bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement activation and expression during chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the Biozzi ABH mouse
Authors: Ramaglia V , Jackson S J , Hughes T R , Neal J W , Baker D , Morgan B P 
Published: January 2015

SummaryChronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (crEAE) in mice recapitulates many of the clinical and histopathological features of human multiple sclerosis (MS), making it a preferred model for the disease. In both, adaptive immunity and anti-myelin T cells responses are thought to be important, while in MS a role for innate immunity and complement has emerged. Here we sought to test whether complement is activated in crEAE and important for disease. Disease was induced in Biozzi ABH mice that were terminated at different stages of the disease to assess complement activation and local complement expression in the central nervous system. Complement activation products were abundant in all spinal cord areas examined in acute disease during relapse and in the progressive phase, but were absent in early disease remission, despite significant residual clinical disease. Local expression of C1q and C3 was increased at all stages of disease, while C9 expression was increased only in acute disease; expression of the complement regulators CD55, complement receptor 1-related gene/protein y (Crry) and CD59a was reduced at all stages of the disease compared to naive controls. These data show that complement is activated in the central nervous system in the model and suggest that it is a suitable candidate for exploring whether anti-complement agents might be of benefit in MS.
Promoting Private Entrepreneurship for Deepening Market Reform in China: A Resource Allocation Perspective
Authors: Chu Son Ngoc , Song Ligang 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAfter more than three decades of rapid growth, China's economy is going through an important turning point, where structural imbalances in both supply and demand sides must be addressed for a more moderate and sustainable growth path. By focusing on the structural changes to its ownership, a central element in China's economic transformation under market reform, the present paper highlights the importance of private entrepreneurship in deepening market reform and, thereby, in driving economic growth in a more efficient and sustainable way. Based on a perspective of resource allocation and a conceptual framework of entrepreneurship, the paper elaborates on the evolution of the private sector and its performance in the context of ownership reform, making comparisons with the performance of the state sector. The analysis suggests that there is further room for more productive use of economic resources, especially capital, land and natural resources, by increasing the participation of private entrepreneurs in industries with high entry barriers in favor of state‐owned enterprises. Moreover, more competitive and equal access to productive resources through reform is needed to promote more productive entrepreneurship and to reduce rent‐seeking activities.
Can preoperative cranial ultrasound predict early neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with congenital heart disease?
Authors: Latal Beatrice , Kellenberger Christian , Dimitropoulos Anastasia , Hagmann Cornelia , Balmer Christian , Beck Ingrid , Bernet Vera 
Published: January 2015

AimTo determine the role of preoperative cranial ultrasound (cUS) in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in infants undergoing bypass surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD).MethodProspective cohort study on 77 infants (44 males, 33 females) operated before 3 months of age (median age at surgery 10d [range 3–88d]) who received at least one preoperative cUS. Outcome at 1 year was assessed with a standardized neurological examination and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (mental developmental index [MDI]; psychomotor developmental index [PDI]).ResultsAbnormalities on cUS were detected in 22 (29%) infants and consisted of diffuse brain oedema (n=12, 16%), periventricular white matter injury (n=5, 6%), ventricular dilatation (n=3, 4%), and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (n=2, 3%). Infants undergoing balloon‐atrial septostomy (BAS) had a higher rate of subsequent brain oedema than those without BAS (p=0.006). cUS abnormalities were not related to neurodevelopmental outcome.InterpretationPreoperative cUS findings in infants undergoing bypass surgery for CHD occur rather frequently, consisting of mild lesions such as brain oedema or white matter changes. These findings, however, do not correlate with early neurodevelopmental outcome.
Frequency of hand and shoulder symptoms in patients with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Raje Y. R. , Cracknell G. , Davoren P. M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimsTo characterize the frequency of joint symptoms in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and to determine the subset of patients at risk of developing these symptoms.MethodsWe invited patients with Type 1 diabetes to complete a survey in which upper limb joint symptoms were scored using a composite of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and a visual analogue scale. Family or friends of the participants, without diabetes, completed control surveys.ResultsA total of 131 patients and 79 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects completed the surveys. Patients with Type 1 diabetes had higher composite symptom scores than did the control subjects [median (range) score 25 (0–208) vs 12 (0–145); P < 0.001]. Patients with long‐standing diabetes had significantly higher median (range) scores than those with diabetes of shorter duration [diabetes >30 years: 63(0–208), 15–30 years: 46(0–168), diabetes <15 years: 17(0–143)]. Patients with diabetic nephropathy had higher scores than those without [median (range) score 103 (0–173) vs 22 (0–208); P = 0.007 between groups]. Neither blood glucose control nor age at diagnosis predicted higher scores.ConclusionUpper limb joint symptoms occur with greater frequency in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Longer duration of disease is the best predictor of symptoms. Blood glucose control does not appear to be associated with development of symptoms.
