bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Airway pathology in severe asthma is related to airflow obstruction but not symptom control
Authors: Ferreira D. S. , Carvalho‐Pinto R. M. , Gregório M. G. , Annoni R. , Teles A. M. , Buttignol M. , Araújo‐Paulino B. B. , Katayama E. H. , Oliveira B. L. , Del Frari H. S. , Cukier A. , Dolhnikoff M. , Stelmach R. , Rabe K. F. , Mauad T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatients with asthma present structural and inflammatory alterations that are believed to play a role in disease severity. However, airway remodeling and inflammation have not been extensively investigated in relation to both symptom control and airflow obstruction in severe asthmatics. We aimed to investigate several inflammatory and structural pathological features in bronchial biopsies of severe asthmatics that could be related to symptom control and airflow obstruction after standardized treatment.MethodsFifty severe asthmatics received prednisone 40 mg/d for 2 weeks and maintenance therapy with budesonide/formoterol 400/12 μg twice daily + budesonide/formoterol 200/6 μg as needed for 12 weeks. Endobronchial biopsies were performed at the end of 12 weeks. We performed extensive immunopathological analyses of airway tissue inflammation and remodeling features in patients stratified by asthma symptom control and by airflow obstruction.ResultsAirway tissue inflammation and remodeling were not associated with symptom control. Asthmatics with persistent airflow obstruction had greater airway smooth muscle (Asm) area with decreased periostin and transforming growth factor beta‐positive cells within Asm bundles, in addition to lower numbers of chymase‐positive mast cells in the submucosa compared to patients with nonpersistent obstruction.ConclusionsSymptom control in severe asthmatics was not associated with airway tissue inflammation and remodeling, although persistent airflow obstruction in these patients was associated with bronchial inflammation and airway structural changes.
Urgent closed reduction of the dislocated cervical spine in New Zealand
Authors: Storey Richard N. , Singhal Raj , Inglis Tom , Kieser David , Schouten Rowan 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundEmergent decompression, either by closed reduction or surgical decompression, of the acutely compressed cervical spinal cord is recognized as important in minimizing the neurological outcomes of these injuries. The aim of this study is to optimize New Zealand's capability to perform closed reductions.MethodsRegional hospitals throughout New Zealand were surveyed on their capability to reduce acute cervical spine dislocations using traction. A systematic literature review was performed to investigate aspects of patient selection, reduction technique and the outcomes achieved with closed reduction of such injuries. This information was combined with our local experience to develop an evidence‐based guideline.ResultsMost (12/14) of the regional centres throughout New Zealand have recent experience, remain willing and have the resources necessary to reduce appropriate cervical spine injuries using traction. Fourteen published studies from nine countries detail a 75% success rate from 363 cases of attempted closed reduction, with the greatest neurological recovery noted in patients with shorter time period from injury to reduction. One patient suffered neurological worsening. The published protocols were compared and coupled with our local practice to create an online, step‐by‐step, evidence‐based reference to help clinicians in regional hospitals perform a safe and successful closed reduction.ConclusionTo optimize the capability of inexperienced personnel to perform closed reductions in a safe and timely manner, we have developed an online, step‐by‐step, evidence‐based reference (www.closedreduction.co.nz). This forms part of New Zealand's strategy to achieve urgent cord decompression for appropriate cervical spinal cord injuries.
