bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum high‐mobility group box 1 protein correlates with cognitive decline after gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: LIN G.‐X. , WANG T. , CHEN M.‐H. , HU Z.‐H. , OUYANG W. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundAccumulating evidence has indicated that inflammation may act as a potential mechanism underlying post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), as a known late mediator of inflammation, is involved in the development of post‐operative complications. Thus, we sought to determine the role of HMGB1 in reflecting POCD following major gastrointestinal surgery.MethodsFifty‐three elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were recruited, and 50 patients completed the study. Serum HMGB1 and interleukin (IL)‐6 levels were measured pre‐operatively and at 6 h, day 1 and day 3 post‐operatively. Neuropsychological tests were administered before and 1 week after surgery. POCD was determined using a Z score ≥ 1.96.ResultsSeventeen (34%, 17/50) patients developed POCD at 1 week. The POCD group had higher serum HMGB1 levels at day 1 (12.15 ± 3.12 vs. 9.91 ± 3.15 ng/ml, P = 0.021) and day 3 (11.04 ± 2.88 vs. 8.52 ± 3.31 ng/ml, P = 0.011). IL‐6 levels at 6 h (51.18 ± 15.22 vs. 39.20 ± 14.32 pg/ml, P = 0.009) and day 1 (41.59 ± 11.08 vs. 33.81 ± 11.42 pg/ml, P = 0.026) were significantly higher in POCD patients. Serum values of IL‐6 at 6 h, HMGB1 at day 1 and levels of education showed positive correlations with Z scores. HMGB1 at day 3 and IL‐6 at 6 h were independent risk factors.ConclusionsSerum HMGB1 and IL‐6 levels increase significantly after major gastrointestinal surgery in elderly patients and such elevations are associated with the occurrence of cognitive decline after surgery.
A Time Series Approach to Examining Regional Economic Resiliency to Hurricanes
Authors: Ewing Bradley T. , Liang Daan , Cui Yuepeng 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHurricanes disrupt business processes and activities, energy distribution and consumption, and services of infrastructure and lead to a reallocation of resources and their uses. This research models the relationship among economic and engineering measures of the state of the built environment in order to provide insight into a region's ability to withstand and recover from a future hurricane. As such, we provide a quantitative approach to modeling and measuring a region's economic resiliency. The findings have implications for developing strategies for long‐term sustainability of economic regions.
The Effect of Urbanization and Industrialization on Energy Use in Emerging Economies: Implications for Sustainable Development
Authors: Sadorsky Perry 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article investigates the impact of two important socio‐economic variables—urbanization and industrialization—on energy consumption in a panel of emerging economies. The results indicate that income increases energy consumption in both the long run and the short run. In the long run, urbanization decreases energy consumption, while industrialization increases it. Long‐run dynamics are important as evidenced by the estimated coefficient on the error correction term. These results have implications for sustainable development. Economic growth policies designed to increase income and industrialization will increase energy consumption. Since most energy needs in emerging economies are currently met by the burning of fossil fuels, economic growth and industrialization policies will be at odds with sustainable development.
Serum immunoglobulin free light chain levels are higher in girls than boys during eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Knipping Karen , Colson Diana , Soulaines Pascale , Redegeld Frank , Garssen Johan , Dupont Christophe 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimEosinophilic oesophagitis (EO) is an emerging worldwide disease, closely associated with male gender and allergic disorders. This study investigated the distribution of allergy markers in a cohort of children with EO.MethodsWe analysed allergy markers in 91 children (62 males and 29 females) with EO and a control group of 45 age‐matched children who had non‐EO gastrointestinal allergic symptoms. The markers analysed were serum cow's milk‐specific and hen's egg‐specific IgE, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), thymus‐regulated and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and immunoglobulin free light chain (Ig‐fLC).ResultsIn the EO group, cow's milk‐specific IgE levels were detectable in 41.9% of males and 62.1% of females and hen's egg‐specific levels in 25% of males and 26.9% of females. There was no gender difference in increased TSLP or TARC levels. Kappa Ig‐fLC were increased in 5.6% of males and 20.8% of females (p = 0.058) and lambda Ig‐fLC in 1.9% of males and 33.3% of females (p = 0.000). No gender differences were found in the control group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that serum TSLP might be a potential marker of EO and TARC of non‐EO gastrointestinal food allergies. In EO, serum Ig‐fLC appeared higher in females, adding another gender difference to the biology of EO.
Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes produce cytokines in response to Leishmania major promastigotes
Authors: Keyhani Alireza , Riazi‐Rad Farhad , Pakzad Saeed Reza , Ajdary Soheila 
Published: April 2014

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) release cytokines that may influence the development of the subsequent adaptive immune response. Little is known about cytokines produced by human PMN in response to Leishmania (L.). In this study, mRNA expression of Interleukin (IL)‐12p40, IL‐12p35, Interferon (IFN)‐γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, IL‐1, and IL‐4 in PMN of volunteers stimulated with L. major promastigotes has been investigated by real‐time PCR and the results were confirmed by flow cytometer. The results showed that L. major did not induce mRNA expression of IL12p40, IL12p35, IFN‐γ, and TGF‐β in PMN, while IL‐1 and IL‐4 mRNA were induced. Flow cytometry results confirmed no IFN‐γ production by PMN with or without stimulation. IL‐12p70 was present in untreated and L. major‐treated PMN, and these cells release IL‐12 following incubation with L. major. Significant amount of IL‐1 even without treatment with promastigotes was detected in PMN. Moreover, the proportion of PMN, which produce IL‐1 in response to L. major, was increased compared with the percent of unstimulated IL‐1‐producing PMN. The results showed the accumulation of small amounts of IL‐4 in PMN after stimulation. In conclusion, our results indicate that IL‐12 and IL‐1 are pre‐stored in human PMN, nor L. major induces IL‐1 and IL‐4, but not IL‐12, IFN‐γ, nor TGF‐β expression in these cells.
Safety of switching from vitamin K antagonists to dabigatran or rivaroxaban in daily care – results from the Dresden NOAC registry
Authors: Beyer‐Westendorf Jan , Gelbricht Vera , Förster Kati , Ebertz Franziska , Röllig Denise , Schreier Thomas , Tittl Luise , Thieme Christoph , Hänsel Ulrike , Köhler Christina , Werth Sebastian , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Stange Thoralf , Röder Ingolf , Weiss Norbert 
Published: April 2014

AimVitamin‐K antagonists (VKA) and non‐vitamin‐K dependent oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have been approved for anticoagulation in venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation and patients previously treated with VKA are switched to NOAC therapy. Safety data for this switching are urgently needed.MethodsUsing data from a large regional prospective registry of daily care NOAC patients, we evaluated the safety of switching anticoagulation from VKA to dabigatran or rivaroxaban. Switching procedures and cardiovascular and bleeding events occurring within 30 days after switching were centrally adjudicated.ResultsBetween 1 October 2011 and 18 June 2013, 2231 patients were enrolled. Of these, 716 patients were switched from VKA to NOAC. Only 410 of the 546 evaluable patients (75.1%) had a recorded INR measurement within the 10 days preceding or following the end of VKA treatment (mean INR 2.4). As of day 30, major bleeding complications were rare (0.3%; 95% CI 0.0, 1.0) with an overall bleeding rate of 12.2% (95% CI 9.8, 14.8). Major cardiovascular events occurred in 0.8% (95% CI 0.3, 1.8). There was no significant difference in outcome event rates between the subgroups of patients with or without INR testing.ConclusionIn daily care, only 75% of VKA patients have an INR measurement documented before NOAC are started. On average, NOAC are started within 2 to 5 days after the last intake of VKA. However, at 30 days follow‐up cardiovascular events or major bleedings were rare both in patients with and without INR testing. However, switching procedures need to be further evaluated in larger cohorts of patients.
