bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of intramuscular sedation with alfaxalone and butorphanol on echocardiographic measurements in healthy cats
Authors: Ribas Thibault , Bublot Isabelle , Junot Stéphane , Beaufrère Hugues , Rannou Benoit , Gagnière Pauline , Cadoré Jean Luc , Pariaut Romain 
Published: September 2014

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) injections of alfaxalone combined with butorphanol on echocardiographic (ECG) measurements in cats. Methods Client-owned adult domestic shorthair cats younger than 5 years of age were recruited. All cats that were considered healthy on the basis of physical examination, blood work, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement and baseline ECG underwent a second ECG under sedation. Cats were sedated with two separate IM injections of butorphanol at 0.2 mg/kg and alfaxalone at 2 mg/kg. ECG variables were analysed using a linear mixed model, and sedation scores were analysed using an ordinal mixed logistic model. The significance level was set at α = 0.05 and adjusted at α = 0.0017 for multiple comparisons of the ECG measurements. Results Ten healthy cats were included. Sedation was uneventful, and recovery was smooth and quick for all cats. The mean duration of lateral recumbency was 36.3 ± 4.37 mins. Reduction in heart rate following sedation approached statistical significance ( P = 0.002). The thickness of the interventricular septum, the thickness of the left ventricular free wall, and the left ventricular internal dimensions in diastole and systole were not affected by the sedation. The changes in left atrium/aortic ratio and shortening fraction were statistically significant. Although the peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow (E) and late diastolic transmitral flow (A), the peak early diastolic (Ea) mitral valve annulus velocity, and the peak late diastolic (Aa) mitral valve annulus velocity changed after sedation, the ratios E/A, E/Ea and Ea/Aa were not significantly different after sedation. Conclusions and relevance IM injections of alfaxalone and butorphanol induced rapid, deep and short-lasting sedation. The mean differences after sedation were not clinically significant for most echocardiographic measurements.
Pilot Investigation of the Association Between Serum Stress Neuropeptide Levels and Lymphocyte Expression of Fas and Fas Ligand in Critical Illness
Authors: Papathanassoglou Elizabeth D. E. , Mpouzika Meropi D. A. , Giannakopoulou Margarita , Bozas Evangelos , Middleton Nicos , Boti Sofia , Karabinis Andreas 
Published: September 2014

Introduction: In critical illness, apoptotic loss of immunocytes is associated with immunosuppression. Aim: To explore expression of Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) on B and T cells from critically ill patients without sepsis compared to matched controls and associations with disease severity and neuropeptide Y (NPY), cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and prolactin (PRL) levels. Methods: Repeated-measures correlational design with 36 critically ill patients (14-day follow-up) and 36 controls. Disease severity was assessed using the Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (MODS) and Multi Organ Failure scale. Fas/FasL values were standardized for viable cell counts. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NPY) and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (cortisol, ACTH, and PRL) were employed. Results: Fas and FasL expression on T-helper ( p < .0001–.03) and T-cytotoxic cells ( p < .0001–.002) and Fas expression on B cells ( p < .0001–.03) were higher in patients. MODS severity was associated with FasL expression on cytotoxic T cells ( r = .752–.902, p = .023–.037). There was an inverse association between Day 1 NPY levels and Fas expression on T-helper cells ( r = −.447, p = .019). On the day of maximum severity, we report for the first time an inverse association between NPY levels and FasL expression on helper ( r = −.733, p = .016) and cytotoxic ( r = −.862, p = .003) T cells. Cortisol levels were positively associated with counts of FasL-positive helper ( r = .828) and cytotoxic ( r = .544, p < .05) T cells. Conclusion: Results suggest a potential role for stress neuropeptides in lymphocyte survival and activation in critical illness.
Psychological Strains, Salivary Biomarkers, and Risks for Coronary Heart Disease Among Hurricane Survivors
Authors: An Kyungeh , Salyer Jeanne , Kao Hsueh-Fen Sabrina 
Published: September 2014

