bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of functional μ opioid receptor turnover in rat locus coeruleus: an electrophysiological and immunocytochemical study
Authors: Medrano María Carmen , Santamarta María Teresa , Pablos Patricia , Aira Zigor , Buesa Itsaso , Azkue Jon Jatsu , Mendiguren Aitziber , Pineda Joseba 
Published: June 2017

Background and PurposeRegulation of μ receptor dynamics such as its trafficking is a possible mechanism underlying opioid tolerance that contributes to inefficient recycling of opioid responses. We aimed to characterize the functional turnover of μ receptors in the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC).Experimental ApproachWe measured opioid effect by single‐unit extracellular recordings of LC neurons from rat brain slices. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to evaluate μ receptor trafficking.Key ResultsAfter near‐complete, irreversible μ receptor inactivation with β–funaltrexamine (β‐FNA), opioid effect spontaneously recovered in a rapid and efficacious manner. In contrast, α2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated effect hardly recovered after receptor inactivation with the irreversible antagonist EEDQ. When the recovery of opioid effect was tested after various inactivating time schedules, we found that the longer the β‐FNA pre‐exposure, the less efficient and slower the functional μ receptor turnover became. Interestingly, μ receptor turnover was slower when β‐FNA challenge was repeated in the same cell, indicating constitutive μ receptor recycling by trafficking from a depletable pool. Double immunocytochemistry confirmed the constitutive nature of μ receptor trafficking from a cytoplasmic compartment. The μ receptor turnover was slowed down when LC neuron calcium‐ or firing‐dependent processes were prevented or vesicular protein trafficking was blocked by a low temperature or transport inhibitor.Conclusions and ImplicationsConstitutive trafficking of μ receptors from a depletable intracellular pool (endosome) may account for its rapid and efficient functional turnover in the LC. A finely‐tuned regulation of μ receptor trafficking and endosomes could explain neuroadaptive plasticity to opioids in the LC.
1,3‐Bis(aryloxy)propan‐2‐ols as potential antileishmanial agents
Authors: Lavorato Stefânia N. , Duarte Mariana C. , Lage Daniela P. , Tavares Carlos A. P. , Coelho Eduardo A. F. , Alves Ricardo J. 
Published: June 2017

We describe herein the synthesis and antileishmanial activity of 1,3‐bis(aryloxy)propan‐2‐ols. Five compounds (2, 3, 13, 17, and 18) exhibited an effective antileishmanial activity against stationary promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis (IC50 < 15.0 μm), and an influence of compound lipophilicity on activity was suggested. Most of the compounds were poorly selective, as they showed toxicity toward murine macrophages, except 17 and 18, which presented good selective indexes (SI ≥ 10.0). The five more active compounds (2, 3, 13, 17, and 18) were selected for the treatment of infected macrophages, and all of them were able to reduce the number of internalized parasites by more than 80%, as well as the number of infected macrophages by more than 70% in at least one of the tested concentrations. Altogether, these results demonstrate the potential of these compounds as new hits of antileishmanial agents and open future possibilities for them to be tested in in vivo studies.
Diagnostic accuracy of increased urinary cortisol/cortisone ratio to differentiate ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Ceccato Filippo , Trementino Laura , Barbot Mattia , Antonelli Giorgia , Plebani Mario , Denaro Luca , Regazzo Daniela , Rea Federico , Frigo Anna Chiara , Concettoni Carolina , Boscaro Marco , Arnaldi Giorgio , Scaroni Carla 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackground and aimDifferential diagnosis between Cushing's Disease (CD) and Ectopic ACTH Syndrome (EAS) may be a pitfall for endocrinologists. The increasing use in clinical practice of chromatography and mass spectrometry improves the measurement of urinary free cortisol (UFF) and cortisone (UFE). We have recently observed that cortisol to cortisone ratio (FEr) was higher in a small series of EAS; in this study we collected a larger number of ACTH‐dependent Cushing's Syndrome (CS) to study the role of FEr to characterize the source of corticotropin secretion.Materials and methodsHigh‐pressure liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC‐UV, n=35) or liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS, n=72) were used to measure UFF, UFE and FEr in 83 patients with CD and 24 with EAS.ResultsUFF, UFE and FEr levels were higher in EAS than in CD (UFF: 6671 vs 549 nmol/24 hours; UFE: 2069 vs 464 nmol/24 hours; FEr: 4.13 vs 0.97; all P<.001). FEr >1.15 (the best ROC‐based threshold) was able to distinguish CD from EAS with 75% sensitivity (SE) and 75% specificity (SP), AUC 0.811; results were similar between HPLC‐UV (SE 73%, SP 79%, AUC 0.708) and LC‐MS/MS (SE 77%, SP 73%, AUC 0.834; P=.727). The diagnostic accuracy of FEr was similar to that of CRH test or high‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (respectively P=.171 and P=.683), also combined. Finally, FEr was able to increase the number of correct diagnosis in patients with discordant dynamic tests.ConclusionsUrinary FEr >1.15 was able to suggest EAS, with a diagnostic accuracy similar to that of other dynamic tests proposed to study ACTH‐dependent CS.
