bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing Pain in Patients With Cancer: The Chinese Good Pain Management Experience
Authors: Yu Shi-Ying , Wang Jie-Jun , Huang Yu-guang , Hu Bing , Wang Kun , Li Ping Ping , Wu Yi-Long , Zhang He-Long , Zhang Li , Zhang Qing-Yuan , Qin Shu-Kui 
Published: September 2016

Purpose The number of cancer cases in China has increased rapidly from 2.1 million in 2000 to 4.3 million in 2015. As a consequence, pain management as an integral part of cancer treatment became an important health care issue. In March 2011, the Good Pain Management (GPM) program was launched to standardize the treatment of cancer pain and improve the quality of life for patients with cancer. With this work, we will describe the GPM program, its implementation experience, and highlight key lessons that can improve pain management for patients with cancer. Methods We describe procedures for the selection, implementation, and assessment procedures for model cancer wards. We analyzed published results in areas of staff training and patient education, pain management in practice, analgesic drugs administration, and patient follow-up and satisfaction. Results Pain management training enabled medical staff to accurately assess the level of pain and to provide effective pain relief through timely dispensation of medication. Patients with good knowledge of treatment of pain were able to overcome their aversion to opioid drugs and cooperate with nursing staff on pain assessment to achieve effective drug dose titration. Consumption of strong opioid drugs increased significantly; however, there was no change for weaker opioids. Higher pain remission rates were achieved for patients with moderate-to-severe pain levels. Proper patient follow-up after discharge enabled improved outcomes to be maintained. Conclusion The GPM program has instituted a consistent and high standard of care for pain management at cancer wards and improved the quality of life for patients with cancer.
VEGF induces signalling and angiogenesis by directing VEGFR2 internalisation through macropinocytosis
Authors: Basagiannis Dimitris , Zografou Sofia , Murphy Carol , Fotsis Theodore , Morbidelli Lucia , Ziche Marina , Bleck Christopher , Mercer Jason , Christoforidis Savvas 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
Endocytosis plays a crucial role in receptor signalling. VEGFR2 (also known as KDR) and its ligand VEGFA are fundamental in neovascularisation. However, our understanding of the role of endocytosis in VEGFR2 signalling remains limited. Despite the existence of diverse internalisation routes, the only known endocytic pathway for VEGFR2 is the clathrin-mediated pathway. Here, we show that this pathway is the predominant internalisation route for VEGFR2 only in the absence of ligand. Intriguingly, VEGFA induces a new internalisation itinerary for VEGFR2, the pathway of macropinocytosis, which becomes the prevalent endocytic route for the receptor in the presence of ligand, whereas the contribution of the clathrin-mediated route becomes minor. Macropinocytic internalisation of VEGFR2, which mechanistically is mediated through the small GTPase CDC42, takes place through macropinosomes generated at ruffling areas of the membrane. Interestingly, macropinocytosis plays a crucial role in VEGFA-induced signalling, endothelial cell functions in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo, whereas clathrin-mediated endocytosis is not essential for VEGFA signalling. These findings expand our knowledge on the endocytic pathways of VEGFR2 and suggest that VEGFA-driven internalisation of VEGFR2 through macropinocytosis is essential for endothelial cell signalling and angiogenesis.
New links between SOD1 and metabolic dysfunction from a yeast model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bastow Emma L. , Peswani Amber R. , Tarrant Daniel S. J. , Pentland Daniel R. , Chen Xi , Morgan Alan , Staniforth Gemma L. , Tullet Jennifer M. , Rowe Michelle L. , Howard Mark J. , Tuite Mick F. , Gourlay Campbell W. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
A number of genes have been linked to familial forms of the fatal motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Over 150 mutations within the gene encoding superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been implicated in ALS, but why such mutations lead to ALS-associated cellular dysfunction is unclear. In this study, we identify how ALS-linked SOD1 mutations lead to changes in the cellular health of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that it is not the accumulation of aggregates but the loss of Sod1 protein stability that drives cellular dysfunction. The toxic effect of Sod1 instability does not correlate with a loss of mitochondrial function or increased production of reactive oxygen species, but instead prevents acidification of the vacuole, perturbs metabolic regulation and promotes senescence. Central to the toxic gain-of-function seen with the SOD1 mutants examined was an inability to regulate amino acid biosynthesis. We also report that leucine supplementation results in an improvement in motor function in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of ALS. Our data suggest that metabolic dysfunction plays an important role in Sod1-mediated toxicity in both the yeast and worm models of ALS.
