bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absorption kinetics of low‐dose chewable aspirin – implications for acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Hobl Eva‐Luise , Schmid Rainer W. , Stimpfl Thomas , Ebner Josef , Jilma Bernd 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study describes the implications of the pharmacokinetics of low‐dose chewable aspirin for acute coronary syndromes. Current guidelines recommend the administration of 162–325 mg aspirin chewing tablets for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Although aspirin is widely used and a cornerstone in myocardial infarction, there is no information available on the pharmacokinetics of low doses of chewable aspirin.Materials and methodsThis prospective trial assessed the pharmacokinetics of acetylsalicylic acid and its metabolite salicylic acid after intake of 162 mg chewable low‐dose aspirin in 35 healthy volunteers. Plasma drug and metabolite levels were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and corresponding pharmacodynamics were determined by impedance aggregometry.ResultsAcetylsalicylic acid was rapidly absorbed with a mean Tmax of 27 ± 8 min. Tmax of salicylic acid was 69 ± 21 min. Mean Cmax was 1·8 ± 0·6 mg/L and 7·6 ± 1·4 for acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid, respectively. Arachidonic acid‐induced aggregation showed maximum platelet inhibition 30 min after drug ingestion.ConclusionsThe characterization of the plasma–time profile fills the gap between the lack of data on pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics and the recommendation for using low‐dose chewable aspirin for acute coronary syndromes. We describe for the first time that a 162‐mg dose of chewable aspirin is rapidly absorbed and achieves plasma concentrations of the active metabolite salicylic acid required to maximally inhibit platelet aggregation. However, a 162‐mg dose is truly a minimum, and doubling this dose might be better for patients with myocardial infarction.
Angiopoietins 1 and 2 in sputum supernatant of optimally treated asthmatics: the effect of smoking
Authors: Petta Vasiliki , Bakakos Petros , Tseliou Eleni , Kostikas Konstantinos , Simoes Davina C. M. , Konstantellou Elissavet , Hillas Georgios , Koulouris Nikolaos G. , Papiris Spyros , Loukides Stelios 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundAngiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) is an essential mediator of angiogenesis by establishing vascular integrity, whereas angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) acts as its natural inhibitor.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the levels of angiopoietins in sputum supernatants of patients with optimally treated asthma and to investigate whether smoking represents a significant covariate on the above possible processes.MethodsEighty‐seven patients with asthma (42 smokers) and 28 healthy subjects (14 smokers) were studied. All subjects underwent lung function tests, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness assessment and sputum induction for cell count identification and measurement of Ang‐1, Ang‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor, TGF‐β1, MMP‐2, IL‐13, Eosinophilic cationic protein and IL‐8 in supernatants. Airway vascular permeability (AVP) index was also assessed.ResultsAng‐1 (ng/mL) levels were significantly higher in patients with asthma compared to normal subjects. Smoking significantly increased Ang‐1 levels [median, interquartile ranges 24 (13–37) in smoking asthmatics vs 10 (7–14) in nonsmoking asthmatics vs 5·3 (3·7–6·5) and 4·6 (3·8–5·7) in healthy smokers and nonsmokers, respectively, P < 0·001]. Similar results were observed for Ang‐2 (pg/mL) [168 (132–203) vs 124 (82–152) vs 94 (78–113) vs 100 (96–108), respectively, P < 0·001]. Regression analysis in the whole study population showed a significant negative association for Ang‐1, with AVP index, and MMP‐2. Smoking was a significant covariate for both Ang‐1 and Ang‐2 in asthmatic patients.ConclusionsAng‐1 and Ang‐2 levels are upregulated in patients with optimally treated asthma. Our data support a possible role for smoking in the angiogenetic process in asthma.
