bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fecal microbiota transplant for Clostridium difficile infection in older adults
Authors: Tauxe William M. , Haydek John P. , Rebolledo Paulina A. , Neish Emma , Newman Kira L. , Ward Angela , Dhere Tanvi , Kraft Colleen S. 
Published: January 2016

Background: The objective of this study was to describe the safety of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among older adults. Methods: We performed a case review of all FMT recipients aged 65 or older treated at Emory University Hospital, a tertiary care and referral center for Georgia and surrounding states. Results: CDI resolved in 27 (87%) of 31 respondents, including three individuals who received multiple FMTs. Among four whose CDI was not resolved at follow up, three respondents did well initially before CDI recurred, and one individual never eradicated his CDI despite repeating FMT. During the study, five deaths and eight serious adverse events requiring hospitalization were reported within the study group during the follow-up period. Fecal transplant was not a causative factor in these events. The most common adverse event reported in 4 (13%) of 31 respondents was subjective worsening of arthritis. Conclusion: FMT is a generally safe and effective treatment option for older adults with CDI.
A novel schedule of erlotinib/capecitabine (7/7) as salvage therapy in previously treated advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a case series
Authors: Chen Jiezhong , Kaley Kristin , Garcon Marie Carmel , Rodriguez Teresa , Saif Muhammad Wasif 
Published: January 2016

Background: The objective of this study was to report a case series on the efficacy and safety of capecitabine 7/7 schedule combined with erlotinib (CAP-ERL) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) who have failed prior therapies. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 13 patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer previously treated with gemcitabine or oxaliplatin–irinotecan-based first-line regimens. Treatment consisted of capecitabine (Xeloda) at a flat dose of 1000 mg orally twice daily on days 1–7 out of 14 days (7/7 schedule) and erlotinib (Tarceva) 100 mg orally once daily until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Tumor assessments were repeated every two cycles (8 weeks) and serum tumor markers were measured every 4 weeks. Results: All patients (median age: 63 years; 7 female/3 male) had various previous lines of treatments of chemotherapies. Median number of cycles with CAP-ERL was 4 (range 2–12). The overall response rate was 20%. CA19-9 was reduced more than 25% in 40% patients. The median overall survival and progression-free survival from the start of CAP-ERL were 4.5 months (range 3–7.5) and 2 months (range 1.5–4), respectively. The most common grade 3 toxicities included hand–foot syndrome, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and fatigue. Conclusions: Our result suggests that the combination of a fixed low dose of CAP-ERL 7/7 schedule was tolerated with manageable toxicity and showed encouraging activity as salvage treatment in patients with refractory APC with ECOG performance status 0–2. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate this combination.
Development of a Microsphere-Based System to Facilitate Real-Time Insulin Monitoring
Authors: Kahanovitz Lindy , Seker Erkin , Marks Robert S. , Yarmush Martin L. , Konry Tania , Russell Steven J. 
Published: January 2016

Background: The speed of insulin absorption after subcutaneous delivery is highly variable. Incorrect assumptions about insulin pharmacokinetics compromise effective glycemic regulation. Our ultimate goal is to develop a system to monitor insulin levels in vivo continuously, allowing pharmacokinetic parameters to be calculated in real time. We hypothesize that a bead-based detection system can be run on a flow-through microfluidic platform to measure insulin in subcutaneous fluid sampled via microdialysis. As a first step in development, we focused on microsphere-based measurement of insulin. Methods: Polystyrene microspheres coated with an anti-insulin monoclonal antibody were exposed to insulin-containing solutions, and after addition of a fluorescently labeled anti-insulin monoclonal antibody with a distinct epitope, bead-associated fluorescence was detected by fluorescence microscopy in 96-well plates or in a flow-through, microfluidic platform. Results: The bead detection system in plates had a linear range in buffer for regular human insulin (RHI), insulin lispro, and insulin aspart of 15-1115 µIU/ml, 14-976 µIU/ml, and 25-836 µIU/ml, respectively. Measurement on plasma samples demonstrated proportionality between basal and peak insulin levels similar to the laboratory reference method. Preliminary results in a polydimethylsiloxane-based, flow-through, microfluidic platform showed a strong signal at peak insulin levels. Conclusions: We have developed a microsphere-based system to rapidly measure levels of insulin and insulin analogs. We have further demonstrated proof of concept that this bead detection system can be implemented in a lab-on-a-chip format, which will be further developed and combined with microdialysis for real-time monitoring of insulin in vivo.
Analyses of Landing Mechanics in Division I Athletes Using the Landing Error Scoring System
Authors: James Joan , Ambegaonkar Jatin P. , Caswell Shane V. , Onate James , Cortes Nelson 
Published: January 2016

