bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of socioeconomic status on patient survival on chronic dialysis
Authors: Ward Frank L. , O'Kelly Patrick , Donohue Fionnuala , O'Haiseadha Coilín , Haase Trutz , Pratschke Jonathan , deFreitas Declan G. , Johnson Howard , O'Seaghdha Conall M. , Conlon Peter J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSocioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to worse end‐stage kidney disease survival. The effect of SES on survival on chronic dialysis, including the impact of transplantation, was examined. A retrospective, observational study investigated the association of SES with dialysis patient survival, with censoring at time of transplantation. Adult patients commencing dialysis from 1990 to 2009 in an Irish tertiary center received a spatial SES score using the 2011 Pobal Haase‐Pratschke Deprivation Index and were compared by quartile. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis examined any association of SES with survival. The 1794 patients included had a median follow‐up of 3.8 years. Patients in the lowest SES area quartile were significantly younger than the highest, mean age 56.7 vs. 59 years, P = 0.006, respectively. There was no association between SES area score and survival in an unadjusted model (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.01). Survival in the highest SES area quartile was superior to the lowest SES in a multivariable adjusted model including age, gender, and dialysis modality (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.99, P = 0.04). These results were only mildly attenuated by censoring at time of transplantation (highest SES area quartile deprived vs. lowest SES area quartile, HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70–1.03, P = 0.09). Superior patient survival was identified in the highest SES areas compared with the lowest following age‐adjusted analyses, despite the older population in the most affluent areas. Further research should focus on identifying modifiable targets for intervention that account for this socioeconomic‐related survival advantage.
Bioadhesive hydrogels for cosmetic applications
Authors: Parente M. E. , Ochoa Andrade A. , Ares G. , Russo F. , Jiménez‐Kairuz Á. 
Published: April 2015

SynopsisIntroductionThe use of bioadhesive hydrogels for skin care presents important advantages such as long residence times on the application site and reduced product administration frequency.ObjectThe aim of the present work was to develop bioadhesive hydrogels for skin application, using caffeine as a model active ingredient.MethodsEight hydrogels were formulated using binary combinations of a primary polymer (carbomer homopolymer type C (Carbopol® 980) or kappa carrageenan potassium salt (Gelcarin® GP‐812 NF)) and a secondary polymer (carbomer copolymer type B (Pemulen™ TR‐1), xanthan gum or guar gum). Hydrogels were characterized by means of physico‐chemical (dynamic rheological measurements, spreadability and adhesion measurements) and sensory methods (projective mapping in combination with a check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) question). Caffeine hydrogels were formulated using two of the most promising formulations regarding adhesion properties and sensory characteristics. In vitro active ingredient release studies were carried out.ResultsHydrogel formulations showed a prevalently elastic rheological behaviour. Complex viscosity of carbomer homopolymer type C hydrogels was higher than that of the kappa carrageenan hydrogels. Besides, complex viscosity values were dependent on the secondary polymer present in the formulation. Significant differences among hydrogels were found in detachment force, work of adhesion and spreading diameter results. Association of projective mapping with CATA allowed to determine similarities and dissimilarities among samples. Cluster analysis associated the samples in two groups. Two hydrogels were selected to study the release of caffeine. Both hydrogels presented similar release profiles which were well described by the Higuchi model. Caffeine release was exclusively controlled by a diffusive process.ConclusionPhysico‐chemical and sensory techniques enabled the identification of bioadhesive hydrogel formulations with positive characteristics for cosmetic applications. Formulations which combined carbomer homopolymer type C with xanthan gum or with carbomer copolymer type B were the most promising for bioadhesive skin products. Caffeine release profiles of selected formulations were not statistically different. Both hydrogels gradually released the active ingredient, reaching approximately 80% within the first 5 h, and their profiles were well described by the Higuchi model. In this context, it could be concluded that the selected hydrogels are suitable bioadhesive hydrogel formulations for cosmetic application on the skin.
