bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the binding and cleavage characteristics of N1 neuraminidases from avian, seasonal, and pandemic influenza viruses using saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Garcia Jean‐Michel , Lai Jimmy C. C. , Haselhorst Thomas , Choy Ka Tim , Yen Hui‐Ling , Peiris Joseph S. M. , von Itzstein Mark , Nicholls John M. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesThe main function of influenza neuraminidase (NA) involves enzymatic cleavage of sialic acid from the surface of host cells resulting in the release of the newly produced virions from infected cells, as well as aiding the movement of virions through sialylated mucus present in the respiratory tract. However, there has previously been little information on the binding affinity of different forms of sialylated glycan with NA. Our objectives were then to investigate both sialic acid binding and cleavage of neuraminidase at an atomic resolution level.DesignNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to investigate pH and temperature effects on binding and cleavage as well as to interrogate the selectivity of human‐like or avian‐like receptors for influenza neuraminidase N1 derived from a range of different influenza virus strains including human seasonal H1N1, H1N1pdm09 and avian H5N1.ResultsWe demonstrated that an acidic pH and physiological temperature are required for efficient NA enzymatic activity; however a change in the pH had a minimum effect on the NA‐sialic acid binding affinity. Our data comparing α‐2,3‐ and α‐2,6‐sialyllactose indicated that the variation in neuraminidase activity on different ligands correlated with a change in binding affinity. Epitope mapping of the sialylglycans interacting with NAs from different viral origin showed different binding profiles suggesting that different binding conformations were adopted.ConclusionsThe data presented in this study demonstrated that physicochemical conditions (pH in particular) could affect the NA enzymatic activity with minor effect on ligand binding. NA cleavage specificity seemed to be associated with a difference in binding affinity to different ligands, suggesting a relationship between the two events. These findings have implications regarding the replication cycle of influenza infection in the host where different sialidase activities would influence penetration through the respiratory mucin barrier and the release of the newly generated virus from the infected cells.
Ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica as a rare cause for chronic leg ulcers: case report series of ten patients
Authors: Franklin Cindy , Stoffels‐Weindorf Maren , Hillen Uwe , Dissemond Joachim 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNecrobiosis lipoidica is a rare granulomatous disorder of the skin. In up to 30% of the affected patients it can lead to ulcerations, which can impair the quality of life and are also very difficult to treat. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Only few studies focussing on necrobiosis lipoidica can be found, but none of them focus on ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica. Therefore, we collected demographic data and comorbidities and assessed treatment options for patients with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica. Data of patients who were treated in the wound care centre of the University Hospital of Essen for ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica over the past 10 years were retrospectively analysed. Hence, data of altogether ten patients (nine women and one man) with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica were collected. Of these, 70% of the patients had diabetes mellitus of which 30% had type I diabetes and 40% had type II diabetes; 60% of the patients suffered from arterial hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolaemia; 40% of the patients suffered from psychiatric disorders such as depression and borderline disorder. Our clinical data demonstrate an association of ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica and aspects of metabolic syndrome. This leads to a conclusion that ulcerating necrobiosis lipoidica can be seen as part of a generalised inflammatory reaction similar to the inflammatory reaction already known in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid diseases or psoriasis. In patients with clinical atypical painful ulcerations, necrobiosis lipoidica should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis. Therapists should be aware of associated aspects in patients with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica who besides diabetes often suffer from other aspects of a metabolic syndrome with increased cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, these related comorbidities should also be diagnosed and treated.
Topical application of recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor increases the rate of healing and the level of proteins that regulate this response
Authors: Gowda Santosh , Weinstein David A , Blalock Timothy D , Gandhi Kavita , Mast Bruce A , Chin Gloria , Schultz Gregory S 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA bipedicle ischaemic rat skin flap model was used to study the effects of daily topical applications of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) on the healing of ischaemic wounds. Levels of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFA), interleukin 1‐beta (IL1B) and both the latent and active forms of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and 9 (MMP9) were measured. Full‐thickness wounds were made on a total of 72 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Each group of 18 rats with normal and ischaemic wounds received either vehicle or 0·01% recombinant PDGF‐BB. Additional applications were made on the wounds on a daily basis. Wound areas were measured at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 9 and 13 days after wounding. Ischaemia caused a delay in wound healing as well as an increase in TNFA, IL1B and both the pro and active forms of MMP2 and MMP9. PDGF accelerated the rate of wound healing in both normal and ischaemic wounds and negated the effect of ischaemia. PDGF reduced the TNFA concentration in both normal and ischaemic wounds, and the rate of wound healing closely resembled the pattern of TNFA protein expression. PDGF also reduced both the magnitude and duration of the increases in IL1B and both the pro and active forms of MMP2 and MMP9 induced by ischaemia.
