bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Southern tomato virus by molecular hybridisation
Authors: Puchades A.V. , Carpino C. , Alfaro‐Fernandez A. , Font‐San‐Ambrosio M.I. , Davino S. , Guerri J. , Rubio L. , Galipienso L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSouthern tomato virus (STV) is a double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus belonging to the genus Amalgavirus from the family Amalgamaviridae. STV has been detected in tomato plants showing symptoms of stunting, fruit discoloration and size reduction, although its role on symptom development is unclear. Also, little is known about the incidence and epidemiology of this virus and how it spreads in tomato crops. In this work, we developed a molecular hybridisation method by using a digoxigenin‐labelled RNA probe based on the nucleotide sequence of the STV putative coat protein which was tested with different procedures for preparation of plant material. This technique was sensitive enough to detect STV from sap extracts (obtained just by grinding in buffer) from different plant tissues such as leaves, fruits, roots and seeds. This procedure is suitable for field surveys since it allows a cheap and quick processing of a high number of samples. Surveys performed in three important tomato production areas (Peninsular Spain, the Canary Islands and Sicily) showed that STV is widely spread, with incidences ranging from 18% to 74% in different local and commercial tomato varieties.
Embedding assessment in a simulation skills training program for medical and midwifery students: A pre‐ and post‐intervention evaluation
Authors: Kumar Arunaz , Nestel Debra , East Christine , Hay Margaret , Lichtwark Irene , McLelland Gayle , Bentley Deidre , Hall Helen , Fernando Shavi , Hobson Sebastian , Larmour Luke , Dekoninck Philip , Wallace Euan M. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundSimulation‐based programs are increasingly being used to teach obstetrics and gynaecology examinations, but it is difficult to establish student learning acquired through them. Assessment may test student learning but its role in learning itself is rarely recognised. We undertook this study to assess medical and midwifery student learning through a simulation program using a pre‐test and post‐test design and also to evaluate use of assessment as a method of learning.MethodsThe interprofessional simulation education program consisted of a brief pre‐reading document, a lecture, a video demonstration and a hands‐on workshop. Over a 24‐month period, 405 medical and 104 midwifery students participated in the study and were assessed before and after the program. Numerical data were analysed using paired t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance. Students’ perceptions of the role of assessment in learning were qualitatively analysed.ResultsThe post‐test scores were significantly higher than the pre‐test (P < 0.001) with improvements in scores in both medical and midwifery groups. Students described the benefit of assessment on learning in preparation of the assessment, reinforcement of learning occurring during assessment and reflection on performance cementing previous learning as a post‐assessment effect.ConclusionBoth medical and midwifery students demonstrated a significant improvement in their test scores and for most students the examination process itself was a positive learning experience.
Grading students' programming and soft skills with open badges: A case study
Authors: Tomić Bojan , Jovanović Jelena , Milikić Nikola , Devedžić Vladan , Dimitrijević Sonja , Đurić Dragan , Ševarac Zoran 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWell‐developed programming (technical) skills are very important for software engineers, information systems engineers and programmers in general. However, they must also possess relevant personal skills (soft skills) to be successful at the workplace (eg, collaboration, solving real‐world problems and communication). The latter, however, are rarely assessed and acknowledged in regular software engineering courses. This paper describes the results of a small case study involving an extracurricular Java programming course in which, in addition to knowledge and skills in relevant technologies, students' soft skills were also assessed. As part of the assessment, students have been awarded Open Badges. The study was exploratory in nature, aimed at examining Open Badges as a motivational mechanism, students' engagement in attaining soft skills and students' perception of soft skills and Open Badges. The results suggest that Open Badges may not be so effective in motivating students to complete the assignments nor attend the course, although students' perception of Open Badges is generally positive. Soft skills were generally perceived as important as hard skills. Students' engagement in attaining soft skills could be affected by assignment announcement time and its level of difficulty.
