bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodontitis and retinal microcirculation in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study
Authors: Boillot Adrien , Bouchard Philippe , Moss Kevin , Offenbacher Steven , Czernichow Sébastien 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this cross‐sectional study is to explore if periodontitis is associated with alterations of the retinal microcirculation, a predictive marker of cardiovascular events.Material and MethodsOf 457 subjects aged 52 years and more from the ARIC cohort were included. Retinal vascular diameters were measured and summarized as central retinal arteriolar/venular equivalents (CRAE/CRVE). Periodontitis was determined by using the CDC/AAP definition. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the relationships between CRAE, CRVE and periodontitis.ResultsNo association was found between CRAE and periodontal status. However, CRVE and severe periodontitis were positively and significantly associated. Mean CRVE (±SD) was 187.0 ± 17.2 μm in the health‐gingivitis group, and, respectively, 188.5 ± 16.3 μm (p = 0.39) and 191.6 ± 16.8 μm (p = 0.04) in moderate and severe periodontitis groups, after adjustment for a propensity score based on confounders. Results were consistent when analyses were restricted to participants with diabetes mellitus (n = 66), but not diabetes‐free subjects.ConclusionsSevere periodontitis is associated with larger retinal venular diameter in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of diabetes mellitus on the association between periodontitis and retinal microcirculation.
Olive fruits infested with olive fly larvae respond with an ethylene burst and the emission of specific volatiles
Authors: Alagna Fiammetta , Kallenbach Mario , Pompa Andrea , De Marchis Francesca , Rao Rosa , Baldwin Ian T. , Bonaventure Gustavo , Baldoni Luciana 
Published: February 2015

AbstractOlive fly (Bactrocera oleae R.) is the most harmful insect pest of olive (Olea europaea L.) which strongly affects fruits and oil production. Despite the expanding economic importance of olive cultivation, up to now, only limited information on plant responses to B. oleae is available. Here, we demonstrate that olive fruits respond to B. oleae attack by producing changes in an array of different defensive compounds including phytohormones, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and defense proteins. Bactrocera oleae‐infested fruits induced a strong ethylene burst and transcript levels of several putative ethylene‐responsive transcription factors became significantly upregulated. Moreover, infested fruits induced significant changes in the levels of 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid and C12 derivatives of the hydroperoxide lyase. The emission of VOCs was also changed quantitatively and qualitatively in insect‐damaged fruits, indicating that B. oleae larval feeding can specifically affect the volatile blend of fruits. Finally, we show that larval infestation maintained high levels of trypsin protease inhibitors in ripe fruits, probably by affecting post‐transcriptional mechanisms. Our results provide novel and important information to understand the response of the olive fruit to B. oleae attack; information that can shed light onto potential new strategies to combat this pest.
Marriage and Family Therapy Trainees' Reports of Explicit Weight Bias
Authors: Pratt Keeley J. , Palmer Elizabeth , Cravens Jaclyn D. , Ferriby Megan , Balk Elizabeth , Cai Yin 
Published: February 2015

Discrimination based on an individual's weight has been observed in health care, education, retail, and other public sectors (Puhl & Huer, Obesity, 17, 941, 2007). Such inequity, known as “weight bias,” generates negative short‐term and long‐term consequences for the individuals that experience it (Puhl & Brownell, Weight bias in health care settings, 2007). Past research has shown that healthcare trainees exhibit weight bias (Phelan et al., Obesity, 22, 1201, 2014; Wigton & McGaghie, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16, 262, 2001), yet little focus is given to weight bias in marriage and family therapy (MFT) education. The purpose of this study was to survey MFT students (N = 162) to explore weight bias and how contextual factors associate with weight bias. Participants in MFT programs reported explicit weight bias, with specific contextual factors associating with more bias. Female participants reported more fear of gaining weight, and individuals who identified as overweight had higher rates of explicit weight bias. Contextual differences and implications for training programs are discussed.
