bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mucosal tolerance of the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum in the gut of naturally infected wild dogs
Authors: Constantinoiu C. C. , Goullet M. S. , Constantinoiu E. C. , Scott J. L. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAncylostoma caninum is a very pathogenic hookworm that locates in the small intestine of the dog and other canid species. The mucosal response of wild dogs naturally infected with A. caninum was investigated in this study. In spite of diffuse infiltrations of the mucosa with CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD11c+, CD21+ or MHC class II antigen cells, no focal infiltrations with any of these cell phenotypes were observed around the buccal capsule or the body of the feeding worms. Very few or no apoptotic cells could be detected around the worms fixed into the mucosa but they were detected on the tip of villi and in the superficial layer of cellular debris and proteinaceous exudate that covers the mucosa. Muc5AC, a mucine associated with expulsion of gut worms (Trichuris muris) was expressed extremely weakly or was not expressed at all in the intestine of the wild dogs infected with A. caninum. Our data show that individual specimens of A. caninum can reside for some time in the mucosa of the gut of dogs undetected and most likely unaffected by the effectors of the local immune response.
Candida species epidemiology 2000–2013: a laboratory‐based report
Authors: Ng Kee Peng , Kuan Chee Sian , Kaur Harvinder , Na Shiang Ling , Atiya Nadia , Velayuthan Rukumani Devi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a prospective laboratory‐based surveillance of Candida species that were collected from different anatomical sites of patients admitted to the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, from the year 2000 to 2013.MethodsConventional (culture, microscopic examination and carbohydrate assimilation test) and molecular (PCR amplification and DNA sequencing) techniques were used to identify Candida species.ResultsA total of 16 Candida species isolated from 34 392 clinical samples were from the oral cavity (oral swabs and throat swabs), blood, respiratory tract (sputum, tracheal secretions, nasopharyngeal aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage), high vaginal swab, pus and urine. C. albicans (66.70%, 22 941/34 392), C. glabrata (11.71%, 4029/34 392), C. parapsilopsis (10.74%, 3692/34 392), C. tropicalis (9.19%, 3162/34 392) and C. krusei (1.15%, 396/34 392) were the five predominant Candida species. C. albicans was the predominant species isolated from the oral cavity, respiratory tract and high vaginal swab; while the Candida species isolated from blood, urine and pus were predominant non‐albicans Candida. Uncommon Candida species, such as C. lusitaniae, C. haemulonii, C. humicola, Pichia ohmeri and C. ciferrii, were also isolated in this study.ConclusionOur study expands the current knowledge of the epidemiology of non‐invasive and invasive candidiasis in Malaysia. The variability of the Candida species distribution from different anatomical sites highlights the significance of local epidemiology in disease management and selection of antifungal agents.
Bipartite structure of the inactive mouse X chromosome
Authors: Deng Xinxian , Ma Wenxiu , Ramani Vijay , Hill Andrew , Yang Fan , Ay Ferhat , Berletch Joel B. , Blau Carl Anthony , Shendure Jay , Duan Zhijun , Noble William S. , Disteche Christine M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn mammals, one of the female X chromosomes and all imprinted genes are expressed exclusively from a single allele in somatic cells. To evaluate structural changes associated with allelic silencing, we have applied a recently developed Hi-C assay that uses DNase I for chromatin fragmentation to mouse F1 hybrid systems.ResultsWe find radically different conformations for the two female mouse X chromosomes. The inactive X has two superdomains of frequent intrachromosomal contacts separated by a boundary region. Comparison with the recently reported two-superdomain structure of the human inactive X shows that the genomic content of the superdomains differs between species, but part of the boundary region is conserved and located near theDxz4/DXZ4locus. In mouse, the boundary region also contains a minisatellite,Ds-TR, and bothDxz4andDs-TRappear to be anchored to the nucleolus. Genes that escape X inactivation do not cluster but are located near the periphery of the 3D structure, as are regions enriched in CTCF or RNA polymerase. Fewer short-range intrachromosomal contacts are detected for the inactive alleles of genes subject to X inactivation compared with the active alleles and with genes that escape X inactivation. This pattern is also evident for imprinted genes, in which more chromatin contacts are detected for the expressed allele.ConclusionsBy applying a novel Hi-C method to map allelic chromatin contacts, we discover a specific bipartite organization of the mouse inactive X chromosome that probably plays an important role in maintenance of gene silencing.
Osteoprotegerin and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand as prognostic factors in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the ESPOIR cohort
Authors: Audo Rachel , Daien Claire , Papon Laura , Lukas Cédric , Vittecoq Olivier , Hahne Michael , Combe Bernard , Morel Jacques 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Introduction
We previously reported that low ratio of osteoprotegerin (OPG) to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was associated with Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) remission at 6 months in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we aimed to evaluate the value of baseline OPG/TRAIL ratio in predicting clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with early RA in the ESPOIR cohort.

