bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of nebivolol on renal nitric oxide availability and tubular function in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Mose Frank H. , Jensen Janni M. , Therwani Safa , Mortensen Jesper , Hansen Annebirthe B. , Bech Jesper N. , Pedersen Erling B. 
Published: March 2015

AimsNebivolol is a selective β1‐receptor antagonist with vasodilating properties. In patients with essential hypertension, we tested the hypothesis that nebivolol increases systemic and renal nitric oxide (NO) availability using L‐NG‐monomethyl arginine (L‐NMMA) as an inhibitor of NO production.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study, patients with essential hypertension were treated with nebivolol for five days, along with a standardized diet and fluid intake. We examined the acute effects of systemic NO synthase inhibition with L‐NMMA on brachial blood pressure (bBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central blood pressure (cBP) estimated by applanation tonometry, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), urinary excretion of both aquaporin‐2 (u‐AQP2) and epithelial sodium channels (u‐ENaCγ), and plasma concentrations of nitrate/nitrite (p‐NOx) and vasoactive hormones after five days' treatment with placebo and nebivolol.ResultsNebivolol significantly reduced PWV, bBP, cBP and plasma renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone concentrations. The renal parameters, p‐NOx and plasma arginine vasopressin concentration were not changed by nebivolol. There was no difference between nebivolol and placebo in the response to L‐NMMA, with LMMA inducing a similar increase in PWV, bBP and cBP and a similar decrease in GFR, uAQP2 and u‐ENaCγ and FENa [mean change −0.62% (95% confidence interval {CI} −0.40 to −0.84) during placebo vs. −0.57% (95% CI −0.46 to −0.68; P = 0.564) during nebivolol treatment]. Vasoactive hormones were changed to a similar extend by L‐NMMA during administration of nebivolol and placebo.ConclusionsNebivolol did not change p‐NOx, and inhibition of NO synthesis induced the same response in blood pressure, GFR, renal tubular function and vasoactive hormones during nebivolol and placebo. Thus, the data did not support the hypothesis that nebivolol changes vascular and renal NO availability in patients with essential hypertension.
Impact of dosing regimen of custirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, on safety, tolerability and cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects
Authors: Rabinovich‐Guilatt Laura , Elgart Anna , Erisson Lavi , Willsie Sandra K. , Tessler Shoshi , Barnett‐Griness Ofra , Pande Amitkumar , Spiegelstein Ofer 
Published: March 2015

AimsCustirsen (OGX‐011/TV‐1011), a second‐generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that reduces clusterin production, is under investigation with chemotherapy in patients with solid tumours. Custirsen is associated with constitutional symptoms (CS) that may interfere with clinical pharmacology investigations, such as QT interval studies. Experience with other ASOs suggests NSAID premedication may ameliorate CS, but we observed suboptimal outcomes in healthy subjects given custirsen and NSAIDs. We sought to establish a custirsen regimen for future clinical pharmacology studies in healthy subjects.MethodsSubjects received custirsen (640 mg intravenously over 120 min) with dexamethasone premedication or increasing doses (320, 480, 640 mg over 6 days) of custirsen with dexamethasone premedication, then one full custirsen dose without premedication on day 8. Incidence/severity of adverse events (AEs) and extensive electrocardiogram readings were evaluated. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated.ResultsAEs included CS, elevated transaminases and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) that were predominantly grade 1/2. Administration of increasing custirsen doses and dexamethasone premedication reduced the incidence of CS associated with full dose custirsen. Transaminase elevation showed a dose‐dependent effect (0% at days 2, 4, 27% at day 6) with the highest custirsen doses. Increasing doses of custirsen may have mitigated the severity but not incidence of aPTT prolongation. Neither regimen was associated with cardiac repolarization changes in QT values or concentration–effect analyses. The custirsen pharmacokinetic profile was consistent with previous experience.ConclusionEscalation of custirsen dose combined with dexamethasone premedication reduced CS associated with full dose custirsen and should be considered in future clinical pharmacology studies of custirsen.
