bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical efficacy of contact lens‐assisted collagen cross‐linking in porcine eyes
Authors: Wollensak Gregor , Spörl Eberhard , Herbst Hermann 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeContact lens‐assisted corneal cross‐linking (CACXL) has been proposed for the cross‐linking treatment in thin corneas. The aim of this study was to assess the biomechanical efficacy of this treatment.MethodsPost‐mortem porcine eyes were treated with standard cross‐linking and with cross‐linking placing a contact lens soaked with isoosmolar riboflavin solution on the debrided cornea with or without an adherent precorneal riboflavin film of up to 100 μm thickness. Three soft contact lenses (Air Optix Aqua, SofLens and Galifa) with different degrees of hydrophilic properties were tested. After cross‐linking with a surface UVA irradiance of 3 mW/cm² for 30 min (fluence 5.4 J/cm²), a 400 μm deep anterior corneal flap was created using a lamellar rotating microkeratome. Biomechanical stress–strain measurements and thermal shrinkage tests were performed.ResultsIn the Air Optix Aqua group (30% hydration) without riboflavin film, Young′s modulus and stress at 8% strain were increased significantly versus untreated controls and the effect was 92.4% respectively 86.35% of the standard CXL value. In the SofLens group (59% hydration) without riboflavin film, Young′s modulus and stress at 8% strain were increased significantly versus untreated controls and the effect was 67.04% respectively 65.28% of the standard CXL value. In the Galifa group (72% hydration) without riboflavin film, Young′s modulus and stress at 8% strain were increased significantly versus untreated controls and the effect was about 68.48% respectively 75.52% of the standard CXL value. In all samples with a precorneal riboflavin film under the contact lens, there was no significant biomechanical effect compared to the untreated controls. Similarly, in the hydrothermal experiments at 70°C, there was a typical mushroom pattern with increased resistance to thermal shrinkage in the anterior stroma after standard CXL, a markedly reduced mushroom effect using a riboflavin‐soaked contact lens only and no effect with the use of a riboflavin‐soaked contact lens plus a precorneal riboflavin film.ConclusionThe biomechanical effect of CACXL in porcine corneas is about one‐third less than after standard CXL. The efficacy of CACXL might be improved by reducing or omitting the riboflavin film on the contact lens. Further risk assessment studies are necessary.
Three years of vegetation development worth 30 years of secondary succession in urban‐industrial grassland restoration
Authors: Kövendi‐Jakó Anna , Halassy Melinda , Csecserits Anikó , Hülber Karl , Szitár Katalin , Wrbka Thomas , Török Katalin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuestionsThe restoration of unused urban‐industrial areas has largely been neglected despite their great potential for nature conservation purposes. We applied three plant introduction treatments at a highly degraded industrial area to test whether plant material introduced onto industrial areas initiates plant assemblages similar in composition to those of reference grasslands. We specifically asked (a) Does restoration differ between primary and secondary reference sites in terms of overall species richness and cover three years after the introduction of plant material? (b) What is the sociability of species of the vegetation resulting from different treatments?LocationRestoration and reference grassland sites with acidic sandy soil in the temperate region of the EU, NE Hungary, Nyírség.MethodsAs restoration techniques, we (a) directly seeded a single dominant species, (b) applied a commercial seed mixture, and (c) transferred hay. We compared species composition, cover, species richness and sociability of species in restoration treatments to reference grasslands. Inventories of vascular plant species were made at five randomly placed 2 m × 2 m sampling units per plot.ResultsThe species composition of seeded restoration plots (with a single dominant species and a commercial seed mixture) became similar to that of reference grasslands. Both types of seeding resulted in a similar cover, whereas seeding a commercial seed mixture and hay transfer resulted in a species richness similar to that of reference grasslands. The cover of the natural constituents (NC) of seeded plots also reached that of reference grasslands, while hay addition resulted in a lower cover and a higher number of NC than other methods.ConclusionsThe introduction of propagules in degraded industrial areas can provide communities similar, after three years, to those of secondary reference grasslands that are 30 years of age. We conclude that investing in the restoration of native grasslands at unused urban‐industrial sites can be a great opportunity to enhance biodiversity.
Self‐poisoning with 60 tablets of Apixaban, a pharmacokinetics case report
Authors: Franck Bénédicte , Dulaurent Sylvain , El Balkhi Souleiman , Monchaud Caroline , Picard Nicolas , Couderc Sylvain , Marquet Pierre , Saint‐Marcoux Franck , Woillard Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: November 2018

A 67‐year‐old man was admitted to the emergency department about 5 h after deliberate self‐poisoning with 300 mg of Apixaban. The clinical examination did not show any organ dysfunctions or haemorrhagic signs, and the patient's life was not in danger. The first analysis, upon admission, showed a concentration of 2655 μg l−1 of Apixaban. The Cmax was observed 17 h after the intake (3654 μg l−1), about four times the classical Tmax value (median [range]: 4 h [2–4]). The Apixaban was then eliminated following a first order elimination with a calculated half‐life of 10.8 h. The anti‐Xa activity seems to be linearly related to concentration up to 4000 μg l−1. This report suggests that the use of activated charcoal should be effective up to 17 h after a massive intake.
Effectiveness and safety of 110 or 150 mg dabigatran vs. vitamin K antagonists in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Blin Patrick , Dureau‐Pournin Caroline , Cottin Yves , Bénichou Jacques , Mismetti Patrick , Abouelfath Abdelilah , Lassalle Regis , Droz Cécile , Moore Nicholas 
Published: November 2018