Background: Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be detrimental to any athlete, having both short- and long-term health consequences. Examining preseason screening landing mechanics can indicate the likelihood of injury during the season. Furthermore, previous injury is also commonly referred as a predisposing factor for reinjury. Hypothesis: Players with a history of lower extremity injury would have higher Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores than those with no previous injury, and healthy soccer athletes who sustained an injury during the 2014 season would have higher LESS scores than those who remained uninjured. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Thirty-four Division I male and female soccer athletes (19 men, 15 women; mean age, 19.6 ± 1.2 years; mean height, 172.4 ± 8.7 cm; mean weight, 70.8 ± 9.1 kg). An a priori sample size estimation for a power of 0.80 (80%) and an alpha error of 0.05 with an estimated effect size of 0.6 for a sample of 30 participants was attained. Participants performed a drop-landing task and were scored on their landing mechanics using the LESS. Lower extremity injuries were tracked during the season. LESS scores between those with and without a history of injury and those who were injured and uninjured during the season were compared using 2 separate 1-way analyses of variance. Results: No statistically significant differences ( F1,33 = 0.47, P = 0.50) existed between LESS scores in athletes who had a previous injury history compared with those with no injury history. No statistically significant differences ( F1,20 = 0.05, P = 0.83) existed between LESS scores in healthy athletes who were injured during the 2014 season compared with those healthy athletes who were uninjured. Conclusion: No differences were present between athletes with and without a history of lower extremity injury. The majority of healthy participants who were injured during the season had similar LESS scores to those who remained uninjured, suggesting that the LESS may not be able to identify atypical landing mechanics in this group of athletes.
The Effect of Tibial Rotation on the Contribution of Medial and Lateral Hamstrings During Isometric Knee Flexion
Authors: Jónasson Gunnlaugur , Helgason Andri , Ingvarsson Þorsteinn , Kristjánsson Arnar Már , Briem Kristín 
Published: January 2016

Background: Selective atrophy of hamstring components may result from muscle strain or graft harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Assessment and rehabilitation that specifically targets medial (MH) or lateral (LH) hamstring components may improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of volitional tibial rotation medially (MR) versus laterally (LR) on activation levels of MH versus LH and strength measures during isometric testing of knee flexors. Hypothesis: Muscle activation of MH and LH during knee flexor strength testing will be augmented when coupled with MR and LR of the tibia, respectively, without affecting knee flexor strength measures. Study Design: Cross-sectional laboratory study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Surface electrodes were used to record neuromuscular activity from MH and LH of the right lower limb in 40 healthy young men and women during isometric knee flexor strength testing at 40° of knee flexion, where participants maintained concurrent volitional MR or LR of the tibia. Statistical analyses of variance included general linear models for repeated measures. Results: A significant interaction was found for tibial rotation and hamstring component variables ( P < 0.01). When isometric knee flexion was coupled with LR, normalized activation levels were similar for MH and LH. When performed with MR, a significant drop in LH activation led to dissimilar activation levels of the 2 components. Significantly greater strength measures were found when isometric knee flexion was performed with concurrent LR of the tibia ( P < 0.01). Both sexes demonstrated the same rotation-dependent differences. Conclusion: Coupling tibial rotation with knee flexor activities primarily affects the LH component. Clinical Relevance: Strategies involving volitional tibial rotation may be considered for specific assessment/rehabilitation of the MH or LH component.
Reducing Current Spread by Use of a Novel Pulse Shape for Electrical Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve
Authors: Ballestero Jimena , Recugnat Matthieu , Laudanski Jonathan , Smith Katie E. , Jagger Daniel J. , Gnansia Daniel , McAlpine David 
Published: January 2016

