bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potato starch-reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(lactic acid) composites for biomedical applications
Authors: Eaysmine Shamima , Haque Papia , Ferdous Taslima , Gafur Md Abdul , Rahman Mohammed M 
Published: February 2015

Starch platelets of micro particle size in the range of 10–100 µm were extracted from potato by acid hydrolysis. Two types of starch-reinforced composites, one with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and the other with poly(lactic acid) (PLA), were prepared by solvent casting and hot press molding methods, respectively. Mechanical properties of the starch/PVA and the starch/PLA composites were determined, and the maximum tensile and yield strength obtained were around 19.7 MPa for 6% starch/PVA composite and around 7.2 MPa for 6% starch/PLA composite, correspondingly. The structure of both the composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (differential thermal analysis/differential thermogravimetric analysis), thermomechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, antimicrobial test was conducted to assess the potentiality of both the composites to be used for biomedical applications and only starch/PVA composite was observed to inhibit microbial growth against both a gram-positive ( Bacillus subtillis) and a gram-negative ( Escherichia coli) bacteria.
The ‘visibility’ of unpaid care in England
Authors: Pickard Linda , King Derek , Knapp Martin 
Published: February 2015

Summary Social work practice is increasingly concerned with support not just for service users but also for unpaid carers. A key aspect of practice is the assessment of carers’ needs. The Government has recently passed legislation that will widen eligibility for carers’ assessments and remove the requirement that carers must be providing a substantial amount of care on a regular basis. This article examines which carers are currently ‘visible’ or known to councils and which are not, and uses the results to examine the likely effects of the new legislation. In order to identify the characteristics of carers known to councils, the article uses large-scale surveys, comparing the 2009/10 Personal Social Services Survey of Adult Carers in England and the 2009/10 Survey of Carers in Households in England. Findings Carers who are known to councils provide extremely long hours of care. Among carers providing substantial care who are known to councils, the majority care for 100 or more hours a week. The focus of councils on carers providing long hours of care is associated with a number of other carer characteristics, such as poor health. Applications Councils' emphasis on the most intense carers is unlikely to be attributable solely to the current legislation. Therefore, dropping the substantial and regular clauses alone will not necessarily broaden access to carers' assessments and, in order to achieve this, considerable new resources may be needed. How far these resources are available will determine the extent to which practitioners can broaden access to carers' assessments.
Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: a survey of current UK practice
Authors: Littlewood Chris , Bateman Marcus 
Published: February 2015

Background Rotator cuff disorders, including rotator cuff tears, are common and can be treated conservatively or surgically. Data suggest that the incidence of surgery to repair the rotator cuff is rising. Despite this rise, the most effective approach to postoperative rehabilitation, a critical component of the recovery process, is not well developed. The present study aimed to describe current practice in the UK in relation to rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair. Methods An electronic survey was developed and disseminated to UK based physiotherapists and surgeons involved with rotator cuff repair. Results One hundred valid responses were received. Although there is a degree of variation, current practice for the majority of respondents consists of sling immobilization for 4 weeks to 6 weeks. During this time, passive movement would be commenced before active movement is introduced towards the end of this phase. Resisted exercise begins 7 weeks to 12 weeks postoperatively, alongside return to light work. A progressive resumption of function, including manual work and sport, is advised from approximately 13 weeks. Conclusions In the context of the current literature, it might be suggested that the current approach to rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair for the majority of respondents is somewhat cautious and has not progressed for over a decade.