Objective: To examine the associations of psychological strains, salivary biomarkers, and coronary heart disease (CHD) risks in hurricane survivors 2 years after Hurricane Ike in the United States. Background: Hurricane survivors often suffer from long-lasting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of psychological strain related to surviving a natural disaster and dealing with its aftermath. Psychological strains may be associated with biomarkers, which, in turn, may be associated with a higher incidence of CHD risks. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 19 hurricane survivors to assess psychological strains (PTSD, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety) and measure CHD risks. Saliva samples were collected by the passive drool method and analyzed for inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) and chemokine (monocyte chemotactic protein [MCP]-1) biomarkers. Results: The salivary level of MCP-1 was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms, depression (both p < .01), and anxiety ( p < .05). There were significant associations between anxiety and hypertension ( p < .01), perceived stress and blood glucose level ( p < .05), and perceived stress and obesity ( p < .05). Conclusion: Our findings that long-lasting psychological strains are associated with major CHD risks and salivary MCP-1 levels suggest that the mechanism by which such strains play a role in the development of CHD involves recruitment of monocyte cells in response to chronic endothelial inflammation. Further studies are needed to advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which the PTSD and other psychological strains contribute to the development of CHD.
‘A who doing a what?’: Identity, practice and social work education
Authors: Mackay Tanya , Zufferey Carole 
Published: September 2014

Summary This article explores the discourses employed by social work educators in their constructions of social work identity, practice and education. The research data for this qualitative study was collected from in-depth interviews with social work educators from two South Australian universities, who were eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers. Findings Using Gee’s discourse analysis framework, the key discourses used by social work educators to construct social work, social workers, clients and social work educational institutions are identified. Social work educators drew on professional, helping/caring, emancipatory and social control discourses to highlight the ‘typical’ story of ‘social work’ and construct social workers and social work educators as ‘a who doing a what’, to distinguish social work from other professions. Application Despite being constructed as having the power to act as ‘gate keepers’ to the profession, very little research examines how social work educators reflect on their practice as social workers and social work educators. Further national and international research is required to examine how social work students, service users, employers and other disciplines interpret these social work discourses.
Trends in maternal deaths from epilepsy in the United Kingdom: a 30-year retrospective review
Authors: Kapoor Dipanwita , Wallace Suzanne 
Published: September 2014

Objective Neurological diseases remain the second most common cause of maternal mortality from indirect causes, according to the last United Kingdom confidential enquiry into maternal death. The maternal mortality rate from epilepsy is reported as 0.61 per 100,000 maternities. The aim of this study was to analyse the trends and causes of maternal death from epilepsy in the UK over the last 30 years. Information on sub-standard care associated with fatalities was also consolidated to inform guidance and clinical care by obstetricians and physicians caring for pregnant women with epilepsy. Study design A retrospective review of 10 triennial confidential enquiry into maternal death reports (1979–2008) was performed, encompassing 21,514,457 maternities. Late and coincidental deaths were not included in the analyses. Results Between 1979 and 2008, there were 92 maternal deaths from epilepsy. The proportion of total maternal deaths from epilepsy over 30 years is 3.7% (95% CI 3.0–4.5), which showed an increasing trend. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy remains the single greatest cause of maternal death from epilepsy followed by aspiration of gastric contents during seizures and drowning during bathing. Conclusion All women with epilepsy should be looked after by specialist combined obstetric and medical or neurological teams in pregnancy to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
An Automated Telephone Nutrition Support System for Spanish-Speaking Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Khanna Raman , Stoddard Pamela J. , Gonzales Elizabeth N. , Villagran-Flores Mariana , Thomson Joan , Bayard Paul , Palos Lucio Ana Gabriela , Schillinger Dean , Bertozzi Stefano , Gonzales Ralph 
Published: September 2014

