bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Derivation, Evaluation, and Validation of Illustrations of Key Counselling Points for a Pediatric Eczema Action Plan
Authors: McEvoy Alana , Sauder Maxwell B. , McDonald Katherine , Suter Phillipe , Pouliot Annie , Zemek Roger , Kanigsberg Nordau , Vaillancourt Regis , Ramien Michele L. 
Published: November 2017

Background: Current eczema action plans (EAP) are based on written instructions without illustrations. Incorporating validated illustrations into EAPs can significantly improve comprehension and usability. Objective: To produce and validate a set of illustrations for key counselling points of a pediatric EAP. Methods: Illustrations were developed using key graphic elements and refined by subject experts. Illustrations were evaluated during one-on-one structured interviews with parents/caregivers of children ages 9 and younger, as well as with children ages 10 to 17 years between September 2015 and June 2016. The concepts of transparency, translucency, and short-term recall were assessed for validation. Results: Of 245 participants, 81.3% were parents and/or caregivers of children 0 to 9 years old, and 18.7% were children between 10 and 17 years old. A total of 15 illustrations and 2 storyboards were evaluated; 9 illustrations and 2 storyboards were redesigned to reach the preset validation targets. Overall, 13 illustrations and 2 storyboards were validated. Conclusion: A set of illustrations for use in an EAP was prospectively designed and validated, achieving acceptable transparency, translucency, and recall, with input from patients and a multidisciplinary medical team. The incorporation of validated illustrations into eczema action plans benefits patients with limited health literacy. Future studies should evaluate if illustrations improve understanding of eczema management and translate into improved clinical outcomes.
Alpha 1-antitrypsin ameliorates ventilator-induced lung injury in rats by inhibiting inflammatory responses and apoptosis
Authors: Zhu He , He Jianshuai , Liu Jia , Zhang Xin , Yang Fengyun , Liu Pingting , Wang Shilei 
Published: November 2017

Mechanical ventilation is extensively used to treat patients with lung injury but may result in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The present study investigated the protective effect of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) on VILI. Adult male rats were subjected to sham, ventilation + saline, or ventilation + AAT treatment and lung injuries were evaluated. Peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were obtained to assess systemic and local inflammatory responses, respectively. Mechanical ventilation resulted in lung injury, as evidenced by histological abnormalities as well as elevations in PaO2/FiO2ratio, the wet-to-dry weight ratio, and the BALF level of proteins. The intravenous administration of AAT significantly improved these parameters of lung function, suggesting a protective role of AAT in VILI. Mechanistically, ventilator-induced inflammation was effectively reduced by AAT, as evidenced by decreases in BALF neutrophil counts, BALF cytokines, and serum adhesion factors. In contrast, anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 in BALF was increased in response to AAT. AAT treatment also inhibited the expression of nuclear factor-κB, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 while promoting Bcl-2 expression in ventilator-injured lung tissues. AAT treatment can ameliorate VILI by inhibiting inflammatory mediator production and apoptosis.Impact statementMechanical ventilation has been commonly used to treat patients with lung injury but may result in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Few effective treatment options are currently available to reduce VILI. Alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) is an inhibitor of serine protease with anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties, suggesting a possible role in attenuating lung injury. The present study demonstrates that AAT inhibits the development of VILI by modulating inflammation- and apoptosis-related protein expression. Therefore, AAT may be a novel therapeutic agent for acute respiratory distress syndrome patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Preconditioning with hydrogen sulfide prevents bone cancer pain in rats through a proliferator-activated receptor gamma/p38/Jun N-terminal kinase pathway
Authors: Zhuang Li , Li Ke , Wang Gaowei , Shou Tao , Gao Chunlin , Mao Yong , Bao Mingliang , Zhao Mingli 
Published: November 2017

Bone cancer pain (BCP) is a severe type of hyperpathic pain occurring with primary bone tumors or advanced cancers which metastasize to bones. BCP can detrimentally reduce quality of life and presents a challenge to modern medicine. Studies have shown that exogenous H2S may act as a neuroprotectant to protect against some diseases in central nervous system. The preset study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of H2S in BCP. We first measured the changes of serum H2S in patients with BCP and analyzed the relationship between them, then investigated the effect of H2S preconditioning on BCP, and explored the mechanism in rat model. Our results revealed that serum H2S level was negatively correlated with pain scores. In the rat model of BCP, preconditioning with H2S significantly reduced BCP, demonstrated by the decrease of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. The mechanism of H2S preconditioning may involve microglia deactivation and inflammation inhibition in the spinal cord, in which the proliferator-activated receptor gamma/p38/Jun N-terminal kinase pathway is activated. Impact statement Bone cancer pain (BCP) significantly decreases the life quality of patients or their life expectancy and causes a severe health burden to the society. However, as the exact mechanism of BCP is still poorly understood, no effective treatment has been developed yet. There are some pain medicines now, but they have some inevitable side effects. Additional therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. First, we revealed that preconditioning with H2S significantly reduced BCP, demonstrated by the decrease of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Second, the mechanism of H2S preconditioning was elucidated. It may involve microglia deactivation and inflammation inhibition in the spinal cord, in which the proliferator-activated receptor gamma/p38/Jun N-terminal kinase pathway is activated. This novel finding may significantly help us to understand the difference between the roles of endogenous H2S and exogenous H2S in the development of BCP and present us a new strategy of pain management.
Human brain atlasing: past, present and future
Authors: Nowinski Wieslaw L 
Published: November 2017

