bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual worlds to support patient group communication? A questionnaire study investigating potential for virtual world focus group use by respiratory patients
Authors: Taylor Michael J. , Taylor Dave , Vlaev Ivo , Elkin Sarah 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRecent advances in communication technologies enable potential provision of remote education for patients using computer‐generated environments known as virtual worlds. Previous research has revealed highly variable levels of patient receptiveness to using information technologies for healthcare‐related purposes. This preliminary study involved implementing a questionnaire investigating attitudes and access to computer technologies of respiratory outpatients in order to assess potential for use of virtual worlds to facilitate health‐related education for this sample. Ninety‐four patients with a chronic respiratory condition completed surveys, which were distributed at a Chest Clinic. In accordance with our prediction, younger participants were more likely to be able to use and have access to a computer, and some patients were keen to explore use virtual worlds for healthcare‐related purposes: Of those with access to computer facilities, 14.50% expressed a willingness to attend a virtual world focus group. Results indicate that future virtual world health education facilities should be designed to cater to younger patients because this group is most likely to accept and use such facilities. Within the study sample, this is likely to comprise of people diagnosed with asthma. Future work could investigate the potential of creating a virtual world asthma education facility.
Pharmacological characterization of the opioid inactive isomers (+)‐naltrexone and (+)‐naloxone as antagonists of toll‐like receptor 4
Authors: Wang X , Zhang Y , Peng Y , Hutchinson M R , Rice K C , Yin H , Watkins L R 
Published: November 2015

Background and PurposeThe toll‐like receptor TLR4 is involved in neuropathic pain and in drug reward and reinforcement. The opioid inactive isomers (+)‐naltrexone and (+)‐naloxone act as TLR4 antagonists, reversing neuropathic pain and reducing opioid and cocaine reward and reinforcement. However, how these agents modulate TLR4 signalling is not clear. Here, we have elucidated the molecular mechanism of (+)‐naltrexone and (+)‐naloxone on TLR4 signalling.Experimental ApproachBV‐2 mouse microglial cell line, primary rat microglia and primary rat peritoneal macrophages were treated with LPS and TLR4 signalling inhibitors. Effects were measured using Western blotting, luciferase reporter assays, fluorescence microscopy and ELISAKey Results(+)‐Naltrexone and (+)‐naloxone were equi‐potent inhibitors of the LPS‐induced TLR4 downstream signalling and induction of the pro‐inflammatory factors NO and TNF‐α. Similarly, (+)‐naltrexone or (+)‐naloxone inhibited production of reactive oxygen species and increased microglial phagocytosis, induced by LPS. However, (+)‐naltrexone and (+)‐naloxone did not directly inhibit the increased production of IL‐1β, induced by LPS. The drug interaction of (+)‐naloxone and (+)‐naltrexone was additive. (+)‐Naltrexone or (+)‐naloxone inhibited LPS‐induced activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 and production of IFN‐β. However, they did not inhibit TLR4 signalling via the activation of either NF‐κB, p38 or JNK in these cellular models.Conclusions and Implications(+)‐Naltrexone and (+)‐naloxone were TRIF‐IFN regulatory factor 3 axis‐biased TLR4 antagonists. They blocked TLR4 downstream signalling leading to NO, TNF‐α and reactive oxygen species. This pattern may explain, at least in part, the in vivo therapeutic effects of (+)‐naltrexone and (+)‐naloxone.
Linking Executive Functions and Procedural Metacognition
Authors: Roebers Claudia M. , Feurer Emanuel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTraditionally, researchers have discussed executive function and metacognition independently. However, more recently, theoretical frameworks linking these two groups of higher order cognitive processes have been advanced. In this article, we explore the relationship between executive function and procedural metacognition, and summarize theoretical similarities. From a developmental perspective, the assumed theoretical resemblances seem to be supported, considering development trajectories and their substantial impact on areas that include learning and memory. Moreover, empirical evidence suggests direct relationships on the task level, on the level of latent variables, and in terms of involved brain regions. However, research linking the two concepts directly remains rare. We discuss evidence and developmental mechanisms, and propose ways researchers can investigate links between executive function and procedural metacognition.
