bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levobupivacaine – dextran mixture for transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hamada T. , Tsuchiya M. , Mizutani K. , Takahashi R. , Muguruma K. , Maeda K. , Ueda W. , Nishikawa K. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryWe performed a randomised controlled double‐blinded study of patients having laparoscopic colectomy with bilateral transversus abdominis plane block plus rectus sheath block, comparing a control group receiving 80 ml levobupivacaine 0.2% in saline with a dextran group receiving 80 ml levobupivacaine 0.2% in 8% low‐molecular weight dextran. Twenty‐seven patients were studied in each group. The mean (SD) maximum plasma concentration of levobupivacaine in the control group (1410 (322) ng.ml−1) was higher than the dextran group (1141 (287) ng.ml−1; p = 0.004), and was reached more quickly (50.6 (30.2) min vs 73.2 (24.6) min; p = 0.006). The area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 min to 240 min in the control group (229,124 (87,254) ng.min.ml−1) was larger than in the dextran group (172,484 (50,502) ng.min.ml−1; p = 0.007). The median (IQR [range]) of the summated numerical pain rating score at rest during the first postoperative 24 h in the control group (16 (9–20 [3–31]) was higher than in the dextran group (8 (2–11 [0–18]); p = 0.0001). In this study, adding dextran to levobupivacaine decreased the risk of levobupivacaine toxicity while providing better analgesia.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of sperm chromatin structure andDNAstability
Authors: Oldenhof H. , Schütze S. , Wolkers W. F. , Sieme H. 
Published: February 2016

SummarySperm chromatin structure and condensation determine accessibility for damage, and hence success of fertilization and development. The aim of this study was to reveal characteristic spectral features coinciding with abnormal sperm chromatin packing (i.e.,DNA–protein interactions) and decreased fertility, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Chromatin structure in spermatozoa obtained from different stallions was investigated. Furthermore, spermatozoa were exposed to oxidative stress, or treated with thiol‐oxidizing and disulfide‐reducing agents, to alter chromatin structure and packing. Spectroscopic studies were corroborated with flow cytometric analyses using theDNA‐intercalating fluorescent dye acridine orange. Decreased fertility of individuals correlated with increased abnormal sperm morphology and decreased stability toward inducedDNAdamage. Treatment with the disulfide reducing agent dithiothreitol resulted in increased sperm chromatin decondensation andDNAaccessibility, similar as found for less mature epididymal spermatozoa.In situinfrared spectroscopic analysis revealed that characteristic bands arising from theDNAbackbone (ν1230, ν1086, ν1051 cm−1) changed in response to induced oxidative damage, water removal, and decondensation. This coincided with changes in the amide‐I region (intensity at ν1620 vs. ν1640 cm−1) denoting concomitant changes in protein secondary structure. Reduction in protein disulfide bonds resulted in a decreased value of the asymmetric to symmetric phosphate band intensity (ν1230/ν1086 cm−1), suggesting that this band ratio is sensitive for the degree of chromatin condensation. Moreover, when analyzing spermatozoa from different individuals, it was found that the asymmetric/symmetric phosphate band ratio negatively correlated with the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa.
Error rate of automated choroidal segmentation using swept‐source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kong Mingui , Eo Doo Ri , Han Gyule , Park Sung Yong , Ham Don‐Il 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the error rate of automated choroidal segmentation and the effect of frame averaging on error rate.MethodsA horizontal B scan at the fovea was performed in patients having various retinochoroidal disorders using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (OCT) with frame‐averaging technique. Scanned images were classified into four morphological groups: normal from fellow eyes (NF), normal from pathologic eyes (NP), retinal abnormality (R) and retinochoroidal abnormality (RC) group. Choroidal segmentation was automatically performed using built‐in software of a swept‐source OCT device, and the error rate of choroidal segmentation was analysed.ResultsQualified images for all four averaging types with different number of averaged frames were acquired in 89 eyes of 77 patients. Images of 12, 20, 24 and 33 eyes were classified as NF, NP, R and RC group, respectively. The choroidal segmentation error was detected in 1–2 images (8.3–16.7%) in the NF group, 3–6 images (15.0–30.0%) in the NP group, 4–8 images (16.7–33.3%) in the R group and 17–19 images (51.5–57.6%) in the RC group. The error rate was significantly higher in RC group than other groups (p < 0.05). Increasing the number of frames for averaging showed no significant effect on the error rate in all groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionAutomated choroidal segmentation showed a high error rate in images with choroidal abnormalities, and the averaging effect could not reduce the error rate significantly. Thus, further technological improvement is needed to increase the accuracy of the automated choroidal segmentation.