Improving the electrode-neuron interface to reduce current spread between individual electrodes has been identified as one of the main objectives in the search for future improvements in cochlear-implant performance. Here, we address this problem by presenting a novel stimulation strategy that takes account of the biophysical properties of the auditory neurons (spiral ganglion neurons, SGNs) stimulated in electrical hearing. This new strategy employs a ramped pulse shape, where the maximum amplitude is achieved through a linear slope in the injected current. We present the theoretical framework that supports this new strategy and that suggests it will improve the modulation of SGNs’ activity by exploiting their sensitivity to the rising slope of current pulses. The theoretical consequence of this sensitivity to the slope is a reduction in the spread of excitation within the cochlea and, consequently, an increase in the neural dynamic range. To explore the impact of the novel stimulation method on neural activity, we performed in vitro recordings of SGNs in culture. We show that the stimulus efficacy required to evoke action potentials in SGNs falls as the stimulus slope decreases. This work lays the foundation for a novel, and more biomimetic, stimulation strategy with considerable potential for implementation in cochlear-implant technology.
'Shhh! Please don't tell…’ Confidentiality in child and adolescent mental health
Authors: Vallance Aaron K. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryConfidentiality in child and adolescent mental health is a complex and often challenging matter. Not only do young people frequently present to services in situations of risk, they often prefer to keep information confidential from parents and/or other professionals. This article explores confidentiality in the context of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), particularly when the clinician is having to make decisions on whether to maintain or to breach it. Ethical principles (both deontological and consequentialist) and legal and regulatory frameworks (relating to human rights, case law and General Medical Council guidance) are outlined. Four hypothetical case scenarios are used to illustrate how to apply such principles: when a young person seeks confidential access to treatment, and when he or she discloses information that could signify a risk to self, to others or from others. Finally, practical suggestions on how to share information are explored.
Therapeutic applications of mindfulness in paediatric settings
Authors: Carona Carlos , Moreira Helena , Silva Neuza 
Published: January 2016

SummaryMindfulness is a meditation practice defined as a specific way of paying attention. It has been adapted from Buddhist traditions to Western secular use (e.g. in stress reduction, health promotion, treatment of psychological disorders). Despite its widespread application in adult populations, mindfulness remains a neglected topic in the psychological interventions designed for children and adolescents with psychological disorders and/or chronic physical conditions. In paediatric settings, a parent-child perspective may be useful in facilitating processes of adaptation and in improving paediatric outcomes. However, the delivery of mindfulness interventions in paediatric settings raises a number of issues and challenges, which include the developmental appropriateness of mindfulness exercises, the introduction of a parent-child perspective, and specific considerations to condition, treatment and caregiving.
A pocket guide to electronic laboratory notebooks in the academic life sciences
Authors: Dirnagl Ulrich , Przesdzing Ingo 
Published: January 2016

