bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum thymosin α 1 levels in patients with chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases
Authors: Pica F , Chimenti M S , Gaziano R , Buè C , Casalinuovo I A , Triggianese P , Conigliaro P , Di Carlo D , Cordero V , Adorno G , Volpi A , Perricone R , Garaci E 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is a powerful modulator of immunity and inflammation. Despite years of studies, there are a few reports evaluating serum Tα1 in health and disease. We studied a cohort of healthy individuals in comparison with patients affected by chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Sera from 120 blood donors (healthy controls, HC), 120 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 40 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 40 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), attending the Transfusion Medicine or the Rheumatology Clinic at the Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, were tested for Tα1 content by means of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Data were analysed in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics of patients and controls. A gender difference was found in the HC group, where females had lower serum Tα1 levels than males (P &lt; 0·0001). Patients had lower serum Tα1 levels than HC (P &lt; 0·0001), the lowest were observed in PsA group (P &lt; 0·0001 versus all the other groups). Among all patients, those who at the time of blood collection were taking disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) plus steroids had significantly higher Tα1 levels than those taking DMARD alone (P = 0·044) or no treatment (P &lt; 0·0001), but not of those taking steroids alone (P = 0·280). However, whichever type of treatment was taken by the patients, serum Tα1 was still significantly lower than in HC and there was no treatment-related difference in PsA group. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm and deepen these observations. They might improve our understanding on the regulatory role of Tα1 in health and disease and increase our knowledge of the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Healing at implants placed in bone of different morphology: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Caroprese Marino , Soldini Claudio , Ricci Sara , Rea Massimiliano , Lang Niklaus P. , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo study osseointegration at implants installed using a standard bed preparation in sites of different bone morphology.Material and methodsIn six Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted. After 4 months of healing, flaps were elevated, and two recipient sites were prepared in each side of the mandible, one in the second premolar and the other in the molar regions. Bone morphology and final insertion torque were evaluated. Healing abutments were applied, and the flaps were sutured to allow a non‐submerged healing. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were obtained for histomorphometric analyses.ResultsAt the premolar sites, bone morphology Class 2 and at the molar regions Class 3 or 4 were identified. The final insertion torque was 50–55 Ncm at the premolar and 30–35 Ncm at the molar sites. Mean osseointegration in percentage reached 61.5 ± 11.5% and 63.3 ± 10.1% at the premolar and molar sites, respectively. Mineralized bone density evaluated from the implant surface up to a distance of about 0.6 mm lateral to the implant surface was 63.0 ± 7.4% and 65.4 ± 17.7% at the premolar and molar sites, respectively.ConclusionsSimilar implant bed preparations performed at premolar and molar sites with different bone morphology, yielding insertion torque values of about 30–35 and 50–55 Ncm, respectively, did not affect osseointegration after 4 months at non‐submerged implants.
Trial or No Trial: Supplying Costly Signals to Improve Profits*
Authors: Li Fan , Yi Zelong 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTMany software and video game firms offer free trials with limited content to help buyers assess the likely value of the goods that they may purchase. This article examines fundamental issues related to the incentives and risks for a monopoly by providing a trial. Assuming that a seller can control the mix of components in a trial, we introduce a new mechanism for buyers’ inference of using a trial. We find that a trial may enable the seller to segment the market and charge a higher price to high‐valuation buyers, but can also cause a decline in demand. Moreover, the seller forfeits partial value of a full product through providing a free trial, so the benefit is offset by this cannibalization loss. In addition to the size and content of a trial, the distribution of buyers’ prior belief also affects a trial's ability to convey information. We show that a trial can provide more information if the prior belief is more concentrated in the tails of the distribution.