Anatomical and cellular localization of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in the adult rat brain
Authors: Lacoste Baptiste , Angeloni Debora , Dominguez‐Lopez Sergio , Calderoni Sara , Mauro Alessandro , Fraschini Franco , Descarries Laurent , Gobbi Gabriella 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe involvement of melatonin in mammalian brain pathophysiology has received growing interest, but information about the anatomical distribution of its two G‐protein‐coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2, remains elusive. In this study, using specific antibodies, we examined the precise distribution of both melatonin receptors immunoreactivity across the adult rat brain using light, confocal, and electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate a selective MT1 and MT2 localization on neuronal cell bodies and dendrites in numerous regions of the rat telencephalon, diencephalon, and mesencephalon. Confocal and ultrastructural examination confirmed the somatodendritic nature of MT1 and MT2 receptors, both being localized on neuronal membranes. Overall, striking differences were observed in the anatomical distribution pattern of MT1 and MT2 proteins, and the labeling often appeared complementary in regions displaying both receptors. Somadendrites labeled for MT1 were observed for instance in the retrosplenial cortex, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, the islands of Calleja, the medial habenula, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the superior colliculus, the substantia nigra pars compacta, the dorsal raphe nucleus, and the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland. Somadendrites endowed with MT2 receptors were mostly observed in the CA3 field of the hippocampus, the reticular thalamic nucleus, the supraoptic nucleus, the inferior colliculus, the substantia nigra pars reticulata, and the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray. Together, these data provide the first detailed neurocytological mapping of melatonin receptors in the adult rat brain, an essential prerequisite for a better understanding of melatonin distinct receptor function and neurophysiology.
The role and scope of retrieval nurse practitioners in the UK
Authors: Davies Jo , Lynch Fiona , Nyman Andrew , Riphagen Shelley 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe first independent paediatric retrieval nurse practitioners (RNP) in the UK and Europe were appointed in 2006 in one hospital Trust. Since then, many have been appointed around the UK but the range of responsibility and scope of the role is unknown as well as possible geographical variability.AimThe aim of this paper is to explore the role and scope of paediatric retrieval nurse practitioners in the United Kingdom (UK).MethodA two part questionnaire was sent to all RNPs identified by the regional retrieval/transport centres. Information was sought about the role and scope of RNPs and how the role may have changed since appointment. RNPs were asked to self‐assess their own ability in a variety of technical and leadership skills.ConclusionThe majority of respondents felt their role had expanded since appointment. RNPs reported that they would now lead the team for any critically ill infant or child where previously they were retrieving stable or high dependency patients. Other expansions of their role included being on a middle grade tier of the medical rota, asked to undertake aeromedical transfers, providing the withdrawal of care at referring centres and non‐medical independent prescribing.Relevance to PracticeThis survey has revealed the changing role and scope of RNPs in the UK but most importantly, the increased responsibility of the roles. Over 80% of RNPs rated their leadership skills between proficient and expert on Benner's Novice to Expert Continuum (Benner, 1984).
Transferring critically ill patients home to die: developing a clinical guidance document
Authors: Coombs Maureen A , Darlington Anne‐Sophie , Long‐Sutehall Tracy , Richardson Alison 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundWith preferred place of care at the time of death a key consideration in end of life care, it is important that transfer home be considered for critically ill patients who want this as part of their end of life care. However, there is limited guidance available to inform the transfer of critically ill patients home to die.Aims and ObjectivesTo develop clinical guidance on the practice of transferring patients home to die for doctors and nurses in critical care.DesignConsensus methodology.MethodsAt a one‐day national event, stakeholders from cross‐community and hospital settings engaged in group work wherein ‘virtual clinical teams’ mapped out, and agreed on, the processes involved in transferring critically ill patients home to die. Using two clinical cases and nominal group technique, factors were identified that promoted and inhibited transfer home and areas in need of development. Findings from the day informed development of a clinical guidance document.ResultsEighty‐five stakeholders attended the event from across England. The majority of stakeholders strongly agreed that transfer of critically ill patients home to die was a good idea in principle. Stakeholders identified ‘access to care in the community’ (n= 22, 31.4%) and ‘unclear responsibility for care of patient’ (n= 17, 24.3%) as the most important barriers. Consensus was reached on the processes and decision‐making required for transfer home and was used to inform content of a clinical practice guidance document. This underwent further refinement following review by 14 clinicians. A final document in the form of a flow chart was developed.ConclusionsTransferring critically ill patients home to die is a complex, multifactorial process involving health care agencies across the primary and secondary care interface. The guidance developed from this consensus event will enable staff to actively consider the practice of transferring home to die in appropriate patients.