An international survey about nail histology processing techniques
Authors: Wlodek Christina , Lecerf Pauline , Andre Josette , Ruben Beth S. , de Berker David 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundThere are limited data on nail histopathology techniques. The objective of this study was to examine nail histopathology techniques currently in use internationally.MethodsAn online survey was sent to the European Nail Society and Council for Nail Disorders during 2015–2016.ResultsThere were 57 respondents, from twenty countries comprising dermatologists, podiatrists and pathologists.Specimens were unmarked or marked using ink or a suture and fixed in 10% formalin, from 6 to 48 hours before embedding in paraffin wax (90% [17/19]), liquid nitrogen (frozen section, 1/19) and 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (plastic, 1/19).Nail softening was undertaken by 71% (17/24) of respondents for 6 to 48 hours using Mollifex Gurr (12.5%, 3/24), 10% potassium hydroxide solution (12.5%, 3/24) or 10% potassium thioglycolate cream (12.5%, 3/24).Section thickness was 4 to 9 µm (62.5%), using a steel microtome (92%,12/13) on glass slides (91.6%, 11/12).Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) was routine for all biopsies and Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) for fungus. The favored stain for differentiating melanin and hemoglobin was Fontana‐Masson (60%, 6/10). For pigmented lesions, Melan‐A was always employed by all respondents (9/9).ConclusionNail histopathology processing has some small variations from normal skin processing.
Dermatologische Erkrankungen bei Palliativpatienten: eine prospektive Studie an 271 Patienten
Authors: Neloska Lenche , Damevska Katerina , Kuzmanova Andjelka , Pavleska Lidija , Kostov Milenko , Zovic Biljana Petreska 
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungHintergrundZahlreiche Faktoren erhöhen das Risiko von Palliativpatienten, an Hautinfektionen, Hautentzündungen oder Druckgeschwüren zu erkranken. Darüber hinaus sind eine Verschlechterung chronischer Hauterkrankungen sowie die Entwicklung behandlungsbedingter und malignitäts‐assoziierter Dermatosen zu erwarten. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, Prävalenz und Behandlung dermatologischer Erkrankungen bei Patienten in stationärer Palliativversorgung zu untersuchen.MethodenZweihunderteinundsiebzig Palliativpatienten wurden eingeschlossen. Alle Beurteilungen wurden von Dermatologen durchgeführt. Hautläsionen wurden in sieben Kategorien eingeteilt: Infektionen, Hauttumoren, Dermatitis, chronische Wunden, Nagel‐ und Haarerkrankungen, Pruritus und andere nicht klassifizierte Erkrankungen. Therapien wurden als topisch oder systemisch klassifiziert.ErgebnisseInsgesamt wurden 1.267 dermatologische Erkrankungen dokumentiert, von denen 49 % im Krankenhaus erworben wurden. Alle Patienten hatten mindestens eine dermatologische Erkrankung, und mehr als 50 verschiedene dermatologische Störungen wurden festgestellt. Die häufigste Gruppe von Hautkrankheiten waren Dermatitiden (18,3 % aller dermatologischen Erkrankungen), gefolgt von Nagel‐ und Haarerkrankungen (17,5 %). Fast 16 % der dermatologischen Erkrankungen wurden systemisch behandelt.SchlussfolgerungenDermatologische Erkrankungen sind ein häufiges und klinisch bedeutsames Problem für Palliativpatienten. Die Einbeziehung von Dermatologen in multidisziplinäre Palliativteams zur Behandlung dieser Patienten ist daher sinnvoll.
