bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does low‐dose rifaximin ameliorate endotoxemia in patients with liver cirrhosis: a prospective study
Authors: Zeng Xin , Tang Xia Jiao , Sheng Xia , Ni Wu , Xin Hai Guang , Chen Wei Zhong , Jiang Cai Feng , Lin Yong , Shi Jian , Shi Bin , Chen Yue Xiang , Yuan Zong Li , Xie Wei Fen 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of different doses of rifaximin in Chinese patients with liver cirrhosis.MethodsThis random prospective study included a screening visit, a 2‐week treatment period and a subsequent 4‐week observation phase. Patients with liver cirrhosis were randomly assigned to a low‐dose rifaximin group, a high‐dose rifaximin group and the control group in a ratio of 1:1:1. The low‐dose and high‐dose groups received 400 mg or 600 mg rifaximin per 12 h for 2 weeks, respectively. All other therapeutic strategies remained unchanged in the three groups as long as possible.ResultsIn total, 60 patients with liver cirrhosis were screened and 43 of them met the eligibility criteria. After 2‐week treatment serum endotoxin levels in the low‐dose (1.1 ± 0.8 EU/mL) and high‐dose rifaximin groups (1.0 ± 0.8 EU/mL) were significantly lower than that in the control group (2.5 ± 1.8 EU/mL), while no significant difference was found between the two rifaximin‐treated groups. The effect of high‐dose rifaximin on endotoxemia lasted for at least 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. A significant reduction in the abundance of the Veillonellaceae taxa and an increase in the abundance of Bacteroidaceae were shown after 2 weeks of rifaximin therapy. The incidence of adverse events and severe adverse events was similar among the three groups.ConclusionLow‐dose (800 mg/day) rifaximin could be analogous to high‐dose (1200 mg/day) rifaximin to reduce the serum endotoxin level after 2 weeks of treatment.
In Vitro Testing of an Implantable Wireless Telemetry System for Long‐Term Electromyography Recordings in Large Animals
Authors: Kneisz Lukas , Unger Ewald , Lanmüller Hermann , Mayr Winfried 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMultichannel bio‐signal recording in undisturbed in vivo conditions is a frequent demand in experimental work for development of methodology and associated equipment for functional electrical stimulation (FES) application, limb prosthesis, and diagnostic tools in contemporary rehabilitation efforts. Intramuscular electromyogram (EMG) recordings can provide comprehensive insight in complex interactions of agonistic and antagonistic muscles during movement tasks and in contrast act as reliable control signals for both neuroprosthesis and mechanical prosthesis. We fabricated a fully implantable device, which is capable of recording electromyography signals from inside a body and transmit these signals wirelessly to an external receiver. The developed analog front end uses only two electrodes per channel, provides a gain of 60 dB, and incorporates a band pass filter with lower cut‐off frequency of 4 Hz and upper cut‐off frequency of 480 Hz. The bidirectional wireless data link, which operates in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical band, is designed for transmission distances of 10 m using an application data rate of 1 kSps for each of the two channels. Performed in vitro tests with the devices coated in epoxy resin and inserted into a phantom with tissue‐equivalent characteristics confirmed the functionality of our concept and the measurement results are consistent with those from preceding simulations.
Effect of a single polymorphism in the Japanese quail NK‐lysin gene on antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ishige Taichiro , Hara Hiromi , Hirano Takashi , Kono Tomohiro , Hanzawa Kei 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNK‐lysins are cationic peptides that play important roles in host protection, and are an important constituent of innate immunity. We identified nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NK‐lysin open reading frame (ORF) from 32 Japanese quails in six strains: A, B, ND, K, P, and Y. The G to A substitution at nucleotide position 272 in the ORF resulted in a Gly (G) to Asp (D) amino acid substitution (Cj31G and Cj31D alleles). The Cj31D allele was detected in P (frequency 0.76) and Y (frequency 0.03) strains. We compared the antimicrobial activities of four synthetic peptides from the helix 2‐loop‐helix 3 region of avian NK‐lysins against Escherichia coli: Cj31G and Cj31D from quail and Gg29N and Gg29D from chicken. The antimicrobial activities of the four peptides decreased in the following order: Gg29N > Cj31G > Gg29D > Cj31D (P < 0.05). Although there were no differences in the predicted secondary structure of the Cj31G and Cj31D, the net charge of the Cj31G was higher than that of Cj31D. These data indicated that the antimicrobial activity of CjNKL is influenced by net charge, similar to that which has been observed in chicken. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science
Abnormal regulation of fibronectin production by fibroblasts in psoriasis
Authors: Gubán B. , Vas K. , Balog Z. , Manczinger M. , Bebes A. , Groma G. , Széll M. , Kemény L. , Bata-Csörgő Z. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundData indicate that in psoriasis, abnormalities are already present in nonlesional skin. Transforming growth factor-β and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), together with fibronectin and α5β1 integrin, were suggested to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by influencing inflammation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation.ObjectivesTo investigate the expression of KGF, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2, fibronectin (FN) and extra domain A (EDA)-positive FN in healthy and nonlesional psoriatic skin, and to study the effect of KGF on the regulation of FN and EDA+FN production by fibroblasts.MethodsHealthy, nonlesional psoriatic skin and lesional psoriatic skin were immunostained for α5 integrin, KGF, FGFR2, EDA+FN and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1. KGF-treated cell cultures were analysed for FN and EDA+FN mRNA and protein by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry, respectively. The major downstream signalling of KGF was investigated by blocking experiments using inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK1), AKT1/2, STAT1 and STAT3.ResultsThe expression of α5 integrin, EDA+FN, KGF and its receptor FGFR2 is elevated in psoriatic nonlesional skin compared with healthy skin. KGF mildly induced EDA+FN, but not FN expression in healthy fibroblasts through MAPK signalling. Fibroblasts express the FGFR2-IIIc splice variant. STAT1 negatively regulates both FN and EDA+FN expression in healthy fibroblasts, and this regulation is compromised in fibroblasts derived from nonlesional psoriatic dermis. We detected active STAT1 in healthy and lesional skin, similarly to a previous report. However, in the nonlesional skin STAT1 activation was absent in tissues far away from lesions.ConclusionsThe production of FN and EDA+FN by fibroblasts and the signalling of STAT1 are abnormally regulated in psoriatic nonlesional skin.
Variations in annual winter mean temperature in South China since 1736
Authors: Ding Lingling , Ge Quansheng , Zheng Jingyun , Hao Zhixin 
Published: October 2015