Novel PORCN mutation in a severe case of Focal Dermal Hypoplasia
Authors: Ramirez‐Botero Andres Felipe , Eichler Sabrina , Rolfs Arndt , Pachajoa Harry 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFocal dermal hypoplasia is a rare genetic disease characterized 8‐year‐old female who sought genetic counseling for multiple malformations, aggressive behavior and intellectual disability. Gene analysis confirmed focal dermal hypoplasia.
Construction Morphology and the Parallel Architecture of Grammar
Authors: Booij Geert , Audring Jenny 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article presents a systematic exposition of how the basic ideas of Construction Grammar (CxG) (Goldberg, ) and the Parallel Architecture (PA) of grammar (Jackendoff, ) provide the framework for a proper account of morphological phenomena, in particular word formation. This framework is referred to as Construction Morphology (CxM). As to the implications of CxM for the architecture of grammar, the article provides evidence against a split between lexicon and grammar, in line with CxG. In addition, it shows that the PA approach makes it possible to be explicit about what happens on which level of the grammar, and thus to give an insightful account of interface phenomena. These interface phenomena appear to require that various types of information are accessible simultaneously, and it is argued that constructional schemas have the right format for expressing these mutual dependencies between different types of information.
Analysis of the relationship between health status and mortality in hypercapnic patients with noninvasive ventilation
Authors: Oga Toru , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Kita Hideo , Tsuboi Tomomasa , Tomii Keisuke , Ando Morihide , Kojima Eiji , Tomioka Hiromi , Taguchi Yoshio , Kaji Yusuke , Maekura Ryoji , Hiraga Toru , Sakai Naoki , Kimura Tomoki , Mishima Michiaki , Chin Kazuo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundHealth status and mortality are important outcomes in patients with advanced pulmonary diseases receiving noninvasive ventilation (NIV). However, their relationship has not been thoroughly investigated.MethodsThe present study prospectively recruited 56 stable outpatients treated with NIV for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae. At baseline, health status was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item short form, a generic questionnaire; the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), a respiratory‐specific questionnaire; and two respiratory failure‐specific questionnaires, the Maugeri Respiratory Failure questionnaire and the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency (SRI) questionnaire. Arterial blood gas, pulmonary function, dyspnea and psychological status were also measured.ResultsIn cross‐sectional comparisons of the four health status questionnaires, the SGRQ and SRI questionnaire had lower floor and ceiling effects. During the 3‐year follow‐up, 16 patients (29%) died. Health status shown by the SGRQ and SRI was significantly predictive of mortality, independently of the physiological measures of low body mass index (BMI), hypercapnia, and low pulmonary function. Stepwise multivariate analyses indicated that the SRI summary score was the most significant predictor of mortality (P = 0.0006) followed by BMI (P = 0.012).ConclusionThere was a significant relationship between health status and 3‐year mortality in patients with NIV, independently of under‐nutrition, hypercapnia and low pulmonary function. Health status measurement is important not only to comprehensively evaluate disease severity in relation to its close association with mortality, but also to elucidate factors that improve the survival of patients with advanced respiratory diseases.
Developing the Translational Research Workforce: A Pilot Study of Common Metrics for Evaluating the Clinical and Translational Award KL2 Program
Authors: Schneider Margaret , Guerrero Lourdes , Jones Lisa B. , Tong Greg , Ireland Christine , Dumbauld Jill , Rainwater Julie 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeThis pilot study describes the career development programs (i.e., NIH KL2 awards) across five Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institutions within the University of California (UC) system, and examines the feasibility of a set of common metrics for evaluating early outcomes.MethodsA survey of program administrators provided data related to the institutional environment within which each KL2 program was implemented. Application and progress report data yielded a combined data set that characterized KL2 awardees, their initial productivity, and early career outcomes.ResultsThe pilot project demonstrated the feasibility of aggregating common metrics data across multiple institutions. The data indicated that KL2 awardees were an accomplished set of investigators, both before and after the award period, representing a wide variety of disciplines. Awardees that had completed their trainee period overwhelmingly remained active in translational research conducted within an academic setting. Early indications also suggest high rates of success with obtaining research funding subsequent to the KL2 award.ConclusionThis project offers a model for how to collect and analyze common metrics related to the education and training function of the CTSA Consortium. Next steps call for expanding participation to other CTSA sites outside of the University of California system.
