bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppression for the non-transplant physician: what should you know?
Authors: lversen Martin 
Published: February 2014

SummaryImmunosuppression is considered a difficult topic. In general, pulmonologists are experienced with anti-inflammatory treatment in the form of steroids and immunosuppressive treatment with moderate doses of methotrexate or azathioprine; some specialists treating patients with interstitial lung disease have experience with more immunosuppression and a larger number of drugs. Life-long intensive immunosuppression, as in lung transplant recipients, is a task for the specialist, but with more than 3,500 lung transplantations in the world annually (figure from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation;www.ISHLT.org) many non-transplant pulmonologists will encounter lung transplant recipients, and will need some basic knowledge about immunosuppression. Also, an increasing number of patients with interstitial lung disease are treated with high-intensity immunosuppressive treatment.This review is intended to be an introduction on general immunosuppression in patients with lung disease and lung transplant recipients. For a more comprehensive review the reader is advised to consult one or more of the large reviews published in recent years [1–4] or consult the Lung Transplantation issue of theEuropean Respiratory Monograph(Issue 45; 2009) where a lot of background information on lung transplantation can be found.
TB and MDR-TB: what is new in 2012?
Authors: Tadolini Marina , Centis Rosella , D'Ambrosio Lia , Battista Migliori Giovanni 
Published: February 2014

Educational aimsTo understand the need for new diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB) and describe the role of GeneXpertTo describe to what extent drug resistance affects clinical management of multi/extensively drug resistant-TB, and the importance of having new drugs to manage these difficult-to-treat casesTo describe the current evidence on TB/HIV collaborative activitiesTo discuss the importance of providing a public-health response to reach TB elimination through a new post-2015 strategy and to protect new drugs through rational use of treatment regimensSummaryIn 2007, the 125th anniversary of the discovery ofMycobacterium tuberculosisby Robert Koch followed a particularly significant year in the history of tuberculosis (TB) as, in the same year, the World Health Organization and other international organisations published a series of pillar documents and guidelines that set the pathway to improve the control of TB at the global level. Among these, we can mention the Stop TB Strategy, the guidelines on drug-resistant TB management, the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006–2015 and the International Standard of TB Care. Despite the positive results obtained with the implementation of the new recommendations, some crucial gaps remained urgent, such as the need for innovative diagnostic tools for the prompt diagnosis of TB, the rapid identification of drug-resistant strains and the development of new drugs to combat the increasing number of drug-resistant forms of TB.This year, 130 years after Robert Koch's discovery, we can recognise that some of these requests have been met. This article will describe the progresses made in different fields including: laboratory diagnosis and the experience with Xpert® MTB/RIF assay; multi/extensively drug resistant-TB management and development of new promising drugs; implementation of TB/HIV collaborative activities. In addition, it will briefly describe the message of the European Union Standards for TB Care, recently developed by the European Respiratory Society and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.A strong public-health response is now needed to translate the latest recommendations into practice, make good use of the new diagnostic tools and drugs, improve the quality of TB and TB/HIV service worldwide and minimize the development of new cases of MDR-TB, through the correct clinical management of newly diagnosed, drug susceptible TB cases.
The extended Mittag-Leffler function and its properties
Authors: Özarslan Mehmet Ali , Yılmaz Banu 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we present the extended Mittag-Leffler functions by using the extended Beta functions (Chaudhry et al. in Appl. Math. Comput. 159:589-602, 2004) and obtain some integral representations of them. The Mellin transform of these functions is given in terms of generalized Wright hypergeometric functions. Furthermore, we show that the extended fractional derivative (Özarslan and Özergin in Math. Comput. Model. 52:1825-1833, 2010) of the usual Mittag-Leffler function gives the extended Mittag-Leffler function. Finally, we present some relationships between these functions and the Laguerre polynomials and Whittaker functions.
Aphid facultative symbionts reduce survival of the predatory lady beetle Hippodamia convergens
Authors: Costopoulos Kelly , Kovacs Jennifer L , Kamins Alexandra , Gerardo Nicole M 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Non-essential facultative endosymbionts can provide their hosts with protection from parasites, pathogens, and predators. For example, two facultative bacterial symbionts of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), Serratia symbiotica and Hamiltonella defensa, protect their hosts from parasitism by two species of parasitoid wasp. Previous studies have not explored whether facultative symbionts also play a defensive role against predation in this system. We tested whether feeding on aphids harboring different facultative symbionts affected the fitness of an aphid predator, the lady beetle Hippodamia convergens.

