bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How and why patients self‐treat chronic wounds
Authors: Kapp Suzanne , Santamaria Nick 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate how people self‐treat chronic wounds, why they self‐treat and the assistance and support that they receive.The increasing emphasis on self‐management of chronic conditions, the potential benefits of self‐treatment to the health care consumer and competing demands on health care funding are good reasons to investigate self‐treatment of chronic wounds as we have little data on this group of individuals.A survey study was conducted in Australia. A non‐random sample of 100 participants was recruited. Participants were aged 18 years or older and currently or previously had a chronic wound that they self‐treated. All participants completed one survey. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics.The sample was, on average, 64·6 years of age; half was female (n = 50, 50%), and the majority had a lower leg wound (n = 80, 80·0%). The sample scored 33·9/40 on the Generalized Self‐efficacy Scale and 68/100 on the Medical Outcomes Social Support Scale. The majority of the 89 participants who used a wound dressing used a product that targeted bacteria (n = 59, 66.3%). The two most commonly selected reasons for self‐treating were ‘to be independent’ (n = 58, 58·0%) and ‘to do the treatment at a time that suited’ (n = 55, 56·0%). Less than one quarter of participants reported being supervised regularly during the wound episode (n = 22, 22%), and few (n = 6, 6·0%) reported having received education and training to support their self‐treatment.Self‐treaters of chronic wounds may benefit from standardised education and closer professional supervision to optimise self‐treatment practices. Efforts to improve patient satisfaction with professional care are required to promote a shared‐care model when self‐treating and to optimise patient outcomes.
MMP‐13 deletion decreases profibrogenic molecules and attenuates N‐nitrosodimethylamine‐induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice
Authors: George Joseph , Tsutsumi Mikihiro , Tsuchishima Mutsumi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is involved in inflammation, pathogenesis and progression of liver fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) cleaves CTGF and releases several fragments, which are more potent than the parent molecule to induce fibrosis. The current study was aimed to elucidate the significance of MMP‐13 and CTGF and their downstream effects in liver injury and fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis was induced using intraperitoneal injections of N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in doses of 10 μg/g body weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of 4 weeks in both wild‐type (WT) and MMP‐13 knockout mice. Administration of NDMA resulted in marked elevation of AST, ALT, TGF‐β1 and hyaluronic acid in the serum and activation of stellate cells, massive necrosis, deposition of collagen fibres and increase in total collagen in the liver of WT mice with a significant decrease in MMP‐13 knockout mice. Protein and mRNA levels of CTGF, TGF‐β1, α‐SMA and type I collagen and the levels of MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and cleaved products of CTGF were markedly increased in NDMA‐treated WT mice compared to the MMP‐13 knockout mice. Blocking of MMP‐13 with CL‐82198 in hepatic stellate cell cultures resulted in marked decrease of the staining intensity of CTGF as well as protein levels of full‐length CTGF and its C‐terminal fragments and active TGF‐β1. The data demonstrate that MMP‐13 and CTGF play a crucial role in modulation of fibrogenic mediators and promote hepatic fibrogenesis. Furthermore, the study suggests that blocking of MMP‐13 and CTGF has potential therapeutic implications to arrest liver fibrosis.