Influence of learning styles on social structures in online learning environments
Authors: Cela Karina , Sicilia Miguel‐Ángel , Sánchez‐Alonso Salvador 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn e‐learning settings, the interactions of students with one another, with the course content and with the instructors generate a considerable amount of information that may be useful for understanding how people learn online. The objective of the present research was to use social network analysis to explore the social structure of an e‐learning environment and analyse how the structure depends on user learning style. Applying Felder and Silverman's inventory of learning styles to an online course with 214 adult graduate‐level participants, we found that some styles occupied more central positions than others. These findings may help designers improve learning activities by tailoring them to the learning styles of the participants.
Multicentre prospective evaluation of the learning curve of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)
Authors: Robert Grégoire , Cornu Jean‐Nicolas , Fourmarier Marc , Saussine Christian , Descazeaud Aurélien , Azzouzi Abdel‐Rahmène , Vicaut Eric , Lukacs Bertrand 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the step‐by‐step learning curve of the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgical technique.Subjects/patients and methodsA prospective, multicentre observational study was conducted, involving surgeons experienced in transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy but never having performed HoLEP. The main judgment criterion was the ability of the surgeon to perform four consecutive successful procedures, defined by the following: complete enucleation and morcellation within <90 min, without any conversion to standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), with acceptable stress, and with acceptable difficulty (evaluated by Likert scales). Each surgeon included 20 consecutive cases.ResultsOf nine centres, three abandoned HoLEP before the end of the study due to complications, and one was excluded for treating patients off protocol. Only one centre achieved the main judgment criterion of four consecutive successful HoLEP procedures. Overall, the procedures were successfully performed in 43.6% of cases. Reasons for unsuccessful procedures were mainly operative time >90 min (n = 51), followed by conversion to TURP (n = 14), incomplete morcellation (n = 8), significant stress (n = 9), or difficulty (n = 14) during HoLEP. Ignoring operating time, 64% of procedures were successful and four out of five centres did four consecutive successful cases. Of the five centres that completed the study, four chose to continue HoLEP.ConclusionEven in a prospective training structure, HoLEP has a steep learning curve exceeding 20 cases, with almost half of our centres choosing to abandon or not to continue with the technique. Operating time and difficulty of the enucleation seem the most important problems for a beginner. A more intensely mentored and structured mentorship programme might allow safer adoption of the procedure.
The Hesperides basin: a continental‐scale upper Palaeozoic to Triassic basin in southern Gondwana
Authors: Pángaro Francisco , Ramos Víctor A. , Pazos Pablo J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe late Palaeozoic to Triassic sedimentary record of the central Argentinean offshore was analysed through the integration of data from exploratory wells and 2D seismic lines. Our interpretations were combined with existing ones in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and South Africa for their analysis in the late Palaeozoic south‐western Gondwana context. The mapped upper Palaeozoic‐Lower Triassic stratigraphic record offshore Argentina bears a thickness of +7000 m south of the Colorado basin and encompasses the time span between Pennsylvanian and Lower Triassic; this means that it triples that of the Sierras de la Ventana of Argentina and involves a far larger time span. On the basis of seismic stratigraphic interpretations in localities near the coast, we interpret that a strong denudation process removed a great portion of the stratigraphic record in the Sierras de la Ventana, the surrounding plains and the Tandilia system of Buenos Aires. The seismic stratigraphic configuration of the late Palaeozoic succession shows continuous and parallel reflections in a wide sediment wedge extending for more than 1000 km between the Gondwanides orogen core to the south and offshore Uruguay to the north. Two salient aspects of this sedimentary wedge are that no flexural depocentre was observed at the Ventania fold belt front, and that deformation in the orogenic front is post‐Lower Triassic. The original westwards extent of the basin is interpreted to have encompassed the whole of Buenos Aires province in continuity with the Chacoparaná basin; to the east continuity and a straightforward correlation with the Karoo basin was interpreted. The name of Hespérides Basin is proposed herein to refer to a Pennsylvanian to Lower Triassic basin mainly controlled by dynamic subsidence that encompasses and exceeds the area of the Sauce Grande and Colorado basins and the Claromecó fore‐deep in Argentina. The Hespérides basin is interpreted to have been in lateral continuity with the Kalahari, Karoo and Chacoparaná basins of Africa and South America forming a +3 000 000 sq. km depocentre.