Cochlear, auditory brainstem responses in Type 1 diabetes: relationship with metabolic variables and diabetic complications
Authors: Lasagni A. , Giordano P. , Lacilla M. , Raviolo A. , Trento M. , Camussi E. , Grassi G. , Charrier L. , Cavallo F. , Albera R. , Porta M. , Zanone M. M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimsFew studies have analysed the presence of hearing abnormalities in diabetes. We assessed the presence of subclinical auditory alterations and their possible association with early vascular and neurological dysfunction in young adults with Type 1 diabetes of long duration.MethodsThirty‐one patients with Type 1 diabetes (mean age 33 ± 2.3 years, disease duration 25.7 ± 4.2 years) and 10 healthy controls underwent pure tone audiometry (PTA), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) analyses. Associations with metabolic variables and chronic complications were explored.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, patients with diabetes had significantly higher mean hearing thresholds, although still within the normoacusic range. DPOAE intensities at medium frequencies (2.8–4 kHz) were significantly lower in patients with diabetes. In ABR, in addition to waves I, III and V, we observed the appearance of a visible wave IV in patients with diabetes compared with controls (prevalence 61% vs. 10%, P < 0.05), and its appearance was related to a prolonged I–V interval (4.40 ± 0.62 ms vs. 4.19 ± 0.58 ms, P < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure was higher in people with abnormal DPOAE (P < 0.05), whereas systolic blood pressure correlated with wave V and interpeak I–V interval latencies. A trend towards an association between evidence of wave IV and the presence of somatic neuropathy or abnormal cardiovascular autonomic tests was observed.ConclusionsYoung adults with long‐term Type 1 diabetes have subclinical abnormalities in qualitative auditory perception, despite normal hearing thresholds, which might reflect neuropathic and/or vascular alterations.
Organic cation transporter 1 variants and gastrointestinal side effects of metformin in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dujic T. , Causevic A. , Bego T. , Malenica M. , Velija‐Asimi Z. , Pearson E. R. , Semiz S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimsMetformin is the most widely used oral anti‐diabetes agent and has considerable benefits over other therapies, yet 20–30% of people develop gastrointestinal side effects, and 5% are unable to tolerate metformin due to the severity of these side effects. The mechanism for gastrointestinal side effects and their considerable inter‐individual variability is unclear. We have recently shown the association between organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) variants and severe intolerance to metformin in people with Type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the association of OCT1 reduced‐function polymorphisms with common metformin‐induced gastrointestinal side effects in Type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study included 92 patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, incident users of metformin. Patients were genotyped for two common loss‐of‐function variants in the OCT1 gene (SLC22A1): R61C (rs12208357) and M420del (rs72552763). The association of OCT1 reduced‐function alleles with gastrointestinal side effects was analysed using logistic regression.ResultsForty‐three patients (47%) experienced gastrointestinal adverse effects in the first 6 months of metformin treatment. Interestingly, the number of OCT1 reduced‐function alleles was significantly associated with over two‐fold higher odds of the common metformin‐induced gastrointestinal side effects (odds ratio = 2.31, 95% confidence interval 1.07–5.01, P = 0.034).ConclusionsIn conclusion, we showed for the first time the association between OCT1 variants and common metformin‐induced gastrointestinal side effects. These results confirm recent findings related to the role of OCT1 in severe metformin intolerance, and suggest that high inter‐individual variability in mild/moderate and severe gastrointestinal intolerance share a common underlying mechanism. These data could contribute to more personalized and safer metformin treatment.