Evaluation of the effect of naproxen on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of apixaban
Authors: Frost Charles , Shenker Andrew , Gandhi Mohit D. , Pursley Janice , Barrett Yu Chen , Wang Jessie , Zhang Donglu , Byon Wonkyung , Boyd Rebecca A. , LaCreta Frank 
Published: April 2014

AimTo assess pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between naproxen (a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug) and apixaban (an oral, selective, direct factor‐Xa inhibitor).MethodIn this randomized, three period, two sequence study, 21 healthy subjects received a single oral dose of apixaban 10 mg, naproxen 500 mg or co‐administration of both. Blood samples were collected for determination of apixaban and naproxen pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (anti‐Xa activity, international normalized ratio [INR] and arachidonic acid–induced platelet aggregation [AAI‐PA]). Adverse events, bleeding time and routine safety assessments were also evaluated.ResultsApixaban had no effect on naproxen pharmacokinetics. However, following co‐administration, apixaban AUC(0,∞), AUC(0,t) and Cmax were 54% (geometric mean ratio 1.537; 90% confidence interval (CI) 1.394, 1.694), 55% (1.549; 90% CI 1.400, 1.713) and 61% (1.611; 90% CI 1.417, 1.831) higher, respectively. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) anti‐Xa activity at 3 h post‐dose was approximately 60% higher following co‐administration compared with apixaban alone, 4.4 [1.0] vs. 2.7 [0.7] IU ml−1, consistent with the apixaban concentration increase following co‐administration. INR was within the normal reference range after all treatments. AAI‐PA was reduced by approximately 80% with naproxen. Co‐administration had no impact beyond that of naproxen. Mean [SD] bleeding time was higher following co‐administration (9.1 [4.1] min) compared with either agent alone (5.8 [2.3] and 6.9 [2.6] min for apixaban and naproxen, respectively).ConclusionCo‐administration of naproxen with apixaban results in higher apixaban exposure and appears to occur through increased apixaban bioavailability. The effects on anti‐Xa activity, INR and inhibition of AAI‐PA observed in this study were consistent with the individual pharmacologic effects of apixaban and naproxen.
Pharmacokinetic tools for the dose adjustment of ciclosporin in haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Lebreton Vincent , Neely Michael , Turlure Pascal , Girault Stéphane , Debord Jean , Marquet Pierre , Saint‐Marcoux Franck 
Published: April 2014

AimsCiclosporin A (CsA) is used in the prophylaxis and treatment of acute and chronic graft vs. host disease after haematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) transplantation. Our objective was to build and compare three independent Bayesian estimators of CsA area under the curve (AUC) using a limited sampling strategy (LSS), to assist in dose adjustment.MethodsThe Bayesian estimators were developed using in parallel: two independent parametric modelling approaches (nonmem® and iterative two stage (ITS) Bayesian modelling) and the non‐parametric adaptive grid method (Pmetrics®). Seventy‐two full pharmacokinetic profiles (at pre‐dose and 0.33, 0.66, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12h after dosing) collected from 40 HSCT patients given CsA were used to build the pharmacokinetic models, while 15 other profiles (n = 7) were kept for validation. For each Bayesian estimator, AUCs estimated using the full profiles were compared with AUCs estimated using three samples.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic profiles were well fitted using a two compartment model with first order elimination, combined with a gamma function for the absorption phase with ITS and Pmetrics or an Erlang distribution with nonmem. The derived Bayesian estimators based on a C0‐C1 h‐C4 h sampling schedule (best LSS) accurately estimated CsA AUC(0,12 h) in the validation group (n = 15; nonmem: bias (mean ± SD)/RMSE 2.05% ± 13.31%/13.02%; ITS: 4.61% ± 10.56%/11.20%; Pmetrics: 0.30% ± 10.12%/10.47%). The dose chosen confronting the three results led to a pertinent dose proposal.ConclusionsThe developed Bayesian estimators were all able to predict ciclosporin AUC(0,12 h) in HSCT patients using only three blood with minimal bias and may be combined to increase the reliability of CsA dose adjustment in routine.
A comparison of medical and pharmacy students' knowledge and skills of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy
Authors: Keijsers Carolina J. P. W. , Brouwers Jacobus R. B. J. , de Wildt Dick J. , Custers Eugene J. F. M. , ten Cate Olle Th J. , Hazen Ankie C. M. , Jansen Paul A. F. 