The effect of dobutamine and bolus crystalloid fluids on the cardiovascular function of isoflurane‐anaesthetised horses
Authors: Loughran C.M. , Raisis A.L. , Hosgood G. , Secombe C.J. , Lester G.D. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryReasons for performing studyCardiac output does not always increase with dobutamine administration in anaesthetised horses and information on peripheral perfusion is lacking.ObjectivesTo determine the effect of intravenous (i.v.) dobutamine infusion with and without a concurrent 20 mL/kg bodyweight (bwt) bolus of crystalloid fluids on the cardiovascular function of acepromazine premedicated, hypotensive, isoflurane‐anaesthetised horses.Study designRandomised, cross‐over experiment.MethodsA total of 6 horses aged 5–13 years, weighing 464–578 kg were premedicated with acepromazine 0.02 mg/kg bwt and then sedated with xylazine 0.8 mg/kg bwt i.v. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine 2.2 mg/kg bwt and diazepam 0.08 mg/kg bwt i.v. and maintained with isoflurane, adjusted to achieve a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) (60 mmHg ± 5%) 60 min post‐induction of anaesthesia (T0). One of 2 treatments was then given. In treatment D, dobutamine was initially infused at 0.5 μg/kg bwt/min and adjusted to achieve a targetMAP(80 mmHg ± 5%) within 30 min of infusion initiation. In treatment D+F dobutamine was administered as described for treatment D, with 20 mL/kg bwt Hartmann's solution infused i.v. over 20 min. Cardiac index (CI), haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), arterial oxygen content (CaO2), oxygen delivery index (DO2I) and bilateral femoral arterial blood flow (FBF) were recorded at T0, 30 min following dobutamine initiation (T1) and 15 min following dobutamine cessation (T2). Data were analysed using a mixed‐effect linear model (P<0.05 considered significant).ResultsA significant increase inDO2I (P = 0.008, T0/T1), CaO2(P = 0.0002, T0/T1) and [Hb] (P<0.0001, T0/T1) and in CaO2(P = 0.0005, T1/T2) and [Hb] (P = 0.002,T1/T2) occurred during treatment D. A significant increase inFBF(P = 0.005, upper limb; P = 0.042 lower limb, T0/T1) occurred during treatment D+F. Significant differences between treatments were recorded at T1 ([Hb] P = 0.0001, CaO2P = 0.0003) and T2 ([Hb] P = 0.013). There was no change inCIduring either treatment.ConclusionsThe increase inFBFseen with co‐administration of fluids and dobutamine may provide a beneficial effect on muscle compared with the use of dobutamine alone.
Overview of drug data within French health insurance databases and implications for pharmacoepidemiological studies
Authors: Palmaro Aurore , Moulis Guillaume , Despas Fabien , Dupouy Julie , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to provide an updated overview of drug data contained in the French health insurance database (SNIIRAM) and its associated national representative sample (EGB). This study identified most common problems concerning drug data: (i) change in level of coverage of drugs of interest (drug no more eligible for reimbursement or no more prescription‐only), (ii) break in patients' eligibility (in connection with change of healthcare plan or patients' identifier), and (iii) technical and regulatory issues. We provide a brief checklist to enable a structured identification of these issues. The impact of gap in drug data availability on study validity will depend on the research question, drug, setting, and population of interest. The French health insurance database and associated sample are valuable resources for pharmacoepidemiological research. There is a need to pursue further methodological and validation studies to promote accurate and transparent use of French health insurance databases for pharmacoepidemiology.
Understanding single‐pass transmembrane receptor signaling from a structural viewpoint—what are we missing?
Authors: Bugge Katrine , Lindorff‐Larsen Kresten , Kragelund Birthe B. 
Published: June 2016

Single‐pass transmembrane receptors are involved in essential processes of both physiological and pathological nature and represent more than 1300 proteins in the human genome. Despite the high biological relevance of these receptors, the mechanisms of the signal transductions they facilitate are incompletely understood. One major obstacle is the lack of structures of the transmembrane domains that connect the extracellular ligand‐binding domains to the intracellular signaling platforms. Over a period of almost 20 years since the first structure was reported, only 21 of these receptors have become represented by a transmembrane domain structure. This scarceness stands in strong contrast to the significance of these transmembrane α‐helices for receptor functionality. In this review, we explore the properties and qualities of the current set of structures, as well as the methodological difficulties associated with their characterization and the challenges left to be overcome. Without an increased and focused effort to bring this class of proteins on par with the remaining membrane protein field, a serious lag in their biological understanding looms. Design of pharmaceutical agents, prediction of mutational affects in relation to disease, and deciphering of functional mechanisms require high‐resolution structural information, especially when dealing with a domain carrying so much functionality in so few residues.