Unsuccessful Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in Patients with Chronic Cluster Headache and Subsequent Successful Thermocoagulation
Authors: Bendersky Damián Claudio , Hem Santiago Matias , Yampolsky Claudio Gustavo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe present the results of pulsed and continuous radiofrequency (CRF) of the sphenopalatine ganglion in a case series of 3 patients with chronic cluster headache (CCH). Three patients were referred to our neurosurgical department because of CCH, which was refractory to pharmacological treatment. They underwent pulsed radiofrequency of the sphenopalatine ganglion (PRF‐SPG), and the procedure was performed through an infrazygomatic approach. In the PRF procedures, we applied 2 cycles of PRF at 42°C and 45 V for 120 seconds, with a pulse frequency of 2 Hz and a pulse width of 20 ms. In those procedures where thermocoagulation was carried out, 2 CRF lesions at 80°C for 90 seconds each were performed. Following corticosteroid and local anesthetic (40 mg of methylprednisolone and 1 mL of 1% lidocaine) injection, 2 patients had no pain relief at all, whereas the third one experienced a partial response, which lasted only 1 month and his pain then returned to its baseline level. Thus, this outcome was assessed as a nonsustained partial response. Therefore, all of them underwent a CRF lesioning of the SPG, and after this procedure, they achieved complete pain relief until the end of the follow‐up period. Furthermore, the associated autonomic manifestations disappeared. The 3 patients presented in this case series failed to achieve adequate pain relief after PRF‐SPG. However, these same patients subsequently underwent a successful CRF of the SPG.
Necessity of human milk banking in Japan: Questionnaire survey of neonatologists
Authors: Mizuno Katsumi , Sakurai Motoichiro , Itabashi Kazuo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundIf their own mother's milk (OMM) is not available, another mother's milk may be used for extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants. Human milk is a bodily fluid, however, therefore we have assumed that other mother's milk is currently seldom given to infants despite its superiority to formula. Although the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended using donor human milk (DHM) from a human milk bank (HMB) in the case that OMM is not available, there is no HMB in Japan. To assess whether other mother's milk is used for ELBW infants and whether an HMB is necessary in Japan, we surveyed neonatal intensive care units (NICU) via questionnaire.MethodsThe questionnaire was sent by email to members of the Japanese Neonatologist Association who are responsible for NICU.ResultsIn total, 126 completed questionnaires (70.7%) were returned and analyzed. One‐fourth of NICU give other mother's milk to ELBW infants. The first choice of nutrition is OMM, but other mother's milk or formula is given to infants at 19% of NICU if OMM is unavailable. Approximately three‐fourths of NICU would like an HMB.ConclusionAlthough human milk contains contagious agents and authorities do not recommend giving other mother's milk as a substitute for OMM, other mother's milk is still a choice in NICU in Japan. Many neonatologists, however, would prefer a safer alternative, that is, DHM obtained from an accredited HMB. A well‐regulated HMB should be established and safe DHM should be available for all preterm infants if necessary.
