bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition prevents myocardial infarction‐induced increase in renal cortical cGMP and cAMP phosphodiesterase activities
Authors: Clauss François , Charloux Anne , Piquard François , Doutreleau Stéphane , Talha Samy , Zoll Joffrey , Lugnier Claire , Geny Bernard 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe investigated whether myocardial infarction (MI) enhances renal phosphodiesterases (PDE) activities, investigating particularly the relative contribution of PDE1‐5 isozymes in total PDE activity involved in both cGMP and cAMP pathways, and whether angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi) decreases such renal PDE hyperactivities. We also investigated whether ACEi might thereby improve atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) efficiency. We studied renal cortical PDE1‐5 isozyme activities in sham (SH)‐operated, MI rats and in MI rats treated with perindopril (ACEi) 1 month after coronary artery ligation. Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), its second intracellular messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cGMP/ANP ratio were also determined. Cortical cGMP‐PDE2 (80.3 vs. 65.1 pmol/min/mg) and cGMP‐PDE1 (50.7 vs. 30.1 pmol/min/mg), and cAMP‐PDE2 (161 vs. 104.1 pmol/min/mg) and cAMP‐PDE4 (307.5 vs. 197.2 pmol/min/mg) activities were higher in MI than in SH rats. Despite increased ANP plasma level, ANP efficiency tended to be decreased in MI compared to SH rats. Perindopril restored PDE activities and tended to improve ANP efficiency in MI rats. One month after coronary ligation, perindopril treatment of MI rats prevents the increase in renal cortical PDE activities. This may contribute to increase renal ANP efficiency in MI rats.
Home‐Based Primary Care Practices in the United States: Current State and Quality Improvement Approaches
Authors: Leff Bruce , Weston Christine M. , Garrigues Sarah , Patel Kanan , Ritchie Christine ,   the National Home‐Based Primary Care and Palliative Care Network
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the characteristics of home‐based primary care practices: staffing, administrative, population served, care practices, and quality of care challenges.DesignSurvey of home‐based primary care practices.SettingHome‐based primary care practices in the United States.ParticipantsMembers of the American Academy of Home Care Medicine and nonmember providers identified by surveyed members.MeasurementsA 58‐item questionnaire that assessed practice characteristics, care provided by the practice, and how the quality of care that the practice provided was assessed.ResultsSurvey response rate was 47.9%, representing 272 medical house calls practices. Mean average daily census was 457 patients (median 100 patients, range 1–30,972 patients). Eighty‐eight percent of practices offered around‐the‐clock coverage for urgent concerns, 60% held regularly scheduled team meetings, 89% used an electronic medical record, and one‐third used a defined quality improvement process. The following factors were associated with practices that used a defined quality improvement process: practice holds regularly scheduled team meetings to discuss specific patients (odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–4.21), practice conducts surveys of patients (OR = 8.53, 95% CI = 4.07–17.88), and practice is involved in National Committee for Quality Assurance patient‐centered medical home (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.18–9.07). Ninety percent of practices would or might participate in quality improvement activities that would provide them timely feedback on patient and setting‐appropriate quality indicators.ConclusionsThere is a substantial heterogeneity of home‐based primary care practice types. Most practices perform activities that lend themselves to robust quality improvement efforts, and nearly all indicated interest in a national registry to inform quality improvement.
Successful delivery after transabdominal cerclage of uterine cervix for cervical incompetence after radical trachelectomy
Authors: Ishioka Shinichi , Endo Toshiaki , Baba Tsuyoshi , Akashi Yushi , Morishita Miyuki , Sugio Asuka , Kanayama Naohiro , Saito Tsuyoshi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPregnancy after radical trachelectomy (RT) has a high risk of prematurity and complications such as preterm premature rupture of the membrane and chorioamnionitis. Placing a cervical cerclage at the time of RT plays an important role in preventing such obstetrical complications. In patients who have trouble with the cervical cerclage, miscarriage during the second trimester seems to be inevitable. We have therefore started preconception transabdominal cerclage (TAC) for these patients. A 36‐year‐old Japanese woman who had a history of miscarriage due to trouble with the nylon thread used for cerclage, successfully delivered after TAC. TAC is a useful treatment modality to prevent miscarriage for patients who have trouble with cerclage after RT.
Improvement in oral bioavailability and dissolution of tanshinone IIA by preparation of solid dispersions with porous silica
Authors: Yan Hong-mei , Sun E , Cui Li , Jia Xiao-bin , Jin Xin 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the oral bioavailability and dissolution of tanshinone IIA (tanIIA) by preparation of solid dispersions (SDs) with porous silica.

