bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an Index of Biotic Integrity for the Sand Hills Ecoregion of the Southeastern United States
Authors: Paller Michael H. , Kosnicki Ely , Prusha Blair A. , Fletcher Dean E. , Sefick Stephen A. , Feminella Jack W. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe developed an index of biotic integrity (IBI) for the Sand Hills ecoregion within the upper Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. This ecoregion exhibits differences in species composition among river basins and possesses a relatively depauperate fish fauna that has been affected by faunal homogenization. We also investigated whether this IBI could be improved by adding benthic macroinvertebrate information. Data collected from 70 wadeable stream sites were used to calculate 45 fish assemblage metrics. Twelve metrics within the categories of species richness, species composition, habitat guild, trophic guild, tolerance level, alien/invasive species, and individual fish condition were retained after screening all metrics for sensitivity to disturbance, redundancy, and ecological content. Heterogeneity of species composition among basins led to a greater reliance on richness, indicator species, trophic guild, and habitat guild metrics rather than on more geographically variable species composition metrics. Characteristic headwater assemblages provided the basis for some metrics, and invader species metrics were included to address faunal homogenization. The Sand Hills IBI (SHIBI) was more accurate ecoregion‐wide than IBIs that were developed for portions of the Sand Hills, correctly classifying about 60% of the disturbed sites compared with less than 30% for the other IBIs. However, the SHIBI was not highly responsive to gradients in site quality, as indicated by an R2 of 0.30 between SHIBI scores and instream habitat quality scores. This R2 value was improved to 0.49 by supplementing the SHIBI with a benthic macroinvertebrate index (the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera index). We conclude that ecoregion‐wide IBIs should (1) be based on ecoregion‐wide data that characterize responses to disturbance and natural habitat gradients, (2) maintain a substantial ecological basis by including several metric classes, and (3) include metrics that address faunal homogenization where disturbance has increased the dispersion of nonnative species and native generalist species. In addition, combining information from different assemblages can enhance IBI responsiveness to disturbance and improve performance.Received May 5, 2016; accepted September 19, 2016 Published online December 8, 2016
MTN-017: A Rectal Phase 2 Extended Safety and Acceptability Study of Tenofovir Reduced-Glycerin 1% Gel
Authors: Cranston Ross D. , Lama Javier R. , Richardson Barbra A. , Carballo-Diéguez Alex , Kunjara Na Ayudhya Ratiya Pamela , Liu Karen , Patterson Karen B. , Leu Cheng-Shiun , Galaska Beth , Jacobson Cindy E. , Parikh Urvi M. , Marzinke Mark A. , Hendrix Craig W. , Johnson Sherri , Piper Jeanna M. , Grossman Cynthia , Ho Ken S. , Lucas Jonathan , Pickett Jim , Bekker Linda-Gail , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Chitwarakorn Anupong , Gonzales Pedro , Holtz Timothy H. , Liu Albert Y. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Zorrilla Carmen , Schwartz Jill L. , Rooney James , McGowan Ian ,   for the MTN-017 Protocol Team
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Background.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). Safe and acceptable topical HIV prevention methods that target the rectum are needed.

Methods.
MTN-017 was a phase 2, 3-period, randomized sequence, open-label, expanded safety and acceptability crossover study comparing rectally applied reduced-glycerin (RG) 1% tenofovir (TFV) and oral emtricitabine/TFV disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF). In each 8-week study period participants were randomized to RG-TFV rectal gel daily, or RG-TFV rectal gel before and after receptive anal intercourse (RAI; or at least twice weekly in the event of no RAI), or daily oral FTC/TDF.

Results.
MSM and TGW (n = 195) were enrolled from 8 sites in the United States, Thailand, Peru, and South Africa with mean age of 31.1 years (range 18-64). There were no differences in ≥grade 2 adverse event rates between daily gel (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.09; P = .59) or RAI gel (IRR, 0.90; P = .51) compared to FTC/TDF. High adherence (≥80% of prescribed doses assessed by unused product return and Short Message System reports) was less likely in the daily gel regimen (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; P &lt; .001), and participants reported less likelihood of future daily gel use for HIV protection compared to FTC/TDF (OR, 0.38; P &lt; .001).

