bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple hypointense vessels on susceptibility-weighted imaging predict early neurological deterioration in acute ischaemic stroke patients with severe intracranial large artery stenosis or occlusion receiving intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Liu Yong-Lin , Yin Han-Peng , Qiu Dong-Hai , Qu Jian-Feng , Zhong Huo-Hua , Lu Zhi-Hao , Wang Fang , Liang Man-Qiu , Chen Yang-Kun 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeEarly neurological deterioration (END) is a common feature in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) receiving thrombolysis. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of multiple hypointense vessels (MHVs) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) could predict END in patients with the anterior circulation AIS treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA).MethodsThis was a retrospective study focusing on AIS patients suffering from symptomatic stenosis or occlusion of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery with r-tPA treatment. We collected clinical variables and initial haematological and neuroimaging findings. MHVs were measured on SWI performed after intravenous thrombosis and were defined as the presence of a greater number of veins or veins of a larger diameter with greater signal loss on SWI than those of the contralesional haemisphere. The degree of hyperintensity of MHVs was classified into four grades: none, subtle, moderate and extensive. END was defined as an increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score by 2 points during the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the predictors of END.ResultsThe study included 61 patients (51 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 62.4±12.6 years. Thirty-five (57.4%) patients presented with MHVs: 8 (13.1%) were graded as subtle MHVs, while 23 (37.7%) and 4 (6.6%) were graded as moderate or extensive MHVs, respectively. Twenty patients (32.8%) presented with END. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with patients without MHVs, moderate MHVs (adjusted OR 5.446, 95% CI 1.360 to 21.800; p=0.017) and extensive MHVs (adjusted OR 15.240, 95% CI 1.200 to 193.544; p=0.036) were significantly associated with END.ConclusionsMHVs might be a useful predictor of END in AIS patients with symptomatic large artery stenosis or occlusion after r-tPA treatment.
Voltage and e-liquid composition affect nicotine deposition within the oral cavity and carbonyl formation
Authors: Zhou Yue , Irshad Hammad , Dye Wendy W , Wu Guodong , Tellez Carmen S , Belinsky Steven A 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionThe diversity of e-liquids along with higher powered e-cigarette nicotine delivery devices are increasing. This study evaluated the effect of voltage and e-liquid composition on particle size, nicotine deposition in a human oral-trachea cast model and generation of carbonyls.MethodsNineteen e-liquids were evaluated for 30 common chemicals by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). E-cigarette aerosols containing nicotine (1.2%) were generated at 4 and 5 volts for assessment of particle size distribution using Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), Fast Mobility Particle Size (FMPS) and an In-Tox cascade impactor and nicotine deposition by GC-MS. Carbonyl formation in aerosols was assessed by liquid chromatography tandem triple-quad mass spectrometry.ResultsTotal chemical burden ranged from 0.35 to 14.6 mg/mL with ethyl maltol present in all e-liquids. Increasing voltage was associated with an increase in median size of aerosol particles and the deposition of nicotine in the oral cast. Two e-liquids caused a 2.5-fold to 5-fold increase in nicotine deposition independent of particle size and voltage. Increasing voltage caused an increase in formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein in the presence and absence of nicotine. Most striking, aerosols from several e-liquids significantly increased levels of acetaldehyde and acrolein compared with unflavoured.ConclusionsIncreasing voltage and composition of e-liquid can increase the exposure of the oral pharynx and bronchial airways to carbonyls that can react with DNA to generate adducts, induce oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. The elevated nicotine and carbonyls readily enter the circulation where they can also cause cardiovascular stress. The growing popularity of higher voltage e-cigarette delivery devices will likely further elevate health risks from chronic exposure to these complex aerosols.
Investigating the efficacy of medical management for canine structural epilepsy
Authors: Norona Frances Eleanor , Volk Holger Andreas 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundStructural epilepsy in dogs is often treated medically with a combination of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) and other concurrent therapies for the primary condition. Unlike idiopathic epilepsy, there have been few studies on the efficacy of medical management in structural epilepsy. This study investigated factors affecting treatment outcomes in dogs medically managed for structural epilepsy.MethodsCases of 71 dogs diagnosed with structural epilepsy were identified from a referral hospital database and data were analysed retrospectively. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by survival time, seizure‐free period after diagnosis and overall seizure control.ResultsResults showed that the most significant prognostic indicator was the occurrence of status epilepticus (SE) before diagnosis, with these dogs having reduced survival times, shorter seizure‐free periods after diagnosis and overall worse seizure control. Cluster seizure history showed similar, although not statistically significant, trends in treatment efficacy. Treatment outcomes were not significantly impacted by ASD therapy used or by specific diagnosis, with the exception of meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology cases surviving longer.ConclusionOverall, medical management of canine structural epilepsy achieves the best treatment outcomes when the patient has no history of SE. This study may provide a basis for future investigations into the treatment of canine structural epilepsies.
Telomere Maintenance Variants and Survival after Colorectal Cancer: Smoking- and Sex-Specific Associations
Authors: Yin Hang , Hardikar Sheetal , Lindstroem Sara , Hsu Li , Anderson Kristin E. , Banbury Barbara L. , Berndt Sonja I. , Chan Andrew T. , Giovanucci Edward L. , Harrison Tabitha A. , Joshi Amit D. , Nan Hongmei , Potter John D. , Sakoda Lori C. , Slattery Martha L. , Schoen Robert E. , White Emily , Peters Ulrike , Newcomb Polly A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background:
Telomeres play an important role in colorectal cancer prognosis. Variation in telomere maintenance genes may be associated with survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis, but evidence is limited. In addition, possible interactions between telomere maintenance genes and prognostic factors, such as smoking and sex, also remain to be investigated.