Phenotypic characteristics of upright and pendulous comb among chicken breeds and association with growth rate and egg production
Authors: Wan Yi , Wang Zhicheng , Guo Xing , Ma Chendong , Fang Qi , Geng Zhaoyu , Chen Xingyong , Jiang Runshen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUpright and pendulous combs commonly exist in most single‐comb chicken breeds. Here, the phenotypic characteristics of upright and pendulous combs in chickens and association with growth rate and egg production were analyzed. Phenotypic frequencies of upright and pendulous comb were investigated in five chicken breeds; the phenotypic frequencies of complete pendulous comb (CPC) and partial pendulous comb (PPC) ranged from 10.1% to 29.0% and 21.8% to 65.3%, respectively. CPC hens produced more eggs than PPC hens (P < 0.05) in Nongda‐3, Huainan and Wenchang breeds. In Huainan breed, CPC males were heavier than PPC males at 12 and 16 weeks of age, while CPC females were heavier at 24 weeks of age. PPC and CPC chickens have greater (P < 0.05) comb length, comb height and comb index than upright comb (UC) chickens. There was no significant difference in comb phenotypic frequency distribution between the offspring from UC(♂) × CPC(♀) and CPC(♂) × UC(♀); however, it differed (χ² = 45.12, P < 0.01) between offspring from UC(♂) × UC(♀) and CPC(♂) × CPC(♀). These results suggested that the comb phenotype does not appear to be Z‐linked; the effective loci influencing the trait could be estimated in a further study.
Clustering Distributions with the Marginalized Nested Dirichlet Process
Authors: Zuanetti Daiane Aparecida , Müller Peter , Zhu Yitan , Yang Shengjie , Ji Yuan 
Published: September 2017

Summary
We introduce a marginal version of the nested Dirichlet process to cluster distributions or histograms. We apply the model to cluster genes by patterns of gene–gene interaction. The proposed approach is based on the nested partition that is implied in the original construction of the nested Dirichlet process. It allows simulation exact inference, as opposed to a truncated Dirichlet process approximation. More importantly, the construction highlights the nature of the nested Dirichlet process as a nested partition of experimental units. We apply the proposed model to inference on clustering genes related to DNA mismatch repair (DMR) by the distribution of gene–gene interactions with other genes. Gene–gene interactions are recorded as coefficients in an auto-logistic model for the co-expression of two genes, adjusting for copy number variation, methylation and protein activation. These coefficients are extracted from an online database, called Zodiac, computed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. We compare results with a variation of k-means clustering that is set up to cluster distributions, truncated NDP and a hierarchical clustering method. The proposed inference shows favorable performance, under simulated conditions and also in the real data sets.
Mobile technology affordance and its social implications: A case of “Rain Classroom”
Authors: Xiangming Li , Song Shuqiang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper proposed the affordance approach of material, affective and social dimensions so as to explore the learners’ engagement and disposition to share of using mobile learning technology. The participants in this study were graduate‐level engineering students (N = 387) from a research university in People's Republic of China. “Rain Classroom” in this case referred to the newly developed built‐in mobile application in China facilitating the didactic practice both synchronously and asynchronously in class. Two surveys were issued to both groups before and after the 14‐week long experiment. All the data were input into SPSS 16.0 and examined in descriptive statistics and independent samples t‐test. The results showed that the group exposed to Rain Classroom had a positive attitude towards the mobile technology tool. Also, the same test group obtained statistically higher scores than the control group in both learning engagement and their willingness to continue and share the learning experience. The study implies that what the mobile learning technology affords has produced positive impact on teachers, students and institutions in terms of curriculum design, learning activities and policy making towards improving academic quality. Future work could focus on comparing learning effects with different time duration and learning intensity. It might also extend to participants from different educational background.