Conclusions.
Rectal application of RG TFV gel was safe in MSM and TGW. Adherence and product use likelihood were similar for the intermittent gel and daily oral FTC/TDF regimens, but lower for the daily gel regimen.

Clinical Trials Registration:
NCT01687218.
‘Individualism’ and ‘Collectivism’ in Collective Labour Law
Authors: Bogg Alan 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This article examines the concepts of ‘individualism’ and ‘collectivism’ in collective labour law. A popular critique of freedom of association norms characterises such norms as ‘individualist’ or ‘individualistic’. This individualist bias undermines the institutions of collective labour relations. The ‘individualist’ critique is often coupled with the development of an alternative positive account of collective labour law that is based upon a foundation of ‘collectivism’. ‘Collectivist’ labour law encompasses a concern for collective or group rights, rather than rights for individuals; it affirms collective values; and the metric of legitimacy of a legal regime of freedom of association is the extent to which it supports collective bargaining through independent trade unions. On this conventional approach, ‘individualism’ and ‘collectivism’ stand in opposition to each other. This article argues against this dichotomous understanding of ‘individualism’ and ‘collectivism’. A comparative perspective on the ‘right to organise’ supports the view that individual and collective rights can stand in a complementary relation to each other. Furthermore, the union’s right to exclude may sometimes legitimately yield to competing individual rights, such as the right not to be subjected to unjust discriminatory treatment. The important task for labour lawyers is to identify an effective combination of collective and individual rights in order to promote just and decent outcomes in the workplace.
Modeling cell survival and change in amount of DNA during protracted irradiation
Authors: Matsuya Yusuke , Tsutsumi Kaori , Sasaki Kohei , Yoshii Yuji , Kimura Takaaki , Date Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS) is a well-known bioresponse under low-dose or low-dose-rate exposures. Although disorder of the DNA repair function, non-targeted effects and accumulation of cells in G2 have been experimentally observed, the mechanism for inducing HRS by long-term irradiation is still unclear. On the basis of biological experiments and a theoretical study, we have shown that change in the amount of DNA associated with accumulation of cells in G2 enhances radiosensitivity. To demonstrate continuous irradiation with 250 kVp X-rays, we adopted a fractionated regimen of 0.186 or 1.00 Gy per fraction at intervals of 1 h (i.e. 0.186 Gy/h, 1.00 Gy/h on average) to Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO)-K1 cells. The change in the amount of DNA during irradiation was quantified by flow cytometric analysis with propidium iodide (PI). Concurrently, we attempted a theoretical evaluation of the DNA damage by using a microdosimetric-kinetic (MK) model that was modified to incorporate the change in the amount of DNA. Our experimental results showed that the fraction of the cells in G2/M phase increased by 6.7% with 0.186 Gy/h and by 22.1% with 1.00 Gy/h after the 12th irradiation. The MK model considering the change in amount of DNA during the irradiation exhibited a higher radiosensitivity at a high dose range, which could account for the experimental clonogenic survival. The theoretical results suggest that HRS in the high dose range is associated with an increase in the total amount of DNA during irradiation.
Obscured active galactic nuclei triggered in compact star-forming galaxies
Authors: Chang Yu-Yen , Le Floc'h Emeric , Juneau Stéphanie , da Cunha Elisabete , Salvato Mara , Civano Francesca , Marchesi Stefano , Gabor J. M. , Ilbert Olivier , Laigle Clotilde , McCracken H. J. , Hsieh Bau-Ching , Capak Peter 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
We present a structural study of 182 obscured active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at z ≤ 1.5, selected in the Cosmic Evolution Survey field from their extreme infrared to X-ray luminosity ratio and their negligible emission at optical wavelengths. We fit optical to far-infrared spectral energy distributions and analyse deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging to derive the physical and morphological properties of their host galaxies. We find that such galaxies are more compact than normal star-forming sources at similar redshift and stellar mass, and we show that it is not an observational bias related to the emission of the AGN. Based on the distribution of their UVJ colours, we also argue that this increased compactness is not due to the additional contribution of a passive bulge. We thus postulate that a vast majority of obscured AGNs reside in galaxies undergoing dynamical compaction, similar to processes recently invoked to explain the formation of compact star-forming sources at high redshift.
HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Smith Timothy J. , Mendez Anthony , Donald Carrlene , Nagel Thomas Harold 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can infect the tonsillar tissues of the oropharynx and is associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. This article provides an overview to guide primary care providers in screening patients for oropharyngeal cancer and making appropriate referrals. The article also reviews available HPV vaccines and immunization adherence rates.
The Pad Project
Authors: Raines Michele , Garner Shelby L. , Spies Lori A. , Riley Cheryl , Prater Lyn S. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT:

