bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pastoral Care of Patients with Ebola Virus Disease: A Medical and Canonical Opinion about Pastoral Visits to Patients with Contagious and Highly Fatal Diseases
Authors: Hannan Stephen E. , Nguyen Benedict T. 
Published: April 2015

The Ebola Virus Disease is a contagious and highly fatal illness that up until recently had been geographically limited to remote areas of Africa. In 2014, Ebola patients have been transported to the United States for care or have been newly diagnosed in the United States. With the intensive medical care and isolation policies usually needed by these patients, we inquired whether pastoral care would be possible. Using clinical and canonical considerations, we analyzed the permissibility and logistical challenges pastoral care presents to the priests and lay ministers, as well as the healthcare system. We conclude that with the approval of local, state, and federal health officials, pastoral care, including provision of the sacraments, is possible. It would require proper training, proper equipment and policies, and a significant commitment of time. While the risk to the pastoral team is difficult to define, it seems low in an Ebola-capable medical system. These risks to priests and ministers seem reasonable given the inestimable benefits of receiving the sacraments during critical illness. Lay summary Traditional pastoral visits to hospitalized patients might prove difficult or impossible for diseases that are contagious and highly fatal. This inquiry examines the feasibility, challenges, and logistical solutions to these visits. With input from bishops, priests, a canon lawyer, an epidemiologist, a physician, the CDC, and others, we conclude that pastoral visits are possible. Visits will require permission of health authorities, commitments of time, training, and a small but significant risk to the health of priests and others who volunteer for this ministry.
Identification of novel therapeutic targets in acute leukemias with NRAS mutations using a pharmacologic approach
Authors: Nonami Atsushi , Sattler Martin , Weisberg Ellen , Liu Qingsong , Zhang Jianming , Patricelli Matthew P. , Christie Amanda L. , Saur Amy M. , Kohl Nancy E. , Kung Andrew L. , Yoon Hojong , Sim Taebo , Gray Nathanael S. , Griffin James D. 
Published: April 2015

Key PointsWe report a cell-based pharmacologic screening strategy to identify new therapeutic targets in mutant NRAS transformed leukemia cells. The screen and mechanistic analysis identified a previously unknown synergy between germinal center kinase and ACK1/AKT in mutant NRAS transformed cells.
Characterization of CLL exosomes reveals a distinct microRNA signature and enhanced secretion by activation of BCR signaling
Authors: Yeh Yuh-Ying , Ozer Hatice Gulcin , Lehman Amy M. , Maddocks Kami , Yu Lianbo , Johnson Amy J. , Byrd John C. 
Published: April 2015

Key Points
CLL exosomes exhibit a disease-relevant microRNA signature. B-cell receptor signaling enhances exosome secretion in CLL that can be antagonized by ibrutinib.
Molecular insights into regulation of JAK2 in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Silvennoinen Olli , Hubbard Stevan R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe critical role of Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) in regulation of myelopoiesis was established 2 decades ago, but identification of mutations in the pseudokinase domain of JAK2 in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and in other hematologic malignancies highlighted the role of JAK2 in human disease. These findings have revolutionized the diagnostics of MPNs and led to development of novel JAK2 therapeutics. However, the molecular mechanisms by which mutations in the pseudokinase domain lead to hyperactivation of JAK2 and clinical disease have been unclear. Here, we describe recent advances in the molecular characterization of the JAK2 pseudokinase domain and how pathogenic mutations lead to constitutive activation of JAK2.
Case-control study of ADARB1 and ADARB2 gene variants in migraine
Authors: Gasparini Claudia F , Sutherland Heidi G , Maher Bridget , Rodriguez-Acevedo Astrid J , Khlifi Elhame , Haupt Larisa M , Griffiths Lyn R 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
Migraine causes crippling attacks of severe head pain along with associated nausea, vomiting, photophobia and/or phonophobia. The aim of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific, B1 (ADARB1) and adenosine deaminase, RNA specific, B2 (ADARB2) genes in an Australian case–control Caucasian population for association with migraine. Both candidate genes are highly expressed in the central nervous system and fit criteria for migraine neuropathology. SNPs in the ADARB2 gene were previously found to be positively associated with migraine in a pedigree-based genome wide association study using the genetic isolate of Norfolk Island, Australia. The ADARB1 gene was also chosen for investigation due to its important function in editing neurotransmitter receptor transcripts.