Kutane Sarkome
Authors: Kohlmeyer Judith , Steimle‐Grauer Susanne Annette , Hein Rüdiger 
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungKutane Sarkome umfassen eine heterogene Gruppe von mesenchymalen spindelzelligen Tumoren der Dermis und Subkutis. Zu den bekanntesten Vertretern zählt das Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Weitere Sarkome, die in diesem Artikel berücksichtigt werden, sind das atypische Fibrosarkom, das dermale undifferenzierte pleomorphe Sarkom, das Leiomyosarkom, das Liposarkom und das Angiosarkom. Kutane Sarkome kommen mit Ausnahme des Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, das seinen Häufigkeitsgipfel bei Erwachsenen mittleren Lebensalters hat, bei älteren Patienten ab der 6. bis 7. Lebensdekade vor. Die Pathogenese der unterschiedlichen Entitäten ist nicht einheitlich und im Einzelnen nicht abschließend geklärt. Zentral für eine korrekte Diagnosestellung ist die dermatohistopathologische Beurteilung, die auch immer dem Ausschluss anderer Neoplasien der Haut wie dem malignen Melanom dienen sollte. Molekulargenetische Methoden ermöglichten in den letzten Jahren tiefere Einblicke in die Pathogenese und bahnten den Weg für neue zielgerichtete Therapien. Therapie der Wahl bei kutanen Sarkomen ist die Exzision mit Sicherheitsabstand. Adjuvante und neoadjuvante Therapiekonzepte umfassen die Radiatio, den Einsatz von zielgerichteten Therapien oder auch Chemotherapien. Lokalrezidive werden bei kutanen Sarkomen häufig beschrieben. Die Prognose quoad vitam ist im Gegensatz zu Sarkomen des tiefen Binde‐ und Weichgewebes bei adäquater Therapie mit Ausnahme des Angiosarkoms sehr gut. Dies gilt es insbesondere dem Patienten gegenüber zu betonen.
Retrospective evaluation of exposure to natural UV radiation: experiences with the online UV history tool in a field study
Authors: Weistenhöfer Wobbeke , Hiller Julia , Drexler Hans , Kiesel Johannes 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and multiple actinic keratoses can be recognized as occupational diseases if the site affected has been subjected to additional occupational UV exposure of at least 40 %. An online UV history tool that allows for the quantification of occupational and recreational UV doses was now tested in a field study.Patients and methodsNinety‐nine patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer were examined. Patient history with respect to UV exposure was obtained using the online UV history tool. Initial validation was carried out with data from ten additional patients. In the context of a pilot study, the applicability of the tool was assessed using a questionnaire.ResultsOverall, patient history revealed a UV exposure between 3,792 and 53,163 SEDs. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratoses, or Bowen's disease (n = 22) had significantly higher SED values and were significantly older (73 vs. 66 years) than patients with basal cell carcinoma (n = 77). Occupational UV exposure was reported by 19 patients, two of whom showed an additional occupational UV exposure of more than 40 %, which prompted the filing of a (suspected) occupational disease report. With respect to validation, there was evidence of good inter‐investigator reliability. The applicability of the tool was rated as good.ConclusionsThe online UV history tool enables quick retrospective quantification of occupational and recreational UV exposure in case of suspicion of the occupational disease “cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratoses caused by natural UV radiation”.
Modified continuity equation using left ventricular outflow tract three‐dimensional imaging for aortic valve area estimation
Authors: Pinto Teixeira Pedro , Ramos Ruben , Rio Pedro , Moura Branco Luísa , Portugal Guilherme , Abreu Ana , Galrinho Ana , Marques Hugo , Figueiredo Luísa , Cruz Ferreira Rui 
Published: June 2017

PurposeAortic valve area (AVA) is usually estimated by the continuity equation (CE) in which the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area is calculated assuming a circular shape. This study aimed to compare measurements of LVOT area using standard 2D transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE), 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE), and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and assess their relative impact on AVA estimated by the CE.Methods and ResultsWe prospectively enrolled 60 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) who systematically underwent 2DTTE, 3DTEE, and MDCT. Mean LVOT areas obtained by 2DTTE (3.28±0.66 cm2) and 3DTEE (3.95±0.90 cm2) were significantly underestimated when compared to the mean MDCT LVOT area (4.31±0.99 cm2). LVOT was rather elliptical than round, with a mean eccentricity index of 1.47 (ratio of maximum to minimum LVOT diameters) assessed by MDCT. Mean TTE AVA estimated by the CE was 0.62±0.20 cm2. Substitution of 2DTTE LVOT area by 3DTEE LVOT area in the CE resulted in AVA of 0.74±0.24 cm2, while using MDCT LVOT area held an AVA of 0.80±0.24 cm2. MDCT‐derived AVA was similar to MDCT planimetric AVA and allowed 24% of patients to be reclassified from severe to moderate AS.Conclusions2DTTE and 3DTEE underestimate LVOT area when compared to MDCT with significant impact on AVA estimation. Assessment through MDCT fusion AVA may be of incremental value in patients with discrepant severity criteria for AS.
