bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote vs. local ischaemic preconditioning in the rat heart: infarct limitation, suppression of ischaemic arrhythmia and the role of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Galagudza Michael M. , Sonin Dmitry L. , Vlasov Timur D. , Kurapeev Dmitry I. , Shlyakhto Eugene V. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe unmet clinical need for myocardial salvage during ischaemia–reperfusion injury requires the development of new techniques for myocardial protection. In this study the protective effect of different local ischaemic preconditioning (LIPC) and remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) protocols was compared in the rat model of myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion, using infarct size and ischaemic tachyarrhythmias as end‐points. In addition, the hypothesis that there is involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the protective signalling by RIPC was tested, again in comparison with LIPC. The animals were subjected to 30‐min coronary occlusion and 90‐min reperfusion. RIPC protocol included either transient infrarenal aortic occlusion (for 5, 15 and 30 min followed by 15‐min reperfusion) or 15‐min mesenteric artery occlusion with 15‐min reperfusion. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias during test ischaemia were quantified according to Lambeth Conventions. It was found that the infarct‐limiting effect of RIPC critically depends on the duration of a single episode of remote ischaemia, which fails to protect the heart from infarction when it is too short or, instead, too prolonged. It was also shown that RIPC is ineffective in reducing the incidence and severity of ischaemia‐induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias. According to our data, the infarct‐limiting effect of LIPC could be partially eliminated by the administration of ROS scavenger N‐2‐mercaptopropionylglycine (90 mg/kg), whereas the same effect of RIPC seems to be independent of ROS signalling.
Interventions for molluscum contagiosum in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus: a systematic review
Authors: Martin Paul 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundMolluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral skin disease that presents with white, painless papules with central umbilication. In immunocompent individuals, MC is usually a benign infection that resolves without intervention. In HIV positive people, symptoms of MC can be more severe.ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review is to analyze the literature on strategies for treating MC in people concomitantly infected with HIV and subsequently make recommendations on best management strategies for these people.MethodSearches were conducted of the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, LILACS, IndMED, Global Health, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and Current Controlled Trials. Grey literature was searched via the New York Academy of Medicine Grey Literature Report and Open Grey. References cited in previous reviews and references cited in studies identified as being possibly relevant were also reviewed. No language restrictions were imposed. Papers from 1980 to present were reviewed.Results & DiscussionThirteen studies were included in this review. Two papers were comparative studies, one of which was randomized and neither of which were blinded. Ten papers were observational studies with heterogeneous populations. One study was a multicentre cohort study.ConclusionGiven the poor quality of study design, wide array of outcome variables, and lack of objective evidence, no specific recommendation can be made for the treatment of MC in people infected with HIV, other than the initiation of ART. Despite the good impact ART has made on prevalence of dermatologic disease, MC remains an important cause of morbidity in HIV positive populations.
Understanding and Development of Supply Chain Agility and Flexibility: A Structured Literature Review
Authors: Fayezi Sajad , Zutshi Ambika , O'Loughlin Andrew 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper provides a review of the literature while contributing to academic understanding of the concepts of agility and flexibility within the supply chain. The research identified 83 peer‐reviewed articles through a structured review technique, which is based on a three‐stage refinement process. Data reduction procedures using codification, sentence strings and a review of keywords, title, abstract and conclusion were used in the search. The papers identified focused on organizational and supply chain agility and flexibility. The acknowledged gaps in understanding and development of agility and flexibility in supply chains were identified and categorized in terms of conceptual, contextual and methodological gaps. Subsequent to the gap analysis, this paper argues that effective relationship integration with key partners is a fundamental mechanism for mitigating the problem of control dissipation, which has hindered academic understanding with respect to development and application of agile and flexible capabilities in supply chains. The findings in this paper will help academics to gain a better understanding and to develop the concepts of supply chain agility and flexibility. In addition, the findings indicate that supply chain stakeholders need to address the issue of relationship integration when undertaking, or participating in agility and flexibility development programmes, so as to maximize supply chain performance. The paper concludes by highlighting implications for managers and researchers, and proposes a number of areas for future investigation.
