bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine therapy for gastroparesis
Authors: Sun Manqiang , Chen Qi , Li Quanwang , Gao Lei , Zhou Qin , Zhou Tian , Wang Jianfeng , Duan Hua , Pang Haoyue , Hu Kaiwen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background:
Gastroparesis affects the quality of life of many patients, but there is no effective treatment. Now, complementary and alternative medicine originated from China is gradually accepted by the world because of its unique treatment principles and relatively safe treatment methods. However, at present, there is still a lack of more definitive clinical application evidence for the treatment of gastroparesis with complementary and alternative medicine to confirm the safety and efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of gastroparesis caused by various causes. More comprehensive and stronger evidence-based medicine evidence is needed.

Methods:
We will retrieve literatures using Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library database, Web of science, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and WanFang. We will look for RCTs or CCTs on the use of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of gastroparesis, and extract relevant data into the excel sheet. The whole retrieval and data extraction process were carried out by 2 researchers independently. Then we will use meta-analysis to make statistical analysis of all the results and make a systematic review of all the included literatures.

Results:
All results and safety data were analyzed for a comprehensive evaluation and/or descriptive analysis of the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for gastroparesis.

Conclusion:
This study will provide more comprehensive clinical evidence for the treatment of gastroparesis with complementary and alternative therapies.

Registration:
The research has been registered and approved on the INPLASY.COM website. The registration number is INPLASY2020100033.
Dynamic Change in Serum Alpha-fetoprotein Level Predicts Treatment Response and Prognosis of Alpha-fetoprotein-producing Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Ruhan , Li Jing , Xu Dan , Li Ruiyang , Gong Ping 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is rare and associated with a suboptimal prognosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify prognostic factors, with a particular focus on the dynamics of serum AFP levels during treatment, in AFPGC patients.
Data of patients with pathologically diagnosed primary gastric cancer treated with various modalities electronically collected in the medical management systems of 2 hospitals (ie, Shihezi People's Hospital and Shihezi Hospital) in Shihezi city, northwest China, from January 2007 to October 2018 were reviewed. Patients with AFPGC were identified based on serum AFP levels. Associations of the change in serum AFP levels and clinicopathological parameters with treatment response, including the overall response rate and disease control rate, and outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), were compared among different groups.
Of 2354 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer, 96 patients with AFPGC were identified. The objective response rate and disease control rate were significantly higher in patients whose AFP level decreased by ≥50% than in patients whose AFP level decreased by <50% (68.8% vs. 40.6%, and 87.5% vs. 53.1%, respectively, both P < .05). The median OS and PFS were 32.0 (4-74) and 24.0 (1-66) months, respectively, in patients with a ≥50% decline in AFP, and 12.5 (0-69) and 9.0 (0-63) months, respectively, in those with a <50% decline in AFP (both P < .05). On univariate and multivariate analyses, tumor, node, metastasis staging classification stage, liver metastasis, curable surgery, and the decline in the serum AFP level were associated with OS and PFS.
A significant decline in the serum AFP level was associated with good treatment response and prognosis in AFPGC. Along with a decline in the serum AFP level, tumor, node, metastasis staging classification stage, liver metastasis, and curable surgery were also independent factors associated with prognosis.
Periurethral Lidocaine Does Not Decrease Pain After Urodynamic Testing in Women: A Double-Blinded Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Avondstondt Andrea M. , Chiu Stephanie , Salamon Charbel 
Published: November 2020

Objective
Urodynamic testing of women is a common procedure to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms but may cause discomfort. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of externally applied periurethral 2% lidocaine gel on pain scores after complex urodynamic testing in women.

Methods
This prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial compared 2% lidocaine gel to water-based lubricant applied to the periurethral area before urodynamic testing in women. Discomfort was measured using a visual analog pain scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 100. The primary outcome was the difference in VAS from baseline to 4 to 6 hours after urodynamic testing. Secondary outcomes included: VAS difference from baseline to immediately postprocedure and 24 hours after urodynamic testing; VAS scores: at baseline, immediately postprocedure, after 4–6 hours, and after 24 hours; urodynamic testing results; and any adverse events. Sixty-four women per group were needed to provide a power of 80% to detect a 10-mm difference on a 100-point VAS.

Results
From January 2018 to March 2019, 134 subjects were randomized, 6 subjects were excluded, which resulted in 64 subjects in both the water-based lubricant group and 2% lidocaine gel group. There was no difference in baseline demographics. There was no significant difference in the change in VAS from baseline to 4 to 6 hours after UDT (0, 0 P = 0.88). No difference in secondary outcomes was noted.

Conclusions
Topically applied 2% lidocaine gel does not decrease pain compared with water-based lubricant. For most women, complex urodynamic testing is not associated with any significant pain.