Transient mediastinal mass from fluid overload
Authors: Massicotte‐Azarniouch David , O'Sullivan Joseph P. , Clark Edward G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMediastinal masses incidentally discovered on chest imaging often suggest underlying malignancy such as lymphoma or metastatic cancer. However, the radiographic appearance of mediastinal edema can mimic a mediastinal mass in the context of acute fluid overload. We describe the case of a 75 year old woman known for end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis who presented with acute pulmonary edema in the context of a Non ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Chest CT imaging showed pulmonary edema, pleural effusions, and a middle mediastinum soft‐tissue mass of 4.2 × 2.5cm. Malignancy was initially suspected, however given the clinical context of fluid overload and absence of other signs of malignancy, the possibility of the mass representing soft‐tissue edema was raised. Therefore, the patient's fluid overload was treated with a progressive reduction in the dry weight used for dialysis and a repeat chest CT was obtained 8 weeks later once the patient was euvolemic. The repeat CT showed complete resolution of the mediastinal mass. Fluid overload can manifest in many different ways on chest imaging. Mediastinal masses lead to concerns about a potentially malignant process and often prompt further evaluation with invasive procedures that carry significant risks. In the appropriate clinical context, it is important to consider the possibility of mediastinal edema presenting as a mass on chest imaging. Under such circumstances, it is more prudent to correct the fluid overload and repeat chest imaging before undertaking invasive diagnostic procedures with the potential to cause harm.
Hepatic fat quantification using the two‐point Dixon method and fat color maps based on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score
Authors: Hayashi Tatsuya , Saitoh Satoshi , Takahashi Junji , Tsuji Yoshinori , Ikeda Kenji , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Fujii Takeshi , Inoue Masafumi , Miyati Tosiaki , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThe two‐point Dixon method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to non‐invasively measure fat deposition in the liver. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of MRI‐fat fraction (MRI‐FF) using the two‐point Dixon method based on the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score.MethodsThis retrospective study included 106 patients who underwent liver MRI and MR spectroscopy, and 201 patients who underwent liver MRI and histological assessment. The relationship between MRI‐FF and MR spectroscopy‐fat fraction was used to estimate the corrected MRI‐FF for hepatic multi‐peaks of fat. Then, a color FF map was generated with the corrected MRI‐FF based on the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. We defined FF variability as the standard deviation of FF in regions of interest. Uniformity of hepatic fat was visually graded on a three‐point scale using both gray‐scale and color FF maps. Confounding effects of histology (iron, inflammation and fibrosis) on corrected MRI‐FF were assessed by multiple linear regression.ResultsThe linear correlations between MRI‐FF and MR spectroscopy‐fat fraction, and between corrected MRI‐FF and histological steatosis were strong (R2 = 0.90 and R2 = 0.88, respectively). Liver fat variability significantly increased with visual fat uniformity grade using both of the maps (ρ = 0.67–0.69, both P < 0.001). Hepatic iron, inflammation and fibrosis had no significant confounding effects on the corrected MRI‐FF (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe two‐point Dixon method and the gray‐scale or color FF maps based on the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score were useful for fat quantification in the liver of patients without severe iron deposition.
‘That Tricky Subject’: The Integration of Contextual Studies in pre‐Degree Art and Design Education
Authors: Rintoul Jenny , James David 
Published: June 2016

AbstractContextual studies (CS), ‘theory’, ‘visual culture’ or ‘art history’ (amongst other labels) refer to a regular and often compulsory feature in art and design education. However, this takes many forms and can sit in a variety of relationships with the practical elements of such courses. This article is based on mixed method research on CS in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design, a course that makes up a substantial proportion of pre‐degree provision in the UK. We describe aspects of the wider study then draw on two cases to illustrate and discuss the implications of different approaches to the curriculum and its integration. Our analysis suggests that a seemingly progressive flight from a discrete CS towards a designed form of integration can have unintended negative consequences, and in the light of this we suggest some ways in which course teams might reflect on their practices.