The Pad Project is a women's health program used to educate women on their monthly menstrual cycles. Through this ministry, women who do not have access to menstrual hygiene products are given sustainable hygienic kits to promote menstrual health. This unique health education program also integrates stories from the gospel to illustrate Christ's love and caring commitment toward women and women's health.
Entering Into Suffering
Authors: Gaudino Rebecca , Braband Barbara , Rogers Anissa 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT:
Learning how to respond to suffering is a significant challenge for healthcare providers. This interdisciplinary paper relays a Pedagogy of Suffering Model, based on research following a suffering interview project with undergraduate nursing students. The model is compared to the Gospel account of an encounter between Jesus and a Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30), supporting biblical and theological soundness of the model's transformative tasks for learning how to respond to suffering. The model can guide development of learning experiences that deepen understanding of compassionate interventions for those who suffer.
Accelerated RN-to-BSN Service-Learning Program Serves the Vulnerable
Authors: Barnes Margaret 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT
The definition, implementation, and benefits support the value of service-learning for nursing education. However, accelerated RN-to-BSN programs may have difficulty requiring service-learning experiences. This article offers a biblical rationale for service with vulnerable populations and an example of how service-learning is implemented into the curriculum of an accelerated, nontraditional, online/onsite RN-BSN completion program at a Christian university.
Understanding Spiritual Care
Authors: Christman Sharon K. , Mueller Julia R. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT:
Spiritual care has been associated with positive patient outcomes. Although nurses want to provide spiritual care, many have difficulty conceptualizing spiritual care outside of religion and religious activities. The Faith-Hope-Love Model of Spiritual Wellness, a theoretical model of spirituality and spiritual well-being, grounded in Christian theology and biblical text, can help nurses provide spiritual support to patients and families from multiple faith traditions or those without a faith background. Spirituality concepts are discussed, and description of how spirituality is related to finding meaning and purpose in life along with a summary of the spiritual needs identified from healthcare literature and the Bible, are provided.
W1, a Novel Oral Antiplatelet Agent With Less Resistance Than Clopidogrel
Authors: Ge Pengxin , Du Li , Han Chunguang , Li Hui , Feng Yanguo , Han Jie , Wang Zhen , Xiong Liangzhong , Yuan Meiru , Liu Yongxue 
Published: December 2016

Abstract:
Clopidogrel (CLO) is a clinical antiplatelet agent, about which there are major concerns because its antiplatelet efficiency decreases with insufficient metabolic activation, leading to “clopidogrel resistance.” We aimed to determine the antiplatelet effects of W1, a novel molecule composed of 2-O-clopidogrel and aspirin (1:1 ratio), on platelet aggregation ex vivo and thrombus formation in vivo, and its susceptibility to CLO resistance in combination with other therapies in rats. Platelets were prepared, and an arteriovenous shunt thrombosis model was established using Wistar rats to measure platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, respectively. W1 markedly inhibited adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation and thrombus formation dose dependently (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg). W1 (3 mg/kg) acted rapidly at 0.5 hours and lasted for 72 hours. W1 prolonged bleeding and clotting times in mice, confirming its antithrombotic properties. Compared with CLO 10 mg/kg, the positive control, W1 3 mg/kg exerted equivalent effects on the above specifications. In addition, cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, measured in rat platelets, increased rapidly after prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) stimulation of the vehicle control (0.5% methyl cellulose suspension) and W1 (3 mg/kg)-treated groups. ADP (50 μm) reduced the control levels more remarkably than W1 did (P < 0.05 in 3 minutes or P < 0.001 at 5 minutes), suggesting that W1 suppressed ADP-induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate reduction. This was associated with a significant platelet reactivity inhibition measured using the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein assay. CLO or W1 coadministration with or without omeprazole and amlodipine to rats to investigate the pharmacodynamic interactions revealed that W1 exhibited more stable and potent antithrombotic effects than CLO did. In conclusion, both W1 and CLO showed antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects, while the former exhibited less CLO resistance in combination with omeprazole or amlodipine, 2 drugs that inhibit CLO metabolism. Therefore, this study implies that W1 may be a promising oral antiplatelet agent for reducing CLO resistance after percutaneous coronary intervention.
LC-MS/MS Analysis of Erythrocyte Thiopurine Nucleotides and Their Association With Genetic Variants in Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders Taking Azathioprine
Authors: Mei Shenghui , Li Xindi , Gong Xiaoqing , Li Xingang , Yang Li , Zhou Heng , Liu Yonghong , Zhou Anna , Zhu Leting , Zhang Xinghu , Zhao Zhigang 
Published: December 2016