Influence of everolimus on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in Japanese renal transplant patients
Authors: Niioka Takenori , Kagaya Hideaki , Saito Mitsuru , Inoue Takamitsu , Numakura Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Ryohei , Akamine Yumiko , Habuchi Tomonori , Satoh Shigeru , Miura Masatomo 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo examine whether a trough concentration of everolimus in the therapeutic range of 3–5 ng/mL affects the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in renal transplant patients.MethodsA total of 52 Japanese renal transplant patients receiving tacrolimus were enrolled in this study. In 28 of them, everolimus was co‐administered on day 14 after surgery. Changes in the dose‐adjusted blood trough concentration of tacrolimus from day 14 to 28 after surgery were investigated.ResultsThe dose‐adjusted blood trough concentration of tacrolimus on day 28 was affected by CYP3A5*3/*3 and hemoglobin level (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007), but not by everolimus (P = 0.171). In addition, there was no change in the dose‐adjusted blood trough concentration of tacrolimus in patients before or after everolimus coadministration (P = 0.165). On day 28, there was no correlation between the rate of change in the dose‐adjusted blood trough concentration of tacrolimus and the blood trough concentration or area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from 0 to 12 h for everolimus after initiation of combination therapy (r = 0.341, P = 0.076 and r = 0.234, P = 0.231).ConclusionsA pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and everolimus was not observed clinically in renal transplant patients. Safe and reliable immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplant patients might be achieved using a combination of tacrolimus and everolimus.
Using intron sequence comparisons in the triose‐phosphate isomerase gene to study the divergence of the fall armyworm host strains
Authors: Nagoshi R. N. , Meagher R. L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe noctuid moth Spodoptera frugiperda (the fall armyworm) is endemic to the Western Hemisphere and appears to be undergoing sympatric speciation to produce two subpopulations that differ in their choice of host plants. The ‘rice strain’ and ‘corn strain’ are morphologically indistinguishable, requiring the use of genetic markers for identification. Because fall armyworm is a major pest of corn and several other agricultural crops, characterizing the strains has important economic consequences. In this study, comparisons were made of the intron sequences from the triose‐phosphate isomerase (Tpi) gene isolated from 85 fall armyworm specimens collected from two host plants. Sixteen new strain‐specific haplotypes based on intron polymorphisms are described that can facilitate the characterization of fall armyworm populations associated with different host plants. Comparisons of genetic diversity within and between the strains provides evidence that the corn strain is undergoing active selection and supports the proposal of directional interstrain mating occurring in the wild. Comparisons of the polymorphisms indicate that each intron undergoes different patterns of mutation that in some cases corresponds to host plant preferences. The results confirm that intron sequence comparisons are an effective approach to study fall armyworm population genetics.
Identification, characterization and functional analysis of a chitin synthase gene in the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Hemiptera, Aphididae)
Authors: Shang F. , Xiong Y. , Xia W.‐K. , Wei D.‐D. , Wei D. , Wang J.‐J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractChitin synthase (CHS) is a crucial enzyme involved in the final step of the insect chitin biosynthetic pathway. In this study, we cloned the full‐length cDNA sequence of a chitin synthase gene (TCiCHS) from the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida, an important citrus pest and the main vector of citrus tristeza virus worldwide. TCiCHS was expressed during the entire lifecycle and in all insect tissues examined. Expression was highest in first–second‐instar nymphs, nymph–adult transitions and in the abdomen (6.7‐fold higher than head). Embryos had a higher expression level than the integument. Fourth‐instar nymphs were exposed to 5 and 500 mg/l concentrations of the chitin synthesis inhibitor diflubenzuron (DFB) for 48 h and had the highest mortality at the 500 mg/l concentration. The mRNA expression levels of TCiCHS were significantly enhanced upon the exposure of nymphs to both low and high DFB concentrations. Silencing of TCiCHS occurred through plant‐mediated double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) feeding. Most dsRNA‐fed nymphs were unable to moult to the next stage, and the expression of TCiCHS decreased 48% compared with controls. These results demonstrate that TCiCHS plays an important role in nymph to adult development, is possibly help identify molecular targets for To. citricida control.
