bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of platelet aggregation by vanilloid‐like agents is not mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 channels or cannabinoid receptors
Authors: Almaghrabi Safa , Geraghty Dominic , Ahuja Kiran , Adams Murray 
Published: March 2016

SummaryVanilloid‐like agents, including capsaicin, N‐arachidonoyl‐dopamine and N‐oleoyldopamine inhibit platelet aggregation, however little is known about the precise mechanism(s) of action. The authors have previously shown that blocking of the capsaicin receptor, transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1), does not interfere with capsaicin action during adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced aggregation. This research is extended to investigate the effect of these vanilloid‐like‐agents on platelet count, and to test whether the effect of these agents is mediated through TRPV1 and/or cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors in the presence of other agonists, including collagen and arachidonic acid. Incubation of platelets with each of the individual vanilloids, or with receptor antagonists of TRPV1 (SB452533), CB1 (AM251) and CB2 (AM630), for up to 2 h did not significantly affect the platelet count. Similarly, the effect of individual vanilloids on the inhibition of platelet aggregation was not significantly different in the presence of receptor agonists compared to control, irrespective of the agonist used, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of vanilloids on platelet aggregation is independent of TRPV1, CB1 and CB2 receptors. Further research on the antiplatelet activity of vanilloids should focus on mechanisms other than those associated with vanilloid receptors.
Reduction in remoteness distinctions and reconfiguration in the Bemba past tense
Authors: Kula Nancy C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBantu languages are well‐known for having multiple remoteness distinctions in both the past and the future. This paper looks at the 4‐way remoteness distinction of Bemba (central Bantu) showing that the system is undergoing change that is resulting in the loss of an intermediate past tense, by merger with the remote past. Two factors are central in driving this change; a merger of forms by tone loss and neutralisation and a shift in the scope of semantic function. Because the Bemba tense‐aspect system manifests the so‐called conjoint‐disjoint alternation, there is also some reconfiguration of theTAsystem that accompanies the merger. The different factors involved in this change are unified under a cognitive multi‐dimensional approach to tense, which is here extended to account for language change in tense systems.
Internationalisation of the Renminbi as an Investing and a Funding Currency: Analytics and Prospects
Authors: He Dong , Luk Paul , Zhang Wenlang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper develops a three‐currency model to study the determinants of the demand for assets and liabilites denominated in an international currency and to shed light on the prospects for the renminbi as a budding international currency. We show that interest rate differentials would be only one of the factors shaping the renminbi's position, while other factors, including the correlation between foreign countries' economic growth and their bilateral exchange rates against the renminbi, and the correlation between exchange rates of the renminbi with other international currencies, would also be important. A broad interpretation of these findings is that the renminbi will likely be attractive to investors from high‐income economies and fund‐raisers from emerging market economies.
Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations among People at Different Activity of Daily Living Limitation Stages
Authors: Schüssler‐Fiorenza Rose Sophia Miryam , Stineman Margaret G. , Pan Qiang , Bogner Hillary , Kurichi Jibby E. , Streim Joel E. , Xie Dawei 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo determine whether higher activity of daily living (ADL) limitation stages are associated with increased risk of hospitalization, particularly for ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) conditions.Data SourceSecondary data analysis, including 8,815 beneficiaries from 2005 to 2006 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS).Study DesignADLlimitation stages (0‐IV) were determined at the end of 2005. Hospitalization rates were calculated for 2006 and age adjusted using direct standardization. Multivariate negative binomial regression, adjusting for baseline demographic and health characteristics, with the outcome hospitalization count was performed to estimate the adjusted rate ratio of ACS and non‐ACS hospitalizations for beneficiaries with ADL stages > 0 compared to beneficiaries without limitations.Data CollectionBaselineADLstage and health conditions were assessed using 2005MCBSdata and count of hospitalization determined using 2006MCBSdata.Principal FindingsReferenced to stage 0, the adjusted rate ratios (95 percent confidence interval) for stage I to stageIVranged from 1.9 (1.4–2.5) to 4.1 (2.2–7.8) forACShospitalizations compared with from 1.6 (1.3–1.9) to 1.8 (1.4–2.5) for non‐ACShospitalizations.ConclusionsHospitalization rates forACSconditions increased more dramatically withADLlimitation stage than did rates for non‐ACSconditions. Adults withADLlimitations appear particularly vulnerable to potentially preventable hospitalizations for conditions typically manageable in ambulatory settings.
