bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and immunomodulatory differences among lactobacilli exopolysaccharides isolated from intestines of mice with experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Górska Sabina , Sandstrőm Corine , Wojas-Turek Justyna , Rossowska Joanna , Pajtasz-Piasecka Elżbieta , Brzozowska Ewa , Gamian Andrzej 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCharacteristic changes in the microbiota biostructure and a decreased tolerance to intestinal bacteria have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, few studies have examined the constituents of the intestinal microbiota, including the surface molecules of the bacteria, in healthy and IBD subsets. Here, we compare the chemical structures and immunomodulatory properties of the exopolysaccharides (EPS) of lactobacilli isolated from mice with induced IBD (IBD “+”) versus those of healthy mice (IBD “−”). Classical structural analyses were performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Immunomodulatory properties were assessed by stimulation of dendritic cells derived from mouse bone marrow or human peripheral mononuclear blood cells. Our results revealed that EPS produced by IBD “+” species are structurally different from those isolated from IBD “−”. Moreover, the structurally different EPS generate different immune responses by dendritic cells. We speculate that resident strains could, upon gut inflammation, switch to producing EPS with specific motifs that are absent from lactobacilli IBD “−”, and/or that bacteria with a particular EPS structure might inhabit the inflamed intestinal mucosa. This study may shed light on the role of EPS in IBD and help the development of a specific probiotic therapy for this disease.
Functional states of rat cortical circuits during the unpredictable availability of a reward-related cue
Authors: Fernández-Lamo Iván , Sánchez-Campusano Raudel , Gruart Agnès , Delgado-García M José M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractProper performance of acquired abilities can be disturbed by the unexpected occurrence of external changes. Rats trained with an operant conditioning task (to press a lever in order to obtain a food pellet) using a fixed-ratio (1:1) schedule were subsequently placed in a Skinner box in which the lever could be removed randomly. Field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPs) were chronically evoked in perforant pathway-hippocampal CA1 (PP-CA1), CA1-subiculum (CA1-SUB), CA1-medial prefrontal cortex (CA1-mPFC), mPFC-nucleus accumbens (mPFC-NAc), and mPFC-basolateral amygdala (mPFC-BLA) synapses during lever IN and lever OUT situations. While lever presses were accompanied by a significant increase in fPSP slopes at the five synapses, the unpredictable absence of the lever were accompanied by decreased fPSP slopes in all, except PP-CA1 synapses. Spectral analysis of local field potentials (LFPs) recorded when the animal approached the corresponding area in the lever OUT situation presented lower spectral powers than during lever IN occasions for all recording sites, apart from CA1. Thus, the unpredictable availability of a reward-related cue modified the activity of cortical and subcortical areas related with the acquisition of operant learning tasks, suggesting an immediate functional reorganization of these neural circuits to address the changed situation and to modify ongoing behaviors accordingly.
Embodied neurofeedback with an anthropomorphic robotic hand
Authors: Braun Niclas , Emkes Reiner , Thorne Jeremy D. , Debener Stefan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNeurofeedback-guided motor imagery training (NF-MIT) has been suggested as a promising therapy for stroke-induced motor impairment. Whereas much NF-MIT research has aimed at signal processing optimization, the type of sensory feedback given to the participant has received less attention. Often the feedback signal is highly abstract and not inherently coupled to the mental act performed. In this study, we asked whether an embodied feedback signal is more efficient for neurofeedback operation than a non-embodiable feedback signal. Inspired by the rubber hand illusion, demonstrating that an artificial hand can be incorporated into one’s own body scheme, we used an anthropomorphic robotic hand to visually guide the participants’ motor imagery act and to deliver neurofeedback. Using two experimental manipulations, we investigated how a participant’s neurofeedback performance and subjective experience were influenced by the embodiability of the robotic hand, and by the neurofeedback signal’s validity. As pertains to embodiment, we found a promoting effect of robotic-hand embodiment in subjective, behavioral, electrophysiological and electrodermal measures. Regarding neurofeedback signal validity, we found some differences between real and sham neurofeedback in terms of subjective and electrodermal measures, but not in terms of behavioral and electrophysiological measures. This study motivates the further development of embodied feedback signals for NF-MIT.
Myopathie à surcharge lipidique secondaire à une nouvelle mutation du gène PNPLA2
Authors: Jousserand Guillemette , Streichenberger Nathalie , Petiot Philippe 
Published: November 2016