Background: In the United States, Spanish-speaking patients with diabetes often receive inadequate dietary counseling. Providing language and culture-concordant dietary counseling on an ongoing basis is critical to diabetes self-care. Objective: To determine if automated telephone nutrition support (ATNS) counseling could help patients improve glycemic control by duplicating a successful pilot in Mexico in a Spanish-speaking population in Oakland, California. Design: A prospective randomized open-label trial with blinded endpoint assessment (PROBE) was performed. Participants: The participants were seventy-five adult patients with diabetes receiving care at a federally qualified health center in Oakland, California. Interventions: ATNS, a computerized system that dialed patients on their phones, prompted them in Spanish to enter (via keypad) portions consumed in the prior 24 hours of various cultural-specific dietary items, and then provided dietary feedback based on proportion of high versus low glycemic index foods consumed. The control group received the same ATNS phone calls 14 weeks after enrollment. Main Measures: The primary outcome was hemoglobin A1c % (A1c) 12 weeks following enrollment. Key Results: Participants had no significant improvement in A1c (–0.3% in the control arm, –0.1% in the intervention arm, P = .41 for any difference) or any secondary parameters. Conclusions: In our study, an ATNS system did not improve diabetes control in a Spanish-speaking population in Oakland.
Positive Drawer Test Combined With Radiographic Deviation of the Third Metatarsophalangeal Joint Suggests High Grade Tear of the Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Plantar Plate
Authors: Klein Erin E. , Weil Lowell , Weil Lowell Scott , Bowen Michael , Fleischer Adam E. 
Published: September 2014

There is uncertainty regarding the most accurate and cost-effective method for diagnosing plantar plate injuries within the foot. The purpose of this study was to examine the combined value of using clinical and radiographic findings to diagnose high grade tears (> 50% disruption) within the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Ninety-eight consecutive patients (117 feet) who underwent corrective surgery for plantar forefoot pain at a single foot and ankle specialty clinic were included in this retrospective analysis. All patients received a structured intraoperative assessment of the second MTP joint plantar plate by a single trained observer. Twenty-five clinical and plain film radiographic variables obtained prior to surgery were tested for their association with a high grade plantar plate tear using multiple logistic regression techniques. A positive drawer sign was the most informative individual test for differentiating high from low grade tears (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-9.5; sensitivity 91.5%; specificity 22%). Patients with longstanding forefoot symptoms (> 2 years) tended to be more likely to have low grade tears only (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 0.98-4.5; sensitivity 61.7%; specificity 58.1%). Most radiographic measurements did little to distinguish high from low grade tears; however, the addition of ipsilateral third MTP joint transverse deviation angle showed a trend toward improving upon the diagnostic accuracy of strategies that used clinical findings alone (area under the curve [AUC] improved from 0.63 to 0.67; P = .11). A third MTP joint deviation angle greater than 15° in either direction combined with drawer testing and duration of symptoms achieved the highest specificities of any combination of variables examined in the study (specificities 82.4% [95% CI, 73.7%-91.1%] and 89.1 [95% CI, 82.1-96.3], respectively). The combination of a positive drawer test coupled with transverse deviation of the third MTP joint (> 15°) on plain films strongly suggests an underlying high grade plantar plate tear of the second MTP joint. However, this study highlights the need for using advanced imaging to distinguish between high and low grade tears in many instances (eg, positive drawer test and normal or near-normal alignment of the third MTP joint). Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level II
A randomized phase II clinical trial of nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin compared with gemcitabine and carboplatin as first-line therapy in locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of lung
Authors: Yang Jin-Ji , Huang Cheng , Chen Gong-Yan , Song Yong , Cheng Ying , Yan Hong-Hong , Zhou Qing , Wu Yi-Long 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
Recent advances have shown that histology and genetic biomarkers are important in patient selection, which have led to significantly better outcomes for lung cancer patients. However, most new treatments only apply to adenocarcinoma or non-squamous, and in squamous carcinoma there is little breakthrough. In a phase III trial nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin showed superior response rate over paclitaxel and carboplatin. In subgroup analysis the squamous histology appeared to be a predictive factor to nab-paclitaxel treatment.

