bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression Profiles of Prostaglandin E2 Receptor Subtypes in Aspirin Tolerant Adult Chinese with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Xie Li , Liu Ai-Guo , Cui Yong-Hua , Zhang Yin-Ping , Liao Bo , Li Ni-Ni , Wang Xian-Song 
Published: September 2015

Background Several studies have indicated that prostaglandin E2 and E-prostanoid (EP) receptors play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in white populations. However, until now there was no report about EP receptor expression and its role in the pathophysiology of CRS in Chinese patients. Objective To investigate the expression profiles of EP receptors, including EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors in different Chinese patients with CRS with aspirin tolerance. Methods Nasal biopsy specimens were obtained from 12 controls, 12 patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), 12 with eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and 16 with noneosinophilic CRSwNP. Histopathologic characteristics were observed under a light microscope. Immunostaining was used to examine tissue localization of EP receptors. Messenger RNA and protein expression of EP receptors were examined by means of quantitative RT-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Results Different types of CRS presented different histopathologic hallmarks. EP receptors were expressed mainly on epithelium, glands, and infiltrating inflammatory cells in nasal tissue. In controls, patients with CRSsNP, and those with noneosinophilic CRSwNP, EP4 mRNA levels were higher than EP1, EP2, and EP3 receptors. EP2 was downexpressed, and EP1 was upexpressed in patients with eosinophilic CRSwNP. When comparing EP receptor expression among different groups, Messenger RNA and protein of EP1 receptor were significantly enhanced in eosinophilic CRSwNP, but EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors did not show significant differences. Conclusion EP receptor expressions present different features in healthy subjects and patients with CRS. The upregulated EP1 receptor in eosinophilic CRSwNP might be associated with excessive infiltrations of eosinophils and other inflammatory cells. The accurate role of the four EP receptors in the pathogenesis of different CRS remains to be further explored.
Cross-Culturally Modified University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test for a Turkish Population
Authors: Altundag Aytug , Tekeli Hakan , Salihoglu Murat , Cayonu Melih , Yasar Halit , Kendirli Mustafa T. , Saglam Omer 
Published: September 2015

Background The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is a well-developed and popular olfactory test, which has been validated in various populations. However, there was only one study in a Turkish population, and this study indicated that the North American version of the UPSIT was not enough to evaluate the olfactory functions of Turkish population. So, we developed a cross-cultural adaptation of the UPSIT, the UPSIT-Turkish (UPSIT-T). Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the applicability of the UPSIT-T in healthy Turkish subjects. Material and Methods The study included 51 healthy individuals who reported having normal olfactory function. The participants were administered the North American version of the UPSIT firstly, and then, after a day UPSIT-T was applied to the participants. The results of two smell tests were compared, and the applicability of UPSIT-T was evaluated. Results The mean (standard deviation) value for correctly identified odors was 27.2 ± 5.7 (range, 14–38) with the UPSIT application, whereas the mean (standard deviation) value for correctly identified odors was 35.9 ± 3.1 for UPSIT-T. There was a statistically significant increase in the scores of the participants when UPSIT-T was performed (p < 0.001). The identification rates of 10 test odorants were <80% for our study group, and 2 of 10 were <70% for the UPSIT-T. Conclusion The UPSIT-T modification is an adequate olfactory test for clinical use in a Turkish population.
Radiofrequency Turbinoplasty for Nonallergic Rhinitis in Geriatric Patients
Authors: Yu Myeong Sang , Kang Sung-Ho , Kim Bo-Hyung , Lim Dae Jun , Kim Jong-Yeup 
Published: September 2015