La myopathie due à des mutations du gène PNPLA2 est une entité rare entraînant une accumulation de gouttelettes lipidiques dans différents tissus dont le muscle et les leucocytes. Ce gène code l’ATGL (adipose triacylglycerol lipase), une enzyme qui catalyse l’hydrolyse des triglycérides. Nous rapportons ici le cas d’un patient de 54 ans présentant une myopathie distale et une cardiomyopathie. La biopsie musculaire met en évidence une accumulation de gouttelettes lipidiques dans les myocytes. Malgré l’absence de corps de Jordan dans les leucocytes, le diagnostic de myopathie par mutation du gène PNPLA2 est quand même envisagé, diagnostic que la biologie moléculaire confirmera avec l’identification d’une nouvelle mutation (c.798_799insC ; p.Ala267Argfsx40) dans l’exon 7 du gène PNPLA2.
Who Cares What Others Think (or Do)? Social Learning and Social Pressures in Cotton Farming in India
Authors: Maertens Annemie 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper examines the role that social networks play in the adoption process of Bacillus thurigiensis (Bt) cotton, a type of genetically engineered cotton that has been available on the Indian market since 2002. Using a unique dataset and empirical methodology, I find that farmers appeared to have exclusively learned from the experimentation of a small set of “progressive” farmers in the village, that is, adoption by other (“regular”) farmers was not considered a useful source of information about the technology. Second, I find evidence of social pressures, originating from the belief that Bt cotton might be hazardous to the environment and livestock, which inhibited adoption, at least for some time.
Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on Mortality of Cryptococcal Infection in Patients Without HIV
Authors: Spec Andrej , Olsen Margaret A. , Raval Krunal , Powderly William G. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Background.
An infectious disease (ID) consultation (consult) is often obtained to treat patients with cryptococcosis due to the complex nature of the disease, but has never been demonstrated to impact outcomes.

Methods.
We assembled a retrospective cohort of 147 consecutive cases of cryptococcosis in patients without human immunodeficiency virus. Patients who were diagnosed &lt;24 hours prior to death were excluded. Survival analysis was performed with Cox regression with survival censored past 90 days.

Results.
The patients with an ID consult had a higher fungal burden but a lower 90-day mortality compared with patients without ID involvement (27% vs 45%; P &lt; .001), with an adjusted hazard ratio of not receiving an ID consult of 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 2.2–7.6). The ID consult group was more likely to receive an indicated lumbar puncture (86% vs 32%; P &lt; .001), and more likely to be treated with amphotericin B (AmB) (87% vs 24%; P &lt; .001) and flucytosine (5-FC) (57% vs 16%; P &lt; .001) when indicated. The duration of therapy with AmB (14 vs 11 days; P = .05) and 5-FC (7.5 days vs 1 day; P &lt; .001) was longer in the ID consult group.

Conclusions.
Patients who received an ID consult were significantly less likely to die in the 90 days following diagnosis. Patients seen by ID physicians were more likely to be managed according to evidence-based practice established by randomized controlled trials and published in Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. These data suggest that an ID consult should be an integral part of clinical care of patients with cryptococcosis.
Effect of the Direct Oral Anticoagulants Rivaroxaban and Apixaban on the Disposition of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Vanhove Thomas , Spriet Isabel , Annaert Pieter , Maertens Johan , Van Cleemput Johan , Vos Robin , Kuypers Dirk 
Published: November 2016

Background:
Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) share certain metabolic pathways, but whether DOACs influence CNI exposure has not been assessed.

