bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atherosclerotic diseases and lung cancer – a ten-year cross-sectional study in Cyprus
Authors: Rethemiotaki Irene 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionThe main purpose of this work is to study atherosclerotic diseases and lung cancer in Cyprus during the period 2007–2017 with the aim of finding not only the atherosclerotic diseases with the highest risk but also a possible association between these diseases and lung cancer.Material and methodsThe statistical methods used to extract the results of this work are Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), in order to check the statistical significance of atherosclerotic diseases with regard to the characteristics of the patients. Additionally, a multiple logistic regression analysis was used with the aim of finding the disease with the highest risk. Pearson’s r was used to find a possible association between atherosclerotic diseases and lung cancer.ResultsAs specified by multiple logistic regression analysis, the atherosclerotic diseases with the highest risk of death are intracranial haemorrhage (OR = 17.3), heart failure (OR = 3.29), and stroke (OR = 3.02), with females having higher risk compared to men. Moreover, a statistically significant relation was found between heart failure and cerebral infarction with lung cancer.ConclusionsThe results of this work highlight the statistically significant characteristics of patients with atherosclerotic diseases and identify the risk of death according to the type of the disease. A link between these diseases and cancer was also identified.
Atheroprotective effects of 17β-oestradiol are mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Jehle Julian , Tiyerili Vedat , Adler Sandra , Groll Katharina , Nickenig Georg , Becher Ulrich M. 
Published: July 2020

Introduction17β-oestradiol (E2) mediates vasculoprotection in various preclinical and clinical models of atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are still not fully elucidated. Previous studies have demonstrated the essential role of the peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor-γ (PPARγ) in mediating vasculoprotective effects of E2 in vivo. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether PPARγ mediates vasculoprotective mechanisms of E2 in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC).Material and methodsPrimary HCASMC were stimulated with E2 (10 nM), the selective oestrogen receptor α (ERα) agonist propylpyrazole triol (PPT) (50 nM) and the selective ERα antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP) (1 µM), respectively. Changes in PPARγ mRNA, protein expression, and DNA binding affinity were assessed.ResultsE2 significantly increased PPARγ expression in HCASMC (1.95 ±0.41-fold; n = 5; p = 0.0335). This effect was mimicked by ERα agonist PPT (1.63 ±0.27-fold; n = 7; p = 0.0489) and was abrogated by co-incubation with ERα antagonist MPP (1.17 ±0.18-fold; n = 3; pvs. control > 0.05). PPARγ-DNA binding activity to PPRE remained unchanged upon stimulation with E2 (0.94 ±0.11-fold; n = 4; pvs. control > 0.05). Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/Akt by LY294002 abrogated E2-induced expression of PPARγ (0.24 ±0.09-fold; n = 3; pvs. E2 = 0.0017).ConclusionsThe present study identifies PPARγ as an important downstream mediator of E2-related atheroprotective effects in HCASMC. PPARγ agonism might be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent neointimal hyperplasia and consecutive cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women with depleted E2 plasma levels.
An experimental study of buckwheat polysaccharide in adjuvant therapy for S180 sarcoma mice
Authors: Fan Duo-Jiao , Sun Peng , Han Shu-Ying 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionTo discuss the auxiliary therapeutic effect of buckwheat polysaccharide (BP) on S180 sarcoma.Material and methodsBuckwheat polysaccharide was extracted with water and precipitated with ethanol. Solid tumor and ascites tumor mice models were established. The mice in the high, medium and low dosing groups (n = 24, each group) had their stomachs filled with different doses of BP. The cyclophosphamide (CTX) group and the model group (n = 24, each group) were used as control groups. The influence on the life cycle, the rate of suppressing the tumor, the thymus index, and the spleen index were evaluated. Tumor cells were cultured in vitro and intervened with drugs; flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in the cell cycle.ResultsBuckwheat polysaccharide significantly improved the lifespan and survival rate of the mice. The group of mice treated with the medium dose showed the best survival rate when compared to the ones that received high and low doses of BP (p < 0.01). The tumor cells cultured in vitro were arrested in the G0/G1 phase to some extent (p > 0.05). The cyclophosphamide arrested the cycle of the tumor cells in the G2/M period (p < 0.01). Buckwheat polysaccharide could increase the thymus index, spleen index and the rate of suppressing the tumor, but the differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionsBuckwheat polysaccharide had no obvious effect in inhibiting the growth of tumors, but it significantly extended the lifespan, increased the survival rate and reduced the toxic effect of CTX.