Background:
Azathioprine is a first-line drug in treating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). To exhibit its bioactivity, azathioprine needs to be converted to thiopurine nucleotides (TPNs) including 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGNs) and 6-methylmercaptopurine nucleotides (6-MMPNs) that are affected by genetic polymorphisms. This study aims to develop an LC-MS/MS method for the analysis of erythrocyte concentrations of TPNs and to evaluate their associations with variants of various genes (MTHFR, TPMT, HLA, SLC29A1, SLC28A2, SLC28A3, ABCB1, and ABCC4) in patients with NMOSD.

Methods:
Erythrocyte 6-TGNs and 6-MMPNs were converted to their free bases 6-thioguanine and 6-methylmercaptopurine derivative by 1-hour acid hydrolysis at 95°C. An LC-MS/MS method was developed, validated, and used to study 32 patients with NMOSD to determine these free bases. Genetic variants were identified by MassARRAY (Sequenom) and multiple SNaPshot techniques. The associations between genetic variants and the concentrations of TPNs or the 6-MMPNs:6-TGNs ratio were evaluated by PLINK software using linear regression.

Results:
Methanol and water were used for separation with a total run time of 6.5 minutes. The lowest limit of quantification was 0.1 μmol/L with an injection volume of 10 μL. rs10868138 (SLC28A3) was associated with a higher erythrocyte concentration of 6-TGNs (P = 0.031), whereas rs12378361 (SLC28A3) was associated with a lower erythrocyte concentration of 6-TGNs (P = 0.0067). rs507964 (SLC29A1) was significantly associated with a lower erythrocyte concentration of 6-MMPNs (P = 0.024) and a lower 6-MMPNs:6-TGNs ratio (P = 0.029).

Conclusions:
An LC-MS/MS method for the analysis of erythrocyte TPNs was developed, validated, and used to study 32 patients with NMOSD. SLC29A1 and SLC28A3 were associated with the erythrocyte concentrations of TPNs and 6-MMPNs:6-TGNs ratio. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
A Systematic Literature Review Approach to Estimate the Therapeutic Index of Selected Immunosuppressant Drugs After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Ericson Jessica E. , Zimmerman Kanecia O. , Gonzalez Daniel , Melloni Chiara , Guptill Jeffrey T. , Hill Kevin D. , Wu Huali , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael 
Published: December 2016

Background:
Drugs that exhibit close margins between therapeutic and toxic blood concentrations are considered to have a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). The Food and Drug Administration has proposed that NTI drugs should have more stringent bioequivalence standards for approval of generic formulations. However, many immunosuppressant drugs do not have a well-defined therapeutic index (TI).

Methods:
We sought to determine whether safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic data obtained from the medical literature through a comprehensive literature search could be used to estimate the TI of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus. In this analysis, we considered TI ≤2 as a criterion to define a drug as having an NTI.

Results:
Published literature indicates that cyclosporine has a TI of 2–3, which falls just short of our criteria to be classified as having an NTI. We found sirolimus and tacrolimus to have a therapeutic range of 5–12 ng/mL and of 5–20 ng/mL, respectively, but were unable to calculate the TI.