Psychosocial aspects of closed‐ and open‐loop insulin delivery: closing the loop in adults with Type 1 diabetes in the home setting
Authors: Barnard K. D. , Wysocki T. , Thabit H. , Evans M. L. , Amiel S. , Heller S. , Young A. , Hovorka R. ,   the Angela Consortium
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimsTo explore the psychosocial experiences of closed‐loop technology and to compare ratings of closed‐ and open‐loop technology for adults with Type 1 diabetes taking part in a randomized crossover study.MethodsAdults (aged > 18 years) on insulin pump therapy were recruited to receive a first phase of either real‐time continuous glucose monitoring with overnight closed‐loop or real‐time continuous glucose monitoring alone (open‐loop) followed by a second phase of the alternative treatment in random order, at home for 4 weeks, unsupervised. Participants were invited to share their views in semi‐structured interviews. The impact of the closed‐loop technology, positive and negative aspects of living with the device overnight, along with the hopes and anxieties of the participants, were explored.ResultsThe participants in the trial were 24 adults with a mean (sd) age of 43 (12) years, of whom 54% were men. The mean (range) interview duration was 26 (12–46) min. Content and thematic analysis showed the following key positive themes: improved blood glucose control (n = 16); reassurance/reduced worry (n = 16); improved overnight control leading to improved daily functioning and diabetes control (n = 16); and improved sleep (n = 8). The key negative themes were: technical difficulties (n = 24); intrusiveness of alarms (n = 13); and size of equipment (n = 7). Of the 24 participant, 20 would recommend the closed‐loop technology.ConclusionsClosed‐loop therapy has positive effects when it works in freeing participants from the demands of self‐management. The downside was technical difficulties, particularly concerning the pump and ‘connectivity’, which it is hoped will improve. Future research should continue to explore the acceptability of the closed‐loop system as a realistic therapy option, taking account of user concerns as new systems are designed. Failure to do this may reduce the eventual utility of new systems.
Ultrasound‐Targeted Microbubble Destruction Enhances Gene Expression of microRNA‐21 in Swine Heart via Intracoronary Delivery
Authors: Liu Yangchun , Li Lang , Su Qiang , Liu Tao , Ma Zhiying , Yang Huafeng 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundUltrasound‐targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has proved to be a promising method for gene delivery. However, the feasibility and efficacy of UTMD‐mediated gene delivery to the heart of large animals remain unclear. The present study was to explore the probability of increasing the transfection of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) in swine heart by UTMD, and to search for the most suitable transfection conditions.MethodsWe first optimized ultrasound intensity for successful miR‐21 delivery. After intravenous injection of miR‐21/microbubble mixture (miR‐21/MB), transthoracic ultrasound irradiation (US) was applied from the left anterior chest using different intensities (1, 2, and 3 W/cm2). Then the efficacy of UTMD‐mediated miR‐21 delivery into myocardium via intracoronary injection was explored. Solution of miR‐21/MB was infused intravenously or intracoronarily with US over the heart. Swine undergoing phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) injection, miR‐21/MB injection via ear vein or coronary artery without US served as the control. The dynamic changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and serum troponin I (cTnI) after UTMD were detected, then the left ventricular myocardium was harvested for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining 4 days later; the expression levels of miR‐21 and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot, respectively.ResultsResults showed that pulse ultrasound at an intensity of 2 W/cm2 and a 50% duty ratio for 20 minutes, there was no increase in serum cTnI, no histological sign of myocardial damage, and no noted cardiac dysfunction with relatively higher miR‐21 expression (P < 0.05). Compared to miR‐21/MB alone, UTMD significantly increased gene expression in myocardium regardless of the delivery routes (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the transfection efficiency was found to be a little bit higher with intracoronary injection than that with intravenous injection, though the dose for intracoronary injection was half of the intravenous injection (P < 0.05).ConclusionUnder suitable conditions, UTMD can efficiently enhance gene expression in swine heart regardless of the delivery routes. The intravenous injection might be superior to intracoronary injection with less invasiveness and lower requirement of the technique. And for those undergoing percutanesous coronary intervention, intracoronary injection seems to be another alternative.
The role of hypoxia and Morg1 in renal injury
Authors: Loeffler Ivonne , Wolf Gunter 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundRenal hypoxia is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute renal injury as well as in chronic kidney diseases. The mediators of hypoxia are the transcription factors HIF (hypoxia‐inducible factors), that are highly regulated. Under normoxic conditions constitutively expressed HIF‐α subunits are hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylases (PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3) and subsequently degraded by proteasomes.Materials and methodsThis narrative review is based on the material searched for and obtained via PubMed and MEDLINE up to January 2015.ResultsThe MAPK organizer 1 (Morg1) has been identified to act as a scaffold protein of PHD3 and suppression of Morg1 leads to the stabilization of HIF‐α, which forms in the absence of oxygen a heterodimer with HIF‐β, translocates to the nucleus and promotes the transcription of HIF target genes.ConclusionsThis review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role of hypoxia, HIF signalling, and Morg1 in acute and chronic renal injury.