Modern meteorological observations in South China from 1960 to 2009 show a strong correlation between winter temperatures and two snowfall parameters, the southern boundary of the snow and the number of snowy days. Based on this relationship, the variation in annual winter mean temperature in South China from 1736 to 2009 was reconstructed using data acquired from Chinese historical documents dating from the Qing dynasty, such as memos and local gazettes. The reconstructed time series were used to analyse variations in winter temperature in South China. Significant interannual and interdecadal changes were found. The maximum temperature difference between neighbouring years was 3.1 °C for 1958–2009 and 3.0 °C for 1736–1957, whereas the maximum temperature difference between adjacent decades was 0.8 °C for the 1960s–2000s and 0.6 °C for the 1740s–1950s. The 2000s was the warmest decade; the mean temperature was 1.6 °C higher than that of the 1870s, which was the coldest decade between the 1740s and the 2000s. The mean winter temperature was warmer in the 18th and 20th centuries and coldest in the 19th century.
The impact of surface roughness and permeability in hydroxyapatite bone regeneration membranes
Authors: Anderud Jonas , Jimbo Ryo , Abrahamsson Peter , Adolfsson Erik , Malmström Johan , Wennerberg Ann 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundOne of the crucial aspects in guided bone regeneration is the space maintenance. This is normally created by a membrane, which should primarily be accepted by the surrounding tissues without causing any adverse reactions. The impact of surface topography, biological acceptance as well as permeability of these membranes has been carefully discussed in the literature.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate histologically the bone forming properties inside of hollow hydroxyapatite space‐maintaining devices with different inner surfaces and different permeabilities in an animal calvaria model in vivo.Materials and methodsA total of 36 hollow domes with three different designs made of hydroxyapatite were surgically attached to the skulls of rabbits. Group 1 had a moderately rough inner surface. Group 2 had a smooth inner surface. Group 3 had the same properties as Group 1 but had macroscopic holes on the top. The domes were left to heal for 12 weeks and were then processed for undecalcified ground sectioning. Histological evaluations were performed using a light microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The bone–implant contact (BIC) percentage along the device was calculated.ResultsThe median percentage of BIC was higher for Group 1 compared with Group 2 (P = 0.004). Group 1 produced a larger median BIC compared with Group 3 (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsWithin the limits of this preclinical study, these findings suggest that a moderately rough inner surface of a ceramic membrane along with a non‐permeable device produces more bone than a smooth inner surface.
Effects of a respiratory physiotherapy session in patients with LRTI: a pre/post‐test study
Authors: Oliveira Ana , Pinho Cátia , Marques Alda 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe role of respiratory physiotherapy (RP) in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) has been questioned. However, studies have focused on hospitalised patients, and the presence/absence of an underlying disease has been neglected.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of a RP session in community patients with LRTI and to explore the differences between patients with pneumonia (restrictive disease – AR) and those with exacerbations of an obstructive disease (AO).MethodsA pre/post‐test study was conducted. A RP session was applied to patients with LRTI and crackles, wheezes, dyspnoea, perception of sputum and oxygen saturation were collected pre/post session. Comparisons were performed using paired t‐tests or Wilcoxon tests.ResultsThirty patients (14 males, 55.23 ± 17.78 years) with pneumonia (AR, n = 12), exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute bronchitis and asthma (AO, n = 18) were enrolled. After treatment, the total sample presented lower wheeze rates at trachea (P = 0.02; r = −0.54) and less sputum (P = 0.01; r = −0.47). AR patients presented a decrease in the number of crackles (P < 0.05; 0.30 < dz < 0.26) and number and rate of wheezes at chest locations (P < 0.05; −0.56 < r < −0.48). AO patients showed an increase in the number of crackles (P < 0.05; 0.20 <dz <0.31), wheeze frequency (P = 0.03; r = −0.27) and dyspnoea (P = 0.04; r = −0.55); and a decrease in the number of wheezes at trachea (P = 0.02; r = −0.54).ConclusionsRP seems effective in reducing wheezes and perception of sputum in patients with LRTI. However, when considering AR and AO diseases separately, further changes in respiratory sounds and dyspnoea emerged. This highlights the importance of considering subgroups of patients with LRTI to develop RP evidence‐base practice.
Landscape‐scale determinants of native and non‐native Great Plains fish distributions