Methods
Four SNPs in ADARB1 and nine in ADARB2 were selected by inspecting blocks of linkage disequilibrium in Haploview for genotyping using either TaqMan or Sequenom assays. These SNPs were genotyped in two-hundred and ninety one patients who satisfied the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II 2004 diagnostic criteria for migraine, and three-hundred and fourteen controls, and PLINK was used for association testing.

Results
Chi-square analysis found no significant association between any of the SNPs tested in the ADARB1 and ADARB2 genes in this study and the occurrence of migraine.

Conclusions
In contrast to findings that SNPs in the ADARB2 gene were positively associated with migraine in the Norfolk Island population, we find no evidence to support the involvement of RNA editing genes in migraine susceptibility in an Australian Caucasian population.
The cellular signature of urinary immune cells in Lupus nephritis: new insights into potential biomarkers
Authors: Kopetschke Katharina , Klocke Jan , Grießbach Anna-Sophie , Humrich Jens Y , Biesen Robert , Dragun Duska , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger , Enghard Philipp , Riemekasten Gabriela 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Urinary T cells represent a reliable noninvasive biomarker for proliferative Lupus nephritis (LN). Little is known about the presence of T cell subsets, B cells and macrophages in the urine although they may further improve the validity of urinary cellular biomarkers for LN.

Methods
We analyzed contemporaneous blood and urine samples of patients with active LN (n = 19), other Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients (n = 79) and urine samples of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN; n = 14) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV; n = 11) by flow cytometry.

Results
Numbers of urinary T cells, B cells and macrophages correlated with disease activity and were significantly higher in the active LN group. Urinary T cells showed excellent distinction of patients with active LN, CD8+ T cells (AUC of ROC = 1.000) and CD4+ T cells (AUC = 0.9969) alike. CD19+ B cells (AUC = 0.7823) and CD14+ macrophages (AUC = 0.9066), as well as the clinical standard proteinuria (AUC = 0.9201), failed to reach these high standards. Patients with DN or AAV also showed increased urinary cell counts, although the CD4/CD8-ratio was significantly lower in SLE compared to in DN (p = 0.0006). Urinary CD4+ T cells of active LN patients proved to be mainly of effector memory phenotype and expressed significantly more CD40L and ki67 than corresponding blood cells. Urinary Treg counts correlated with disease activity.

Conclusions
Despite of detectable urinary cell counts for B cells and macrophages, T cells remain the best urinary cellular biomarker for LN. A low CD4/CD8-ratio seems to be characteristic for LN.
Differential effects of cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil on cellular and serological parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fassbinder Till , Saunders Ute , Mickholz Eva , Jung Elisabeth , Becker Heidemarie , Schlüter Bernhard , Jacobi Annett Marita 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Disease activity and therapy show an impact on cellular and serological parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was performed to compare the influence of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) therapy on these parameters in patients with flaring, organ-threatening disease.

Methods
SLE patients currently receiving CYC (n = 20), MMF (n = 25) or no immunosuppressive drugs (n = 22) were compared using a cross-sectional design. Median disease activity and daily corticosteroid dose were similar in these treatment groups. Concurrent medication, organ manifestations, and disease activity were recorded, and cellular and serological parameters were determined by routine diagnostic tests or flow cytometric analysis. In addition follow-up data were obtained from different sets of patients (CYC n = 24; MMF n = 23).

Results
Although both drugs showed a significant effect on disease activity and circulating B cell subsets, only MMF reduced circulating plasmablasts and plasma cells as well as circulating free light chains within three months of induction therapy. Neither MMF nor CYC were able to reduce circulating memory B cells. MMF lowered IgA levels more markedly than CYC. We did not observe a significant difference in the reduction of IgG levels or anti-dsDNA antibodies comparing patients receiving MMF or CYC. In contrast to MMF, induction therapy with CYC was associated with a significant increase of circulating CD8+ effector T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) after three months.