The accuracy of patients’ perceptions of the risks associated with localised prostate cancer treatments
Authors: van Stam Marie‐Anne , van der Poel Henk G. , van der Voort van Zyp Jochem R.N. , Tillier Corinne N. , Horenblas Simon , Aaronson Neil K. , Ruud Bosch J.L.H. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of patients’ perceptions of the risks associated with localised prostate cancer treatments (radical prostatectomy [RP], radiotherapy [RT], and active surveillance [AS]), and to identify correlates of misperceptions.Patients and methodsWe used baseline data (questionnaires completed after treatment information was provided but before treatment) of 426 patients with newly diagnosed localised prostate cancer who participated (87% response rate) in a prospective, longitudinal, multicentre study. Patients’ pretreatment perceptions of differences in adverse outcomes of treatments were compared to those based on the literature. We used univariate and multivariate linear regression to identify correlates of misperceptions.ResultsAbout two‐thirds (68%, n = 211) of the patients did not understand that the risk of disease recurrence is comparable between RP and RT. More than half of the patients did not comprehend that RP patients are at greater risk of urinary incontinence (65%, n = 202) and erectile dysfunction (61%, n = 190), and less at risk of bowel problems (53%, n = 211) compared to RT patients. Many patients overestimated the risk of requiring definitive treatment following AS (45%, n = 157) and did not understand that mortality rates following AS, RP, and RT are comparable (80%, n = 333). Consulting a radiotherapist or a clinical nurse specialist was positively associated with, and emotional distress was negatively associated with, better understanding of the risks (P < 0.05), although effect sizes were small.ConclusionPrior to choosing treatment, most patients with prostate cancer poorly understood the differences in treatment risks. Greater efforts should be made to better understand why these misperceptions occur and, most importantly, how they can be corrected.
Neuronal Rho GTPase Rac1 elimination confers neuroprotection in a mouse model of permanent ischemic stroke
Authors: Karabiyik Cansu , Fernandes Rui , Figueiredo Francisco Rosário , Socodato Renato , Brakebusch Cord , Lambertsen Kate Lykke , Relvas João Bettencourt , Santos Sofia Duque 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Rho GTPase Rac1 is a multifunctional protein involved in distinct pathways ranging from development to pathology. The aim of the present study was to unravel the contribution of neuronal Rac1 in regulating the response to brain injury induced by permanent focal cerebral ischemia (pMCAO). Our results show that pMCAO significantly increased total Rac1 levels in wild type mice, mainly through rising nuclear Rac1, while a reduction in Rac1 activation was observed. Such changes preceded cell death induced by excitotoxic stress. Pharmacological inhibition of Rac1 in primary neuronal cortical cells prevented the increase in oxidative stress induced after overactivation of glutamate receptors. However, this was not sufficient to prevent the associated neuronal cell death. In contrast, RNAi‐mediated knock down of Rac1 in primary cortical neurons prevented cell death elicited by glutamate excitotoxicity and decreased the activity of NADPH oxidase. To test whether in vivo down regulation of neuronal Rac1 was neuroprotective after pMCAO, we used tamoxifen‐inducible neuron‐specific conditional Rac1‐knockout mice. We observed a significant 50% decrease in brain infarct volume of knockout mice and a concomitant increase in HIF‐1α expression compared to littermate control mice, demonstrating that ablation of Rac1 in neurons is neuroprotective. Transmission electron microscopy performed in the ischemic brain showed that lysosomes in the infarct of Rac1‐ knockout mice were preserved at similar levels to those of non‐infarcted tissue, while littermate mice displayed a decrease in the number of lysosomes, further corroborating the notion that Rac1 ablation in neurons is neuroprotective. Our results demonstrate that Rac1 plays important roles in the ischemic pathological cascade and that modulation of its levels is of therapeutic interest.