Background and Objective Radiofrequency (RF) turbinoplasty may be effective in treating nonallergic rhinitis in elderly patients. The present study evaluated the efficacy of nasal turbinate surgery with RF for the treatment of nonallergic rhinitis in elderly patients refractory to medical therapy. Methods A total of 35 consecutive patients older than 65 years of age (mean subject age, 75.5 ± 9.6 [standard deviation] years) with nonallergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy who underwent RF turbinate surgery were enrolled in this study. The efficacy of RF turbinoplasty in treating nonallergic rhinitis in elderly patients was evaluated by using rhinoscopy and a visual analog scale score of nasal symptoms. Results The response rate of primary RF turbinate surgery for nonallergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy was 68.6%. Postoperative symptom scores for rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction were significantly improved. Persistent crust formation developed in seven patients (20.0%). No patient experienced major complications (e.g., septal hematoma, abscess, septal perforation), but partial bone necrosis was observed in one patient. Conclusion RF turbinoplasty appeared to be effective for treating some nonallergic rhinitis symptoms in elderly patients, including rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. These preliminary results are encouraging and warrant further investigation.
Efficacy Evaluation of a Pollen Blocker Cream against Dust-Mite Allergy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Li Yanqing , Cheng Lei , Chen Xiaoning , Yang Beibei , Wang Dehui 
Published: September 2015

Objective To further evaluate the efficacy and safety of a pollen blocker cream against dust-mite allergy. Methods A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted in a Chinese population. Patients diagnosed with perennial allergic rhinitis, sensitive to dust-mite allergy including Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were randomly allocated to receive a pollen blocker cream or placebo, which was applied and spread evenly to the lower internal nose region three times daily for a total of 30 days. The primary outcome measurements for efficacy were total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and individual nasal symptom score (iNSS). Adverse events were also monitored. Results After application of a pollen blocker, the mean TNSS decreased from 23.1 to 13.8, the decrease of the pollen blocker group (9.3) was highly significant compared with the placebo group (5.2; p < 0.001). Similarly, the decreases in iNSSs (rhinorrhea, congestion, sneezing, and itching) between the pollen blocker group and the placebo group were also significant (p < 0.05). In addition, in adults, the pollen blocker led to a remarkably significant decrease in TNSS (9.5) compared with placebo (5.4; p < 0.001); in children, the pollen blocker led to a significant decrease in TNSS (8.6) compared with placebo (4.8; p < 0.05). No statistical difference was found in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (p > 0.05), and no severe systematic reactions were observed. Conclusion Pollen Blocker is a safe and effective alternative to the drugs for treatment of AR, especially for Chinese people allergic to dust-mite allergy.
Phospholipase A2-dependent Release of Inflammatory Cytokines by Superantigen-Stimulated Nasal Polyps of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Mruwat Rufayda , Kivity Shmuel , Landsberg Roee , Yedgar Saul , Langier Sheila 
Published: September 2015

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory/allergic disease with unclear pathophysiology, but it has been linked to an imbalance in the production of eicosanoids, which are metabolites of arachidonic acid, and results from phospholipids hydrolysis by phospholipase A2 (PLA2). As of yet, the role of PLA2 in CRS has hardly been studied, except for a report that group II PLA2 expression is elevated in interleukin (IL) 1β or tumor necrosis factor α-stimulated CRS nasal tissues with and without polyps. The PLA2 families include extracellular (secretory) and intracellular isoforms, which are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes in different ways. Here we comprehensively investigated the expression of PLA2s, particularly those reported to be involved in respiratory disorders, in superantigen (SAE)-stimulated nasal polyps from patients with CRS with polyps, and determined their role in inflammatory cytokine production by inhibition of PLA2 expression. Methods The release of IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, and interferon γ by nasal polyps dispersed cells (NPDC) was determined concomitantly with PLA2 messenger RNA expression, under SAE stimulation, with or without dexamethasone, as a regulator of PLA2 expression. Results Stimulation of NPDCs by SAE-induced cytokine secretion with enhanced expression of several secretory PLA2 and Ca2+-independent PLA2, while suppressing cytosolic PLA2 expression. All these were reverted to the level of unstimulated NPDCs on treatment with dexamethasone. Conclusion This study further supports the key role of secretory PLA2 in the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders and presents secretory PLA2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CRS and airway pathologies in general.
Möglichkeiten zur Holzmobilisierung im Tessiner Kastaniengürtel
Authors: Stadelmann Golo , Temperli Christian , Conedera Marco , Gómez Andrés , Brang Peter 
Published: September 2015