Rnd3-induced cell rounding requires interaction with Plexin-B2
Authors: McColl Brad , Garg Ritu , Riou Philippe , Riento Kirsi , Ridley Anne J. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
Rnd proteins are atypical members of the Rho GTPase family that induce actin cytoskeletal reorganization and cell rounding. Rnd proteins have been reported to bind to the intracellular domain of several plexin receptors, but whether plexins contribute to the Rnd-induced rounding response is not known. Here we show that Rnd3 interacts preferentially with plexin-B2 of the three plexin-B proteins, whereas Rnd2 interacts with all three B-type plexins, and Rnd1 shows only very weak interaction with plexin-B proteins in immunoprecipitations. Plexin-B1 has been reported to act as a GAP for R-Ras and/or Rap1 proteins. We show that all three plexin-B proteins interact with R-Ras and Rap1, but Rnd proteins do not alter this interaction or R-Ras or Rap1 activity. We demonstrate that plexin-B2 promotes Rnd3-induced cell rounding and loss of stress fibres, and enhances the inhibition of HeLa cell invasion by Rnd3. We identify the amino acids in Rnd3 that are required for plexin-B2 interaction, and show that mutation of these amino acids prevents Rnd3-induced morphological changes. These results indicate that plexin-B2 is a downstream target for Rnd3, which contributes to its cellular function.
Cantus: Construction and evaluation of a software solution for real-time vocal music training and musical intonation assessment
Authors: Pérez-Gil Manuel , Tejada Jesús , Morant Remigi , De Martos A. Pérez-González 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The development of the ability to sing or play in tune is one of the most critical tasks in music training. In music education, melodic patterns are usually learned by imitative processes (modelling). Once modelled, pitch sounds are then associated to a representation according to a syllabic system such as the Guidonian system – or an arbitrary single syllable – or western graphic notation system symbols. From a didactic standpoint, few advances have been made in this area besides the use of audio-supported guides and existing software, which use a microphone to analyse the input and estimate the pitch or fundamental frequency of the given tone. However, these programmes lack the necessary analytical algorithm to provide the student with precise feedback on their execution; and also they do not provide adequate noise-robust solutions to minimize the student assessment error rate. The ongoing research discussed in this article focuses on Cantus, a new software solution expressly designed as an assessment and diagnosis tool for online training and assessment of vocal musical intonation at the initial stages of music education. Cantus software embodies the latest research on real-time analysis of audio stream, which permits the teacher to customize music training by means of recording patterns and embedding them into the programme. The study presented in this article includes the design, implementation and assessment of Cantus by music teachers. The pilot study for the software assessment includes a sample of 21 music teachers working at thirteen music schools in Valencia, Spain. These teachers worked with the software at their own pace for a week in order to evaluate it. Subsequently, a two-part questionnaire was filled in with (1) questions related to demographics, professional experience and the use of ITC; and (2) questions related to the software’s technical and didactic aspects. The questionnaire also included three open questions related to Cantus, namely advantages, issues and suggestions. The results show an excellent reception by teachers, who consider this software as a highly adequate music training tool at the initial stages of music education.
New tartrate based cyclic phosphoric acids as organocatalysts in Mannich reactions
Authors: Budragchaa Tuvshinjargal , Abraham Michael , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Roller Alexander , Widhalm Michael 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCyclic phosphoric acids have attracted much attention as chiral organocatalysts. While binaphthol based ligands have been extensively used in various transformations, the analogous TADDOL-type ligands are less explored. A library of seventeen cyclic phosphoric acids with structural variation of the TADDOL backbone were synthesized and an optimization study of the Mannich reaction of aromatic N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)imines with 2,2-dimethyl-1-methoxy-silylenolate was performed. Enantioselectivities between 96% (S) and 70% (R) were observed and a rationalisation, based on crystal structure analysis and DFT calculations, is provided.