Methods
OPG and TRAIL serum concentrations were assessed in the ESPOIR cohort patients. Patients with definite RA were included in this study. Patients were excluded if they had high erosion score at baseline (>90th percentile) or received biological therapy during the first 2 years of follow-up. Data were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to predict 1-year DAS28 remission and 2-year radiographic disease progression.

Results
On univariate analysis of 399 patients, OPG/TRAIL ratio at baseline was significantly lower in patients with than without remission at 1 year (p = 0.015). On multivariate logistic regression including age, gender, body mass index and DAS28, low OPG/TRAIL ratio was independently associated with remission at 1 year (odds ratio 1.68 [95 % confidence interval 1.01–2.79]). On univariate analysis, high OPG/TRAIL ratio at baseline was associated with rapid progression of erosion at 2 years (p = 0.041), and on multivariate logistic regression including age, anti-citrullinated protein antibody positivity and C-reactive protein level, OPG/TRAIL ratio independently predicted rapid progression of erosion at 2 years.

Conclusions
OPG/TRAIL ratio at baseline was an independent predictor of 1-year remission and 2-year rapid progression of erosion for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, OPG/TRAIL ratio could be included in matrix prediction scores to predict rapid radiographic progression. Further confirmation in an independent cohort is warranted.
Transforming growth factor-β increases interleukin-13 synthesis via GATA-3 transcription factor in T-lymphocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Baraut Julie , Farge Dominique , Jean-Louis Francette , Masse Ingrid , Grigore Elena Ivan , Arruda Lucas C. M. , Lamartine Jérôme , Verrecchia Franck , Michel Laurence 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-13 play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), partly through activation of collagen production that leads to fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether TFG-β alters IL-13 production in T lymphocytes from patients with SSc from that seen in those of healthy donors.

Methods
IL-13 mRNA and protein synthesis under TFG-β exposure was measured in circulating T lymphocytes from healthy donors and patients with SSc and also in the Jurkat Th2 T-cell line, using quantitative real-time PCR and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, respectively. The involvement of Smad and GATA-3 transcription factors was assessed by using specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA, and the binding capacity of GATA-3 to the IL-13 gene promoter was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Results
TGF-β induced a significant decrease in IL-13 mRNA and protein levels in lymphocytes from healthy donors (mean [±SD] inhibition of 30 % ± 10 % and 20 % ± 7 %, respectively; p < 0.05). In contrast, TGF-β promoted a significant increase in IL-13 mRNA levels and IL-13 synthesis by CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subtypes from patients with SSc, with respective increases of 2.4 ± 0.3-fold, 1.6 ± 0.05-fold and 2.7 ± 0.02-fold. The involvement of the Smad signaling pathway and upregulation of GATA-3 binding capacity on the IL-13 promoter in lymphocytes from patients with SSc contributed to the effect of TGF-β on IL-13 production.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that TGF-β upregulates IL-13 synthesis through GATA-3 expression in the T lymphocytes of patients with SSc, confirming that the GATA-3 transcription factor can be regarded as a novel therapeutic target in patients with SSc.
The effects of joint aspiration and intra-articular corticosteroid injection on flexion reflex excitability, quadriceps strength and pain in individuals with knee synovitis: a prospective observational study
Authors: Rice David Andrew , McNair Peter John , Lewis Gwyn Nancy , Dalbeth Nicola 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Substantial weakness of the quadriceps muscles is typically observed in patients with arthritis. This is partly due to ongoing neural inhibition that prevents the quadriceps from being fully activated. Evidence from animal studies suggests enhanced flexion reflex excitability may contribute to this weakness. This prospective observational study examined the effects of joint aspiration and intra-articular corticosteroid injection on flexion reflex excitability, quadriceps muscle strength and knee pain in individuals with knee synovitis.

Methods
Sixteen patients with chronic arthritis and clinically active synovitis of the knee participated in this study. Knee pain flexion reflex threshold, and quadriceps peak torque were measured at baseline, immediately after knee joint aspiration alone and 5 ± 2 and 15 ± 2 days after knee joint aspiration and the injection of 40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate.

Results
Compared to baseline, knee pain was significantly reduced 5 (p = 0.001) and 15 days (p = 0.009) post intervention. Flexion reflex threshold increased immediately after joint aspiration (p = 0.009) and 5 (p = 0.01) and 15 days (p = 0.002) post intervention. Quadriceps peak torque increased immediately after joint aspiration (p = 0.004) and 5 (p = 0.001) and 15 days (p <0.001) post intervention.