Timber mobilization possibilities for the chestnut belt of Ticino
Many of the traditionally managed chestnut groves and coppice forests in the canton of Ticino have been abandoned in the second half of the 20th century. The ensuing natural development resulted in homogenized stand structures across the landscape, increasing growing stocks and diminishing provision of ecosystem services (e.g. timber, protection from gravitational hazards, nature conservation and recreation services). We used a forest growth simulator (“Massimo”) to simulate a range of management scenarios and possible consequences. Under the current low intensity management growing stocks and tree mortality continue to increase, which – at a large scale – could further reduce the protection and other services and increase the risk of forest fires. This process could be countered with more intense management practices, yet facing relatively high timber harvesting costs. An optimized forest management in the chestnut belt would require the definition of the dominating forest functions, the designation of priority areas and monetary compensation schemes for the provision of the respective forest ecosystem services.
La forêt vue par les Genevois: perceptions et valeurs économiques de la forêt
Authors: Baranzini Andrea , Borzykowski Nicolas , Maradan David 
Published: September 2015

The forest seen from the inhabitants of Geneva: perception and economic values of the forest
This article analyses the perception, behavior and relation of the population in the Canton of Geneva (Switzerland) with respect to forests. The results are based on a survey conducted in winter 2014. We observe that the Geneva population uses the forest less intensively and values its economic importance to a lesser extent than inhabitants of other Swiss cantons. The majority of the respondents prefer the conservation of forest land and biodiversity, rather than increasing wood harvest activities or forest land conversion for housebuilding purposes. Applying the travel cost method, the average annual value of the Geneva forest's recreational services has been estimated at 656 CHF per person (median value of 175 CHF) and 313 CHF (median value of 60 CHF) when excluding the opportunity cost of the time spent in the forest. The willingness to pay for increasing the share of protected forest up to 10% of the overall forest area, as it is planned in the federal program Forest Policy 2020, has been estimated using the contingent valuation method and results in 283 CHF per person and year.
Endangered Rough Pigtoe Pearlymussel: Assessment of Phylogenetic Status and Genetic Differentiation of Two Disjunct Populations
Authors: Jones Jess W. , Johnson Nathan , Grobler Paul , Schilling Daniel , Neves Richard J , Hallerman Eric M 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
We conducted a genetic characterization of two extant populations of an endangered freshwater mussel, the rough pigtoe Pleurobema plenum, in the Clinch River, Tennessee of the Tennessee River basin, and the Green River, Kentucky, of the Ohio River basin for purposes of conservation recovery planning. First, phylogenetic status of this species within the Pleurobema cordatum species complex (P. cordatum, plenum, rubrum, sintoxia) was assessed using mitochondrial ND1 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences, which showed that all investigated species of Pleurobema are genetically distinct. Our results indicated that P. cordatum, P. plenum, P. rubrum, and P. sintoxia each represent monophyletic clades; however, the latter two species were closely related, separated by only one to three nucleotide differences. Further, DNA sequence haplotypes from both populations of P. plenum grouped together into one monophyletic clade and did not support characterizing the populations as separate species. Thus, our phylogenetic analysis confirms that populations of P. plenum in the Clinch and Green rivers are the same species. Second, we assessed genetic differentiation between P. plenum populations in each river by analyzing variation at eight nuclear DNA microsatellite loci, where FST (=0.023) and Jost’s D (=0.175) indicated genetically differentiated populations. Because these populations are geographically and demographically independent, and differentiated at nuclear microsatellite loci, recognition as management units is recommended. Additional studies are needed to determine whether there are differences at adaptive or life-history traits, such as fish host usage, shell morphology, and soft anatomy between populations, and to further investigate the phylogenetic relationship of P. rubrum and P. sintoxia.
Cerebral blood flow monitoring
Authors: Sethuraman Manikandan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBrain is a unique organ of the body that receives highest amount of cardiac output and totally depend on the blood supply for its survival and no reserve of blood flow making it vulnerable for ischaemia. Other important properties of cerebral circulation include autoregulation of blood flow, high oxygen extraction, and selective increase in blood flow to specific brain areas during various functional activities. It is important to understand that systemic and local factors affect the cerebral blood flow and the brain functions. Moreover the alterations in cerebral blood flow (acute or chronic) can be responsible for various symptoms as well as diseases pertaining to the brain. Hence it is important to measure the cerebral blood flow for the diagnostic as well as therapeutic purpose. This review focusses on the various techniques available for monitoring the cerebral blood flow.
Transcranial Doppler
Authors: Marda Manish , Prabhakar Hemanshu 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTranscranial Doppler (TCD) is a bedside, non-invasive, reproducible, non-expensive neuromonitoring device which can be used in many clinical scenarios. Based on the principle of the Doppler shift, blood flow velocity (FV) in the cerebral vessels can be measured. It should be noted that TCD measures blood FV and not the cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, in a given condition, FV can be used as a surrogate marker for vessel diameter or CBF. Indirectly, it can also measure the CBF and the intracranial pressure. This review describes briefly the method of using the equipment and the various indices that can be measured. The applications of TCD are varied. The review also gives an account of the various clinical situations where TCD can be used. An inter-operator variability is an important limiting factor with the use of the TCD. However, in many of clinical scenario, the TCD can still be used to guide for decision-making.
Impact of Chronic Pain on Treatment Prognosis for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Dennis Brittany B. , Bawor Monica , Naji Leen , Chan Carol K. , Varenbut Jaymie , Paul James , Varenbut Michael , Daiter Jeff , Plater Carolyn , Pare Guillaume , Marsh David C. , Worster Andrew , Desal Dipika , Thabane Lehana , Samaan Zainab 
Published: September 2015

