bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fewer cytomegalovirus complications after kidney transplantation by de novo use of mTOR inhibitors in comparison to mycophenolic acid
Authors: Radtke J. , Dietze N. , Spetzler V.N. , Fischer L. , Achilles E.‐G. , Li J. , Scheidat S. , Thaiss F. , Nashan B. , Koch M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) is a risk factor for patient and graft survival after kidney transplantation.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed risk factors for CMV infection in 348 patients who received a kidney transplant donated after brain death (n = 232) or by living donation (n = 116) between 2008 and 2013. Of the 348 patients analyzed, 91 received a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi)‐based immunosuppressive regimen. A total of 266 patients were treated with standard immunosuppression (Group 1) consisting of basiliximab induction, calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), and either mycophenolic acid (MPA, n = 219) or everolimus (EVE) (n = 47). We also included 82 patients who received more intense immunosuppression (Group 2) with lymphocyte depletion, CNI, plus either MPA (n = 38) or EVE (n = 44). Only patients in the high‐risk constellation received CMV prophylaxis in Group 1, while all patients in Group 2 received prophylaxis for 6 month.ResultsThe overall rate of CMV infections was low with 10.1% in all patients. Despite the different prophylaxis strategies applied, no difference was seen in CMV infections between Group 1 (10.9%) and Group 2 (13.6%). A multivariate analysis revealed that patients on EVE had fewer CMV complications compared with patients on MPA (P = 0.013, odds ratio [OR] 4.8, confidence interval [CI] 1.4–16.5). Donor and recipient age >65 years was an independent risk factor (P = 0.002, OR 3.2, CI 1.5–6.7) for CMV infections. Patients with CMV infections had significantly worse graft function after 2 years (P = 0.001).ConclusionCMV is a significant risk factor for long‐term graft outcome. Patients treated with EVE developed fewer CMV complications compared to patients on MPA. The use of mTORi is useful in patients at high risk of developing CMV infections.
ABI4 mediates antagonistic effects of abscisic acid and gibberellins at transcript and protein levels
Authors: Shu Kai , Chen Qian , Wu Yaorong , Liu Ruijun , Zhang Huawei , Wang Pengfei , Li Yanli , Wang Shengfu , Tang Sanyuan , Liu Chunyan , Yang Wenyu , Cao Xiaofeng , Serino Giovanna , Xie Qi 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAbscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones which antagonistically mediate numerous physiological processes, and their optimal balance is essential for normal plant development. However, the molecular mechanism underlying ABA and GA antagonism still needs to be determined. Here, we report that ABA‐INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4) is a central factor in GA/ABA homeostasis and antagonism in post‐germination stages. ABI4 overexpression in Arabidopsis (OE‐ABI4) leads to developmental defects including a decrease in plant height and poor seed production. The transcription of a key ABA biosynthetic gene, NCED6, and of a key GA catabolic gene, GA2ox7, is significantly enhanced by ABI4 overexpression. ABI4 activates NCED6 and GA2ox7 transcription by directly binding to the promoters, and genetic analysis revealed that mutation in these two genes partially rescues the dwarf phenotype of ABI4 overexpressing plants. Consistently, ABI4 overexpressing seedlings have a lower GA/ABA ratio than the wild type. We further show that ABA induces GA2ox7 transcription while GA represses NCED6 expression in an ABI4‐dependent manner; and that ABA stabilizes the ABI4 protein whereas GA promotes its degradation. Taken together, these results suggest that ABA and GA antagonize each other by oppositely acting on ABI4 transcript and protein levels.
Influence of early irradiation on in vitro red blood cell (RBC) storage variables of leucoreduced RBCs in additive solution SAG‐M
Authors: Hauck‐Dlimi B. , Braun T. , Eckstein R. , Strobel J. , Zimmermann R. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThe only accepted way to avoid transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease is irradiation of blood components. With respect to irradiation and associated storage time, different recommendations exist. We examined early irradiated (day +3) leucoreduced red blood cell units for irradiation‐associated damages during storage.Study Design and MethodsWe studied 80 leucoreduced units from two manufacturers. All RBCs were stored in the additive solution saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAG‐M) and leucoreduced on collection day. Forty components were irradiated on day +3 with 30 Gy, 40 served as non‐irradiated controls. Samples were drawn and analysed from these 80 units on days +3, +7, +14, +21, +28, +35 and +42.ResultsFrom day +14, there was a significant difference in the in vitro haemolysis rate between the non‐irradiated and the irradiated components. Two of the irradiated units showed a haemolysis rate over the recommended limit of 0·8% on day +42. Potassium and lactate dehydrogenase activity increased faster in irradiated groups during storage.ConclusionsOur findings show that leucoreduced RBCs which are irradiated early after collection show an obvious radiation damage over storage period. Interestingly, on days +28, +35 and +42 the quality of RBCs which were irradiated on day +3 was nearly identical to the quality of RBCs which were irradiated on day +14 in a former series. Early irradiation does not cause more damage of RBCs during subsequent storage than irradiation on day +14. The maximum storage period of irradiated RBCs should remain restricted to 28 days from collection, however independently from the day of irradiation within this period.
Consequences of screening English blood donors for HHV‐8 antibodies. Is it worth it?
Authors: Tettmar K. I. , Tuke P. W. , Webster M. , Lattimore S. , Kitchen A. D. , Schulz T. F. , Tedder R. S. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundHuman herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma which is of concern in organ transplantation due to transmission through either the donor organ or any associated blood components to immunologically susceptible patients. The prevalence of HHV‐8 in the UK has not been widely investigated. In this study, the seroprevalence of HHV‐8 in English blood donors was measured and the performance of confirmatory assays evaluated.Materials and MethodsDonation samples from 5009 English blood donors were screened for antibodies to HHV‐8. A combination of four different serological and molecular assays was used to investigate any IgG reactivity identified.ResultsHHV‐8 repeatable serological reactivity in English blood donors was 0·7% but could not be confirmed as specific due to a lack of concordance in the confirmatory assays.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the seroprevalence of HHV‐8 is extremely low amongst English donors. These data confirm findings from other studies which suggest a poor predictiveness of HHV‐8 serological assays, especially when used to screen asymptomatic populations. Where a change in donor demography can be anticipated in the UK, further seroprevalence studies should be considered, but only after careful evaluation and selection of the screening and confirmatory assays used.
Exploring Synergy between Classic Mutagens and Antibiotics To Examine Mechanisms of Synergy and Antibiotic Action
Authors: Song Lisa Yun , D'Souza Sara , Lam Karen , Kang Tina Manzhu , Yeh Pamela , Miller Jeffrey H. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