FTY720 ameliorates renal fibrosis by simultaneously affecting leucocyte recruitment and TGF-β signalling in fibroblasts
Authors: Tian T , Zhang J , Zhu X , Wen S , Shi D , Zhou H 
Published: June 2017

Summary
Renal fibrosis is the common final manifestation of chronic kidney diseases and usually results in end-stage renal failure. In this study, we evaluated the effect of fingolimod (FTY720), an analogue of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), as a treatment for the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis animal model. We treated mice with FTY720 at a dosage of 1 mg/kg/day by intragastric administration from day 1 until day 7. The control group received the same amount of saline. FTY720 reduced significantly the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in treated UUO mice. FTY720 treatment also caused a significant decrease in interstitial expansion and collagen deposition in the kidney, accompanied by reduced mononuclear cell recruitment and inflammatory cytokine expression. In addition, the expression levels of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) were suppressed in the ligated kidney by FTY720 administration, suggesting reduced renal endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, in renal interstitial fibroblast normal rat kidney (NRK)-49F cells, FTY720 significantly affected transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression and collagen synthesis by inhibiting both the Mothers against decapentaplegic homologue (Smad)2/3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (PI3K/AKT/GSK3β) signalling pathways. S1P1 knock-down by siRNA reversed this effect significantly in our fibroblast cell culture model. Therefore, FTY720 attenuates renal fibrosis via two different mechanisms: first, FTY720 suppresses the synthesis of extracellular matrix in interstitial fibroblasts by interfering with TGF-β signalling; and secondly, FTY720 affects endothelial cell activation and chemokine expression, thereby reducing immune cell recruitment into the kidney.
Somapacitan, a once‐weekly reversible albumin‐binding GH derivative, in children with GH deficiency: A randomized dose‐escalation trial
Authors: Battelino Tadej , Rasmussen Michael Højby , De Schepper Jean , Zuckerman‐Levin Nehama , Gucev Zoran , Sävendahl Lars ,   the NN8640‐4042 Study Group
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the safety, local tolerability, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of escalating single doses of once‐weekly somapacitan, a reversible, albumin‐binding GH derivative, vs once‐daily GH in children with GH deficiency (GHD).DesignPhase 1, randomized, open‐label, active‐controlled, dose‐escalation trial (NCT01973244).PatientsThirty‐two prepubertal GH‐treated children with GHD were sequentially randomized 3:1 within each of four cohorts to a single dose of somapacitan (0.02, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.16 mg/kg; n=6 each), or once‐daily Norditropin® SimpleXx® (0.03 mg/kg; n=2 each) for 7 days.MeasurementsPharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were assessed.ResultsAdverse events were all mild, and there were no apparent treatment‐dependent patterns in type or frequency. Four mild transient injection site reactions were reported in three of 24 children treated with somapacitan. No antisomapacitan/anti‐human growth hormone (hGH) antibodies were detected. Mean serum concentrations of somapacitan increased in a dose‐dependent but nonlinear manner: maximum concentration ranged from 21.8 ng/mL (0.02 mg/kg dose) to 458.4 ng/mL (0.16 mg/kg dose). IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3, and change from baseline in IGF‐I standard deviation score (SDS) and IGFBP‐3 SDS, increased dose dependently; greatest changes in SDS values were seen for 0.16 mg/kg. IGF‐I SDS values were between −2 and +2 SDS, except for peak IGF‐I SDS with 0.08 mg/kg somapacitan. Postdosing, IGF‐I SDS remained above baseline levels for at least 1 week.ConclusionsSingle doses of once‐weekly somapacitan (0.02‐0.16 mg/kg) were well tolerated in children with GHD, with IGF‐I profiles supporting a once‐weekly treatment profile. No clinically significant safety/tolerability signals or immunogenicity concerns were identified.
