bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel flow cytometric immunobead array to quantify VWF: Ag and VWF: GPIbR and its application in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yan Bin , Xu Mengqiao , Zhao Yunxiao , Guo Haijun , Xia Lijun , Ruan Changgeng , Zhao Yiming 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesBoth von Willebrand disease (VWD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) involve quantitative and qualitative changes in von Willebrand factor (VWF). Our objective was to develop a rapid and precise flow cytometric immunobead array (FCIA) to quantify VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and ristocetin‐triggered platelet glycoprotein Ib binding (VWF:GPIbR) and apply it in a clinical setting.MethodsMicrobeads, coated with monoclonal antibodies for SZ29 or SZ151 IgG, were incubated with diluted plasma. VWF‐binding microbeads were detected with FITC‐conjugated sheep‐anti‐human VWF IgG by flow cytometry. Plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbR levels in normal controls (CTL; n=105), patients with VWD (n=21), and patients with AMI (n=146) were tested by FCIA and ELISA in parallel. ADAMTS13 activity and VWF multimer analyses were also implemented.ResultsOur novel FCIA showed a strong correlation with the ELISA results (VWF:Ag, r=.855; VWF:GPIbR, r=.813). The intra‐assay coefficient variations (CVs) of VWF:Ag‐FCIA and VWF:GPIbR‐FCIA were 9.2% and 7.7%, respectively, and the interassay CVs were 12.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbR levels were significantly higher in patients with AMI than in CTL (P<.0001), whereas the ratios of ADAMTS13/VWF:Ag and ADAMTS13/VWF:GPIbR were significantly lower (P<.0001). Levels of plasma ultra‐large VWF (UL‐VWF) were dramatically increased in patients with AMI.ConclusionsThe novel VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbR‐FCIA assays were found to be simpler, more specific, and more accurate than the classical ELISA method. In addition, elevated VWF:GPIbR and UL‐VWF may contribute to the pathogenesis of AMI.
Two new leafhopper genera of the Alebroides genus group (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from China, with a key to genera of the group
Authors: Xu Ye , Lu Sihan , Wang Yuru , Dietrich Christopher H. , Qin Daozheng 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTwo new microleafhopper genera in the Alebroides genus group, Nulliata Lu, Xu & Qin, gen. nov., based on the type species N. rubrostriata Lu, Xu & Qin, sp. nov., and Inflatopina Lu, Dietrich & Qin, gen. nov., based on the type species I. intonsa Lu, Dietrich & Qin, sp. nov., are described from southwest China. Five known species in the Alebroides sohii species group are transferred to Inflatopina as new combinations. Keys to genera of the Alebroides genus group and species of Inflatopina are given.
Migraine Nurses in Primary Care: Costs and Benefits
Authors: van den Berg Jan S.P. , Steiner Timothy J. , Veenstra Petra J.L. , Kollen Boudewijn J. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveWe examined the costs and benefits of introducing migraine nurses into primary care.BackgroundMigraine is one of the most costly neurological diseases.MethodsWe analyzed data from our earlier nonrandomized cohort study comparing an intervention group of 141 patients, whose care was supported by nurses trained in migraine management, and a control group of 94 patients receiving usual care. Estimates of per‐person direct costs were based on nurses' salaries and referrals to neurologists. Indirect costs were estimated as lost productivity, including numbers of days of absenteeism or with <50% productivity at work due to migraine, and notional costs related to lost days of household activities or days of <50% household productivity. Analysis was conducted from the payer's perspective.ResultsAfter 9 months the direct costs were €281.11 in the control group against €332.23 in the intervention group (mean difference −51.12; 95% CI: −113.20‐15.56; P = .134); the indirect costs were €1985.51 in the control group against €1631.75 in the intervention group (mean difference 353.75; 95% CI: −355.53‐1029.82; P = .334); and total costs were €2266.62 in the control group, against €1963.99 in the intervention group (mean difference 302.64; 95% CI: −433.46‐1001.27; P = .438). When costs attributable to lost household productivity were included, total costs increased to €6076.62 in the control group and €5048.15 in the intervention group (mean difference 1028.47; 95% CI: −590.26‐2603.67; P = .219).ConclusionMigraine nurses in primary care seemed in this study to increase practice costs but decrease total societal costs. However, it was a nonrandomized study, and the differences did not reach significance. For policy‐makers concerned with headache‐service organization and delivery, the important messages are that we found no evidence that nurses increased overall costs, and investment in a definitive study would therefore be worthwhile.
