bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flat field correction for high‐throughput imaging of fluorescent samples
Authors: KASK PEET , PALO KAUPO , HINNAH CHRIS , POMMERENCKE THORA 
Published: March 2016

SummaryVignetting of microscopic images impacts both the visual impression of the images and any image analysis applied to it. Especially in high‐throughput screening high demands are made on an automated image analysis. In our work we focused on fluorescent samples and found that two profiles (background and foreground) for each imaging channel need to be estimated to achieve a sufficiently flat image after correction. We have developed a method which runs completely unsupervised on a wide range of assays. By adding a reliable internal quality control we mitigate the risk of introducing artefacts into sample images through correction. The method requires hundreds of images for the foreground profile, thus limiting its application to high‐throughput screening where this requirement is fulfilled in routine operation.
Taste detection ability of elderly nursing home residents
Authors: Ogawa T. , Uota M. , Ikebe K. , Notomi Y. , Iwamoto Y. , Shirobayashi I. , Kibi M. , Masayasu S. , Sasaki S. , Maeda Y. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryDue to the rapid rise of aged populations throughout the world, it is essential to elucidate the cause of taste dysfunction, because it may reduce appetite, leading to inadequate dietary intake. We aimed to compare taste detection ability between dependently and independently living geriatric individuals of nearly the same age with oral status. Forty‐three elderly individuals considered to be cognitively eligible and residing in nursing homes in Japan were enrolled (n= 43, 82·3 ± 8·5 years) and were compared with an independently living elderly group (n= 949, 79·9 ± 0·8 years), aiming to compare taste detection ability between dependently and independently living elders of nearly the same age. Information regarding comorbidity and medication was obtained as general health status, and oral status including number of present teeth, denture usage and maximal occlusal force was also noted. In the dependently living group, 69·4%, 14·3%, 16·3% and 8·2% of participants could detect sweet, sour, salty and bitter tastes, respectively, which was significantly lower than the independently living group for each taste (97·9%, 70·8%, 89·6% and 43·8% for sweet, sour, salty and bitter tastes, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that residing in nursing homes was associated with reduced sensitivity for four different tastes. The diseases and the situation of dependent elders were more likely the cause of the decreased taste sensitivity.
Experiences of Mothers in Romania after Hearing from Medical Professionals That Their Child Has a Disability
Authors: Collins Triona , Coughlan Barry 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTo help maintain the right of children with an intellectual disability to grow up in their family home, this study explored Romanian mothers’ experiences of overcoming the many challenges to the provision of care to assure a high quality of life for their child. Studied were mothers’ experiences upon being told by a professional that their child had a disability and of their experiences of caring for their children at home in the context of Romanian disability legislation and contact with local Disability Commissions. The data, obtained via an exploratory qualitative study, were based upon eight interviews with mothers of children with disabilities carried out with the assistance of a bilingual interpreter. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two themes of “uncertainty” and “disempowering bureaucracy” were parsed from mothers’ various experiences. Due to various sociocultural barriers and unclear communication, mothers experienced uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis of their child's condition. In light of this uncertainty and the ambivalent attitudes of professionals, mothers experienced disempowering bureaucracy while striving to meet the annual requirements of their local Disability Commission. The study revealed gaps in the disclosure process of an intellectual disability that lead to uncertainty among the mothers toward professionals. The disempowering bureaucracy connected to the local Disability Commission impeded mothers access to community support and contributed toward a lack of understanding of the needs of their child.