Lentinan exerts synergistic apoptotic effects with paclitaxel in A549 cells via activating ROS‐TXNIP‐NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Liu Wei , Gu Jun , Qi Jun , Zeng Xiao‐Ning , Ji Juan , Chen Zheng‐Zhen , Sun Xiu‐Lan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPaclitaxel is generally used to treat cancers in clinic as an inhibitor of cell division. However, the acquired resistance in tumours limits its clinical efficacy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect whether co‐treatment with lentinan enhanced the anti‐cancer effects of paclitaxel in A549 cells. We found that the combination of paclitaxel and lentinan resulted in a significantly stronger inhibition on A549 cell proliferation than paclitaxel treatment alone. Co‐treatment with paclitaxel and lentinan enhanced cell apoptosis rate by inducing caspase‐3 activation. Furthermore, co‐treatment with paclitaxel and lentinan significantly triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increased thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) expression. Moreover, co‐treatment with paclitaxel and lentinan enhanced TXNIP‐NLRP3 interaction, and activated NLRP3 inflammasome whereat interleukin‐1β levels were increased and cell apoptosis was induced. In addition, combination of paclitaxel and lentinan could activate apoptosis signal regulating kinase‐1 (ASK1)/p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal which also contributed to cell apoptosis. Taken together, co‐treatment with paclitaxel and lentinan exerts synergistic apoptotic effects in A549 cells through inducing ROS production, and activating NLRP3 inflammasome and ASK1/p38 MAPK signal pathway.
Neonatal Overfeeding in Female Mice Predisposes the Development of Obesity in their Male Offspring via Altered Central Leptin Signalling
Authors: Wang H. , Ji J. , Yu Y. , Wei X. , Chai S. , Liu D. , Huang D. , Li Q. , Dong Z. , Xiao X. 
Published: April 2015

The prevalence of obesity among child‐bearing women has increased significantly. The adverse consequences of maternal obesity on the descendants have been well accepted, although few studies have examined the underlying mechanisms. We investigated whether neonatal overfeeding in female mice alters metabolic phenotypes in the offspring and whether hypothalamic leptin signalling is involved. Neonatal overfeeding was induced by reducing the litter size to three pups per litter, in contrast to normal litter size of 10 pups per litter. Normal and neonatally overfed female mice were bred with normal male mice, and offspring of overfeeding mothers (OOM) and control mothers (OCM) were generated. We examined body weight, daily food intake, leptin responsiveness and the number of positive neurones for phosphorylated‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) along with neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) and NPY in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the brain stem. The body weight and daily food intake of OOM were significantly higher than those of OCM. Leptin significantly reduced food intake and increased the number of pSTAT3 positive neurones in the ARH of OCM mice, whereas no significant changes in food intake and pSTAT3 neurones were found in leptin‐treated OOM mice. The number of NPY neurones in the ARH and NTS of the OOM mice was significantly higher than that of OCM mice. The results of the present study indicate that the obese phenotype from mothers can be passed onto the subsequent generation, which is possibly associated with hypothalamic leptin resistance.
How do nurses experience working with adolescents with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’ or ‘emerging personality disorder'?
Authors: Reiss R. , Gannon K. 
Published: April 2015

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject
Nurses are less sympathetic to patients with a diagnosis of ‘Personality Disorder’ (‘PD’) and there is disagreement about whether the diagnosis can be applied to children and young people. What this paper adds to existing knowledge.
We examined the experiences of nurses working with adolescents with a diagnosis of ‘PD’. Six nurses were interviewed and we analysed the data using an approach that focussed on experiences. We found two themes. One concerned the emotional impact of working with these young people and the other the ways in which this affected the dynamics of the clinical team. Many of the experiences and wishes of the participants, such as anger, feeling unskilled and wanting training, are similar to those of nurses working with adults with ‘PD’. Others appear to be more pronounced in this setting, particularly lack of certainty surrounding diagnosis, the dilemmas this raises in providing a service and the difficult interpersonal dynamics in the nurse‐patient relationship.
What are the implications for practice
Nurses working with these young people need space in supervision to discuss the challenges they face. This has been found to alter staff attitudes in adult services.
