bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional effects of synthetic cannabinoids versus Δ9‐THC in mice on body temperature, nociceptive threshold, anxiety, cognition, locomotor/exploratory parameters and depression
Authors: Schreiber Shaul , Bader Miaad , Lenchinski Tatiana , Meningher Inbar , Rubovitch Vardit , Katz Yiffat , Cohen Etia , Gabet Yankel , Rotenberg Michal , Wolf Ehud (Udi) , Pick Chaim G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSynthetic cannabinoids are psychoactive substances designed to mimic the euphorigenic effects of the natural cannabis. Novel unregulated compounds appear once older compounds become illegal. It has been previously reported that synthetic cannabinoids are different than Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) as they have chemical structures unrelated to Δ9‐THC, different metabolism and, often, greater toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three novel synthetic cannabinoids and pure Δ9‐THC on body temperature, nociceptive threshold, anxiety, memory function, locomotor and exploratory parameters, and depression. We performed a battery of behavioural and motor tests starting 50 minutes post i.p. injection of each drug to adult ICR mice. The synthetic cannabinoids that were used are AB‐FUBINACA, AB‐CHMINACA and PB‐22. All synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC caused hypothermia, but only Δ9‐THC induced a clear antinociceptive effect. All synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC caused decreased anxiety levels, spatial memory deficits and decreased exploratory behaviour as measured in the elevated plus maze, Y‐maze and staircase paradigm, respectively. However, all synthetic cannabinoids but not Δ9‐THC demonstrated decreased locomotor activity in the staircase test. Moreover, only AB‐FUBINACA and Δ9‐THC affected the gait balance and grip strength of the mice as was assessed by the latency time to fall from a rod. In the forced swimming test, PB‐22 caused elevated depression‐like behaviour while AB‐FUBINACA induced a reversed effect. These results suggest varied effects among different synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC. Further studies are needed to characterize the overall effects and differences between these synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC.
Observational study shows that it is feasible to provide neuroprotective treatment for neonatal encephalopathy in low‐income countries
Authors: Biselele T , Bambi J , Naulaers G , Tabu G , Kapinga J , Bola V , Makaya P , Tjabbes H , Tady B , Peeters‐Scholte C 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimPerinatal asphyxia is one of the most frequent causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and 96% of the burden of neonatal encephalopathy occurs in low‐income countries. This study investigated the feasibility of providing neuroprotective treatment for neonatal encephalopathy in low‐income countries.MethodsNeonates with a gestational age of at least 36 weeks, with signs of perinatal asphyxia, were included in this 2015 observational study in three hospitals in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their characteristics were described, including the time to admission and Thompson score on admission.ResultsWe found that 42 of 134 patients (31.3%) reached the hospital within six hours of birth with a Thompson score of at least seven on admission. Another 15 patients (11.2%) had a five‐minute Apgar score of up to five, without a Thompson score, and were eligible for treatment. Of the 57 (42.5%) eligible patients, 31 were discharged (54.4%), 25 died (43.9%) and one (1.8%) remained in hospital at the end of the study.ConclusionInterventional studies are feasible and necessary, especially in countries where the burden of neonatal encephalopathy is largest. A Thompson score of 7–15 might be a useful entry criterion for neuroprotective treatment in low‐income countries.