Prevalence of optimal valve morphology for MitraClip in patients with mitral regurgitation
Authors: Monteagudo Ruiz Juan Manuel , Fernández‐Golfín Covadonga , Mesa Dolores , González‐Alujas Teresa , Sitges Marta , Carrasco‐Chinchilla Fernando , Li Chi‐Hion , Grande‐Trillo Antonio , Martínez Amparo , Matabuena Javier , Alonso‐Rodríguez David , Aquila Iolanda , Zamorano José Luis 
Published: June 2017

AimsTo evaluate how often patients with moderate‐to‐severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) meet the anatomical criteria for MitraClip implant and to examine the role of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for this task.Methods and ResultsFrom February to June 2015, all patients undergoing a TTE in nine Spanish hospitals were prospectively included. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe and severe mitral regurgitation were selected for analysis. Anatomical eligibility criteria for MitraClip were defined according to the EVEREST trial. A total of 39 855 consecutive TTE were reviewed, and 1403 patients with moderate‐to‐severe and severe MR were finally included. Primary MR was found in 779 patients (56%). Only in 74 patients (16%), all anatomical criteria for MitraClip could be assessed by TTE. Of these, 56% of patients had optimal valve morphology. Secondary MR was described in 361 patients (26%), and at least 249 of these (69%) had a high surgical risk. All five criteria for MitraClip were adequately assessed by TTE in 299 patients (83%). Of them, 118 patients (39%) had optimal valve morphology.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of patients have optimal mitral valve morphology for MitraClip. Moreover, TTE was particularly useful in determining whether or not the anatomical criteria for MitraClip implant were met in the majority of patients with secondary MR but in only a minority of those with primary MR.
An economic evaluation of a multicomponent self‐management intervention for adults with epilepsy (ZMILE study)
Authors: Wijnen Ben F. M. , Leenen Loes A. M. , de Kinderen Reina J. A. , van Heugten Caroline M. , Majoie Marian H. J. M. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe objective of this (trial‐based) economic evaluation was, from a societal perspective, to compare the cost‐effectiveness of a multicomponent self‐management intervention (MCI) with care as usual (CAU) in adult patients with epilepsy over a 12‐month period.MethodsIn a randomized‐controlled trial, participants were randomized into intervention or CAU group. Adherence, self‐efficacy (Epilepsy Self‐Efficacy Scale [ESES]), quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), healthcare costs, production losses, and patient and family costs were assessed at baseline and during the 12‐month study period. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) (i.e., cost per increased adherence, self‐efficacy, or QALY), and cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves were calculated.ResultsIn total, 102 patients were included in the study, of whom 52 were in the intervention group. Adherence rates over 6 months were 63.7% for the CAU group and 75.9% for the intervention group. Adherence, ESES, and quality of life did not differ significantly between groups. An ICER of €54 per point increase in ESES score at 6 months and €1,105 per point increase at 12‐month follow‐up was found. The intervention resulted in an ICER of €88 per percentage of adherence increase at 6 months. ICERs of €8,272 and €15,144 per QALY gained were found at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up, respectively.SignificanceAlthough no statistically significant difference was found after baseline adjustments, cost‐effectiveness estimates for MCI appear promising. As rules of inference are arbitrary, it has been argued that decisions should be based only on the net benefits, irrespective of whether differences are statistically significant. Hence, the MCI may be a cost‐effective addition to the current standard care for adults with epilepsy.