Clinical Trial Registration:
www.ClinicalTrials.gov,—NCT03390790, “Lidocaine for Pain After Urodynamic Testing”.
FGF signaling dynamics regulates epithelial patterning and morphogenesis
Authors: Sumbal Jakub , Vranova Tereza , Koledova Zuzana 
Published: November 2020

SummarySingle cell assays revealed that growth factor signaling dynamics is actively sensed by a cell and ultimately controls cell fate. However, the effects of growth factor signaling dynamics at the tissue level have been unknown. We used mammary epithelial organoids, time-lapse imaging, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) variants of different stabilities, mathematical modeling, and perturbation analysis to study the role of FGF2 signaling dynamics in epithelial morphogenesis. We found that fluctuant and sustained FGF signaling dynamics induced distinct morphological and functional states of mammary epithelium through differential employment of intracellular effectors ERK and AKT. ERK activity domains determined epithelial branch size, while AKT activity drove epithelial stratification. Furthermore, FGF signaling dynamics affected epithelial tissue mechanoresponsiveness to extracellular matrix, thereby impinging upon branch elongation. Our study provides new insights into regulation of epithelial patterning and branching morphogenesis by FGF signaling dynamics and into downstream signaling effectors that regulate cellular outcomes.
Development and validation of behavioral biases scale: a SEM approach
Authors: Ritika  , Kishor Nawal 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis paper attempts to identify the biases in decision-making of individual investors. The paper aims to develop and validate a higher-order behavioral biases scale.Design/methodology/approachScale development is done by identifying the relevant items of the scale through existing literature and then, adding new items for some biases. In phase 1, using a structured questionnaire, data was collected from 274 investors who invest in financial markets. The major dimensions of the scale have been pruned by using exploratory factor analysis administered on data collected in phase 1. Higher-order CFA is used to analyze the data and to validate the scale on another set of data (collected in phase 2) containing 576 investors.FindingsThe study reveals that the scale for measuring behavioral biases has many dimensions. It has two second-order factors and 13 zero-order constructs. Two second-order constructs have been modeled on the basis of cause of errors in investment decision-making, that is, biases caused due to cognition, biases caused due to emotions.Originality/valueBehavioral biases are yet to receive a due attention, especially, in the Indian context. The present research is focusing on providing an empirically tested scale to test the behavioral biases. Some of the biases, which have been analyzed using secondary data in previous studies, have been tested with the help of statements in this study.
Ketamine as a rescue treatment for severe acute behavioural disturbance: A prospective prehospital study
Authors: Isoardi Katherine Z , Parker Lachlan E , Page Colin B , Humphreys Michael A , Harris Keith , Rashford Stephen , Isbister Geoffrey K 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveRapidly and safely managing severe acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) in the prehospital setting is important for the welfare of both patient and prehospital clinician alike. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of ketamine as rescue sedation in patients with severe ABD.MethodsThis prospective observational study investigated ketamine use by a state ambulance service as rescue sedation for patients with severe ABD who remained agitated following droperidol administration. The primary outcome was the proportion of adverse events (vomiting, hypersalivation, emergence, over‐sedation, airway obstruction, laryngospasm, hypoxia, bradypnoea and intubation). Secondary outcomes included time to sedation, requirement for additional sedation and rate of successful sedation.ResultsThere were 105 presentations (males 69/102 [69%]; median age 31 years (16–83 years). The commonest causes of ABD were illicit drug (39%) and alcohol (33%) intoxication. The median total dose of intramuscular ketamine was 200 mg (interquartile range [IQR] 150–200 mg). There were 64 adverse events in 40 (38%) patients. Four had vomiting, two had hypersalivation, two had emergence, 15 were oversedated, four had hypoxia, three had bradypnoea and 16 were intubated. Sedation was achieved in 103 (98%) patients at a median time post‐ketamine of 8 min (IQR 5–13 min). Additional sedation was administered to 41 patients (nine prehospital and 37 within 1 h of arriving to hospital). In 44 (42%) patients, ketamine successfully sedated the patient with no adverse effects and no ongoing sedation requirement.ConclusionThe use of ketamine as rescue sedation in prehospital patients with severe ABD is effective. Adverse events are common but can be managed supportively.
