bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human cord blood-derived platelet lysate enhances the therapeutic activity of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from Crohn’s disease patients in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Forte Dorian , Ciciarello Marilena , Valerii Maria Chiara , De Fazio Luigia , Cavazza Elena , Giordano Rosaria , Parazzi Valentina , Lazzari Lorenza , Laureti Silvio , Rizzello Fernando , Cavo Michele , Curti Antonio , Lemoli Roberto M. , Spisni Enzo , Catani Lucia 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Due to their immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used for auto-immune disease treatment. Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis are two major inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), resulting from pathological immune responses to environmental or microbial antigens. Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that MSC-based cellular therapy hold promising potential for IBD treatment. However, open issues include the selection of the proper cell dose, the source and the optimal route of administration of MSCs for more effective results. Platelet lysate has gained clinical interest due to its efficacy in accelerating wound healing. Thus, we propose to combine the administration of MSCs with a human umbilical cord blood-derived platelet lysate (hCBPL) as a novel strategy to improve MSC-based therapy for IBD resolution.

Methods
Colitis was induced in 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice by daily oral administration of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) (1.5 % w/v in tap water) for 9 days. MSCs were isolated from adipose tissue of CD patients (adCD-MSCs), expanded in proliferation medium, resuspended in hCBPL or PBS and administrated via enema for three times (1 × 106 cells/mouse/time) every other day starting on day +7 from DSS induction. The colitis evolution was evaluated by daily monitoring of body weight, stool consistency and bleeding. Histopathological analysis was performed. Inflammatory cytokine plasma levels were determined. adCD-MSCs stained with lipophilic membrane dye Nile Red, were injected in DSS mice as described above. Colon section of mice sacrificed 24 hours after last cell administration, were analyzed by confocal microscopy.

Results
We found that adCD-MSCs could be easily isolated and expanded from CD patients. Upon injection, adCD-MSCs exerted a therapeutic effect on DSS-induced colitis. Moreover, hCBPL increased adCD-MSCs efficacy by significantly reducing colitis scores, extension of the colon inflamed area and plasma levels of inflammatory mediators. Finally, Nile Red staining of MSCs is very efficient, stable and does not impair their vitality and function. Nile Red-labelling was clearly detected in the colitic area of adCD-MSCs injected mice and it was significantly brighter in the colon sections of mice that had received adCD-MSCs/hCBPL.

Conclusions
In summary, with this study we propose a novel and promising adCD-MSC/hCBPL-based therapy for refractory IBDs.
Familial risk and childhood adversity interplay in the onset of psychosis
Authors: Trotta Antonella , Forti Marta Di , lyegbe Conrad , Green Priscilla , Dazzan Paola , Mondelli Valeria , Morgan Craig , Murray Robin M. , Fisher Helen L. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundThe association between childhood adversity and psychosis in adulthood is well established. However, genetic factors might confound or moderate this association.AimsUsing a catchment-based case-control sample, we explored the main effects of, and interplay between, childhood adversity and family psychiatric history on the onset of psychosis.MethodChildhood adversity (parental separation and death, physical and sexual abuse) was assessed retrospectively in 224 individuals with a first presentation of psychosis and 256 community controls from South London, UK. Occurrence of psychotic and affective disorders in first-degree relatives was ascertained with the Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS).ResultsParental history of psychosis did not confound the association between childhood adversity and psychotic disorder. There was no evidence that childhood adversity and familial liability combined synergistically to increase odds of psychosis beyond the effect of each individually.ConclusionsOur results do not support the hypothesis that family psychiatric history amplifies the effect of childhood adversity on odds of psychosis.
Clinical effectiveness of a skills training intervention for caregivers in improving patient and caregiver health following in-patient treatment for severe anorexia nervosa: pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hibbs Rebecca , Magill Nicholas , Goddard Elizabeth , Rhind Charlotte , Raenker Simone , Macdonald Pamela , Todd Gill , Arcelus Jon , Morgan John , Beecham Jennifer , Schmidt Ulrike , Landau Sabine , Treasure Janet 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundFamilies express a need for information to support people with severe anorexia nervosa.AimsTo examine the impact of the addition of a skills training intervention for caregivers (Experienced Caregivers Helping Others, ECHO) to standard care.MethodPatients over the age of 12 (mean age 26 years, duration 72 months illness) with a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and their caregivers were recruited from 15 in-patient services in the UK. Families were randomised to ECHO (a book, DVDs and five coaching sessions per caregiver) or treatment as usual. Patient (n=178) and caregiver (n=268) outcomes were measured at discharge and 6 and 12 months after discharge.ResultsPatients with caregivers in the ECHO group had reduced eating disorder psychopathology (EDE-Q) and improved quality of life (WHO-Quol; both effects small) and reduced in-patient bed days (7–12 months post-discharge). Caregivers in the ECHO group had reduced burden (Eating Disorder Symptom Impact Scale, EDSIS), expressed emotion (Family Questionnaire, FQ) and time spent caregiving at 6 months but these effects were diminished at 12 months.ConclusionsSmall but sustained improvements in symptoms and bed use are seen in the intervention group. Moreover, caregivers were less burdened and spent less time providing care. Caregivers had most benefit at 6 months suggesting that booster sessions, perhaps jointly with the patients, may be needed to maintain the effect. Sharing skills and information with caregivers may be an effective way to improve outcomes. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) was registered with Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN06149665.