Bank Restructuring and Access to Financial Services: The Spanish Case
Authors: Maudos Joaquín 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Spanish bank sector has restructured extensively since the crisis erupted in 2008 in an attempt to correct the imbalances accumulated during the preceding boom years. Thanks to this restructuring effort, Spain's branch network has been pared back by 32 percent, prompting questions about potential ramifications for the population's access to financial services. Against this backdrop, this paper quantifies, at the municipal level, the segment of the population without access to a bank branch in their home town between 2008 and 2015, paving the way for analysis of the impact of the restructuring effort. It also analyses the role played by the three kinds of deposit institutions in Spain in providing access to financial services via their branch networks. The results show that although the percentage of the Spanish population without access to a branch in their home town has risen, the increase has been small, albeit marked by significant differences from one province to the next. The savings banks (including the former cajas that have converted to banks) are still the most important financial institutions in terms of facilitating branch access to financial services.
Living in Ambiguity: Mission Formation as Living among Counter‐communities
Authors: Cruchley Peter 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article has been developed from a short response given to Prof Néstor Míguez's paper, “Mission Formation for Transforming Discipleship” (featured in this issue of IRM) at the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism's Consultation on Mission Formation, held in Matanzas, Cuba, from 10 to 15 September 2016. The article sets out to explore Míguez's concept of living in ambiguity as a call to mission formation to create transformative counter‐communities, which can equip people to live with the struggle of justice promised and justice denied. The paper explores this through a number of lenses. The letter of Jeremiah to the exiles in Jeremiah 29 offers a biblical context for creating communities which are counter to dominant and imperial values. The work of French philosopher Michel Foucault on heterotopias offers a philosophical framework for such communities.
Together towards Life, Missional Formation, and Transforming Discipleship
Authors: Ross Kenneth R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAdoption of Together towards Life as a new mission statement of the World Council of Churches was a moment pregnant with possibility. Will this ground‐breaking document have a transformative impact on individual lives, on community life, on national life, on international life? The answer, to a great extent, will depend on how far it comes to be used as a resource in education and formation. For it to be used in a relevant and effective way, it will need to be considered contextually. A project has been under way to create a pedagogical guidebook to support the deployment of Together towards Life in missional education and formation. This will promote academic rigour, but will also go further to engage the spiritual level and the challenge of discipleship.
Exploring collaborative learning effect in blended learning environments
Authors: Sun Z. , Liu R. , Luo L. , Wu M. , Shi C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe use of new technology encouraged exploration of the effectiveness and difference of collaborative learning in blended learning environments. This study investigated the social interactive network of students, level of knowledge building and perception level on usefulness in online and mobile collaborative learning environments in higher education. WeChat, which is a mobile synchronous communication tool, and modular object‐oriented dynamic learning environment (Moodle) were used as mobile and online collaborative learning settings. Seventy‐eight college students majoring in information engineering participated in the experiment. The following findings were revealed by combining methods of social network analysis, content analysis and questionnaire survey: (1) the collaborative social networks generated in this study showed that students had tighter interaction relationships in Moodle than in WeChat; (2) deeper level of knowledge building in collaboration and interaction through Moodle than WeChat was observed; and (3) Moodle got higher perception level than WeChat because of its usefulness for collaboration.
ASSESSING THE OLYMPIC GAMES: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT AND BEYOND
Authors: Scandizzo Pasquale Lucio , Pierleoni Maria Rita 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study reviews the literature on the evaluation of the Olympic Games, within the broader framework of their significance as cultural assets and opportunities for endogenous growth and sustainable development of the host city. The study reviews the main approaches to the economic assessment of the Games, from the point of view of the underlying economic concepts and methodologies, as well as of the empirical results obtained. It focuses on the effects that are measured and on those, which even though important, are generally neglected. The methodologies utilized for the quantitative assessments of the Games are reviewed with special emphasis on impact and cost–benefit analysis, both onex anteandex postbasis. The studies surveyed are analysed from the point of view of different sets of effects on the host city, and for a limited number of cases, on the host country. While the major focus is on hosting the Summer Olympics, some attention is also paid to the bidding cities, the Winter Olympics and the Paralympics. The general findings appear to be controversial with some hints of positive overall effects, but also with a well‐documented tendency to exaggerate the benefits and underestimate the costs of holding the Games in theex anteversus theex poststudies. The survey finally suggests thatex postcross‐country econometric studies tend to catch sizable differential and persistent benefits ignored by individual studies, especially on macroeconomic and trade variables.