Methods:
We conducted gene-wide analyses of colorectal cancer prognosis in 4,896 invasive colorectal cancer cases from the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO); 1,871 common variants within 13 telomere maintenance genes were included. Cox models were fit to estimate associations of these variants individually with overall and colorectal cancer–specific survival. Likelihood ratio tests were used to test for interaction by smoking and sex. P values were adjusted using Bonferroni correction.

Results:
The association between minor allele of rs7200950 (ACD) with colorectal cancer–specific survival varied significantly by smoking pack-years (corrected P = 0.049), but no significant trend was observed. By sex, minor alleles for rs2975843 (TERF1), rs75676021 (POT1), and rs74429678 (POT1) were associated with decreased overall and/or colorectal cancer–specific survival in women but not in men.

Conclusions:
Our study reported a gene-wide statistically significant interaction with sex (TERF1, POT1). Although significant interaction by smoking pack-years (ACD) was observed, there was no evidence of a dose response. Validation of these findings in other large studies and further functional annotation on these SNPs are warranted.

Impact:
Our study found a gene–smoking and gene–sex interaction on survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis, providing new insights into the role of genetic polymorphisms in telomere maintenance on colorectal cancer prognosis.
Loss-of-Function
CREB3L3
Variants in Patients With Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Dron Jacqueline S. , Dilliott Allison A. , Lawson Arden , McIntyre Adam D. , Davis Brent D. , Wang Jian , Cao Henian , Movsesyan Irina , Malloy Mary J. , Pullinger Clive R. , Kane John P. , Hegele Robert A. 
Published: June 2020

Objective:
Genetic determinants of severe hypertriglyceridemia include both common variants with small effects (assessed using polygenic risk scores) plus heterozygous and homozygous rare variants in canonical genes directly affecting triglyceride metabolism. Here, we broadened our scope to detect associations with rare loss-of-function variants in genes affecting noncanonical pathways, including those known to affect triglyceride metabolism indirectly.