Prevalence estimation of celiac disease in the general adult population of Latvia using serology and HLA genotyping
Authors: Leja Marcis , Shums Zakera , Nikitina-Zake Liene , Gavars Mikus , Kikuste Ilze , Milo Jay , Daugule Ilva , Pahomova Jelena , Pirags Valdis , Dzerve Vilnis , Klovins Janis , Erglis Andrejs , Norman Gary L 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundPrevalence estimates for celiac disease (CD) depend on the method used. The role of deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) and genetic testing in epidemiological studies and diagnostic settings of celiac disease (CD) has still to be established.ObjectivesThe objective of this article is to assess the prevalence of CD in Latvia by combining serological tests with DQ2.5/DQ8 testing.MethodsA total of 1444 adults from a randomly selected cross‐sectional general population sample were tested by ELISA for tTG IgA, DGP IgA and IgG antibodies (QUANTA Lite®, Inova Diagnostics Inc). Samples with tTG IgA ≥20U were tested for EMA IgA by indirect immunofluorescence assay, and all specimens with tTG IgA ≥15U were tested by QUANTA‐Flash® chemiluminescent assays (CIA) (Inova Diagnostics Inc) for tTG IgA, DGP IgA and IgG. DQ2.5/8 was detected in individuals with any positive ELISA test and a subgroup of controls.ResultsForty‐three individuals (2.98%; 95% CI: 2.10–3.86%) tested positive by at least one ELISA test; 41.86% of the serology‐positive individuals (any test above the cutoff) were DQ positive. Six individuals (0.42%; 95% CI: 0.09–0.75%) were triple ELISA positive, and DQ2.5 or DQ8 was positive in all; 0.35% (95% CI: 0.05–0.65%) were tTG IgA and EMA positive. Two tTG IgA‐negative cases were both DGP IgG and IgA positive, both being DQ positive; including them in the “serology‐positive” group would increase the prevalence to 0.49% (95% CI: 0.13–0.85%).CIA tests revealed 2 tTG IgA‐positive and EMA‐negative cases with a positive genotype. DQ2.5 or DQ8 genotype was positive in 28.6% of the serology‐negative population.ConclusionsEstimates of the prevalence of CD in Latvia based on the serogenetic testing approach range from 0.35% to 0.49% depending on the criteria used. There is a rationale for combining serological tests and DQ2.5/8 genotyping.
Stigmatization and Discrimination toward People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Coastal City of South India
Authors: Kumar Nithin , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Thapar Rekha , Mithra Prasanna , Kulkarni Vaman , Holla Ramesh , Bhagawan Darshan , Kumar Avinash 
Published: February 2015

Background: The HIV/AIDS scenario all over the world is complicated by the stigmatic and discriminative attitudes toward the HIV-infected individuals. Methodology: In this facility-based, cross-sectional study, 104 HIV-positive patients were assessed regarding their personal experience with HIV-related stigma and discrimination using a Revised HIV Stigma Scale. The association between stigma and factors such as socioeconomic status and gender was tested using chi-square test, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A large proportion (41.3%) of the participants were in the age-group of 26 to 35 years. Confidentiality of the HIV positivity status was maintained only in 14.4% of the participants. Compared to females (48.2%), more than half (51.5%) of the male participants had experienced HIV/AIDS-related personalized stigma ( P > .05). Conclusion: HIV-related stigma and discrimination are the major social determinants driving the epidemic, despite the advances in medical treatment and increases in the awareness about the disease.
Hospitalizations in the United States among HIV-Infected Individuals in Short-Stay Hospitals, 1982 to 2010
Authors: Tai Miao , Liu Tao , Merchant Roland C. 
Published: February 2015

Objective: To estimate trends in hospitalizations and days of care of HIV-infected individuals in US hospitals from 1982 to 2010. Methods: Secondary data analysis of the National Hospital Discharge Survey. Results: Hospitalizations of HIV-infected individuals increased from 1982 to a peak of 216 086 by 1995, fell 36% by 1997, and then decreased to 118 236 by 2010. Days of care for HIV-uninfected individuals decreased 14.7% from 6.1 days in 1982 to 5.2 days in 2010 yet dropped 62.7% from 17.6 to 7.1 days for HIV-infected individuals. Hospitalized HIV-infected individuals were more likely than uninfected individuals to be male, black, 35 to 44 years old, Medicaid recipients, and be hospitalized in the northeast, in hospitals with more than 500 beds and in government-operated hospitals. Conclusions: Hospitalizations and days of care for HIV-infected individuals have decreased dramatically in recent years and at rates greater than for HIV-uninfected individuals yet involve some populations and affect certain hospitals disproportionately.
The histone demethylase Jarid1b is required for hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal in mice
Authors: Stewart Morag H. , Albert Mareike , Sroczynska Patrycja , Cruickshank V. Adam , Guo Yanping , Rossi Derrick J. , Helin Kristian , Enver Tariq 
Published: February 2015

Key Points
Jarid1b is not required for steady-state hematopoiesis. Jarid1b is required for HSC self-renewal.