Investigating exercise intensity in virtual reality among healthy volunteers
Authors: Szary Patryk , Kiper Paweł , Buchta Katarzyna , Bedrunka Dawid , Zabłotni Sabina , Rutkowska Anna , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna , Rutkowski Sebastian 
Published: July 2020

PurposeCurrently, few studies have presented comprehensive reports on exercise intensity in virtual reality among healthy subjects. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the energy expenditure of young individuals during an active game in virtual reality.MethodsA total of 32 healthy adults, 12 males and 20 females, were examined. Their mean age was 20.6 (± 1.4) years. The average BMI equalled 23.29 (± 2.3) kg/m<sup>2</sup>. The subjects participated in 15-minute training sessions, with the frequency of 4 sessions weekly, for 2 weeks. Xbox 360<sup>®</sup> and Kinect<sup>®</sup> Adventures software were used for the virtual reality training. Energy expenditure expressed in kcal, metabolic equivalent of task (MET), and the number of steps were the primary outcomes. The SenseWear Armband was used to assess energy expenditure. The study applied the Xbox 360 console along with a Kinect motion sensor.ResultsDuring one day of training, the average energy value was 3.7 MET and 46 kcal. During one session, 318 steps were noted. The analysis of all predictors between trainings of each single day did not show any statistically significant difference.ConclusionsTraining in virtual reality with the application of the Kinect system provides health benefits and can be an alternative to traditional physical activity. However, 15 minutes of daily training cannot be the only basis for physical activity.
Effects of cinnamon extract supplementation on creatine kinase activity in badminton athletes
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi , Apriantono Tommy , Winata Bagus , Hasan Fahmi , Apriyanto Tirto , Syahruddin Syahruddin 
Published: July 2020

PurposeCinnamon extract, which is the result of extraction from the bark of the genus Cinnamomum, belonging to the Lauraceae family, which grows in several continents, such as Asia, Australia, and America (South America), has made researchers enthusiastic to apply it as an athlete supplement. The purpose of this study was to examine whether 6-week daily consumption of cinnamon extract would affect anaerobic performance and reduce creatine kinase activity in badminton athletes.MethodsOverall, 30 male badminton athletes (aged 19–21 years) were enrolled and recruited into the study; 15 participants were randomly assigned to the cinnamon group and the other group was a placebo group. Both groups underwent pre- and post-supplementation tests, which covered anaerobic capacity (20-m sprint test) and physical fitness (vertical jump, agility T-test, and sit-ups). A 5-minute rest was applied between the tests. Blood serum was analysed with the use of a chemistry auto-analyser (Cobas Mira S, USA) with the kinetic method to measure creatine kinase activity before and after the tests.ResultsFor the post-test creatine kinase activity, the results showed a significant main effect for group (<i>p</i> = 0.022) and time (<i>p</i> = 0.018) and significant time × group interactions (<i>p</i> = 0.013). The T-test revealed a significant two-way interaction for time × group (<i>p</i> = 0.007). Additionally, there was a significant main effect for group (<i>p</i> = 0.025) and time (<i>p</i> = 0.003).ConclusionsWe demonstrated that cinnamon extract could reduce creatine kinase activity and improve agility T-test performance in badminton athletes.