Immediate Loaded Implants in Split‐Crest Procedure
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Bruschi Giovanni B. , Gastaldi Giorgio , Capparé Paolo , Gherlone Enrico F. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess survival rate of immediate loading implants placed after split‐crest technique.MethodsThirty‐six patients were enrolled in the study. They underwent placement of 93 dental implants in edentulous region after split‐crest ridge expansion procedure. Implants followed an immediate loading procedure. Crestal bone levels were measured at baseline, at temporary prosthesis placement, at 1 year, and at 2 years from implant placement.ResultsFor dental implants, a survival rate of 98.92% was reported at 2‐year follow‐up, with a mean value bone loss of −1.02 ± 0.48.ConclusionThis study assessed immediate loading implant placement after split‐crest procedure at 2‐year follow‐up.
In Vitro Implant Impression Accuracy Using a New Photopolymerizing SDR Splinting Material
Authors: Di Fiore Adolfo , Meneghello Roberto , Savio Gianpaolo , Sivolella Stefano , Katsoulis Joannis , Stellini Edoardo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPurposeThe study aims to evaluate three‐dimensionally (3D) the accuracy of implant impressions using a new resin splinting material, “Smart Dentin Replacement” (SDR).Materials and MethodsA titanium model of an edentulous mandible with six implant analogues was used as a master model and its dimensions measured with a coordinate measuring machine. Before the total 60 impressions were taken (open tray, screw‐retained abutments, vinyl polysiloxane), they were divided in four groups: A (test): copings pick‐up splinted with dental floss and fotopolymerizing SDR; B (test): see A, additionally sectioned and splinted again with SDR; C (control): copings pick‐up splinted with dental floss and autopolymerizing Duralay® (Reliance Dental Mfg. Co., Alsip, IL, USA) acrylic resin; and D (control): see C, additionally sectioned and splinted again with Duralay. The impressions were measured directly with an optomechanical coordinate measuring machine and analyzed with a computer‐aided design (CAD) geometric modeling software. The Wilcoxon matched‐pair signed‐rank test was used to compare groups.ResultsWhile there was no difference (p = .430) between the mean 3D deviations of the test groups A (17.5 μm) and B (17.4 μm), they both showed statistically significant differences (p < .003) compared with both control groups (C 25.0 μm, D 19.1 μm).ConclusionsConventional impression techniques for edentulous jaws with multiple implants are highly accurate using the new fotopolymerizing splinting material SDR. Sectioning and rejoining of the SDR splinting had no impact on the impression accuracy.
Evolution of Multidisciplinary Translational Teams (MTTs): Insights for Accelerating Translational Innovations
Authors: Wooten Kevin C. , Calhoun William J. , Bhavnani Suresh , Rose Robert M. , Ameredes Bill , Brasier Allan R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThere is growing consensus about the factors critical for development and productivity of multidisciplinary teams, but few studies have evaluated their longitudinal changes. We present a longitudinal study of 10 multidisciplinary translational teams (MTTs), based on team process and outcome measures, evaluated before and after 3 years of CTSA collaboration. Using a mixed methods approach, an expert panel of five judges (familiar with the progress of the teams) independently rated team performance based on four process and four outcome measures, and achieved a rating consensus. Although all teams made progress in translational domains, other process and outcome measures were highly variable. The trajectory profiles identified four categories of team performance. Objective bibliometric analysis of CTSA‐supported MTTs with positive growth in process scores showed that these teams tended to have enhanced scientific outcomes and published in new scientific domains, indicating the conduct of innovative science. Case exemplars revealed that MTTs that experienced growth in both process and outcome evaluative criteria also experienced greater innovation, defined as publications in different areas of science. Of the eight evaluative criteria, leadership‐related behaviors were the most resistant to the interventions introduced. Well‐managed MTTs demonstrate objective productivity and facilitate innovation.