Conclusions
The findings from this study suggest that altered sensory output from an inflamed joint may increase flexion reflex excitability in humans, as has previously been shown in animals. Joint aspiration and corticosteroid injection may be a clinically useful intervention to reverse quadriceps muscle weakness in individuals with knee synovitis.
Material and Production Stocks Audit As a Tool of Anti-Crisis Management in Agro-Industrial Complex Organizations
Authors: Фазульянова  , Fazulyanova Zulfiya 
Published: July 2015

In this paper has been revealed one of anti-crisis management’s effective instruments – audit, in particular, the
audit of material and production stocks. Problems which decision is possible when carrying out the audit by the owner
have been emphasized, risks which decrease is possible at timely carrying out audit have been considered.
Do Information Sheets Improve Patient Satisfaction in the Out-Patient Department?
Authors: Pothier David D , Frosh Adam 
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION Time spent waiting to see a doctor in the out-patient department is a significant source of dissatisfaction for patients. Out-patient staff are often repeatedly questioned about the running of the clinic and why a delay has developed. These complaints and requests often result in further delays to the clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS An information sheet was written to answer these questions. We set out to determine if the distribution of these sheets increased patient satisfaction with waiting times in the outpatient setting. Twelve sequential ENT clinics at the Lister Hospital, Stevenage were randomised into two groups. Patients attending clinics in Group A (n = 103) received an information sheet while those attending clinics in Group B (n = 124) received no information sheet. At the end of their clinic visit, all patients completed a questionnaire in which they were asked to provide a rating of their levels of satisfaction with various experiences in the out-patient department on a rating score from 1 to 5. RESULTS We found levels of satisfaction regarding waiting times to be significantly higher in the group who received information sheets (P < 0.001). No verbal complaints were received by the nursing staff at clinics where the information sheet was distributed. Four verbal complaints were received at the clinics where no sheets were distributed. CONCLUSIONS We believe that the use of information sheets is a cost-effective method of improving patient satisfaction and that this is a useful tool both in the primary care setting and in hospital out-patient departments.
The effects of a non-operative multimodal programme on osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Patel Shelain , Hossain Fahad S , Paton Bruce , Haddad Fares S 
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine if a multimodal programme including physiotherapy and education could improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee across various severities of disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-two patients with osteoarthritis of the knee confirmed on radiographic evidence were referred over a 13-month period for a lower limb programme which consisted of 12 classes over 6 weeks of group physiotherapy and included education on osteoarthritis, diet and exercise. Six patients went on to have joint arthroplasty at a mean time of 6.5 months with three placed on the waiting list during follow-up. RESULTS Pre-intervention, the mean WOMAC score was 42.0 and the mean Oxford Knee Score was 32.8. Post-intervention at a mean follow-up of 12 months, the mean WOMAC score was 31.6 and the mean Oxford Knee Score 24.3. The change in scores following intervention was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Using the WOMAC scoring system, the greatest effect size was seen in patients with Kellgren–Lawrence grade IV whilst using the Oxford knee scoring system, the greatest effect size was seen in patients with Kellgren–Lawrence grade II. CONCLUSIONS At 12 months, a multimodal programme of non-operative interventions has an excellent impact upon the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee with improved patient-reported scores. The level of improvement cannot be inferred from the radiographic grade of osteoarthritis. This modality could be considered for all patients with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
Impact of change of knee prosthesis on early clinical outcomes in a large volume arthroplasty centre
Authors: Moonot P , D’Mello O , Tzinga N , Sisak K , Fiddian NJ , Harvey AH 
Published: July 2015

Introduction The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of changing the default knee prosthesis in a high volume dedicated arthroplasty unit from DePuy’s PFC® Sigma® to Smith & Nephew’s Genesis™ II. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of prospective data on primary total knee replacements (TKRs) from January 2009 until December 2011. This provided information on the operative time, length of stay, pain at mobilisation, radiography analysis, any complications, and readmission at 30 and 60 days. Results The total numbers of primary TKRs using the PFC® and Genesis™ II prostheses were 1,061 and 1,268 respectively. The results showed a slight increase (maximum of five minutes) in the operative time for all the surgeons except one surgeon, whose operative time reduced by an average of seven minutes. There was no significant adverse outcome after the change in the knee implant. There was no clinically significant increase in the length of stay, pain at mobilisation or complication rates. There was a twofold increase in the wastage of the implant in the Genesis™ II group in the initial learning period. Conclusions Through a competitive process of implant tendering, we have successfully introduced a new implant into a large elective orthopaedic unit. This has resulted in significant financial savings without adversely affecting our clinical practice or patient outcome.
On-site cytotechnician evaluation of the adequacy of fine needle aspiration in a neck lump clinic
Authors: Reddy VM , Bennett WO , Bassett E , Cunliffe DJ , Fryer LC , Reece PH , Hickey SA 
Published: July 2015