Population pharmacokinetics of enoxaparin in early stage of paediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Oualha Mehdi , Chardot Christophe , Debray Dominique , Lesage Fabrice , Harroche Annie , Renolleau Sylvain , Treluyer Jean‐Marc , Urien Saïk 
Published: February 2018

AimsPreventing post‐liver transplantation (LT) hepatic artery and portal vein thrombosis includes enoxaparin administration. Enoxaparin pharmacokinetics (PK) has not been investigated in children following LT. We described an enoxaparin PK model in 22 children the first week following LT.MethodsAnti‐Xa activity time‐courses were analysed using a nonlinear mixed effects approach with Monolix version 2016R.ResultsAnti‐Xa activity time‐courses were well described by a one‐compartment model with first order absorption and elimination. Bodyweight prior to surgery (BWPREOP) and the related postoperative variation (BW(t)) were the main covariates explaining CL and V between subject variabilities. Parameter estimates were CLi = CLTYP * (BWPREOP/70)3/4; Vi = VTYP * (BW(t)/70)1; where typical clearance (CLTYP) and typical volume of distribution (VTYP) were 1.23 l h−1 and 14.6 l, respectively. Standard dosing regimens of 50 IU kg−1 12 h−1 were insufficient to reach the target range of anti‐Xa activity of 0.2–0.4 IU ml−1. Specifically, seven children (32%) never attained the target range during the whole period of treatment and all children were at least once underdosed. According to the final results, we simulated individualized dosing regimens within 4 h following the first administration. More than 100 IU kg−1 12 h−1 are suggested to reach the target range of anti‐Xa activity of 0.2–0.4 IU ml−1 from the first day.ConclusionThanks to this model, the initial and maintenance doses could be assessed to rapidly achieve the target range. Higher doses per kg, especially in the youngest children, are suggested.
Chitin biological absorbable catheters bridging sural nerve grafts transplanted into sciatic nerve defects promote nerve regeneration
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Yong , Wang Jian‐Wei , Qin Li‐Hua , Zhang Wei‐Guang , Zhang Pei‐Xun , Jiang Bao‐Guo 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAimsTo investigate the efficacy of chitin biological absorbable catheters in a rat model of autologous nerve transplantation.MethodsA segment of sciatic nerve was removed to produce a sciatic nerve defect, and the sural nerve was cut from the ipsilateral leg and used as a graft to bridge the defect, with or without use of a chitin biological absorbable catheter surrounding the graft. The number and morphology of regenerating myelinated fibers, nerve conduction velocity, nerve function index, triceps surae muscle morphology, and sensory function were evaluated at 9 and 12 months after surgery.ResultsAll of the above parameters were improved in rats in which the nerve graft was bridged with chitin biological absorbable catheters compared with rats without catheters.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that use of chitin biological absorbable catheters to surround sural nerve grafts bridging sciatic nerve defects promotes recovery of structural, motor, and sensory function and improves muscle fiber morphology.
Substrate stiffness regulated migration and invasion ability of adenoid cystic carcinoma cells via RhoA/ROCK pathway
Authors: Zhao Dan , Li Qianshun , Liu Mengting , Ma Wenjuan , Zhou Tengfei , Xue Changyue , Cai Xiaoxiao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesHuman salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is one of the most common malignant tumours of the salivary gland and has strong migratory and invasive ability, which often lead to poor prognosis and lower survival rate. Tumour tissue tends to stiffen during solid tumour progression. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various substrate stiffness on the migration and invasion of SACC.MethodsSalivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line ACC2 cells were cultured on polydimethylsiloxane substrates (PDMS) with varying stiffness for investigating the effects of substrate stiffness on the activities of MMPs and TIMPs. The underlying mechanism was also explored.ResultsWhen ACC2 cells were cultured on various stiffness of PDMS, the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2), MMP9, MMP14, RhoA, Rac1, Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and ROCK2 were up‐regulated with increasing substrate stiffness, whereas that of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), TIMP2 and TIMP4 were down‐regulated with increasing substrate stiffness.ConclusionsOur results showed that substrate stiffness regulated the activities of MMPs and TIMPs and then modulate migratory and invasive ability of ACC2 cells via RhoA/ROCK pathway. This work indicate that matrix stiffness played an important role in progression of SACC, which not only can help understand the strong invasive ability of SACC, but also suggested that therapeutically targeting matrix stiffness may help reduce migration and invasion of SACC and improve effective therapies.