Impact of neonatal hypoxia‐ischaemia on oligodendrocyte survival, maturation and myelinating potential
Authors: Ziemka‐Nalecz Malgorzata , Janowska Justyna , Strojek Lukasz , Jaworska Joanna , Zalewska Teresa , Frontczak‐Baniewicz Malgorzata , Sypecka Joanna 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHypoxic‐ischaemic episodes experienced at the perinatal period commonly lead to a development of neurological disabilities and cognitive impairments in neonates or later in childhood. Clinical symptoms often are associated with the observed alterations in white matter in the brains of diseased children, suggesting contribution of triggered oligodendrocyte/myelin pathology to the resulting disorders. To date, the processes initiated by perinatal asphyxia remain unclear, hampering the ability to develop preventions. To address the issue, the effects of temporal hypoxia‐ischaemia on survival, proliferation and the myelinating potential of oligodendrocytes were evaluated ex vivo using cultures of hippocampal organotypic slices and in vivo in rat model of perinatal asphyxia. The potential engagement of gelatinases in oligodendrocyte maturation was assessed as well. The results pointed to a significant decrease in the number of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which is compensated for to a certain extent by the increased rate of OPC proliferation. Oligodendrocyte maturation seemed however to be significantly altered. An ultrastructural examination of selected brain regions performed several weeks after the insult showed however that the process of developing central nervous system myelination proceeds efficiently resulting in enwrapping the majority of axons in compact myelin. The increased angiogenesis in response to neonatal hypoxic‐ischaemic insult was also noticed. In conclusion, the study shows that hypoxic‐ischaemic episodes experienced during the most active period of nervous system development might be efficiently compensated for by the oligodendroglial cell response triggered by the insult. The main obstacle seems to be the inflammatory process modulating the local microenvironment.
Using biological–physical modelling for informing sea lice dispersal in Loch Linnhe, Scotland
Authors: Salama N K G , Dale A C , Ivanov V V , Cook P F , Pert C C , Collins C M , Rabe B 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSea lice are a constraint on the sustainable growth of Scottish marine salmonid aquaculture. As part of an integrated pest management approach, farms coordinate procedures within spatial units. We present observations of copepodids being at relatively greater density than nauplii in upper waters, which informs the development of surface layer sea lice transmission modelling of Loch Linnhe, Scotland, for informing farm parasite management. A hydrodynamic model is coupled with a biological particle‐tracking model, with characteristics of plankton sea lice. Simulations are undertaken for May and October 2011–2013, forced by local wind data collected for those periods. Particles are continually released from positions representing farm locations, weighted by relative farm counts, over a 2‐week period and tracked for a further 5 days. A comparison is made between modelled relative concentrations against physical and biological surveys to provide confidence in model outputs. Connectivity between farm locations is determined in order to propose potential coordination areas. Generally, connectivity depends on flow patterns in the loch and decreases with increased farm separation. The connectivity indices are used to estimate the origins of the sea lice population composition at each site, which may influence medicinal regimens to avoid loss of efficacy.
Extraction of caffeine and gallic acid from coffee by electrokinetic methods coupled with a hollow‐fiber membrane
Authors: Khajeh Mostafa , Fard Sahar , Bohlooli Mousa , Ghaffari‐Moghaddam Mansour , Khatibi Ali 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this study the hollow fiber membrane coupled with electrokinetics was used, for the first time, for extraction and determination of caffeine and gallic acid from coffee prior to high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Gallic acid (as an acid) and caffeine (as a base) were extracted from coffee at pH 5. In this work, several variables including applied voltage, coffee pH, acceptor phase pH, and extraction time were investigated. Our results showed that the extraction efficiency was increased when the applied voltage and extraction time were increased. The optimum conditions were pH 5 for the coffee, applied voltage of 20 V, and extraction time of 5 h. Gallic acid as an acid and caffeine as a base migrated to anode and cathode, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, gallic acid and caffeine were extracted with extraction efficiency of 21.3 and 23.4%, respectively. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions (%) were found to be 7.6 and 4.8%, respectively. Therefore, this set‐up for electrokinetics was potentially considered as a selective and simple preparation method for simultaneous extraction and analysis of basic and acid compounds in various matrices.Practical applicationsThis study would benefit for extraction and separation of caffeine and gallic acid from coffee and other naturel samples. In this procedure, the new set‐up for EKE based on two hollow fibers were employed for simultaneous removal of basic and acidic compounds. The EKE is used for extraction of organic compounds from food/soils with low permeability. The practical applications of this procedure have become extensive in a variety of fields, including electrokinetic waste remediation, biomaterials, radionuclides, and organic materials.
