bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treat and Extend versus Pro Re Nata regimens of ranibizumab in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration: a comparative 12 Month study
Authors: Hatz Katja , Prünte Christian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPurposeTo compare outcomes in patients with treatment‐naïve neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) receiving ranibizumab treat and extend (TE) with those receiving ranibizumab pro re nata (PRN) in a clinical setting.MethodsDuring this 12‐month retrospective, consecutive, comparative case series, patients received ranibizumab 0.5 mg according to a TE or PRN regimen. Monthly optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation was performed during the PRN regimen; retreatment criteria included recurrence of intra‐/subretinal fluid, or haemorrhages. During the TE regimen, initial treatment with 4‐week intervals was sequentially lengthened by 2 weeks until signs of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) activity recurred. Study end‐points included mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT), mean injection frequency and number of follow‐up visits attended.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between the TE (n = 70) and PRN (n = 70) groups. Mean change in BCVA from baseline to Month 12 was significantly greater in the TE group than the PRN group (+0.18 ± 0.17 versus +0.07 ± 0.20, p < 0.001). Mean change in CRT from baseline to Month 12 was greater in the TE group than the PRN group (−116 ± 132 versus −58 ± 157 μm, p = 0.019). The number of follow‐up visits attended was significantly higher in the PRN group than the TE group (11.9 ± 1.1 versus 8.6 ± 1.9, p < 0.001), while patients in the TE group received more injections during the study than those in the PRN group (8.6 ± 1.9 versus 6.0 ± 1.9, p < 0.001).ConclusionRanibizumab administered using a TE regimen in treatment‐naïve patients with nAMD provided better visual outcomes with fewer clinic visits, compared with a PRN regimen.
Bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl) Phthalate Increases Insulin Expression and Lipid Levels in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Cao Hao , Wiemerslage Lyle , Marttila Petra S. K. , Williams Michael J. , Schiöth Helgi B. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBis‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most widely used plasticizers, and human beings are exposed to DEHP via polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials, medical equipment and even drinking water. While DEHP has been implicated to influence metabolism and endocrine functions, important questions remain about the molecular mechanisms of these effects. We employed the model organism Drosophila melanogaster and examined physiological, molecular and behavioural effects from DEHP‐contaminated food. We found that DEHP, at levels comparable to human exposure, made male flies more resistant to starvation and increased lipid levels, while decreasing circulating carbohydrates. Moreover, DEHP‐fed male flies had higher expression levels of an insulin‐like peptide known to regulate metabolism, as well as the insulin receptor. Our results suggest that long‐term DEHP feeding may induce diabetes‐like dysfunctions. These findings provide a molecular background of how DEHP may have detrimental effects on metabolic functions.
Role of oral pentosan polysulphate in the reduction of local side effects of BCG therapy in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Yadav Suresh , Tomar Vinay , Yadav Sher Singh , Priyadarshi Shivam , Banerjee Indraneel 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the role of oral pentosan polysulphate (PPS) in the reduction of bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG)‐related local side effects in patients with high grade Ta/T1 non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Patients and MethodsA total of 32 symptomatic patients receiving BCG instillation were randomized into three groups: group A received placebo (vitamin B complex tablet) thrice daily; group B received PPS 100 mg thrice daily; and group C received PPS 100 mg once daily and placebo (vitamin B complex tablet) twice daily for 6 weeks. A visual analogue scale (VAS) score for bladder pain, Overactive Bladder‐Validated 8 Question Screener (OAB‐V8) scores and dysuria were evaluated in the three groups before and during each weekly visit for BCG instillation.ResultsThe mean ± sd post‐treatment VAS scores were significantly lower in groups B (4.4 ± 1.2) and C (5.8 ± 0.8) than in group A (8 ± 0.4). In addition, the post‐treatment VAS score was significantly lower in group B than in group C (P<0.01). The mean post‐treatment OAB‐V8 score was significantly lower only in group B (decreased from 15.5 to 9.7). Dysuria decreased in groups B and C but persisted in group A.ConclusionThe present study shows that oral PPS (100 mg) thrice daily is effective in relieving BCG‐related local side effects.