H-ferritin and proinflammatory cytokines are increased in the bone marrow of patients affected by macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Ruscitti P , Cipriani P , Di Benedetto P , Liakouli V , Berardicurti O , Carubbi F , Ciccia F , Guggino G , Triolo G , Giacomelli R 
Published: September 2017

Summary
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is hyperinflammatory life-threatening syndrome, associated typically with high levels of serum ferritin. This is an iron storage protein including heavy (H) and light (L) subunits, categorized on their molecular weight. The H-/L subunits ratio may be different in tissues, depending on the specific tissue and pathophysiological status. In this study, we analysed the bone marrow (BM) biopsies of adult MAS patients to assess the presence of: (i) H-ferritin and L-ferritin; (ii) CD68+/H-ferritin+ and CD68+/L-ferritin+; and (iii) interleukin (IL)-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon (IFN)-γ. We also explored possible correlations of these results with clinical data. H-ferritin, IL-1β, TNF and IFN-γ were increased significantly in MAS. Furthermore, an increased number of CD68+/H-ferritin+ cells and an infiltrate of cells co-expressing H-ferritin and IL-12, suggesting an infiltrate of M1 macrophages, were observed. H-ferritin levels and CD68+/H-ferritin+ cells were correlated with haematological involvement of the disease, serum ferritin and C-reactive protein. L-ferritin and CD68+/L-ferritin+ cells did not correlate with these parameters. In conclusion, during MAS, H-ferritin, CD68+/H-ferritin+ cells and proinflammatory cytokines were increased significantly in the BM inflammatory infiltrate, pointing out a possible vicious pathogenic loop. To date, H-ferritin and CD68+/H-ferritin+ were associated significantly with haematological involvement of the disease, suggesting biomarkers assessing severity of clinical picture.
Considering connections between Hollywood and biodiversity conservation
Authors: Silk Matthew J. , Crowley Sarah L. , Woodhead Anna J. , Nuno Ana 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCinema offers a substantial opportunity to share messages with a wide audience. However, there is little research or evidence about the potential benefits and risks of cinema for conservation. Given their global reach, cinematic representations could be important in raising awareness of conservation issues and species of concern, as well as encouraging greater audience engagement due to their heightened emotional impact on viewers. Yet there are also risks associated with increased exposure, including heightened visitor pressure to environmentally sensitive areas or changes to consumer demand for endangered species. Conservationists can better understand and engage with the film industry by studying the impact of movies on audience awareness and behavior, identifying measurable impacts on conservation outcomes, and engaging directly with the movie industry, for example, in an advisory capacity. This improved understanding and engagement can harness the industry's potential to enhance the positive impacts of movies featuring species, sites, and issues of conservation concern and to mitigate any negative effects. A robust evidence base for evaluating and planning these engagements, and for informing related policy and management decisions, needs to be built.
The ABCs of empirical corporate (governance) research
Authors: B. Adams Renée 
Published: September 2017

AbstractManuscript TypeCommentaryResearch Question/IssueI ask how academics can do better empirical research in corporate governance and other fields.Research Findings/InsightsI argue that academics can do better research by using old methods better. I provide a list of recommendations I label as ABCs as a reminder that one can write excellent papers if one gets the basics right. The ABCs also serve as a reminder that one must master the basics before one can credibly use new techniques.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsFollowing the recommendations I provide can improve research by making the research more transparent and easier to replicate.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsBetter research improves policy‐making and practice, especially if improvements in research practices lead to research that is easier to read.
IGF‐1 promotes angiogenesis in endothelial cells/adipose‐derived stem cells co‐culture system with activation of PI3K/Akt signal pathway
Authors: Lin Shiyu , Zhang Qi , Shao Xiaoru , Zhang Tao , Xue Changyue , Shi Sirong , Zhao Dan , Lin Yunfeng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and crosstalk between endothelial cells (ECs) and adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in the process of angiogenesis.MethodsA three‐dimensional collagen gel used to culture mouse ASCs and mouse ECs in vitro was established. The effects of angiogenesis after exposure to IGF‐1 were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Western blotting and qPCR were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.ResultsIGF‐1 treatment promoted the formation of vessel‐like structures and the recruitment of ASCs in the three‐dimensional collagen gel. The angiogenic genes and proteins in ECs were up‐regulated by IGF‐1 and in co‐culture. Similar changes in the genes and in the proteins were detected in ASCs after exposure to IGF‐1 and co‐culture. p‐Akt expression levels were high in ECs and ASCs after exposure to IGF‐1 and co‐culture.ConclusionsIGF‐1 and co‐culture between cells facilitate the process of angiogenesis via the PI3‐kinase/Akt signalling pathway. In ECs, IGF‐1 stimulates the expression of angiogenesis‐related growth factors with the activation of the PI3‐kinase/Akt signalling pathway. Co‐cultured ECs exposed to excess VEGF‐A and other angiogenesis‐related growth factors para‐secreted from ASCs exhibit high expression of angiogenesis‐related genes and proteins. In ASCs, IGF‐1 induces the recruitment and function of ASCs by up‐regulating the expression of PDGFB, MMPs and α‐SMA. Crosstalk with ECs further facilitates changes in ASCs.