Global trends in mortality from malignant mesothelioma: Analysis of WHO mortality database (1994‐2013)
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Omar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground and objectiveLittle is known about the extent to which asbestos use ban has affected global trends in malignant mesothelioma. This study investigated recent global mortality trends of malignant mesothelioma.MethodsData were collected from International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization mortality database to examine age‐standardized, gender‐specific mortality rates for malignant mesothelioma (ICD10‐C45). Cross‐sectional mortality rates (2009‐2013) as well as trends over time (1994‐2013) were also reported. Gender‐specific annual percent change (APC) was calculated to examine trends over time for each country.ResultsAmong the 30 countries with highest mesothelioma mortality in men, there is almost 10‐fold variation in mortality rates during 2009‐2013 ranging from 6.25 per 100 000 for United Kingdom to 0.64 per 100 000 in Portugal; whereas, among the 30 countries with highest mesothelioma mortality in women, there is a 4‐fold variation in mortality rates during 2009‐2013 ranging from 1.08 per 100 000 for United Kingdom to 0.26 per 100 000 in Ireland. Mortality rates were higher in men compared to women in 32 out of 35 evaluable countries. Among males and over the last 10 years of covered years, mesothelioma mortality was significantly declining in 9 countries (United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand); whereas, it was significantly rising in 5 countries (Poland, Spain, China‐Hong Kong, Japan, and Republic of Korea). In the remaining countries, APC was stable. Among females and over the last 10 years of covered years, mesothelioma mortality was significantly declining in 1 country only (Italy); whereas, it was significantly rising in 3 countries (Poland, Argentina, and Republic of Korea). In the remaining countries, APC was stable.ConclusionsThere is a worldwide variability in the burden and trends of mesothelioma mortality; and despite the ban on asbestos in many countries, mesothelioma still represents an important cause of mortality.
Incorporating asymmetric movement costs into measures of habitat connectivity to assess impacts of hydrologic alteration to stream fishes
Authors: Neufeld Kenton , Watkinson Douglas A. , Tierney Keith , Poesch Mark S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimHydrologic alterations are widespread in freshwater ecosystems worldwide and often detrimentally impact fish populations. Habitat suitability models are commonly used to assess these impacts, but these models frequently rely upon observed fish–habitat relationships rather than more mechanistic underpinnings. The aim of this study was to demonstrate how to incorporate swim performance into a measure of habitat connectivity at a fine scale, providing a method for assessing the availability of suitable habitat for stream fishes.LocationWe applied this technique to an endangered species, the Western Silvery Minnow Hybognathus argyritis, in the Milk River of southern Alberta, Canada. The Milk River is an augmented system, where a diversion in nearby St. Mary River augments flow by a factor >3 × (from 1–5 m3/s to 15–20 m3/s).MethodsWe used laboratory measured swim performance of Western Silvery Minnow to develop a movement cost function that was used in conjunction with a habitat suitability model to assess habitat availability via a recently developed graph‐theoretic metric, equivalent connected area (ECA).ResultsStream augmentation altered not only habitat suitability but also habitat connectivity for this species. During augmentation, suitable habitat area declined by 81.3%. Changes in habitat connectivity were site dependent. Movement costs between habitat patches were lower during augmentation due to current‐assisted dispersal and increased distance to patches during natural flows from dried streambeds. When movement costs were incorporated into ECA, ECA decreased by 78.0% during augmentation.Main conclusionsWith changing climate and increasing anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems, understanding how freshwater fishes relate to their habitat is critical for appropriate management. In many cases, such as the Western Silvery Minnow, mitigating habitat suitability may not be sufficient, as species are unable to reach suitable habitat. The incorporation of swim performance into habitat connectivity assessments, as carried out here, can be easily adapted to other species and situations and can improve the understanding of impacts to stream fishes and increase the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
Severity of OSAS, CPAP and cardiovascular events: A follow‐up study
Authors: Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Fabiani Mario , Fabiani Valerio , Ceci Fabrizio , Lillo Rossella , Lolli Valeria , Brunori Marco , Pannitteri Gaetano , Cravotto Elena , De Vito Corrado , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies suggested obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) as a major risk factor for incident cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between OSAS severity, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment and the development of cardiovascular disease is still matter of debate.Study objectivesThe aim was to test the association between OSAS and cardiovascular events in patients with concomitant cardio‐metabolic diseases and the potential impact of CPAP therapy on cardiovascular outcomes.MethodsProspective observational cohort study of consecutive outpatients with suspected metabolic disorders who had complete clinical and biochemical workup including polysomnography because of heavy snoring and possible OSAS. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).ResultsMedian follow‐up was 81.3 months, including 434 patients (2701.2 person/years); 83 had a primary snoring, 84 had mild, 93 moderate and 174 severe OSAS, respectively. The incidence of MACCE was 0.8% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2‐2.1) in primary snorers and 2.1% per year (95% CI 1.5‐2.8) for those with OSAS. A positive association was observed between event‐free survival and OSAS severity (log‐rank test; P = .041). A multivariable Cox regression analysis showed obesity (HR = 8.011, 95% CI 1.071‐59.922, P = .043), moderate OSAS (vs non‐OSAS HR = 3.853, 95% CI 1.069‐13.879, P = .039) and severe OSAS (vs non‐OSAS HR = 3.540, 95% CI 1.026‐12.217, P = .045) as predictors of MACCE. No significant association was observed between CPAP treatment and MACCE (log‐rank test; P = .227).ConclusionsOur findings support the role of moderate/severe OSAS as a risk factor for incident MACCE. CPAP treatment was not associated with a lower rate of MACCE.