Change in platelet count as a prognostic indicator for response to primary tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hamilton Zachary , Lee Hak J. , Jimenez Juan , Lane Brian R. , Wang Song , Beksac Alp T. , Gillis Kyle , Alagh Amy , Tobert Conrad , Randall James M. , Kane Christopher J. , Millard Frederick , Campbell Steven C. , Derweesh Ithaar H. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate change in platelet count as an indicator of response to primary tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a multicentre retrospective analysis of patients with mRCC undergoing primary TKI therapy from May 2005 to August 2014. Change in platelet count was defined as post‐treatment platelet count after the first cycle of treatment minus the pretreatment platelet count. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours were used to define partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Analysis was conducted between subgroups with stable/increased (+ΔPlt) and decreased (–ΔPlt) counts. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), determined using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Multivariable analysis was conducted for risk factors associated with PD.ResultsA total of 115 patients with mRCC were analysed, of whom 19 (16.6%) had a +ΔPlt and 96 (83%) a –ΔPlt. More patients with a +ΔPlt had a Karnofsky score <80 (42.1 vs 14.6%; P = 0.005) and >2 metastatic sites (78.9 vs 51%; P = 0.041). More patients with +ΔPlt than with –ΔPlt had PD (89.4 vs 19.1%; P < 0.001) and more of those with –ΔPlt than with +ΔPlt had SD/PR (80.9 vs 10.6%; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that +ΔPlt (odds ratio [OR] 5.36, P < 0.001), Karnofsky score < 80 (OR 2.96, P = 0.002) and >2 metastatic sites at presentation (OR 1.87, P = 0.013) were risk factors for PD. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a lower 5‐year OS in patients with +ΔPlt than in those with –ΔPlt (23 vs 53%; P < 0.0001). +ΔPlt had a sensitivity of 48.6%, a specificity of 97.4%, a positive predictive value of 89.5% and a negative predictive value of 80.9% for PD.ConclusionsPatients with a –ΔPlt were more likely to respond to TKI therapy and had longer OS. +ΔPlt above baseline had a high specificity for PD after primary TKI. Further investigation is required to determine the utility of ΔPlt.
Cyberbullying: What's the problem?
Authors: Deschamps Ryan , McNutt Kathleen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCyberbullying has been a difficult problem for policy makers and observers to define. For some, cyberbullying is understood as a public health problem, while others view it largely as an education issue, and still others see it as a justice problem. In Canada, while the definition of cyberbullying continues to evolve, a nascent approach assumes that it is similar to traditional face‐to‐face bullying with computer‐mediated communication as a new element. This definition is at odds with recent research on cyberbullying, which may have significant implications for policy makers seeking to design effective interventions.
CD21–/low B cells in human blood are memory cells
Authors: Thorarinsdottir K , Camponeschi A , Cavallini N , Grimsholm O , Jacobsson L , Gjertsson I , Mårtensson I-L 
Published: March 2016

Summary
The complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21) is part of a complex (CD21/CD19/CD81) acting as a co-receptor to the B cell receptor (BCR). Simultaneous triggering of the BCR and CD21 lowers the threshold for B cell activation. Although CD21 is important, B cells that express low amounts or lack surface CD21 (CD21–/low) are increased in conditions with chronic inflammation, e.g. autoimmune diseases. However, little is known about the CD21–/low B cell subset in peripheral blood from healthy donors. Here, we show that CD21–/low cells represent approximately 5% of B cells in peripheral blood from adults but are barely detectable in cord blood, after excluding transitional B cells. The CD21–/low subset can be divided into CD38–24+ and CD38–24low cells, where most of the CD38–24+ are CD27+immunoglobulin (Ig)M+IgD+ and the CD38–24low are switched CD27–. Expression levels of additional markers, e.g. CD95 and CD62L, are similar to those on classical memory B cells. In contrast to naive cells, the majority of CD21–/low cells lack expression of the ABCB1 transporter. Stimulation with a combination of BCR, Toll-like receptor (TLR)−7/8 and interleukin (IL)−2 induces proliferation and differentiation of the CD21–/low B cells comparable to CD21+CD27+ memory B cells. The response excluding BCR agonist is not on par with that of classical memory B cells, although clearly above that of naive B cells. This is ascribed to a weaker response by the CD38–24low subset, implying that some memory B cells require not only TLR but also BCR triggering. We conclude that the CD21–/low cells in healthy donors are memory B cells.