We used classical mutagens in Gram-negative
Escherichia coli
to study synergies with different classes of antibiotics, test models of antibiotic mechanisms of action, and examine the basis of synergy. We used 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), zebularine (ZEB), 5-azacytidine (5AZ), 2-aminopurine (2AP), and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (5BrdU) as mutagens (with bactericidal potency of 4NQO > ZEB > 5AZ > 2AP > 5BrdU) and vancomycin (VAN), ciprofloxacin (CPR), trimethoprim (TMP), gentamicin (GEN), tetracycline (TET), erythromycin (ERY), and chloramphenicol (CHL) as antibiotics. We detected the strongest synergies with 4NQO, an agent that oxidizes guanines and ultimately results in double-strand breaks when paired with the bactericidal antibiotics VAN, TMP, CPR, and GEN, but no synergies with the bacteriostatic antibiotics TET, ERY, and CHL. Each of the other mutagens displays synergies with the bactericidal antibiotics to various degrees that reflect their potencies, as well as with some of the other mutagens. The results support recent models showing that bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria principally by ultimately generating more double-strand breaks than can be repaired. We discuss the synergies seen here and elsewhere as representing dose effects of not the proximal target damage but rather the ultimate resulting double-strand breaks. We also used the results of pairwise tests to place the classic mutagens into functional antibacterial categories within a previously defined drug interaction network.
Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Outcome After Stroke
Authors: Alladi Suvarna , Bak Thomas H. , Mekala Shailaja , Rajan Amulya , Chaudhuri Jaydip Ray , Mioshi Eneida , Krovvidi Rajesh , Surampudi Bapiraju , Duggirala Vasanta , Kaul Subhash 
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—
Bilingualism has been associated with slower cognitive aging and a later onset of dementia. In this study, we aimed to determine whether bilingualism also influences cognitive outcome after stroke.

