bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive cryomicro-CT imaging enables structural and molecular analysis of human lung tissue
Authors: Vasilescu Dragoş M. , Phillion André B. , Tanabe Naoya , Kinose Daisuke , Paige David F. , Kantrowitz Jacob J. , Liu Gang , Liu Hanqiao , Fishbane Nick , Verleden Stijn E. , Vanaudenaerde Bart M. , Lenburg Marc , Stevenson Christopher S. , Spira Avrum , Cooper Joel D. , Hackett Tillie-Louise , Hogg James C. 
Published: November 2016

Micro-computed tomography (CT) enables three-dimensional (3D) imaging of complex soft tissue structures, but current protocols used to achieve this goal preclude cellular and molecular phenotyping of the tissue. Here we describe a radiolucent cryostage that permits micro-CT imaging of unfixed frozen human lung samples at an isotropic voxel size of (11 µm)3 under conditions where the sample is maintained frozen at −30°C during imaging. The cryostage was tested for thermal stability to maintain samples frozen up to 8 h. This report describes the methods used to choose the materials required for cryostage construction and demonstrates that whole genome mRNA integrity and expression are not compromised by exposure to micro-CT radiation and that the tissue can be used for immunohistochemistry. The new cryostage provides a novel method enabling integration of 3D tissue structure with cellular and molecular analysis to facilitate the identification of molecular determinants of disease. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The described micro-CT cryostage provides a novel way to study the three-dimensional lung structure preserved without the effects of fixatives while enabling subsequent studies of the cellular matrix composition and gene expression. This approach will, for the first time, enable researchers to study structural changes of lung tissues that occur with disease and correlate them with changes in gene or protein signatures.
Determination of hydroxycinnamic acids in the herb of stachys sieboldii miq
Authors: Marchyshyn S. M. , Husak L. V. , Berdey T. S. 
Published: November 2016

In the article the results of study of qualitative composition and quantitative content of hydroxycinnamic acids in the herb of Stachys sieboldii Miq. are presented. By the method of HPLC it was established the presence of chlorogenic, rosemarinic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids. Quantitative content of hydroxycinnamic acids was determined by the method of spectrophotometry.
Antioxidant profile for rats with the closed cranial cerebral trauma in the treatment of cerebrogermum
Authors: Lukianchuk V. D. , Ohloblina M. V. , Koveshnikov O. V. 
Published: November 2016

The work is devoted to the research of the condition of the main components of the antioxidant system at the terms of the closed cranial cerebral trauma and at its pharmaceutical correction of Cerebrogermum. It is determined that in case of using of Cerebrogermum the activity of superoxiddismutasa is rised in the blood serum in average on 35 % concerning the significations of the control group (the closed cranial cerebral trauma without treatment), on 72 hour of experiment the activity of this are fixed in the groups of both intact and reviewer rats. It does not also yield to reviewer preparation the ability of Cerebrogermum to resist to oxidizing stress because of the activity of catalasa. In relation to the estimation of antioxidant activity it considerably outweighs sizes for rats under influence of Cerebrogermum ( in average on 65 %) which are registered in the control group. The received in the experiment data give the basis to assert that the potential cerebral protector owns the exactly ability to resist to oxidative stress that is formed on a background of the mechanical damage of cerebrum.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Promotes the Progression of Aortic Aneurysm by Modulating Macrophage Behavior
Authors: Harada Takasuke , Yoshimura Koichi , Yamashita Osamu , Ueda Koshiro , Morikage Noriyasu , Sawada Yasuhiro , Hamano Kimikazu 
Published: November 2016

Objective—
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease that is associated with persistent inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the macrophage-mediated progression of AAA remain largely unclear.

Approach and Results—
We show that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression and activity are enhanced in macrophages that are recruited to AAA tissue. FAK potentiates tumor necrosis factor-α–induced secretion of matrix-degrading enzymes and chemokines by cultured macrophages. FAK also promotes macrophage chemotaxis. In mice, the administration of a FAK inhibitor that tempers local macrophage accumulation markedly suppresses the development and progression of chemically induced AAA.

Conclusions—
FAK plays a key role in macrophage behavior, which underlies the chronic progression of AAA. These findings provide insights into AAA progression and identify FAK as a novel therapeutic target.
Reassessment of Cardiac Function and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Use Among Medicare Patients With Low Ejection Fraction After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Pokorney Sean D. , Miller Amy L. , Chen Anita Y. , Thomas Laine , Fonarow Gregg C. , de Lemos James A. , Al-Khatib Sana M. , Velazquez Eric J. , Peterson Eric D. , Wang Tracy Y. 
Published: November 2016

Background:
Guidelines recommend that patients with low ejection fraction (EF) after myocardial infarction (MI) have their EF reassessed 40 days after MI for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) candidacy. This study examines rates of EF reassessment and their association with 1-year ICD implantation in post-MI patients with low EF.