The influence of prescribed crown fire on lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum) populations 33 years post‐fire
Authors: Ritter S. M. , Hoffman C. M. , Stewart J. E. , Zimmerman T. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryDwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp.) are a group of obligate, hemiparasitic plants that infect numerous species in the Pinaceae in North America. Wildland fire is considered to be the primary natural agent influencing the population and distribution of dwarf mistletoes across landscapes. Based on this understanding, prescribed fire has been suggested as a potential method for dwarf mistletoe sanitation and control; however, experimental work has primarily focused on prescribed surface fire. In this study, we report long‐term impacts of three experimental crown fires on dwarf mistletoe severity in infested lodgepole pine stands in Colorado 33 years post‐fire. The three fires achieved tree mortality rates ranging from 20% to 100%. Our results suggested a significant negative relationship between the amount of fire‐caused tree mortality and future dwarf mistletoe severity. These findings supported the presumed natural role of fire in altering dwarf mistletoe populations, which perhaps exhibits a linear relationship between fire‐caused host tree mortality and future dwarf mistletoe severity.
The policy origins of the European economic constitution
Authors: Leucht Brigitte 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article traces the origins of the European economic constitution in the debate on Article 30 of the EC Treaty (general rule on the free movement of goods) between 1966 and 1969, which resulted in Directive 70/50. In this, the first archive‐based analysis of the policy origins of the Court's Dassonville (1974) decision, the article demonstrates that there was a strong continuity in the investment by a number of key actors in focusing on Article 30 to create the single market from the mid‐1960s. These civil servants and lawyers provided the backbone for the Commission's transformation of the Cassis de Dijon judgment (1979) into a powerful tool, driving back the need for legislative harmonisation and making it a cornerstone of the Single European Act of 1986. The article therefore analyses one of the key moments in the transformation of European law.
Environmental management accounting in local government: Functional and institutional imperatives
Authors: Qian Wei , Burritt Roger L. , Monroe Gary S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe challenge of using environmental management accounting (EMA) tools such as full‐cost accounting to improve waste and recycling management has been acknowledged for over a decade. However, research on assessing and understanding local government use of EMA, especially broader levels of EMA, is lacking. This study investigates the link between the nature and drivers of EMA practice for waste and recycling services based on a survey conducted with local governments in New South Wales, Australia. The study finds that although social and organisational factors are related to the uptake of EMA, local governments are subject to stronger functional demands than institutional pressures in their use of more expansive EMA such as indirect and external costs and impacts. This implies that the use of EMA in local government is viewed more as an adaptive activity to cope with functional challenges and achieve efficiency, than as an institutional imperative to achieve social acceptance.