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of avian demineralized bone matrix in heterotopic beds
Authors: Reza Sanaei M. , Abu Jalila , Nazari Mojgan , A.B. Mohd Zuki , Allaudin Zeenathul N. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the osteogenic potential of avian demineralized bone matrix (DBM) in the context of implant geometry.Study DesignExperimental.AnimalsRock pigeons (n = 24).MethodsTubular and chipped forms of DBM were prepared by acid demineralization of long bones from healthy allogeneic donors and implanted bilaterally into the pectoral region of 24 pigeons. After euthanasia at 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks, explants were evaluated histologically and compared by means of quantitative (bone area) and semi quantitative measures (scores).ResultsAll explants had new bone at retrieval with the exception of tubular implants at the end of week 1. The most reactive part in both implants was the interior region between the periosteal and endosteal surfaces followed by the area at the implant‐muscle interface. Quantitative measurements demonstrated a significantly (P = .012) greater percentage of new bone formation induced by tubular implants (80.28 ± 8.94) compared with chip implants (57.64 ± 3.12). There was minimal inflammation.ConclusionsAvian DBM initiates heterotopic bone formation in allogeneic recipients with low grades of immunogenicity. Implant geometry affects this phenomenon as osteoconduction appeared to augment the magnitude of the effects in larger tubular implants.
Long‐term outcome after surgical ameroid ring constrictor placement for treatment of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs
Authors: Falls Emily L. , Milovancev Milan , Hunt Geraldine B. , Daniel Leticia , Mehl Margo L. , Schmiedt Chad W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo report long‐term clinical outcome in dogs treated for single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEHPSS) with a ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) and to identify perioperative variables associated with outcome.Study DesignRetrospective, multi‐institutional study.AnimalsDogs (n = 206) with CEHPSS.MethodsMedical records of dogs with CEHPSS treated by ARC were reviewed for perioperative and short‐term (<1 month) data. Long‐term follow‐up information was obtained by telephone interview with referring veterinarians and/or owners. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate median survival time. Factors associated with short‐term survival, outcome grade, and total survival time were identified.ResultsFifteen dogs died <1 month after ARC placement. Follow‐up data were obtained for 112 of 191 dogs that survived >1 month; median follow was 54 months (range, 1–175 months) and 103 (92%) dogs had no clinical signs. Estimated median survival time was 152 months. Variables significantly associated with short‐term survival included being intact and a low total white blood cell (WBC) count. Variables significantly associated with a successful outcome included having surgery later in the study period and negative postoperative nuclear scintigraphy. In the long‐term survival analyses, intact dogs and those with higher WBC counts and occlusion pressures and lower bile acid concentrations were more likely to survive.ConclusionsDogs with CEHPSS treated by ARC generally have a good prognosis and prolonged postoperative survival.
Hydrothermal Synthesis, Luminescence, and Phase Stability of Solid Solution Nanocrystals Based on Y3NbO7 and ZrO2
Authors: Hirano Masanori , Dozono Hayato 
Published: October 2013

Cubic solid solution nanocrystals in the zirconia (ZrO2)–yttrium niobate (Y3NbO7) system were directly formed at 180°C–240°C from the precursor solution mixtures of NbCl5, ZrOCl2, and YCl3 under mild hydrothermal conditions in the presence of aqueous ammonia. The lattice parameter corresponding to cubic phase linearly changed according to the Vegard's law in the wide composition range of ZrO2 (mol%) = 10–90 in the ZrO2–1/4Y3NbO7 system. The progress of the formation of nanocrystalline solid solutions based on the Y3NbO7 was assisted via the presence of ZrO2 component as a promoter with the same fluorite‐type structure. The optical band gap of the solid solutions was in the range 3.4–3.7 eV. Broadband emissions centered at 360–380 and 390 nm were observed for the nanocrystalline cubic solid solutions and pure cubic Y3NbO7, respectively, under excitation at 240 nm Xe lamp. The nanosized cubic crystallites of the solid solutions were maintained after heat treatment up to 800°C for 1 h air. The cubic phase of the solid solutions in the ZrO2–1/4Y3NbO7 system was maintained after heat treatment at 1400°C in air.
Autonomy and choice in palliative care: time for a new model?