Authors: Stewart David R. , Walters Annika W. , Rahel Frank J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimLandscape‐scale factors may have differential effects on the distribution of native and non‐native fishes and may help explain invasion success and species declines.LocationGreat Plains, Wyoming, USAMethodsWe used hierarchical Bayesian mixture models and constrained ordination techniques to evaluate associations between landscape‐scale factors on native and non‐native fish species richness, reproductive guilds and individual species distributions.ResultsPredicted responses between landscape‐scale factors and native and non‐native fish species richness were similar, except non‐native fish species richness that was positively associated with density of oil and gas wells. Non‐native fish species richness was also positively associated with native fish species richness. Spawning guild composition differed between native and non‐native fishes. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the most abundant non‐native and only a few native species were positively associated with oil and gas wells.Main conclusionsThe similar relationships between native and non‐native fish species richness are likely evidence that they share similar ecological rules, which supports that non‐native species become naturalized and they may be affected by the same environmental factors that determine distribution of native species.
An Entropy‐Based Methodology for Valuation of Demand Uncertainty Reduction
Authors: Fleischhacker Adam J. , Fok Pak‐Wing 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTWe propose a distribution‐free entropy‐based methodology to calculate the expected value of an uncertainty reduction effort and present our results within the context of reducing demand uncertainty. In contrast to existing techniques, the methodology does not require a priori assumptions regarding the underlying demand distribution, does not require sampled observations to be the mechanism by which uncertainty is reduced, and provides an expectation of information value as opposed to an upper bound. In our methodology, a decision maker uses his existing knowledge combined with the maximum entropy principle to model both his present and potential future states of uncertainty as probability densities over all possible demand distributions. Modeling uncertainty in this way provides for a theoretically justified and intuitively satisfying method of valuing an uncertainty reduction effort without knowing the information to be revealed. We demonstrate the methodology's use in three different settings: (i) a newsvendor valuing knowledge of expected demand, (ii) a short life cycle product supply manager considering the adoption of a quick response strategy, and (iii) a revenue manager making a pricing decision with limited knowledge of the market potential for his product.
Meta‐cognitive skills training enhances computerized cognitive remediation outcomes among individuals with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Breitborde Nicholas J.K. , Woolverton Cindy , Dawson Spencer C. , Bismark Andrew , Bell Emily K. , Bathgate Christina J. , Norman Kaila 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimMeta‐cognitive skills training (MST) is a frequent component of cognitive remediation programmes for individuals with psychosis. However, no study has investigated whether incorporating such activities produces increased clinical benefits compared with computerized cognitive remediation alone.MethodsIndividuals with first‐episode psychosis who completed computerized cognitive remediation with concurrent meta‐cognitive skills training (CCR + MST) were compared with a historical control group who received computerized cognitive remediation alone (CCR) and did not differ from the CCR + MST group with regard to pre‐intervention cognition, diagnosis, age, duration of psychotic illness or sex. Participants completed assessments of cognition and real‐world functioning before and after 6 months of treatment.ResultsIndividual receiving CCR + MST experience greater gains in cognition and real‐world functioning than individuals who received CCR.ConclusionsMST may be an important component within cognitive remediation programmes for first‐episode psychosis.
Perirhinal cortex lesions impair tests of object recognition memory but spare novelty detection
Authors: Olarte‐Sánchez Cristian M. , Amin Eman , Warburton E. Clea , Aggleton John P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe present study examined why perirhinal cortex lesions in rats impair the spontaneous ability to select novel objects in preference to familiar objects, when both classes of object are presented simultaneously. The study began by repeating this standard finding, using a test of delayed object recognition memory. As expected, the perirhinal cortex lesions reduced the difference in exploration times for novel vs. familiar stimuli. In contrast, the same rats with perirhinal cortex lesions appeared to perform normally when the preferential exploration of novel vs. familiar objects was tested sequentially, i.e. when each trial consisted of only novel or only familiar objects. In addition, there was no indication that the perirhinal cortex lesions reduced total levels of object exploration for novel objects, as would be predicted if the lesions caused novel stimuli to appear familiar. Together, the results show that, in the absence of perirhinal cortex tissue, rats still receive signals of object novelty, although they may fail to link that information to the appropriate object. Consequently, these rats are impaired in discriminating the source of object novelty signals, leading to deficits on simultaneous choice tests of recognition.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter, parallel‐group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive brivaracetam in adult patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures
Authors: Klein Pavel , Schiemann Jimmy , Sperling Michael R. , Whitesides John , Liang Wei , Stalvey Tracy , Brandt Christian , Kwan Patrick 
Published: October 2015