Has Interprofessional Education Changed Learning Preferences? A National Perspective
Authors: Kashner T. Michael , Hettler Debbie L. , Zeiss Robert A. , Aron David C. , Bernett David S. , Brannen Judy L. , Byrne John M. , Cannon Grant W. , Chang Barbara K. , Dougherty Mary B. , Gilman Stuart C. , Holland Gloria J. , Kaminetzky Catherine P. , Wicker Annie B. , Keitz Sheri A. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo assess how changes in curriculum, accreditation standards, and certification and licensure competencies impacted how medical students and physician residents value interprofessional team and patient‐centered care.Primary Data SourceThe Department of Veterans Affairs Learners’ Perceptions Survey (2003–2013). The nationally administered survey asked a representative sample of 56,569 U.S. medical students and physician residents, with a comparison group of 78,038 nonphysician trainees, to rate satisfaction with 28 elements, in two overall domains, describing their clinical learning experiences at VA medical centers.Study DesignValue preferences were scored as independent adjusted associations between an element (interprofessional team, patient‐centered preceptor) and the respective overall domain (clinical learning environment, faculty, and preceptors) relative to a referent element (quality of clinical care, quality of preceptor).Principal FindingsPhysician trainees valued interprofessional (14 percent vs. 37 percent, p < .001) and patient‐centered learning (21 percent vs. 36 percent, p < .001) less than their nonphysician counterparts. Physician preferences for interprofessional learning showed modest increases over time (2.5 percent/year, p < .001), driven mostly by internal medicine and surgery residents. Preferences did not increase with trainees’ academic progress.ConclusionsDespite changes in medical education, physician trainees continue to lag behind their nonphysician counterparts in valuing experience with interprofessional team and patient‐centered care.
Bank Competition: Measurement, Decision‐Making, and Risk‐Taking
Authors: BUSHMAN ROBERT M. , HENDRICKS BRADLEY E. , WILLIAMS CHRISTOPHER D. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates whether greater competition increases or decreases individual bank and banking system risk. Using a new text‐based measure of competition, and an instrumental variables analysis that exploits exogenous variation in bank deregulation, we provide robust evidence that greater competition increases both individual bank risk and a bank's contribution to system‐wide risk. Specifically, we find that higher competition is associated with lower underwriting standards, less timely loan loss recognition, and a shift toward noninterest revenue. Further, we find that higher competition is associated with higher stand‐alone risk of individual banks, greater sensitivity of a bank's downside equity risk to system‐wide distress, and a greater contribution by individual banks to downside risk of the banking sector.
Infection Rates Following Buttonhole Cannulation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Collier Sophie , Kandil Hala , Yewnetu Enat , Cross Jennifer , Caplin Ben , Davenport Andrew 
Published: March 2016

AbstractArteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred access for hemodialysis (HD). Buttonhole (BH) needling has increased following the introduction of “blunt” fistula needles. Although some reported advantages for BH needling, others have reported increased infection risk. As such we reviewed our center practice, and the effect of both nasal screening and eradication and re‐education and training programs. We audited the outcomes of 881 HD patients dialyzed between November 2009 and May 2012, divided into three groups: 175 dialyzing exclusively by central venous catheter (CVC), 478 exclusively by area needling AVF (AVF) and 219 by BH. There were 31 Staphylococcus aureus bacteremias (SABs); 14 (45.2%) dialyzing with CVCs, 12 (38.7%) BH and five (16.1%) AVF. The 30 day mortality rate for SAB was 7.5% with a complication rate of 22.6%. The hazard ratio for first SAB was significantly greater for both CVC and BH access compared to AVF (5.3 (95% CI –1.9–18.6), P < 0.001 and 3.6 (1.3–96), P = 0.011, respectively). During the study SAB rates per 1000 CVC days were 0.21, compared to 0.15 for BH. After major re‐education and asepsis technique campaigns the SAB rate for BH fell to 0.06, but quickly returned to 0.17. Extending BH needling to all our dialysis centers, SAB infection rates increased to those not dissimilar to CVC access. Despite re‐education programs coupled with a strict asepsis policy and active SA eradication, followed by audit cycles, the increased infection risk with BH remained, such that we have limited BH to self‐care patients.