High burden of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Kazankov Konstantin , Munk Kim , Øvrehus Kristian Altern , Jensen Jesper Møller , Siggaard Cecilie Brøckner , Grønbæk Henning , Nørgaard Bjarne Linde , Vilstrup Hendrik 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundPopulation studies report increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Coronary artery disease may be a trait of end‐stage liver disease, but whether it is frequent or extensive in cirrhosis in general is unknown. Thus, we aimed to assess the prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease in unselected cirrhosis patients.Materials and methodsUsing coronary computed tomography angiography, we investigated 52 patients from all Child‐Pugh classes and aetiologies of cirrhosis without known cardiac disease for presence and severity of coronary artery disease in a cross‐sectional design. Persons referred with new‐onset chest pain served as controls.ResultsThe prevalence of coronary artery disease was not significantly different between cirrhosis patients and controls (77% vs. 65%, P=0·19). However, cirrhosis patients had a markedly higher coronary artery calcification (Agatston) score than controls (120 [interquartile range, 0–345] vs. 5 [interquartile range, 0–86] HU, P=0·001). Likewise, patients with cirrhosis had a higher prevalence of extensive (≥5 coronary segments involved; 45% vs. 18%, P=0·01) and multivessel coronary disease (≥2 vessels involved; 75% vs. 53%, P=0·02). Furthermore, the total plaque volume whether noncalcified or calcified was higher in cirrhosis (117 [interquartile range, 0–310] vs. 36 [interquartile range, 0–148] mm3, P=0·02).ConclusionCoronary artery disease is equally prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and subjects with new‐onset chest pain, but cirrhosis patients have more extensive and severe disease including several coronary high‐risk features associated with myocardial ischaemia and a poor clinical outcome. The potential of preventive measures for coronary artery disease in cirrhosis needs attention.
Migration pathways, speed and mortality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in a Scottish river and the near‐shore coastal marine environment
Authors: Lothian Angus J. , Newton Matthew , Barry James , Walters Marcus , Miller Richard C. , Adams Colin E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLong‐distance migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is known to result in high levels of mortality. For a species experiencing global population decline, it is thus vital to better understand migration behaviour, both in the river and marine stages. Atlantic salmon smolts (n = 50) were tracked using acoustic telemetry in the River Deveron, Scotland, and adjacent coastal area. Higher rates of mortality were observed in the river (0.77% per km) than the early marine stage of migration (0.0% per km). Mortality likely resulted from predation. Higher swim speeds were recorded in the early marine stage compared with the river (marine = 7.37 ± 28.20 km/day; river = 5.03 ± 1.73 km/day [mean ± SD]), a potential predator avoidance behaviour. The majority of smolts leaving the river did so in darkness and on a flooding tide. Overall river and marine migration success were linked to nights of lower lunar brightness. Marine migration speed decreased with increasing environmental noise levels, a finding with implications for fisheries management. The migration pathway in the early marine environment did not follow obvious geographical features, such as the coastline. Thus, we suggest that early marine environment pathways are more influenced by complex water currents. These findings highlight factors that influence smolt migration survival and behaviour, areas on which future research should focus.
The prognostic value of a trend in modified SOFA score for patients with hematological malignancies in the intensive care unit
Authors: Demandt Astrid M.P. , Geerse Daniël A. , Janssen Bram J.P. , Winkens Bjorn , Schouten Harry C. , van Mook Walther N.K.A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatients with hematological malignancies admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) have a poor prognosis. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is used to monitor patients on the ICU. Little is known about the value of this score in hematology patients. Therefore, the prognostic value of the SOFA score and a modified hematological SOFA score (SOFAhem) was studied.MethodsPatients with hematological malignancies admitted to the ICU between 1999 and 2009 were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. The SOFAhem score was defined as the original SOFA score omitting the coagulation and neurological parameters.ResultsIn 149 admissions, ICU mortality was 52%. Mortality was significantly associated with higher SOFA and SOFAhem scores on admission, and trend in SOFAhem scores. An unchanged and increased SOFAhem score compared to decreasing SOFAhem scores was associated with a higher mortality rate (53% resp 67% resp 25%).ConclusionsTrends in SOFA or SOFAhem score are both suitable as prognostic parameter. The trend in SOFAhem score seems to be independently related to mortality in hematological patients admitted to the ICU, and because of the higher odds ratios and lower P‐values compared to the SOFA score, it is probably stronger related to mortality than the classical score, but its prognostic value should be tested in a larger cohort.