Effect of falling‐film freeze concentration on bioactive compounds in aqueous coffee extract
Authors: Correa Lady J. , Ruiz Ruth Y. , Moreno Fabian L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFalling‐film freeze concentration (FFFC) is a technology used to concentrate liquids by freezing. This study demonstrated the effect of FFFC on bioactive compounds in coffee extract and their antioxidant activity. Coffee extract containing 5% solids was freeze‐concentrated in 2 successive steps. The main bioactive compounds, chlorogenic acids and caffeine were detected by RP‐HPLC. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content were assessed by ABTS, DPPH, and Folin–Ciocalteu assays. The solution was concentrated 2.09 times after 2 FFFC steps. A concentration index of 2.1 was obtained for bioactive compounds for the concentrated fraction. The antioxidant activity was preserved and a correlation between antioxidant activity and the content of bioactive compounds was confirmed. Coffee bioactive compounds were distributed in proportion to the total solids content of the ice and liquid. Overall, the results showed that FFFC is an effective technique to concentrate liquids that preserves the functional properties of the coffee extract.Practical applicationsThe falling film freeze concentration is a new freeze concentration technique which is in development to be used in future industrial applications of food fluids concentration. This study demonstrates the preservation of bioactive compounds and bioactivity of this technique applied to the concentration of coffee extract. The research has applications in the coffee industry in the production of concentrated coffee extract and freeze‐dried soluble coffee.
Bacterial translocation and clinical progression of HCV‐related cirrhosis in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Merchante N. , Aldámiz‐Echevarría T. , García‐Álvarez M. , Rivero‐Juárez A. , Macías J. , Miralles P. , Jiménez‐Sousa M. A. , Mancebo M. , Pérez‐Latorre L. , Pineda‐Tenor D. , Berenguer J. , Resino S. , Pineda J. A. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether bacterial translocation (BT) predicts the clinical outcome in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients with compensated cirrhosis. A cohort of 282 HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients with cirrhosis and no previous liver decompensation (LD) was recruited. Serum levels of the DNA sequences encoding the well‐conserved 16S rRNA subunit (16S rDNA), the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and soluble CD14 (sCD14) at diagnosis of cirrhosis were measured. Primary endpoint was the emergence of the first LD and/or death of any cause. Secondary endpoints were LD, liver‐related death (LRD) and death of any cause. After a median (Q1‐Q3) follow‐up of 51 (27‐72) months, 67 patients (24%; 95% CI: 19‐29) developed their first LD or died during follow‐up. Baseline levels of 16S rDNA, LPS and sCD14 were not associated with the probability of developing the primary endpoint of the study. The mean (SD) survival time free of LD and/or death according to levels of 16S rDNA (<83, 83‐196, 197‐355, >355 [copies/μL]) was 78 (5), 72 (5), 81 (4) and 82 (4) months, respectively (P = .5). The corresponding figures for LPS (<0.1, 0.1‐0.6, 0.6‐1.5, > 1.5 [IU/mL]) were 76 (5), 71 (5), 77 (5) and 81 (4) months, respectively (P = .4). Baseline levels of BT serum markers were not associated with any of the secondary endpoints analysed in the study. Thus, BT does not seem to be a relevant predictor of clinical outcome in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients with compensated cirrhosis.
Gut microbiomes of free‐ranging and captive Namibian cheetahs: Diversity, putative functions and occurrence of potential pathogens
Authors: Wasimuddin  , Menke Sebastian , Melzheimer Jörg , Thalwitzer Susanne , Heinrich Sonja , Wachter Bettina , Sommer Simone 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough the significance of the gut microbiome for host health is well acknowledged, the impact of host traits and environmental factors on the interindividual variation of gut microbiomes of wildlife species is not well understood. Such information is essential; however, as changes in the composition of these microbial communities beyond the natural range might cause dysbiosis leading to increased susceptibility to infections. We examined the potential influence of sex, age, genetic relatedness, spatial tactics and the environment on the natural range of the gut microbiome diversity in free‐ranging Namibian cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). We further explored the impact of an altered diet and frequent contact with roaming dogs and cats on the occurrence of potential bacterial pathogens by comparing free‐ranging and captive individuals living under the same climatic conditions. Abundance patterns of particular bacterial genera differed between the sexes, and bacterial diversity and richness were higher in older (>3.5 years) than in younger individuals. In contrast, male spatial tactics, which probably influence host exposure to environmental bacteria, had no discernible effect on the gut microbiome. The profound resemblance of the gut microbiome of kin in contrast to nonkin suggests a predominant role of genetics in shaping bacterial community characteristics and functional similarities. We also detected various Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) assigned to potential pathogenic bacteria known to cause diseases in humans and wildlife species, such asHelicobacterspp., andClostridium perfringens. Captive individuals did not differ in their microbial alpha diversity but exhibited higher abundances ofOTUs related to potential pathogenic bacteria and shifts in disease‐associated functional pathways. Our study emphasizes the need to integrate ecological, genetic and pathogenic aspects to improve our comprehension of the main drivers of natural variation and shifts in gut microbial communities possibly affecting host health. This knowledge is essential for in situ and ex situ conservation management.