Approach and Results:

From targeted next-generation sequencing of 69 metabolism-related genes in 265 patients of European descent with severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥10 mmol/L or ≥885 mg/dL) and 477 normolipidemic controls, we focused on the association of rare heterozygous loss-of-function variants in individual genes. We observed that compared with controls, severe hypertriglyceridemia patients were 20.2× (95% CI, 1.11–366.1;
P
=0.03) more likely than controls to carry a rare loss-of-function variant in
CREB3L3
, which encodes a transcription factor that regulates several target genes with roles in triglyceride metabolism.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that rare variants in a noncanonical gene for triglyceride metabolism, namely
CREB3L3
, contribute significantly to severe hypertriglyceridemia. Secondary genes and pathways should be considered when evaluating the genetic architecture of this complex trait.
Coronary Access and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Up to 3 Years After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With a Balloon-Expandable Valve
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Nai Fovino Luca , Le Prince Pascal , Darremont Olivier , Urena Marina , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Vincent Flavien , Hovorka Tomas , Alcalá Navarro Yasmina , Dumonteil Nicolas , Ohlmann Patrick , Wendler Olaf ,   on behalf of the SOURCE 3 Investigators
Published: June 2020

Background:
Coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis often coexist. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a valid therapeutic option for younger, lower-risk patients who may eventually require coronary artery disease treatment. Thus, post-TAVI coronary access (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention are expected to increase. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate patients who were enrolled in the SOURCE 3 (SAPIEN 3 Aortic Bioprosthesis European Outcome) European registry for treatment with the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve and underwent CA with or without percutaneous coronary intervention after TAVI.

Methods:
Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with or without CA up to 3 years after TAVI were compared. A Kaplan-Meier estimate with a univariate model determined the impact of CA on cardiac mortality.

Results:

Of 1936 TAVI patients (mean age 81.6 years, 52% male), 68 (3.5%) had CA within 3 years (mean 441±332 days) after TAVI. At baseline, the logistic EuroSCORE was similar (20.2% versus 18.3%,
P
=0.2, CA and non-CA groups, respectively). Higher rates of coronary artery disease (76.5% versus 50.6%,
P
<0.001), myocardial infarction (20.6% versus 11.5%,
P
=0.03) and previous coronary artery bypass graft (22.1% versus 11.0%,
P
=0.01) were present in the CA group. In 100% of patients, CA was successfully achieved. The clinical success of percutaneous coronary intervention was 97.9%. Cardiovascular mortality was numerically higher in patients with CA than in those without CA.