Genotype alone does not predict the clinical course ofSFTPCdeficiency in paediatric patients
Authors: Kröner Carolin , Reu Simone , Teusch Veronika , Schams Andrea , Grimmelt Ann-Christin , Barker Michael , Brand Joerg , Gappa Monika , Kitz Richard , Kramer Boris W. , Lange Lars , Lau Susanne , Pfannenstiel Claus , Proesmans Marijke , Seidenberg Jürgen , Sismanlar Tugba , Aslan Ayse Tana , Werner Claudius , Zielen Stefan , Zarbock Ralf , Brasch Frank , Lohse Peter , Griese Matthias 
Published: February 2015

Patients with interstitial lung disease due to surfactant protein C (SFTPC) mutations are rare and not well characterised.We report on all subjects collected over a 15-year period in the kids-lung register with interstitial lung disease and a provenSFTPCmutation. We analysed clinical courses, interventions and outcomes, as well as histopathological and radiological interrelations.17 patients (seven male) were followed over a median of 3 years (range 0.3–19). All patients were heterozygous carriers of autosomal dominantSFTPCmutations. Three mutations (p.L101P, p.E191 K and p.E191*) have not been described before in the context of surfactant protein C deficiency. Patients with alterations in the BRICHOS domain of the protein (amino acids 94–197) presented earlier. At follow-up, one patient was healthy (2 years), six patients were “sick-better” (2.8 years, range 0.8–19), seven patients were “sick-same” (6.5 years, 1.3–15.8) and three patients were “sick-worse” (0.3 years, 0.3–16.9). Radiological findings changed from ground-glass to increasing signs of fibrosis and cyst formation with increasing age. Empiric treatments had variable effects, also in patients with the same genotype.Prospective studies with randomised interventions are urgently needed and can best be performed in the framework of international registers.
Hallmarks of epithelial to mesenchymal transition are detectable in Crohn's disease associated intestinal fibrosis
Authors: Scharl Michael , Huber Nicole , Lang Silvia , Fürst Alois , Jehle Ekkehard , Rogler Gerhard 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal fibrosis and subsequent stricture formation represent frequent complications of Crohn's disease (CD). In many organs, fibrosis develops as a result of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent studies suggested that EMT could be involved in intestinal fibrosis as a result of chronic inflammation. Here, we investigated whether EMT might be involved in stricture formation in CD patients.MethodsHuman colonic tissue specimens from fibrotic areas of 18 CD and 10 non‐IBD control patients were studied. Immunohistochemical staining of CD68 (marker for monocytes/macrophages), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1), β‐catenin, SLUG, E‐.cadherin, α‐smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were performed using standard techniques.ResultsIn fibrotic areas in the intestine of CD patients, a large number of CD68‐positive mononuclear cells was detectable suggesting an inflammatory character of the fibrosis. We found stronger expression of TGFβ1, the most powerful driving force for EMT, in and around the fibrotic lesions of CD patients than in non‐IBD control patients. In CD patients membrane staining of β‐catenin was generally weaker than in control patients and more cells featured nuclear staining indicating transcriptionally active β‐catenin, in fibrotic areas. In these regions we also detected nuclear localisation of the transcription factor, SLUG, which has also been implicated in EMT pathogenesis. Adjacent to the fibrotic tissue regions, we observed high levels of FAP, a marker of reactive fibroblasts.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the presence of EMT‐associated molecules in fibrotic lesions of CD patients. These findings support the hypothesis that EMT might play a role for the development of CD‐associated intestinal fibrosis.