Methods:
A single-center retrospective analysis was performed including 39 organ recipients treated with the combination of a CNI and rivaroxaban (n = 29) or apixaban (n = 10). Dose-corrected CNI trough concentrations (C0/D) during 200 days before and after DOAC initiation were recorded (n = 261), together with covariates known to influence CNI disposition such as steroid dose and hematocrit. The average C0/D before and during DOAC therapy was compared using paired samples t test. Multivariable mixed models were constructed to estimate the effect of DOAC and other predictors on C0/D at each time point.

Results:
Group average C0/D was not significantly different before and during DOAC therapy for any CNI–DOAC combination (P = 0.089–0.761), although C0/D changed >20% in 19/39 patients (13 increases, 6 decreases). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of tacrolimus C0/D were methylprednisolone dose (P = 0.039) and concomitant use of a CYP3A inhibitor (P = 0.007). The subgroup analysis per DOAC showed a limited but significant effect of rivaroxaban on tacrolimus C0/D (9.2% increase, P = 0.042). Independent predictors of ciclosporin C0/D were age (P = 0.018) and use of any DOAC (12.1% increase, P = 0.020).

Conclusions:
Apixaban, and particularly rivaroxaban, may cause a limited (<20%) increase in CNI trough concentration, an effect that is unlikely to trigger a dose change. It may be prudent to perform an additional CNI trough concentration measurement 5–7 days after DOAC initiation, but preemptive CNI dose changes are not warranted based on these observations.
Occult Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in a Seronegative Stem Cell Transplant Recipient
Authors: Chandrasekar Pranatharthi H. , Levine Miriam T. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Occult Hepatitis B virus infection is not a well-recognized entity. We describe the case of a seronegative (HB surface antigen, HB core antibody, and HB surface antibody negative) patient who had reactivation of occult hepatitis B infection after an allogenic stem cell transplantation. Whether every potential stem cell recipient should be screened for hepatitis B DNA in serum before transplantation is unclear. The case report raises the awareness of possible reactivation of occult hepatitis B infection in completely seronegative transplant recipients who present with elevated serum transaminase levels.
When is it ok to use a splint versus cast and what remodeling can one expect for common pediatric forearm fractures
Authors: Runyon Robert S. , Doyle Shevaun M. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of common pediatric forearm fractures, clarify the descriptions used to identify and thereby appropriately treat them with a splint or cast, and explain osseous remodeling that is unique to the skeletally immature.

Recent findings
Recent literature addresses the gap in standard treatment protocols. There is variability in the management of pediatric forearm fractures because of the multiple subspecialty physicians that care for children's fractures and a lack of well established guidelines.

Conclusion
The following review will expound upon the assortment of pediatric forearm fractures, address suitable treatment options, and illustrate the expected restoration of bony deformity in an effort to update practitioners of the most recent advances in research and clinical practice of this common orthopedic injury.
An International Comparison of the Instigation and Design of Health Registers in the Epidemiological Response to Major Environmental Health Incidents
Authors: Behbod Behrooz , Leonardi Giovanni , Motreff Yvon , Beck Charles R. , Yzermans Joris , Lebret Erik , Muravov Oleg I. , Bayleyegn Tesfaye , Wolkin Amy Funk , Lauriola Paolo , Close Rebecca , Crabbe Helen , Pirard Philippe 
Published: November 2016

Context:
Epidemiological preparedness is vital in providing relevant, transparent, and timely intelligence for the management, mitigation, and prevention of public health impacts following major environmental health incidents. A register is a set of records containing systematically collected, standardized data about individual people. Planning for a register of people affected by or exposed to an incident is one of the evolving tools in the public health preparedness and response arsenal.

Objective:
We compared and contrasted the instigation and design of health registers in the epidemiological response to major environmental health incidents in England, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Design:
Consultation with experts from the 5 nations, supplemented with a review of gray and peer-reviewed scientific literature to identify examples where registers have been used.