Excess cause-specific mortality in out-patients with personality disorder
Authors: Björkenstam Charlotte , Björkenstam Emma , Gerdin Bengt , Ekselius Lisa 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPersonality disorders (PDs) are associated with increased overall mortality. In patients hospitalised with a principal diagnosis of PD, this is observed for all clusters and for natural as well as unnatural causes of death. Data from Swedish nationwide registers were used to assess whether this was also true for the majority of patients diagnosed with PDs not severe enough to lead to hospitalisation. There was an increased mortality in all clusters, and for natural as well as unnatural death, also in patients treated as out-patients only, although not to the same extent as in those hospitalised.
Validation of the Short Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Screener (SOCS) in children and adolescents
Authors: Piqueras José A. , Rodríguez-Jiménez Tíscar , Ortiz Ana G. , Moreno Elena , Lázaro Luisa , Godoy Antonio 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundThe Short Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Screener (SOCS) is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as a suitable and validated screening tool for 11- to 15-year olds. Despite its excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), it has limitations.AimsTo empirically examine whether the SOCS is suitable for assessing OCD symptoms across a wide age range of children and adolescents and to provide new data about its psychometric properties.MethodParticipants were 94 patients (9–19 years) with OCD, and 880 healthy controls.ResultsThe results supported the SOCS' unidimensional factor structure and metric invariance across samples. It showed good reliability in terms of internal consistency and temporal stability. Furthermore, it had significantly high correlations with other OCD measures and an acceptable sensitivity and specificity for detecting OCD.ConclusionsThe SOCS is a brief screening tool suitable for detecting OCD in children and adolescents.
Dual mechanisms governing reward-driven perceptual learning
Authors: Kim Dongho , Ling Sam , Watanabe Takeo 
Published: September 2015

In this review, we explore how reward signals shape perceptual learning in animals and humans. Perceptual learning is the well-established phenomenon by which extensive practice elicits selective improvement in one’s perceptual discrimination of basic visual features, such as oriented lines or moving stimuli. While perceptual learning has long been thought to rely on ‘top-down’ processes, such as attention and decision-making, a wave of recent findings suggests that these higher-level processes are, in fact, not necessary. Rather, these recent findings indicate that reward signals alone, in the absence of the contribution of higher-level cognitive processes, are sufficient to drive the benefits of perceptual learning. Here, we will review the literature tying reward signals to perceptual learning. Based on these findings, we propose dual underlying mechanisms that give rise to perceptual learning: one mechanism that operates ‘automatically’ and is tied directly to reward signals, and another mechanism that involves more ‘top-down’, goal-directed computations.
External quality assessment of urine particle identification: a Northern European experience
Authors: Kouri Timo T. , Makkonen Pirjo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractExternal quality assessment (EQA) schemes for urinalysis have been provided by Labquality Ltd, the publicly owned EQA service provider in Finland, since the 1980s. In 2014, the scheme on urine particle identification had 329 participating laboratories, out of which 60% from 19 countries were outside Finland. Each of the four annual web-based rounds were distributed with four Sternheimer-stained images from a single patient sample, as viewed both by bright-field and phase-contrast optics. Participants reported classified categories either at the basic or at the advanced level. Participating laboratories received assessment of their analytical performance as compared to their peers, including reflections from clinical data and preanalytical detail of the specimen. In general, reporting of basic urine particles succeeded in the eight schemes during the years 2013–2014 as follows: red blood cells 82%–92%, white blood cells 82%–97%, squamous epithelial cells 92%–98%, casts 84%–94%, and small epithelial cells 73%–83% (minimum and maximum of expected or accepted reports). This basic level of differentiation is used in routine laboratory reports, or as verification of results produced by automated instruments. Considerable effort is needed to standardise national procedures and reporting formats, in order to improve the shown figures internationally. Future technologies may help to alleviate limitations created by single digital images. Despite improvements, degenerating cells and casts always exhibit intermediate forms creating disputable classifications. That is why assessment of performance should encompass justified acceptable categories into the assessed outcomes. Preanalytical and clinical detail provide essential added value to morphological findings.