Evaluation of Fibrosis Markers: Apelin and Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Kocer Derya , Karakukcu Cigdem , Ozturk Fahir , Eroglu Eray , Kocyigit Ismail 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRenal interstitial fibrosis is an important pathological feature of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which progressively develops to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been shown that apelin and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) play important roles in the renal fibrosis process. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship of these fibrosis markers and ADPKD. Forty‐five patients with ADPKD and 28 healthy controls were studied cross‐sectionally. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), apelin, TGF‐β1 were measured in all participants, using conventional methods. Apelin levels were lower (1.2 ± 0.9 ng/mL vs. 2.5 ±  1.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001), while TGF‐β1 levels were higher in the patient group according to healthy controls (466.5 ±  200.5 ng/L vs. 367.1 ± 163.45 ng/L, P = 0.031), respectively. Apelin was negatively correlated with TGF‐β1 and highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP); and positively correlated with eGFR. In all subjects, eGFR was independently predicted by TGF‐β1 and apelin. Apelin and TGF‐β1 may be used as biomarkers of renal fibrosis that is an important pathological feature of ADPKD, which progressively develops to ESRD in ADPKD patients.
Inorganic and Total Arsenic Contents in Rice and Rice‐Based Foods Consumed by a Potential Risk Subpopulation: Sportspeople
Authors: Cano‐Lamadrid M. , Munera‐Picazo S. , Burgos‐Hernández A. , Burló F. , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOne of the main routes of exposure to inorganic arsenic (i‐As) in humans is food, especially rice and rice‐based products. There are certain groups of consumers that could be highly exposed to i‐As. Maximum levels of i‐As have been issued for infants and young children by the European Union, but perhaps other groups are also at risk. Sportspeople could be one of those groups, due to their specific nutritional requirements, especially its high consumption of cereals, such as rice. Because of the well‐known relationship between rice and i‐As, the intake of i‐As by sportspeople deserved especial attention and was estimated in Spain. This study demonstrated that rice‐based products reached a maximum i‐As content of 178 μg/kg, with a mean for all studied products of 56 μg/kg; the maximum contents were found in rice cakes (149 μg/kg) and brown rice (111 μg/kg). The estimated daily intake of i‐As were 0.16 and 0.18 μg/kg bw (body weight)/d, in sportsmen and sportswomen, respectively. These values were below the BMDL01, 0.3 to 8.0 μg/kg bw/d; thus, it can be concluded that the sportspeople group is not at a significant risk regarding the intake of i‐As. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their whole diet and not only rice‐based products. Finally, it is important to claim that companies producing rice products include as much information as possible about the rice used in their products, including rice percentage and geographical origin.
Food borne bacterial models for detection of benzo[a]pyrene‐DNA adducts formation using RAPD‐PCR
Authors: Lanzone Valentina , Tofalo Rosanna , Fasoli Giuseppe , Perpetuini Giorgia , Suzzi Giovanna , Sergi Manuel , Corrado Federica , Compagnone Dario 
Published: March 2016

SummaryRandom amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR is a feasible method to evaluate genotoxin‐induced DNA damage and mutations. In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917T, Enterococcus faecium DSMZ 20477T, Escherichia coli PQ37 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae S441 were screened for DNA genetic alterations by DNA fingerprinting using M13 and LA1 primers after treatment with three compounds forming covalent adducts with DNA [benzo[a]pyrenediol epoxide (BPDE), methyl methanesulfonate and 1,2,3,4‐diepoxybutane (DEB)]. M13 RAPD fingerprinting revealed that the total number of bands decreased in all treated DNA compared to control samples and generally the lost bands were characterized by high molecular weight. Some extra bands were detected for L. plantarum and E. faecium, while in E. coli and S. cerevisiae DNAs BPDE and DEB treatments did not result in new extra bands. Besides qualitatively analysis, cluster analysis based on Unweighted Pair‐Group Method with Average algorithm was performed to compare DNA fingerprints before and after treatments. This analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences between negative controls and treated DNA in S. cerevisiae and E. coli however the disappearance of some bands can be detected. The data indicate that this approach can be used for DNA damage detection and mutations induced by genotoxic compounds and highlighted the possible use of L. plantarum and E. faecium M13 based fingerprinting as reference for hazard identification in risk assessment.