Application of an Analytical Solution as a Screening Tool for Sea Water Intrusion
Authors: Beebe Calvin R. , Ferguson Grant , Gleeson Tom , Morgan Leanne K. , Werner Adrian D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSea water intrusion into aquifers is problematic in many coastal areas. The physics and chemistry of this issue are complex, and sea water intrusion remains challenging to quantify. Simple assessment tools like analytical models offer advantages of rapid application, but their applicability to field situations is unclear. This study examines the reliability of a popular sharp‐interface analytical approach for estimating the extent of sea water in a homogeneous coastal aquifer subjected to pumping and regional flow effects and under steady‐state conditions. The analytical model is tested against observations from Canada, the United States, and Australia to assess its utility as an initial approximation of sea water extent for the purposes of rapid groundwater management decision making. The occurrence of sea water intrusion resulting in increased salinity at pumping wells was correctly predicted in approximately 60% of cases. Application of a correction to account for dispersion did not markedly improve the results. Failure of the analytical model to provide correct predictions can be attributed to mismatches between its simplifying assumptions and more complex field settings. The best results occurred where the toe of the salt water wedge is expected to be the closest to the coast under predevelopment conditions. Predictions were the poorest for aquifers where the salt water wedge was expected to extend further inland under predevelopment conditions and was therefore more dispersive prior to pumping. Sharp‐interface solutions remain useful tools to screen for the vulnerability of coastal aquifers to sea water intrusion, although the significant sources of uncertainty identified in this study require careful consideration to avoid misinterpreting sharp‐interface results.
Immunoexpression of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1α and interleukin‐10 on odontogenic cysts and tumours
Authors: Sá M. C. , de Matos F. R. , Conceição T. S. , Leitão A. C. G. H. , Freitas R. A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo analyse the immunoreactivity of IL‐1α, TNF‐α and IL‐10 in odontogenic cysts and tumours and to investigate possible associations with established biological behaviours of these different lesions.MethodologyImmunohistochemical expression of anti‐IL‐1α, anti‐TNF‐α and anti‐IL‐10 antibodies was assessed on epithelium and mesenchyme of 20 radicular cysts (RCs), 20 residual cysts (RECs), 20 dentigerous cysts (DCs), 18 solid ameloblastomas (SAs), 20 keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs) and 15 dental follicles (DFs). Comparative analysis of data was performed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and Kruskal–Wallis's test.ResultsSignificantly greater expression of IL‐1α in the epithelium was noted in RC, KCOT and SA (P = 0.01), whilst IL‐10 and TNF‐α was in the epithelium of RC, DC and KCOT (P < 0.01). In the mesenchyme, significantly greater immunopositivity was observed for IL‐1α, IL‐10 and TNF‐α in KCOT, DC and RC (P < 0.01). In epithelial and mesenchymal tissues, there were a significant number of cases of RC and DC with IL‐1α < IL‐10 ratio (P < 0.01), whilst SA and KCOT showed IL‐1α > IL‐10 (P < 0.01). There was a significantly greater percentage of DF, DC and KCOT with TNF‐α > IL10 ratio (P < 0.01).ConclusionThese results suggest involvement of the proteins in the pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts and tumours, with emphasis on the highest immunoreactivity of osteolysis stimulating factors in tumours with aggressive biological behaviour, such as SA and KCOT.