Methods/Design
This is an open-label, randomized, active controlled phase II trial. A total of 120 untreated advanced squamous lung cancer patients are randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive nab-paclitaxel (135 mg/m2, d1, 8, q3w) plus carboplatin (AUC 5, d1, q3w) or gemcitabine (1,250 mg/m2, d1, 8, q3w) and carboplatin (AUC 5, d1, q3w). The primary endpoint is objective response rate and the second endpoints are progression free survival, overall survival, safety and biomarkers associated with nab-paclitaxel. The treatment will continue up to six cycles or intolerable toxicity.

Discussion
This ongoing trial will be the first prospective randomized trial to explore the efficacy of nab-paclitaxel as the first-line treatment specifically in squamous carcinoma of lung.

Study number
CTONG1002

Trial Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov reference: NCT01236716
Flexible carbon nanotube/mono-crystalline Si thin-film solar cells
Authors: Sun Huanhuan , Wei Jinquan , Jia Yi , Cui Xian , Wang Kunlin , Wu Dehai 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Flexible heterojunction solar cells were fabricated from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and mono-crystalline Si thin films at room temperature. The Si thin films with thickness less than 50 μm are prepared by chemically etching Si wafer in a KOH solution. The initial efficiency of the thin-film solar cell varies from approximately 3% to 5%. After doping with a few drops of 1 M HNO3, the efficiency increases to 6% with a short-circuit current density of 16.8 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 71.5%. The performance of the solar cells depends on the surface state and thickness of Si thin films, as well as the interface of CNT/Si. The flexible CNT/Si thin-film solar cells exhibit good stability in bending-recovery cycles.
Fetal growth and psychiatric and socioeconomic problems:
population-based sibling comparison
Authors: Class Quetzal A. , Rickert Martin E. , Larsson Henrik , Lichtenstein Paul , D'Onofrio Brian M. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundIt is unclear whether associations between fetal growth and psychiatric
and socioeconomic problems are consistent with causal mechanisms.AimsTo estimate the extent to which associations are a result of unmeasured
confounding factors using a sibling-comparison approach.MethodWe predicted outcomes from continuously measured birth weight in a
Swedish population cohort (n = 3 291 773), while
controlling for measured and unmeasured confounding.ResultsIn the population, lower birth weight (⩽2500 g) increased the risk of all
outcomes. Sibling-comparison models indicated that lower birth weight
independently predicted increased risk for autism spectrum disorder
(hazard ratio for low birth weight = 2.44, 95% CI 1.99–2.97) and
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although attenuated,
associations remained for psychotic or bipolar disorder and educational
problems. Associations with suicide attempt, substance use problems and
social welfare receipt, however, were fully attenuated in sibling
comparisons.ConclusionsResults suggest that fetal growth, and factors that influence it,
contribute to psychiatric and socioeconomic problems.
Stat3 signaling regulates embryonic stem cell fate in a dose-dependent manner
Authors: Tai Chih-I , Schulze Eric N. , Ying Qi-Long 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Stat3 is essential for mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) self-renewal mediated by LIF/gp130 receptor signaling. Current understanding of Stat3-mediated ESC self-renewal mechanisms is very limited, and has heretofore been dominated by the view that Stat3 signaling functions in a binary “on/off” manner. Here, in contrast to this binary viewpoint, we demonstrate a contextual, rheostat-like mechanism for Stat3's function in mESCs. Activation and expression levels determine whether Stat3 functions in a self-renewal or a differentiation role in mESCs. We also show that Stat3 induces rapid differentiation of mESCs toward the trophectoderm (TE) lineage when its activation level exceeds certain thresholds. Stat3 induces this differentiation phenotype via induction of Tfap2c and its downstream target Cdx2. Our findings provide a novel concept in the realm of Stat3, self-renewal signaling, and pluripotent stem cell biology. Ultimately, this finding may facilitate the development of conditions for the establishment of authentic non-rodent ESCs.