Authors: Wilson Fiona , Ingleton Christine , Gott Merryn , Gardiner Clare 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsThis paper will examine understandings of autonomy and choice in relation to palliative and end‐of‐life care and identify implications for nursing practice.BackgroundAutonomy in relation to patient‐centred care and advocacy has been identified as a key component of palliative and end‐of‐life care provision internationally. Understandings of autonomy have emerged in an individualised framework, which may be inadequate in supporting palliative and end‐of‐life care.DesignA critical discussion paper.Data sourcesSeminal texts provide a backdrop to how autonomy is understood in the context of palliative care. An overview of literature from 2001 is examined to explore how autonomy and choice are presented in clinical practice.Implications for nursingA model of autonomy based on a ‘decision ecology’ model may be more applicable to palliative and end‐of‐life care. Decision ecology aims to situate the individual in a wider social context and acknowledges the relational dimensions involved in supporting choice and autonomy. Such a model recognizes autonomy around wider care decisions but may also highlight the everyday personal aspects of care, which can mean so much to an individual in terms of personal empowerment and dignity.ConclusionA ‘decision ecology’ model that acknowledges the wider social context, individual narratives and emphasises trust between professionals and patients may support decision‐making at end of life. Such a model must support autonomy not just at the level of wider decisions around care choice but also at the level of everyday care.
PATH: a program to build resilience and thriving in undergraduates
Authors: Gerson Marylie W. , Fernandez Nathaniel 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe developed and tested a brief three‐session program to build resilience (protection from depressive symptoms) and thriving (positive growth) in undergraduates by teaching adaptive explanatory styles. In Study 1, a pretest–posttest waiting list control experiment with 28 undergraduates found that our Program for Accelerated Thriving and Health (PATH) significantly increased optimistic and personal control explanatory styles (Attributional Style Questionnaire), resilience (Beck Depression Inventory‐II), and thriving (Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale 10). In Study 2, a placebo control experiment with 63 undergraduates found a modified version of the program to significantly increase resilience. All effects were at least moderate in size. As predicted, a personal control explanatory style significantly predicted thriving in both studies. Predictors of resilience and thriving were discussed in terms of differentiating the constructs.
The emergence and reduction of bias in letters of recommendation
Authors: Morgan Whitney Botsford , Elder Katherine B. , King Eden B. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDespite the widespread use of letters of recommendation (LORs) in selection systems, research has largely failed to consider the potential emergence of bias in interpretations of LORs. The present study fills this void by examining both race and gender bias in evaluations of LORs and assessing the efficacy of elaboration as a strategy for reducing such bias. Undergraduate students (n = 423) rated four LORs that varied with regard to applicant race and gender. Results suggest that bias does exist in evaluations of LORs, but that requiring raters to expand on their evaluations (i.e., elaborate) reduces this bias. Implications include elaboration as a strategy organizations can implement to reduce bias from emerging when relying on LORs as a selection tool.
Estimating the degree of failed understanding: a possible role for online technology
Authors: Grabe M. , Holfeld B. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAccurate identification of what a learner does not know is essential for efficient self‐directed learning. The accuracy of this awareness, often described as calibration, has been operationalized in several ways. Calibration data are often collected in applied settings by having students predict a future examination score. This method is efficient but not a direct measurement of the awareness of specific strengths and weaknesses. Online technology allows a practical way to collect more specific, local data; that is, the accuracy of confidence ratings for individual assessment items. These two methods of estimating calibration, global and local, were contrasted as predictors of performance in an introductory college course. Both measures were demonstrated to be significant and unique predictors of future examination performance. Online study environments requiring certitude judgments for study questions and offering immediate opportunities for review may offer the means for improving the efficiency of self‐directed learning.