Methods
SDs of tanIIA were prepared using a solvent method. The physicochemical properties, dissolution property, drug stability and in-vivo performance of the SDs prepared were all evaluated.

Key findings
Compared with tanIIA alone and corresponding physical mixtures, tanIIA from SDs showed remarkably improved in-vitro dissolution rate. After forming the SDs, tanIIA changed into an amorphous state, which can infer from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also revealed the presence of interactions between tanIIA and porous silica in SDs. During the stability study, there is no significant decreasing in either the in-vitro dissolution or the drug content, which was observed following storage at room temperature for 12 months. The results of a pharmacokinetic study in rats showed the areas under the concentration–time curve from 0 h to 24 h (AUC0–24h) for the SDs and tanIIA were 1019.87 ± 161.819 mg/h per litre and 343.70 ± 75.628 mg/h per litre, respectively.

Conclusions
SDs with porous silica as carrier could achieve superior oral bioavailability by improving drug dissolution, whereas drug stability could be maintained.
Clinical course and management of acute and chronic viral hepatitis during pregnancy
Authors: Licata A. , Ingrassia D. , Serruto A. , Soresi M. , Giannitrapani L. , Montalto G. , Craxì A. , Almasio P. L. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryPregnancy is a para‐physiologic condition, which usually evolves without any complications in the majority of women, even if in some circumstances moderate or severe clinical problems can also occur. Among complications occurring during the second and the third trimester very important are those considered as concurrent to pregnancy such as hyperemesis gravidarum, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, HELLP syndrome and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. The liver diseases concurrent to pregnancy typically occur at specific times during the gestation and they may lead to significant maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Commonly, delivery of the foetus, even preterm, usually terminates the progression of these disorders. All chronic liver diseases, such as chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's disease, and cirrhosis of different aetiologies may cause liver damage, independently from pregnancy. In this review we will also comment the clinical implications of pregnancies occurring in women who received a orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) Therefore, the management of immunosuppressive therapy before and after the delivery in women who received liver transplant is becoming a relevant clinical issue. Finally, we will focus on acute and chronic viral hepatitis occurring during pregnancy, on management of advanced liver disease and we will review the literature on the challenging issue regarding pregnancy and OLT.
Unexpected cryptic species diversity in the widespread coral Seriatopora hystrix masks spatial‐genetic patterns of connectivity
Authors: Warner Patricia A. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. , Willis Bette L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMounting evidence of cryptic species in a wide range of taxa highlights the need for careful analyses of population genetic data sets to unravel within‐species diversity from potential interspecies relationships. Here, we use microsatellite loci and hierarchical clustering analysis to investigate cryptic diversity in sympatric and allopatric (separated by 450 km) populations of the widespread coral Seriatopora hystrix on the Great Barrier Reef. Structure analyses delimited unique genetic clusters that were confirmed by phylogenetic and extensive population‐level analyses. Each of four sympatric yet distinct genetic clusters detected within S. hystrix demonstrated greater genetic cohesion across regional scales than between genetic clusters within regions (<10 km). Moreover, the magnitude of genetic differentiation between different clusters (>0.620 G”ST) was similar to the difference between S. hystrix clusters and the congener S. caliendrum (mean G”ST 0.720). Multiple lines of evidence, including differences in habitat specificity, mitochondrial identity, Symbiodinium associations and morphology, corroborate the nuclear genetic evidence that these distinct clusters constitute different species. Hierarchical clustering analysis combined with more traditional population genetic methods provides a powerful approach for delimiting species and should be regularly applied to ensure that ecological and evolutionary patterns interpreted for single species are not confounded by the presence of cryptic species.
Detecting balancing selection in genomes: limits and prospects
