recurrence at final follow‐up. Compared with preoperative data, the KSS (66 [59, 71], 83 [80, 88] vs 46 [43, 57], P < 0.01), knee function score (43 [42, 49], 78 [73, 82] vs 32 [25, 37], P < 0.01), knee pain score (34 [33, 37], 42 [40, 45] vs 18 [16, 23], P < 0.01), and knee ROM (92° [86°, 96°], 94° [90°, 98°] vs 78° [67°, 86°], P < 0.01) were all improved during follow‐up and at final visit. Three patients experienced complications in the interval period: one case had knee dislocation, one had knee instability, and one had a chip in the femoral component of the spacer.ConclusionUsing articulating antibiotic‐loaded spacers showed benefits for treating infected TKA in selected patients. No infection recurrence was observed during follow‐up.
Peter Winch on ‘Aristotelian’ and ‘Socratic’ Reasoning
Authors: Lagerspetz Olli 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPeter Winch often returned to questions about the nature of logic. In the context of his work on Wittgenstein and political philosophy in the 1990s, Winch described a contrast between ‘Aristotelian’ and ‘Socratic’ reasoning. Aristotelian conceptions of reasoning, attributed to Frege and Russell, would see logic as a formal science and rationality as consistency with pre‐existent rules of inference. The Socratic conception, attributed to Wittgenstein, understands rational argument as a form of socially embedded dialogue that involves moral relationships and a dimension of depth. Rational persuasion may also involve use of persuasive images and examples.
A Three‐Part Bayesian Network for Modeling Dwelling Fires and Their Impact upon People and Property
Authors: Matellini D. B. , Wall A. D. , Jenkinson I. D. , Wang J. , Pritchard R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the United Kingdom, dwelling fires are responsible for the majority of all fire‐related fatalities. The development of these incidents involves the interaction of a multitude of variables that combine in many different ways. Consequently, assessment of dwelling fire risk can be complex, which often results in ambiguity during fire safety planning and decision making. In this article, a three‐part Bayesian network model is proposed to study dwelling fires from ignition through to extinguishment in order to improve confidence in dwelling fire safety assessment. The model incorporates both hard and soft data, delivering posterior probabilities for selected outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how the model functions and provide evidence of its use for planning and accident investigation.