Empathetic Computers: The Problem of Confusing Persons and Things
Authors: Herzfeld Noreen 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAs computers become both more intelligent and ubiquitous we increasingly rely on them for forms of companionship. We are relational beings, instinctively drawn to those who relate back to us, an instinct that is rooted in our creation in the image of a triune, and thus relational, God. Relationships with computers, which necessarily displace relationships with other humans, have so far been shown to be dissatisfying. This dissatisfaction arises because a computer cannot be truly empathetic. It cannot feel emotion due to its lack of a body; it can only simulate emotion. This makes relationship with a computer similar to relationship with a sociopath and can isolate us from both others and our true selves.
Freedom is Not Free?: Posthumanist, Ecological Reflections on Christian Freedom and Responsibility
Authors: Rowe Terra S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPhilosophers aligned with a kind of posthumanism emphasize the modern, modern human's freedom and ethics are founded on a break from all ties to animality and materiality. Highlighting the posthumanist work of Jacques Derrida, Donna Haraway, and Karen Barad, this article aligns key insights of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work, such as his pervasive concept of “sociality,” with the call for a more ecologically embedded humanity. The resulting reconstruction of Christian freedom is profoundly Christological and sacramental: freedom‐for the other comes in, with, and through—not apart from—both the divine and created other.
From Olaf to Omar: Pedagogy of Place at a Lutheran University
Authors: Llewellyn Ihssen Brenda 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article reflects on the range of environmental and institutional layers that support pedagogical composition and student learning at a Lutheran University affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in the Pacific Northwest. After reflection on layers that include geographic location, institutional affiliation and denominational affiliation, the author traces the way in which she incorporates these elements into the content and methods of assessment in a religion class on Islam.
Healthcare utilization of people with Type 2 diabetes in Germany: an analysis based on health insurance data
Authors: Müller N. , Heller T. , Freitag M. H. , Gerste B. , Haupt C. M. , Wolf G. , Müller U. A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimsThis population‐based study assesses the healthcare utilization of people with Type 2 diabetes by analysing routine data from Allgemeine Orts‐Krankenkasse (AOK), the largest statutory health insurance provider in Germany.MethodsAnonymized billing data from all AOK‐insured persons with at least one day of insurance during the evaluation year 2010 were analysed. Treatment and cost data from all areas of inpatient and outpatient care were available, as was information regarding patient age and sex. International Classification of Diseases (ICD–10) diagnosis and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification were used to identify 2.7 million insured persons with diabetes.ResultsThe age‐ and sex‐standardized prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 9.8%. Of those patients identified, 33.9% had at least one diabetes‐related complication and 83.0% had a diagnosis of hypertension. Almost two‐thirds (63.1%) received antihyperglycaemic medication. Metformin and sulfonylurea were prescribed most often; medications without proof of benefit in endpoint studies were prescribed much less frequently. People without diabetes were admitted to hospital only half as often as those with Type 2 diabetes. The projected total expenditure in Germany for all people with Type 2 diabetes amounted to approximately €33.3 billion in 2010.ConclusionsThis study shows an increase in both the prevalence of diabetes and treatment costs. The majority of people with Type 2 diabetes were aged 70 years or older. One third of this group has diabetes‐related complications. Antihyperglycaemic medications without proof of benefit in endpoint studies were prescribed much less frequently than drugs with proof of benefit.