Immunophenotypic analysis of hematopoiesis in patients suffering from Shwachman–Bodian–Diamond Syndrome
Authors: Mercuri Angela , Cannata Elisa , Perbellini Omar , Cugno Chiara , Balter Rita , Zaccaron Ada , Tridello Gloria , Pizzolo Giovanni , De Bortoli Massimiliano , Krampera Mauro , Cipolli Marco , Cesaro Simone 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectivesShwachman–Diamond syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal abnormalities, and bone marrow failure, with high risk of leukemic evolution. The aim of the study was the immunophenotypic characterization of bone marrow cells from patients with Shwachman–Diamond syndrome to assess the maturation pathway of blood progenitor cells and to identify the presence of recurrent abnormalities.MethodsBone marrow samples from nineteen patients and eleven controls were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry.ResultsWe found a low frequency of CD34+ cells (P = 0.0179) and myeloid progenitors (P = 0.025), in the bone marrow of patients with Shwachman–Diamond syndrome as compared to the controls. A significant reduction in the percentage of granulocytes (P = 0.002) and an increase of monocytes (P < 0.001) were also evident in the bone marrow of patients.ConclusionsOn the basis of these observations, future prospective assessments may be useful to verify the contribution of bone marrow immunophenotype in the early identification of the evolution toward aplasia or myelodysplasia.
Health as a clinic‐epidemiological concept
Authors: Azevedo Marco Antonio 
Published: November 2014

AbstractI propose a clinic‐epidemiological concept of health as the best description of what physicians actually think about health within medical practice. Its aim is to be an alternative to the best approach in the philosophy of medicine about health, Christopher Boorse's biostatistical theory. Contrary to Boorse's ‘theoretical’ approach, I propose to take health as a practical clinical concept. In the first two parts of the paper, I will present my complaints against Boorse's view that health is a theoretical concept, a ‘species normal functional ability’. I will claim that Boorse's view is actually a view on normal physiology. My claim is that health is best described as the state of absence of chronic diseases or disabilities (clinic‐epidemiologically associated with a morbimortality index higher than the risk of death, disease and disabilities for individuals of the same population group or reference class free of that chronic clinical conditions). Health, therefore, is not the mere absence of disease. Diseases that do not increase patients' morbimortality and disability indexes are not incompatible with health; after all, clinical health is compatible with appropriate health care and medical treatments.
What environmental transmission electron microscopy measures and how this links to diffusivity: thermodynamics versus kinetics
Authors: WALTHER T. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryEnvironmental or in situ electron microscopy means the observation of material in its native environment, which can be gaseous or liquid, as compared to more traditional post‐mortem electron microscopy carried out under (ultra) high vacuum conditions. Experiments can be performed on bulk samples in scanning electron microscopes or on thinned samples in transmission (scanning) electron microscopes. In the latter, the movement, in real time and in situ, of nanoparticles, clusters or even single atoms on the surfaces of thinned material or within a liquid can be observed.It is argued here that due to the changes that a specimen typically undergoes during in situ observation, electron irradiation effects are difficult to evaluate and so thermodynamic parameters, such as activation energies for diffusion and segregation, which are governed by movements of only a minority of atoms in the specimen, cannot be reliably determined because of the potentially high energy transfer by the irradiating electron beam to some atoms in the sample. In order to measure diffusivities reliably, radiation effects and surface diffusion need to be excluded or kept minimal so as not to disturb the measurements, which can be checked by repeating experiments and comparing results as function of time and dose for the same position, at different positions or for different specimen thicknesses.Kinetic measurements of nucleation and growth phenomena, such as Ostwald ripening, are possibly influenced to a far lesser degree by irradiation effects, as a majority of atoms actively participate in these processes and if a small fraction of them will get extra energy from the irradiation process then their influence on the overall kinetics may be rather minor.
Unpacking the Dialectic: Alternative Views on the Discourse–Materiality Relationship
Authors: Putnam Linda L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper extends the issues raised in this forum by highlighting assumptions and characteristics of the discourse–materiality relationship that appears in five explanatory frameworks, including the Foucauldian approach and the materiality–performativity perspective presented in the previous two papers. It argues for preserving the dialectical relationship between the two by holding the tensions between them in continual interplay. Using a dialectic lens, it overviews how each of the frameworks treats the point of entry, nature of the relationship, and management of these tensions.