Local delivery of paclitaxel in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Ng Vivian G. , Mena Carlos , Pietras Cody , Lansky Alexandra J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundDespite advancements from balloon angioplasty to drug‐eluting stents, primary patency rates after endovascular revascularization of peripheral artery disease have remained inferior compared to surgery. Endovascular revascularization has been limited by restenosis and mechanical stent failure. Thus, there is increased research into other nonstent‐based local drug delivery modalities, which can provide an active drug to inhibit restenosis focally and avoid the risk of systemic adverse effects.MethodsThis review will summarize the unique properties of paclitaxel and studies on paclitaxel local delivery for the treatment of peripheral artery disease. A MEDLINE search for relevant peer‐reviewed scientific literature published in English was conducted. Search terms included but were not limited to paclitaxel pharmacodynamics, paclitaxel local drug delivery, and drug eluting balloons, with a focus on the use of paclitaxel in the context of coronary and peripheral vascular disease.ResultsThe primary search produced 182 results of which 51 papers were relevant. Of the 51 relevant papers, 27 were original research papers and 24 were either review papers, commentary or opinion papers.ConclusionsPaclitaxel has several chemical properties, which make it ideal for local drug delivery including its hydrophobicity, ability to concentrate into the arterial intima layer and prolonged effect on cells even after brief exposure periods. Local delivery of paclitaxel via injection catheters, balloon catheters and coated balloons has shown encouraging results in terms of efficacy and safety in small‐scale animal and clinical studies. Additional preclinical and clinical studies are needed to determine the long‐term efficacy and safety of these treatments in humans.
Deficiency of Factor VII activating protease alters the outcome of ischemic stroke in mice
Authors: Joshi A. U. , Orset C. , Engelhardt B. , Baumgart‐Vogt E. , Gerriets T. , Vivien D. , Kanse S. M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFactor VII activating protease (FSAP) is a circulating protease with a putative role in hemostasis, remodeling and inflammation. A polymorphism giving rise to low proteolytic activity has been associated with an increased risk of stroke and carotid stenosis. To date, no in vivo studies or mechanistic information is available to explain these results. Based on the polymorphism data we hypothesize that a lack of endogenous FSAP will increase the severity of stroke. Stroke was induced by applying thrombin in the middle cerebral artery in wild‐type (WT) and FSAP−/− mice. Increased stroke volume and worsened neurological deficit were observed in FSAP−/− mice. Raised levels of FSAP protein were detected in the infarcted area of WT mice together with enhanced leukocyte infiltration and apoptosis in FSAP−/− mice. There was a concomitant increase in the activation of the NFκB pathway and decrease in expression of the PI3K/AKT pathway proteins. At a cellular level, FSAP increased cell survival and decreased apoptosis in primary cortical neurons and astrocytes exposed to tPA/NMDA excitotoxicity or oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation, respectively. This was mediated via the PI3K/AKT pathway with involvement of the protease activated receptor‐1. To corroborate the human epidemiological data, which link FSAP with stroke, we now show that the lack of FSAP in mice worsens the outcome of stroke. In the absence of FSAP there was a stronger inflammatory response and lower cell survival due to insufficient activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Expanding Sexual Selection Gradients; A Synthetic Refinement of Sexual Selection Theory
Authors: Fitzpatrick Courtney L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSexual selection is usually modeled as fitness differences that are mediated through variation in the number of mates obtained (variance in mating success, VMS). Nevertheless, empirical studies increasingly posit sexual selection even when VMS is low or does not contribute to variance in fitness, as is the case in females of many species. In these contexts, evolution by sexual selection is only plausible if it is mediated through variation in mate quality (VMQ) rather than exclusively through variation in the number of mates (VMS). However, we lack a formal theoretical foundation for sexual selection in these cases. Here, I argue the need for an explicit, formal treatment of how VMQ may result in sexual selection. Building upon the conceptually powerful framework of sexual selection gradients, I propose a graphical heuristic model that aims to serve as a foundation for future formal models. I close by discussing the implications of this perspective for sexual selection research in general, with particular attention to predictions that the model generates for the action of sexual selection on female traits.
Challenges in integrating herbal medicine in healthcare systems
Authors: Roufogalis Basil D 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this perspective some of the challenges facing the integration of herbal medicine in the healthcare system are described. Such challenges include the need to understand the chemical nature of complex herbal products and their formulation for human therapeutic use, the importance of translation of basic scientific research to human clinical safety and efficacy, provision of a framework for obtaining the evidence required for validation of traditional herbal medicinal products and defining a regulatory system which allows adequate research funding and protection of resulting intellectual property. Requirements for developing standard operating procedures for clinical trials on herbal medicines are described.