Heightened Condition Dependence of a Sexually Selected Signal in MalePolistes dominulusPaper Wasps
Authors: Izzo Amanda , Tibbetts Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSexually selected signals are theoretically expected to exhibit heightened condition dependence compared to non‐signaling traits. This link to condition enables sexual signals to provide information regarding individual quality and also provides a mechanism that allows animals to develop signals that accurately reflect their abilities. Most previous work on sexual signal condition dependence has focused on signals that have clear developmental costs, while less is known about the development of other types of quality signals. MalePolistes dominuluspaper wasps have yellow‐on‐black abdominal spots that are important signals during female choice and male–male competition. These signals lack obvious production costs, as males are covered in yellow and black patterns composed of the same pigments. Here, we assess signal condition dependence by testing whether larval diet has a stronger influence on the development of male spots than on the development of control traits composed of the same pigments. Males reared onad libitumdiets developed elliptical spots similar to those seen on dominant, attractive males, while males reared on restricted diets developed irregularly shaped spots similar to those seen on subordinate, unattractive males. Remarkably, the development of a control trait composed of the same yellow and black pigments was not influenced by larval diet. Therefore, sexually selected signals can be developmentally decoupled from traits comprised of the same pigments. Condition dependence of sexually selected signals is likely to be a widespread solution to the challenge of developing sexually selected signals that accurately convey information about individual quality.
Conservative management of cystorrhexis in four adult horses
Authors: Peitzmeier M. D. , Mc Nally T. P. , Slone D. E. , Lynch T. M. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryRupture of the urinary bladder is rare in adult horses with various standing or recumbent surgical repair techniques historically reported as the treatments of choice. This case series describes the successful conservative management of cystorrhexis in 4 adult horses. Conservative management is therefore a potentially viable treatment option which forgoes the risks of general anaesthesia and may reduce the post operative complications associated with surgery of the bladder.
Differentiation of equine induced pluripotent stem cells into a keratinocyte lineage
Authors: Aguiar C. , Therrien J. , Lemire P. , Segura M. , Smith L. C. , Theoret C. L. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studySkin trauma in horses often leads to the development of chronic nonhealing wounds that lack a keratinocyte cover, vital for healing. Reports in mouse and man confirm the possibility of generating functional keratinocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), thus presenting myriad potential applications for wound management or treatment of skin disease. Similarly, differentiation of equine iPSC (eiPSC) into a keratinocyte lineage should provide opportunities for the advancement of veterinary regenerative medicine.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop an efficient method for the differentiation of eiPSC into a keratinocyte lineage. It was hypothesised that eiPSC can form differentiated keratinocytes (eiPSC‐KC) comparable with primary equine keratinocytes (PEK) in their morphological and functional characteristics.Study designExperimental in vitro study.MethodsEquine iPSC established using a nonviral system were treated for 30 days with retinoic acid and bone morphogenetic protein‐4 to induce directed differentiation into iPSC‐KC. Temporospatial gene and protein expression by eiPSC‐KC was measured at weekly intervals of differentiation and in response to calcium switch. Proliferative and migratory capacities of eiPSC‐KC were compared with those of PEK.ResultsEquine iPSC, upon directed differentiation, showed loss of pluripotency genes and progressive increase in pancytokeratin expression indicating ectodermal specification into keratinocytes. High differentiation efficiency was achieved, with 82.5% of eiPSC expressing keratin 14, a marker of epidermal‐specific basal stem cells, after 30 days of directed differentiation. Moreover, the proliferative capacity of eiPSC‐KC was superior, while the migratory capacity (measured as the ability to epithelise in vitro wounds) was comparable with that of PEK.ConclusionsThis proof of concept study suggests that eiPSC can successfully be differentiated into equine keratinocytes (eiPSC‐KC) with features that are promising to the development of a stem cell‐based skin construct, with the potential to regenerate lost or damaged skin.