Nurses would benefit from training in relation to this diagnosis, particularly with an emphasis on the role of early trauma, and in approaches to working therapeutically with this population, such as cognitive analytic therapy.
AbstractNurses experience adults with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’ (‘PD’) as challenging, but nothing is known of their experiences working with young people with a diagnosis of ‘PD’ or ‘emerging PD’. This study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses with this group. Six nurses were interviewed individually and the transcripts analysed employing interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two themes were identified: emotional impact, and conflict and need for support. Participants described powerful emotional responses and heavy time demands as particular challenges. They also reflected on tensions that arose in the wider team and service context. The importance of reflective space, training and the need for specialist approaches, such as therapeutic input, was emphasized by all participants. The study's findings suggest that while there are some similarities to adult services, there are also issues specific to nursing adolescents with ‘PD’, which merit further attention, including the implications of the lack of diagnostic clarity for treatment approaches and the difficult interpersonal dynamics of the condition. Recommendations for practice include additional training in relation to the theoretical understanding of diagnosis itself and in working therapeutically with young people with the diagnosis, employing approaches that have been found to be useful in adult services.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Metabolism of Colostral and Plasma Derived ImmunoglobulinGinJersey Bull Calves
Authors: Pipkin K.M. , Hagey J.V. , Rayburn M.C. , Chigerwe M. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundIntravenous plasma administration has been recommended in healthy or sick calves with failure of passive immunity.HypothesisIV administered plasma‐derived immunoglobulinG(IgG) undergoes increased catabolism as reflected by a rapid decrease in serumIgGconcentration with an increase in fecalIgGconcentrations within 48 h.AnimalsThirty newbornJersey calves. Fifteen were fed colostrum (CLgroup) and 15 were given bovine plasmaIV(PLgroup).Materials and MethodsRandomized clinical trial. Calves in theCLgroup were fed 3 L of colostrum once, by oroesophageal tubing. Calves in thePLgroup were given plasmaIVat a dosage of 34 mL/kg. Serum and fecal samples were collected at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 48 h, 5 d, and 7 d. Serum and fecalIgGconcentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion.ResultsCalves in theCLgroup maintained serumIgGconcentrations consistent with adequate transfer of immunity (≥1,000 mg/dL) throughout the study period. Calves in thePLgroup achieved medianIgGconcentrations of ≥1,000 mg/dL at 6 h but the concentrations were <1,000 mg/dL by 12 h. Calves in thePLgroup were 5 times more likely to experience mortality compared to theCLgroup (hazard ratio = 5.01). FecalIgGconcentrations were not different between the 2 groups during the first 48 h (P > .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCatabolism of plasma derivedIgGoccurs rapidly during the first 12 h after transfusion. Fecal excretion did not explain the fate of the plasma derivedIgG.
Accuracy of Potassium Supplementation of Fluids Administered Intravenously
Authors: Hoehne S. N. , Hopper K. , Epstein S. E. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPotassium (K+) supplementation of isotonic crystalloid fluids in daily fluid therapy is commonly performed, yet its accuracy in veterinary medicine is undetermined.ObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of K+supplementation in isotonic crystalloid fluids.AnimalsNone.MethodsObservational study. 210 bags of fluid supplemented withKCl being administered to hospitalized dogs and cats intravenously (IV) were sampled over a 3‐month period. Measured K+concentration ([K+]) was compared to the intended [K+] of the bag. In a second experiment, 60 stock fluid bags were supplemented to achieve a concentration of 20 mmol/L K+, mixed well and [K+] was measured. In another 12 bags of 0.9% NaCl, K+was added without mixing the bag, and [K+] of the delivered fluid was measured at regular time points during constant rate infusion.ResultsThe measured [K+] was significantly higher than intended [K+] (mean difference 9.0 mmol/L, range 6.5 to >280 mmol/L,P < .0001). In 28% of clinical samples measured [K+] was ≥5 mmol/L different than intended [K+]. With adequate mixing, K+supplementation of fluids can be accurate with the mean difference between measured and intended [K+] of 0.7 (95%CI−0.32 to 1.7) mmol/L. When not mixed, K+supplementation of 20 mmol/L can lead to very high [K+] of delivered fluid (up to 1410 mmol/L).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceInadequate mixing following K+supplementation of fluid bags can lead to potentially life threateningIVinfused [K+]. Standard protocols for K+supplementation should be established to ensure adequate mixing.