Methods—
We examined 608 patients with ischemic stroke from a large stroke registry and studied the role of bilingualism in predicting poststroke cognitive impairment in the absence of dementia.

Results—

A larger proportion of bilinguals had normal cognition compared with monolinguals (40.5% versus 19.6%;
P
<0.0001), whereas the reverse was noted in patients with cognitive impairment, including vascular dementia and vascular mild cognitive impairment (monolinguals 77.7% versus bilinguals 49.0%;
P
<0.0009). There were no differences in the frequency of aphasia (monolinguals 11.8% versus bilinguals 10.5%;
P
=0.354). Bilingualism was found to be an independent predictor of poststroke cognitive impairment.

Conclusions—
Our results suggest that bilingualism leads to a better cognitive outcome after stroke, possibly by enhancing cognitive reserve.
Stroke Location Is an Independent Predictor of Cognitive Outcome
Authors: Munsch Fanny , Sagnier Sharmila , Asselineau Julien , Bigourdan Antoine , Guttmann Charles. R. , Debruxelles Sabrina , Poli Mathilde , Renou Pauline , Perez Paul , Dousset Vincent , Sibon Igor , Tourdias Thomas 
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—
On top of functional outcome, accurate prediction of cognitive outcome for stroke patients is an unmet need with major implications for clinical management. We investigated whether stroke location may contribute independent prognostic value to multifactorial predictive models of functional and cognitive outcomes.

Methods—
Four hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients with ischemic stroke were prospectively assessed with magnetic resonance imaging at 24 to 72 hours and at 3 months for functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale and cognitive outcome using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical maps of functional and cognitive eloquent regions were derived from the first 215 patients (development sample) using voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping. We used multivariate logistic regression models to study the influence of stroke location (number of eloquent voxels from voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping maps), age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and stroke volume on modified Rankin Scale and MoCA. The second part of our cohort was used as an independent replication sample.

Results—
In univariate analyses, stroke location, age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and stroke volume were all predictive of poor modified Rankin Scale and MoCA. In multivariable analyses, stroke location remained the strongest independent predictor of MoCA and significantly improved the prediction compared with using only age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and stroke volume (area under the curve increased from 0.697–0.771; difference=0.073; 95% confidence interval, 0.008–0.155). In contrast, stroke location did not persist as independent predictor of modified Rankin Scale that was mainly driven by initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (area under the curve going from 0.840 to 0.835). Similar results were obtained in the replication sample.