Setting:
Populations affected by or at risk from major environmental health incidents in England, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Methods:
Nations were compared with respect to the (1) types of major incidents in their remit for considering a register; (2) arrangements for triggering a register; (3) approaches to design of register; (4) arrangements for register implementation; (5) uses of registers; and (6) examples of follow-up studies.

Results:
Health registers have played a key role in the effective public health response to major environmental incidents, including sudden chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear, as well as natural, more prolonged incidents. Value has been demonstrated in the early and rapid deployment of health registers, enabling the capture of a representative population.

Conclusion:
The decision to establish a health register must ideally be confirmed immediately or soon after the incident using a set of agreed criteria. The establishment of protocols for the instigation, design, and implementation of health registers is recommended as part of preparedness activities. Key stakeholders must be aware of the importance of, and protocols for, establishing a register.
Agencies will find value in preparing and implementing registers as part of an effective public health response to major environmental incidents, including sudden chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incidents, as well as natural, more prolonged incidents.
Digital Subtraction of Magnetic Resonance Images Improves Detection and Characterization of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: De Robertis Riccardo , Tinazzi Martini Paolo , Cingarlini Sara , Ortolani Silvia , Butturini Giovanni , Regi Paolo , Landoni Luca , Tortora Giampaolo , Pederzoli Paolo , D’Onofrio Mirko 
Published: November 2016

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of digital image subtraction of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images for detection and characterization of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs).

Methods
Magnetic resonance examinations of 50 histologically verified PanNENs were retrospectively evaluated by 2 radiologists; 50 ductal adenocarcinomas were included as a control group. Late arterial phase images and correspondent subtracted images were analyzed. Tumor detectability on a subjective 3-point scale and contrast-to-noise ratios were compared across sequences using paired Student t tests. Tumor signal intensity was compared between sequences using χ2 or Fisher exact tests.

Results
Subjective conspicuity and contrast-to-noise ratios of PanNENs were significantly higher on subtracted images compared with correspondent late arterial phase images (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002). The rate of clearly hyperenhancing PanNENs was higher on subtracted images compared with arterial phase images (76% vs 36%).

Conclusions
Digital image subtraction improves tumor conspicuity and allows better characterization of PanNENs compared with late arterial phase images.
Hematocrit and Serum Hemoglobin Do Not Influence Values in Computed Tomography Perfusion of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Karwacki Grzegorz Marek , Benz Matthias Richard , Tyndall Anthony Joseph , Ulmer Stephan 
Published: November 2016

Objective
There is a correlation between both serum hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) and attenuation values of vessels in noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography (NECT), which could influence calculated perfusion maps in CT perfusion.

Methods
We retrospectively included 45 patients, who presented with acute new neurological symptoms and underwent NECT and CT perfusion (128-row multi detector scanner, coverage: 6.9 cm craniocaudally; 80 kV; 200 mAs; temporal resolution: 2 seconds using 40 mL Ultravist 370 at a flow rate of 5 mL/s) on admission and a follow-up MRI within 1 week of admission.

Results
Hematocrit, HGB, and attenuation values did not differ between patients with stroke and controls. A statistically significant correlation was found between HCT and HGB and attenuation values in the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery on NECT (P < 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was observed between HCT and HGB and perfusion maps.

Conclusions
Hematocrit and HGB do not influence calculated perfusion maps. There is no need for HCT/HGB-adjusted cerebral blood volume thresholds in stroke patients.
Left Ventricular Myocardial Fibrosis, Atrophy, and Impaired Contractility in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and a Preserved Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Homsi Rami , Luetkens Julian A. , Skowasch Dirk , Pizarro Carmen , Sprinkart Alois M. , Gieseke Juergen , Meyer zur Heide gen. Meyer-Arend Julia , Schild Hans H. , Naehle Claas P. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose:
Using a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) approach we investigated left ventricular (LV) myocardial changes associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by strain analysis and mapping techniques.