Assessing the quality of life and depression among patients with heart failure and heart attack
Authors: Giournta Anna-Maria , Alikari Victoria , Platis Charalampos , Oikonomopoulou Georgia , Alefragkis Dimitrios , Theofilou Paraskevi 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundHealth-related quality and of life and depression are major issues among patients with heart diseases. The aim of the current study was to assess the levels of quality of life and depression among patients with heart failure and heart attack as well as the correlation between these domains and the differences in both categories.Participants and procedureIn this cross-sectional study the following tools were used: a) the Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index (MVQoLI-15), which examines 5 domains of quality of life, and b) the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which measures depression among patients. Finally, a questionnaire about sociodemographic elements was completed by the patients. Data were analyzed through IBM Statistics SPSS 20.0. The statistical level was set at 0.05%.ResultsThe mean value of CES-D Total and MVQoLI-15 were higher for the patients suffering from heart failure than those suffering from a heart attack. However, the dimensions of MVQoLI-15 Interpersonal Relationships, Well-Being and Transcendence were lower for heart failure patients compared to the levels of the patients suffering from a heart attack. According to the Pearson r test, there was a statistically significant negative correlation be-tween the quality of life and depression (p = .001) in the overall sample.ConclusionsPatients with heart failure experience more depression and lower quality of life than heart attack patients.
Gallium-67 SPECT-CT for the evaluation of head and neck: preliminary study on maximum standardised uptake value in lesions, and in the parotid and submandibular glands
Authors: Oohashi Makoto , Toshima Hiroo , Hayama Kazuhide , Ogura Ichiro 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the gallium-67 (<sup>67</sup>Ga) single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) for the evaluation of head and neck, especially maximum standardised uptake value (SUV<sub>max</sub>) in lesions, and in the parotid and submandibular glands.Material and methodsFourteen patients with head and neck lesions who underwent SPECT-CT at 72 hours after injection of <sup>67</sup>Ga were included in this study. The <sup>67</sup>Ga SPECT-CT parameters SUV<sub>max</sub> were compared between the parotid glands and submandibular glands. Statistical analyses for the SUV<sub>max</sub> were performed by Mann-Whitney U test. A p value lower than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsOf all 14 patients, <sup>67</sup>Ga SPECT-CT was positive for two cases (one malignant lymphoma and one osteomye­litis). The SUV<sub>max</sub> for malignant lymphoma and osteomyelitis were 11.21 and 10.95, respectively. Furthermore, SUV<sub>max</sub> for parotid glands and submandibular glands of all patients were 4.86 ± 1.89 and 4.64 ± 1.64, respectively (p = 0.694).ConclusionsThis study investigated the <sup>67</sup>Ga SPECT-CT for the evaluation of head and neck, especially SUV<sub>max</sub> of lesions, and the parotid and submandibular glands. <sup>67</sup>Ga SPECT-CT may be an effective technique for the evaluation of maxillofacial lesions.
Recommendations of the Polish Medical Society of Radiology and
the Polish Society of Neurology for a protocol concerning routinely used
magnetic resonance imaging in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sąsiadek Marek , Hartel Marcin , Siger Małgorzata , Katulska Katarzyna , Majos Agata , Kluczewska Ewa , Bartosik-Psujek Halina , Kułakowska Alina , Słowik Agnieszka , Steinborn Barbara , Adamczyk-Sowa Monika , Kalinowska Alicja , Krzystanek Ewa , Bonek Robert , Serafin Zbigniew , Sławek Jarosław , Nowacki Przemysław , Stępień Adam , Jóźwiak Sergiusz , Rejdak Konrad , Selmaj Krzysztof , Walecki Jerzy 
Published: July 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used method for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) that is essential for the detection and follow-up of the disease.<br />
The Polish Medical Society of Radiology (PLTR) and the Polish Society of Neurology (PTN) present the second version of their recommendations for investigations routinely conducted in MRI departments in patients with multiple sclerosis. This version includes new data and practical comments for electroradiology technologists and radiologists. The recommended protocol aims to improve the MRI procedure and, most importantly, to standardise the method of conducting scans in all MRI departments. This is crucial for the initial diagnostics necessary for establishing a diagnosis, as well as for MS patient monitoring, which directly translates into significant clinical decisions.<br />
MS is a chronic immune mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), the aetiology of which is still unknown. The nature of the disease lies in a CNS destruction process disseminated in time and space. MRI detects focal lesions in the white and grey matter with high sensitivity (although with significantly lower specificity in the latter). It is also the best tool to assess brain atrophy in patients with MS in terms of grey matter volume and white matter volume as well as local atrophy (by measuring the volume of thalamus, corpus callosum, subcortical nuclei, and hippocampus) as parameters that correlate with disability progression and cognitive dysfunctions. Progress in MR techniques, as well as advances in postprocessing the obtained data, has driven the dynamic development of computer programs that allow for a more repeatable assessment of brain atrophy in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. MRI is unquestionably the best diagnostic tool available to follow up the course of the disease and support clinicians in choosing the most appropriate treatment strategy for their MS patient. However, to diagnose and follow up MS patients on the basis of MRI in accordance with the latest standards, the MRI study must adhere to certain quality criteria. Such criteria are the subject of this paper.