Comparison of nitrergic signaling in circular and longitudinal smooth muscle of murine ileum
Authors: Voussen B. , Beck K. , Mauro N. , Keppler J. , Friebe A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) motility originates from coordinated movements of circular (CM) and longitudinal (LM) smooth muscle. How the two muscle layers react individually to nitrergic input and how they integrate nitrergic signaling is not thoroughly understood.MethodsWe used immunohistochemistry to unveil expression of NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO‐GC) in the ileum. For functional analyses, we measured tone of ileal CM and spontaneous contractions in both ileal muscle layers from mice lacking NO‐GC globally (GCKO) and specifically in smooth muscle cells (SMC‐GCKO).Key ResultsIn contrast to other parts of the GI tract, NO‐GC was not expressed in ckit‐positive cells in ileum. NO‐GC expression was intense in platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α‐positive cells and in yet unidentified cells of myenteric plexus and serosa. Both CM and LM developed spontaneous contractile activity; frequency and duration of their spontaneous contractions were identical. The amplitude of spontaneous contractions in CM was increased in the absence of NO‐GC. In ileum from control (ctrl) animals, inhibition of NO‐GC increased whereas NO‐GC stimulation decreased tissue tone. In contrast, contractile activity in LM was not different between ctrl and knockout strains. Here, NO led to suppression of spontaneous contractions of ctrl ileum whereas GCKO tissue was unaffected. To our surprise, NO suppressed spontaneous contractions in SMC‐GCKO ileum indicating participation of other cell type(s).Conclusions and InferencesNO‐GC in SMC is involved in the regulation of tone and amplitude of spontaneous contractions in ileal CM. In LM, NO induces suppression of spontaneous contractions via NO‐GC in a non‐SMC type.
Pervasive interactions between foliar microbes and soil nutrients mediate leaf production and herbivore damage in a tropical forest
Authors: Griffin Eric A. , Wright S. Joseph , Morin Peter J. , Carson Walter P. 
Published: August 2017

Summary

Producing and retaining leaves underlie the performance and survivorship of seedlings in deeply shaded tropical forests. These habitats are characterized by conditions ideal for foliar bacteria, which can be potent plant pathogens. Leaf production, retention and susceptibility to enemies may ultimately depend upon interactions among soil nutrients and foliar microbes, yet this has never been tested.

We experimentally evaluated the degree that foliar bacteria and soil resource supply mediate leaf dynamics for five common tree species (five different families) in a Panamanian forest. We reduced foliar bacteria with antibiotics for 29 months and measured leaf production, retention and damage for seedlings nested within a replicated 15‐yr factorial nutrient enrichment experiment (nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; potassium, K).

Our results demonstrate that when we applied antibiotics, soil nutrients – particularly N – always regulated seedling leaf production (and to a lesser extent herbivore damage) for all five tree species. In addition, it was common for two macronutrients together to negate or completely reverse the impact of applying either one alone.

Our findings of frequent plant–microbe–nutrient interactions are novel and suggest that these interactions may reinforce plant species–environment associations, thereby creating a fairly cryptic and fine‐scale dimension of niche differentiation for coexisting tree species.