Amphipoda assemblages in a disturbed area (Alicante, Spain, Western Mediterranean)
Authors: de‐la‐Ossa‐Carretero Jose Antonio , Del‐Pilar‐Ruso Yoana , Giménez‐Casalduero Francisca , Sánchez‐Lizaso José Luis 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe distribution and composition of Amphipoda assemblages were analysed off the coasts of Alicante (Spain, Western Mediterranean), a disturbed area affected by several co‐occurring anthropogenic impacts. Although differences among sampled stations were mainly related to natural parameters, anthropogenic activities were linked with changes in amphipod assemblages. Expansion of the Port of Alicante, a sewage outfall and a high salinity brine discharge could be causing the disappearance of amphipods at stations closer to these disturbances. However, the completion of port enlargement works and mitigatory dilution of the brine discharge has led to the recovery of the amphipod assemblage. Among the natural parameters, depth determines the distribution of some of the species. While Siphonoecetes sabatieri was abundant at shallow stations, Ampelisca spp., Photis longipes, Pseudolirius kroyeri, Apherusa chiereghinii and Phtisica marina were more abundant at deeper stations. Grain size and percentage of organic matter also influenced amphipod distribution, resulting in changes in species composition and in the relative percentages of different trophic groups. Species such as Ampelisca brevicornis, Perioculodes longimanus, Urothoe hesperiae and Urothoe elegans were more abundant at stations with a high content of fine sand. Carnivorous species, mainly of the Oedicerotidae family, were more abundant at those stations with a low organic matter content, while detritivorous species were more abundant at stations with a higher mud content. Among 62 identified species, three were reported for the first time from the Spanish Mediterranean coast, two species were recorded for the second time and a new species of Siphonoecetes was found, Siphonoecetes (Centraloecetes) bulborostrum. These results confirm the need for further data on amphipods from the Mediterranean Spanish coast.
Identification of motivational state in adult male Atlantic walruses inferred from changes in movement and diving behavior
Authors: Lowther Andrew D. , Kovacs Kit M. , Griffiths David , Lydersen Christian 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMotivational changes in animals are likely to be detectable retrospectively through observed changes in behavior. Breeding represents one of the strongest motivational states in mammals, and its timing is often tied to a seasonally optimal suite of environmental and physical conditions. While seasonal changes in behavior may be directly observable in some species, for others that breed cryptically or in difficult to access areas, detecting behavioral changes may only be feasible using data collected remotely. Herein, we explore whether behavioral changes can be used to infer motivational state for a wild, free‐ and wide‐ranging high arctic marine mammal, adult male Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Using satellite‐relayed location and dive data from 23 adult male walruses instrumented in the Svalbard Archipelago, we identify seasonal movement to discrete geographic regions deep into winter pack ice. Adult male walrus diving behavior underwent marked seasonal movements between geographical areas that coincided with changes in light regime. At offshore wintering sites adult males (n = 4) shifted from a summer pattern of deep, long benthic dives to much shallower diving. Some males performed similar shallow, winter dive behavior at coastal locations (n = 12) suggesting that breeding might also occur around the coast of Svalbard. However, interpretation of behavioral changes of these coastal individuals was challenging. The presumed breeding sites at the winter off‐shore locations were situated in areas where polynyas are known to occur, making them a predictable resource even if they are located deep inside the winter pack‐ice. We demonstrate that remotely collected behavioral data can be used to identify seasonally explicit changes in the behavior of cryptic species.
Efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam as adjunctive therapy in Japanese patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures
Authors: Inoue Yushi , Yagi Kazuichi , Ikeda Akio , Sasagawa Mutsuo , Ishida Shigenobu , Suzuki Atsushi , Yoshida Katsumi ,   Japan Levetiracetam N01221 Study Group
Published: April 2015

AimsThe aim of this study was to confirm the efficacy and safety of adjunctive levetiracetam in adult Japanese patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures.MethodsIn a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, confirmatory trial, eligible patients were randomized to receive levetiracetam 500, 1000, 2000, or 3000 mg/day or placebo for 16 weeks. The primary end‐point was percentage reduction from baseline in seizure frequency/week over a 12‐week evaluation period. Tolerability assessments were also conducted. Findings of this and a previous randomized, double‐blind trial were compared.ResultsOf 401 patients screened, 352 were randomized and 316 completed the study. Median percentage reduction in seizure frequency/week from baseline was 12.92%, 18.00%, 11.11% and 31.67% in the levetiracetam 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000‐mg groups, respectively, compared with 12.50% in the placebo group. Unlike the previous trial, the primary efficacy analysis between the levetiracetam 1000 and 3000‐mg and placebo groups did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.067). Exploratory analyses demonstrated that the difference in seizure reduction versus placebo was 14.93% (95% confidence interval, 1.98–27.64; P = 0.025) for the levetiracetam 3000‐mg group. All levetiracetam doses were well tolerated. The main difference between the two trials was a high placebo response in the present trial.ConclusionsThe primary efficacy analysis did not reach statistical significance, a finding that could be attributed to an unexpectedly high placebo response. Nonetheless, exploratory analysis suggests that levetiracetam at 3000 mg/day may, at least marginally, be beneficial for patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures.
The dynamics of resource allocation and costs of reproduction in a sexually dimorphic, wind‐pollinated dioecious plant
Authors: Teitel Z. , Pickup M. , Field D. L. , Barrett S. C. H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSexual dimorphism in resource allocation is expected to change during the life cycle of dioecious plants because of temporal differences between the sexes in reproductive investment. Given the potential for sex‐specific differences in reproductive costs, resource availability may contribute to variation in reproductive allocation in females and males. Here, we used Rumex hastatulus, a dioecious, wind‐pollinated annual plant, to investigate whether sexual dimorphism varies with life‐history stage and nutrient availability, and determine whether allocation patterns differ depending on reproductive commitment. To examine if the costs of reproduction varied between the sexes, reproduction was either allowed or prevented through bud removal, and biomass allocation was measured at maturity. In a second experiment to assess variation in sexual dimorphism across the life cycle, and whether this varied with resource availability, plants were grown in high and low nutrients and allocation to roots, aboveground vegetative growth and reproduction were measured at three developmental stages. Males prevented from reproducing compensated with increased above‐ and belowground allocation to a much larger degree than females, suggesting that male reproductive costs reduce vegetative growth. The proportional allocation to roots, reproductive structures and aboveground vegetative growth varied between the sexes and among life‐cycle stages, but not with nutrient treatment. Females allocated proportionally more resources to roots than males at peak flowering, but this pattern was reversed at reproductive maturity under low‐nutrient conditions. Our study illustrates the importance of temporal dynamics in sex‐specific resource allocation and provides support for high male reproductive costs in wind‐pollinated plants.
A Synopsis of Clinical Pharmacokinetic Alterations in Advanced CKD
Authors: Nolin Thomas D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractUnrecognized alterations in pharmacokinetics, which quantitatively describes the time course of drug disposition in the body, may lead to clinically significant changes in systemic exposure and corresponding response to drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clinicians must take pharmacokinetic changes into consideration when selecting and dosing medications in CKD patients to optimize the risk:benefit ratio. Pharmacokinetic changes in absorption, distribution, and renal clearance are well characterized and generally predictable for most drugs. Conversely, changes in nonrenal clearance are less well understood and corresponding clinical implications are still being elucidated. This review provides a synopsis of alterations in each of these pharmacokinetic parameters observed in patients with advanced CKD.