Conclusions:
In the large SOURCE 3 European registry, CA was needed at 3-year follow-up after TAVI with a balloon-expandable valve in 3.5% of patients and was successful in all patients. The clinical success of percutaneous coronary intervention was 97.9%.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02698956.
Responding to Incorrect Decision-Making in Investor-State Dispute Settlement: Policy Options
Authors: De Luca Anna , Feldman Mark , Paparinskis Martins , Titi Catharine 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Criticism of the quality of investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) decision-making often focuses on inconsistency (comparing ISDS decisions), and less frequently, incorrectness (evaluating individual ISDS decisions on a standalone basis). This article situates incorrect ISDS decision-making within the broader context of public international law and develops potential policy responses, guided by three considerations. First, criticism of ISDS decision-making has been significant. Second, criticism of particular ISDS decisions, even when widespread and intense, does not necessarily establish their incorrectness. Finally, development of policy options should be informed by a broad understanding of ‘incorrectness’, to include instances of questionable legal analysis that cast doubt on the reliability of ISDS legal conclusions and outcomes; that approach can support not only the avoidance of incorrect ISDS decision-making in a strict sense, but also, more expansively, the achievement of correct ISDS decision-making, consisting of two core elements: correct identification and precise application of applicable law.
Independence and Impartiality of Adjudicators in Investment Dispute Settlement: Assessing Challenges and Reform Options
Authors: Giorgetti Chiara , Ratner Steven , Dunoff Jeffrey , Hamamoto Shotaro , Nottage Luke , Schill Stephan W. , Waibel Michael 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
As discussions on the reform of investor-State dispute settlement deepen and gather momentum at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), this article delves into a specific and fundamental issue: the requirement that adjudicators in investment disputes are and remain independent and impartial. It begins by explaining the principle of independence and impartiality in international courts and tribunals, with a focus on arbitral institutions. The article then highlights a range of specific concerns that the present system of investor-State arbitration raises in respect of independence and impartiality. Finally, it provides a comparative analysis of how different reform proposals presently discussed within UNCITRAL Working Group III would fare in terms of delivering a dispute resolution mechanism that ensures independence and impartiality. Rather than providing one specific solution, this article assesses the different options discussed, with the aim to help both policy-makers considering reform and other stakeholders and scholars.
Non-Violence as a Tool of African Revolutionary Praxis in Femi Osofisan’s Red is the Freedom Road
Authors: Ajidahun Clement Olujide 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The deployment of violence as a subversive and revolutionary tool for effecting social change in post-independent African states has been very controversial among literary scholars. This paper employs Marxism in re-reading Femi Osofisan’s Red is the Freedom Road, and argues that the use of violence as a popular means of engendering progressive transformation of society is too costly in blood and devastation. Instead, tackling the various sociopolitical challenges confronting postcolonial African nations is better pursued through dialogue and negotiation rather than armed confrontation. Osofisan’s revulsion in response to the use of violence permeates his drama; but this does not in any way reduce his literary stature when compared with Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Wole Soyinka, whose literary works seem to support the view that there comes a point when the deployment of violence becomes necessary.
Deriving Object Relatives in Kiswahili Determiner Phrases
Authors: Ndomba Rodrick G. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Generally one finds there are shortages in the array of technical resources available to penetrate the morphology of Kiswahili and its similarities to, as well as its departures from, morphemic structures in other Bantu languages. The introduction of a new approach employed here is an attempt to contribute to correcting that deficit. Object relative Determiner Phrases (DPs) in Kiswahili are common noun phrases with the noun head called the object relative appearing in the initial position of the DP. The phrases also have relative words and clitics introducing relative clauses. In Kiswahili these phrases are formed via DP internal movements of the object noun to the highest position coupled with movements of the subject and verb complex. The suggestion here that the object relative moves to the highest position in DP configuration marks a significant departure from other studies. This analysis provides theoretical insights about how these constructions are mapped in the minds of Kiswahili speakers. Refinement of the morpho-syntactic display which is specific to Kiswahili is essential for helping learners of the language to master it correctly. Further research will reveal whether the analysis of the object relative adopted DP can be used to derive similar phrases in other Bantu languages, such as Sesotho, Chishona, Ikalanga, and ciNsenga.
Uchambuzi wa Maandiko ya Mwalimu Yatokanayo na Mtaala Juu ya Ufundishaji wa Somo la Kiswahili Nchini Tanzania
Authors: Mayega Jovitha Lazaro , Kipanda Joyce 
Published: June 2020

Ikisiri
Makala hii inachambua baadhi ya maandiko muhimu yatokanayo na mtaala kwa kutoa ufafanuzi wa kina juu ya dhana na vipengele mahususi vya maandiko hayo ambavyo mwalimu wa somo la Kiswahili hupaswa kuvizingatia katika uwasilishaji wa somo lake. Lengo la uchambuzi huu ni kuonesha athari za kutotumia vizuri maandiko hayo na umuhimu wake kwa walimu katika kufundishia somo la Kiswahili. Ufafanuzi umejumuisha maandiko ya aina tatu nayo ni muhtasari, azimio la kazi na andalio la somo. Uchambuzi huu unatokana na kuwepo kwa matumizi ya maandiko hayo isiyosahihi, walimu kutokutumia maandiko hayo kwa kigezo cha uhaba wa upatikanaji na ukosekanaji wa ufahamu wa matumizi ya maandiko hayo. Kutokana na sababu hizo na kwa kuwa lugha ya Kiswahili kimawanda asili ya matumizi yake ni Tanzania, ni muhimu kuwepo kwa andiko hili ili kumwezesha mwalimu wa somo la Kiswahili kutumia maandiko hayo kwa ufanisi na kuhimiza uandaaji wa maandiko hayo kwa idadi inayotosheleza ili kupunguza uhaba. Data za kuwezesha uandishi wa makala hii zimepatikana kwa njia ya mapitio ya maandiko na matini mbalimbali na kutafsiri rejea zilizoandikwa kwa lugha za kigeni hasa Kiingereza. Imebainika kupitia makala hii kuwa kuna athari zinazotokana na kutotumia maandiko hayo kwa walimu jambo ambalo limesababisha maandiko haya kutotumika ipasavyo.
Subgroups with typical courses of depressive symptoms in an elderly population during 13 years of observation: Results from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study
Authors: Engel Miriam , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Dragano Nico , Engels Miriam , Moebus Susanne 
Published: June 2020

