bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foetal pulmonary maturity in dogs: Estimated from bubble tests in amniotic fluid obtained via amniocentesis
Authors: Bonte T , Del Carro A , Paquette J , Charlot Valdieu A , Buff S , Rosset E 
Published: July 2017

ContentsThe goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability of amniocentesis during late pregnancy to assess lung maturity in puppies using a bubble test as described by Gunston and Davey (South African Medical Journal, 54, 1978, 495). Thirty‐five bitches from eight different breeds were followed during late pregnancy before undergoing elective Caesarean (C)‐section on days 61–62 after ovulation. Bubble tests were performed the day before the C‐section (n = 11 bitches) and before the administration of aglepristone on amniotic fluid samples obtained via amniocentesis and were repeated the day of the surgery on amniotic fluid samples collected via puncture of the amniotic bags before they were opened (n = 35 bitches). No complications were observed following amniocenteses and the C‐sections. The mortality rate (2.3%) was similar to the result of other studies using the same protocol for an elective C‐section. Of the non‐contaminated samples collected the day of the C‐section, 89.6% were positive in the bubble test, which was consistent with observations of clinical maturity the day of the surgery and on the following days. In contrast, 70% of the samples collected the day before the C‐section (when progesterone concentrations were still high) were negative, suggesting that the puppies were still immature at this point in the pregnancy. Additionally, we observed a significant difference in the bubble test results before and 18 hr after the administration of aglepristone, suggesting that aglepristone may act as an inducer of the final maturation of the puppies by inactivating progesterone receptors and simulating a physiological decrease in progesterone. Finally, we confirmed the need to exclude all contaminated samples, which could lead to false‐negative results.
Taurine does not improve the quality of short‐term stored rabbit spermatozoa in vitro
Authors: Paál D , Strejček F , Tvrdá E , Vašíček J , Baláži A , Chrenek P , Massányi P 
Published: July 2017

ContentsThis study examines the impact of taurine on the viability, morphology and acrosome integrity of rabbit spermatozoa in vitro. Semen samples, obtained from four to five sexually mature and healthy New Zealand White rabbits, were pooled in heterospermic semen sample. This was divided and treated with taurine in a concentration of 0 (control), 1.5, 7, 12.5, 50 mM to a final concentration of 108 spermatozoa/ml. The samples were then incubated at 37°C for 4 hr. A combination of fluorescent probesSYBR‐14/propidium iodide/PNA‐Alexa Fluor 647 was used to assess spermatozoa viability and acrosome integrity on a flow cytometer. The sperm morphology was evaluated under a light microscope following fixation in 1.5% paraformaldehyde. The experiment was repeated three times. According to the obtained results, the spermatozoa neither could have benefit from immediate taurine treatment, nor had they after 4‐hr incubation with respect to viability and acrosome integrity. Taurine did not initially alter the total and acrosome morphology of treated spermatozoa nor has it by 4 hr upon treatment. In conclusion, taurine may have no protective effect on the viability, morphology and acrosome integrity of short‐term stored rabbit spermatozoa.
Public orchestration, social networks, and transnational environmental governance: Lessons from the aviation industry
Authors: Henriksen Lasse Folke , Ponte Stefano 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article contributes to current debates on the potential and limitations of transnational environmental governance, addressing in particular the issue of how private and public regulation compete and/or reinforce each other – and with what results. One of the most influential approaches to emerge in recent years has been that of “orchestration.” But while recent discussions have focused on a narrow interpretation of orchestration as intermediation, we argue that there is analytical traction in studying orchestration as acombinationof directive and facilitative tools. We also argue that a social network analytical perspective on orchestration can improve our understanding of how governments and international organizations can shape transnational environmental governance. Through a case study of aviation, we provide two contributions to these debates: first, we propose four analytical factors that facilitate the possible emergence of orchestration (issue visibility, interest alignment, issue scope, and regulatory fragmentation and uncertainty); and second, we argue that orchestrators are more likely to succeed when they employ two strategies: (i) they use a combination of directive and facilitative instruments, including the provision of feasible incentives for industry actors to change their behavior, backed up by regulation or a credible regulatory threat; and (ii) they are robustly embedded in, and involved in the formation of, the relevant transnational networks of actors and institutions that provide the infrastructure of governance. © 2017 JohnWiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
Osmolality and blood pressure stability during hemodialysis
Authors: Singh Anika T. , Mc Causland Finnian R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHomeostatic regulation of plasma osmolality (POsm) is critical for normal cellular function in humans. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is the major hormone responsible for the maintenance of POsm and acts to promote renal water retention in conditions of increased POsm. However, AVP also exerts pressor effects, and its release can be stimulated by the development of effective arterial blood volume depletion. Patients with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis, particularly those with minimal or no residual renal function, have impaired ability to regulate water retention in response to AVP. While hemodialysis can assist with this task, patients are subject to relatively rapid shifts in volume and electrolytes during the procedure. This can result in the development of transient osmotic gradients that lead to the movement of water from the extracellular to the intracellular space. Hypotension may result—both as a consequence of water movement out of the intravascular compartment, but also from impaired AVP release and inadequate vascular tone. In this review, we explore the evidence for POsm changes during hemodialysis, associations with adverse outcomes, and methods to minimize the rapidity of changes in POsm in an effort to reduce patient symptoms and minimize intra‐dialytic hypotension.