A survey of knowledge and application of mechanical thromboprophylaxis among the medical staff of intensive care units in North China
Authors: Sun Bing , Tang Xiao , Liang Lirong , Tong Zhaohui 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionMechanical prophylaxis with graduated compression stockings (GCS) or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is suggested for patients who are bleeding or at high risk for major bleeding.ObjectivesTo explore how intensive care unit (ICU) medical staff in North China comprehend and practice mechanical thromboprophylaxis.MethodsQuestionnaires comprising 39 questions including 4 dimensions of thromboprophylaxis were administered in ICUs in North China.ResultsFifty‐two ICUs were surveyed from September 2014 to January 2015. A total of 2500 questionnaires were sent and 1861 were returned, corresponding to approximately 74.4%. Approximately 52.30% of all surveyed medical staff indicated they often practiced mechanical thromboprophylaxis. Twenty‐five percentage of them never used or had never heard of mechanical thromboprophylaxis. Thirty‐eight percent and twenty‐four percent of them doubted the effectiveness of GCS and IPC respectively. Regarding the use of GCS, 50.2% of them were concerned about skin injury, 57.4% were concerned about difficulty with removal and 57.6% were anxious about discomfort. Thirty‐five percent of the medical staff feared the ease of thrombus release during IPC thromboprophylaxis.ConclusionsA wide gap exists with regards to the knowledge and application of mechanical thromboprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) between the medical staff of our country and abroad. Strengthened standardized training may help medical staff improve their understanding and application of mechanical thromboprophylaxis. Amelioration of concerns regarding IPC and GCS could help increase the rate of mechanical thromboprophylaxis for VTE, reduce the occurrence of VTE in ICUs and improve the prognosis of these critically ill patients.
CPAP and EPAP elicit similar lung deflation in a non‐equivalent mode in GOLD 3‐4 COPD patients
Authors: Müller Paulo de Tarso , Christofoletti Gustavo , Koch Rodrigo , Zardetti Nogueira João Henrique , Patusco Luiz Armando Pereira , Chiappa Gaspar Rogério 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionLung hyperinflation is associated with inspiratory muscle strength reduction, nocturnal desaturation, dyspnea, altered cardiac function and poor exercise capacity in advanced COPD.ObjectivesWe investigated the responses of inspiratory capacity (IC) and inspiratory muscle strength (PImax), comparing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) with the main hypothesis that there would be similar effects on lung deflation.MethodsEligible patients were submitted to 10 cmH2O CPAP and EPAP on different days, under careful ECG (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring.ResultsTwenty‐one eligible COPD patients were studied (13 male/8 female, FEV1% predicted of 36.5 ± 9.8). Both CPAP and EPAP demonstrated significant post‐pre (Δ) changes for IC and PImax, with mean ΔIC for CPAP and EPAP of 200 ± 100 mL and 170 ± 105 mL (P = .001 for both) in 13 and 12 patients (responders) respectively. There were similar changes in % predicted IC and PImax (∼7%, P = .001 for both) for responders and poor responder/non‐responder agreement depending on CPAP/EPAP mode (Kappa = .113, P = .604). There were no differences in CPAP and EPAP regarding intensity of lung deflation (P =.254) and no difference was measured regarding HR (P = .235) or SpO2 (P = .111).ConclusionsBoth CPAP and EPAP presented a similar effect on lung deflation, without guaranteeing that the response to one modality would be predictive of the response to the other.