Neonatal diabetes in Ukraine: incidence, genetics, clinical phenotype and treatment
Authors: Globa Evgenia , Zelinska Nataliya , Mackay Deborah J.G. , Temple Karen I. , Houghton Jayne A.L. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Flanagan Sarah E. , Ellard Sian 
Published: September 2015

AbstractNeonatal diabetes has not been previously studied in Ukraine. We investigated the genetic etiology in patients with onset of diabetes during the ﬁrst 9 months of life.We established a Pediatric Diabetes Register to identify patients diagnosed with diabetes before 9 months of age. Genetic testing was undertaken for 42 patients with permanent or transient diabetes diagnosed within the first 6 months of life (n=22) or permanent diabetes diagnosed between 6 and 9 months (n=20).We determined the genetic etiology in 23 of 42 (55%) patients; 86% of the patients diagnosed before 6 months and 20% diagnosed between 6 and 9 months. The incidence of neonatal diabetes in Ukraine was calculated to be 1 in 126,397 live births.Genetic testing for patients identified through the Ukrainian Pediatric Diabetes Register identified
A review of environmental lead exposure and management in Mount Isa, Queensland
Authors: Forbes Malcolm , Taylor Mark Patrick 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe public health leadership and management of lead exposure in a lead mining and smelting community in Mount Isa is an ongoing issue. There exists deficiencies in public health and environmental legal frameworks that regulate lead exposure and management in Mount Isa, Queensland. Although some positive practical measures on lead containment have been implemented, evidence suggests they are currently inadequate. Greater investments in public health leadership at a local and state level are required to address the ongoing issue of lead in Mount Isa.
A comprehensive review of biomass resources and biofuel production in Nigeria: potential and prospects
Authors: Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen , Ana Godson R.E.E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe quest for biofuels in Nigeria, no doubt, represents a legitimate ambition. This is so because the focus on biofuel production has assumed a global dimension, and the benefits that may accrue from such effort may turn out to be enormous if the preconditions are adequately satisfied. As a member of the global community, it has become exigent for Nigeria to explore other potential means of bettering her already impoverished economy. Biomass is the major energy source in Nigeria, contributing about 78% of Nigeria’s primary energy supply. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the potential of biomass resources and biofuel production in Nigeria is given. The study adopted a desk review of existing literatures on major energy crops produced in Nigeria. A brief description of the current biofuel developmental activities in the country is also given. A variety of biomass resources exist in the country in large quantities with opportunities for expansion. Biomass resources considered include agricultural crops, agricultural crop residues, forestry resources, municipal solid waste, and animal waste. However, the prospects of achieving this giant stride appear not to be feasible in Nigeria. Although the focus on biofuel production may be a worthwhile endeavor in view of Nigeria’s development woes, the paper argues that because Nigeria is yet to adequately satisfy the preconditions for such program, the effort may be designed to fail after all. To avoid this, the government must address key areas of concern such as food insecurity, environmental crisis, and blatant corruption in all quarters. It is concluded that given the large availability of biomass resources in Nigeria, there is immense potential for biofuel production from these biomass resources. With the very high potential for biofuel production, the governments as well as private investors are therefore encouraged to take practical steps toward investing in agriculture for the production of energy crops and the establishment of biofuel-processing plants in Nigeria.
Development of Polyglycolic- and Polylactic-Acid Fluid-Loss-Control Materials for Fracturing Fluids
Authors: Yoshimura Koichi , Matsui Hitoshi , Morita Nobuo 
Published: September 2015

Summary
Fluid loss is significant for the standard fracturing fluids without adding solid materials. One method to reduce fluid loss is to add silica flour, although it reduces fracture conductivity. Other methods are to use wall-building polymers. However, the fluid loss is still significant, and complete removal of wall-building materials is not possible, even with breakers. We found that powder, granular, and fibrous materials made of polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polylactic acid (PLA) are very suitable for fluid-loss agents because PGA is stronger than steel and PLA is as strong as rock, although they dissolve as liquid acids after applications.
Fluid-loss tests are conducted with the standard American Petroleum Institute slot tester and filtrate-loss tester, mixing powders, grains, and fiber, all made of PGA or PLA in fracturing polymer fluids. The ratio of grains, powder, and fiber is optimized to minimize fluid loss for porous media and fractured porous media. Then, the changes of particle size are measured under heated conditions. Fracture-simulation studies are also conducted with a 3D fracture-boundary element model to compare the fluid efficiency of the fracturing fluids with and without the PLA and PGA particles.