Safety of a pasteurized plasma‐derived Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrate: analysis of 33 years of pharmacovigilance data
Authors: Kouides Peter , Wawra‐Hehenberger Kathrin , Sajan Anna , Mead Henry , Simon Toby 
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUNDHaemate‐P/Humate‐P (Humate‐P) is a pasteurized human plasma‐derived concentrate containing both Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor for treatment of hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease (VWD).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe analyzed the safety of Humate‐P based on more than 33 years of postmarketing pharmacovigilance data, representing an estimated exposure of approximately 25,000 patient‐years. The analysis comprises reports of potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from all sources, reported as part of routine pharmacovigilance at CSL Behring. ADRs considered clinically relevant or potential risks of Humate‐P were identified based on defined and standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities queries. Recognizing the limitations of spontaneous reporting, we also reviewed the literature, including clinical trials with mandatory reporting.RESULTSFrom 1982 to 2015, a total of 670 postmarketing cases had been reported via pharmacovigilance, for an overall reporting rate of approximately one ADR per 3900 administered standard doses. Of these cases, 343 involved ADRs considered clinically relevant risks (33 thromboembolic complications, 97 inhibitor formation, 110 hypersensitivity or allergic reactions) or potential risks (103 suspected virus transmissions) for Humate‐P. Most thromboembolic complications occurred in patients undergoing surgery or with other known risk factors. Inhibitor formation occurred mostly in patients with hemophilia A (24 cases were high titer). Most patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions had VWD. None of the reported suspected virus transmission cases were confirmed to be associated with Humate‐P. Reported results of company‐sponsored studies showed a low incidence of adverse events possibly or probably related to Humate‐P.CONCLUSIONSMore than 33 years of pharmacovigilance data continue to support the safety of Humate‐P.
Crowdsourcing Urban Air Temperatures through Smartphone Battery Temperatures in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Droste A. M. , Pape J. J. , Overeem A. , Leijnse H. , Steeneveld G. J. , Van Delden A. J. , Uijlenhoet R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCrowdsourcing as a method to obtain and apply vast datasets is rapidly becoming prominent in meteorology, especially for urban areas where routine weather observations are scarce. Previous studies showed that smartphone battery temperature readings can be used to estimate the daily and citywide air temperature via a direct heat transfer model. This work extends model estimates by studying smaller temporal and spatial scales. The study finds the number of battery readings influences the accuracy of temperature retrievals. Optimal results are achieved for 700 or more retrievals. An extensive dataset of over 10 million battery temperature readings for estimating hourly and daily air temperatures is available for São Paulo, Brazil. The air temperature estimates are validated with measurements from a WMO station, an Urban Flux Network site, and data from seven citizen weather stations. Daily temperature estimates are good (coefficient of determination ρ2 of 86%), and the study shows they improve by optimizing model parameters for neighborhood scales (<1 km2) as categorized in local climate zones (LCZs). Temperature differences between LCZs can be distinguished from smartphone battery temperatures. When validating the model for hourly temperature estimates, the model requires a diurnally varying parameter function in the heat transfer model rather than one fixed value for the entire day. The results show the potential of large crowdsourced datasets in meteorological studies, and the value of smartphones as a measuring platform when routine observations are lacking.
Assimilating Global Wave Model Predictions and Deep-Water Wave Observations in Nearshore Swell Predictions
Authors: Crosby Sean C. , Cornuelle Bruce D. , O’Reilly William C. , Guza Robert T. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNearshore wave predictions with high resolution in space and time are needed for boating safety, to assess flood risk, and to support nearshore processes research. This study presents methods for improving regional nearshore predictions of swell-band wave energy (0.04–0.09 Hz) by assimilating local buoy observations into a linear wave propagation model with a priori guidance from global WAVEWATCH III (WW3) model predictions. Linear wave propagation, including depth-induced refraction and shoaling, and travel time lags, is modeled with self-adjoint backward ray tracing techniques. The Bayesian assimilation yields smooth, high-resolution offshore wave directional spectra that are consistent with WW3, and with offshore and local buoy observations. Case studies in the Southern California Bight (SCB) confirm that the nearshore predictions at independent (nonassimilated) buoy sites are improved by assimilation compared with predictions driven with WW3 or with a single offshore buoy. These assimilation techniques, valid in regions and frequency bands where wave energy propagation is mostly linear, use significantly less computational resources than nonlinear models and variational methods, and could be a useful component of a larger regional assimilation program. Where buoy locations have historically been selected to meet local needs, these methods can aid in the design of regional buoy arrays by quantifying the regional skill improvement for a given buoy observation and identifying both high-value and redundant observations. Assimilation techniques also identify likely forward model error in the Santa Barbara Channel, where permanent observations or model corrections are needed.