Prefrontal glucose metabolism in medication-resistant major
depression
Authors: Li Cheng-Ta , Su Tung-Ping , Wang Shyh-Jen , Tu Pei-Chi , Hsieh Jen-Chuen 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundMedication-resistant depression (MRD) is associated with poorer
attentional performance and immense socioeconomic costs.AimsWe aimed to investigate the central pathophysiology of MRD, previously
linked to impaired prefrontal cortex function.MethodA total of 54 participants (22 with MRD, 16 with non-resistant
depression, 16 healthy controls) were recruited. Non-MRD status was
confirmed by a prospective 6-week antidepressant trial. All
medication-free participants underwent a go/no-go task to study
prefrontal cortical function (attention) and positron emission tomography
scans to study regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMglu) at rest.ResultsThe MRD group had worse attentional ratings and decreased rCMglu compared
with the non-MRD and control groups. Attentional performance was
positively associated with prefrontal cortex rCMglu. The prefrontal
cortex differences between MRD and non-MRD groups remained after
adjusting for past depressive episodes (F(1,35) = 4.154, P = 0.043).ConclusionsPronounced hypofrontality, with the associated attentional deficits, has
a key role in the neuropathology of medication-resistant depression.
Trajectory of post-traumatic stress following traumatic injury: 6-year follow-up
Authors: Bryant Richard A. , Nickerson Angela , Creamer Mark , O'Donnell Meaghan , Forbes David , Galatzer-Levy Isaac , McFarlane Alexander C. , Silove Derrick 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundTraumatic injuries affect millions of patients each year, and resulting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly contributes to subsequent impairment.AimsTo map the distinctive long-term trajectories of PTSD responses over 6 years by using latent growth mixture modelling.MethodRandomly selected injury patients (n = 1084) admitted to four hospitals around Australia were assessed in hospital, and at 3, 12, 24 and 72 months. Lifetime psychiatric history and current PTSD severity and functioning were assessed.ResultsFive trajectories of PTSD response were noted across the 6 years: (a) chronic (4%), (b) recovery (6%), (c) worsening/recovery (8%), (d) worsening (10%) and (e) resilient (73%). A poorer trajectory was predicted by female gender, recent life stressors, presence of mild traumatic brain injury and admission to intensive care unit.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the long-term PTSD effects that can occur following traumatic injury. The different trajectories highlight that monitoring a subset of patients over time is probably a more accurate means of identifying PTSD rather than relying on factors that can be assessed during hospital admission.
Patterns of cortical thinning in different subgroups of
schizophrenia
Authors: Nenadic Igor , Yotter Rachel A. , Sauer Heinrich , Gaser Christian 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundAlterations of cortical thickness have been shown in imaging studies of
schizophrenia but it is unclear to what extent they are related to
disease phenotype (including symptom profile) or other aspects such as
genetic liability, disease onset and disease progression.AimsTo test the hypothesis that cortical thinning would vary across different
subgroups of patients with chronic schizophrenia, delineated according to
their symptom profiles.MethodWe compared high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging data of 87
patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia with 108 controls to detect changes in
cortical thickness across the entire brain (P<0.05,
false discovery rate-adjusted). The patient group was divided into three
subgroups, consisting of patients with predominantly negative,
disorganised or paranoid symptoms.ResultsThe negative symptoms subgroup showed the most extensive cortical
thinning, whereas thinning in the other subgroups was focused in
prefrontal and temporal cortical subregions.ConclusionsOur findings support growing evidence of potential subtypes of
schizophrenia that have different brain structural deficit profiles.
Adherence to antidepressant therapy and mortality rates in
ischaemic heart disease: cohort study
Authors: Krivoy Amir , Balicer Ran D. , Feldman Becca , Hoshen Moshe , Zalsman Gil , Weizman Abraham , Shoval Gal 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundThe use of antidepressant drugs in patients with ischaemic heart disease
(IHD) has been debated owing to scarcity of data and conflicting results
regarding the effect of these drugs on mortality.AimsTo evaluate the association between adherence to antidepressant therapy
and all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort of patients with
IHD.MethodA total of 63 437 patients with IHD who purchased antidepressants at
least once during the years 2008–2011 were retrospectively followed for
all-cause mortality over 4 years. Adherence was measured as a ratio
between claimed and prescribed durations of medication and modelled as
non-adherence (<20%), poor (20–50%), moderate (50–80%) and good
(>80%). We used multivariable survival analyses adjusted for
demographic and clinical variables that may affect mortality.ResultsThe moderate and good adherence groups had significantly reduced adjusted
mortality hazard ratios of 0.83 (95% CI 0.78–0.88) and 0.86 (95% CI
0.82–0.90) respectively, compared with the non-adherence group.ConclusionsAdherence to antidepressant pharmacotherapy is associated with reduced
all-cause mortality in a population-based large sample cohort of patients
with IHD. Physicians and health policy decision-makers should step up
their efforts to sustain and enhance these patients' adherence to their
antidepressant regimen.