Utility of a Modified Online Delphi Method to Define Workforce Competencies: Lessons from the Intellectual Disability Mental Health Core Competencies Project
Authors: Weise Janelle , Fisher Karen R. , Trollor Julian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Delphi method has been previously used to define and reach consensus on core workforce attributes. However, limitations of the traditional Delphi method have been identified. A modified online Delphi method, which aims to address these limitations, was used as one part of the intellectual disability mental health core competencies project. The authors assess the utility of a modified online Delphi method to define and reach consensus on the core intellectual disability mental health workforce attributes and the lessons learned from using this approach. Thirty‐six intellectual disability mental health experts from across Australia participated in a modified online Delphi. At the end of each Delphi round the research team completed descriptive analyses for the quantitative data, and content and thematic analyses for the qualitative data. The research team subsequently critiqued the method in terms of its utility in defining workforce attributes. Authors identified several lessons from using this method to define core workforce attributes. In particular, it has highlighted the potential benefit of initiating the Delphi process with a developed framework that is familiar to the workforce; the benefit of using quantitative and qualitative methods; and the need to reconsider how to define participant consensus. This study confirmed the utility of a modified online Delphi method to identify and describe core workforce attributes, provided insights into the benefits and challenges of this method, and identified strategies for overcoming some of the commonly documented limitations of the Delphi method. However, it has also highlighted some additional challenges of the Delphi method that researchers have not commonly described within the published literature. The lessons provide useful insights for others planning to use the Delphi method.
Family Support inKinshasa, Democratic Republic of theCongo
Authors: Aldersey Heather M. , Turnbull Ann P. , Turnbull H. R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFamily support consists of formal (i.e., provided by professionals) and informal (i.e., provided by family and friends) assistance that responds to families’ emotional, physical, material/instrumental, and informational needs and is intended to enhance the quality of life of the family member with a disability and the family unit. The authors used a case study approach to examine a voluntary self‐help association to answer the questions: (1) what aspects of local self‐help entity provide effective and meaningful support to families who have a member with intellectual and developmental disability? and (2) what makes this support effective and meaningful? This study entailed a secondary analysis of data (interviews, observations, documents) collected over a 7‐month period in Kinshasa, DRC, to describe and examine a DRC‐based local voluntary self‐help association for family members of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The self‐help association examined provides emotional, physical, material/instrumental, and informational support to local families. Key reasons for the association's success include that it is grounded in local realities and led by charismatic, multidisciplinary, committed leaders. Key challenges of the association relate to a lack of sustainable funding and limited scope of impact outside of Kinshasa. The authors conclude that families themselves are often the first creators and providers of family support in conflict and postconflict contexts, where state priorities for family support of carers of persons with disabilities are often low or nonexistent. This case provides empirical evidence that families are currently self‐organizing to meet disability support needs in Kinshasa. As developing nations such as the DRC begin to structure more formal state programs for family support, they would be wise to partner with or formally engage existing experienced family associations to provide meaningful and effective disability‐related support.
Human periodontal ligament stem cells suppress T‐cell proliferation via down‐regulation of non‐classical major histocompatibility complex‐like glycoprotein CD1b on dendritic cells
Authors: Shin C. , Kim M. , Han J.‐A. , Choi B. , Hwang D. , Do Y. , Yun J.‐H. 
Published: March 2016

Background and ObjectivePeriodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from the periodontal ligament tissue were recently identified as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The capabilities of PDLSCs in periodontal tissue or bone regeneration have been reported, but their immunomodulatory role in T‐cell immune responses via dendritic cells (DCs), known as the most potent antigen‐presenting cell, has not been studied. The aim of this study is to understand the immunological function of homogeneous human STRO‐1+CD146+ PDLSCs in DC‐mediated T‐cell immune responses to modulate the periodontal disease process.Material and MethodsWe utilized highly purified (> 95%) human STRO‐1+CD146+ PDLSCs and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Each stem cell was co‐cultured with human monocyte‐derived DCs in the presence of lipopolysaccharide isolated from Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogenic bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, in vitro to examine the immunological effect of each stem cell on DCs and DC‐mediated T‐cell proliferation.ResultsWe discovered that STRO‐1+CD146+ PDLSCs, as well as BMSCs, significantly decreased the level of non‐classical major histocompatibility complex glycoprotein CD1b on DCs, resulting in defective T‐cell proliferation, whereas most human leukocyte antigens and the co‐stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 in/on DCs were not significantly affected by the presence of BMSCs or STRO‐1+CD146+ PDLSCs.ConclusionsThis study unveiled an immunomodulatory role of STRO‐1+CD146+ PDLSCs in negatively regulating DC‐mediated T‐cell immune responses, demonstrating their potential to be utilized in promising new stem cell therapies.