Gross tumour volume comparison in oropharynx carcinomas using different intelligent imaging software. A retrospective analysis
Authors: Stuppner Sigmund , Waskiewicz Justyna , Ruiu Antonio 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTo compare gross tumour volume (GTV) in oropharynx carcinomas using different intelligent imaging software and to evaluate which method is more reliable for tumour volume definition in comparison with 3D ProSoma software.Material and methodsWe retrospectively studied 32 patients with histopathologically confirmed oropharynx carcinomas on dual-source computed tomography (CT) (all patients underwent multislice CT examination after applying 75 ml iodinated non-ionic contrast media). One radiologist calculated the tumour volume – manually measuring tumour length (L), width (W), and height (H) – and then calculated the tumour volume using the formula 0.5236 × L × W × H. The other radiologist used the syngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software to calculate the tumour volumes. Both volume measuring methods were compared with the 3D ProSoma software, which is used by radiotherapists to calculate tumour volumes. Graphpad Prism software was used for statistical data.Resultssyngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software for gross tumour volume determination has greater reliability than the standard manual method with Syngo Plaza in comparison with the 3D ProSoma software.Conclusionssyngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software is a reliable tool for GTV calculation, with a high correlation score, like that of radiotherapeutic 3D ProSoma software.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Williams Richard 
Published: July 2020

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2AncaLuiza Stanila, CPA, RomaniaAngel Ramon Sanchez Delgado, Universidade federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BrazilAriel Reinaldo Soto Caro, Universidad de Concepción, ChileArnaud Z. Dragicevic, IRSTEA, FranceBabak Mohammadi, University of Tehran, IranBenard Kiplangat Rop, University of Nairobi, KenyaBoumahdi Merad Zoubeida, University Blida, AlgeriaCamilla H. M. Camargos, University of Campinas, BrazilChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USACleber Duarte, University of Guararapes, BrazilEben von Well, Agricultural Research Council, South AfricaEliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianElizabeth Amélia Alves Duarte, College Maria Milza-FAMAM, BrazilEric Krawczyk, University of Michigan, USAEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandFábio Cassola, UNICAMP, BrazilFortune Ogo-ndah Awala, University of Port Harcourt, NigeriaGuitong Li, China Agricultural University, ChinaHedayatollah K. Soureshjani, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, IranJanerson Jose Coelho, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, BrazilJeferson Coutinho, Federal Institute of Science, BrazilJuliana Nneka Ikpe, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, NigeriaMd. Sadique Rahman, ShereBangla Agricultural University, BangladeshMohamed Mattar, King Saud University, Saudi ArabiaMohammed El Basuini, Kagoshima University, JapanNkemkanma Vivian Agi, Rivers State University Port Harcourt, NigeriaRafael Cardoso Rial, Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, BrazilSabatino Cuomo, University of Salerno, ItalySahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USAServet Aras, Bozok University, TurkeyShakirudeen Abimbola Lawal, University of Cape Town, South AfricaShubha Kumari, ICARRCER, IndiaSina Nabaei, Azad University, IranSomaia Alkhair, Alzaeim Alazhari University, SudanSudu Hakuruge Pushpa Malkanthi, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri LankaToncho Gospodinov Penev, Trakia University, BulgariaTugay Ayasan, East Mediterrenaen Agricultural Research Institute, TurkeyUtkarsh R. Moon, Mahatma Gandhi College of Science, IndiaWossenie Shibabaw Mebratie, Bahir Dar University, EthiopiaZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZeinab Mohammadi Shad, Iowa State University, USAZhao Chen, Clemson University, USA Richard WilliamsEditorial AssistantJournal of Agricultural Studies--------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email 1: jas@macrothink.orgEmail 2: jas@macrothink.comURL: http://jas.macrothink.org