Nitrate Dynamics in Two Streams Impacted by Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge: Point Sources or Sinks?
Authors: Rahm Brian G. , Hill Nicole B. , Shaw Stephen B. , Riha Susan J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe examined nitrate processing in headwater stream reaches downstream of two wastewater treatment plant outfalls during low streamflow. Our objectives were to quantify nitrate mass flux before and after effluent discharge and to use field and laboratory techniques to assess the mechanism of nitrate uptake. Microcosm experiments were utilized to determine the location of nitrate processing, and molecular biomarkers were used to detect and quantify microbial denitrification. At one site, downstream nitrate mass flux was significantly (p = 0.01) lower than sum of upstream and wastewater effluent fluxes, indicating rapid stream assimilation of incoming nitrate in the vicinity of the point source. Microcosm experiments supported the theory that nitrate processing occurs in sediments. Molecular assays for denitrifcation‐associated functional genes nosZ, nirS, and nirK, provided evidence that effluent contained enriched denitrifying communities relative to ambient stream water. Nitrate loss at the site with greater uptake was correlated with sulfate loss (p < 0.01; r2 = 0.86), suggesting a possible link between sulfate reducing bacteria and denitrifying bacterial communities. Results suggest there is an opportunity to better understand nitrate dynamics in cases where point sources may act as point sinks under specific sets of conditions.
Polyethylene glycol loxenatide injections added to metformin effectively improve glycemic control and exhibit favorable safety in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Lv Xiaofeng , Yang Gangyi , Lu Dan , Piao Chunli , Zhang Xiaomei , Jiang Hong , Xie Ying , Yang Jinkui , Li Xuefeng , Li Yanbing , Xiao Xinhua , Li Yukun , Sun Li , Zheng Shaoxiong , Cheng Qingfeng , Peng Yongde , Yang Wenying 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEX168) injections in Chinese type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients.MethodsThe present multicenter randomized double‐blind parallel placebo‐controlled clinical trial enrolled patients who had been treated with a stable dose of metformin (≥1500 mg/day) for ≥12 weeks and had an HbA1c level between 7% and 11%. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups (1: 1: 1) and were treated with once weekly subcutaneous injections of either placebo or 100 or 200 μg PEX168 for 12 weeks. All subjects continued to receive metformin daily.ResultsAfter 12 weeks treatment, the adjusted least‐squares mean of HbA1c reductions from baseline values in the 100 and 200 μg PEX168 groups were significantly higher than in the placebo group (−1.02% [95% confidence interval {CI} –1.33, −0.71), −1.36% [95% CI –1.68, −1.04], and 0.13% [95% CI –0.20, 0.45], respectively; P < 0.05). After treatment, 50% and 60.5% of subjects in the 100 and 200 μg PEX168 groups, respectively, achieved HbA1c levels <7% (P < 0.01 for both vs placebo [HbA1c 11.1%]). The most frequent adverse reactions in the PEX168 groups were mild to moderate dose‐dependent gastrointestinal reactions. There were no reports of hypoglycemia or pancreatitis in any of the groups.ConclusionsContinuous 12 week treatment with PEX168 showed excellent safety and efficacy in T2D patients whose glucose was not well controlled with metformin alone.