The impact of voluntary capital adequacy disclosure on bank lending and liquidity creation
Authors: Zelenyuk Natalya , Faff Robert , Pathan Shams 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUsing a sample of 40 US banks that make voluntary disclosure of capital adequacy, we investigate the extent to which such voluntary disclosures influence growth in bank lending and liquidity creation. Combining two theories linked to the performance effects of (i) voluntary disclosure and (ii) leverage adjustment, we document novel evidence in favour of our hypotheses: a positive relation between voluntary bank disclosure and bank lending (liquidity creation). Our analysis provides some evidence that these positive linkages occur through a cost of capital channel.
Joint Sustainability Development in a Supply Chain
Authors: Yoon Jiho , Song Ju Myung , Choi Ji‐Hung (Ryan) , Talluri Srinivas (Sri) 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTIntense media scrutiny and public backlash stimulate consumers to be conscientious about sustainability issues from the supply chain (SC) perspective. Accordingly, our focus in this article is on joint sustainability issues in a manufacturer–supplier relationship under a contract that possibly shares sustainability‐related costs, when there exists a supplier's potentially deficient sustainability effort. We find that the manufacturer may prefer indirect (i.e., paying a higher component price to its supplier) rather than direct support (i.e., increasing subsidies for a supplier's sustainability expenditures) when consumers are sensitive to the supplier's sustainability. We further find that as consumers' sensitivity to the supplier's sustainability increases, an uncoordinated SC will gradually approach the coordinated SC. This occurs because the increased sensitivity encourages greater cooperation among SC members. Our findings will help establish a better understanding of the joint sustainability development issues in an SC.
Topical application with conjugated linoleic acid ameliorates 2, 4‐dinitrofluorobenzene‐induced atopic dermatitis‐like lesions in BALB/c mice
Authors: Tang Liu , Cao Xiaoqin , Li Xiaolei , Ding Hong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, eczematous lesions, pruritus, and abnormal immune responses. In this study, we assessed the therapeutic effect of topical applied conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on a murine AD model that was developed by repetitive applications of 2, 4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). 2% or 5% CLA could markedly ameliorate AD‐like skin lesions, scratching behaviour and skin inflammation as evidenced by the reduced inflammatory blood cells, IgE and Th2‐related cytokine levels, and the infiltration of mast cells and inflammatory cells to the dermal tissues. Moreover, topical application with CLA modulated skin barrier repair including maintaining a balanced skin pH and increasing skin hydration, partially mediated by upregulating skin barrier‐related protein, filaggrin (FLG). In addition, topical CLA significantly dose‐dependently inhibited pro‐inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and pro‐inflammatory enzyme expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in inflamed mice skin. Its anti‐inflammatory effect was associated with the inhibition of DNFB‐stimulated IκBα and NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation in mouse skin. Taken together, our results suggest that locally applied CLA exerts potentially protective effects against AD lesional skin at least in part, due to regulation of skin barrier function and inflammatory response.
ETFAD/EADV Eczema task force 2020 position paper on diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults and children
Authors: Wollenberg A. , Christen‐Zäch S. , Taieb A. , Paul C. , Thyssen J.P. , de Bruin‐Weller M. , Vestergaard C. , Seneschal J. , Werfel T. , Cork M.J. , Kunz B. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Trzeciak M. , Darsow U. , Szalai Z. , Deleuran M. , von Kobyletzki L. , Barbarot S. , Heratizadeh A. , Gieler U. , Hijnen D.J. , Weidinger S. , De Raeve L. , Svensson Å. , Simon D. , Stalder J.F. , Ring J. ,   for the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis/EADV Eczema Task Force
Published: November 2020