Introduction The gold standard for assessing neck lumps is a one-stop clinic with an on-site cytopathologist who can provide an immediate fine needle aspiration (FNA) report. However, this has considerable resource implications and is not available in all units. In our department, surgeons perform FNAs guided by palpation. The FNA is evaluated for specimen adequacy by an on-site cytotechnician. This study evaluated the impact of the cytotechnician on the adequacy of neck lump FNA. Methods FNA performed between June 2010 and February 2012 was examined. The FNA performed at a neck lump clinic with an assessment of adequacy by an on-site cytotechnician were considered the test group. All other neck lump FNAs from other sources without an assessment of adequacy by an on-site cytotechnician were considered the control group. Results Of the FNAs, 134 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Of these, 87 FNAs (65%) were analysed for adequacy by the on-site cytotechnician and the remaining 47 (35%) were not. The results demonstrated an FNA inadequacy with and without on-site cytotechnician assessment of 29.9% and 40.4% respectively. This is equivalent to an absolute risk reduction of an inadequate FNA of 10.5%, which equates to a number needed to treat of 9.5, ie the cytotechnician needs to assess 9.5 (ie the cytotechnician […] specimen). Conclusions In neck lump clinics where on-site cytopathology is not available, an on-site cytotechnician is a compromise measure that does reduce the number of inadequate FNAs.
Selected Issues of Legislation with regard to Operating Pharmacies in the Slovak Republic / Vybrané problémy právnej úpravy prevádzkovania lekární v podmienkach Slovenskej republiky
Authors: Capandová Petra 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Among the basic rights and freedoms, stipulated in the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, are right to protection of health, free medical care based on health insurance, right to medical aids under conditions stipulated by law. These rights are guaranteed through provisions of Art. 40 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic as part of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and they apply to every individual. Since these rights are considered to be human rights under the international law, they are guaranteed by multilateral treaties in which Slovak Republic is a signatory, such as International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Legal regulation of operating pharmacies in the Slovak Republic covers a broad scope of issues and is quite extensive. Through concerted legislative effort, the legislator had tried to set rules that would make the legal environment in this sector more transparent and easier to navigate through. In some areas, the rules were set by the legislature of the European Union (EU) and the Slovak legislature only adapted them. The most important aspect of legal regulation in this sphere that is not completely regulated by the EU legislature is providing pharmaceutical care and usage of the public health insurance system with regard to providing pharmaceutical care.
The main aim of this study is to point out select issues that are associated with the position of a pharmacy operator and obligations stipulated in the Medicines Act 2011 that must be observed and incorporated into the running of a pharmacy. This area of business is fairly strictly regulated and therefore it is necessary to get acquainted with the relevant legislation. The study addresses several issues regulated by the Medicines Act 2011 or the Appropriate Pharmaceutical Practice Regulation 2012 from the legal-theoretical perspective.
Evaluation of content of phenolics in Salvia species cultivated in South Moravian Region / Hodnotenie obsahu fenolov vo vybraných druhoch rodu Salvia L. pestovaných v Juhomoravskom kraji
Authors: Muráriková A. , Kaffková K. , Raab S. , Neugebauerová J. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In this study, total phenolic content (TPC) and rosmarinic acid (RA) of 37 samples sage (Salvia L.) of extracts were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The amount of total phenols was analysed with Folin-Ciocalteu reagents. Gallic acid was used as a standard compound and the total phenols were expressed as mg.g−1 gallic acid equivalents of dried plant material. The values of the extracts displayed substantial differences. All of the investigated species except Salvia jurisicii (990.79 mg GAE. g−1 d.w.) exhibited higher content of phenolics. Among the studies, species demonstrated the highest content of phenol, followed in sequence by Salvia tomentosa, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia triloba, Salvia officinalis ‘Extrakta’, Salvia officinalis. TPC varied from 990.79 to 4459.88 mg GAE. g−1 d.w. in the extracts. The total amount of RA was between 0.88 and 8.04% among species. Salvia tomentosa, Salvia verticillata and Salvia officinalis ‘Extrakta’ had the highest content of RA. The high content of phenolic compounds indicated that these compounds contribute to the antioxidant activity.
An Evidence Code for Eritrea: Towards More Predictable Trials and Fairer Judgments
Authors: Andemariam Senai W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEritrea does not yet have a comprehensive evidence law. Draft Evidence Rules were prepared in Ethiopia, whose legal system Eritrea has essentially adopted, but were not enacted and the void intended to be filled by those rules has not yet been filled. In this article the author first counters the reasons for absence of comprehensive evidence law for Eritrea. He argues that a separate evidence law fits into the Eritrean legal system and will contribute to uniform trials and fairer judgments in Eritrea and briefly describes the contents of the Draft Evidence Code of Eritrea.