Identification of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke in mid‐ and older‐aged women: Comparing self‐report and administrative hospital data records
Authors: Navin Cristina Tina J , Stewart Williams Jennifer A , Parkinson Lynne , Sibbritt David W , Byles Julie E 
Published: January 2015

AimTo estimate the prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke in self‐report and hospital data in two cohorts of women; measure sensitivity and agreement between data sources; and compare between cohorts.MethodsWomen born between 1946–1951 and 1921–1926 who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH); were New South Wales residents; and admitted to hospital (2004–2008) were included in the present study. The prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke was estimated using self‐report (case 1 at latest survey, case 2 across multiple surveys) and hospital records. Agreement (kappa) and sensitivity (%) were calculated. Logistic regression measured the association between patient characteristics and agreement.ResultsHypertension had the highest prevalence and estimates were higher for older women: 32.5% case 1, 45.4% case 2, 12.8% in hospital data (1946–1951 cohort); 57.8% case 1, 73.2% case 2, 38.2% in hospital data (1921–1926 cohort). Agreement was substantial for diabetes: κ = 0.75 case 1, κ = 0.70 case 2 (1946–1951 cohort); κ = 0.77 case 1, κ = 0.80 case 2 (1921–1926 cohort), and lower for other conditions. The 1946–1951 cohort had 2.08 times the odds of agreement for hypertension (95% CI 1.56 to 2.78; P < 0.0001), and 6.25 times the odds of agreement for heart disease (95% CI 4.35 to 10.0; P < 0.0001), compared with the 1921–1926 cohort.ConclusionSubstantial agreement was found for diabetes, indicating accuracy of ascertainment using self‐report or hospital data. Self‐report data appears to be less accurate for heart disease and stroke. Hypertension was underestimated in hospital data. These findings have implications for epidemiological studies relying on self‐report or administrative data. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 95–102.
Massive Open Online Change? Exploring the Discursive Construction of the ‘MOOC’ in Newspapers
Authors: Selwyn Neil , Bulfin Scott , Pangrazio Luci 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMassive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been a prominent topic of recent educational discussion and debate. MOOCs are, in essence, university‐affiliated courses offered to large groups of online learners for little or no cost and are seen by many as a bellwether for change and reform across higher education systems. This study uses content and discourse analysis methods to examine how understandings of MOOC‐related ‘change’ were presented in US, UK and Australian newspapers. Drawing on detailed analysis of 457 newspaper articles published between 2011 and 2013, the findings point to a predominant portrayal of MOOCs in relation to the massification, marketization and monetization of higher education, rather than engaging in debate of either ‘technological’ or ‘educational’ issues such as online learning and pedagogy, instructional design or student experience. The article then considers the reasons underpinning this restricted framing of what many commentators have touted as a radical educational form—not least the apparently close association between MOOCs and the economics of higher education.
Patient satisfaction from two studies of collaborative doctor – pharmacist prescribing in Australia
Authors: Hale Andrew , Coombes Ian , Stokes Julie , Aitken Stuart , Clark Fiona , Nissen Lisa 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundPharmacist prescribing has been introduced in several countries and is a possible future role for pharmacy in Australia.ObjectiveTo assess whether patient satisfaction with the pharmacist as a prescriber, and patient experiences in two settings of collaborative doctor‐pharmacist prescribing may be barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing.DesignSurveys containing closed questions, and Likert scale responses, were completed in both settings to investigate patient satisfaction after each consultation. A further survey investigating attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing, after multiple consultations, was completed in the sexual health clinic.Setting and ParticipantsA surgical pre‐admission clinic (PAC) in a tertiary hospital and an outpatient sexual health clinic at a university hospital. Two hundred patients scheduled for elective surgery, and 17 patients diagnosed with HIV infection, respectively, recruited to the pharmacist prescribing arm of two collaborative doctor‐pharmacist prescribing studies.ResultsConsultation satisfaction response rates in PAC and the sexual health clinic were 182/200 (91%) and 29/34 (85%), respectively. In the sexual health clinic, the attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing survey response rate were 14/17 (82%). Consultation satisfaction was high in both studies, most patients (98% and 97%, respectively) agreed they were satisfied with the consultation. In the sexual health clinic, all patients (14/14) agreed that they trusted the pharmacist's ability to prescribe, care was as good as usual care, and they would recommend seeing a pharmacist prescriber to friends.Discussion and ConclusionMost of the patients had a high satisfaction with pharmacist prescriber consultations, and a positive outlook on the collaborative model of care in the sexual health clinic.