Published: April 2014

AimPharmacotherapy might be improved if future pharmacists and physicians receive a joint educational programme in pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. This study investigated whether there are differences in the pharmacology and pharmacotherapy knowledge and skills of pharmacy and medical students after their undergraduate training. Differences could serve as a starting point from which to develop joint interdisciplinary educational programmes for better prescribing.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional design, the knowledge and skills of advanced pharmacy and medical students were assessed, using a standardized test with three domains (basic pharmacology knowledge, clinical or applied pharmacology knowledge and pharmacotherapy skills) and eight subdomains (pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, interactions and side‐effects, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification groups, prescribing, prescribing for special groups, drug information, regulations and laws, prescription writing).ResultsFour hundred and fifty‐one medical and 151 pharmacy students were included between August 2010 and July 2012. The response rate was 81%. Pharmacy students had better knowledge of basic pharmacology than medical students (77.0% vs. 68.2% correct answers; P < 0.001, δ = 0.88), whereas medical students had better skills than pharmacy students in writing prescriptions (68.6% vs. 50.7%; P < 0.001, δ = 0.57). The two groups of students had similar knowledge of applied pharmacology (73.8% vs. 72.2%, P = 0.124, δ = 0.15).ConclusionsPharmacy students have better knowledge of basic pharmacology, but not of the application of pharmacology knowledge, than medical students, whereas medical students are better at writing prescriptions. Professional differences in knowledge and skills therefore might well stem from their undergraduate education. Knowledge of these differences could be harnessed to develop a joint interdisciplinary education for both students and professionals.
The experience of gender dysphoria for pre‐pubescent children and their families: a review of the literature
Authors: Gregor Claire , Davidson Sarah , Hingley‐Jones Helen 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn recent years, the experience of gender dysphoria has gained public prominence through an explosion of sensationalized interest in the popular media. However, childhood gender dysphoria remains poorly understood and both parents and children often find themselves having to educate professionals around them. This not only creates a sense of disconnect between family and professionals, but also means that social workers can often be unaware of the myriad of competing perspectives that seek to explain gender variance. This review of the literature seeks to provide interested social workers with an overview of gender dysphoria, current research in the field and theoretical paradigms, with a view to promoting understanding and better practice with families in this little understood field.
Cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptors on GABAergic vs. glutamatergic neurons differentially gate sex‐dependent social interest in mice
Authors: Terzian Ana Luisa B. , Micale Vincenzo , Wotjak Carsten T. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAbnormalities in social behavior are found in almost all psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia. Thus, comprehension of the neurobiological basis of social interaction is important for a better understanding of numerous pathologies and improved treatments. Several findings have suggested that an alteration of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptor function could be involved in the pathophysiology of such disorders. However, the role of CB1 receptors is still unclear, and their localisation on different neuronal subpopulations may produce distinct outcomes. To dissect the role of CB1 receptors in different neuronal populations, we used male knockout mice and their respective control littermates [total deletion (CB1−/−); specific deletion on cortical glutamatergic neurons (Glu‐CB1−/−) or on GABAergic interneurons (GABA‐CB1−/−), and wild‐type (WT) mice treated with the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist SR141716A (3 mg/kg). Mice were required to perform different social tasks – direct social interaction and social investigation. Direct interaction of two male mice was not modified in any group; however, when they were paired with females, Glu‐CB1−/− mice showed reduced interaction. Also, exploration of the male stimulus subject in the three‐chamber social investigation test was almost unaffected. The situation was completely different when a female was used as the stimulus subject. In this case, Glu‐CB1−/− mice showed reduced interest in the social stimulus, mimicking the phenotype of CB1−/− or WT mice treated with SR141716A. GABA‐CB1−/− mice showed the opposite phenotype, by spending more time investigating the social stimulus. In conclusion, we provide evidence that CB1 receptors specifically modulate the social investigation of female mice in a neuronal subtype‐specific manner.