Initial Use of High‐Dose Anticholinergics Combined with Alpha‐Blockers for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms with Overactive Bladder: A Prospective, Randomized Preliminary Study
Authors: LEE Kyu Won , HUR Kyung Jae , KIM Sang Hoon , CHO Su Yeon , BAE Sang Rak , PARK Bong Hee , LEE Yong Seok , HAN Chang Hee , KIM Hyun Woo 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of initial combined treatment of alpha‐blocker plus dose‐dependent anticholinergic agent compared to the alpha‐blocker monotherapy in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with overactive bladder.MethodsMale lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) patients with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 8 or higher, total overactive bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) of 3 or higher, and 2 points or higher in the OABSS questionnaire number 2 were enrolled. Eligible subjects (total n = 146) were randomly assigned to receive tamsulosin 0.2 mg (Group I, n = 44), tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus solifenacin 5 mg (Group II, n = 55), or tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus solifenacin 10 mg (Group III, n = 47) for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety assessments for each group were done using detailed questionnaires, and evaluating urinary parameters such as maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR) at 4 and 12 weeks.ResultsGroups II and III (combined use of tamsulosin and solifenacin) showed significant improvement in storage symptoms compared to group I (tamsulosin monotherapy), as reflected by IPSS storage subscore and OABSS (P < 0.05). Dry mouth developed in four (7%) and eight (17%) cases in group II and III, respectively, so that one (2%) and three (6%) cases dropped out in group II and III, respectively. Two cases (4%) of AUR developed in group III, and one of them was withdrawn (2%) from the study.ConclusionsInitial combined treatment of tamsulosin plus solifenacin for men with LUTS improves storage symptoms significantly, but dose modification is necessary to prevent adverse events.
Obesity is an independent risk factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: evidence from a meta‐analysis of 21 cohort studies
Authors: Li L. , Liu D. ‐W. , Yan H. ‐Y. , Wang Z. ‐Y. , Zhao S. ‐H. , Wang B. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe association between obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been fully quantified, and the magnitude of NAFLD risk associated with obesity is still unclear. A meta‐analysis of cohort studies was performed to elucidate the NAFLD risk associated with obesity.MethodsPubmed, Web of Science and Embase were searched for cohort studies assessing NAFLD risk associated with obesity or increased body mass index (BMI). Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were pooled using random‐effects model of meta‐analysis.ResultsTwenty‐one cohort studies including 13 prospective studies and 8 retrospective studies were finally included. There were a total of 381,655 participants in the meta‐analysis. Compared with normal weight, obesity independently led to a 3.5‐fold increased risk of developing NAFLD (RR = 3.53, 95%CI 2.48 to 5.03, P < 0.001). Meta‐analysis also suggested an obvious dose‐dependent relationship between BMI and NAFLD risk (per 1‐unit increment in BMI: RR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.26, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses further identified the robustness of the association above. No obvious risk of publication bias was observed.ConclusionObese individuals have a 3.5‐fold increased risk of developing NAFLD, and there is an obvious dose‐dependent relationship between BMI and NAFLD risk. © 2016 World Obesity
Morphology and Aquaporin Immunohistochemistry of the Uterine Tube of Saanen Goats (Capra hircus): Comparison Throughout the Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Arrighi S , Bosi G , Frattini S , Coizet B , Groppetti D , Pecile A 
Published: March 2016