Coronary Flow Reserve Predicts Longitudinal Myocardial Deformation Capacity in Heart‐Transplanted Patients
Authors: Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Løgstrup Brian Bridal , Eiskjær Hans , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt 
Published: November 2015

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the role of microvascular dysfunction on left ventricular (LV) longitudinal deformation, filling pressures, and exercise capacity in heart‐transplanted (HTx) patients.Methods and ResultsFifty‐seven HTx patients underwent comprehensive echocardiographic graft function assessment during symptom‐limited, semisupine exercise test with simultaneous right heart catheterization. Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) was measured in the left anterior descending artery using pulsed Doppler echocardiography. We divided patients into two groups based on upper and lower median of CFVR. Twenty‐six healthy subjects served as controls. Compared with healthy controls, HTx patients had reduced CFVR (P < 0.0001), exercise capacity (P < 0.0001), and LV longitudinal deformation capacity (P < 0.0001). HTx patients in the reduced CFVR group (CFVR < 2.73) were more symptomatic (P < 0.0001) and had higher prevalence of coronary cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) (P < 0.0001) than patients in the high CFVR group. Systolic function improved in both HTx groups during exercise. However, LV longitudinal myocardial deformation improved significantly more in the high CFVR group (P < 0.0001). Peak exercise LV global longitudinal strain and CFVR were strongly correlated (r = 0.8, P < 0.0001). A weak correlation was observed between CFVR and invasive cardiac index at peak exercise (r = 0.35, P < 0.01) and CFVR and LV filling measured by E/e′ ratio (r = −0.41, P < 0.01) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = −0.30, P < 0.05).ConclusionHTx patients have reduced CFVR, exercise capacity, and LV longitudinal myocardial deformation capacity compared with healthy individuals. HTx patients with reduced CFVR are more symptomatic and have increased prevalence of CAV. Furthermore, reduced CFVR is correlated with reduced LV longitudinal myocardial deformation and exercise capacity.
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ up‐regulates P2X3 receptors in primary cultures of neonatal rat trigeminal ganglion neurons
Authors: Wang Yan , Long Hu , Jian Fan , Li Xiaoyu , Yang Xin , Zhao Zhihe , Lai Wenli 
Published: November 2015

Recent evidence indicates a nociceptive role of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ–opioid receptor‐like receptor (N/OFQ‐ORL1) system in craniofacial pain; however, the mechanisms of such an effect remain unclear. We investigated whether the action of N/OFQ involves the modulation of P2X3, a pain‐transducing ionotropic receptor. Double‐labeled immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the co‐localization of ORL1 and P2X3 receptors in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) of neonatal Sprague‐Dawley rats. The effect of N/OFQ (at a concentration ranging from 1 pM to 10 nM) on the expression of P2X3 receptors was detected by RT‐PCR, western blotting, and immunocytochemical staining. We found that ORL1 receptors were co‐localized with P2X3 receptors and that the application of N/OFQ could up‐regulate, in a concentration‐dependent manner, the expression of P2X3 receptor mRNA and P2X3 receptor protein in TG neurons. Immunocytochemical staining also revealed enhanced P2X3 immunoreactivity beneath the neuronal membrane and an increased percentage of P2X3‐positive neurons after treatment with N/OFQ. Those effects were completely blocked by a specific ORL1 antagonist, UFP‐101. Our results suggest that the activation of ORL1 receptors by N/OFQ can potentiate P2X3 receptors in primary cultures of neonatal trigeminal neurons, which may be a mechanism for the nociceptive role of N/OFQ in the modulation of craniofacial pain. Our findings may also have implications in treating craniofacial pain.