Earnings Warnings and CEO Welfare
Authors: Wang Ping , Darrough Masako , Shi Linna 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSome CEOs decide voluntarily to issue a warning when they expect a negative earnings surprise. Prior research suggests that warnings contain incremental information beyond actual earnings; warning firms tend to experience permanent earnings decreases. This paper investigates whether compensation committees take warnings into account in setting CEO compensation. We find that warnings are significantly negatively (positively) associated with CEO bonus (option grants), suggesting that compensation committees adjust CEO compensation towards a more high‐powered structure after warnings. However, the sensitivity of bonus or option grants to earnings and stock returns is not affected except for bonus sensitivity to stock returns. We also find weak evidence of an increase in forced CEO turnover after warnings, accompanied by a significant increase in its sensitivity to stock returns. This benefits CEOs with higher ability but imposes more risk on other CEOs. These findings provide a partial explanation of why not every CEO facing a negative surprise decides to issue a warning. Our results are robust to various specifications. In particular, the impact of warnings on compensation appears invariant to the timing or the number of warnings. Overall, these findings suggest that the signal from warnings is used in determining CEO compensation and retention.
The assessment of the effect of a cosmetic product brightening the skin of people with discolorations of different etiology
Authors: Zasada Malwina , Debowska Renata , Pasikowska Monika , Budzisz Elzbieta 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBackgroundHyperpigmentations are disorders displayed with a change in the color of the skin, its strange shape, the lack of symmetry, and irregular placement. They appear no matter on the age, gender, and often as a congenital defect. Disorder connected with overproduction of melanin by pigmentary cells. The change of color is due to endogenous and exogenous cause.ObjectivesThe aim of this thesis was to conduct a research in vivo. This will allow to judge the effectiveness of the cosmetic product which brightens the skin with hyperpigmentation problems. The characteristics of dermocosmetics were tested on people with various etiology of hyperpigmentation. The aim of the research was to assess the effect of the active substances used daily on skin hyperpigmentation.MethodsThe tests were carried out on groups of patients with hyperpigmentations. The application of the pharmaceutical and the use of specific apparatus measurements were taken on every medical checkup. A survey was conducted to assess the changes in the face, neck, and neckline skin. The research was based on the apparatus analysis of the skin condition (MPA®, VISIA®).ResultsRegular application of the pharmaceutical caused brightening of hyperpigmentations (P < 0.05). General improvement in skin condition was also observed – the increase in skin elasticity, smoothness, and the enhancement of hydration levels.ConclusionsDermocosmetics for people with hyperpigmentation are an essential part of their medical treatment. In case of epidermal hyperpigmentation, the recipe of individually chosen and tested combination of ingredients enables us to reach satisfactory results.
A policy review of after‐hours emergency dental care responsibilities
Authors: Brecher Erica A. , Keels Martha Ann , Quiñonez Rocio B. , Roberts Michael W. , Bordley William Clay 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo examine professional guidelines and/or requirements of state and national dental organizations regarding the responsibility of dentists for after‐hours emergency care.MethodsGuidelines of national dental professional organizations, specialties, and all 50 state dental boards were examined for language pertaining to after‐hours emergency care. Guidelines were categorized as: a) no guidelines; b) deferral to American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines; c) specific guidelines outlined.ResultsMost states and national guidelines were similar to the ADA: dentists are obliged to make reasonable arrangements for the emergency dental care of patients of‐record and not‐of‐record. Oral surgery maintains the most stringent guidelines of all specialties. Results of the 50 states reviewed: no guidelines‐16 states (32 percent), deferral to ADA guidelines‐21 states (42 percent), and specific guidelines outlined‐13 states (26 percent).ConclusionsCurrent after‐hours emergency guidelines are nonspecific and open to interpretation. Variability between state guidelines likely contribute to unnecessary hospital emergency visits and increased healthcare costs, undermining the goal of establishing and maintaining dental homes.