Myosin II does not contribute to wound repair in Dictyostelium cells
Authors: Yumura Shigehiko , Hashima Sayaka , Muranaka Satsuki 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Cells are always subjected to mechanical stresses, resulting in wounds of the cell membrane, but cells are able to repair and reseal their wounded membrane. Previous reports have shown that actin and myosin II accumulate around the wound and that the constriction of this purse-string closes the membrane pore. Here, we developed a microsurgical wound assay to assess wound repair in Dictyostelium cells. Fluorescent dye that had been incorporated into the cells leaked out for only 2–3 sec after wounding, and a GFP-derived, fluorescent Ca2+ sensor showed that intracellular Ca2+ transiently increased immediately after wounding. In the absence of external Ca2+, the cell failed to repair itself. During the repair process, actin accumulated at the wounded sites but myosin II did not. The wounds were repaired even in myosin II null cells to a comparable degree as the wild-type cells, suggesting that myosin II does not contribute to wound repair. Thus, the actomyosin purse-string constriction model is not a common mechanism for wound repair in eukaryotic cells, and this discrepancy may arise from the difference in cell size.
Validation of serum IGF-I as a biomarker to monitor exogenous growth hormone agonist and antagonist bioactivity in rabbits
Authors: Bielohuby Maximilian , Zarkesh-Esfahani Sayyed Hamid , Manolopoulou Jenny , Wirthgen Elisa , Walpurgis Katja , Toghiany Khorasgani Mohaddeseh , Aghili Zahra Sadat , Wilkinson Ian Robert , Hoeflich Andreas , Thevis Mario , Ross Richard J. , Bidlingmaier Martin 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Development of new growth hormone (GH) agonists and antagonists (GHA) requires animal models for pre-clinical testing. Ideally, effects of treatment can be monitored using the same pharmacodynamic marker later used in clinical practice. However, intact rodents are of limited value for this purpose because serum IGF-I - the most sensitive pharmacodynamic marker for GH-action in humans - shows no response to recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment and there is little evidence for effects of GHA except when administered at very high doses or overexpressed. As an alternative, more suitable model we explored pharmacodynamic markers of GH action in intact rabbits. We performed the first validation of an IGF-I assay for rabbit serum and tested precision, sensitivity, linearity, and recovery using an automated human IGF-I assay (IDS-iSYS). Furthermore, IGF-I was measured in rabbits of different strains, age groups and sexes, and we monitored IGF-I response to treatment with rhGH or GHA. In a subset of samples we used LC-MS/MS to measure IGF-I and quantitative Western-ligand blot to analyze IGF-binding proteins. Results: Although recovery of recombinant rabbit IGF-I was only 50% in the human IGF-I assay, sensitivity, precision (1.7-3.3%CV) and linearity (90.4-105.6%) were excellent in rabbit samples. As expected, sex, age and genetic background were major determinants of IGF-I in rabbits. IGF-I and IGFBP-2 levels increased after single and multiple rhGH injections (IGF-I: 286±22 vs. 434±26ng/ml; p&lt;0.01) and were highly correlated (p&lt;0.0001). GHA treatment lowered IGF-I from the fourth injection onwards (p&lt;0.01). In summary, we demonstrated that the IDS-iSYS IGF-I immunoassay can be used in rabbits. Similar to rodents, rabbits display variations in IGF-I depending on sex, age and genetic background. Unlike in rodents, the IGF-I response to rhGH or GHA treatment closely mimics the pharmacodynamics seen in humans suggesting rabbits as a suitable new model to test human GH agonists and antagonists.
Ostensibilities in Geometry
Authors: Гирш  , Girsh A. 
Published: September 2014

Ostensibilities in geometry play a large role and are a
little shined in literature. Their presence at geometry is much
broader, than it actually is perceived. Work explains a status of
ostensibilities in geometry and proves that geometry becomes the
closed rule only taking into account its ostensibilities. A new way
related to creation of two circles’ radical axis and two conics’
chordal straight lines based on machine graphics tool «Central
Proportional Increase of Graphic Object» is offered. The way allows
select ruled degenerations from a bunch of quadrics.