A common garden design reveals population‐specific variability in potential impacts of hybridization between populations of farmed and wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Harvey Alison C. , Glover Kevin A. , Taylor Martin I. , Creer Simon , Carvalho Gary R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractReleased individuals can have negative impacts on native populations through various mechanisms, including competition, disease transfer and introduction of maladapted gene complexes. Previous studies indicate that the level of farmed Atlantic salmon introgression in native populations is population specific. However, few studies have explored the potential role of population diversity or river characteristics, such as temperature, on the consequences of hybridization. We compared freshwater growth of multiple families derived from two farmed, five wild and two F1 hybrid salmon populations at three contrasting temperatures (7°C, 12°C and 16°C) in a common garden experiment. As expected, farmed salmon outgrew wild salmon at all temperatures, with hybrids displaying intermediate growth. However, differences in growth were population specific and some wild populations performed better than others relative to the hybrid and farmed populations at certain temperatures. Therefore, the competitive balance between farmed and wild salmon may depend both on the thermal profile of the river and on the genetic characteristics of the respective farmed and wild strains. While limited to F1 hybridization, this study shows the merits in adopting a more complex spatially resolved approach to risk management of local populations.
Upstream migration of amphidromous gobies of La Réunion Island: implication for management
Authors: Lagarde R. , Teichert N. , Boussarie G. , Grondin H. , Valade P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDiadromous species of tropical islands face numerous anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding how these disturbances affect the population dynamic of these species is important to develop ecologically based management measures. The upstream migration dynamics of two amphidromous gobies, Sicyopterus lagocephalus (Pallas) and Cotylopus acutipinnis (Guichenot), was described using intensive fishway monitoring (28 sampling dates over 1.5 years, 13 000 S. lagocephalus, 23 000 C. acutipinnis captured). Migration peak occurred for both species during the afternoon at the end of austral winter/beginning of austral summer. Abundance and size of fish caught in the river showed a marked impact of a dam (six sampling dates approximately 4000 individuals of each species captured). This study provides critical data for better management of fishways used by tropical amphidromous gobies. It appears especially important to reduce unwanted rheotactic sources that attract the fish away from the fishway's entrance.
Home medicines reviews in Australian war veterans taking warfarin do not influence international normalised ratio control
Authors: Bereznicki L. R. E. , van Tienen E. C. , Stafford A. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundThe clinical outcomes of warfarin are largely dependent on the international normalised ratio (INR) control achieved, and strategies to improve the time in therapeutic range (TTR) should be identified and widely implemented in practice.AimsTo investigate the influence of pharmacist‐led medication reviews on INR control and observe the quality of INR control in Australian veterans who take warfarin.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective cohort study using administrative claims data for Australian veterans and war‐widows identified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs who were regularly dispensed warfarin and invited them to contact the research team. Pathology providers were subsequently contacted to provide INR results.ResultsINR data were available for 344 of 818 (42.1%) veterans who consented to participate in the study; 64.4% were male and the median age was 83 years. The overall TTR for the veteran cohort during the study period was 64.0%. There was no difference in the TTR in the 6 months following home medicines review (HMR) compared with the control group (63.0% vs 67.0%, P = 0.27), with the TTR in patients with INR data available in the 6 months prior to, and the 6 months following HMR, remaining high (67.9% vs 69.6% P = 0.63). Approximately, one‐third of veterans in this study had a percentage TTR below 60%.ConclusionsINR was well‐controlled in this elderly cohort, comparable to that achieved in recent randomised trials involving warfarin. Pharmacist‐led medication reviews were not associated with a change in INR control.
Des indicateurs «SMART» pour mesurer le travail décent: proposition dans la perspective du programme de développement pour l'après‐2015
Authors: OSTERMEIER Martin , LINDE Sarah , LAY Jann , PREDIGER Sebastian 
Published: November 2015

RésuméLes indicateurs associés aux objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement présentent plusieurs lacunes: des problèmes de mesure et d'interprétation, l'utilisation de données agrégées et des hypothèses inadaptées aux pays en développement. Les auteurs proposent par conséquent quatre nouveaux indicateurs de l'emploi productif et du travail décent: l'augmentation de la part du travail dans la valeur ajoutée par těte, le taux de travailleurs pauvres et la proportion de travailleurs qui perçoivent un revenu inférieur à un minimum donné, fixé en valeur absolue d'abord puis à 60 pour cent du revenu du travail médian. Deux cas d'espèce – Ouganda et Pérou – illustrent l'application pratique de ces indicateurs.