Authors: Fijarczyk Anna , Babik Wiesław 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn spite of the long‐term interest in the process of balancing selection, its frequency in genomes and evolutionary significance remain unclear due to challenges related to its detection. Current statistical approaches based on patterns of variation observed in molecular data suffer from low power and a high incidence of false positives. This raises the question whether balancing selection is rare or is simply difficult to detect. We discuss genetic signatures produced by this mode of selection and review the current approaches used for their identification in genomes. Advantages and disadvantages of the available methods are presented, and areas where improvement is possible are identified. Increased specificity and reduced rate of false positives may be achieved by using a demographic model, applying combinations of tests, appropriate sampling scheme and taking into account intralocus variation in selection pressures. We emphasize novel solutions, recently developed model‐based approaches and good practices that should be implemented in future studies looking for signals of balancing selection. We also draw attention of the readers to the results of recent theoretical studies, which suggest that balancing selection may be ubiquitous but transient, leaving few signatures detectable by existing methods. Testing this new theory may require the development of novel high‐throughput methods extending beyond genomic scans.
The Transformation of Suffering in Paul of the Cross, Lonergan and Buddhism
Authors: Dadosky John D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper explores St. Paul of the Cross's passion-centred spirituality as a context for avoiding the distortions of such spirituality and promoting proper praxis. These distortions are not the legacy of Paul of the Cross himself, but the fact that his contemplation of the passion was primarily performative and mystical, along with the lack of a systematic theology on the passion-death-and resurrection, there remains a context wherein distortions of passion-centred approaches can occur. The paper then presents some aspects of Bernard Lonergan's thought on lex crucis and also from his Trinitarian work in order to provide a theological framework (orthotheoria). This framework can help prevent the distortions of such a passion-centred spirituality and guide orthopraxis of passion-centred spiritualities. In the final section we explore some insights from Buddhism that are consonant with both Paul of the Cross's spirituality and Lonergan's law of the cross as fruits of the Spirit and seeds of the Word.
Extracapillary proliferation is an independent predictive factor in Immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Serriello Ilaria , Polci Rosaria , Feriozzi Sandro , Gigante Antonietta , Di Giulio Salvatore , Rosa Margherita , Galliani Marco , Morosetti Massimo , Pugliese Francesco , Petitti Tommasangelo , Onetti Muda Andrea , Giannakakis Konstantinos 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundOxford classification of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) identifies four pathological features as predictors of renal outcome (MEST‐score): mesangial proliferation (M); endocapillary proliferation (E); segmental glomerulosclerosis (S); tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T). In particular extracapillary proliferation (Ex) was not considered as an independent histological variable predicting renal outcome. Recently the VALIGA study provided a validation of the Oxford classification in a large European cohort of IgAN patients and re‐stated that Ex is not associated with a worse renal prognosis. We propose a retrospective study to evaluate the predictive value of the MEST‐score in a multi‐centre, single region group of patients from central Italy and in addition, to investigate Ex as a marker predicting renal outcome.MethodsOne hundred and seven patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical data of each patient were available at diagnosis and follow‐up. The median age at diagnosis was 36.7 years; 72% of the patients were males. Histological parameters were those included in the MEST‐score of the Oxford classification; in addition, Ex was also assessed.ResultsMultiple linear regression models for survey were used. Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the progression of renal decline, in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate (slope eGFR), and M, S, T. Differently from Oxford and VALIGA studies, no correlation was found with E, while Ex correlated with a decline of eGFR.ConclusionsOur results suggest that Ex represents an additional independent variable associated with a faster decline of renal function in IgAN.
Pit membrane structure is highly variable and accounts for a major resistance to water flow through tracheid pits in stems and roots of two boreal conifer species
Authors: Schulte Paul J. , Hacke Uwe G. , Schoonmaker Amanda L. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