Background: Depressive symptoms are volatile over time but empirical studies of intra-individual variations of depressive symptoms over longer periods are sparse. Aims: We aim to examine fluctuation patterns of depressive symptoms and to investigate the possible influence of age, sex and socioeconomic factors on fluctuation in a population-based sample over a period of 13 years. Methods: We used data of 4,251 participants (45–75 years; 51.0% women at baseline) of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study with at least two of nine possible measurements obtained in the period between 2000 and 2017. Depressive symptoms were assessed via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) short form. Based on the individual mean values and standard deviation from all measurements, we categorized participants as G1 ‘stable low’, G2 ‘stable high’, G3 ‘stable around cutoff’ and G4 ‘large fluctuations’. Results: Most participants (82.3%) showed stable low depressive symptoms (G1), whereas 2.3% performed stable high values (G2), 6.9% stable around the cutoff (G3) and 8.6% large fluctuations (G4). Conclusion: Our longitudinal results reveal that almost 18% (G2, G3 and G4) of the participants have an increased depression score or strong fluctuations at times. According to our classification, a higher proportion of the participants show anomalies with regard to depression compared to a simple classification into depressed and nondepressed, especially if this is based on a single measurement. Thus, longitudinal measurements of depression can prevent misclassification and provide valuable information about the course of depressive symptoms for a better understanding of the changes of depression.
Effectiveness of four types of bandages and kinesio-tape for treating breast-cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomized, single-blind, clinical trial
Authors: Torres-Lacomba María , Navarro-Brazález Beatriz , Prieto-Gómez Virginia , Ferrandez Jean Claude , Bouchet Jean Yves , Romay-Barrero Helena 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To compare the effects of four types of bandages and kinesio-tape and determine which one is the most effective in women with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Design: Randomized, single-blind, clinical trial. Setting: Physiotherapy department in the Women’s Health Research Group at the University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain. Subjects: A total of 150 women presenting breast-cancer-related lymphoedema. Interventions: Participants were randomized into five groups ( n = 30). All women received an intensive phase of complex decongestive physiotherapy including manual lymphatic drainage, pneumatic compression therapy, therapeutic education, active therapeutic exercise and bandaging. The only difference between the groups was the bandage or tape applied (multilayer; simplified multilayer; cohesive; adhesive; kinesio-tape). Main measurements: The main outcome was percentage excess volume change. Other outcomes measured were heaviness and tightness symptoms, and bandage or tape perceived comfort. Data were collected at baseline and finishing interventions. Results: This study showed significant differences between the bandage groups in absolute value of excess volume ( P < 0.001). The most effective were the simplified multilayer (59.5%, IQR = 28.7) and the cohesive bandages (46.3%, IQR = 39). The bandages/tape with the least difference were kinesio-tape (4.9%, IQR = 17.7) and adhesive bandage (21.7%, IQR = 17.9). The five groups exhibited a significant decrease in symptoms after interventions, with no differences between groups. In addition, kinesio-tape was perceived as the most comfortable by women and multilayer as the most uncomfortable ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Simplified multilayer seems more effective and more comfortable than multilayer bandage. Cohesive bandage seems as effective as simplified multilayer and multilayer bandage. Kinesio taping seems the least effective.