Review article: bile acid diarrhoea – pathogenesis, diagnosis and management
Authors: Mottacki N. , Simrén M. , Bajor A. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundBile acid diarrhoea results from imbalances in the homoeostasis of bile acids in the enterohepatic circulation. It can be a consequence of ileal disease/dysfunction, associated with other GI pathology or can be idiopathic.AimsTo summarise the different types of bile acid diarrhoea and discuss the currently available diagnostic methods and treatments.ResultsBile acid diarrhoea is found in up to 40% of patients diagnosed as having functional diarrhoea/IBS‐D, and in up to 80% of patients who have undergone ileal resection. It is likely under‐diagnosed and under‐treated. In idiopathic disease, errors in regulation feedback of fibroblast growth factor 19 contribute to the development of the condition. Clinical therapeutic trials for bile acid diarrhoea have been used to diagnose it, but the 75SeHCAT test is the primary current method. It is sensitive, specific and widely available, though not in the USA. Other diagnostic methods (such as serum measurement of the bile acid intermediate 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one, or C4) have less widespread availability and documentation, and some (such as faecal measurement of bile acids) are significantly more complex and costly. First‐line treatment of bile acid diarrhoea is with the bile acid sequestrant cholestyramine, which can be difficult to administer and dose due to gastrointestinal side effects. These side effects are less prominent in newer agents such as colesevelam, which may provide higher efficacy, tolerability and compliance.ConclusionBile acid diarrhoea is common, and likely under‐diagnosed. Bile acid diarrhoea should be considered relatively early in the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhoea.
Iron profile in Thoroughbreds during a standard training program
Authors: Assenza A , Casella S , Giannetto C , Fazio F , Tosto F , Piccione G 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the modifications of some haematological parameters and iron profile during an 80‐day training program and their relationship with athletic performance of performance horses.MethodsDuring the training period, 20 Thoroughbreds were subjected to a standardised exercise test, previously standardised for gallopers to evaluate athletic performance. The test was performed immediately before the beginning of the training program (T0) and after 30 days (T30), 60 days (T60) and 90 days (T90). For each horse, their velocities at blood lactate concentrations of 2 and 4 mmol/L (V2andV4) and a heart rate of 200 beats/min (V200) were calculated to assess the effect of the training program on athletic performance. Blood samples were collected at 20‐day intervals over a period of 80 days from the beginning of the training program.ResultsOne‐way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of days of training (time) on iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron‐binding capacity, transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron‐binding capacity (P < 0.001 for all).ConclusionsThe results showed the influence of the intensity and duration of exercise on iron metabolism. These findings may be useful for evaluating the athletic status of horses during training and to assess the degree of training adaptability, providing an opportunity to modify the training schedule to achieve the desired performance.