P35 and P22 Toxoplasma gondii antigens abbreviate regions to diagnose acquired toxoplasmosis during pregnancy: toward single-sample assays
Authors: Costa Juan G. , Peretti Leandro E. , García Valeria S. , Peverengo Luz , González Verónica D.G. , Gugliotta Luis M. , Dalla Fontana Maria L. , Lagier Claudia M. , Marcipar Iván S. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Background:
P35 and P22

Methods:
We bioinformatically predicted P35 and P22 regions with the highest density of epitopes, and expressed them in pET32/BL21DE3 alternative expression system, obtaining the soluble proteins rP35a and rP22a. We assessed their diagnostic performance using pregnant woman serum samples typified as: not infected, NI (IgG−, IgM−), typical-chronic, TC (IgM−, IgG+), presumably acute, A (IgG+, IgM+, low-avidity IgG), and recently chronic, RC (IgG+, IgM+, high-avidity IgG).

Results:
rP35a performed better than rP22a to differentiate A from RC, the areas under the curve (AUC) being 0.911 and 0.818, respectively. They, however, performed similarly to differentiate A from TC+RC (AUC: 0.915 and 0.907, respectively). rP35a and rP22a evaluation by avidity ELISA to discriminate A from RC rendered AUC values of 0.974 and 0.921, respectively. The indirect ELISA and avidity ELISA results analyzed in tandem were consistent with those obtained using commercial kits.

Conclusions:
rP35a and rP22a features suggest that, with complementary use, they could replace parasite lysate for toxoplasmosis infection screening and for acute toxoplasmosis diagnosis. Our proposal should be validated by a longitudinal study and may lead to a reliable toxoplasmosis pregnancy control, performing tests in only one serum sample.
Improving Gram stain proficiency in hospital and satellite laboratories that do not have microbiology
Authors: Guarner Jeannette , Street Cassandra , Matlock Margaret , Cole Lisa , Brierre Francoise 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackground:Consolidation of laboratories has left many hospitals and satellite laboratories with minimal microbiologic testing. In many hospitals and satellite laboratories, Gram stains on primary specimens are still performed despite difficultly in maintaining proficiency.Methods:To maintain Gram stain proficiency at a community 450-bed hospital with an active emergency room we designed bimonthly challenges that require reporting Gram staining and morphology of different organisms. The challenges consist of five specimens prepared by the reference microbiology laboratory from cultures and primary specimens. Twenty to 23 medical laboratory scientists participate reading the challenges. Results from the challenges are discussed with each medical laboratory scientists. In addition, printed images from the challenges are presented at huddle to add microbiology knowledge.Results:On the first three challenges, Gram staining was read correctly in 71%–77% of the time while morphology 53%–66%. In the last six challenges correct answers for Gram stain were 77%–99% while morphology 73%–96%.Conclusions:We observed statistically significant improvement when reading Gram stains by providing frequent challenges to medical laboratory scientists. The clinical importance of Gram stain results is emphasized during huddle presentations increasing knowledge and motivation to perform the test for patients.
Electrodeposition of sustainable fluoridated hydroxyapatite coatings on 316L stainless steel for application in bone implant
Authors: Nam Pham Thi , Thom Nguyen Thi , Phuong Nguyen Thu , Hanh Vo Thi , Trang Nguyen Thi Thu , Van Vu Thi Hai , Trung Trinh Hoang , Lam Tran Dai , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHAp) coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel (316LSS) substrate by the electrodeposition method. Different concentrations of F– ion were incorporated into the apatite structure by adding NaF into the electrolyte solution. The coating was uniform and dense, with thickness of 9.6 µm, and F– ions were doped on HAp with mass percentage of 1.7%; F– concentration was 0.002 M. Results of IR, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the obtained coatings were single phase crystals of HAp, of a cylinder shape with average size of about 100 nm×30 nm, and characterized for the molecular structure FHAp. The in vitro test of 316LSS, HAp/316LSS and FHAp/316LSS materials in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution was realized with different immersion times. After 21 immersion days in SBF solution, the apatite crystals have a cactus-like shape, and they grow to form a thick block on the surface of FHAp/316LSS leading to the decrease of the corrosion current density during the immersion process in the SBF solution.