Simultaneous immunolocalization of desmoglein 3 and IgG4 in oral pemphigus vulgaris: IgG4 predominant autoantibodies in its pathogenesis
Authors: Abé Tatsuya , Maruyama Satoshi , Babkair Hamzah , Yamazaki Manabu , Cheng Jun , Saku Takashi 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundOral pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune blistering disease, is mainly mediated by autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg) 3. However, no attention has been paid to IgG subclasses of the autoantibodies against Dsg3 in the diagnostic procedure for PV. Thus, our aim in this study was to investigate whether Dsg3 and any of IgG subclasses are immunohistochemically colocalized in tissue sections of PV oral mucosa.Materials and MethodsSerial sections cut from formalin‐fixed paraffin blocks of biopsy specimens of 9 PV cases and those of normal buccal mucosa surgically removed for fibro‐epithelial polyps were comparatively examined for immunohistochemical localizations for Dsg3, IgG4, and IgG.ResultsDsg3 was demonstrated in a dot‐like pattern on the cell border and in the cytoplasm of the whole epithelial layer in both normal and PV specimens, while its staining was irregular among floating epithelial sheets of PV. IgG4 was also demonstrated in a punctuated fashion on the cell border among floating epithelial sheets, which was nearly identical to the immunohistochemical profile of Dsg3. In addition to being detected in the epithelial part, IgG4 signals were prominently localized in plasma cells scattered in the granulation tissue, where ratios of IgG4‐positive (+) plasma cells to IgG+ cells were extraordinarily higher (mean 28%) than those in normal mucosa.DiscussionThese findings confirmed for the first time that autoantibodies against Dsg3 are mainly composed of IgG4 in oral PV and that the combined immunohistochemistry for Dsg3 and IgG4 can be a valuable aid in confirming a histopathological diagnosis of PV.
Effects of Emotional Valence and Arousal on Time Perception
Authors: Van Volkinburg Heather , Balsam Peter 
Published: November 2014

We examined the influence of emotional arousal and valence on estimating time intervals. A reproduction task was used in which images from the International Affective Picture System served as the stimuli to be timed. Experiment 1 assessed the effects of positive and negative valence at a moderate arousal level and Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1 with the addition of a high arousal condition. Overestimation increased as a function of arousal during encoding of times regardless of valence. For images presented during reproduction, overestimation occurred at the moderate arousal level for positive and negative valence but underestimation occurred in the negative valence high arousal condition. The overestimation of time intervals produced by emotional arousal during encoding and during reproduction suggests that emotional stimuli affect temporal information processing in a qualitatively different way during different phases of temporal information processing.
The Internal Structure of a Rectangular Frame: Position, Orientation, and Direction
Authors: Guidi Stefano , Palmer Stephen E. 
Published: November 2014

Previous research has shown that the structure of a rectangular frame strongly influences perceived goodness-of-fit for a small circular probe positioned within it (Palmer and Guidi, 2011). The center is consistently rated as the best position, followed by positions along the global vertical, global horizontal, and local diagonal symmetry axes. Here we report how goodness-of-fit within a surrounding frame is influenced by the relation between with the orientational and directional structure of the probe and that of the frame. In Experiment 1, fit ratings of short line segments and small ovals (each with two symmetry axes) at 35 positions and four orientations within the frame revealed strong orientational effects, especially when the probe’s and frame’s axes of symmetry were aligned. Experiment 2 extended the paradigm using triangular probes (with a single symmetry axis) at 15 positions and eight pointing directions. The results showed high fit ratings when the probe was aligned with global and local symmetry axes of the frame, and directional increments when the probes pointed upward, rightward, and into the frame. Experiment 3 confirmed the upward, rightward, and inward directional effects of Experiment 2 using a more sensitive Two-Alternative Forced Choice (2AFC) task. Experiment 4 showed that orientational effects were more strongly driven by alignment with the rectangle’s sides than with gravitational or retinal reference frames, especially when the probe was near the sides and vertices of the frame. The relevance of these findings to the empirical study of aesthetic response to images within rectangular frames is discussed.