Critical Business Ethics: From Corporate Self‐interest to the Glorification of the Sovereign Pater
Authors: Rhodes Carl , Pullen Alison 
Published: May 2017

AbstractResearch in critical business ethics has demonstrated how economic self‐interest is the primary reason that businesses adopt nominally ethical practices. After reviewing this body of research, the authors propose that it can be further developed by questioning its conception of self‐interest, by exploring its non‐economic dimensions and by reconsidering the meaning of the ‘self’ that is said to have such interests. Drawing insights from feminist theory and political theology, the paper interrogates corporate business ethics as a public glorification of corporate power based on a patriarchal conception of the corporation. Genealogically rooted in early Christian ceremonial practices used to glorify God the Father, this is a glorification for the sake of glory rather than just for the sake of commercial ends. The authors further argue that corporate business ethics is rendered as the feminized servant of the sovereign corporate patriarch, always at hand to glorify the master. The meaning of corporate business ethics is hence one where the feminine is not absent, but rather is servile to a masculinity conceived in relation to domination, greatness and sovereignty. Collectively, this shows how the power wielded and desired by corporate business ethics far exceeds the pursuit of financial self‐interest; it is also related to modelling the corporation on a male God. The paper concludes by considering how research in critical business ethics can be extended through forms of inquiry that destabilize the ethical glorification of the corporation, and displace its masculinist privilege.
Endothelial microparticles released by activated protein C protect beta cells through EPCR/PAR1 and annexin A1/FPR2 pathways in islets
Authors: Kreutter Guillaume , Kassem Mohamad , El Habhab Ali , Baltzinger Philippe , Abbas Malak , Boisrame‐Helms Julie , Amoura Lamia , Peluso Jean , Yver Blandine , Fatiha Zobairi , Ubeaud‐Sequier Geneviève , Kessler Laurence , Toti Florence 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIslet transplantation is associated with early ischaemia/reperfusion, localized coagulation and redox‐sensitive endothelial dysfunction. In animal models, islet cytoprotection by activated protein C (aPC) restores islet vascularization and protects graft function, suggesting that aPC triggers various lineages. aPC also prompts the release of endothelial MP that bear EPCR, its specific receptor. Microparticles (MP) are plasma membrane procoagulant vesicles, surrogate markers of stress and cellular effectors. We measured the cytoprotective effects of aPC on endothelial and insulin‐secreting Rin‐m5f β‐cells and its role in autocrine and paracrine MP‐mediated cell crosstalk under conditions of oxidative stress. MP from aPC‐treated primary endothelial (EC) or β‐cells were applied to H2O2‐treated Rin‐m5f. aPC activity was measured by enzymatic assay and ROS species by dihydroethidium. The capture of PKH26‐stained MP and the expression of EPCR were probed by fluorescence microscopy and apoptosis by flow cytometry. aPC treatment enhanced both annexin A1 (ANXA1) and PAR‐1 expression in EC and to a lesser extent in β‐cells. MP from aPC‐treated EC (eMaPC) exhibited high EPCR and annexin A1 content, protected β‐cells, restored insulin secretion and were captured by 80% of β cells in a phosphatidylserine and ANXA1‐dependent mechanism. eMP activated EPCR/PAR‐1 and ANXA1/FPR2‐dependent pathways and up‐regulated the expression of EPCR, and of FPR2/ALX, the ANXA1 receptor. Cytoprotection was confirmed in H2O2‐treated rat islets with increased viability (62% versus 48% H2O2), reduced apoptosis and preserved insulin secretion in response to glucose elevation (16 versus 5 ng/ml insulin per 10 islets). MP may prove a promising therapeutic tool in the protection of transplanted islets.