Vendor-Managed Inventory Practice in the Supermarket Supply Chain
Authors: Laganà Demetrio , Longo Francesco , Vocaturo Francesca 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is an important coordination mechanism in supply chain management where decisions about timing and level of customer’s replenishment are determined not by the customer but by the supplier. The article is motived by real applications arising in the food engineering field. Specifically, a VMI strategy is applied to a logistic system in the supermarket supply chain. Such system comprises a distribution center and several retail outlets. An effective heuristic method for tackling the inventory-routing problem related to the coordination mechanism is discussed and numerical results are presented.
Mathematical Modelling of Enfuvirtide and Protease Inhibitors as Combination Therapy for HIV
Authors: Chowdhury Sonia , Roy Priti Kumar , Smith Robert J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractEnfuvirtide (formerly T20) is an injectable fusion inhibitor that has established effective antiretroviral activity and excellent tolerability in extensively pretreated patients. This fusion inhibitor does not affect the metabolism of other co-administrated drugs for metabolic drug interactions involving enfuvirtide. Few mathematical models have considered co-administration of antiretroviral drugs. We develop a mathematical model to study the effect of enfuvirtide upon this process in combination with protease inhibitors (PIs) using impulsive differential equations. We divide the T cells into several classes to describe the drug activity. Analytical results show that a combination of enfuvirtide and PIs gives a better outcome than single drug activity; furthermore, use of enfuvirtide clearly outranks PIs if only one class of drugs were to be used. We determine the threshold value for the dosage and dosing intervals to ensure the stability of the disease-free state and illustrate our results with numerical simulations. We recommend that use of enfuvirtide, in combination with PIs, be expanded beyond salvage therapy.
One month of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves lipid profiles, glucose levels and blood pressure in overweight schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome
Authors: García-López Salvador , Villanueva Arriaga Rosina E. , Nájera Medina Oralia , Rodríguez López Carmen Paulina , Figueroa-Valverde Lauro , Cervera Elodia García , Muñozcano Skidmore Octavio , Rosas-Nexticapa Marcela 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackground:This study sought to investigate the effects of omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on the lipid profiles and glucose (GLU) levels of overweight (OW) schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome (MS).Methods:Thirty-nine OW schoolchildren with MS, including 19 girls and 20 boys, received 1-month of dietary supplementation with gel capsules containing ω-3 fatty acids. Fasting lipid profiles and GLU levels were measured before and after supplementation.Results:Both sexes of OW schoolchildren with MS who received daily supplementation with 2.4 g of ω-3 fatty acids for 1 month displayed improved lipid profiles, reduced fasting GLU levels and reduced blood pressure (BP).Conclusions:These findings support the addition of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to programs aiming to improve the metabolic status of OW children with MS, although additional research on the longer-term safety and efficacy of this treatment in this population is required.
Aptamer-assembled nanomaterials for fluorescent sensing and imaging
Authors: Lu Danqing , He Lei , Zhang Ge , Lv Aiping , Wang Ruowen , Zhang Xiaobing , Tan Weihong 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Aptamers, which are selected in vitro by a technology known as the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), represent a crucial recognition element in molecular sensing. With advantages such as good biocompatibility, facile functionalization, and special optical and physical properties, various nanomaterials can protect aptamers from enzymatic degradation and nonspecific binding in living systems and thus provide a preeminent platform for biochemical applications. Coupling aptamers with various nanomaterials offers many opportunities for developing highly sensitive and selective sensing systems. Here, we focus on the recent applications of aptamer-assembled nanomaterials in fluorescent sensing and imaging. Different types of nanomaterials are examined along with their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we look toward the future of aptamer-assembled nanomaterials.