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients treated with systemic immunosuppressive agents for dermatologic conditions: a systematic review with recommendations for prophylaxis
Authors: Gonzalez Santiago Tania M. , Wetter David A. , Kalaaji Amer N. , Limper Andrew H. , Lehman Julia S. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryPneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is an opportunistic infection associated with substantial rates of mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Prophylaxis recommendations are mostly targeted toward patients with non‐dermatologic diagnoses. This study was conducted to determine when dermatology patients treated with immunosuppressive medications should be offered P. jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis. We searched the literature from January 1, 1993, to December 31, 2013, using terms relating to P. jiroveci pneumonia and dermatologic diagnoses to analyze the clinical characteristics of previously affected patients. Guidelines for P. jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis from other medical fields were also analyzed. Of 17 dermatology patients reported to have contracted P. jiroveci pneumonia, eight (47.1%) died of the pneumonia. Risk factors included lack of prophylaxis, systemic corticosteroid therapy, lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, low serum CD4 counts, comorbid pulmonary or renal disease, malignancy, and prior organ transplantation. The present conclusions are limited by heterogeneity among the selected studies and limitations in their identification and selection. However, P. jiroveci pneumonia in dermatology patients is associated with a high mortality rate. Based on our analysis, we propose that prophylaxis be considered in dermatology patients in whom treatment with systemic corticosteroids at doses exceeding 20 mg/day or treatment with corticosteroid‐sparing immunosuppressive agents is anticipated for at least 4 weeks, and in patients with additional risk factors for P. jiroveci pneumonia.
Characterisation of whey protein isolate–gum tragacanth electrostatic interactions in aqueous solutions
Authors: Raoufi Nassim , Kadkhodaee Rassoul , Phillips Glyn O. , Fang Yapeng , Najafi Masoud Najaf 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe main objectives of this study were to measure molecular parameters of gum tragacanth by GPC‐MALLS system and investigate the complexation behaviour of whey protein isolate/gum tragacanth mixed dispersions (0.5 wt% total biopolymer concentration) as a function of pH (7.00–2.00) and the biopolymer mixing ratio (r = 0.1–10) using spectrophotometric, zeta potential and precipitate yield determination methods. GPC‐MALLS revealed that gum tragacanth contains relatively heterogeneous particles with high weight‐average and number‐average (Mw = 7.74 × 105 g mol−1 and Mn = 3.87 × 105 g mol−1) molecular mass and high dispersity index (~2.04 ± 0.3). Results of complexation displayed that as the biopolymer mixing ratio increases, the net neutrality shifts to the higher pHs. The critical values associated with the complex structure formation were found at r = 2 in which the charge density of the mixture was near zero at a wide range of pH (3.0–4.0). However, the highest precipitate yield achieved in pH 3.4.
Protein profiles and total antioxidant capacity of water‐soluble and water‐insoluble fractions of white brined goat cheese at different stages of ripening
Authors: Barac Miroljub , Pesic Mirjana , Zilic Slađana , Smiljanic Milenko , Stanojevic Slađana , Vasic Milena , Despotovic Sasa , Vucic Tanja , Kostic Aleksandar 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThis study deals with proteolysis and total antioxidant capacity of proteins of white brined cheese prepared from overheated goat milk and ripened for fifty days. Proteolytic changes were reflected through the relatively low level of soluble nitrogen (50 days ripened cheese had 15.32 g/100 g of water‐soluble nitrogen, 8.1 g/100 g of TCA‐soluble nitrogen and 2.69 g/100 g of PTA‐SN), intensive proteolysis of αs2‐CN during initial 10 days of ripening (up to 50.70% of initial content) and its much slower degradation through further 40 days, slow but continual decrease of β‐CN content (up to 85.14% of residual content) and high level of proteolytic products tightly bounded into gel network. Total antioxidant capacity of water‐soluble and water‐insoluble fractions increased after cheese ripening. These findings could be useful for better understanding and control over the production of white brined goat cheese as highly valuable functional product.