The efficacy of early language intervention in mainstream school settings: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fricke Silke , Burgoyne Kelly , Bowyer‐Crane Claudine , Kyriacou Maria , Zosimidou Alexandra , Maxwell Liam , Lervåg Arne , Snowling Margaret J. , Hulme Charles 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundOral language skills are a critical foundation for literacy and more generally for educational success. The current study shows that oral language skills can be improved by providing suitable additional help to children with language difficulties in the early stages of formal education.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial with 394 children in England, comparing a 30‐week oral language intervention programme starting in nursery (N = 132) with a 20‐week version of the same programme starting in Reception (N = 133). The intervention groups were compared to an untreated waiting control group (N = 129). The programmes were delivered by trained teaching assistants (TAs) working in the children's schools/nurseries. All testers were blind to group allocation.ResultsBoth the 20‐ and 30‐week programmes produced improvements on primary outcome measures of oral language skill compared to the untreated control group. Effect sizes were small to moderate (20‐week programme: d = .21; 30‐week programme: d = .30) immediately following the intervention and were maintained at follow‐up 6 months later. The difference in improvement between the 20‐week and 30‐week programmes was not statistically significant. Neither programme produced statistically significant improvements in children's early word reading or reading comprehension skills (secondary outcome measures).ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence that oral language interventions can be delivered successfully by trained TAs to children with oral language difficulties in nursery and Reception classes. The methods evaluated have potentially important policy implications for early education.
Application of low‐frequency sonophoresis and reduction of antibiotics in the aquatic systems
Authors: Cobo Labarca C , Radinger J , Schöning V , Ariav R , Jung R , Thompson K D , Kloas W , Knopf K 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA major concern in aquaculture is the use of chemical therapeutics, such as antibiotics, because of their impact on the environment as well as on the fish product. As a potential tool for reducing antibiotic use, we tested the application of low‐frequency ultrasound as a method for enhancing antibiotic uptake. Rainbow trout juveniles (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to two different concentrations of oxytetracycline (OTC), flumequine (FLU) and florfenicol (FLO), administered by bath after the application of ultrasound. After exposure, concentrations of these substances were measured in the liver and blood of treated fish. Results showed that the ultrasound treatment can significantly increase the uptake for all three antibiotics. The uptake of OTC for example, in fish exposed to an OTC concentration of 20 mg L−1 after prior treatment with ultrasound, was similar to the OTC concentrations in their liver and blood to fish exposed to 100 mg L−1 without sonication. For FLU and FLO, the use of ultrasound caused significant differences of uptake in the liver at high antibiotic concentrations. This suggests that the use of ultrasound as a technique to deliver antibiotics to fish can ultimately reduce the amount of antibiotics discharged into the aquatic environment.
Patient‐reported dietetic care post hospital for free‐living patients: a Canadian Malnutrition Task Force Study
Authors: Keller H. , Payette H. , Laporte M. , Bernier P. , Allard J. , Duerksen D. , Gramlich L. , Jeejeebhoy K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundTransitions out of hospital can influence recovery. Ideally, malnourished patients should be followed by someone with nutrition expertise, specifically a dietitian, post discharge from hospital. Predictors of dietetic care post discharge are currently unknown. The present study aimed to determine the patient factors independently associated with 30‐days post hospital discharge dietetic care for free‐living patients who transitioned to the community.MethodologyNine hundred and twenty‐two medical or surgical adult patients were recruited in 16 acute care hospitals in eight Canadian provinces on admission. Eligible patients could speak English or French, provide their written consent, were anticipated to have a hospital stay of ≥2 days and were not considered palliative. Telephone interviews were completed with 747 (81%) participants using a standardised questionnaire to determine whether dietetic care occurred post discharge; 544 patients discharged to the community were included in the multivariate analyses, excluding those who were admitted to nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities. Covariates during and post hospitalisation were collected prospectively and used in logistic regression analyses to determine independent patient‐level predictors.ResultsDietetic care post discharge was reported by 61/544 (11%) of participants and was associated with severe malnutrition [Subjective Global Assessment category C: odd's ratio (OR) 2.43 (1.23–4.83)], weight loss post discharge [(OR 2.86 (1.45–5.62)], comorbidity [(OR 1.09 (1.02–1.17)] and a dietitian consultation on admission [(OR 3.41 (1.95–5.97)].ConclusionsDietetic care post discharge occurs in few patients, despite the known high prevalence of malnutrition on admission and discharge. Dietetic care in hospital was the most influential predictor of post‐hospital care.