One Million Years tephra record at IODP Sites U1436 and U1437: Insights into explosive volcanism from the Japan and Izu arcs
Authors: Schindlbeck Julie Christin , Kutterolf Steffen , Straub Susanne M. , Andrews Graham D. M. , Wang Kuo‐Lung , Mleneck‐Vautravers Maryline J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe 1 Myr tephra records of IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) Holes U1436A and U1437B in the Izu‐Bonin fore‐ and reararc were investigated in order to assess provenance and eruptive volumes, respectively. In total, 304 tephra samples were examined and 260 primary tephra layers were identified. Tephra provenance was determined by means of major and trace element compositions of glass shards and distinguished between Japan and Izu‐Bonin arc origin of the tephra layers. A total of 33 marine tephra compositions were correlated to the Japan arc and 227 to the Izu arc. Twenty marine tephra layers were correlated between the two drilling sites. Additionally, we defined eleven correlations of marine tephra deposits to major widespread Japanese eruptions; from the 1.05 Ma Shishimuta‐Pink Tephra to the 30 ka Aira‐Tn Tephra, both from Kyushu Island. These eruptions provide independent time markers within the sediment record and six correlations were used to date tephra layers from Japan in Hole U1436A to establish an alternative age model for this hole. Furthermore, the minimum distal tephra volumes of all detected events were calculated, which enabled the comparison of the tephra volumes that derived from the Japan and the Izu‐Bonin arcs. For some of the major Japanese eruptions these are the first volume estimations that also include distal deposits. All of the Japanese tephras derived from events with eruption magnitude Mv ≥ 5.6 and three of the investigated eruptions reach magnitudes Mv ≥ 7. Volcanic events of the Izu‐Bonin arc have mostly eruption magnitudes Mv ≤ 5.
Demographic factors in Swedish adults undergoing root filling and subsequent extraction of a maxillary first molar: a comparative study
Authors: Landt K. , Hagstam‐Harrison L. , Kvist T. , Frisk F. , Dawson V. S. , Bjørndal L. ,   EndoReCo, Fransson H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo study the demographics of Swedish adults who had received a root filling, followed by extraction during the following 5–6 years in comparison with subjects who had undergone a corresponding root filling with an uneventful outcome.MethodologyThe root filled maxillary first molar was chosen as the comparison model. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency provided data on all teeth reported as root filled in Sweden during 2009. A comparison group, equally large as the study group, was constructed by randomly selecting subjects with root filled maxillary first molars, which had not subsequently been extracted, that is, an uneventful outcome. Demographic data on the subjects were obtained from Statistics Sweden: country of birth, disposable income, educational level, age, civil status and gender. Chi‐square, t‐tests and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses.ResultsIn the year 2009, 36 139 maxillary first molar teeth were reported to have been root filled, 4362 (12.1%) of which were then recorded as extracted during the following 5–6 year period. Only minor intergroup differences were noted: 86.5% of the study group were Swedish‐born, compared with 84.4% of the comparison group (P = 0.007). Women comprised 53.2% of the study group and 50.5% (P = 0.01) of the comparison group. There was an association between extractions and gender as well as age; men had a lower odds ratio (OR) for extraction OR, 0.87; confidence interval (CI), 0.80–0.95. For every additional year, the chance for extraction was higher OR, 1.01; CI, 1.01–1.01. No other significant differences were detected.ConclusionsThere was only little or no demographic differences between the study group, comprising Swedish adults who had undergone root filling of one of their maxillary first molars in 2009 and subsequent extraction during the following 5–6 years, and the comparison group, with uneventful outcomes after a corresponding root filling.
Variable selection for collaborative filtering with market basket data
Authors: Hwang Wook‐Yeon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe market basket data in the form of a binary user–item matrix or a binary item–user matrix can be modeled as a binary classification problem, which actually tackles collaborative filtering (CF) as well as target marketing. Effective variable selection (VS) can increase the prediction accuracy as well as identify important users or items in CF as well as target marketing. Therefore, we propose two new VS approaches: a Pearson correlation‐based approach and a forward random forests regression‐based approach, comparing the performance in a variety of experimental settings. The experimental results show that the proposed VS approaches outperform the conventional approaches in the examples. Furthermore, the experimental results are more reasonable and informative than the previous experimental results because the binary misclassification error and Top‐N accuracy for the user CF, the item CF, the user modeling, and the item modeling are all considered in this paper.