The flow of xylem sap in conifers is strongly dependent on the presence of a low resistance path through bordered pits, particularly through the pores present in the margo of the pit membrane.

A computational fluid dynamics approach was taken, solving the Navier–Stokes equation for models based on the geometry of pits observed in tracheids from stems and roots of Picea mariana (black spruce) and Picea glauca (white spruce).

Model solutions demonstrate a close, inverse relationship between the total resistance of bordered pits and the total area of margo pores. Flow through the margo was dominated by a small number of the widest pores. Particularly for pits where the margo component of flow resistance was low relative to that of the torus, pore location near the inner edge of the margo allowed for greater flow than that occurring through similar‐sized pores near the outer edge of the margo.

Results indicate a surprisingly large variation in pit structure and flow characteristics. Nonetheless, pits in roots have lower resistance to flow than those in stems because the pits were wider and consisted of a margo with a larger area in pores.
Z‐plasty for closure of moderately sized oral defects – a case report
Authors: Weinstock R.J. , Clarkson E.I. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFollowing sharp excision of oral pathology, management of the residual defect is often a quandary. The oral mucosa can often be extensively undermined; however, in some instances, primary closure with local advancement is not desirable because of the potential to distort adjacent anatomy. In such circumstances, alternative treatment options include healing via secondary or tertiary intention. In this article, we present a 79 year‐old female who underwent sharp excision of an epulis fissuratum from the left maxillary labial mucosa resulting in a 3.5 cm oral defect. Using a Z‐plasty transposition flap, closure was achieved without distortion of adjacent anatomy.
Is immunoglobulin E to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins associated with asthma at 20 years?
Authors: Sintobin Ina , Keil Thomas , Lau Susanne , Grabenhenrich Linus , Holtappels Gabriele , Reich Andreas , Wahn Ulrich , Bachert Claus 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn adults, subjects sensitized to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SE) seem to have an increased risk of asthma, whereas this association is less clear in childhood and adolescence. The primary aim of the present analysis was to examine the association between sensitization to SE and asthma at the age of 20 years.MethodsThe German Multicentre Allergy Study recruited 1314 healthy newborns in 1990. We analyzed data from 61 asthmatics (based on at least two criteria: physician diagnosed asthma ever, wheezing in the last 12 months, asthma medication in the last 12 months) and 122 healthy study participants at age 20. In serum, specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to SE and common aeroallergens were measured. The association between asthma at age 20 and sensitization to SE was estimated by logistic regression models considering allergic, socio‐demographic, and lifestyle factors as potential confounders.ResultsFifty‐five percent of the included participants were female. At age 20, subjects sensitized to SE were more likely to have asthma than not‐sensitized subjects: raw odds ratio (OR) 2.5, 95%‐confidence interval (95%CI) [1.3‐4.7]; adjusted OR 1.6, 95%CI [0.8‐3.4].ConclusionAsthmatics at age 20 were more often sensitized to SE compared to controls. Our study may indicate a moderate relationship between SE‐sensitization and asthma; however, this association attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders and was no longer statistically significant. Longitudinal investigations with SE‐IgE measurements at different time points in larger samples are needed to explore the temporal manner of this relationship.
Pharmacology of Bisphosphonates in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ott Susan M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBisphosphonates are medications which bind strongly to mineral. They are ingested by osteoclasts and inhibit an enzyme necessary for bone resorption. The gastrointestinal absorption is poor and the only method of excretion is renal. Therefore, in patients with CKD the body accumulates a higher percentage of a dose of bisphosphonate. These medications remain attached to bone mineral for many years. Although the primary action is to inhibit bone resorption, secondarily bone formation is also inhibited, and in patients with CKD bisphosphonate use often leads to adynamic bone. In some experimental models in animals, the bisphosphonates can inhibit vascular calcification but this effect has not been seen in humans. Intravenous bisphosphonates may cause renal damage but oral doses do not reduce creatinine clearance. In stage 3 CKD, in patients who still have normal PTH, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase, randomized trials show similar benefits as in patients without CKD. Data from stage 4 and 5 CKD are very limited and no clear benefit has been shown.
Optimal PPS Sampling with Vanishing Auxiliary Variables – with Applications in Microscopy
Authors: Andersen Ina Trolle , Hahn Ute , Vedel Jensen Eva B. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRecently, non‐uniform sampling has been suggested in microscopy to increase efficiency. More precisely, proportional to size (PPS) sampling has been introduced, where the probability of sampling a unit in the population is proportional to the value of an auxiliary variable. In the microscopy application, the sampling units are fields of view, and the auxiliary variables are easily observed approximations to the variables of interest. Unfortunately, often some auxiliary variables vanish, that is, are zero‐valued. Consequently, part of the population is inaccessible in PPS sampling. We propose a modification of the design based on a stratification idea, for which an optimal solution can be found, using a model‐assisted approach. The new optimal design also applies to the case where ‘vanish’ refers to missing auxiliary variables and has independent interest in sampling theory. We verify robustness of the new approach by numerical results, and we use real data to illustrate the applicability.
Performance Management, Caseloads and the Frontline Provision of Social Services
Authors: van Berkel Rik , Knies Eva 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCaseloads and performance management are important working conditions of workers delivering public social services in street‐level organizations. The literature on these working conditions argues that high caseloads and performance management have considerable consequences for workers' performance in terms of the quality of services they provide and the results they realize. This article empirically investigates and compares these consequences, drawing on the results of a quantitative study of frontline workers in 14 local welfare agencies in the Netherlands. These workers are responsible for the delivery of welfare‐to‐work policies to social assistance recipients. The findings show that high caseloads do, indeed, have a detrimental effect on workers' performance, whereas the impact of performance management is more modest, though confirming some of the findings reported in other studies on performance management. The results also show that by focusing service provision on a proportion of their caseload, workers are able to reduce the negative impact of high caseloads somewhat. Overall, the article finds that the negative impact of high caseloads is more pervasive than that of performance management. The article concludes that the recent focus in the literature on performance management and its consequences for public services should not turn scholars' attention away from the ‘traditional’ public administration problem of high caseload sizes.