Materials and Methods:
Seventeen patients with PAH (9 men; mean age, 64.2±13.6 y) and 20 controls (10 men, 63.2±10.5 y) were examined using CMR at 1.5 T. Native LV T1-relaxation times (T1) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were assessed using a MOLLI sequence, T2-relaxation times (T2) by means of a gradient spin-echo sequence, and LV longitudinal strain (LVS) and right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain (RVS) by means of CMR feature tracking. The hematocrit and serum levels of pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide were determined on the day of the CMR examination. Pulmonary arterial pressure and 6-minute walking distance were assessed as part of the clinical evaluation.

Results:
T1 and ECV were higher (1048.5±46.6 vs. 968.3±22.9 ms and 32.4%±5.7% vs. 28.4%±3.8%; P<0.05) and LVS was lower in patients with PAH (−18.0±5.6 vs. −23.0±2.9; P<0.01) compared with controls. LV mass and interventricular septal thickness were lower in PAH patients (65.7±18.0 vs. 86.7±26.9 g and 7.6±1.9 vs. 10±2.4 mm; P<0.05); there were no differences in LV ejection fraction (61.2%±6.9% vs. 61.9%±6.7%; P=0.86). T1-derived parameters correlated significantly with RVS, LVS, the 6-minute walking distance, RV ejection fraction, pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide, and baseline mean pulmonary arterial pressure. There were no significant differences in T2.

Conclusions:
In patients with PAH, changes in T1 and ECV support the hypothesis of LV myocardial fibrosis and atrophy with a consecutively impaired contractility despite a preserved LV function, possibly due to longstanding PAH-associated LV underfilling.
Navigating United Nations data sources
Authors: DeLuca Lisa 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to direct academic librarians to free data resources that support international relations research. This paper provides technical information so readers can download data from referenced sites for analysis. Proper citation of data sources is emphasized.

Design/methodology/approach
The resources were compiled from teaching information and statistical literacy to diplomacy undergraduate and graduate students. Data and data sets described are relevant to country research and sustainable development.

Findings
Academic librarians will help students identify if they are looking for data specific to an agency, indicator, initiative, or general topic. Statistical literacy is also an underlying goal for academic librarians. Key word searching is important for finding sources that may not surface through a simple Google search.

Research limitations/implications
The free services described may not answer all research queries. Librarians may need to use services such as Political Risk Service’s CountryData Online.

Practical implications
This is an excellent resource list of secondary data sources for academic librarians in areas that may not be their area of expertise or for those not at Tier 1 research institutions.

Social implications
Students internationally will have access to this data. This has implications for US college students who are competing with students overseas for jobs and will use data to help future employers make strategic decisions.

Originality/value
There has not been anything published recently in library literature about United Nations data resources. This article features commentary from two Seton Hall University Diplomacy faculty plus EDUCAUSE and UK researchers.
Understanding change recipients’ responses to organizational change in Chinese hospitals
Authors: Gurd Bruce , Gao Tian 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to build a new model of organisational change in Chinese hospitals drawing in all the key factors which explain the change process. At a time of significant change in Chinese hospitals, understanding change recipients’ responses is critical. For this study, a model of their responses to change has been constructed from previous models and compared with a case study of dramatic change in a Chinese hospital. A new model has been produced which may be generalizable to other Chinese hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach
Two existing models of organizational change were merged, and the new model was tested using data collected from a research site at a single Chinese hospital where the change program included the balanced scorecard performance management system, a new pay-related performance system and significant strategic change.

Findings
A final revised model was created which built in the external context, including the professional culture and national culture which have complex impacts on individuals during a change process, in both beneficial and harmful ways.

Research limitations/implications
Multi-informants for data collection and longitudinal design in future research would be required for the further understanding of the relationships between the variables of this study. A single case study is not sufficient; broader testing is required.

Practical implications
The factors that impact on the individuals during change should be understood better by Chinese hospital managers.

Originality/value
This is a new model which adds to the existing literature. Although it is built primarily around hospitals, it may have relevance to other contexts in China.