bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of electronic service infrastructures and quality of e-services in Nigerian academic libraries
Authors: Asogwa Brendan E. , Ugwu Cyprian I. , Ugwuanyi Ferdinand C. 
Published: December 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of online services in academic libraries in Nigeria. It seeks to assess the functionality of electronic infrastructures, to expose areas where the service needs of users are not adequately provided and to recommend solutions.Design/methodology/approach– The sample population was 210 staff and students who used electronic resources in Nigerian university libraries during the 2012-2013 academic session. A questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. Modified WebQual four performance indicators were designed and used to measure: library equipment, library website, online public access catalogue (OPAC) and e-user education in the university libraries. The five-point service performance scale that ranged from very poor performance to excellent was used in measuring the views of the respondents.Findings– None of the indicators was rated excellent; six were rated good; nine were average; two and five indicators scored poor and very poor, respectively. Poor funding, intermittent power supply and weak telecommunication infrastructures were among the major impediments to online services in Nigerian universities. Through adequate funding and prudent management of library funds, online services in Nigerian university libraries could meet global standards.Practical implications– Results from this paper could guide library management on several concrete remedial actions to sustain e-service performance that could meet the missions and visions of contemporary academic libraries.Originality/value– This paper was the first to apply WebQual model in the evaluation of electronic performance quality of academic libraries in Nigeria.
Photosystem‐II shutdown evolved with Nitrogen fixation in the unicellular diazotroph Crocosphaera watsonii
Authors: Rabouille Sophie , Claquin Pascal 
Published: December 2015

SummaryProtection of nitrogenase from oxygen in unicellular Cyanobacteria is obtained by temporal separation of photosynthesis and diazotrophy through transcriptional and translational regulations of nitrogenase. But diazotrophs can face environmental situations in which N2 fixation occurs significantly in the light, and we believe that another control operates to make it possible. The night‐time shutdown of PSII activity is a peculiar behaviour that discriminates Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501 from any other phototroph, whether prokaryote or eukaryote. This phenomenon is not only due to the plastoquinone pool redox status, and suggests that the sentinel D1 protein, expressed in periods of nitrogen fixation, is inactive. Results demonstrate a tight constraint of oxygen evolution in C. watsonii as additional protection of nitrogenase activity and suggest a possible recycling of cellular components.
Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers and Local Incentives and Responses: The Case of Indonesia
Authors: Lewis Blane D. , Smoke Paul 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIndonesian policymakers are convinced that a number of perverse incentives are embedded in their system of intergovernmental transfers. Officials in countries throughout the developing world have similar views about their own intergovernmental frameworks. In Indonesia, perverse incentives are thought to negatively influence a wide range of local government fiscal behaviours, including as regards own‐source revenues, spending and savings. An empirical analysis of the local government response to transfers, however, offers only mixed support for the existence and strength of the presumed incentives. Overall, the findings in this paper highlight the benefits to central governments of rigorously examining assumed perverse incentives in their intergovernmental frameworks before embarking on attempts to expunge them.
Tropically adapted cattle of Africa: perspectives on potential role of copy number variations
Authors: Wang M. D. , Dzama K. , Rees D. J. G. , Muchadeyi F. C. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAfrica is host to diverse and locally adapted cattle breeds that are expected to survive the harsh and extreme tropical environments associated with diseases and parasite infections, heat stress and episodes of feed and water scarcity. Genomic copy number variations (CNVs) are considered to be primary role players in cattle breed formation and adaptation where isolation and genetic drift together with subsequent mutations have created an enormous diversity of local populations. CNVs are modifications in DNA structure comprising deletions, duplications and insertions that are >1 kb in size. Despite attracting much attention, the frequency and pattern of bovine CNV events, especially in African cattle breeds, are for the most part largely unknown. Characterization of genetic variation in the indigenous cattle of Africa will be a vital step toward dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation and local adaptation. This review therefore aims to describe the current knowledge regarding bovine CNVs and the implications and potentials they encompass for dissecting genetic adaptation and the genotypic skeleton of tropical African cattle populations.