Neighborhood perception and self‐rated health among Mexican American older adults
Authors: Stroope Samuel , Cohen Isaiah F.A. , Tom Joshua C. , Franzen Aaron B. , Valasik Matthew A. , Markides Kyriakos S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between neighborhood perception and poor self‐rated health among older Mexican Americans, adjusting for important background characteristics, such as neighborhood ethnic composition and other health conditions.MethodsDrawing on the 2004–2005 Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly data (n = 1780), the present study used logistic regression to examine the effects of neighborhood perception on poor self‐rated health of older Mexican Americans.ResultsThe results show that participants with a greater positive perception of their neighborhood were less likely to report poor self‐rated health, controlling for both socioeconomic status and health status covariates.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that positive neighborhood perception serves as an important protective factor in overall health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2559–2564.
High temperature oxidation resistance of Ti3SiC2 in air and low oxygen atmosphere
Authors: Ji Yiqiu , Zan Qingfeng , Wang Xiangang , Zhu Yuanyuan , Zhou Aiguo , Lin Xuping 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe oxidation resistance of high‐purity and dense Ti3SiC2 bulk ceramic which was prepared by hot‐pressing was investigated at 700‐1200°C for 5‐40 hours in air and low oxygen atmosphere, respectively. After oxidation, the mass gain curves of Ti3SiC2 were obtained, and the oxide layer was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that the oxide layer was mainly TiO2 and SiO2 mixture below 1100°C in air. When the oxidation temperature reached 1100°C and above, the oxidation proceeded rapidly, and the mass gain curves followed the parabolic law. The oxide layer changed from single‐layer to double‐layer structure, which comprised of an inner layer of TiO2 with SiO2 solid solution and an outer layer of TiO2. In low oxygen atmosphere, the oxidation was fainter than that in air. But the double‐layer structure would also occur. These two oxide layers could protect the substrate to be further oxidized. In summary, Ti3SiC2 bulk materials possess good high temperature oxidation resistance both in air and low oxygen atmosphere below 1100°C.
Are ILC2s Jekyll and Hyde in airway inflammation?
Authors: Ealey Kafi N. , Moro Kazuyo , Koyasu Shigeo 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAsthma is a complex heterogeneous disease of the airways characterized by lung inflammation, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), mucus overproduction, and remodeling of the airways. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a crucial role in the initiation and propagation of type 2 inflammatory programs in allergic asthma models, independent of adaptive immunity. In response to allergen, helminths or viral infection, damaged airway epithelial cells secrete IL‐33, IL‐25, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which activate ILC2s to produce type 2 cytokines such as IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐9. Furthermore, ILC2s coordinate a network of cellular responses and interact with numerous cell types to propagate the inflammatory response and repair lung damage. ILC2s display functional plasticity in distinct asthma phenotypes, enabling them to respond to very different immune microenvironments. Thus, in the context of non‐allergic asthma, triggered by exposure to environmental factors, ILC2s transdifferentiate to ILC1‐like cells and activate type 1 inflammatory programs in the lung. In this review, we summarize accumulating evidence on the heterogeneity, plasticity, regulatory mechanisms, and pleiotropic roles of ILC2s in allergic inflammation as well as mechanisms for their suppression in the airways.
Development of allergic immunity in early life
Authors: Lloyd Clare M. , Saglani Sejal 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe growth and maturity of the peripheral immune system and subsequent development of pulmonary immunity in early life is dictated by host, environmental and microbial factors. Dysregulation during the critical window of immune development in the postnatal years results in disease which impacts on lifelong lung health. Asthma is a common disease in childhood and is often preceded by wheezing illnesses during the preschool years. However, the mechanisms underlying development of wheeze and how and why only some children progress to asthma is unknown. Human studies to date have generally focused on peripheral immune development, with little assessment of local tissue pathology in young children. Moreover, mechanisms underlying the interactions between inflammation and tissue repair at mucosal surfaces in early life remain unknown. Disappointingly, mechanistic studies in mice have predominantly used adult models. This review will consider the aspects of the neonatal immune system which might contribute to the development of early life wheezing disorders and asthma, and discuss the external environmental factors which may influence this process.