Retinal ganglion cells projecting to the accessory optic system in optokinetic blind albinotic rats are direction‐selective
Authors: Krause Martin , Distler Claudia , Hoffmann Klaus‐Peter 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe optokinetic deficits in albinotic rats and ferrets are caused by the loss of direction selectivity in the accessory optic system (AOS). However, the underlying mechanisms for this loss are still not clear. Here we tested the hypothesis that, in albino rats, the retinal input to the AOS lacks direction selectivity and, as a consequence, neurons in the AOS are direction non‐selective. We investigated ON‐center direction‐selective retinal ganglion cells, the major input to the AOS, in pigmented Long Evans and albino Wistar rats using extracellular in vitro patch‐clamp techniques. To visualise putative AOS‐projecting direction‐selective ganglion cells, we retrogradely labeled them by injection of the infrared‐sensitive dye indocyanine green into the medial terminal nucleus of the AOS. The present study is the first to present physiological evidence for retinal ON‐center direction‐selective ganglion cells in rat. Our results show that, in albinotic and pigmented rats, ON‐center retinal ganglion cells projecting to the AOS are similarly direction‐selective, suggesting that the optokinetic deficit must be caused by the abolition of direction selectivity in the AOS itself.
The highs and lows of beta activity in cortico‐basal ganglia loops
Authors: Brittain John‐Stuart , Sharott Andrew , Brown Peter 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOscillatory activity in the beta (13–30 Hz) frequency band is widespread in cortico‐basal ganglia circuits, and becomes prominent in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we develop the hypothesis that the degree of synchronization in this frequency band is a critical factor in gating computation across a population of neurons, with increases in beta band synchrony entailing a loss of information‐coding space and hence computational capacity. Task and context drive this dynamic gating, so that for each state there will be an optimal level of network synchrony, and levels lower or higher than this will impair behavioural performance. Thus, both the pathological exaggeration of synchrony, as observed in PD, and the ability of interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS) to excessively suppress synchrony can potentially lead to impairments in behavioural performance. Indeed, under physiological conditions, the manipulation of computational capacity by beta activity may itself present a mechanism of action selection and maintenance.
Bilateral hypoplasia of the minor tubercle of the humerus with medial luxation of the biceps tendon in two Quarter Horses
Authors: Lund C. M. , Ragle C. A. , Rice H. C. , Wilkinson T. E. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryTwo Quarter Horses were examined at the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with forelimb lameness. Case 1 was a 4‐year‐old female with a 4 month history of intermittent forelimb lameness that had partially responded to oral anti‐inflammatories. The horse was in full training and actively competing in cutting. Case 2 was a one‐year‐old filly bred for cutting that presented with a right forelimb lameness of 3 weeks’ duration, which was not responsive to oral anti‐inflammatories. The horse was not in training. On lameness examination, Case 1 was grade 1/5 (American Association of Equine Practitioners scale) lame in the left forelimb in a straight line on a hard surface, extension and flexion of the shoulder was resented and exacerbated the lameness. Case 2 was grade 3/5 lame in the right forelimb in a straight line on a hard surface, flexion and extension of the shoulder was resented and exacerbated the lameness. Both horses had a characteristic dished appearance to the dorsal aspect of the shoulder, with prominence of the proximal aspect of the humerus. Ultrasound and proximodistal oblique (skyline) radiographic views of the scapulohumeral joints demonstrated bilateral hypoplasia of the minor tubercle of the humerus with bilateral medial luxation of the proximal biceps tendon in both cases. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of 2 cases of bilaterally affected horses, as well as the first report of the condition in the Quarter Horse breed.
Embryo transfer in competition horses: Managing mares and expectations
Authors: Campbell M. L. H. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryEmbryo transfer (ET) is an accepted and successful technique for obtaining foals from mares without interrupting their competition careers. Recent research, however, suggests that the potential of factors including heat, exercise, repeated embryo flushing and repeated manipulation of the reproductive cycle using exogenous hormones to have a negative impact on fertility may have been underestimated. This paper reviews the evidence base for involvement of these factors in repeated failures to recover embryos from nongeriatric competition mares without obvious clinical or pathological indications of reproductive abnormalities. It concludes that, for some mares at least, a cessation of exercise for the periovulatory period and the period between ovulation and embryo flushing, combined with careful management of flushing‐induced endometritis, and minimal hormonal manipulation of the reproductive cycle, may be necessary to optimise embryo recovery rates. Mare owners may have been encouraged to requestETfor their mares following high‐profile examples in the media of elite mares that have produced foals byETwhilst competing. The veterinarian should educate mare owners about the multiple factors that may affect the chances of recovering an embryo from their mares, and should manage the expectations of mare owners so that they do not approachETprogrammes in the expectation that there will be no disruption to their training and competition plans.