Background While a number of pharmacological interventions exist for the treatment of opioid use disorder, evidence evaluating the effect of pain on substance use behavior, attrition rate, and physical or mental health among these therapies has not been well established. We aim to evaluate these effects using evidence gathered from a systematic review of studies evaluating chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) in patients with opioid use disorder. Methods We searched the Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ProQuest Dissertations and theses Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal, and National Institutes for Health Clinical Trials Registry databases to identify articles evaluating the impact of pain on addiction treatment outcomes for patients maintained on opioid agonist therapy. Results Upon screening 3,540 articles, 14 studies with a combined sample of 3,128 patients fulfilled the review inclusion criteria. Results from the meta-analysis suggest that pain has no effect on illicit opioid consumption [pooled odds ratio (pOR): 0.70, 95%CI 0.41–1.17; I 2 = 0.0] but a protective effect for reducing illicit non-opioid substance use (pOR: 0.57, 95%CI 0.41–0.79; I 2 = 0.0). Studies evaluating illicit opioid consumption using other measures demonstrate pain to increase the risk for opioid abuse. Pain is significantly associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders (pOR: 2.18; 95%CI 1.6, 2.9; I 2 = 0.0%). Conclusion CNCP may increase risk for continued opioid abuse and poor psychiatric functioning. Qualitative synthesis of the findings suggests that major methodological differences in the design and measurement of pain and treatment response outcomes are likely impacting the effect estimates.
Customers’ Expectation and Services Performance in Pension Fund Administration (PFA) in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Ojiaku Obinna C. , Olise Moses C. , Abuchi Nwankwo Philip 
Published: September 2015