Effect of Oil Overlay on Inhibition Potential of Roscovitine in Sheep Cumulus‐Oocyte Complexes
Authors: Crocomo LF , Marques Filho WC , Ulian CMV , Branchini NS , Silva DT , Ackermann CL , Landim‐Alvarenga FC , Bicudo SD 
Published: February 2015

ContentsInhibitors of cyclin‐dependent kinases, as roscovitine, have been used to prevent the spontaneous resumption of meiosis in vitro and to improve the oocyte developmental competence. In this study, the interference of oil overlay on the reversible arrest capacity of roscovitine in sheep oocytes as well as its effects on cumulus expansion was evaluated. For this, cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured for 20 h in TCM 199 with 10% foetal bovine serum (Control) containing 75 μm roscovitine (Rosco). Subsequently, they were in vitro matured (IVM) for further 18 h in inhibitor‐free medium with LH and FSH. The culture was performed in Petri dishes under mineral oil (+) or in 96 well plates without oil overlay (−) at 38.5°C and 5% CO2. At 20 and 38 h, the cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation were evaluated under stereomicroscope and by Hoechst 33342 staining, respectively. No group presented cumulus expansion at 20 h. After additional culture with gonadotrophins, a significant rate of COCs from both Control groups (+/−) exhibited total expansion while in both Rosco groups (+/−) the partial expansion prevailed. Among the oocytes treated with roscovitine, 65.2% were kept at GV in the absence of oil overlay while 40.6% of them reached MII under oil cover (p < 0.05). This meiotic arrest was reversible, and proper meiosis progression also occurred in the Control groups (+/−). So, the culture system without oil overlay improved the meiotic inhibition promoted by roscovitine without affecting the cumulus expansion rate or the subsequent meiosis progression.
Intrathecal gadodiamide for identifying subarachnoid and ventricular neurocysticercosis
Authors: Higuera‐Calleja Jesús , Góngora‐Rivera Fernando , Soto‐Hernández José Luis , Del‐Brutto Oscar H. , Moreno‐Andrade Talía , Gutiérrez‐Alvarado Ramón , Rodríguez‐Carbajal Jesús 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveSome neurocysticercosis cysts may remain hidden despite novel MRI sequences. This study evaluates the diagnostic value of gadodiamide (GDD)‐contrasted MRI cisternography in selected cases of neurocysticercosis.MethodsWe included patients aged 18–65 years with a probable diagnosis of subarachnoid cysticercosis in whom previous neuroimaging studies failed to demonstrate the presence of cysts. One millilitre of GDD was administered intrathecally as a contrast agent with subsequent performance of MRI.ResultsFourteen patients were included. Optimal contrast diffusion was achieved in nine patients, and partial diffusion was achieved in 4. Intracranial vesicles were identified in 10 patients, with the presence of more than 60 basal subarachnoid vesicles being revealed in all, with five cysts in the fourth ventricle in four patients and a floating cyst in the lateral ventricle in one. In one case, intrathecal GDD demonstrated spinal cysticercosis. No adverse events were reported after intrathecal GDD administration.ConclusionsIntrathecal GDD administration is useful for the diagnosis of subarachnoid and intraventricular neurocysticercosis and can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy in selected cases.
Women's perceptions of the quality of emergency obstetric care in a referral hospital in rural Tanzania
Authors: Stal Karen Berit , Pallangyo Pedro , van Elteren Marianne , van den Akker Thomas , van Roosmalen Jos , Nyamtema Angelo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo assess perceptions of the quality of obstetric care of women who delivered in a rural Tanzanian referral hospital.MethodsA descriptive‐exploratory qualitative study, using semistructured in‐depth interviews and participatory observation. Nineteen recently delivered women and 3 health workers were interviewed.ResultsAlthough most women held positive views about the care they received in hospital, several participants expressed major concerns about negative attitudes of healthcare workers. Lack of medical communication given by care providers constituted a major complaint.ConclusionsA more positive attitude by health workers and the provision of adequate medical information may promote a more positive hospital experience of women in need of obstetric care and enhance attendance.