Exploring New Ways of Communicating CSR to the Relevant Stakeholders: An Empirical Study
Authors: Bashar Mohammad Abul 
Published: July 2020

A flower must be pollinated properly to produce seeds as final outcome of next germination to create new flowers and so on. Accordingly Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) actions and practices of an enterprise should be communicated with its stakeholders. CSR and CSR communication should go hand-by-hand. The recent business trend shows that businesses are becoming increasingly aware of CSR and CSR communication systems. Existing studies, firm’s case study and real world phenomenon also reveal that business houses and society are benefiting from CSR actions and communicating those with their stakeholders. This research explores CSR and CSR communicating strategies and finds that stakeholders have in-depth concerns about CSR. It’s interesting that popular CSR practices like charity and philanthropic actions have been replaced by environmental (carbon footprint, air and water pollution), legal (complying regulatory imperatives) and ethical (promoting corporate ethics, norms and values) etc. Moreover, the study also shows that communicating CSR actions through CSR reporting, company annual reports or firm’s sustainability reports and advertising have become less fashionable means of exchanging CSR efforts while academic books (companies are cited as examples or extracted as referred case studies), newspaper, internet and third party (social, political, local government authorities) association have become more trusted ways of communicating CSR motives, practices and actions.
Risk Factors for Elbow Joint Contracture After Surgical Repair of Traumatic Elbow Fracture
Authors: Carlock Kurtis D. , Bianco Isabella R. , Kugelman David N. , Konda Sanjit R. , Egol Kenneth A. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose:
The ability to predict contracture development after elbow fracture would benefit patients and physicians. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the development of posttraumatic elbow joint contracture.

Methods:
A retrospective review of elbow fractures (AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] type 13 and 21) treated at one institution between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Data collected included demographics, injury information, treatment, and postoperative elbow range of motion (ROM). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with contracture development. Notable contracture was defined as an arc of motion less than 100° flexion/extension, which has been associated with reduced ability to perform activities of daily living.

Results:
A total of 278 patients at least 1 8 years of age underwent surgical repair of an elbow fracture or fracture-dislocation during the study period and had at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Forty-two (15.1%) developed a clinically notable elbow contracture, of whom 29 (69.0%) developed heterotopic ossification (HO). Multivariate analysis of preoperative variables demonstrated that AO/OTA 13-C fracture classification (odds ratio [OR], 13.7, P = 0.025), multiple noncontiguous fractures (OR, 3.7, P = 0.010), and ulnohumeral dislocation at the time of injury (OR, 4.9, P = 0.005) were independently associated with contracture development. At 6 weeks postoperatively, an arc of elbow ROM less than 50° flexion/extension (OR, 23.0, P < 0.0005) and the presence of HO on radiographs (OR, 6.7, P < 0.0005) were found to be independent risk factors for significant elbow stiffness.

Discussion:
Ulnohumeral dislocation, multiple noncontiguous fractures, AO/OTA 13-C fracture classification, limited elbow ROM at 6 weeks postoperatively, and the presence of radiographic HO at 6 weeks postoperatively are associated with contracture development after surgical elbow fracture repair. Patients with these risk factors should receive aggressive physical therapy and be counseled as to the possible development of a contracture requiring surgical intervention.