miR-103 promotes 3T3-L1 cell adipogenesis through AKT/mTOR signal pathway with its target being MEF2D
Authors: Li Meihang , Liu Zhenjiang , Zhang Zhenzhen , Liu Guannv , Sun Shiduo , Sun Chao 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that partially bind to the 3’ untranslated (3’UTR) regions of target genes in animals and regulate protein production of the target transcripts. MiR-103 has been confirmed to play a critical role in lipid metabolism, however, the target genes and signaling pathway regulated by miR-103 is still unclear. In our experiment, we observed a positive function of miR-103 on the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte. Furthermore, we proved that this function of miR-103 worked through activating AKT/mTOR signal pathway and impairing target gene MEF2D. By inhibiting and over-expressing the MEF2D gene, we found that MEF2D had a negative role in regulating adipocyte key genes, and this function of MEF2D could be impaired by miR-103. In conclusion, we found that miR-103 can promote 3T3-L1 cells differentiation by targeting MEF2D and activating AKT/mTOR signal pathway. These results will shed a light on further study of microRNAs.
Effect of Different Scattaring Technique on Higher Order Soliton
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kaur Tarnveer , Bhatia Kamaljeet Singh 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this paper, the decay of higher order soliton in the presence of third order dispersion, intrapulse Raman scattering and self-steepening scattering has been examined in optical fiber soliton communication. The result has been analysed in the form of graphic representation for optical time domain visualizer and optical spectrum analyzer.
First record of Hastula hastata (Gmelin, 1791) (Mollusca: Conoidea: Terebridae) from Trindade Island, a southwestern Atlantic oceanic island off Brazil
Authors: Abbate Daniel , Lima Patricia Oristanio Vaz de 
Published: November 2014

The terebrid gastropod Hastula hastata (Gmelin, 1791) is reported for the first time from Trindade Island, off southeastern Brazil. The new record extends the known geographic range of the species ca. 1,167 km eastward from Vitória, Espírito Santo state.
Ancistrus cuiabae Knaack, 1999 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Ancistrinae): first record for the Southern Pantanal
Authors: Severo-Neto Francisco , Dos Santos Priscilla Soares , Sczeny-Moraes Eurico A. , Paiva Fernando 
Published: November 2014

Ancistrus cuiabae, an easily identified species of armored catfish from the Upper Paraguay River basin has recently been described from the Cuiabá River basin. Its distribution was previously restricted to the state of Mato Grosso. However, here we report the southernmost record of this species, the first within the Mato Grosso do Sul State.
Children's Learning and Goal-Setting at a Diabetes Camp
Authors: Nabors Laura A. , Kichler Jessica C. , Burbage Michelle L. , Swoboda Christopher M. , Andreone Teresa L. 
Published: November 2014

Objective. This study provides information about children's learning and goal attainment related to change in their self-management skills during a diabetes camp.
Design and methods. One hundred and thirty-one children completed an evaluation for the first year (year 1), and 68 children completed an evaluation for the second year (year 2). All of the children had type 1 diabetes. During both years, parents provided information about goals for their child before camp started. Children's learning about diabetes self-management, as well as their satisfaction with camp, was assessed at the end of the camp session. In the evaluation for year 2, a goal-setting intervention was also developed, and its effectiveness was assessed through both physicians' and children's reports.
Results. Children learned new information during camp about recognizing and managing the signs of hypo- and hyperglycemia and about counting carbohydrates and rotating insulin pump sites. Children were better able to recall their self-management goals in year 2. In terms of benefiting from camp, boys reported learning more than girls about diabetes management, whereas girls were more likely than boys to report that greater opportunities to express feelings were of value.