<p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">This paper examines service quality from the perspective of consumers’ expectations of the quality of service delivery contrasted with actual service delivery (or service performance) in pension fund administration (PFA) marketing. Three hundred and eighty four respondents from various ministries, departments and agencies in Enugu participated in the survey. A modified version of SERVQUAL questionnaire instrument was used to elicit response on the service quality attribute and satisfaction. Two hypotheses were developed and tested using the student t-test statistics and Regression Analysis. The results showed that significant difference exist between customer perception and expectations of pension services. The assurance attribute was found to have the greatest influence on satisfaction and tangible cues with the least influence. It was therefore, recommended that pension managers should adopt strategies to influence customer perception such as measuring and managing satisfaction and service quality, making promises they can keep and keeping them and managing the service evidence and providing training and empowerment to their employees. </span></p>
Identifying Policy Approaches to Reduce Medicaid Births and Costs by Examining Cross County Variation in Michigan
Authors: SMITH PATRICIA K. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
The share of births financed by Medicaid has been steadily rising in Michigan, contributing to growing program costs. This paper identifies policy approaches that could reduce Medicaid births and their associated costs without reducing healthcare access for low income women. Because there are insufficient data for a time series analysis, this paper uses county-level variation and regression analysis to identify significant correlates of Michigan Medicaid births in 2009. The results, which control for a host of demographic, social and economic variables, indicate that counties with fewer federally funded family planning clinics and in which a greater share of women lack health insurance tend to have higher rates of Medicaid births. The findings indicate that policies to expand access to health insurance and increase the number of family planning clinics could help curb the growth in Medicaid births by helping couples avoid unintended pregnancy.
The Holy Roman Empire was Neither Holy, Nor Roman, Nor an Empire1
Authors: Renna Thomas 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT“The Holy Roman Empire was neither Holy nor Roman, nor an Empire.” For the historian, Voltaire's famous quip has three aspects: 1) What did Voltaire mean by it in 1756 when he wrote the line in his Essay on Customs? 2) How did contemporaries, including the Austrian Habsburgs, understand it? 3) Does the quote accurately describe the events the Philosophe is discussing (Charles IV of Bohemia and the Golden Bull of 1356)? Voltaire in fact exaggerates the weakness of the Empire in both 1356 and 1756, and uses an anachronistic standard to evaluate both: the quasi nation states of the 1750s. The three parts of the imperial title had changed in meaning during the four centuries after 1356. The jibe nonetheless reflects something of the thought of Voltaire and the French Enlightenment.
An Exploration on the New Model of China’s Opening-Up Strategy
Authors: Zhao Xiaochen 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOverseas Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (OETCZ) is a new model of China’s Opening-up Strategy. It establishes a platform for enterprises to invest abroad. The thesis probed into the functions of the OETCZ, such as changing product origins, avoiding trade barriers, transferring overcapacities and acquiring scarce resources. Furthermore, the paper puts forward the suggestions for promoting healthy development of the OETCZ.
Active mud volcanoes on the continental slope of the Canadian Beaufort Sea
Authors: Paull C. K. , Dallimore S. R. , Caress D. W. , Gwiazda R. , Melling H. , Riedel M. , Jin Y. K. , Hong J. K. , Kim Y.‐G. , Graves D. , Sherman A. , Lundsten E. , Anderson K. , Lundsten L. , Villinger H. , Kopf A. , Johnson S. B. , Hughes Clarke J. , Blasco S. , Conway K. , Neelands P. , Thomas H. , Côté M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMorphologic features, 600–1100 m across and elevated up to 30 m above the surrounding seafloor, interpreted to be mud volcanoes were investigated on the continental slope in the Beaufort Sea in the Canadian Arctic. Sediment cores, detailed mapping with an autonomous underwater vehicle, and exploration with a remotely operated vehicle show that these are young and actively forming features experiencing ongoing eruptions. Biogenic methane and low‐chloride, sodium‐bicarbonate‐rich waters are extruded with warm sediment that accumulates to form cones and low‐relief circular plateaus. The chemical and isotopic compositions of the ascending water indicate that a mixture of meteoric water, seawater, and water from clay dehydration has played a significant role in the evolution of these fluids. The venting methane supports extensive siboglinid tubeworms communities and forms some gas hydrates within the near seafloor. We believe that these are the first documented living chemosynthetic biological communities in the continental slope of the western Arctic Ocean.