Results
While these aphid faculative symbionts did not deter lady beetle feeding, they did decrease survival of lady beetle larvae. Lady beetle larvae fed a diet of aphids with facultative symbionts had significantly reduced survival from egg hatching to pupation and therefore had reduced survival to adult emergence. Additionally, lady beetle adults fed aphids with facultative symbionts were significantly heavier than those fed facultative symbiont-free aphids, though development time was not significantly different.

Conclusions
Aphids reproduce clonally and are often found in large groups. Thus, aphid symbionts, by reducing the fitness of the aphid predator H. convergens, may indirectly defend their hosts’ clonal descendants against predation. These findings highlight the often far-reaching effects that symbionts can have in ecological systems.
Contribution of Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Descending Pain Inhibitory System to Analgesic Effect of Lemon Odor in Mice
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Takasu Syuntaro , Murase Kazuyuki 
Published: February 2014

Background: Affections are thought to regulate pain perception through the descending pain inhibitory system in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined in mice the affective change by inhalation of the lemon oil, which is well used for aromatherapy, and the effect of lemon odor on pain sensation. We also examined the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and descending pain inhibitory system to such regulation of pain. Results: In the elevated plus maze, the time spent in the open arms was increased by inhalation of lemon oil. The pain behavior induced by injection of formalin into the hind paw was decreased. By inhalation of lemon oil, the number of c-Fos expression by formalin injection was significantly increased in the ACC, periaqueductal grey (PAG), nucleu raphe magnus (NRM) and locus ceruleus, and decreased in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). The destruction of the ACC with ibotenic acid led to prevent the decrease of formalin-evoked nocifensive behavior in mice exposed to lemon oil. In these mice, the change of formalin-induced c-Fos expression in the ACC, lateral PAG, NRM and SDH by lemon odor was also prevented. Antagonize of dopamine D1 receptor in the ACC prevented to the analgesic effect of lemon oil. Conclusions: These results suggest that the analgesic effect of lemon oil is induced by dopamine-related activation of ACC and the descending pain inhibitory system.
A study of the medicinal plants used by the Marakwet Community in Kenya
Authors: Kipkore Wilson , Wanjohi Bernard , Rono Hillary , Kigen Gabriel 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The medicinal plants used by herbalists in Kenya have not been well documented, despite their widespread use. The threat of complete disappearance of the knowledge on herbal medicine from factors such as deforestation, lack of proper regulation, overexploitation and sociocultural issues warrants an urgent need to document the information. The purpose of the study was to document information on medicinal plants used by herbalists in Marakwet District towards the utilization of indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge for the advancement of biomedical research and development.

Methods
Semi- structured oral interviews were conducted with 112 practicing herbalists. The types of plants used were identified and the conditions treated recorded.

Results
Herbal practice is still common in the district, and 111 plants were identified to have medicinal or related uses. Different herbal preparations including fruits and healing vegetables are employed in the treatment of various medical conditions. Veterinary uses and pesticides were also recorded.

Conclusion
The study provides comprehensive ethnobotanical information about herbal medicine and healing methods among the Marakwet community. The identification of the active ingredients of the plants used by the herbalists may provide some useful leads for the development of new drugs.
Conjunctival sarcoidosis presenting as limbal conjunctival hypertrophy: a case report
Authors: Han Sang Beom , Yang Hee Kyung , Hyon Joon Young , Wee Won Ryang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of conjunctival sarcoidosis that presented as limbal conjunctival hypertrophy and was controlled with topical cyclosporine.

Case presentation
A 70-year-old Asian woman presented with painless limbal conjunctival hypertrophy. An incisional biopsy of the hypertrophic lesion showed noncaseating granulomas that consisted of multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid cells. The results of a systemic evaluation were normal except for a slight increase in serum angiotensin-converting enzyme to 58.9IU/L (normal range, 8 to 55IU/L). Twice-daily 0.05% topical cyclosporine was prescribed for the treatment of remaining lesions. After two months, the lesions had completely resolved and her serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level had normalized.