Communication skills training enhances nurses' ability to respond with empathy to parents' emotions in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Bry Kristina , Bry Maija , Hentz Elisabet , Karlsson Håkan L. , Kyllönen Hanna , Lundkvist Malin , Wigert Helena 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimWe quantitatively analysed the effect of a course in communication on the content of nurse–parent encounters and the ability of nurses to respond to the empathic needs of parents in a level III neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsWe evaluated 36 and 45 nurse–parent encounters audio recorded before and after 13 neonatal nurses attended a communication course. The number of empathic opportunities, the nurses' responses to these and the ways they involved parents in their infants' care were studied.ResultsBoth before and after the course, the nurses talked more than the parents during the conversations. This nurse‐centredness decreased after the course. The use of empathic or exploring responses to empathic opportunities increased from 19.9 ± 9.0% to 53.8 ± 8.9% (p = 0.027), whereas ignoring the feelings of the parents or giving inadequate advice decreased from 63.0 ± 10.0% to 27.5 ± 8.4% (p = 0.043) after the course. Use of statements expressing caring for the parents and encouragement for parents to participate in the care of their infant increased after the course (p = 0.0034 and p = 0.043, respectively). The nurses felt the course was very useful for their profession.ConclusionA course in communication techniques improved nurses' ability to respond to parents' feelings with empathy.
Purinergic receptor blockade in the retrotrapezoid nucleus attenuates the respiratory chemoreflexes in awake rats
Authors: Barna B. F. , Takakura A. C. , Mulkey D. K. , Moreira T. S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimRecent evidence suggests that adenosine triphosfate (ATP)‐mediated purinergic signalling at the level of the rostral ventrolateral medulla contributes to both central and peripheral chemoreceptor control of breathing and blood pressure: neurones in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) function as central chemoreceptors in part by responding to CO2‐evoked ATP release by activation of yet unknown P2 receptors, and nearby catecholaminergic C1 neurones regulate blood pressure responses to peripheral chemoreceptor activation by a P2Y1 receptor‐dependent mechanism. However, potential contributions of purinergic signalling in the RTN to cardiorespiratory function in conscious animals have not been tested.MethodsCardiorespiratory activity of unrestrained awake rats was measured in response to RTN injections of ATP, and during exposure to hypercapnia (7% CO2) or hypoxia (8% O2) under control conditions and after bilateral RTN injections of P2 receptor blockers (PPADS or MRS2179).ResultsUnilateral injection of ATP into the RTN increased cardiorespiratory output by a P2‐recepor‐dependent mechanism. We also show that bilateral RTN injections of a non‐specific P2 receptor blocker (pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonate (PPADS) reduced the ventilatory response to hypercapnia (7% CO2) and hypoxia (8% O2) in unanesthetized rats. Conversely, bilateral injections of a specific P2Y1 receptor blocker (MRS2179) into the RTN had no measurable effect on ventilatory responses elicited by hypercapnia or hypoxia.ConclusionThese data exclude P2Y1 receptor involvement in the chemosensory control of breathing at the level of the RTN and show that ATP‐mediated purinergic signalling contributes to central and peripheral chemoreflex control of breathing and blood pressure in awake rats.