ContentsThe expression of six different aquaporins (AQP1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9), integral membrane water channels that facilitate bi‐directional passive movement of water, was investigated by immunohistochemistry in the uterine tube of pre‐pubertal and adult Saanen goats (Capra hircus), comparing the different phases of the oestrous cycle. Regional morphology and secretory processes were markedly different during the goat oestrous cycle. The tested AQP molecules showed different expression patterns in comparison with already studied species. AQP1‐immunoreactivity was evidenced at the endothelium of blood vessels and in nerve fibres, regardless of the tubal tract and cycle period. AQP4‐immunoreactivity was shown on the lateral plasmalemma in the basal third of the epithelial cells at infundibulum and ampulla level in the cycling goats, more evidently during follicular than during luteal phase. No AQP4‐immunoreactivity was noticed at the level of the isthmus region, regardless of the cycle phase. AQP5‐immunoreactivity, localized at the apical surface of epithelial cells, increased from pre‐puberty to adulthood. Thereafter, AQP5‐immunoreactivity was prominent during the follicular phase, when it strongly decorated the apical plasmalemma of all epithelial cells at ampullary level. During luteal phase, immunoreactivity was discontinuous, being weak to strong at the apex of the secretory cells protruding into the lumen. In the isthmus region, the strongest AQP5‐immunoreactivity was seen during follicular phase, with a clear localization in the apical plasmalemma of all the epithelial cells and also on the lateral plasmalemma. AQP2, 3 and 9 were undetectable all along the goat uterine tube. Likely, a collaboration of different AQP molecules sustains the fluid production in the goat uterine tube. AQP1‐mediated transudation from the blood capillaries, together with permeation of the epithelium by AQP4 in the basal rim of the epithelial cells and final intervening of apical AQP5, could be involved in fluid production as well as in secretory processes.
MICA,MICB Polymorphisms and Linkage Disequilibrium with HLA‐B in a Chinese Mongolian Population
Authors: Wang W. Y. , Tian W. , Zhu F.M. , Liu X. X. , Li L. X. , Wang F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this study, polymorphisms of major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related genes A and B (MICA and MICB) and human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B gene were investigated for 158 unrelated Chinese Mongolian subjects recruited from central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, northern China, by polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT) and cloning. Collectively, 79 alleles, including 20 MICA, 12 MICB and 47 HLA‐B alleles, were identified. MICA*008:01 (21.2%), MICB*005:02 (48.1%) and HLA‐B*51:01 (7.91%) were the most common alleles. Significant global linkage disequilibrium (LD) was detected between HLA‐B and MICA, HLA‐B and MICB, and MICA and MICB loci (all P < 0.000001). The most frequent haplotypes were HLA‐B*51:01‐MICA*009:01 (7.28%), HLA‐B*58:01‐MICB*008 (6.96%), MICA*010‐MICB*005:02 (13.92%) and HLA‐B*58:01‐MICA*002:01‐MICB*008 (6.96%). HLA‐B‐MICA haplotypes such as HLA‐B*50:01‐MICA*009:02 were associated with single MICB allele. Some HLA‐B‐MICA haplotypes were associated with multiple MICB alleles, including HLA‐B*51:01‐MICA*009:01. One novel MICB allele, MICB*031, was identified, which has possibly arisen from MICB*002:01 through single mutation event. We also confirmed the existence of a recently recognized MICA allele, MICA*073, whose ethnic origin has not been previously described. Genotype distributions at MICA, MICB and HLA‐B were consistent with a neutrality model. Our results provide new insight into MIC genetic polymorphisms in Chinese ethnic groups. Findings shown here are important from an anthropologic perspective and will inform future studies of the potential role of MIC genes in allogeneic organ transplantation and HLA‐linked disease association in populations of related ancestry.
The Effect of Having Aggressive Friends on Aggressive Behavior in Childhood: Using Propensity Scores to Strengthen Causal Inference
Authors: Henneberger Angela K. , Coffman Donna L. , Gest Scott D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study used propensity scores to statistically approximate the causal effect of having aggressive friends on aggressive behavior in childhood. Participants were 1355 children (53 percent girls; 31 percent minority) in 97 third and fifth grade classrooms enrolled in the Classroom Peer Ecologies Project. Propensity scores were calculated to control for the impact of 21 relevant confounder variables related to having aggressive friendships and aggressive behavior. The 21 variables included demographic, social, and behavioral characteristics measured at the beginning of the school year. Presence/absence of aggressive friends was measured in the middle of the school year, and aggressive behavior was measured at the end of the school year. Results indicated a significant effect of having one or more aggressive friends on children's aggressive behavior above and beyond the effects of the 21 demographic, social, and behavioral variables. The propensity score model was compared with two other models of peer influence. The strengths and practical challenges of using propensity score analysis to study peer influence were discussed.