Every professional doing active research in the life sciences is required to keep a laboratory notebook. However, while science has changed dramatically over the last centuries, laboratory notebooks have remained essentially unchanged since pre-modern science. We argue that the implementation of electronic laboratory notebooks (eLN) in academic research is overdue, and we provide researchers and their institutions with the background and practical knowledge to select and initiate the implementation of an eLN in their laboratories. In addition, we present data from surveying biomedical researchers and technicians regarding which hypothetical features and functionalities they hope to see implemented in an eLN, and which ones they regard as less important. We also present data on acceptance and satisfaction of those who have recently switched from paper laboratory notebook to an eLN. We thus provide answers to the following questions: What does an electronic laboratory notebook afford a biomedical researcher, what does it require, and how should one go about implementing it?
A Systematic Review of Bone Anti-Resorptive Treatment Toxicity in Innate and Adaptive Immunity Cells: Osteonecrosis of the Jaws and Future Implications
Authors: Kyrgidis Athanassios , Yavropoulou Maria , Tilaveridis Ioannis , Andreadis Charalambos , Antoniades Konstantinos , Kouvelas Dimitrios 
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Bone anti-resorptive agents, namely bisphosphonates and denosumab are widely prescribed for the prevention of osteoporosis fractures and of cancer-related skeletal events. Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) has been reported for both drug categories. These agents have anti-proliferative effects in osteoclasts. We argue that because osteoclasts share their progenitor cells with macrophages, ONJ could be the result of reduced numbers and function of macrophages.
Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception through September 2014, for studies reporting the effects of bone-antiresorptive agents in the innate and adapted immunity. No limitations pertaining to study type were set.
Results: Periosteal and endosteal tissues contain a discrete population of resident tissue macrophages. BPs cause apoptosis of macrophages in a dose and agent dependent manner. Increased cytotoxic activity by the γδ T cell population, could induce macrophage cell death causing local immune deficiency. Upon apoptotic stimuli, zoledronatepre-treated macrophages exhibit a significantly greater apoptotic rate. Long term BP exposed monocytes and macrophages may lead to functional impairment and reduced numbers of monocytic cells.
Conclusions: Bone-anti-resorptive agents have the capacity of both functionally impairing and reducing the macrophage population. The currently available limited evidence suggests a plausible role of these agents in the pathogenesis of ONJ. Future studies both clinical and experimental should focus on the effects of these drugs in immune homeostasis.
Increased Baseline C-Reactive Protein Concentrations Are Associated with Increased Risk of Infections: Results from 2 Large Danish Population Cohorts
Authors: Zacho Jeppe , Benfield Thomas , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) increases rapidly during an infection. We tested the hypothesis that chronic low-level increases in CRP are associated with an increased risk of infectious disease.METHODSWe studied 9660 individuals from a prospective general population cohort, including 3592 in whom infectious disease developed, and another 60 896 individuals from a cross-sectional general population study, of whom 13 332 developed infectious disease; 55% were women, and the mean age was 57 years. Hospital diagnoses of infections in 1977–2010 were based on International Classification of Diseases–coded discharge records from the national Danish Patient Registry. We measured CRP concentrations and conducted genotyping for 4 CRP polymorphisms that increase CRP. Individuals with CRP &gt;10 mg/L were excluded because of possible ongoing infection at the time of testing.RESULTSIndividuals with CRP &gt;3 mg/L had 1.2 and 1.7 times increased risk of infectious disease, in the prospective general population cohort and the cross-sectional general population study, respectively, compared with individuals with CRP &lt;1 mg/L. In the combined populations, individuals in the highest CRP tertile (compared with the lowest) had an increased risk of bacterial diseases (hazard ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.6–1.8), but not viral, mycosis, and parasitic diseases. The increased risk was mainly carried by pneumonia, sepsis, and particularly gram-negative infections. None of the genotype combinations examined conferred an increased risk of infectious disease.CONCLUSIONSChronic low-level CRP increases were associated with increased risk of bacterial infections, gram-negative infections in particular. Genotypes associated with increases in CRP were not associated with increased risk of infection.
A Note on Additive Groups of Some Specific Associative Rings
Authors: Woronowicz Mateusz 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Almost complete description of abelian groups (A, +, 0) such that every associative ring R with the additive group A satisfies the condition: every subgroup of A is an ideal of R, is given. Some new results for SR-groups in the case of associative rings are also achieved. The characterization of abelian torsion-free groups of rank one and their direct sums which are not nil-groups is complemented using only elementary methods.
Codes of Ethics and Their Place in Education
Authors: Krč Miroslav 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The paper deals with the place of codes of ethics within the system of ethical work. In schools in Olomouc district, we analyzed whether they use codes of ethics and how they deal with them. In this region, there are 153 schools and the sample consisted of 80 schools. The research problem was set whether the teaching profession needs its own code of ethics. The advantages of a mandatory code of ethics or a generated code as their own initiative are analyzed here. The research results indicate that the best way is to provide schools a sample code of ethics and let them adapt it to their specific conditions. The research has been mixed, it includes a quantitative research that describes phenomena using variables and qualitative research interpreting the respondents' views on the relation of ethics and professional conduct. The greatest lack a code of ethics was found in secondary vocational schools. Secondary grammar schools usually treated ethical codes. In most European countries, it represents one of the curriculum options in ethical education.
An Analysis of Interaction Patterns in the Focus Group Interview
Authors: Gavora Peter 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This paper is based on the analysis of a focus group interview of a moderator and a group of undergraduate students on the topic of self-regulation of learning. The purpose of the investigation was to identify interaction patterns that appeared in the talk of participants and the moderator. In the stream of communication two rudimentary interaction patterns were recognized. The first pattern was named the Catalogue. It consists of a sequence of turns of participants who respond to a request of the moderator and who provide their answers, one by one, without reacting on the content of the previous partner(s) talk. The other interaction pattern was called the Domino. In this pattern participants respond to each other. The Catalogue pattern prevailed in the interview. Alongside with identification of patterns of interaction the study demonstrated the functions of the common ground and its accomplishment in the talk of the moderator and participants.
The European Dimensions of Vocational Training
Authors: Sós Tamás 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The research examined the connection between vocational education, training and the world of work, and the social situation in Hungary in a European outlook. The accentual issues of the analysis disclosing the problem are: youth unemployment, the tendencies of secondary vocational education, proportions of enrollment and the features of training tendencies, the growing number of early dropouts, the effect of family background on student performance. This work tried to find the answer to the question: What variations have the changes in the regulations of vocational training, encouraging dual education brought on in the connection between trainers and work places? The research did not prove that the central vocational training system would be more effective than a varied, flexible, permeable, transparent decentralized operation with parts built on each other. The introduction of the complex exam overshadowed the evaluation of the competency areas, and fits less to the modularity of the framework curricula. With the legal regulation of vocational training in force the modular system has become a formality. Taking prior knowledge into account has become more difficult. The efficiency of professional structural decisions is questionable, it has not triggered the extension of employment among career starters, and does not mean a guarantee of finding a job either. Creating the motivation of economic role players may bring on steps forward to take up bigger tasks in vocational training. The research has confirmed the importance of improving the basic competency areas when planning vocational training, of life-long learning, of practice orientation, and also of the continuous connection with the labor market.