Methods:

We examined rates of postdischarge EF reassessment and ICD implantation among 10 289 Medicare-insured patients ≥65 years of age with an EF≤35% during the index MI admission from January 2007 through September 2010 in ACTION Registry–GWTG (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry
–
Get With The Guidelines). Multivariable Cox models tested the association between time-dependent EF reassessment and 1-year ICD implantation, stratified by revascularization status during the index MI admission.

Results:

Among patients with EF ≤35% during the index MI admission, 66.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65.9–67.8) had EF reassessment within the next year. Revascularized patients were more likely to have EF reassessment (76.9% [95% CI, 75.8–78.0)] versus 53.7% [95% CI, 52.2–55.2];
P
<0.001) and had shorter times to EF reassessment (median, 67 versus 84 days;
P
<0.001) than nonrevascularized patients. Among patients with EF reassessment, only 11% received an ICD within 1 year. Reassessment of EF was associated with a higher likelihood of ICD implantation for both revascularized (unadjusted, 12.1% versus 2.4%,
P
<0.001; adjusted hazard ratio, 10.6, 95% CI, 7.7–14.8) and nonrevascularized (unadjusted, 10.0% versus 1.7%,
P
<0.001; adjusted hazard ratio, 6.1, 95% CI, 4.1–9.2) patients.

Conclusions:
In US practice, EF reassessments are commonly performed among patients with MI with an initially reduced EF. Although 1-year EF reassessment is associated with increased likelihood of ICD implantation, 1-year ICD implantation rates remain very low even among patients with EF reassessment, regardless of revascularization status.
Rapid development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the sandhopper Trinorchestia longiramus Jo, 1988 (Amphipoda, Talitridae) in Korea using a 454 pyrosequencing approach
Authors: Hyun Y. S. , Song H. Y. , Woo J. , Lim B. J. , Oh S. , An H. S. 
Published: November 2016

The sandhopper Trinorchestia longiramus Jo, 1988 (Amphipoda, Talitridae) is indigenous to Korea and has great ecological importance as a key species in the food web. To assess the ecological impact of environmental disturbance, we developed microsatellite markers for T. longiramus using 454 pyrosequencing. Thirteen of 35 primer sets producing quality PCR products were polymorphic. In an analysis of 88 individuals from two T. longiramus populations, the mean number of alleles per locus was 8.5, and the mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.53 and 0.56, respectively. No linkage disequilibrium was found between any pair of loci. Significant genetic differentiation was detected between the populations. A significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed at one locus. The cross-amplification test in two sympatric species that are classified in the same family, showed the amplification of two loci. The high degree of polymorphism of these 13 microsatellites will be useful for future conservation genetic studies of this species.
Regional Sea Level Changes for the Twentieth and the Twenty-First Centuries Induced by the Regional Variability in Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Mass Loss
Authors: Meyssignac B. , Fettweis X. , Chevrier R. , Spada G. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Surface mass balance (SMB) variations of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) have been identified as an important contributor to contemporary and projected global mean sea level variations, but their impact on the regional sea level change pattern is still poorly known. This study proposes estimates of GrIS SMB over 1900–2100 based on the output of 32 atmosphere–ocean general circulation models and Earth system models involved in phase 5 of the Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). It is based on a downscaling technique calibrated against the Modèle Atmosphérique Régional (MAR) regional climate model and it provides an ensemble of 32 Greenland SMB estimates for each Greenland major drainage basin. Because the GrIS SMB does not respond uniformly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the southern part of the GrIS is more sensitive to climate warming. This study shows that this part should be in imbalance in the twenty-first century sooner than the northern part. This regional variability significantly affects the associated relative sea level pattern over the entire ocean and particularly along the U.S. East Coast and the northern coast of Europe. This highlights the necessity of taking into account GrIS regional SMB changes to evaluate accurately relative sea level changes in future projections.
Assessing Support Network Stability With Transition-Age Foster Youth
Authors: Blakeslee Jennifer E. , Keller Thomas E. 
Published: November 2016