New data about semicircular canal morphology and locomotion in modern hominoids
Authors: Le Maître Anne , Schuetz Philipp , Vignaud Patrick , Brunet Michel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe labyrinth has two functional parts: the cochlea for audition and the vestibular system for equilibrioception. In the latter, the semicircular ducts and the otolithic organs are sensitive to rotational and linear accelerations of the head, respectively. The labyrinthine morphology influences perception accuracy, hence the adaptation to a specific locomotor pattern. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between locomotion and semicircular canal morphology using geometric morphometrics, and to explain these links with existing functional models. The influence of factors other than functional constraints on labyrinthine morphology is discussed. The left bony labyrinth of 65 specimens was extracted virtually. Five extant hominoid species with various locomotion modes were sampled. A set of 13 landmarks was placed on the semicircular canals. After a Procrustes fit, their coordinates were analyzed using a principal component analysis. It was found that labyrinthine morphology is significantly distinct between species. More specifically, the differences involve a posterolateral projection of the lateral semicircular canal and the rotation of this canal relative to the vertical canals. This rotation occurs in the sagittal plane, which is consistent with previous studies based on traditional morphometrics. Among extant hominoids, the shape of the canals potentially discriminates species based on posture. This result could be used to reconstruct the locomotor pattern of fossil hominoids.
Elicitation as a tool to improve the profiles of high-value secondary metabolites and pharmacological properties of Hypericum perforatum
Authors: Shakya Preeti , Marslin Gregory , Siram Karthik , Beerhues Ludger , Franklin Gregory 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Objectives
In this review, we aim at updating the available information on the improvement of the Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) phytochemical profile and pharmacological properties via elicitation.

Key findings
Hypericum perforatum seedlings, shoots, roots, calli and cell suspension cultures were treated with diverse elicitors to induce the formation of secondary metabolites. The extracts of the elicitor-treated plant material containing naphthodianthrones, phloroglucinols, xanthones, flavonoids and other new compounds were quantitatively analysed and tested for their bioactivities. While hypericins were mainly produced in H. perforatum cultures containing dark nodules, namely shoots and seedlings, other classes of compounds such as xanthones, phloroglucinols and flavonoids were formed in all types of cultures. The extracts obtained from elicitor-treated samples generally possessed better bioactivities compared to the extract of control biomass.

Summary
Although elicitation is an excellent tool for the production of valuable secondary metabolites in H. perforatum cell and tissue cultures, its exploitation is still in its infancy mainly due to the lack of reproducibility and difficulties in scaling up biomass production.
Microstructure and nanomechanical properties of single stalks from diatom Didymosphenia geminata and their change due to adsorption of selected metal ions
Authors: Zgłobicka Izabela , Chlanda Adrian , Woźniak Michał , Łojkowski Maciej , Szoszkiewicz Robert , Mazurkiewicz‐Pawlicka Marta , Święszkowski Wojciech , Wyroba Elżbieta , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J. 