Effect of pH and chitosan concentration on gelation of protein concentrate from giant squid mantle (Dosidicus gigas)
Authors: Tolano‐Villaverde Ivan J. , Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat M. , Ocano‐Higuera Victor M. , Torres‐Arreola Wilfrido , Ramirez‐Wong Benjamin , Herrera‐Urbina Ronaldo , Marquez‐Rios Enrique 
Published: March 2016

SummaryJumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) is characterised by its low commercial value, lean and white meat without bones or scales and high muscular yield. Therefore, it is an attractive species for the production of protein concentrates. However, the gelling ability of squid proteins is low due to the inherent characteristics of the proteins. Different hydrocolloids can be used to improve the gelling ability, where pH and concentration of the hydrocolloids are very important to stablish. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain a protein concentrate from Dosidicus gigas and evaluate the effect of pH and chitosan concentration on its gelation and conformational changes. Treatment at pH 7.0 with 2% chitosan improved the water‐holding capacity, elasticity and agglomeration according to the Z potential; it also improved the thermal stability and gelling according to the dynamic oscillatory measurements and differential scanning calorimetry. This information demonstrates that chitosan incorporation plays an important role in gel formation and improves the gelling capacity of squid proteins without affecting the brightness and whiteness, important parameters for this product.
Improvement of the quality of gluten‐free sponge cake using different levels and particle sizes of carrot pomace powder
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Poor Zahra Vosooghi , Jamalian Jalal , Farahnaky Asgar 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIn this study, carrot pomace powder (CPP) with particle sizes of 210 μm (CPP210) and 500 μm (CPP500) was added in the gluten‐free sponge cake recipe. Flour (rice and corn flour, 1:1, w/w) was replaced with 0, 10, 20 and 30% CPP. With increasing the level and particle size of CPP, batter density, viscosity, consistency and firmness increased. The control cake had a dense, hard texture, irregular shape and low sensory scores. These properties improved with addition of CPP so that the cake density, hardness and cohesiveness reduced, while symmetry index and sensory scores increased. Varying the particle size of CPP had no considerable effects on most of the batter and cake properties, while increasing the level of CPP had great positive effects on the quality of batter and cake. Overall, addition of 30% CPP with either of the particle sizes resulted in an acceptable gluten‐free cake.
Nursing staffs’ attentiveness to older adults falling in residential care – an interview study
Authors: Clancy Anne , Mahler Marianne 
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectivesThe focus of this study is to explore how nursing staff experience safety promotion and fall prevention in residential care settings for older adults. The article calls for attentiveness to fall prevention within a broader lifeworld context of well‐being and health promotion.BackgroundThere is limited research on fall prevention and safety promotion where the lifeworld and well‐being provide a direction for care.DesignThis interview study has a hermeneutic phenomenological design.MethodsFourteen interviews with nursing staff were carried out. The ethics of care and vulnerability within a lifeworld approach provide the theoretical framework and guide the interpretive process.ResultsThe findings can indicate that there is a generalised understanding of the needs of older persons in residential care. The focus of the staff was more on protection and prevention than safety promotion and well‐being.ConclusionRisk prevention is not enough. The residents need protection against falls but they also need to be protected from situations that can be detrimental to their well‐being and compromise their dignity. Acknowledging the complexities of safety promotion amongst older persons living in assisted care settings can prevent fall accidents and ensure attentiveness to a more fundamental sense of security that can promote the older person's well‐being and health.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study is relevant to clinical nursing practice as it shows that risk management in fall prevention is not enough. The findings show the need for educated nursing home staff that can incorporate contemplative and scientific knowledge into injury prevention practice.
The Singular Freedom of Academic Freedom
Authors: Haque Eve 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, I want to discuss how particular conceptions of academic freedom can overshadow issues of justice for racialized members of the academy. In particular, the question I will explore is how we can begin to think of academic freedom in relation to, and not against, freedom from structural racial discrimination. I will explore this question in relation to presentations made at a conference on academic freedom, and through the examination of a few notable cases (both historical and contemporary) of academic freedom and racism in the classroom as well as in the blogosphere and social media.