Conclusions:
Although the current literature does not provide a clear indication that these drugs have an NTI, the routine use of therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practice suggests that more stringent testing of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties should be performed before the approval of generic formulations.
Vertically Set Sombrero-shaped Abdominal Flap for Asian Breast Reconstruction after Skin-sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Uda Hirokazu , Yoshimura Kotaro , Asahi Rintaro , Sarukawa Syunji , Sunaga Ataru , Kamochi Hideaki , Sugawara Yasushi 
Published: December 2016

Background:
Immediate autologous breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy is an esthetically superior method, and a free abdominal flap is often used. However, in Asian patients, little redundant abdominal skin and thin subcutaneous tissue are common, necessitating the development of a more suitable flap design and setting. We devised a narrow flap, the sombrero-shaped flap (S-flap), set vertically, to reduce postoperative abdominal morbidity without sacrificing cosmetic results.

Methods:
To assess this new flap design and setting, the recipient- and donor-site complications of consecutive patients treated by S-flap (n = 40) and conventional flap (C-flap) (n = 22) were retrospectively investigated. Postoperative abdominal pain, stiffness, and patient activity were also assessed in each group with our original grading scale.

Results:
Compared with the C-flap group, the S-flap group had a significantly lower skin paddle vertical height (mean, 14.0 and 10.2 cm, respectively; P < 0.001), lower abdominal stiffness (P = 0.023), and higher rate of double-pedicled flap use (27.3% and 52.5%, respectively; P < 0.048). The rates of donor and recipient site complications, postoperative abdominal pain, and activity did not significantly differ between the groups.

Conclusions:
For immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy in Asian patients, our newly designed S-flap and vertical flap setting achieved cosmetically good, consistent results with low abdominal morbidity, even though the abdominal flap was thin and narrow. The viability of the S-flap, including medial fan-shaped adipose flap, was reliable, even though the flap often required elevation with double pedicles.
Congenital Symmastia: A 3-Step Approach
Authors: Sadaka Mohamed Saad , Allam Atef A. 
Published: December 2016

Summary:
Congenital symmastia is a medial confluence of the breasts. It is a rare anomaly with few reports in the literature and no standard treatment. In this article, we present a case of congenital symmastia treated by 3 steps: liposuction, fixation of the skin to the chest wall in the area of the intermammary sulcus, and postoperative intermammary compression. A successful result was achieved with normal cleavage between the breasts. So, this is considered the ideal treatment for this condition.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF VESSEL DENSITY MEASUREMENT WITH OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN EYES WITH AND WITHOUT RETINOPATHY
Authors: You Qisheng , Freeman William R. , Weinreb Robert N. , Zangwill Linda , Manalastas Patricia I. C. , Saunders Luke J. , Nudleman Eric 
Published: December 2016

Purpose:
To determine the intravisit and intervisit reproducibility of optical coherence tomography angiography measurements of macular vessel density in eyes with and without retinal diseases.

Methods:
Fifteen healthy volunteers and 22 patients with retinal diseases underwent repeated optical coherence tomography angiography (Angiovue Imaging System, Optovue Inc) scans after pupil dilation on 2 separate visit days. For each visit day, the eyes were scanned twice. Vessel density defined as the proportion of vessel area with flowing blood over the total measurement area was calculated using Angiovue software. Intravisit and intervisit reproducibility were summarized as coefficient of variations and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated from variance component models.

Results:
The coefficient of variations representing the intravisit reproducibility of the superficial macular vessel density measurements for different quadrants on 3 mm × 3-mm scans varied from 2.1% to 4.9% and 3.4% to 6.8% for healthy and diseased eyes, respectively, and for the intervisit it was 2.9% to 5.1% and 4.0% to 6.8%, respectively. The coefficient of variations were lower in healthy eyes than in diseased eyes, lower for intravisit than for intervisit, lower on 3 mm × 3-mm scans than on 6 mm × 6-mm scans, and lower for paracentral subfields than for central subfield.

Conclusion:
The evidence presented here demonstrates good reproducibility of optical coherence tomography angiography for measurement of superficial macula vessel density in both healthy eyes and eyes with diabetic retinopathy without diabetic macular edema.