Conclusions—
Stroke location is an independent predictor of cognitive outcome (MoCA) at 3 months post stroke.
Analysis of pore structure effects on diffusive transport in Opalinus clay via pore network models
Authors: Xiong Qingrong , Jivkov Andrey P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractOpalinus clay has a high sealing capacity and is therefore considered as a viable candidate for hosting high-level radioactive waste. Assessment of the long-term containment function of clays requires understanding and modelling of mass transport through evolving pore systems. Development of pore network models for diffusion, which can be coupled to models for deformation and micro-cracking, is reported. Effects of clay texture and solid phase constitution are calculated and analysed. The results are in the range of, but slightly over-predicting, experimentally measured coefficients of diffusion in different clay directions. Further model improvements require better knowledge of micro-pore tortuosity, which awaits higher resolution experimental techniques.
The initial dissolution rates of simulated UK Magnox–ThORP blend nuclear waste glass as a function of pH, temperature and waste loading
Authors: Cassingham N. , Corkhill C.L. , Backhouse D.J. , Hand R.J. , Ryan J.V. , Vienna J.D. , Hyatt N.C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe first comprehensive assessment of the dissolution kinetics of simulant Magnox–ThORP blended UK high-level waste glass, obtained by performing a range of single-pass flow-through experiments, is reported here. Inherent forward rates of glass dissolution were determined over a temperature range of 23 to 70°C and an alkaline pH range of 8.0 to 12.0. Linear regression techniques were applied to the TST kinetic rate law to obtain fundamental parameters necessary to model the dissolution kinetics of UK high-level waste glass (the activation energy (Ea), pH power law coefficient (η) and the intrinsic rate constant (k0)), which is of importance to the post-closure safety case for the geological disposal of vitreous products. The activation energies based on B release ranged from 55 ± 3 to 83 ± 9 kJ mol–1, indicating that Magnox–THORP blend glass dissolution has a surface-controlled mechanism, similar to that of other high-level waste simulant glass compositions such as the French SON68 and LAW in the US. Forward dissolution rates, based on Si, B and Na release, suggested that the dissolution mechanism under dilute conditions, and pH and temperature ranges of this study, was not sensitive to composition as defined by HLW-incorporation rate.
Thermal dimensioning to determine acceptable waste package loading and spatial configurations of heat-generating waste packages
Authors: Myers Simon , Holton David , Hoch Andrew 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHeat-generating waste provides a number of additional technical challenges over and above those associated with the disposal of ILW. A priority area of work for Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) concerns the effect of heat on the engineered barrier system, and how this may be mitigated through the management of heat (thermal dimensioning) in a UK Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). The objective of thermal dimensioning is to provide a strategy to enable acceptable waste package loading and spatial configurations of the packages to be determined in order to enable high-heat generating waste to be successfully disposed in a GDF. An early focus of the work has been to develop a thermal modelling tool to support analyses of different combinations of package assumptions and other GDF factors, such as spacing of those packages, to assess the compliance with thermal limits. The approach has a capability to investigate quickly and efficiently the implications of a wide range of disposal concepts for the storage of spent fuel/HLW and the dimensions of a GDF. This study describes the approach taken to undertaking this work, which has included a robust appraisal of the key data (and the associated uncertainty); recent thermal dimensioning analysis has been performed to identify constraints on those disposal concepts.
Predictors of Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity Across Ages and Adiposity in Adult Humans
Authors: Lalia Antigoni Z. , Dasari Surendra , Johnson Matthew L. , Robinson Matthew M. , Konopka Adam R. , Distelmaier Klaus , Port John D. , Glavin Maria T. , Esponda Raul Ruiz , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Lanza Ian R. 
Published: December 2015

Context:Numerous factors are purported to influence insulin sensitivity including age, adiposity, mitochondrial function, and physical fitness. Univariate associations cannot address the complexity of insulin resistance or the interrelationship among potential determinants.Objective:The objective of the study was to identify significant independent predictors of insulin sensitivity across a range of age and adiposity in humans.Design, Setting, and Participants:Peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity were measured by two stage hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in 116 men and women (aged 19–78 y). Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, the suppression of endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemia, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were tested for associations with 11 potential predictors. Abdominal subcutaneous fat, visceral fat (AFVISC), intrahepatic lipid, and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity (state 3), coupling efficiency, and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated from muscle biopsies. Aerobic fitness was measured from whole-body maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), and metabolic flexibility was determined using indirect calorimetry.Results:Multiple regression analysis revealed that AFVISC (P &lt; .0001) and intrahepatic lipid (P = .002) were independent negative predictors of peripheral insulin sensitivity, whereas VO2 peak (P = .0007) and IMCL (P = .023) were positive predictors. Mitochondrial capacity and efficiency were not independent determinants of peripheral insulin sensitivity. The suppression of endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemia model of hepatic insulin sensitivity revealed percentage fat (P &lt; .0001) and AFVISC (P = .001) as significant negative predictors. Modeling homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance identified AFVISC (P &lt; .0001), VO2 peak (P = .001), and IMCL (P = .01) as independent predictors.Conclusion:The reduction in insulin sensitivity observed with aging is driven primarily by age-related changes in the content and distribution of adipose tissue and is independent of muscle mitochondrial function or chronological age.
Some Features of Project Management in Small Innovative Business
Authors: ������  , Dagaev Aleksandr , ���������  , Lutfullin M. 
Published: December 2015