Conclusions
Sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of conjunctival hypertrophy. Topical cyclosporine can be useful in conjunctival sarcoidosis.
Treatment of wheat straw using tannase and white-rot fungus to improve feed utilization by ruminants
Authors: Raghuwanshi Shailendra , Misra Swati , Saxena Rajendra Kumar 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundCurrent research to enrich cattle feed has primarily focused on treatment using white rot fungi, while there are scarce reports using the enzyme tannase, which is discussed only in reviews or in the form of a hypothesis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of tannase on wheat straw (WS) and also the effect of lyophilized tannase at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% (w/w) on WS followed by fermentation withGanodermasp. for 10 d and compared in relation to biochemical parameters, crude protein (CP) content, and nutritional value by calculating the C/N ratio in order to improve the nutritional value of cattle feed.ResultsPenicillium charlesii,a tannase-producing microorganism, produced 61.4 IU/mL of tannase in 54 h when 2% (w/v) tannic acid (TA) was initially used as a substrate in medium containing (% w/v) sucrose (1.0), NaNO3(1.0), and MgSO4(0.08 pH, 5.0) in a 300-L fermentor (working volume 220 L), and concomitantly fed with 1.0% (w/v) TA after 24 h. The yield of partially purified and lyophilized tannase was 5.8 IU/mg. The tannin-free myco-straw at 0.1% (w/w) tannase showed 37.8% (w/w) lignin degradation with only a 20.4% (w/w) decrease in cellulose content and thein vitrofeed digestibility was 32.2%. An increase in CP content (up to 1.28-fold) along with a lower C/N ratio of 25.0%, as compared to myco-straw, was obtained.ConclusionsThe use of tannin-free myco-straw has potential to improve the nutritional content of cattle feed. This biological treatment process was safe, eco-friendly, easy to perform, and was less expensive as compared to other treatment methods.
Disability benefit growth and disability reform in the US: lessons from other OECD nations
Authors: Burkhauser Richard V , Daly Mary C , McVicar Duncan , Wilkins Roger 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Unsustainable growth in program costs and beneficiaries, together with a growing recognition that even people with severe impairments can work, led to fundamental disability policy reforms in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Great Britain. In Australia, rapid growth in disability recipiency led to more modest reforms. Here we describe the factors driving unsustainable DI program growth in the U.S., show their similarity to the factors that led to unsustainable growth in these other four OECD countries, and discuss the reforms each country implemented to regain control over their cash transfer disability program. Although each country took a unique path to making and implementing fundamental reforms, shared lessons emerge from their experiences.

JEL codes

J14, J18
Integration and Productivity: Satellite-Tracked Evidence
Authors: Natividad Gabriel 
Published: February 2014

This paper introduces satellite-tracked real-time data from a large fishing firm managing its vertically, horizontally, and geographically linked ships to study the causal impact of integration on total factor productivity (TFP) after the firm acquired its vertically unintegrated contractual fish suppliers. TFP increased 16% among newly integrated ships, whereas it did not vary for already owned ships. Some classic mechanisms such as increased effort due to monitoring do not systematically explain TFP gains under integration, whereas evidence on hold-up threat alleviation is mixed. Importantly, enhanced knowledge transfer and hierarchical authority enacting productivity-improving operational practices among newly integrated ships are more likely explanations of the results. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Pharmacy Management of Postoperative Blood Glucose in Open Heart Surgery Patients: Evaluation of an Intravenous to Subcutaneous Insulin Protocol
Authors: Stahnke Amanda , Struemph Kelly , Behnen Erin , Schimmelpfennig Julia 
Published: February 2014

Purpose To develop and implement a protocol to improve blood glucose (BG) control during transition from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) insulin, increase compliance with Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures, and decrease sternal wound infections post open heart surgery (OHS). Methods An IV to SC protocol was developed and implemented. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent OHS was conducted from January 2, 2009 to September 30, 2010 (pre protocol) and from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 (post protocol). Data collected included age, sex, history of diabetes mellitus (DM), BG values, hypoglycemia incidence, length of stay, and incidence of sternal wound infections. Results A total of 243 patients were included in the study. Compliance with SCIP postoperative day 1 and 2 BG goals was similar pre and post protocol ( P = .24 and .248). One sternal wound infection occurred after protocol implementation, whereas 6 occurred pre protocol ( P = .046). Change in BG when transitioning from IV to SC insulin was similar between the groups, however there were significantly fewer hypoglycemia episodes post protocol ( P < .001). Conclusion Though differences were not found in compliance with SCIP postoperative day 1 and 2 measures, fewer sternal wound infections and hypoglycemic episodes were reported, indicating that the pharmacy protocol may have a positive impact on patient outcomes.
J-PET analysis framework for the prototype TOF-PET detector
Authors: Krzemień Wojciech , Silarski Michał , Stoła Karol , Trybek Damian , Bednarski Tomasz , Białas Piotr , Czerwiński Eryk , Kapłon Łukasz , Kochanowski Andrzej , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kowal Jakub , Kowalski Paweł , Kozik Tomasz , Molenda Marcin , Moskal Paweł , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pałka Marek , Pawlik Monika , Raczyński Lech , Rudy Zbigniew , Salabura Piotr , Sharma Neha Gupta , Słomski Artur , Smyrski Jerzy , Strzelecki Adam , Wiślicki Wojciech , Zieliński Marcin , Zoń Natalia 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Novel time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) scanner solutions demand, apart from the state-of-the-art detectors, software for fast processing of the gathered data, monitoring of the whole scanner, and reconstruction of the PET image. In this article, we present an analysis framework for the novel STRIP-PET scanner developed by the J-PET collaboration in the Institute of Physics of the Jagiellonian University. This software is based on the ROOT package used in many particle physics experiments.
Characterization of ABC transporters in human skin
Authors: Osman-Ponchet Hanan , Boulai Anais , Kouidhi Magali , Sevin Karine , Alriquet Marion , Gaborit Alexandre , Bertino Béatrice , Comby Pierre , Ruty Bernard 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background: Most identified drug transporters belong to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) families. Recent research indicates that these transporters play an important role in the absorption, distribution and excretion of drugs, and are involved in clinically relevant drug-drug interactions for systemic drugs. However, very little is known about the role of drug transporters in human skin, especially in the disposition of topically applied drugs, and their involvement in drug-drug interactions. The aim of this work was to characterize the ABC transporters in human skin.