Occupational skin diseases: actual state analysis of patient management pathways in 28 European countries
Authors: Mahler V. , Aalto‐Korte K. , Alfonso J.H. , Bakker J.G. , Bauer A. , Bensefa‐Colas L. , Boman A. , Bourke J. , Bubaš M. , Bulat P. , Chaloupka J. , Constandt L. , Danielsen T.E. , Darlenski R. , Dugonik A. , Ettler K. , Gimenez‐Arnau A. , Gonçalo M. , Johansen J.D. , John S.M. , Kiec‐Swierczynska M. , Koch P. , Kohánka V. , Krecisz B. , Larese Filon F. , Ljubojević S. , Macan J. , Marinović B. , Matura M. , Mihatsch P.W. , Mijakoski D. , Minov J. , Pace J. , Pesonen M. , Ramada Rodilla J.M. , Rast H. , Reljic V. , Salavastru C. , Schuster C. , Schuttelaar M.L. , Simon D. , Spiewak R. , Jurakic Tončić R. , Urbanček S. , Valiukevičienė S. , Weinert P. , Wilkinson M. , Uter W. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundWork‐related skin diseases (WSD) are caused or worsened by a professional activity. Occupational skin diseases (OSD) need to fulfil additional legal criteria which differ from country to country. OSD range amongst the five most frequently notified occupational diseases (musculoskeletal diseases, neurologic diseases, lung diseases, diseases of the sensory organs, skin diseases) in Europe.ObjectiveTo retrieve information and compare the current state of national frameworks and pathways to manage patients with occupational skin disease with regard to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in different European countries.MethodsA questionnaire‐based survey of the current situation regarding OSD patient management pathways was carried out with experts on occupational dermatology and/or occupational medicine from 28 European countries contributing to the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action TD 1206 (StanDerm) (www.standerm.eu).ResultsBesides a national health service or a statutory health insurance, most European member states implemented a second insurance scheme specifically geared at occupational diseases [insurance against occupational risks (synonyms: insurance against work accidents and occupational injuries; statutory social accident insurance)]. Legal standards for the assessment of occupationally triggered diseases with a genetic background differ between different countries, however, in most European member states recognition as OSD is possible. In one‐third of the countries UV light‐induced tumours can be recognized as OSD under specific conditions.ConclusionOSD definitions vary between European countries and are not directly comparable, which hampers comparisons between statistics collected in different countries. Awareness of this fact and further efforts for standardization are necessary.
Preparation and evaluation of cefquinome‐loaded gelatin microspheres and the pharmacokinetics in pigs
Authors: Zhang S. , Dai W. , Lu Z. , Lei Z. , Yang B. , He B. , Zhou H. , Cao J. 
Published: June 2017

Cefquinome (CEF) is widely used for veterinary clinical applications because of its broad spectrum and high efficiency. However, frequent administrations are required due to its short elimination half‐life. In this study, cefquinome sulfate gelatin microspheres (CEF‐GMS) were prepared as a sustained‐release formulation using emulsion chemical cross‐linking technique. Physical properties, stability, sustained‐release property in vitro, and pharmacokinetics in pigs were assessed. The morphology of CEF‐GMS showed a good sphericity with porous structure on the surface, and the mean diameter was 8.80 ± 0.78 μm, with 90.60 ± 3.98% of the total in the range of 5–20 μm. There were no significant changes of all estimated indexes in the stability tests. In vitro drug release study showed that the release of CEF from CEF‐GMS was much slower than that from crude CEF in a release medium. Pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated following intramuscular administration of CEF‐GMS or Cefquinome sulfate injection (CEF‐Inj) in pigs at a dosage of 4 mg CEF/kg body weight. The plasma drug concentration–time data of CEF‐GMS and CEF‐Inj were both best fitted by two‐compartment models with first‐order absorption, and the elimination half‐life of CEF‐GMS was almost 10 times that of CEF‐Inj. Overall, CEF‐GMS might be used as a sustained‐release formulation of CEF for veterinary clinical applications.