The results show that the capability of preventing fluid loss and plugging microcracks is maintained for the porous filters and small slots within a reasonable time period. For short-term applications less than 3 hours, both PGA and PLA fluid-loss agents are stable when the temperature is less than 212°F. Mixing these materials often provides more-efficient properties to reduce fluid loss and to bridge microcracks. No residues are left after experiments if the fracturing fluid is kept heated for 24 hours. The amount of the PGA and PLA fluid-loss agents required to reduce the fluid loss is not significant. Hence, their field applications are feasible, judging the cost and the benefit.
The advantage in using these materials is that they turn from solid to liquid after applications so that no formation damage and no proppant-conductivity damage occur. The fluid loss is also significantly reduced with the powder particles. In addition, because the PGA and PLA materials are degradable, solids with arbitrary sizes and shapes may be used as long as they control fluid loss and plug fine fractures. Their applications are not only limited to reducing fluid loss, but one may also use them for engineering fracture design to enhance the fracture conductivity.
Improving Erosion Assessment Through High-Fidelity CFD Simulation Methods
Authors: Barton Neil , Lewis Mike , Emmerson Paul 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Pipework erosion is becoming an increasing issue within the oil and gas industry. New, high-rate subsea wells and associated topsides tie-ins are particularly vulnerable to erosion, and the consequences of failure are considerable.
Accurate prediction methods can be used to improve pipework design, inspection regimes and operating limits. This paper assesses the accuracy of erosion predictions made using simple equations, conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) erosion simulations and high-resolution CFD methods.
Correlation-based prediction methods, such as those in DNV RPO501, are effective for screening purposes, but they only deal with simple pipe fixtures such as single bends. CFD is often used to assess more complex layouts such as manifolds or flow lines. However, the standard CFD approach typically assumes a steady state flow and a homogeneous multiphase mixture. Recent comparison with large-scale tests has shown that CFD can effectively predict the flow-induced vibration forces caused by liquid-gas mixtures. In this work, the same liquid-gas modelling techniques have been used, with an additional sand particle phase, to assess pipework erosion.
In wet gas flow, a thin annular liquid film typically coats the pipe walls. Test work has shown that wall-films can significantly reduce erosion rates by slowing and redistributing sand impacts. The homogeneous approach used in most correlations and typical CFD studies ignores this effect and these methods tend to over-estimate erosion rates. This ultimately results in overly-conservative pipework design and production limits. It was found that high-fidelity CFD simulations that explicitly model the liquid, gas and sand correctly predict a reduction in erosion when a liquid film is present. The predicted flow regime is consistent with physical observations and the gas-liquid-sand model more closely predicts experimental test results.
This work demonstrates the benefits of explicitly modelling separate gas, liquid and sand phases, comparing predictions with published test data and showing the effects of higher-resolution simulations in a typical subsea pipework configuration.
Improving Situational Awareness To Prevent Conflicts in Simultaneous Offshore Operations
Authors: Lochmann M.. , Darling S.. , Pemberton G.. , Mills R.. , Altaie J.. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractEvery year, conflicting activities in congested offshore producing fields cost operators millions of dollars in lost time—both from operational inefficiencies and incidents caused by too many parties trying to work in the same area at the same time. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to: divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) performing routine maintenance and repairs, workovers, fishing and supply vessels coming and going unpredictably, anchor-handling operations, seismic surveys, and oil tankers arriving without sufficient warning at a floating production-storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.In congested areas around active drilling rigs and producing platforms, failures of a person's understanding of a situation compared to actual conditions (known as situational awareness (SA)), and conflicts among simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) are, sadly, fairly common. In many cases, SA/SIMOPS incidents are due to human error. Because people are still in control of oil and gas operations, human error and operational risk can never be entirely eliminated, but SA/SIMOPS management systems can minimize reduction or loss of SA, which is responsible for as much as 88% of human error. This technology helps to manage risk and keep it at an acceptable level while significantly improving operational efficiencies. As a result, operators can benefit from higher margins of safety and improved performance while no longer having to accept the current level of SIMOPS-related inefficiencies or incidents as simply the cost of doing business.Traditional manual processes, whiteboards, email, Gantt charts, and spreadsheet programs are no longer sufficient to prevent or control costly SIMOPS conflicts in increasingly chaotic offshore fields. To optimize the execution of critical activities, an SA/SIMOPS management system must provide all relevant parties with timely, near real-time updates during rapidly changing operations.SA/SIMOPS management introduces new principles, work processes, information technology tools, and changes in behavior to accomplish its safety and efficiency goals. Initiatives with similar characteristics can be found in the digital oilfield (DOF) pilots now being implemented around the world. By applying what has been learned in these programs, the installation and use of SA/SIMOPS solutions can be accelerated. This paper presents an innovative approach that directly addresses these challenges.