Conclusions
The results indicate differences between MMF and CYC with regard to the mechanism of action. MMF, but not CYC, treatment leads to a fast and enduring reduction of surrogate markers of B cell activation, such as circulating plasmablasts, plasma cells and free light chains but a comparable rate of hypogammaglobulinemia.
Safety of intravenous insulin aspart compared to regular human insulin in patients undergoing ICU monitoring post cardiac surgery: an Indian experience
Authors: Chawla Manoj , Malve Harshad , Shah Harshvi , Shinde Shwetal , Bhoraskar Anil 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background
Poor perioperative glycemic control increases risk of infection, cardiovascular accidents and mortality in patients undergoing surgery. Tight glycemic control by insulin therapy is known to yield better outcomes in such patients. Intravenous (IV) insulin therapy with or without adjunctive subcutaneous insulin therapy is the mainstay of managing hyperglycemia in perioperative period. This observational study assessed the safety of IV Insulin Aspart (IAsp) as compared to Regular Human Insulin (RHI) in patients undergone cardiac surgery at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods
203 patients received IV IAsp (n = 103) and RHI (n = 100) respectively. Safety was assessed by frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) & serious adverse events (SAEs) during hospitalization.

Results
IAsp effectively controlled mean blood glucose levels to 159.87 ± 41.41 mg/dl similar to RHI (160.77 ± 44.39 mg/dl). No serious adverse event was reported. The incidence of hypoglycemia was similar in both the groups. The insulin infusion rate, time for which insulin infusion was withheld and mean blood glucose during hypoglycemia was significantly high in RHI group.