Divergent physiological responses in laboratory rats and mice raised at high altitude
Authors: Jochmans-Lemoine Alexandra , Villalpando Gabriella , Gonzales Marcelino , Valverde Ibana , Soria Rudy , Joseph Vincent 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTEcological studies show that mice can be found at high altitude (HA – up to 4000 m) while rats are absent at these altitudes, and there are no data to explain this discrepancy. We used adult laboratory rats and mice that have been raised for more than 30 generations in La Paz, Bolivia (3600 m), and compared their hematocrit levels, right ventricular hypertrophy (index of pulmonary hypertension) and alveolar surface area in the lungs. We also used whole-body plethysmography, indirect calorimetry and pulse oxymetry to measure ventilation, metabolic rate (O2 consumption and CO2 production), heart rate and pulse oxymetry oxygen saturation (pO2,sat) under ambient conditions, and in response to exposure to sea level PO2 (32% O2=160 mmHg for 10 min) and hypoxia (18% and 15% O2=90 and 75 mmHg for 10 min each). The variables used for comparisons between species were corrected for body mass using standard allometric equations, and are termed mass-corrected variables. Under baseline, compared with rats, adult mice had similar levels of pO2,sat, but lower hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, reduced right ventricular hypertrophy and higher mass-corrected alveolar surface area, tidal volume and metabolic rate. In response to sea level PO2 and hypoxia, mice and rats had similar changes of ventilation, but metabolic rate decreased much more in hypoxia in mice, while pO2,sat remained higher in mice. We conclude that laboratory mice and rats that have been raised at HA for &gt;30 generations have different physiological responses to altitude. These differences might explain the different altitude distribution observed in wild rats and mice.
Analysis of muscle fibre input dynamics using amyog: GFP transgenic trout model
Authors: Rescan Pierre-Yves , Ralliere Cecile , Lebret Veronique , Fretaud Maxence 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe dramatic increase in myotomal muscle mass in teleosts appears to be related to their sustained ability to produce new fibres in the growing myotomal muscle. To describe muscle fibre input dynamics in trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), we generated a stable transgenic line carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) cDNA driven by the myogenin promoter. In this myog:GFP transgenic line, muscle cell recruitment is revealed by the appearance of fluorescent, small, nascent muscle fibres. The myog:GFP transgenic line displayed fibre formation patterns in the developing trout and showed that the production of new fluorescent myofibres (muscle hyperplasia) is prevalent in the juvenile stage but progressively decreases to eventually cease at approximately 18 months post-fertilisation. However, fluorescent, nascent myofibres were formed de novo in injured muscle of aged trout, indicating that the inhibition of myofibre formation associated with trout ageing cannot be attributed to the lack of recruitable myogenic cells but rather to changes in the myogenic cell microenvironment. Additionally, the myog:GFP transgenic line demonstrated that myofibre production continues to persist during starvation.
Conditioned frequency-dependent hearing sensitivity reduction in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Nachtigall Paul E. , Supin Alexander Ya 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT
The frequency specificity of conditioned dampening of hearing, when a loud sound is preceded by a warning sound, was investigated in a bottlenose dolphin. The loud sounds were 5 s tones of 16, 22.5 or 32 kHz, sound pressure level of 165 dB root mean square (RMS) re. 1 µPa. Hearing sensitivity was tested at the same three frequencies. Hearing sensitivity was measured using pip-train test stimuli and auditory evoked potential recording. The test sound stimuli served also as warning sounds. The durations of the warning sounds were varied randomly to avoid locking a conditioning effect to the timing immediately before the loud sound. Hearing thresholds before the loud sound increased, relative to the baseline, at test frequencies equal to or higher than the loud sound frequency. The highest threshold increase appeared at test frequencies of 0.5 octaves above the loud sound frequencies.