Objective: This study uses the Support Network Assessment for Practice (SNAP) approach to measure the support provided to young people transitioning from foster care. Methods: The SNAP was administered on two occasions, approximately 7 months apart, to a cohort of transition-age foster youth ( n = 27). Analyses investigated measurement reliability and sensitivity to change for network-level characteristics as well as baseline factors associated with relationship stability. Results: Most network-level indicators had strong test–retest correlations, and differences in mean scores over time also were detected, suggesting measurement sensitivity to change. Respondents were able to explain most observed changes in their networks, further suggesting reliable measurement. Stable relationships were those reported as stronger and providing more multifaceted support and those with family members and/or parent figures. Discussion: The SNAP approach could be used to facilitate planning around support needs for youth transitioning out of foster care and to evaluate efforts to enhance support networks.
Clarifying immunoglobulin gene usage in systemic and localized immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis by mass spectrometry
Authors: Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Dasari Surendra , Theis Jason D. , Ramirez-Alvarado Marina , Kurtin Paul J. , Gertz Morie A. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Zenka Roman M. , Dogan Ahmet , Dispenzieri Angela 
Published: November 2016

Key PointsMass spectrometry is a high-throughput, low-resource technique that can identify immunoglobulin variable region gene from tissue specimens. IGVL gene usage is restricted and different between systemic and localized AL and only partially explains organ tropism in this disease.
Formal analysis of subnet-based failure recovery algorithm in wireless sensor and actor and network
Authors: Afzaal Hamra , Zafar Nazir Ahmad 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWireless sensor and actor networks (WSANs) have various applications in safety and mission critical systems. Sensors are used for sensing the information whereas actors for taking intelligent decisions. Developing and modeling algorithms for WSANs have raised several research issues which have captured attention of the research community. Maintaining inter-actor connectivity or failure recovery is a critical issue in WSANs because these are deployed in harsh and inhospitable environment which may result into physical damage to actors loosing inter-actor connectivity. In case of failure of inter-actor connectivity, the topology of the network may be affected that might be inefficient to recover. Therefore an efficient subnet-based failure recovery algorithm (SFRA) is proposed in this work. It is assumed the partitioning of WSAN into subnets which localizes the failure recovery procedure at subnet level achieving objective of efficiency. Moreover, algorithm is hybrid as it assumes pre-failure planning and post-failure recovery. The proposed model is presented as a graph-based model to represent static part of the network topology. The graph model is transformed into a formal model using Vienna development method-specification language (VDM-SL). The static model is described by defining formal specification of subnets, network topology, sensors, actors and gateways as composite objects. The state space of the WSANs is described in the form of functions and operations as dynamic part of the model. Invariants are defined over the data types in static model for ensuring safety criteria and pre/post conditions are defined in functions and operations for changing state space of the system. The proposed model is validated and verified using VDM-SL Toolbox.
Pay-for-performance in resource-constrained settings: Lessons learned from Thailand’s Quality and Outcomes Framework
Authors: Khampang Roongnapa , Tantivess Sripen , Teerawattananon Yot , Chootipongchaivat Sarocha , Pattanapesaj Juntana , Butchon Rukmanee , Malathong Natthida , Cluzeau Francoise , Foskett-Tharby Rachel , Gill Paramjit 
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Many countries have introduced pay-for-performance (P4P) models to encourage health providers and institutions to provide good quality of care. In 2013, the National Health Security Office of Thailand introduced P4P, based on the UK Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), as a mandatory programme for primary care providers. This study aims to review the first year of the Thai QOF policy, focusing on the key features of its formulation and implementation stages. Methods.This study used a mix of data collection approaches, such as literature review, in-depth interviews with QOF managers, and focus-group discussions with health officers and practitioners. Data were collected between June and August 2015 and transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis (interpretation of the content of text data through the systematic classification process of identifying themes or patterns). Two consultation meetings were organised to verify the preliminary findings. Results. Based on the UK model, the Thai QOF was formulated without formal consultation with key stakeholders. Additionally, programme managers adopted a ‘learning by doing’ approach, since Thai authorities were already aware of health system limitations, such as insufficient human and financial resources and unreliable databases. There were also problems with QOF implementation, as follows: 1) deducting the budget from the annual payment for ambulatory care made the policy unjustified because providers did not receive full subsidisation of their service delivery; 2) lack of key stakeholder engagement resulted in miscommunication, and subsequently misunderstanding and inadequate coordination, for the translation of QOF policy into action; and 3) the unreliability of the IT system led to inaccurately-reported data on service delivery, thereby adversely affecting performance. Conclusion.There is still room for improvement in formulating and implementing the Thai QOF programme. Policy makers and programme implementers at both the national and international levels can benefit from this study for ensuring effective policy transfer and implementation of future QOF programmes.
Pathogenic mycobacteria achieve cellular persistence by inhibiting the Niemann-Pick Type C disease cellular pathway
Authors: Fineran Paul , Lloyd-Evans Emyr , Lack Nathan A. , Platt Nick , Davis Lianne C. , Morgan Anthony J. , Höglinger Doris , Tatituri Raju Venkata V. , Clark Simon , Williams Ian M. , Tynan Patricia , Al Eisa Nada , Nazarova Evgeniya , Williams Ann , Galione Antony , Ory Daniel S. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Russell David G. , Brenner Michael B. , Sim Edith , Platt Frances M. 
Published: November 2016