Conclusions. Goal-setting was successful in improving children's recall of their self-management goals. Children benefited from the supportive and educational camp atmosphere. Future research should assess the benefits of camp across multiple camp settings and determine whether educational benefits have long-term effects on children's goal-setting and knowledge and whether these benefits lead to psychosocial improvements.
Gender differences in Body Mass Index and physical activity of students of the University of Tuzla
Authors: Atikovic Almir , Hodzic Sanjin , Bilalic Jasmin , Mehinovic Jasmin , Mujanovic Amra Nozinovic , Mujanovic Edin , Kapidzic Alen 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study was carried out among undergraduate students at the University of Tuzla (Bosna and Herzegovina) with the objective of examining gender differences in the body mass index (BMI) and the level of Physical Activity (PA) among respondents.This study was conducted to: determine the body mass index (BMI) and the average weekly number of hours of sport activity in the last six months (PA). A research sample was made of female students (n = 330) in the chronological age of 19.3+1.5 yrs, 60.7%, and of male students (n = 213) in the chronological age of 20.0+1.8 yrs, 39.2%.On average, the students (both female and male) spend 5.60 (5.03) hours on physical activity per week. Female students spend 4.05 (4.32) hours, while male students dedicate 8.11 (5.30) hours to physical activities. It can be concluded that in principle the students practice physical activities and recreation, but still 1/5 of all students are inactive. The obtained results for the BMI show that the majority of students are in the zone of normal values: female - 278 (84.2%); male - 157 (73.7%). Correlations between BMI and PA amount to (R = .214; p < 0.01) and (R2 = .046; p < 0.01). The results of the T-test show a more significant statistical variable of differences between female and male students at the level of p < 0.05. In comparison to female students, male students have 2.35 kg/m2 higher BMI, and they are more active in physical activities for 4.06 hours in comparison to women.The focus should be directed to the education of young people, because they can easily adopt healthy habits that should be maintained for life. These results point out the necessity of an integrated approach to prevention and control of risk factors, particularly among youth.
An analysis of the barbell motion depending on its weight in disabled powerlifting
Authors: Seidel Wojciech , Zurowska Anna 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the symmetry of flexion and extension movements in upper limbs in disabled powerlifters during bench press with different barbell loads.29 disabled athletes from the National Powerlifting Team were examined. Mean age was between 23.9 ± 6.1. Mean sport experience was 5.4 ± 3.6 years.Both flexion and extension movement were performed symmetrically, which was indicated by an insignificant (p < 0.05) difference in the movement onset in the left and the right upper limb.Time differences in the movement onset and the achievement of maximal angular velocity were statistically insignificant in all trials (loads from 40% to 95% 1RM). During extension with loads over 60% 1RM differences in time of achieving maximal angular velocity were statistically significant or close.
Public treasury looting for global North banking, public welfare denial, migration and sex-slave trafficking of Nigerians after colonialism
Authors: Ingwe Richard 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Enslaving and victimising the poor by criminals within and outside governments of underdeveloped countries is gaining attention of academics in the social sciences. This article clarifies inter-relationships among modern slavery and trafficking in girls/women for sexual exploitation. It also shows how vulnerability of people victimised by the crime has been increased by policies deriving from neo-liberalism. To facilitate explication of the variables/issues, the study was based on the theoretical/doctrinal and political aspects of neo-liberalism, coinciding with scenarios of declining welfare, increasing susceptibility/vulnerability of Nigeria’s poor (non-elite) and massive unemployed youth to out-migration and traffickers in persons. The explicated issues include modern slavery (generally and trafficking in Nigerian girls/women for sexual exploitation abroad) as well as the relationships among treasury looting and stashing of the loot in the banks of the global North. It is explained how declining welfare (i.e. multiple-dimensional adversities e.g. unemployment) provokes desires in the unemployed to out-migrate and increases their susceptibility to trafficking in persons. Finally, the article is concluded.