Conclusion
This study has shown similar safety of IV IAsp as compared to IV RHI in the post cardiac surgery patients. However physicians preferred IAsp as it offers advantage during transition. IV IAsp offers an effective and safe option for managing hyperglycemia in patients in ICU post cardiac procedures.
Reprogramming Mouse Cells With a Pancreatic Duct Phenotype to Insulin-Producing β-Like Cells
Authors: Yamada Takatsugu , Cavelti-Weder Claudia , Caballero Francisco , Lysy Philippe A. , Guo Lili , Sharma Arun , Li Weida , Zhou Qiao , Bonner-Weir Susan , Weir Gordon C. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Reprogramming technology has opened the possibility of converting one cell type into another by forced expression of transgenes. Transduction of adenoviral vectors encoding 3 pancreatic transcription factors, Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA, into mouse pancreas results in direct reprogramming of exocrine cells to insulin-producing β-like cells. We hypothesized that cultured adult pancreatic duct cells could be reprogrammed to become insulin-producing β-cells by adenoviral-mediated expression of this same combination of factors. Exocrine were isolated from adult mouse insulin 1 promoter (MIP)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice to allow new insulin-expressing cells to be detected by GFP fluorescence. Cultured cells were transduced by an adenoviral vector carrying a polycistronic construct Ngn3/Pdx1/MafA/mCherry (Ad-M3C) or mCherry sequence alone as a control vector. In addition, the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, exendin-4 (Ex-4) on the reprogramming process were examined. GFP+ cells appeared 2 days after Ad-M3C transduction; the reprogramming efficiency was 8.6 ± 2.6% by day 4 after transduction. Ad-M3C also resulted in increased expression of β-cell markers insulin 1 and 2, with enhancement by Ex-4. Expression of other β-cell markers, neuroD and GLP-1 receptor, were also significantly up-regulated. The amount of insulin release into the media and insulin content of the cells were significantly higher in the Ad-M3C-transduced cells; this too was enhanced by Ex-4. The transduced cells did not secrete insulin in response to increased glucose, indicating incomplete differentiation to β-cells. Thus, cultured murine adult pancreatic cells with a duct phenotype can be directly reprogrammed to insulin-producing β-like cells by adenoviral delivery of 3 pancreatic transcription factors.
Not So Giants: Mice Lacking Both Somatostatin and Cortistatin Have High GH Levels but Show No Changes in Growth Rate or IGF-1 Levels
Authors: Pedraza-Arévalo S. , Córdoba-Chacón J. , Pozo-Salas A. I. , L.-López F. , de Lecea L. , Gahete M. D. , Castaño J. P. , Luque R. M. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Somatostatin (SST) and cortistatin (CORT) are two highly related neuropeptides involved in the regulation of various endocrine secretions. In particular, SST and CORT are two primary negative regulators of GH secretion. Consequently, single SST or CORT knockout mice exhibit elevated GH levels; however, this does not lead to increased IGF-1 levels or somatic growth. This apparent lack of correspondence has been suggested to result from compensatory mechanisms between both peptides. To test this hypothesis, in this study we explored, for the first time, the consequences of simultaneously deleting endogenous SST and CORT by generating a double SST/CORT knockout mouse model and exploring its endocrine and metabolic phenotype. Our results demonstrate that simultaneous deletion of SST and CORT induced a drastic elevation of endogenous GH levels, which, surprisingly, did not lead to changes in growth rate or IGF-1 levels, suggesting the existence of additional factors/systems that, in the absence of endogenous SST and CORT, could counteract GH actions. Notably, elevation in circulating GH levels were not accompanied by changes in pituitary GH expression or by alterations in the expression of its main regulators (GHRH and ghrelin) or their receptors (GHRH receptor, GHS receptor, or SST/CORT receptors) at the hypothalamic or pituitary level. However, although double-SST/CORT knockout male mice exhibited normal glucose and insulin levels, they had improved insulin sensitivity compared with the control mice. Therefore, these results suggest the existence of an intricate interplay among the known (SST/CORT), and likely unknown, inhibitory components of the GH/IGF-1 axis to regulate somatic growth and glucose/insulin homeostasis.
Ocean acidification impacts on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential bring sperm swimming behaviour near its tipping point
Authors: Schlegel Peter , Binet Monique T. , Havenhand Jonathan N. , Doyle Christopher J. , Williamson Jane E. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
Broadcast spawning marine invertebrates are susceptible to environmental stressors such as climate change, as their reproduction depends on the successful meeting and fertilization of gametes in the water column. Under near-future scenarios of ocean acidification, the swimming behaviour of marine invertebrate sperm is altered. We tested whether this was due to changes in sperm mitochondrial activity by investigating the effects of ocean acidification on sperm metabolism and swimming behaviour in the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii. We used a fluorescent molecular probe (JC-1) and flow cytometry to visualize mitochondrial activity (measured as change in mitochondrial membrane potential, MMP). Sperm MMP was significantly reduced in ΔpH −0.3 (35% reduction) and ΔpH −0.5 (48% reduction) treatments, whereas sperm swimming behaviour was less sensitive with only slight changes (up to 11% decrease) observed overall. There was significant inter-individual variability in responses of sperm swimming behaviour and MMP to acidified seawater. We suggest it is likely that sperm exposed to these changes in pH are close to their tipping point in terms of physiological tolerance to acidity. Importantly, substantial inter-individual variation in responses of sperm swimming to ocean acidification may increase the scope for selection of resilient phenotypes, which, if heritable, could provide a basis for adaptation to future ocean acidification.
Development of the Variable Dexterity Test: Construction, reliability and validity
Authors: Gonzalez Victor , Rowson Jennifer , Yoxall Alaster 
Published: April 2015