Some Contextual Effects on the Perception of Synthetic Vowels
Authors: Thompson Carl L. , Hollien Harry 
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the identification of vowel quality in selected vowel-like sounds is affected by the characteristics of an immediately preceding vowel. Listeners were presented recordings of pairs of vowels and instructed to identify the second of each pair as [i, I, ε, Λ] or [α] . The initial, or " affecting ", vowel in each pair was either [i, I, ε, Λ] or [α] ; two sets of affecting vowels were used—human and synthetic. All of the affected vowels (stimuli to to be judged) were generated synthetically; three were intended to be good examples of the vowels [I, ε, Λ], while the formant frequencies of the remaining four were intended to create ambiguous vowels (that is, two had formant frequencies between those of the synthetic vowels [I] and [ε] ; the others, between [ε] and [Λ]). Results indicate that some shift in vowel identification does occur as a function of an immediately preceding vowel. The effect, of moderate strength when the two vowels are similar, decreases as a function of the difference between the F1-F 2 ratios of the two vowels.
On "High" and "Low" in English
Authors: Mickey Katherine 
Published: July 2017

The subject matter of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, it is concerned with a general problem in the analysis of data from forced-choice labelling experiments. On the other hand, it is concerned with a specific set of experiments relating to the perception of English intonation patterns. The usual procedure of analysis of forced-choice labelling experiments involves drawing a graph. The value of the acoustic parameter varied is the X variable, and the percentage of subjects giving a particular response is the Y variable. In some cases, more than one choice of X is possible, and the experimenter needs a method of assessing the relative merits of different choices. In the present paper, a statistical technique (multiple linear regression analysis) is described which makes such assessment possible. In the specific set of experiments considered, English-speaking subjects were asked to evaluate synthetic rising-intonation "yes"s and "no"s as "high" or "low". In the analysis of these experiments, the chief problem was determining the "best" choice of X — subjects' responses might depend on Fo level or on extent of rise or on both at once, and other factors (formant frequency, lexical item) might also influence their judgments. Statistical analysis indicated that the best choices of X were (1) log endpoint Fo and (2) log starting Fo together with extent of rise. In both cases, lexical item had to be taken into account as well. The same statistical techniques were applied to published data from experiments in which subjects were asked to label synthetic English words varying in Fo contour as "question" or "statement". The patterning of responses in these experiments was found to be similar to the patterning in the high/low experiments. In general, with regard to such experiments, it seems possible to say that the best choices of X are (1) log endpoint Fo and (2) sets of parameters which sum to this value. Subjects adapt their perception to the stimuli at hand, evaluating the ones with highest ending Fo as "high" or "question", the ones with lowest ending Fo as "low" or "statement". The value of endpoint Fo for which 50 per cent of subjects respond "high" or "question" is at the middle (on a logarithmic scale) of the total range of Fo values spanned by the stimuli. Finally, it is suggested (though not conclusively demonstrated) that the distinction question/statement in English depends primarily on the Fo level at the end of the utterance, rather than on the shape of the Fo contour.
SECMA 1®, a mitogenic hexapeptide from Ulva algeae modulates the production of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in human foreskin fibroblast
Authors: Ennamany R , Saboureau D , Mekideche N , Creppy E E 
Published: July 2017

SECMA 1® is a polypeptide purified from a green algeae of the Ulva species by several gel chromatographies, showing the following sequence (Glu-Asp-Arg-Leu-Lys-Pro). In order to determine the effect of SECMA 1® on human skin fibroblasts extracellular matrix, proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were assayed after 24 h incubation of 20 day-old foreskin fibroblasts at the 2nd passage. The results revealed that most of [35S]sulphate was associated with fibroblast membranes, which contained (67%) of the total de novo synthesized sulphated PGs, in two distinct forms: one hydrophilic (39%), and one hydrophobic (28%). The remaining `matrix' retained 5% of proteoglycans. The remaining 35S-label may represent the free label in the cytosol. After 24 h incubation of skin fibroblasts with different concentrations of SECMA 1® (2, 4 and 10 μg/ml), the [35S] sulphate incorporation into PGs of Salt-extract, sodium deoxycholate (DOC) extract and Guanidine hydrochloride (GuA-HCl)-extract was increased significantly ( P<0.005) with 4 μg/ml, as compared to untreated control. The most effective concentration (4 μg/ml) increased the different [35S]sulphate PGs extracts (NaCl, DOC and GuA-HCl) by respectively (66; 17 and 75%). The relative contents of iduronic and glucuronic acid in the GAG produced by skin fibroblasts were estimated. No effect of SECMA 1® on the incorporation of [35S]sulphate into Heparan sulphate was found. The incorporation of [35S]sulphate into (chondroïtine sulphate + heparan sulphate) and (chondroïtine sulphate + dermatan sulphate) was increased by respectively 37% and 11% by SECMA 1® (4 μg/ml).