Achievement goals and emotions: The mediational roles of perceived progress, control, and value
Authors: Hall Nathan C. , Sampasivam Lavanya , Muis Krista R. , Ranellucci John 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundThe link between achievement goals and achievement emotions is well established; however, research exploring potential mediators of this relationship is lacking. The control‐value theory of achievement emotions (Pekrun, 2006, Educational Psychology Review, 18, 315) posits that perceptions of control and value mediate the relationship between achievement goals and achievement emotions, whereas the bidirectional theory of affect (Linnenbrink & Pintrich, 2002, Educational Psychologist, 37, 69) proposes that perceived progress mediates this relationship.AimsThe present study empirically evaluated three hypothesized mediators of the effects of achievement goals on learning‐related emotions as proposed in the control‐value theory and the bidirectional theory of affect.SampleUndergraduate students (N = 273) from humanities, social science, and STEM disciplines participated.MethodsParticipants completed web‐based questionnaires evaluating academic achievement goals, perceptions of control, perceived task value, and achievement emotions.ResultsResults provided empirical support primarily for perceived progress as a mediator of mastery‐approach goal effects on positive emotions (enjoyment, hope), showing indirect effects of mastery‐ and performance‐approach goals on outcome‐related emotions (hope, anxiety) via perceived control. Indirect effects of mastery‐ and performance‐approach goals were further observed on anxiety via perceived value, with higher value levels predicting greater anxiety.ConclusionsStudy findings partially support Linnenbrink and Pintrich's (2002, Educational Psychologist, 37, 69) bidirectional theory of affect while underscoring the potential for indirect effects of goals on emotions through perceived control as proposed by Pekrun (2006, Educational Psychology Review, 18, 315).
Analysing 157 learning designs using learning analytic approaches as a means to evaluate the impact of pedagogical decision making
Authors: Toetenel Lisette , Rienties Bart 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEducators need to change their practice to adapt to a shifting educational context. By visualising learning design decisions, this article highlights the need to capture educators' “tacit” knowledge relating to course material, activity types and workload, through employing learning analytics methods in order to analyse the learning designs of courses taken by 60,000+ students, common pedagogical patterns are identified. When analysing 157 learning designs using a taxonomy of seven different learning activities, we found that the majority of educators used two types of learning activities most widely, namely assimilative activities (reading, watching videos and listening to audio) and assessment activities. Surprisingly, educators do not choose different activity types based upon function (eg, replace one type of student‐activating activity by another), but patterns can be seen where educators combine assimilative, productive and assessment activities or assimilative, finding and handling information and communication tasks. While educators rely heavily on assimilative and assessment activities, no positive correlation was found between any of the seven learning design activity types and student outcomes. Our initial findings suggest that student outcomes are negatively correlated with a high proportion of assimilative activities. Further studies are needed to establish whether particular learning design decisions are related to student outcomes and whether these findings can be replicated in different research settings.
Targeting protein kinase C in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Rauert‐Wunderlich Hilka , Rudelius Martina , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas 
Published: February 2016

SummaryAlthough targeting the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) with ibrutinib has changed lymphoma treatment, patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remain incurable. In this study, we characterized a broad range of MCL cell lines and primary MCL cells with respect to the response to the BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib, and compared it with the response to the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, sotrastaurin. At clinically relevant concentrations, each drug induced potent cell death only in the REC‐1 cell line, which was accompanied by robust inhibition of AKT and ERK1/ERK2 (ERK1/2, also termed MAPK3/MAPK1) phosphorylation. In sensitive REC‐1 cells, the drug‐mediated impaired phosphorylation was obvious on the levels of B‐cell receptor‐induced and basal phosphorylation. Similar results were obtained in primary MCL cells with ibrutinib and in a subset with sotrastaurin. The various drug‐resistant MCL cell lines showed very distinct responses in terms of basal AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Interestingly, targeting PKC and BTK at the same time led to ibrutinib‐mediated rescue of a weak sotrastaurin‐induced apoptosis in MINO cells. Additional targeting of AKT sensitized MINO cells to inhibitor‐mediated cytotoxicity. In summary, MCL cells are heterogeneous in their response to BTK or PKC inhibition, indicating the need for even more individualized targeted treatment approaches in subsets of MCL patients.