Clinical impact of BRAF mutation on the diagnosis and prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zhen , Chen Jun‐Qiang , Liu Jin‐Lu , Qin Xin‐Gan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe possible role of BRAFV600E mutation in the diagnosis and prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial. A systematic review to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic role of BRAFV600E mutation in patients with PTC is urgently needed.MethodsA systematic review of relevant literatures was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL. The incremental accuracy (IA) of fine needle aspiration biopsy plus BRAFV600E mutation analysis over fine needle aspiration biopsy alone, and the statistical data about the association of BRAFV600E mutation and the prognosis of PTC (risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, standard mean differences for continuous data and hazard ratios (HRs) for disease‐free survival (DFS) were pooled. Subgroup analysis was performed to explain the heterogeneities.ResultsA total of 67 studies were included. The pooled IA was 2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0·5–4%). The pooled RR for gender, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal invasion and pathological stage was 1·11 (95% CI: 0·98–1·25), 1·17 (95% CI: 1·09–1·24), 1·36 (95% CI: 1·20–1·53), 1·60 (95% CI: 1·41–1·82), and 1·49 (95% CI: 1·33–1·68), respectively. The pooled standard mean differences for age and tumour size were 0·14 (95% CI: 0·04–0·23) and 0·21 (95% CI: 0·1–0·32), respectively. The pooled HR for DFS was 1·96 (95% CI: 1·62–2·37). Subgroup analysis showed that these statistical results were affected by the geographical background of patients, study design and detection methods.ConclusionsBRAFV600E mutation analysis can not only be used in the diagnosis of PTC, but can also predict its prognosis.
Young adults' experiences of seeking online information about diabetes and mental health in the age of social media
Authors: Fergie Gillian , Hilton Shona , Hunt Kate 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe Internet is a primary source of health information for many. Since the widespread adoption of social media, user‐generated health‐related content has proliferated, particularly around long‐term health issues such as diabetes and common mental health disorders (CMHDs).ObjectiveTo explore perceptions and experiences of engaging with health information online in a sample of young adults familiar with social media environments and variously engaged in consuming user‐generated content.MethodsForty semi‐structured interviews were conducted with young adults, aged 18–30, with experience of diabetes or CMHDs. Data were analysed following a thematic networks approach to explore key themes around online information‐seeking and content consumption practices.ResultsAlthough participants primarily discussed well‐rehearsed approaches to health information‐seeking online, particularly reliance on search engines, their accounts also reflected active engagement with health‐related content on social media sites. Navigating between professionally produced websites and user‐generated content, many of the young adults seemed to appreciate different forms of health knowledge emanating from varied sources. Participants described negotiating health content based on social media practices and features and assessing content heuristically. Some also discussed habitual consumption of content related to their condition as integrated into their everyday social media use.ConclusionTechnologies such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube offer opportunities to consume and assess content which users deem relevant and useful. As users and organizations continue to colonize social media platforms, opportunities are increasing for health communication and intervention. However, how such innovations are adopted is dependent on their alignment with users' expectations and consumption practices.
Whole‐mount pathology of breast lumpectomy specimens improves detection of tumour margins and focality
Authors: Clarke Gina M , Holloway Claire M B , Zubovits Judit T , Nofech‐Mozes Sharon , Liu Kela , Murray Mayan , Wang Dan , Yaffe Martin J 
Published: December 2015

AimsTechnical limitations in conventional pathological evaluation of breast lumpectomy specimens may reduce diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of margin and focality. A novel technique based on whole‐mount serial sections enhances sampling while preserving specimen conformation and orientation. The aim of this study was to investigate assessment of focality and margin status by the use of whole‐mount serial sections versus simulated conventional sections in lumpectomies.Methods and resultsTwo pathologists interpreted whole‐mount serial sections and simulated conventional sections for 58 lumpectomy specimens by reporting the closest margin and focality. Measurements were compared by the use of McNemar's chi‐squared test. Statistically significant differences were observed in the assignment of both margin positivity (P = 0.014) and multifocality (P = 0.021). A positive margin or multifocal disease was identified by the use of whole‐mount serial sections but missed in the simulated conventional assessment in 10.3% and 17.2% of all cases, respectively. There was no case in which a positive margin was detected only in the simulated conventional assessment.ConclusionsThe whole‐mount technique is more sensitive than conventional assessment for identifying a positive margin or multifocal disease in breast lumpectomy specimens. Undersampling in conventional sections was implicated in almost all cases of discordance. The majority of positive margins or secondary foci identified only in whole‐mount serial sections concerned in‐situ disease.