Plasma Cholinesterase Levels of Nepalese Farmers Following Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides
Authors: Neupane Dinesh , Jørs Erik , Brandt Lars Peter Andreas 
Published: July 2017

Background: Farmers in developing countries use highly toxic organophosphate pesticides. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare plasma cholinesterase (PChE) enzyme activity before and after exposure to organophosphate pesticides in a real-life setting. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 25 farmers spraying organophosphate pesticide in their farm. The PChE level was measured and clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity were asked before and immediately after spraying. Results: The mean level of PChE before and after spraying was 1.41 and 1.29 IU/L, respectively (8.51% decreased). Farmers reported more clinical signs and symptoms of intoxication after spraying pesticides. Conclusions: Increase in acute intoxication signs/symptoms and decrease in PChE indicate a serious public health problem among farmers who use organophosphate pesticides. Appropriate training to the farmers is needed to reduce exposure to organophosphate pesticide.
Eosinophilic Fasciitis Occurring Four Weeks after the Onset of Dialysis in a Renal Failure Patient
Authors: Florell Scott R. , Egan Conleth A. , Gregory Martin C. , Zone John J. , Petersen Marta J. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare, scleroderma-like disease that usually affects the extremities of young to middle-aged males. The disease may cause flexion contractures and limit joint mobility and is associated with peripheral eosinophilia. The fascia, by definition, is infiltrated with mononuclear cells and typically with eosinophils. Eosinophilic fasciitis may be separated from another sclerodermatous disorder, linear scleroderma, by its response to systemic corticosteroids. The etiology is unclear but eosinophilic fasciitis has numerous disease associations. However, it has not previously been associated with renal failure and hemodialysis. Objective: This article reports a case of eosinophilic fasciitis occurring four weeks following the onset of hemodialysis. Methods: The clinical and histologic features confirmed the diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis. He was treated with systemic corticosteroids with good response. Conclusion: This is the first reported patient who developed eosinophilic fasciitis in close temporal relationship with the start of hemodialysis. While eosinophilic fasciitis may be coincidental with a common disorder, namely, renal failure, it is interesting to note that hemodialysis patients often have immune-regulation abnormalities and peripheral eosinophilia.
Management of Psoriasis Vulgaris with Methotrexate 0.25% in a Hydrophilic Gel: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Syed Tanweer A. , Hadi Suhail M. , Qureshi Zulfiqar A. , Nordstrom Christine G. , Ali Shahida M. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Methotrexate has been used as one of the first and systemic therapies for psoriasis. In general, 70% of patients with psoriasis prefer topical therapy as the treatment of choice. Objective: The purpose of this placebo-controlled double-blind study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of methotrexate 0.25% incorporated in a hydrophilic gel (hydroxyethylcellulose 1%) to treat patients afflicted with psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: Sixty patients (37M/23F) ranging between 18 and 70 years of age, with slight to moderate chronic plaque-type psoriasis and PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores between 5.3 and 17.5 joined the study. The mean duration of the disease at entry was 9.6 years (range 1–24 years). The diagnosis of psoriasis was established by clinical and histopathologic methods. Patients were sequentially randomized into two parallel groups. Each patient was allocated a precoded 100-g tube (active or placebo) with instructions on how to self-administer the trial medication topically (without occlusion) to their lesions two times daily for 5 consecutive days per week. The study lasted for 12 weeks with 4 weeks of active treatment. Patients were examined on a weekly basis and those showing total clearing or remission of lesions were considered effectively treated. Results: By the end of the treatment, breaking the code disclosed that methotrexate 0.25% gel had significantly treated more patients than placebo (83.3% vs. 6.7%; p < 0.0001), reduced the PASI score to a mean of 2.2, and cleared more plaques (82.2% vs. 4.3%; p < 0.0001). Laboratory evaluations, including CBC with differential and platelet count, renal function, liver chemistry [SGOT (aspartate transaminase) and SGPT (alanine transaminase)], and serum creatinine, were within the normal limits. The treatment was well-tolerated by all the patients, with no adverse drug-related symptoms and no dropouts. The study was followed up for 12 months from the first day of the treatment; two cured patients had relapsed after 8 months. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that methotrexate 0.25% in a hydrophilic gel is well tolerated and significantly more effective than placebo as a patient-applied topical medication to treat psoriasis vulgaris.