Child maltreatment – prevalence and characteristics of mandatory reports from dental professionals to the social services
Authors: Kvist Therese , Cocozza Madeleine , Annerbäck Eva‐Maria , Dahllöf Göran 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundDental professionals are required to report suspicions of child maltreatment to the social services. As yet, no studies assess the prevalence of these mandated reports from dental care services or their content.AimThis study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of mandated reports from dental professionals to the social services. Furthermore, it analyses associations between dental professionals reporting suspicions of maltreatment with such reports from other sources.DesignThe study collected dental mandatory reports from within one municipality of Sweden during 2008–2014. The material consisted of a total of 147 reports by dental professionals regarding 111 children.ResultsThe total prevalence of reports from dental care services to the social services was 1.5 per 1000 children with a significant increase between 2008 and 2011 (P < 0.001). The primary cause for a report concerned parental deficiencies in care (n = 93) and secondly, a concern for dental neglect (n = 52) (P < 0.001). Among all reports, 86% involved children with prior contacts with the social services.ConclusionReports to the social services from dental care services on suspicions of child maltreatment concern parental deficiencies (failure to attend appointments) and neglect (dental neglect). Mandated reports from dental care services often co‐occur with other mandated reports.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Consolidation of Cr2(C,N) Solid Solution Powders
Authors: Ma Shiqing , Ye Jinwen , Liu Anrui , Liu Ying , Wang Jie , Pang Jia 
Published: March 2016

Single‐phase Cr2(C,N) powders, which are mainly composed of large worm‐like particles with the diameter of 1–3 μm, have been successfully synthesized by carbothermal reduction nitridation (CRN) method at 1200°C for 1 h in N2 atmosphere for the first time. The phase evolution and morphology were investigated using XRD, TG‐DSC, SEM, and TEM techniques. The reactions during the synthesis process were proposed and analyzed. The surface of Cr2(C,N) determined by XPS is mainly composed of four elements, Cr, N, C, and O. Furthermore, the attempts to consolidate Cr2(C,N) powders were carried out using spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the fully densified bulk ceramics were obtained at 1200°C. The effect of sintering temperature on phase composition and mechanical properties were also discussed.
Wearable monitors for patients following discharge from an intensive care unit: practical lessons learnt from an observational study
Authors: Jeffs Emma , Vollam Sarah , Young J. Duncan , Horsington Lois , Lynch Breda , Watkinson Peter J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo identify the practical challenges encountered when using wearable monitors for patients discharged from the intensive care unit.BackgroundPatients discharged from intensive care units are a high‐risk group that might benefit from continuing observation using ‘wearable’ monitors to enable faster identification of physiological deterioration and facilitate timely clinical action. This area of technological innovation is of key interest to nurses who manage this group of patients.DesignA prospective observational study.MethodsAn observational study conducted in 2013–2014 used wearable monitors to record continuous observations for patients discharged from an intensive care unit to develop a predictive model of patients likely to deteriorate. Screening data for study eligibility and case report form data to assess monitor tolerance and comfort were collected daily and analysed using Microsoft Access.Results/findingsPatients (n = 2704) were discharged from an intensive care unit during the study, 208 consented to wearing the monitor. Of the 192 included in analysis, 130 (67·7%) removed the monitor before the trial finished. Reasons cited for removal included ‘discomfort and irritation’ 61 (31·8%) and ‘feeling too unwell’ 8 (4·2%). Five hundred seventeen patients were screened following adaption of the wearable monitor. Despite design changes, 56 (10·8%) patients were unable to wear monitors for reasons related to their anatomy or condition. Of 124 patients, 65 patients (52·4%) who were approached refused participation.ConclusionWork is needed to understand wireless monitor comfort and design for acutely unwell patients. Product design needs to develop further, so patients are catered for in flexibility of monitor placement and improved comfort for long‐term wear.
A MOOC based on blended pedagogy
Authors: Rayyan S. , Fredericks C. , Colvin K.F. , Liu A. , Teodorescu R. , Barrantes A. , Pawl A. , Seaton D.T. , Pritchard D.E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe describe three iterations of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) developed from online preparation materials for a reformed introductory physics classroom at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in which the teaching staff interact with small groups of students doing problems using an expert problem‐solving pedagogy. The MOOC contains an e‐text, simple checkpoint problems and homework. We show how certain course design aspects affect student behaviour: (a) frequent quizzes correlated with students reading a large fraction of the e‐text, and (b) When homework sets are arranged by increasing (instructor‐estimated) difficulty, we found strong correlations between difficulty and time to solution, but weak correlations with percent correct. Modifications to the second offering of the course resulted in higher retention. These modifications included targeting physics teachers and posting materials well in advance. We define retention as certificates earned relative to participants who make a significant effort on the second assignment. Retention measured this way varied between 44% and 72%, being highest in the course aimed at teachers. We show that there is significant learning among MOOC participants. Applying item response theory to common homework problems showed that the MOOC participants had significantly higher ability than students in a Massachusetts Institute of Technology course and that they maintained this advantage over the duration of the MOOC.