Expression of the voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv3.4 in oral leucoplakias and oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Fernández‐Valle Álvaro , Rodrigo Juan Pablo , García‐Pedrero Juana M , Rodríguez‐Santamarta Tania , Allonca Eva , Lequerica‐Fernández Paloma , de Vicente Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2015

AimsThe expression of the voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv3.4 was investigated in both oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and oral leucoplakias to establish its clinical significance during the development and progression of OSCC.Materials and methodsTissue specimens from 62 patients with oral leucoplakia were collected prospectively and 100 patients with OSCC who underwent surgical treatment were collected retrospectively, and Kv3.4 expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThirty‐nine of 100 tumours exhibited Kv3.4‐positive expression, and staining was associated with the degree of differentiation (P = 0.05) but showed no impact on patient prognosis. Abnormal Kv3.4 expression was detected in 16% (7 of 43) hyperplastic lesions and at a significantly higher proportion in oral dysplasias (50%, 8 of 16 cases; P = 0.008), whereas expression was negligible in normal adjacent epithelia. Furthermore, patients carrying Kv3.4‐positive lesions exhibited a higher progression risk than those with Kv3.4‐negative lesions; however, histology but not Kv3.4 expression predicted oral cancer development significantly in this prospective cohort.ConclusionThis study provides original evidence to demonstrate the early occurrence and high prevalence of abnormal Kv3.4 expression in oral leucoplakias. Our results support a role for Kv3.4 potassium channel in OSCC tumorigenesis rather than tumour progression and disease outcome.
Baseline abnormal liver function tests are more important than age in the development of isoniazid‐induced hepatoxicity for patients receiving preventive therapy for latent tuberculosis infection
Authors: Gray E. L. , Goldberg H. F. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundOne of the cornerstones of Australia's public health programmes to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) is the identification and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).AimsThe main aim of this study is to determine the demographics, compliance, completion rates and adverse events of patients on preventive therapy (PT) for LTBI at our institution. The secondary aim is to determine the rates of isoniazid (INH) hepatotoxicity and identify any contributory factors.MethodsThe method used was an audit using medical records of 100 consecutive patients (2010–2014) treated with PT for LTBI.ResultsSeventy‐two patients with confirmed LTBI started 9 months of INH and 22 started 4 months of rifampicin (RIF). The median age was 30 years. Half the patients were born in high TB‐prevalence countries. Fifty‐six per cent were contacts of index cases with confirmed TB, and 26% were pre‐immunosuppression. Seventy‐seven per cent completed PT with adequate compliance. Thirty‐three per cent on INH and 23% on RIF experienced some liver function test (LFT) abnormality while on treatment. INH was ceased in 3% due to asymptomatic hepatic dysfunction (transaminases >5x upper limit of normal). No patients had permanent liver damage. Significant risk factors for liver dysfunction during PT were risk factors for liver disease ( = 8.7; P = 0.03) or abnormal pre‐therapy LFT ( = 22.4; P < 0.001). No patients developed active TB.ConclusionThe completion rate of 77% and rate of INH‐induced hepatic dysfunction of 3% is comparable with the literature. We found no age association with the risk of INH‐induced hepatic dysfunction; however, there was a significant and linear association with the degree of liver function abnormality during INH therapy and the presence of abnormal baseline LFT. Routine LFT monitoring allowed early cessation of INH in those with significant but asymptomatic hepatitis who did not meet criteria for ATS/CDC LFT monitoring.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 expression and function in splenic dendritic cells: a potential role in immune homeostasis
Authors: Assas Mushref Bakri , Wakid Majed H. , Zakai Haytham A. , Miyan Jaleel A. , Pennock Joanne L. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryNeuro‐immune interactions, particularly those driven by neuropeptides, are increasingly implicated in immune responses. For instance, triggering calcium‐channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) on sensory nerves induces the release of calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide known to moderate dendritic cell activation and T helper cell type 1 polarization. Despite observations that CGRP is not confined to the nervous system, few studies have addressed the possibility that immune cells can respond to well‐documented ‘neural’ ligands independently of peripheral nerves. Here we have identified functionally relevant TRPV1 on primary antigen‐presenting cells of the spleen and have demonstrated both calcium influx and CGRP release in three separate strains of mice using natural agonists. Furthermore, we have shown down‐regulation of activation markers CD80/86 on dendritic cells, and up‐regulation of interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐10 in response to CGRP treatment. We suggest that dendritic cell responses to neural ligands can amplify neuropeptide release, but more importantly that variability in CGRP release across individuals may have important implications for immune cell homeostasis.