Influence of patient and provider characteristics on quality of care for the myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Abel Gregory A. , Cronin Angel M. , Odejide Oreofe O. , Uno Hajime , Stone Richard M. , Steensma David P. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryLittle is known about quality of care for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), or patient and provider factors that influence quality. We identified Medicare enrollees diagnosed with MDS between 2006 and 2011, and analysed linked claims for performance on two widely‐accepted quality measures: diagnostic bone marrow cytogenetic testing (diagnostic quality) and pre‐treatment iron assessment for patients receiving an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA; treatment quality). A total of 4575 patients met the criteria for diagnostic quality measurement, and 3379 for treatment quality measurement. In the diagnostic cohort, 74% had a claim for marrow cytogenetic testing 3 months before to 3 months after diagnosis. In multivariate models, younger age (P < 0·001), treatment at a higher‐volume MDS centre (P < 0·001), and claims for pancytopenia (P < 0·001) were all associated with higher levels of testing. A borderline result was observed for diagnostic year, with improvement over time (P = 0·06). In the treatment cohort, 56% had evidence of pre‐ESA iron assessment, with higher rates for later years of diagnosis (P < 0·001), higher household income (P = 0·03), and those treated at higher‐volume centres (P = 0·01). In this large cohort of patients with MDS, quality of care was suboptimal overall, but worse in several specific subgroups. These data suggest that targeted educational and/or process‐focused interventions are warranted.
Impact of the lack of community urinary catheter care services on the Emergency Department
Authors: Tay Li June , Lyons Hannah , Karrouze Irene , Taylor Claire , Khan Azhar A. , Thompson Peter M. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo conduct an audit of patients presenting with long‐term urinary catheter (LTC)‐associated problems to our Emergency Department (ED) and to assess the availability of community nursing support for their LTC. We also estimated the cost implication to the health service and the potential solutions to this issue, as although catheter care is provided by community nurses, LTC problems are common presentations to the ED and are often significant burdens to the services.Patients and MethodsA study was carried out of all patients presenting to the ED with a urinary catheter problem, specifically studying LTCs and the reason for presentation, district nurses' involvement, and the intervention received.ResultsIn all, 78 patients with a urinary catheter problem presented to the ED over a 69‐day period, of whom 59 (68%) had a LTC. In all, 33 patients (42%) attended during normal working hours between 0900 and 1700 h. The mean (range) age was 74 (42–93) years and the duration the LTC had been in situ was 11 (1–120) months. The most common reasons for attendance were blocked catheter (37 patients, 47%) and catheter‐bypass (18, 23%). Only 28 patients (36%) were known to district nursing services, and 14% were referred by a district nurse. Most of the remaining patients self‐referred to the ED. No patient had any documented contact with their general practitioner. In addition, 64 patients (82%) had their catheter issues addressed adequately by ED nurses or doctors, without any urology involvement.ConclusionsThe high morbidity of LTCs causes a considerable demand on ED services, and has heavy cost implications to the health system. Most patients had minimal community nurse support, and their catheter problems were easily dealt with by ED nurses and doctors.