The Buffering Role of Social Support on the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Orphans in Rwanda
Authors: Caserta Tehetna Alemu , Punamäki Raija‐Leena , Pirttilä‐Backman Anna‐Maija 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLittle is known about the buffering role of social support among orphans living in Africa. This study examined (1) how perceived social support (PSS) varied across orphan‐related characteristics (e.g., orphan status, such as single, maternal or paternal, and their living environments, such as in child‐headed households, on the street, in an orphanage or in a foster home) and (2) the relative importance of sources of PSS (relatives/community/adults and peers) and functional social support (emotional/informational/instrumental and social) and its association with emotional well‐being and mental distress. The participants included 430 orphaned Rwandan children and youth aged between 10 and 25 years (Mean age = 17.74), of whom (n = 179, 41.6%) were females and (n = 251, 58.4%) were males. Result showed that children living in an orphanage exhibited a higher level of PSS from all sources of social support than did children in other living environments. A higher level of PSS from relatives, communities and adults was associated with high level of emotional well‐being, and only adult support was associated with low level of mental distress. Furthermore, the functional PSS indicated that emotional support and companionship support were equally important in their association with higher levels of emotional well‐being and lower levels of mental distress. The findings highlight the importance of having different sources of social support and their functions in relation to psychosocial well‐being.
The ‘Good Farmer’: Farmer Identities and the Control of Exotic Livestock Disease in England
Authors: Naylor Rhiannon , Hamilton‐Webb Alice , Little Ruth , Maye Damian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractExotic livestock disease outbreaks have the capacity to significantly impact individual livestock keepers, as well as devastate an entire industry sector. However, there has been limited research undertaken to understand how farmers think about and carry out exotic livestock disease control practices within the social sciences. Drawing on aspects of Social Identity Theory and Self‐Categorisation Theory, this article explores how the ‘good farmer’ identity concept influences farmers’ exotic livestock disease control practices. Using findings from an in‐depth, large‐scale qualitative study with animal keepers and veterinarians, the article identifies three context specific and at times conflicting ‘good farmer’ identities. Additionally, a defensive component is noted whereby farmers suggest an inability to carry out their role as a ‘good farmer’ due to government failings, poor practice undertaken by ‘bad farmers’, as well as the uncontrollable nature of exotic disease.
Desensitization with plasma exchange in a patient with human leukocyte antigen donor‐specific antibodies before T‐cell–replete haploidentical transplantation
Authors: Bramanti Stefania , Nocco Angela , Mauro Elisa , Milone Giuseppe , Morabito Lucio , Sarina Barbara , Crocchiolo Roberto , Timofeeva Inna , Capizzuto Rossana , Carlo‐Stella Carmelo , Santoro Armando , Castagna Luca 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDThe presence of human leukocyte antigen donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) increases the risk of graft failure in T‐cell–replete haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo‐HSCT)CASE REPORTA 49‐year‐old female with high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission received a haplo‐HSCT from her daughter. Pretransplant recipient screening examination showed high DSAs levels against unshared class I leukocyte antigens.RESULTSThe patient underwent a desensitization program consisting of plasma exchange (PEX), polyvalent intravenous (IV) immunoglobulins, and IV tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). This protocol resulted in the disappearance of the DSA anti HLA B41. Engraftment was prompt with stable full donor chimerism.CONCLUSIONSThis case report suggests that the adopted scheme is safe for reducing DSA levels and facilitating donor engraftment in patients scheduled for haplo‐HSCT.