The MOOC and learning analytics innovation cycle (MOLAC): a reflective summary of ongoing research and its challenges
Authors: Drachsler H. , Kalz M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe article deals with the interplay between learning analytics and massive open online courses (MOOCs) and provides a conceptual framework to situate ongoing research in the MOOC and learning analytics innovation cycle (MOLAC framework). The MOLAC framework is organized on three levels: On the micro‐level, the data collection and analytics activities are focused on individual reflection and individual prediction. On the meso‐level, data from several open courses are combined to support benchmarking and to create insights about behaviour of groups of learners rather than the individual. These insights can inform the institution to adapt their educational model. On the macro‐level of the framework, cross‐institutional learning analytics enables to develop learning and teaching interventions that can be tested in a cluster of educational organizations to analyse the impact of these interventions beyond contextual factors. The article proposes four areas of future activities that are needed to enable the MOLAC framework. These are the standardization of the description of the educational design of MOOCs, data sharing facilities across institutions, joint policymaking and ethical guidelines and last but not least standardized evaluation approaches.
Subthreshold nitric oxide synthase inhibition improves synergistic effects of subthreshold MMP‐2/MLCK‐mediated cardiomyocyte protection from hypoxic injury
Authors: Bil‐Lula Iwona , Lin Han‐Bin , Biały Dariusz , Wawrzyńska Magdalena , Diebel Lucas , Sawicka Jolanta , Woźniak Mieczyslaw , Sawicki Grzegorz 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInjury of myocardium during ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a complex and multifactorial process involving uncontrolled protein phosphorylation, nitration/nitrosylation by increased production of nitric oxide and accelerated contractile protein degradation by matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2). It has been shown that simultaneous inhibition of MMP‐2 with doxycycline (Doxy) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) with ML‐7 at subthreshold concentrations protects the heart from contractile dysfunction triggered by I/R in a synergistic manner. In this study, we showed that additional co‐administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (1400W or L‐NAME) in subthreshold concentrations improves this synergistic protection in the model of hypoxia–reoxygenation (H‐R)‐induced contractile dysfunction of cardiomyocytes. Isolated cardiomyocytes were subjected to 3 min. of hypoxia and 20 min. of reoxygenation in the presence or absence of the inhibitor cocktails. Contractility of cardiomyocytes was expressed as myocyte peak shortening. Inhibition of MMP‐2 by Doxy (25–100 μM), MLCK by ML‐7 (0.5–5 μM) and NOS by L‐NAME (25–100 μM) or 1400W (25–100 μM) protected myocyte contractility after H‐R in a concentration‐dependent manner. Inhibition of these activities resulted in full recovery of cardiomyocyte contractility after H‐R at the level of highest single‐drug concentration. The combination of subthreshold concentrations of NOS, MMP‐2 and MLCK inhibitors fully protected cardiomyocyte contractility and MLC1 from degradation by MMP‐2. The observed protection with addition of L‐NAME or 1400W was better than previously reported combination of ML‐7 and Doxy. The results of this study suggest that addition of NOS inhibitor to the mixture of inhibitors is better strategy for protecting cardiomyocyte contractility.
Sphingosine 1‐phosphate and its carrier apolipoprotein M in human sepsis and in Escherichia coli sepsis in baboons
Authors: Frej Cecilia , Linder Adam , Happonen Kaisa E. , Taylor Fletcher B. , Lupu Florea , Dahlbäck Björn 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is an important regulator of vascular integrity and immune cell migration, carried in plasma by high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐associated apolipoprotein M (apoM) and by albumin. In sepsis, the protein and lipid composition of HDL changes dramatically. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in S1P and its carrier protein apoM during sepsis. For this purpose, plasma samples from both human sepsis patients and from an experimental Escherichia coli sepsis model in baboons were used. In the human sepsis cohort, previously studied for apoM, plasma demonstrated disease‐severity correlated decreased S1P levels, the profile mimicking that of plasma apoM. In the baboons, a similar disease‐severity dependent decrease in plasma levels of S1P and apoM was observed. In the lethal E. coli baboon sepsis, S1P decreased already within 6–8 hrs, whereas the apoM decrease was seen later at 12–24 hrs. Gel filtration chromatography of plasma from severe human or baboon sepsis on Superose 6 demonstrated an almost complete loss of S1P and apoM in the HDL fractions. S1P plasma concentrations correlated with the platelet count but not with erythrocytes or white blood cells. The liver mRNA levels of apoM and apoA1 decreased strongly upon sepsis induction and after 12 hr both were almost completely lost. In conclusion, during septic challenge, the plasma levels of S1P drop to very low levels. Moreover, the liver synthesis of apoM decreases severely and the plasma levels of apoM are reduced. Possibly, the decrease in S1P contributes to the decreased endothelial barrier function observed in sepsis.