The article considers the problems of management in innovative start-ups.
The question is discussed whether to use for this purposes some traditional
standards and methodologies of project management discipline. It
is concluded on the basis of the three in-depth interviews with executives
of small innovative companies that entrepreneurs are not always familiar
with the basic principles of project management, but widely apply them in
practice intuitively. The authors propose a number of additions to the PMBoK
standard, which will allow better adopt it to the problems of innovative
entrepreneurs.
The Impact of Action Research on the Professional Development of Foreign Language Teaching Educators
Authors: Guerra Sanchez Juan Carlos , Rodriquez Vasquez Zoraida , Diaz Mosquera Claudia Patricia 
Published: December 2015

<p>In this article we report the final results of a multiple case study that brought together the experiences and reflections of student teachers, cooperating teachers and advisors about action research and its effect on their professional development. Through observations, interviews, focus groups, and research reports analyses, the researchers recognized the personal, professional, and political dimensions that guide participants’ teaching and research actions. Findings shed some light on issues such as collaboration and engagement to keep conversations that actually connect life in schools and life at the university, and to support continuous learning for teachers. The insights we gained evidenced that the teachers, students, and administrators in the teaching program and their colleagues in the public schools need to strengthen their links through proposals of experiential learning which promote joint efforts, symmetric relationships, and expertise co-construction; thus, enabling all participants to validate their process as individuals, as members of educational institutions, and as key actors in promoting and sustaining a better society. </p>
La paz en El Tiempo y el tiempo de la paz: Discursos sobre el inicio de los diálogos de paz entre la guerrilla de las FARC-EP y el gobierno nacional en el portal virtual del periódico El Tiempo
Authors: Parada Bernal Miguel Angel 
Published: December 2015

<p>La investigación pretende dar cuenta respecto a la forma en que el portal virtual del periódico <em>El Tiempo</em> informó sobre el inicio de los diálogos de paz que se desarrollan en la actualidad entre la guerrilla de las FARC-EP y el gobierno nacional, a partir del análisis de los discursos que allí se publicaron en el momento de su acontecimiento.</p><p> </p><p>El fundamento teórico y metodológico de la investigación retoma aportes de la Teoría crítica de la comunicación y el Análisis crítico del discurso, donde se interrelacionan categorías como poder, comunicación, medios y discurso, considerando de forma transversal, el análisis a propósito de la prensa en el ámbito de las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación.</p><p><strong>Palabras clave:</strong> análisis del discurso, diálogos de paz, periódico <em>El Tiempo</em>, tecnologías de la comunicación.</p>
La cobertura informativa de los medios de comunicación frente al conflicto armado y el proceso de paz en Colombia: Responsabilidad frente a la divulgación de la noticia.
Authors: Calderón Rojas Jonathan 
Published: December 2015

<p>Este artículo a partir de fuentes documentales, analiza la responsabilidad social y periodística que tienen los medios de comunicación frente a las noticias del conflicto armado y el actual proceso de paz. Se demuestra que en muchos casos el lenguaje que utilizan los medios de comunicación intensifica el conflicto armado debido a la descontextualización y manipulación de las noticas. Se enfatiza en la necesidad de entender la comunicación como un servicio público y a la información como un bien público, es decir que no es de nadie en particular y que le compete ser cada día más profesional orientada a una comunicación para la paz que ayude a entender la realidad de los hechos entre la opinión pública.</p>