SummaryObjectiveBrivaracetam (BRV), a selective and high‐affinity synaptic vesicle protein 2A ligand, is in development as adjunctive treatment for partial‐onset (focal) seizures (POS). This phase 3 study (N01358; NCT01261325) aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety/tolerability of BRV in adults (≥16–80 years) with POS.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study enrolled patients with uncontrolled POS despite ongoing treatment with 1–2 antiepileptic drugs. Patients exposed to levetiracetam ≤90 days before visit 1 were excluded. Patients entered an 8‐week prospective baseline period, followed by a 12‐week treatment period when they were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo (PBO), BRV 100 mg/day, or BRV 200 mg/day, started without up‐titration. The co‐primary efficacy outcomes were percent reduction over placebo in 28‐day adjusted POS frequency, and ≥50% responder rate based on percent reduction in POS frequency from baseline to the treatment period.ResultsSeven hundred sixty‐eight patients were randomized; 760 were included in the efficacy analysis: 259, 252, and 249 in PBO, BRV 100 mg/day, and BRV 200 mg/day groups, respectively. Percent reduction over PBO in 28‐day adjusted seizure frequency (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 22.8% for BRV 100 mg/day (13.3–31.2%; p < 0.001) and 23.2% for BRV 200 mg/day (13.8–31.6%; p < 0.001). The ≥50% responder rate (odds ratio vs. PBO; 95% CI) was 21.6% for PBO, 38.9% for BRV 100 mg/day (2.39; 1.6–3.6; p < 0.001), and 37.8% for BRV 200 mg/day (2.19; 1.5–3.3; p < 0.001). Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 155 (59.4%) of 261 PBO patients versus 340 (67.6%) of 503 BRV‐treated patients (safety population). Discontinuation rates due to TEAEs were 3.8%, 8.3%, and 6.8% for PBO, BRV 100 mg/day, and BRV 200 mg/day, respectively. Most frequent TEAEs (PBO versus BRV) were somnolence (7.7% vs. 18.1%), dizziness (5.0% vs. 12.3%), and fatigue (3.8% vs. 9.5%).SignificanceAdjunctive BRV 100 and 200 mg/day was efficacious in reducing POS in adults without concomitant levetiracetam use and was well tolerated.
Fish reduce anuran abundance and decrease herpetofaunal species richness in wetlands
Authors: Holbrook Joshua D. , Dorn Nathan J. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

For aquatic herpetofaunal species, two of the possible determinants of density and local species composition are fish presence or absence and hydroperiod; factors which are sometimes, but not always, correlated.

We quantified wetland herpetofaunal assemblages in 20 wetlands that varied in both attributes (in south‐eastern Florida, U.S.A.) to examine the effects of fish, wetland permanence and their potential interaction.

Fish presence significantly reduced the density of five anuran species and reduced overall species richness.

Wetland permanence had no measured effect on composition or richness of herpetofaunal assemblages.

Three anuran species (including the imperilled Gopher Frog, Rana capito) were absent from most of the wetlands with fish and capture rates of two larger generalist ranids (Rana grylio, R. sphenocephala) were significantly lower in the presence of fish. No species of anuran was captured more frequently when fish were present.

Non‐permanent wetlands are often perceived to be quality anuran habitat, but such a perception may be incorrect for wetlands that rapidly recolonise with fish. Dredging and ditching of otherwise temporary wetlands, and fish stocking, may lead to local, and potentially regional, reductions in anuran breeding habitats, especially for faunal assemblages that lack anurans that thrive when fish are present.