The impact of national vaccination policy changes on influenza incidence in the Netherlands
Authors: McDonald Scott A. , van Asten Liselotte , van der Hoek Wim , Donker Gé A. , Wallinga Jacco 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundWe assessed the impact of two major modifications of the Dutch National Influenza Prevention Programme – the introduction in 1997 of free‐of‐charge vaccination to persons aged ≥65 years and to high‐risk groups (previously only advised, and not free of charge), and the lowering of the eligible age to 60 years in 2008 – on the estimated incidence of influenza infection leading to influenza‐like illness (ILI).MethodsAdditive negative‐binomial segmented regression models were fitted to ILI data from GP sentinel surveillance in two‐eight‐season intervals (1993/4 to 2000/1, 2004/5 to 2011/12, comparing pre‐ and post‐policy‐change periods within each interval), with laboratory virological reporting of samples positive for influenza or other ILI‐causing pathogens as covariates.ResultsFor the 2008 policy change, there was a significant step decrease in influenza contribution considering all ages (=−111 per 100 positives; 95% CI: −162, −65·0), <60 years and 60–64 years age groups (B = −92·1 per 100; 95% CI: −134, −55·5; B = −5·2; 95% CI: −10·3, −1·2, respectively). There was no evidence for a decrease associated with the 1997 policy change targeting the ≥65 years age group.ConclusionsIn the Netherlands, a 56% reduction in influenza contribution was associated with the 2008 policy targeting 60–64 year‐olds, but there was no effect of the earlier policy targeting ≥65‐year‐olds, for whom vaccination coverage was already rising before the policy change.
Usefulness of albumin–bilirubin grade for evaluation of prognosis of 2584 Japanese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Kumada Takashi , Michitaka Kojiro , Toyoda Hidenori , Tada Toshifumi , Ueki Hidetaro , Kaneto Miho , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Kawakami Takamasa , Kawamura Tomoe , Yamago Hiroka , Suga Yoshifumi , Miyamoto Yuji , Tomida Hideomi , Azemoto Nobuaki , Mori Kenichiro , Miyata Hideki , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Kawasaki Hideki 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:The Child–Pugh classification has some non‐objective factors, with chronic hepatitis indistinguishable from early liver cirrhosis in Child–Pugh A. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade, which has been proposed as a new classification for hepatic function, for grading hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients based on hepatic function and predicting their prognosis.Method:From 2000 to 2014, 2584 naïve HCC [69.0 ± 9.8 years old, 1850 men, 734 female, Child–Pugh class A:B:C = 1871:558:155] were enrolled. TNM staging was determined using the classification of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan and ALBI grade, instead of Child–Pugh classification (ALBI with TNM score: ALBI‐T score) (Table 1), and is similar to the Japan Integrated Staging (JIS) score. We retrospectively compared ALBI‐T and JIS scores in these patients.Results:Of patients classified as Child–Pugh A (n = 1871), 1285 with 5 points were divided into 858 with ALBI grade 1 and 427 with grade 2, while 586 with 6 points were divided into 53 with grade 1 and 533 with grade 2. The ratio of ALBI grade 2 patients with a Child–Pugh score of 6 points (91.0%) was similar to that of those with 7 points (91.8%). Patients with a lower ALBI‐T score (0–5 points) showed a better median survival time than those with a corresponding lower JIS score [137.7:83.2:53.4:27.4:5.0:1.4 vs 97.6:74.9:39.7:15.0:4.0:1.0 months].Conclusion:Albumin–bilirubin grade was found to be superior for distinguishing patients with better hepatic function. ALBI‐T scoring may be a better total prognostic scoring system for predicting survival of Japanese patients with HCC.