Background. Tuberculosis remains a major global health concern. The ability to prevent phagosome-lysosome fusion is a key mechanism by which intracellular mycobacteria, includingMycobacterium tuberculosis, achieve long-term persistence within host cells. The mechanisms underpinning this key intracellular pro-survival strategy remain incompletely understood. Host macrophages infected with persistent mycobacteria share phenotypic similarities with cells taken from patients suffering from Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC), a rare lysosomal storage disease in which endocytic trafficking defects and lipid accumulation within the lysosome lead to cell dysfunction and cell death. We investigated whether these shared phenotypes reflected an underlying mechanistic connection between mycobacterial intracellular persistence and the host cell pathway dysfunctional in NPC. Methods. The induction of NPC phenotypes in macrophages from wild-type mice or obtained from healthy human donors was assessed via infection with mycobacteria and subsequent measurement of lipid levels and intracellular calcium homeostasis. The effect of NPC therapeutics on intracellular mycobacterial load was also assessed. Results. Macrophages infected with persistent intracellular mycobacteria phenocopied NPC cells, exhibiting accumulation of multiple lipid types, reduced lysosomal Ca2+levels, and defects in intracellular trafficking. These NPC phenotypes could also be induced using only lipids/glycomycolates from the mycobacterial cell wall. These data suggest that persistent intracellular mycobacteria inhibit the NPC pathway, likely via inhibition of the NPC1 protein, and subsequently induce altered acidic store Ca2+homeostasis. Reduced lysosomal calcium levels may provide a mechanistic explanation for the reduced levels of phagosome-lysosome fusion in mycobacterial infection. Treatments capable of correcting defects in NPC mutant cells via modulation of host cell calcium were of benefit in promoting clearance of mycobacteria from infected host cells. Conclusion. These findings provide a novel mechanistic explanation for mycobacterial intracellular persistence, and suggest that targeting interactions between the mycobacteria and host cell pathways may provide a novel avenue for development of anti-TB therapies.
How support workers can improve nutritional status of patients with dementia
Authors: Dhillon Rupinder Kaur 
Published: November 2016

A significant number (approximately 34%) of dementia patients in care homes in the UK are suffering from malnutrition, while 56% are at risk of malnutrition. Support workers play a very important role in providing care around mealtimes and they are interested in ensuring clients have sufficient nutritional intake. Research-based feeding strategies can be very helpful for support workers working with dementia patients by enhancing their knowledge and confidence level to provide feeding assistance to care home residents with or without dementia. This article will equip support workers with knowledge and strategies that can enhance their role in improving the nutritional status of this vulnerable client group and make their role more rewarding.
Care Certificate Standards 3: duty of care; and 4: equality and diversity
Authors: Peate Ian 
Published: November 2016

This second article in the series addresses duty of care and equality and diversity; these are the third and fourth standards of the Care Certificate. The Care Certificate offers HCAs and APs, in a variety of care settings, the knowledge required to provide safe, compassionate care. The 15 standards associated with the Care Certificate can be used by HCAs and APs and their employers to assess competence as associated with the standards that are outlined in the Care Certificate. This article discusses two topics: duty of care, and your role and responsibilities in that regard; and the important issue of ensuring that in the workplace there is equality and agreed ways of working that incorporate the diversity and range of needs in health and care settings ( Mullen, 2014 ). Standards 3 and 4 concentrate on the important issues of duty of care and equality and diversity (respectively) and the impact these have on your role and the care and support you offer people, with an emphasis on safety and effectiveness. Lifelong learning is seen as a key component of working in an effective manner, with the patient at the heart of all that is done.
Care of a child with hypospadias: ethical issues in practice
Authors: Rose Pat 
Published: November 2016

Care study John, a 6-year old, was undergoing his sixth hospital admission (Table 1). He had been born with hypospadias, a congenital malformation of the genitalia resulting in the urethral orifice being found on the ventral surface of the penile shaft. In John's case it was at the base of the penis. With this condition, chordee (ventral curvature of the penis) often occurs due to the presence of fibrous tissue (Fig. 1). Surgery may be performed in stages to release the chordee and progressively extend the length of the urethra (Waley and Wong, 1991). The purpose of the surgery is threefold: to enable the child to void urine in the standing position; to improve the cosmetic appearance of the genitalia; and to produce an adequate organ for sexual activity.