Major Histocompatibility Complex I and II Expression and Lymphocytic Subtypes in Muscle of Horses with Immune‐Mediated Myositis
Authors: Durward‐Akhurst S.A. , Finno C.J. , Barnes N. , Shivers J. , Guo L.T. , Shelton G.D. , Valberg S.J. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II expression is not normally detected on sarcolemma, but is detected with lymphocytic infiltrates in immune‐mediated myositis (IMM) of humans and dogs and in dysferlin‐deficient muscular dystrophy.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine if sarcolemmal MHC is expressed in active IMM in horses, if MHC expression is associated with lymphocytic subtype, and if dysferlin is expressed in IMM.AnimalsTwenty‐one IMM horses of Quarter Horse‐related breeds, 3 healthy and 6 disease controls (3 pasture myopathy, 3 amylase‐resistant polysaccharide storage myopathy [PSSM]).MethodsImmunohistochemical staining for MHC I, II, and CD4+, CD8+, CD20+ lymphocytes was performed on archived muscle of IMM and control horses. Scores were given for MHC I, II, and lymphocytic subtypes. Immunofluorescent staining for dysferlin, dystrophin, and a‐sarcoglycan was performed.ResultsSarcolemmal MHC I and II expression was detected in 17/21 and 15/21 of IMM horses, respectively, and in specific fibers of PSSM horses, but not healthy or pasture myopathy controls. The CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ cells were present in 20/21 IMM muscles with CD4+ predominance in 10/21 and CD8+ predominance in 6/21 of IMM horses. Dysferlin, dystrophin, and a‐sarcoglycan staining were similar in IMM and control muscles.Conclusions and clinical importanceDeficiencies of dysferlin, dystrophin, and a‐sarcoglycan are not associated with IMM. Sarcolemmal MHC I and II expression in a proportion of myofibers of IMM horses in conjunction with lymphocytic infiltration supports an immune‐mediated etiology for IMM. The MHC expression also occured in specific myofibers in PSSM horses in the absence of lymphocytic infiltrates.
Identification and characterization of privet leaf blotch‐associated virus, a novel idaeovirus
Authors: Navarro Beatriz , Loconsole Giuliana , Giampetruzzi Annalisa , Aboughanem‐Sabanadzovic Nina , Ragozzino Antonio , Ragozzino Ester , Di Serio Francesco 
Published: June 2016

SummaryA novel virus has been identified by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in privet (Ligustrum japonicum L.) affected by a graft‐transmissible disease characterized by leaf blotch symptoms resembling infectious variegation, a virus‐like privet disease with an unclear aetiology. This virus, which has been tentatively named ‘privet leaf blotch‐associated virus’ (PrLBaV), was absent in non‐symptomatic privet plants, as revealed by NGS and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Molecular characterization of PrLBaV showed that it has a segmented genome composed of two positive single‐stranded RNAs, one of which (RNA1) is monocistronic and codes for the viral replicase, whereas the other (RNA2) contains two open reading frames (ORFs), ORF2a and ORF2b, coding for the putative movement (p38) and coat (p30) proteins, respectively. ORF2b is very probably expressed through a subgenomic RNA starting with six nucleotides (AUAUCU) that closely resemble those found in the 5′‐terminal end of genomic RNA1 and RNA2 (AUAUUU and AUAUAU, respectively). The molecular signatures identified in the PrLBaV RNAs and proteins resemble those of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV), currently the only member of the genus Idaeovirus. These data, together with phylogenetic analyses, are consistent with the proposal of considering PrLBaV as a representative of the second species in the genus Idaeovirus. Transient expression of a recombinant PrLBaV p38 fused to green fluorescent protein in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana, coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy assays, showed that it localizes at cell plasmodesmata, strongly supporting its involvement in viral movement/trafficking and providing the first functional characterization of an idaeovirus encoded protein.