Published: May 2017

We present topographical and nanomechanical characterization of single Didymosphenia geminata stalk. We compared the samples before and after adsorption of metal ions from freshwater samples. Transmission electron microscopy studies of single stalk cross‐sections have shown three distinct layers and an additional thin extra coat on the external layer (called “EL”). Using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we found that topography of single stalks after ionic adsorption differed significantly from topography of pristine stalks. AFM nanoindentation studies in ambient conditions yielded elastic moduli of 214 ± 170 MPa for pristine stalks and 294 ± 108 MPa for stalks after ionic adsorption. Statistical tests showed that those results were significantly different. We conducted only preliminary comparisons between ionic adsorption of several stalks in air and in water. While the stalks with ions were on average stiffer than the pristine stalks in air, they became more compliant than the pristine stalks in water. We also heated the stalks and detected EL softening at 50°C ± 15°C. AFM nanoindentation in air on the softened samples yielded elastic moduli of 26 ± 9 MPa for pristine samples and 43 ± 22 MPa for stalks with absorbed metal ions. Substantial decrease of the EL elastic moduli after heating was expected. Significantly different elastic moduli for the samples after ionic adsorption in both cases (i.e., for heated and nonheated samples), as well as behavior of the stalks immersed in water, point to permanent structural EL changes due to ions.
Enhancement of total lipid yield by nitrogen, carbon, and iron supplementation in isolated microalgae
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Ramachandran , Incharoensakdi Aran 
Published: May 2017

The biochemical contents and biodiesel production ability of three microalgal strains grown under different sodium nitrate, sodium carbonate, and ferric ammonium citrate (iron) levels were investigated. The highest biomass and lipid contents were found in Scenedesmus sp., Chlorella sp., and Chlamydomonas sp. when grown in normal BG‐11 containing sodium carbonate concentration at 0.03 g · L−1, and in normal BG‐11 containing iron concentration (IC) at 0.009 or 0.012 g · L−1. Increasing the sodium nitrate level increased the biomass content, but decreased the lipid content in all three microalgae. Among the three microalgae, Scenedesmus sp. showed the highest total lipid yield of 0.69 g · L−1 under the IC of 0.012 g · L−1. Palmitic and oleic acids were the major fatty acids of Scenedesmus sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. lipids. On the other hand, Chlorella sp. lipids were rich in palmitic, oleic, and linolenic acids, and henceforth contributing to poor biodiesel properties below the standard limits. The three isolated strains had a potential for biodiesel production. Nevertheless, Scenedesmus sp. from stone quarry pond water was the most suitable source for biodiesel production with tolerance toward the high concentration of sodium carbonate without the loss of its biodiesel properties.
Validation of SmartPill® wireless motility capsule for gastrointestinal transit time: Intra‐subject variability, software accuracy and comparison with video capsule endoscopy
Authors: Diaz Tartera H. O. , Webb D.‐L. , Al‐Saffar A. Kh. , Halim M. A. , Lindberg G. , Sangfelt P. , Hellström P. M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is interest in ultimately combining endoscopy and motility assessments. Gastric emptying (GET), small bowel (SBTT), colon (CTT) and whole gut transit (WGTT) times are conveniently obtained by SmartPill® wireless motility capsule (WMC) that records luminal pH, temperature and pressure. Reproducibility within same subjects and accuracy of software derived times (MotiliGI®) were investigated for diagnostic application. GET and SBTT were separately measured using video capsule endoscopy (VCE). The aim of this investigation was to assess same subject reproducibility of WMC, accuracy of software derived transit times and relate to Pillcam® SB (small bowel) VCE motility data.MethodsSeventy three healthy adults ingested a 260 kcal mixed meal followed by WMC tests. Food intake was permitted after 6 hours. Regional transit data was obtained for GET, SBTT and CTT, the sum yielding WGTT. Nineteen subjects repeated WMC tests 2 or 4 weeks later; a separate 70 underwent VCE while fasted.Key ResultsVisually derived data from WMC yielded GET 3.46±0.27, SBTT 5.15±0.21, CTT 20.76±1.19 and WGTT 29.53±1.28 hours (mean±SEM). Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) against software derived results were: GET 0.78 (P<.0001), SBTT 0.28 (P<.05), CTT 0.96 (P<.0001), WGTT 0.99 (P<.0001). VCE yielded lower GET (0.71±0.08 hours) and SBTT (4.15±0.13 hours).Conclusions and InferencesGET, SBTT, CTT and WGTT obtained by WMC are commensurate with literature values, including by other methods. Visually and software derived transit times have strongest correlations for CTT and WGTT. WMC yields longer GET and SBTT than VCE, perhaps due to meal related effects on motility.