Fibrobronchoscopic cryosurgery for secondary malignant tumors of the trachea and main bronchi
Authors: Ma Qianli , Shi Bin , Tian Yanchu , Liu Deruo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatients with secondary malignant tracheal and main bronchial tumors may suffer severe symptoms as a result of major airway obstruction. Curative surgical resection is usually not suitable because of the presence of metastatic disease and poor performance status. In this study, the use of bronchoscopic cryosurgery to reopen the airway is analyzed.MethodsThe clinical records of 37 patients who experienced secondary maglinancies from December 2001 to January 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Low temperature cryotherapy (−50°C to −70°C) was delivered to the central part of the tumor by cryoprobe for four to six minutes causing destruction of the tumor mass (Cryo‐melt method). Subsequently, the edge of the tumor was frozen for 30 seconds to two minutes, followed by piecemeal removal of the frozen tumor tissue (Cryo‐resection method).ResultsThe endpoints of the study were degree of symptomatic improvement and survival. The rates of dramatic and partial symptomatic alleviation were 57.1% and 28.6%, respectively, there were no intraoperative deaths, and median survival was 16.0 months. Prolonged survival was significantly correlated to age (under 60 years of age 22.2% vs. over 60 100%, P = 0.011), tumor location (main bronchi 0% vs. trachea 77.8%, P = 0.003), and cryorecanalization times (once 33.3% vs. twice or more 80.0%, P = 0.037).ConclusionBronchoscopic cryorecanalization is a safe, effective, non‐invasive choice for improving the symptoms of malignant airway obstruction. In addition to achieving local‐regional control, the technique may also contribute to improved survival.
Grapevine xylem response to fungi involved in trunk diseases
Authors: Gómez P. , Báidez A.G. , Ortuño A. , Del Río J.A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGrapevine trunk diseases (GTD), caused by a wide range of different fungi, are responsible for decline and productivity losses in vines at all growth stages. Grapevine responses to fungal attack include morphological and physiochemical defence mechanisms in the vascular system to reduce fungal infections. However, the extent to which these responses could control further spread by GTD‐fungi in the xylem vessels is poorly known. This study shows the formation of tyloses inside xylem vessels of diseased grapevines, as well as extracellular ligninolytic activities [lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and/or laccase] exhibited by some GTD‐fungi isolated here from symptomatic grapevines. In particular, Botryosphaeriaceae spp. and Phaeoacremonium minimum showed all three lignin‐degrading enzymatic activities. We also examined whether selected vine phenolic compounds, often located in the vascular system in response to fungal infection, could affect the lignin‐degrading activity from those GTD‐fungi as well as fungal colonisation. We found that phenolic compounds appeared to inhibit MnP activity, in addition to reducing fungal growth by causing anomalies in the hyphae morphology. Our results support that affected grapevines can initiate the tylosis formation in order to constrain fungi in the xylem vessels, while highlight the complementary action of the phenolic compounds to inhibit the fungi growth and colonisation. Phenolic compounds are therefore likely to have important role in alternative strategies for preventing trunk diseases.
Does Routine Midazolam Administration Prior to Nasogastric Tube Insertion in the Emergency Department Decrease Patients’ Pain? (A Pilot Study)
Authors: Manning Chelsea Taylor , Buinewicz Jacob Dillon , Sewatsky Thomas Patrick , Zgonis Evangelia , Gutierrez Kathy , O'Keefe Michael F. , Freeman Kalev 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesPatients report pain and discomfort with nasogastric tube (NGT) intubation. We tested the hypothesis that premedication with midazolam alleviates pain during NGT placement in the emergency department (ED) by > 13 on a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS).MethodsWe performed a double‐blind randomized controlled pilot study, assigning ED patients requiring NGT placement to midazolam or placebo. All patients received intranasal cophenylcaine; additionally, they received an intravenous (IV) dose of the study drug, either 2 mg of IV midazolam or saline control. Nurses placed NGTs while observed by research staff, who then interviewed subjects to determine the primary outcome of pain using a VAS. Additional data collected from patients and their nurses included discomfort during the procedure, difficulty of tube insertion, and complications.ResultsWe enrolled 23 eligible patients and obtained complete data in all: 10 midazolam and 13 controls. We found a significant reduction in mean pain VAS score of −31 (95% confidence interval = −53 to −9 mm) with 2 mg of midazolam (mean ± SD = 52 ± 30 mm), compared to placebo (mean ± SD = 21 ± 18 mm), more than double the effect size considered clinically relevant. Treatment did not impact ease of placement and there were no serious adverse effects.ConclusionsPremedication with 2 mg of IV midazolam reduces pain of NGT insertion in ED patients without the need for full procedural sedation.