Cost of neurocysticercosis patients treated in two referral hospitals in Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Bhattarai Rachana , Carabin Hélène , Proaño Jefferson V. , Flores‐Rivera Jose , Corona Teresa , Flisser Ana , Budke Christine M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate annual costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and productivity losses among patients with neurocysticercosis (NCC) receiving treatment at two referral hospitals, the Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia (INNN) and the Hospital de Especialidades of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (HE‐IMSS), in Mexico City from July 2007 to August 2008.MethodsInformation on presenting clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, hospitalisations, surgical procedures and other treatments received by NCC outpatients was collected from medical charts, and supplemented by an individual questionnaire regarding productivity losses and out‐of‐pocket expenses related to NCC.ResultsThe annual average per‐patient direct costs were US$ 503 (95% CI: 414–592) and US$ 438 (95% CI: 322–571) for patients without a history of hospitalisation and/or surgery seen at the INNN and the HE‐IMSS, respectively. These costs increased to US$ 2506 (95% CI: 1797–3215) and US$ 2170 (95% CI: 1303–3037), respectively, for patients with a history of hospitalisation and/or surgery. The average annual per‐patient indirect costs were US$ 246 (95% CI: 165–324) and US$ 114 (95% CI: 51–178), respectively, using minimum salary wages for individuals not officially employed.ConclusionsThe total annual cost for patients who had and had not been hospitalised and/or undergone a surgical procedure for the diagnosis or treatment of NCC corresponded to 212% and 41% of an annual minimum wage salary, respectively. The disease tends to affect rural socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and creates health disparities and significant economic losses in Mexico.
Beyond Single‐Level Accounts: The Role of Cognitive Architectures in Cognitive Scientific Explanation
Authors: Cooper Richard P. , Peebles David 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe consider approaches to explanation within the cognitive sciences that begin with Marr's computational level (e.g., purely Bayesian accounts of cognitive phenomena) or Marr's implementational level (e.g., reductionist accounts of cognitive phenomena based only on neural‐level evidence) and argue that each is subject to fundamental limitations which impair their ability to provide adequate explanations of cognitive phenomena. For this reason, it is argued, explanation cannot proceed at either level without tight coupling to the algorithmic and representation level. Even at this level, however, we argue that additional constraints relating to the decomposition of the cognitive system into a set of interacting subfunctions (i.e., a cognitive architecture) are required. Integrated cognitive architectures that permit abstract specification of the functions of components and that make contact with the neural level provide a powerful bridge for linking the algorithmic and representational level to both the computational level and the implementational level.
Hypertension: a systemic key to understanding local keloid severity
Authors: Arima Juri , Huang Chenyu , Rosner Bernard , Akaishi Satoshi , Ogawa Rei 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThis study assessed whether hypertension, a circulating factor, influences local keloid severity. This retrospective cross‐sectional study involved 304 consecutive patients (13–78 years old) with keloids who were surgically treated in our hospital between January 2011 and August 2013. Their blood pressure (BP), age and gender, and the size and number of their keloids before surgery were recorded. Ordinal logistic regression analyses showed that BP associated significantly with both keloid size and number (all p < 0.0001). Age also associated with keloid size (p < 0.0001). However, a Goodness‐of‐fit chi‐square test showed that the prevalence of hypertension was not higher among keloid patients than in the general Japanese population. This study provides epidemiological evidence for the possibility that primary hypertension may aggravate keloids. We propose that the skin, along with the heart and liver, is a target organ of hypertension. The observations of this study, which require validation with large‐scale prospective interventional trials, suggest that keloid patients should be screened for hypertension and that antihypertensive treatments may be of prophylactic and therapeutic value for skin fibrosis.
Axial Inlet Conversion to a Centrifugal Compressor With Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Novecosky Tom 
Published: March 2015

NOVA’s Alberta Gas Transmission Division transports natural gas via pipeline throughout the province of Alberta, Canada, exporting it to eastern Canada, United States and British Columbia. It is a continuing effort to operate the facilities and pipeline at the highest possible efficiency. One area being addressed to improve efficiency is compression of the gas. By improving compressor efficiency, fuel consumption and hence operating costs can be reduced.
One method of improving compressor efficiency is by converting the compressor to an axial inlet configuration, a conversion that has been carried out more frequently in the past years. Concurrently, conventional hydrodynamic bearings have been replaced with magnetic bearings on many centrifugal compressors. This paper discusses the design and installation for converting a radial overhung unit to an axial inlet configuration, having both magnetic bearings and a thrust reducer. The thrust reducer is required to reduce axial compressor shaft loads, to a level which allows the practical installation of magnetic bearings within the space limitations of the compressor (Bear and Gibson, 1992).