Methods: Expressions of ABCB1 multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) also known as P-gp, ABCC1 and ABCC2 multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 and 2 (MRP1 and MRP2), and ABCG2 brest cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in human skin tissues were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The modulations of ABCB1 and ABCC1 expressions were analyzed after ex vivo treatment of human skin with rifampicin and dexamethasone. The localization of the major transporter MRP1 in human skin was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, functional analysis of MRP1 in human skin was performed using different specific substrates and inhibitors.

Results: The expressions of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCG2 were all detected in human skin, of which the expression of ABCC1 was considered the most important. The comparison of human skin with human hepatocytes and kidneys shows that the expression of ABCC1 increased 15-fold in skin than in hepatocytes. Immunohistochemistry revealed marked expressions of MRP1 within the hair follicle, sweat gland and muscle, as well as moderate expression in the basal epidermis. Functional analysis demonstrated that the skin absorptions of rhodamine 123, [3H]-vinblastine, and [3H]-LTC4 were markedly decreased in the presence of MRP1 inhibitors (verapamil and MK571), thus supporting the role of MRP1 in the uptake of compounds from the epidermal compartment as well as their secretion into the bloodstream and sweat ducts.

Conclusions: The present findings are the first to demonstrate the involvement of MRP1 in drug uptake in human skin.
Circadian rhythm, sleep pattern, and metabolic consequences: an overview on cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Machado Roberta Marcondes , Koike Marcia Kiyomi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Sleep duration is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Alteration in sleep pattern can induce the loss of circadian rhythmicity. Chronically, this desynchronization between endogenous rhythm and behavioral cycles can lead to an adverse metabolic profile, a proinflammatory condition and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The circadian cycle can vary due to environmental cues. The circadian pacemaker is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei; this central clock coordinates the circadian rhythm in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. The mechanisms involved in sleep disturbance, circadian misalignment and adverse metabolic effects have yet to be fully elucidated. This review looks over the association among sleep alteration, circadian rhythm and the development of risk factors implicated in cardiovascular disease.
Self-excited Oscillations and Fuel Control of a Combustion Process in a Rijke Tube
Authors: Pušenjak Rudolf R. , Tičar Igor , Oblak Maks M. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This paper treats the control of nonstationary oscillations of the pressure which arise in the combustion process of a Rijke tube. The low order model of a nonstationary combustion process in a Rijke tube with multiplicative feedback control function is considered, which is investigated by means of two-DOF coupled van der Pol oscillator. The self-excited oscillations in the combustion process are analysed by means of the Extended Lindstedt-Poincare (EL-P) method with multiple time scales. By applying the EL-P method, it is ascertained, that nonstationary oscillations are almost periodic with amplitude and phase, which are functions of the slow time scale. Without control of the fuel influx, the self excited oscillations can approach limit cycles. By applying the fuel control, the influence of control parameters on the quenching of the self excited oscillations is investigated in a phenomenon of competitive quenching and mutual synchronization with close frequencies and multiple harmonics, respectively.
Compatibilization of polyamide 6/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) blends by poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)
Authors: Guo Zhenghong , Shen Yu , Fang Zhengping 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The properties of polyamide 6 (PA6)/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) blends (60/40, wt%) compatibilized by poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SMA) were studied. The addition of SMA can form an in situ copolymer, SMA-graft-PA6. The SMA-graft-PA6 copolymer actually plays a key role as a compatibilizer to improve the interface between PA6 and PPO. It was found that the effect of compatibilization resulted in improvement of the morphology, impact strength and water absorbability of PA6/PPO blends (60/40, wt%), but with no favorable effects for thermal stability. However, at high SMA contents, the properties of PA6/PPO (60/40, wt%) blends deteriorated to some degree.