We have recently witnessed an explosion of large-scale initiatives and projects addressing mapping, modeling, simulation and atlasing of the human brain, including the BRAIN Initiative, the Human Brain Project, the Human Connectome Project (HCP), the Big Brain, the Blue Brain Project, the Allen Brain Atlas, the Brainnetome, among others. Besides these large and international initiatives, there are numerous mid-size and small brain atlas-related projects. My contribution to these global efforts has been to create adult human brain atlases in health and disease, and to develop atlas-based applications. For over two decades with my R&D lab I developed 35 brain atlases, licensed to 67 companies and made available in about 100 countries. This paper has two objectives. First, it provides an overview of the state of the art in brain atlasing. Second, as it is already 20 years from the release of our first brain atlas, I summarise my past and present efforts, share my experience in atlas creation, validation and commercialisation, compare with the state of the art, and propose future directions.
Medication and patient factors associated with adherence to pulmonary hypertension targeted therapies
Authors: Grady Duncan , Weiss Marjorie , Hernandez‐Sanchez Jules , Pepke‐Zaba Joanna 
Published: November 2017

The aims of this study were to investigate the medication adherence of patients on pulmonary hypertension (PH)‐targeted therapies and uncover factors that might influence adherence values. Patients taking at least one specialist medicine (sildenafil, tadalafil, bosentan, ambrisentan, iloprost, epoprostenol, treprostinil) completed a Morisky Medication Adherence Scale‐8 (MMAS‐8) questionnaire. Participants’ MMAS‐8 scores were used to estimate overall medicine adherence. Potential adherence co‐factor data were collected from patient databases and hospital discharge summaries. The MMAS‐8 questionnaire was completed by 263 patients (mean age = 61.6 ± 14.8 years, 70.6% women). Data from MMAS‐8 showed that 47.9% reported high adherence, 40.3% moderate adherence, and 11.8% low adherence. Factors associated with adherence as measured by the MMAS‐8 included: older age; taking monotherapy; and having a higher number of co‐morbidities or concurrent medicines. Higher administration frequency, greater length of time on targeted therapy, and use of a compliance aid had a negative association with adherence. Overall adherence to PH specialist medicines is relatively high but a proportion of patients report sub‐optimal adherence behavior. A number of factors may help to recognize susceptible patients.
Consumer Pre-purchase Search in Online Shopping: Role of Offline and Online Information Sources
Authors: Akalamkam Krishna , Mitra Joy Kumar 
Published: November 2017

Pre-purchase information search is an integral part of consumer decision-making process and buying behavior. Understanding consumer information search behavior is vital for organizations in order to plan their communication strategy and reach consumers effectively. Though consumer information search behavior is extensively studied in traditional brick and mortar purchase situations, there is dearth of research in understanding consumer information search behavior in online shopping occasions. Given the rapid growth in electronic retail over the last few years, it is imperative to understand consumer information search behavior in online buying situations. This study investigates the factors that influence the extent of usage of different information sources in pre-purchase information search by online shoppers through an empirical research among 1079 online shoppers. The analysis of data using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) shows that consumers tend to use both traditional offline information sources and online information sources when they shop online. However, the preference for different online and offline information sources is likely to be different for hedonic and utilitarian products. Individual factors, such as Internet usage experience, need for cognition and age, also tend to influence consumer preference for different online and offline sources. This has important implications for e-marketers as they may need to use different communication channels depending on the nature of the product and the characteristics of their target consumers to effectively promote their offerings.
Presentation and outcome with second-line treatment in AL amyloidosis previously sensitive to nontransplant therapies
Authors: Palladini Giovanni , Milani Paolo , Foli Andrea , Basset Marco , Russo Francesca , Perlini Stefano , Merlini Giampaolo 
Published: November 2017