The intra‐oral application of a skin regeneration system in the rehabilitation of post‐operative cancer patients with tongue tethering: a technical note
Authors: Farrier J. , Beech A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPost‐operative healing following oral cancer resection and reconstruction can lead to distortion of oral anatomy, interruption of function and extensive scar contraction. We present what is to our knowledge the first reported and successful use of a one stage dermal regeneration template system (Integra®, Integra Life Sciences Corp, Plainsboro, NJ, USA) to assist in the oral rehabilitation of a group of oral cancer patients.
Sensitization to dust mite defines different phenotypes of asthma: A multicenter study
Authors: Ruggieri Silvia , Drago Gaspare , Longo Valeria , Colombo Paolo , Balzan Martin , Bilocca David , Zammit Christopher , Montefort Stephen , Scaccianoce Gianluca , Cuttitta Giuseppina , Viegi Giovanni , Cibella Fabio ,   The RESPIRA Project Group
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundIndoor allergens are risk factors for asthma: Thus, the characterization of indoor air quality is important for studying environment–health relationships in children. In particular, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the dominant allergen for asthma. We cross‐sectionally investigated the relationships among respiratory symptoms and function, airway inflammation, allergen sensitization, and indoor allergen concentration.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐two children aging 10‐14 years and living in a Southern Mediterranean area were evaluated by parental questionnaires. Spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), skin prick tests, total, and specific serum IgE analyses were performed along with the evaluation of home dust samples for the content in Der p 1 allergen. Three clusters were created on the basis of the presence/absence of wheeze in the last 12 months (Wh12m) and Der p 1‐specific IgE level.ResultsCluster 1 (Wh12m+/high Der p 1 IgE) presented higher FeNO and poorer pulmonary function (lower FEV1 and FEF25%‐75%), while its symptom score was not different from Cluster 2 (Wh12m+/low Der p 1 IgE). Cluster 3 (Wh12m−/low IgE) showed the lowest FeNO values and pulmonary function similar to Cluster 2. Within Cluster 1, both Der p 1‐specific IgE and FeNO were positively correlated with dust Der p 1.ConclusionsSimilar asthma phenotypes may occur in children despite differences in their atopic state. In atopic children, sensitizing allergens in the indoor environment may increase airway inflammation worsening pulmonary function. Moreover, environmental exposures may contribute to the development of asthma‐like symptoms also in the absence of atopic sensitization, thus contributing to asthma overdiagnosis.
Punch and Scoop Technique for Removing Pilomatricoma
Authors: Maranda Eric L. , Riyaz Farhaad , Shwayder Tor 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPilomatricomas are benign calcifying neoplasms derived from follicle matrix cells. Standard treatment for pilomatricomas involves complete surgical excision, with an overall low rate of recurrence. We discuss a simple alternative surgical technique that allows for removal of the lesion with less residual defect than complete excision.
Beyond Subjective and Objective in Statistics
Authors: Gelman Andrew , Hennig Christian 
Published: August 2017

SummaryDecisions in statistical data analysis are often justified, criticized or avoided by using concepts of objectivity and subjectivity. We argue that the words ‘objective’ and ‘subjective’ in statistics discourse are used in a mostly unhelpful way, and we propose to replace each of them with broader collections of attributes, with objectivity replaced by transparency, consensus, impartiality and correspondence to observable reality, and subjectivity replaced by awareness of multiple perspectives and context dependence. Together with stability, these make up a collection of virtues that we think is helpful in discussions of statistical foundations and practice. The advantage of these reformulations is that the replacement terms do not oppose each other and that they give more specific guidance about what statistical science strives to achieve. Instead of debating over whether a given statistical method is subjective or objective (or normatively debating the relative merits of subjectivity and objectivity in statistical practice), we can recognize desirable attributes such as transparency and acknowledgement of multiple perspectives as complementary goals. We demonstrate the implications of our proposal with recent applied examples from pharmacology, election polling and socio-economic stratification. The aim of the paper is to push users and developers of statistical methods towards more effective use of diverse sources of information and more open acknowledgement of assumptions and goals.