Abnormal Akt signalling in bladder epithelial cell explants from patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome can be induced by antiproliferative factor treatment of normal bladder cells
Authors: Keay Susan K. , Zhang Chen‐Ou 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo determine whether protein kinase B (Akt) signalling and secretion of specific downstream effector proteins are abnormal in specific cell fractions of bladder epithelial cells from patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), as explanted bladder epithelial cells from patients with IC/BPS produce a frizzled 8‐related glycopeptide antiproliferative factor (APF) that inhibits normal bladder epithelial cell proliferation and expression of several proteins known to be regulated by Akt signalling. A related secondary objective was to determine whether treatment of normal bladder epithelial cells with active synthetic asialo‐antiproliferative factor (as‐APF) induces similar changes in Akt signalling and specific downstream effector proteins/mRNAs.Patients and MethodsCell proteins were extracted into four subcellular fractions from primary bladder epithelial explants of six patients who fulfilled modified National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) criteria for IC/BPS and six age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Total and/or phosphorylated cellular Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and β‐catenin; total cellular JunB; and secreted matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) levels were determined by Western blot. MMP2, JunB, p53, uroplakin 3 (UPK3), and β‐actin mRNAs were quantified by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Akt activity was determined by nonradioactive assay.ResultsIC/BPS cells had lower Akt activity, along with lower Akt ser473‐ and GSK3β ser9‐phosphorylation and higher β‐catenin ser33,37/thr41‐phosphorylation in specific fractions as compared with matched control cells. IC/BPS explants also had evidence of additional downstream abnormalities compared with control cells, including lower nuclear JunB; lower secreted MMP2 and HB‐EGF; plus lower MMP2, JunB, and UPK3 mRNAs but higher p53 mRNA relative to β‐actin. Each of these IC/BPS cell abnormalities was also induced in normal cells by as‐APF.ConclusionThese findings indicate that IC/BPS cells have abnormal Akt activity with downstream protein expression abnormalities including decreased MMP2 and HB‐EGF secretion. They also support the hypothesis that APF plays a role in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS via its effects on cell Akt signalling and HB‐EGF production.
An 11 000‐year record of driftwood delivery to the western Queen Elizabeth Islands, Arctic Canada
Authors: Nixon F. Chantel , England John H. , Lajeunesse Patrick , Hanson Michelle A. 
Published: February 2016

Fifty‐six new radiocarbon dates from driftwood (mainlyLarix,PiceaandPopulusspp.) collected from the modern and raised shorelines of Melville and Eglinton islands (western Canadian High Arctic) are presented and compared to other driftwood collections from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) and Greenland. By documenting the species (provenance) and spatio‐temporal distribution of driftwood at various sites across the Arctic, regional characterizations of former sea‐ice conditions and changes in Arctic Ocean circulation patterns may be deduced. The earliest postglacial invasion of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago by driftwood is recorded on central Melville Island atc. 11 cal. kaBP, suggesting that the modern circulation pattern of Arctic Ocean surface water southeast through the archipelago was established >1000 years earlier than previously proposed. Throughout most of the Holocene untilc. 1.0 cal. kaBP, the rate of driftwood delivery to the western Arctic islands was low (~1 recorded stranding event per 200 years) and intermittent, with the longest break in the record occurring betweenc. 3.0 and 5.0 cal. kaBP. This 2000‐year hiatus is attributed to a period of colder temperatures causing severe sea‐ice conditions and effectively making the coasts of the western Arctic islands inaccessible. Afterc. 1.0 cal. kaBP, driftwood incursion increased to maximum Holocene levels (~1 recorded stranding event every 20 years). Driftwood identified to the genus level asLarixthat was delivered at this time suggests that the Trans Polar Drift current was regularly in its most southwestern position, related to a dominantly positive Arctic Oscillation mode. The Little Ice Age appears to have had little impact on driftwood entry to the western Canadian Arctic Archipelago, indeed the general abundance in the latest Holocene may record infrequent landfast sea ice.
Culture and context: exploring attributions and caregiving approaches of parents of children with an intellectual disability in urban India
Authors: John Aesha , Bailey Lucy E. , Jones Jennifer L. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe utilized a sociocultural lens and a qualitative approach to examine causal attributions and caregiving approaches of parents of children with an intellectual disability in a mid‐sized Indian city. Sixteen mothers and three fathers participated in a semi‐structured interview. Findings elucidate participants' active processing of the cause of their child's intellectual disability. They seemed to simultaneously draw upon religious, biological and situational factors to construct an explanation. As far as caregiving approaches, most parents reported moving away gradually from mainstream medicine to alternative medicine and physiotherapy and from regular education settings to special schools. The themes highlight the role of sociocultural factors and also cross‐cultural similarities in parental causal attributions and caregiving approach. The findings are discussed in the context of implications for social work practice and policy in India.