Background/Aims: This article introduces a dexterity test designed to assess individual types of dexterity used to carry out activities of daily living (ADL). The Variable Dexterity Test (VDT) was developed as part of a wider study, the broader aim being to fully understand dexterity and its effect on human-product interaction during ADL. This was done with a view to improve occupational therapy methods when assessing dexterity and general hand function. Methods: The control group consisted of 24 healthy participants. Estimates of reliability and validity were evaluated in this pilot study. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed using a one-way ANOVA. The validity of the test was estimated by correlating participants' VDT scores with their proficiency to complete four ADL task actions and a standardised dexterity test (Purdue Pegboard Test). Results: The test produced consistent results among the control group with both a single assessor (test-retest reliability) and multiple assessors (inter-rater reliability). High correlations between participants' VDT scores and proficiency to perform ADL were found for most of the subtests. There was also a high correlation between participants' scores from the Purdue Pegboard Test and the VDT. Conclusions: The VDT proved to be a flexible, reliable and valid tool that assesses dexterity based on ability to carry out ADL. Validity and reliability estimates show encouraging values, which recognises that the VDT can be used as an accurate method to assess more than one type of dexterity.
The changing role of cultural heritage in traditional textile crafts from Cyprus
Authors: Kokko Sirpa , Kaipainen Minna 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
In contemporary Cypriot society, the textile craft tradition is under threat of vanishing. This is largely due to both local and global social and cultural changes that have affected women’s roles. The purpose of this article is to examine the changing role of the cultural heritage of traditional textile crafts in Cyprus. The focus is on Cypriot textile crafts, especially lefkaritiko (traditional embroidery) and weaving, as examples of craft traditions and practices that, in turn, allow an insight into cultural heritage. The study investigated the perceptions of cultural heritage of traditional textile crafts and their future, from the viewpoint of four different persons involved with textile crafts in Cyprus. The investigation demonstrates that among the craftspeople of Cyprus there is a tension between maintaining the traditions and developing them: the results indicate that in order for there to be a sustainable future in textile crafts, traditional and modern aspects need to be combined. One problematic aspect is losing the living tradition since it is no longer taught to the younger generation: in order to learn the value of sustaining their own cultural heritage, the Cypriot youth should be educated in their craft traditions. Hand-produced textile crafts face serious problems in the market economy: for sustainable livelihood with crafts, the craftspeople need support in the commercial aspects of production. The results indicate that when careful attention is paid to globalization and tourism, it can have positive effects on local craft traditions.
Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation in a Patient with a Left Ventricular Assist Device Already in Place
Authors: Gupta Ashwani , Subzposh Faiz , Hankins Shelley R. , Kutalek Steven P. 
Published: April 2015

A 56-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy, a biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) developed a pocket hematoma and infection after an ICD generator change. The biventricular ICD was extracted, and the patient was given a full course of antibiotics. Because he had no indications for bradycardia pacing or biventricular pacing, he was implanted with a subcutaneous ICD under full anticoagulation. There was no interference in sensing or shock delivery from the ICD. The LVAD readings were unchanged during and after the procedure. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and both devices were functioning normally.
To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the implantation of a subcutaneous ICD in the presence of an LVAD. This report illustrates that both devices can be implanted successfully in the same patient. In addition, the subcutaneous ICD minimizes the risk of bloodstream infections, which can be fatal in patients who have life-supporting devices such as an LVAD.
An equation linking 𝒲-entropy with reduced volume
Authors: Xu Guoyi 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The notions

𝒲

{\mathscr{W}}

-entropy and reduced volume for Ricci flow were introduced by Perelman, which had proved their importance in the study of Ricci flow. Lei Ni studied the analogous concepts for heat equation on static manifolds, and proved

lim

t
→
∞

\lim_{t\rightarrow\infty}

𝒲

\mathscr{W}

=

=

ln(

lim

t
→
∞

\lim_{t\rightarrow\infty}

V
¯

\bar{V}

)
which links the large time behavior of these two. Due to the surprising similarity between those concepts in the Ricci flow and the linear heat equation, a natural question whether such an equation holds for the Ricci flow ancient solution was asked by Lei Ni. In this note, we give an alternative proof to Lei Ni’s equation based on a new method. Following the same philosophy of this method, we answer Lei Ni’s question positively for type I κ-solutions of Ricci flow.
Shadowing and average shadowing properties for iterated function systems
Authors: Bahabadi Alireza Zamani 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the definitions of shadowing and average shadowing properties for iterated function systems and give some examples characterizing these definitions. We prove that an iterated function system has the shadowing property if and only if the step skew product corresponding to the iterated function system has the shadowing property. Also, we study some notions such as transitivity, chain transitivity, chain mixing and mixing for iterated function systems.