Key Points
Exposure to melphalan and bortezomib and quality of response to up-front treatment prolong time to second-line therapy in AL amyloidosis. Patients who need second-line therapy after initial response have a good outcome if they are rescued before cardiac progression.
Osteoblast AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Regulates Postnatal Skeletal Development in Male Mice
Authors: Kanazawa Ippei , Takeno Ayumu , Tanaka Ken-ichiro , Notsu Masakazu , Sugimoto Toshitsugu 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Studies have shown that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial regulator of energy homeostasis, plays important roles in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. However, little is known about in vivo roles of osteoblastic AMPK in bone development. Thus, to investigate in vivo roles of osteoblast AMPK, we conditionally inactivated Ampk in osterix (Osx)–expressing cells by crossing Osx-Cre mice with floxed AMPKα1 to generate mice lacking AMPKα1 in osteoblasts (Ampk−/− mice). Compared with wild-type and Ampk+/− mice, Ampk−/− mice displayed retardation of postnatal bone development, although bone deformity was not observed at birth. Microcomputed tomography showed significant reductions in trabecular bone volume, cortical bone length, and density, as well as increased cortical porosity in femur as well as development defects of skull in 8-week-old Ampk−/− mice. Surprisingly, histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that the number of osteoclasts was significantly increased, although bone formation rate was not altered. Loss of trabecular network connections and mass, as well as shortened growth plates and reduced thickness of cartilage adjacent to the growth plate, was observed in Ampk−/− mice. In primary cultured osteoblasts from calvaria, the expressions of alkaline phosphatase, type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, bone morphogenetic protein 2, Runx2, and osterix were significantly inhibited in Ampk−/− osteoblasts, whereas the expression of receptor activator of nuclear κB ligand (RANKL) and the RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio were significantly increased. These findings indicate that osteoblastic AMPK plays important roles in bone development in vivo and that deletion of AMPK in osteoblasts decreases osteoblastic differentiation and enhances bone turnover by increasing RANKL expression.
Immunosuppressive Therapy in Treatment of Refractory Hypoglycemia in Type B Insulin Resistance: A Case Report
Authors: Viswanathan Lavanya , Sirisena Imali 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Type B insulin resistance is a rare syndrome characterized by fluctuating glucose levels (ranging from hyperglycemia with extreme insulin resistance to intractable hypoglycemia without exogenous insulin administration), high serum insulin levels, and insulin receptor autoantibodies. Most cases occur in the African American population in association with other underlying autoimmune systemic diseases. Treatments with high-dose steroids, immunosuppressants, and plasmapheresis have been used, with variable outcomes, in patients without spontaneous remission. We report the case of a 60-year-old African American woman with history of systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with extreme fluctuations in glucose levels, ranging from severe hyperglycemia to refractory hypoglycemia, with high serum concentration of insulin in both phases. Her presentation and phenotype were very similar to those seen in known cases of type B insulin resistance associated with insulin receptor antibodies. Treatment in other reported cases used a combination of high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants. We tried high-dose steroids, azathioprine, and intravenous immunoglobulins, which resulted in improvement and barely detectable insulin receptor antibody. We present a case of type B insulin resistance with abnormally low titers of insulin receptor antibodies despite a typical clinical course and response. Future research is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment in this rare disease.
Determination of lithium bioretention by maize under hydroponic conditions
Authors: Antonkiewicz Jacek , Jasiewicz Czesława , Koncewicz-Baran Małgorzata , Bączek-Kwinta Renata 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Irrigation of cultivated plants can be a source of toxic lithium to plants. The data on the effect of lithium uptake on plants are scant, that is why a research was undertaken with the aim to determine maize ability to bioaccumulate lithium. The research was carried out under hydroponic conditions. The experimental design comprised 10 concentrations in solution differing with lithium concentrations in the aqueous solution (ranging from 0.0 to 256.0 mg Li ∙ dm-3 of the nutrient solution). The parameters based on which lithium bioretention by maize was determined were: the yield, lithium concentration in various plant parts, uptake and utilization of this element, tolerance index (TI) and translocation factor (TF), metal concentrations in the above-ground parts index (CI) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF). Depression in yielding of maize occurred only at the highest concentrations of lithium. Lithium concentration was the highest in the roots, lower in the stems and leaves, and the lowest in the inflorescences. The values of tolerance index and EC50 indicated that roots were the most resistant organs to lithium toxicity. The values of translocation factor were indicative of intensive export of lithium from the roots mostly to the stems. The higher uptake of lithium by the above-ground parts than by the roots, which primarily results from the higher yield of these parts of the plants, supports the idea of using maize for lithium phytoremediation.
An assessment of adaptive and antagonistic properties of Trichoderma sp. strains in vegetable waste composts