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly pruritic, chronic inflammatory skin disease. The diagnosis is made using evaluated clinical criteria. Disease activity and burden are best measured with a composite score, assessing both objective and subjective symptoms, such as SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). AD management must take into account clinical and pathogenic variabilities, the patient’s age and also target flare prevention. Basic therapy includes hydrating and barrier‐stabilizing topical treatment universally applied, as well as avoiding specific and unspecific provocation factors. Visible skin lesions are treated with anti‐inflammatory topical agents such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus and pimecrolimus), which are preferred in sensitive locations. Topical tacrolimus and some mid‐potency corticosteroids are proven agents for proactive therapy, which is defined as the long‐term intermittent anti‐inflammatory therapy of frequently relapsing skin areas. Systemic anti‐inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment is a rapidly changing field requiring monitoring. Oral corticosteroids have a largely unfavourable benefit–risk ratio. The IL‐4R‐blocker dupilumab is a safe, effective and licensed, but expensive, treatment option with potential ocular side‐effects. Other biologicals targeting key pathways in the atopic immune response, as well as different Janus kinase inhibitors, are among emerging treatment options. Dysbalanced microbial colonization and infection may induce disease exacerbation and can justify additional antimicrobial treatment. Systemic antihistamines (H1R‐blockers) only have limited effects on AD‐related itch and eczema lesions. Adjuvant therapy includes UV irradiation, preferably narrowband UVB or UVA1. Coal tar may be useful for atopic hand and foot eczema. Dietary recommendations should be patient‐specific, and elimination diets should only be advised in case of proven food allergy. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy to aeroallergens may be useful in selected cases. Psychosomatic counselling is recommended to address stress‐induced exacerbations. Efficacy‐proven 'Eczema school' educational programmes and therapeutic patient education are recommended for both children and adults.
Influence of acquirer boards on M&A value creation: Evidence from Continental Europe
Authors: Defrancq Corneel , Huyghebaert Nancy , Luypaert Mathieu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe examine how the size and the composition of acquirer boards are associated with shareholder abnormal returns for 2,230 M&As made by listed firms in Continental Europe. Although board size proves insignificant, our findings do offer some evidence as to a beneficial effect of board diversity on M&A value creation. Gender diversity appears marginally positively associated with acquirer shareholder abnormal returns. The fraction of foreign directors is in general not significantly positive, unless the rule of law in the acquirer country is weak. Nonetheless, nationality diversity in the board turns out harmful in purely domestic takeovers. The influence of age diversity is marginally positive, yet only in domestic and horizontal takeovers. Next, the fraction of independent directors has a robust positive effect on the acquirer CAR, while directors with multiple board appointments prove valuable especially through preventing firms from pursuing poor takeovers. Finally, CEO duality is detrimental only in industry‐diversifying deals initiated by acquirers that are not controlled by an individual or a family shareholder. Any negative CEO‐duality effect is mitigated when the acquirer‐country rule of law is strong.
Activation and expression of endogenous CREB‐regulated transcription coactivators (CRTC) 1, 2 and 3 in the rat adrenal gland
Authors: Smith Lorna I. F. , Zhao Zidong , Walker Jamie , Lightman Stafford , Spiga Francesca 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe activation and nuclear translocation of cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB)‐regulated transcription coactivator (CRTC)2 occurs in the rat adrenal gland, in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and stressors, and has been implicated in the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). We have recently demonstrated the activation of CRTC isoforms, CRTC1 and CRTC3, in adrenocortical cell lines. In the present study, we aimed to determine the activation and expression of the three CRTC isoforms in vivo in relation to Star transcription, under basal conditions and following a robust endotoxic stress challenge. Rat adrenal glands and blood plasma were collected following i.v. administration of either an ultradian‐sized pulse of ACTH or administration of lipopolysaccharide, as well as under unstressed conditions across the 24‐hour period. Plasma ACTH and corticosterone (CORT) were measured and the adrenal glands were processed for measurement of protein by western immunoblotting, RNA by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and association of CRTC2 and CRTC3 with the Star promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation. An increase in nuclear localisation of CRTC2 and CRTC3 followed increases in both ultradian and endotoxic stress‐induced plasma ACTH, and this was associated with increased CREB phosphorylation and corresponding increases in Star transcription. Both CRTC2 and CRTC3 were shown to associate with the Star promoter, with the dynamics of CRTC3 binding corresponding to that of nuclear changes in protein levels. CRTC isoforms show little variation in ultradian expression or variation across 24 hours, although evidence of long‐term down‐regulation following endotoxic stress was found. We conclude that co‐transcription factors CRTC2 and, more clearly, CRTC3 appear to act alongside phosphorylated CREB in the generation of ultradian pulses of Star transcription, essential for the maintenance of basal StAR expression. Similarly, our findings suggest CRTC2 and CRTC3 mediate Star transcriptional initiation following an endotoxic stressor; however, other transcription factors are likely to be responsible for the long‐term up‐regulation of adrenal Star transcription.
Outcomes of infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Choi Yu Hyeon , An Hong Yul , Kim You Sun , Park June Dong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSome infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) are referred to higher‐level centers for multidisciplinary care, including the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). However, information regarding these infants is limited in PICUs.MethodsWe investigated the characteristics and outcomes of preterm infants with sBPD referred to the PICU of a tertiary hospital. This retrospective cohort study included 14 preterm infants with sBPD who were transferred to the PICU beyond 40 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) because of weaning failure, from January 1, 2014, to September 30, 2018.ResultsThe median age at referral was 47.1 weeks (range, 43.6–55.9 weeks), and the median length of stay in the previous neonatal intensive care unit was 154 days (range, 105.8–202.3 days) after birth. After referral the following major comorbidities were found in the patients: large airway malacia, n = 7 (50.0%); significant upper airway obstruction, n = 3 (21.4%); and pulmonary arterial hypertension, n = 8 patients (57.1%). Finally, eight patients (57.1%) were successfully extubated without tracheostomy. Final respiratory support of the patients was determined at a median PMA of 56 weeks (range, 48–63 weeks). Age at referral (P = 0.023) and large airway obstruction (P = 0.028) were significantly related to a decrease in successful extubation.ConclusionBased on a timely and individualized multidisciplinary approach, some of the prolonged ventilator‐dependent infants, even those beyond term age, could be successfully extubated.