Effect of chain extender on the mechanical and thermal resistance properties of polyurethane liners for composite propellants
Authors: Ross P. , Sevilla G. , Quagliano J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPolyurethane formulations utilized as liners for composite propellants were prepared by the reaction of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) with hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), while polymer chains were further extended with neopentyl glycol diol, NPG triol and two different triols (monoglyceryl ricinoleate, MRG and trimethylolpropane, TMP). Liners were formulated with micronized titanium dioxide mechanically dispersed in hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). The molecular structures of liners were confirmed by FT-IR. Thermal properties indicated that the nature of chain extender (crosslinker) only slightly affected the temperatures for decomposition of liners. Two main thermal changes were found at 370∘C and another at around 440–500∘C, depending on the chain extender utilized. On the other side, mechanical properties varied within the range of 0,7-1,8 MPa, consistent with this kind of elastomers. Tensile strength at break was only significantly affected with TMP and MRG-chain extended liners at the lowest concentrations tested of 1,3 and 2% (w/w), respectively. However, the behaviour depended on whether TDI or IPDI isocyanate was utilized for curing. TMP 1,3% crosslinked liner cured with TDI had a tensile strength of 1,82MPa whileMRG-crosslinked liner cured with IPDI had a tensile strength of 1,56 MPa. It was observed that at the higher NCO/OH ratios essayed, tensile strength and hardness increased, improving mechanical properties. Our results confirmed that TMP and MRG triols together with NPG diols can be used to tailor mechanical and thermal properties of liners, considering their different hydroxyl functionalities and chain lengths.
Hepatorenal Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment – newsreel –
Authors: Enescu Aurelia , Petrescu F. , Mitruţ P. , Petrescu Ileana Octavia , Pădureanu V. , Enescu Anca Ştefania 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as renal failure that occurs in the presence of severe acute or chronic liver disease in the absence of underlying renal pathology. Due to the functional nature of the disease and the absence of specific diagnostic markers, HRS diagnosis is determined based on positive criteria associated with excluding other causes of renal failure in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Differentiation from other types of acute or chronic renal disease is extremely difficult and therapeutic options are limited, prophylactic behavior is most appropriate in patients with severe hepatic disease and risk factors for the installation of hepatorenal syndrome.
Highlighting all precipitating factors of acute renal insufficiency and therapeutic modalities in order to minimize adverse events is an important step in improving the follow-up of the patients with liver cirrhosis. The prognosis is reserved especially for type 1 HRS. Liver transplantation is the best option for patients without contraindications. The therapies introduced in recent years, such as vasoconstrictor drugs or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are effective methods in the renal function improvement.
Vygotsky, Bakhtin, Lotman: Towards a theory of communication in the horizon of the other
Authors: Gherlone Laura 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Shortly before his death, Yuri Lotman (1922–1993), by now blind, dictated some considerations on the concept of ‘alien,’ ‘stranger’ (chuzhdoe): a concept that de facto weaves all of his thirty-year reflections on the relationship between language, meaning, and culture and that, until the end, appears as the mark of a speculative orientation focused on the ethics of otherness. A profound influence on Lotman’s thinking in this direction was exercised by two leading figures of the Russian intellectual tradition: the psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934) and the philosopher, critic, and literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin (1895–1975). It is no wonder the Tartu-Moscow Semiotic School dedicated to them volumes IV (1969) and VI (1973), respectively, of the Trudy po znakovym sistemam, the review on sign systems launched in 1964 by the Department of Russian Literature of the University of Tartu. The horizon of otherness, and the consequent emphasis on the relational nature of man, fill in fact as much of Vygotsky’s theoretical reflection on the human mind as does Bakhtin’s on literary creation (slovesnost’). This article intends to explore the concept of “dialog” as thematized in Vygotsky’s and Bakhtin’s studies, theoretical roots of the Lotmanian idea of communication as a dialogical semiotic act.