Authors: Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Piechota Tomasz , Niewiadomska Alicja , Dach Jacek , Szczech Magdalena , Jędryczka Małgorzata , Pilarska Agnieszka A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe experiment consisted in monitoring the count of moulds and three selected Trichoderma sp. isolates (T1 - Trichoderma atroviride, T2 - Trichoderma harzianum, T3 - Trichoderma harzianum) in vegetable (onion and tomato) waste composted with additives (straw, pig manure). Additionally, the aim of the study was to determine the type of interaction occurring between autochthonous fungi isolated from composts after the end of the thermophilic phase and Trichoderma sp. strains applied in the experiment. Number of microorganisms was determined by the plate method, next the identification was confirmed. The rating scale developed by Mańka was used to determine the type of interactions occurring between microorganisms. The greatest count of moulds in onion waste composts was noted in the object which had simultaneously been inoculated with two strains T1 - T. atroviride and T3 - T. harzianum. The greatest count of moulds was noted in the tomato waste composts inoculated with T2 - T. harzianum strain. Microscope identification revealed that Penicillum sp., Rhizopus sp., Alternaria sp. and Mucor sp. strains were predominant in onion waste composts. In tomato waste composts Penicillium was the predominant genus, followed by Rhizopus. The test of antagonism revealed the inhibitory effect of Trichoderma isolates on most autochthonous strains of moulds. Tomato waste composts proved to be better substrates for the growth and development of Trichoderma sp. isolates. The results of the study show that vegetable waste can be used in agriculture as carriers of antagonistic microorganisms.
Importance of Red Clover Culture in the Context of Sustainable Agriculture System
Authors: Nitu Iulia 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In the context of rising food requirements regarding quality and food safety, it is necessary to obtain high quality of animal productions. In this respect, one of the most important factors which participate in the formation of animal production quality is the quality of feed administered in animal feeding. For this reason, in the present workpaper we intend to study applied technology to improve the quality of red clover for obtaining high forage and quality production in a sustainable agricultural system.
The objectives of this workpaper is to develop solutions for integrating culture of red clover in a sustainable agriculture system, respectively, exploiting of local resources fertilizer, reducing inputs in culture system of fodder in Plain Targoviste, exploiting the potential of improve soil fertility by growing the fodder.
Cultivation of Purple Potato, A Rentable Activity in Vegatable Practice
Authors: Sinziana Venera Morarita 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The achievement of an efficient management in agriculture, as in any branch of the national economy, is possible only by knowing perfectly the evolution of various economic and financial phenomena during one year of activity, their variation from provisions and in dynamics, as well as the correct diagnosis of the period.
On the basis of these data, it is possible to establish the measures for correction of the negative aspects observed and the expansion of the positive ones, for the higher profitability of the entire economic and financial activity of the agricultural holdings at the level of competitiveness imposed by the requirements and exigencies of the economy. The management of any agricultural holding (irrespective of its form of ownership) involves an essential component the economic and financial analysis by which it is supervised and evaluated its function in the system. The economic and financial analysis can be used without restriction in the management of the agricultural holding, respectively in solving any current and prospective problem that ultimately affects the level of economic efficiency itself. In this context, the economic and financial analysis finds a well-defined place and role both in the preparatory phase and in the final stage of the decision-making process.
The Influence of Environmental and Social Factors on Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security
Authors: Străteanu Amalia-Gianina , Enache Mihai Liviu 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In accordance with fundamental rights and freedoms, everyone has the right to social security (Article 22) and to a standard of living that ensures his/her health and well-being and that of his/her family, this being materialized, among other things, through access to food (Article 25). The importance of food security is recognized in the international response to climate change and reflected in the context of global security. Food security is the primary objective of every nation and entire human community. The global food crisis and food insecurity at worldwide level has a continuous ascend trend, poverty being one of the determining factors that creates optimal conditions for the emergence or maintenance of a conflict. Agricultural biodiversity expressed through sustainability and stability in direct relation to the quality of the environment and life in the context of sustainable development, provides bio-food resources, the basis of the economy of future generations. Food safety is guaranteed not only by the safe production of products, but also by taking into account the whole food chain, by approaching the “from farm to fork” concept, but also by looking at the traceability of “food from fork to farm”. Traceability of bioresources is necessary to ensure food security. To be sustainable, agriculture must be productive, profitable, environmentally friendly and to conserve resources. The sustainable development of agriculture can not avoid the criterion of efficiency; this must be seen in three-dimensional space - economic, ecological and social, but in most cases economic efficiency is based on the lack of ecological and social efficiency.
Enclosure theorems and barrier principles for energy stationary currents and the associated Brakke-flow
Authors: Henkemeyer Patrick 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe discuss certain quantitative geometric properties of energy stationary currents describing minimal surfaces under gravitational forces. Enclosure theorems give statements about the confinement of the support of currents to certain enclosing sets on the basis that one knows something about the position of their boundaries. These results are closely related to non-existence theorems for currents with connected support. Finally, we define a weak formulation in the theory of varifolds for the curvature flow associated to this energy functional. We extend the enclosure results to the flow and discuss several comparison principles.