Listening strategy use and influential factors in Web‐based computer assisted language learning
Authors: Chen L. , Zhang R. , Liu C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study investigates second and foreign language (L2) learners' listening strategy use and factors that influence their strategy use in a Web‐based computer assisted language learning (CALL) system. A strategy inventory, a factor questionnaire and a standardized listening test were used to collect data from a group of 82 Chinese students enrolled in a required course in college English. A descriptive statistical analysis measures the frequency of these learners' use of overall strategies and strategy types. A multiple regression analysis identifies factors and their interactions that influence the learners' use of listening strategies. t‐tests examine the characteristics and proficiency levels that affect the overall listening strategies and strategy types used by these learners. The results show that cognitive and metacognitive strategies are used most frequently. They also reveal that motivation, learning anxiety and learning styles significantly affect the learners' use of various listening strategies. The results of this study provide directions for future research into the listening strategies employed in Web‐based CALL and suggest ways for strategy instruction that may improve listening comprehension for L2 learners with different characteristics in Web‐based CALL.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of the Relationship Between Contact Force and Left Atrial Scar Formation After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SOHNS CHRISTIAN , KARIM RASHED , HARRISON JAMES , ARUJUNA ARUNA , LINTON NICK , SENNETT RICHARD , LAMBERT HENDRIK , LEO GIOVANNI , WILLIAMS STEVEN , RAZAVI REZA , WRIGHT MATT , SCHAEFFTER TOBIAS , O'NEILL MARK , RHODE KAWAL 
Published: October 2013

Left Atrial Scar Formation After Contact Force‐Guided AF AblationBackgroundCatheter contact force (CF) is an important determinant of radiofrequency (RF) lesion quality during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows good visualization of ablation lesions.ObjectiveThis study describes a new technique to examine the relationship between CF during RF delivery and LGE signal intensity (SI) following PVI.MethodsSix patients underwent PVI for paroxysmal AF using a CF‐sensing catheter and following preprocedural MRI. During ablation, CF‐time integral (FTI) and position was documented for each RF application. All patients underwent repeat LGE MRI 3 months later. The LGE SIs were projected onto a MRI‐derived 3‐dimensional left atrial (LA) shell and a CF map was generated on the same shell. The entire LA surface was divided into 5 mm2 segments. Force and LGE maps were fused and compared for each 5 mm2 zone. An effective lesion was defined when MRI‐defined scar occupied >90% of a 5 mm2 analysis zone.ResultsAcute PVI was achieved in 100%. Two hundred sixty‐eight RF lesions were tagged on the LA shells and given a lesion‐specific FTI. Increasing FTI correlated with increased LGE SI, which was greater when the FTI was > 1,200 gs. Below an FTI of 1,200 gs, an increment in the FTI resulted in only a small increment in scar, whereas above 1,200 gs an increment in the FTI resulted in a large change of scar.ConclusionThere is a correlation between FTI and LGE SI in MRI following AF ablation. Real‐time FTI maps are feasible and may prevent inadequate lesion formation.
Changes in Hypertension Treatment in the Yaroslavl Region of Russia: Improvements Observed Between 2 Cross‐Sectional Surveys
Authors: Mozheyko Maria , Eregin Sergey , Vigdorchik Alexey , Tobe Sheldon , Campbell Norman , Riahi Farhad , Hughes David 
Published: October 2013

This prospective before‐and‐after survey of hypertensive patients visiting government‐run outpatient health facilities in the Yaroslavl Region of Russia assessed blood pressure (BP)–related endpoints following initiation of a comprehensive health system improvement program for hypertension. Two cross‐sectional surveys, one at baseline and the other approximately 1 year after program initiation, evaluated the primary measure of BP control rate. Secondary measures included mean BP levels and distribution, cardiovascular risk factors, and associated conditions, heart rate levels, and antihypertensive therapy. From the 2011 survey (n=1794) to the 2012 survey (n=2992), BP control rate (<140/90 mm Hg) significantly increased from 16.8% to 23.0%, reflecting a 37% relative improvement (P<.0001). Mean BP level was significantly reduced from 151/90 mm Hg to 147/88 mm Hg (P<.0001). Severe uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥180 mm Hg) was reduced from 9.7% to 6.4% (P<.0001). Implementing a guidelines‐based treatment protocol with medical and patient education programs resulted in physician behavior change and improved patient BP control.
Distinct human T‐lymphocyte responses triggered by Porphyromonas gingivalis capsular serotypes
Authors: Vernal Rolando , Diaz‐Guerra Eva , Silva Augusto , Sanz Mariano , Garcia‐Sanz Jose A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimPorphyromonas gingivalis can synthesize an extracellular capsule and different serotypes have been described based on capsular antigenicity. On dendritic cells (DCs), the type of capsule present plays a role on the strength of the developed immune response. This study aimed to investigate the T‐lymphocyte responses when stimulated with autologous mature DCs exposed to different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes.Materials and MethodsNaïve CD4+T‐lymphocytes were obtained from healthy subjects and stimulated with autologous DCs primed with increasing multiplicity of infections of the different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes. The Th1, Th2, Th17 and T‐regulatory cytokines and transcription factor levels were quantified.ResultsDistinct types of response were detected when T‐lymphocytes were stimulated by DCs primed with the different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes. T‐lymphocytes stimulated by K1 or K2‐primed DCs elicited higher levels of Th1 and Th17‐associated cytokines, T‐bet and RORC2 than T‐lymphocytes stimulated with DCs primed with the other serotypes. Conversely, the serotypes K3‐K5 induced higher levels of Th2‐associated cytokines and GATA‐3 than the others.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that DCs primed with the different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes elicited distinct T‐cell responses. Strains K1 (W83) and K2 (HG184) induced a Th1/Th17 pattern of immune response and K3 (A7A1‐28), K4 (ATCC®49417™), and K5 (HG1690) a Th2 response.