AimsWe compared the 1‐year safety and effectiveness of dabigatran 110 mg (D110) or 150 mg (D150) twice daily to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.MethodsNew user cohort study of patients dispensed D110 or D150 vs. VKA in 2013 for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, followed 1 year in the French Système National des Données de Santé (66 million persons). D110 and D150 users were matched 1:1 with VKA users on sex, age, date of first drug dispensing and high‐dimensional propensity score. Hazard ratios [HR (95% confidence intervals)] for stroke and systemic embolism (SSE), major bleeding (MB) and death were computed using Cox proportional hazards or Fine and Gray models during exposure.ResultsIn 14 442 matched D110 and VKA patients, mean age 79, 49% male, 91% with CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥2 and 8% with HAS‐BLED score >3, incidence rates of SSE were 1.9% and 2.6% person‐years [HR 0.69 (0.56–0.84)], MB 1.8% and 2.9% [0.62 (0.51–0.76)], death 7.2% and 8.6% [0.84 (0.76–0.94)]. In 8389 matched D150 and VKA patients, mean age 67, 67% male, 65% with CHA2DS2‐VASC ≥2; < 5% HAS‐BLED >3, incidence rates were for SSE 1.4% and 1.9% [0.76 (0.56–1.04)], MB 0.6% and 1.9% [0.30 (0.20–0.46)], death 1.6% and 3.6% [0.46 (0.35–0.59)]. Numbers needed to treat to observe one fewer death were 78 for D110, 88 for D150.ConclusionIn real life D110 and D150 were at least as effective, and safer than VKA.
Weight gain as a predictor of frontal and temporal lobe volume loss in bipolar disorder: A prospectiveMRIstudy
Authors: Bond David J , Su Wayne , Honer William G , Dhanoa Taj , Batres‐y‐Carr Tegan , Lee Susanne S , Torres Ivan J , Lam Raymond W , Yatham Lakshmi N 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesA sizable fraction of people with bipolar I disorder (BDI) experience a deteriorating clinical course with increasingly frequent mood episodes and chronic disability. This is believed to result from neurobiological illness progression, or neuroprogression. Excessive weight gain predicts neuroprogression across multiple brain illnesses, but no prospective studies have investigated this inBDI. The objective of this study was to determine whetherBDIpatients who experienced clinically significant weight gain (CSWG; gaining ≥7% of baseline weight) over 12 months had greater 12‐month brain volume loss in frontal and temporal regions important toBDI.MethodsIn 55 early‐stageBDIpatients we measured (i) rates ofCSWG, (ii) the number of days with mood symptoms, usingNIMHLifeCharts, and (iii) baseline and 12‐month brain volumes, using 3TMRI. We quantified brain volumes using the longitudinal processing stream in FreeSurfer v6.0. We used general linear models for repeated measures to investigate whetherCSWGpredicted volume loss, adjusting for potentially confounding clinical and treatment variables.ResultsAfter correction for multiple comparisons,CSWGin patients predicted greater volume loss in the left orbitofrontal cortex (effect size [ES; Cohen'sd] = −1.01,P = 0.002), left cingulate gyrus (ES = −1.31,P < 0.001), and left middle temporal gyrus (ES = −0.96,P = 0.004). Middle temporal volume loss predicted more days with depression (β = −0.406,P = 0.010).ConclusionsThese are the first prospective data on weight gain and neuroprogression inBDI.CSWGpredicted neuroprogression, and neuroprogression predicted a worse clinical illness course. Trials of weight loss interventions are needed to confirm the causal direction of the weight gain‐neuroprogression relationship, and to determine whether weight loss is a disease‐modifying treatment.
Autoantibodies to killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 3DL1 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Doi A , Kano S , Asano M , Takahashi Y , Mimori T , Mimori A , Kaneko H 
Published: November 2018

Summary
A genetic variant of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor 3DL1 (KIR3DL1) has been found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we investigated the presence of autoantibodies to KIR3DL1 in a cohort of patients with SLE. We tested sera from 28 patients with SLE, 11 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 17 healthy control subjects for anti-KIR3DL1 activity by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant KIR3DL1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and EGFP proteins. Anti-KIR3DL1 antibodies were detected in 22 (79%) of the 28 patients with SLE, whereas they were present in only three (27%) of the 11 patients with RA examined. Notably, 10 (91%) of the 11 samples from patients with SLE prior to therapy had anti-KIR3DL1 antibodies. None of the samples from healthy donors were positive for the antibodies. Here, we report the presence of anti-KIR3DL1 antibodies in the sera of patients with SLE for the first time. Anti-KIR3DL1 autoantibodies may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Inflammation in osteoarthritis: is it time to dampen the alarm(in) in this debilitating disease?
Authors: van den Bosch M H J 
Published: November 2018

SummaryOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease that strongly reduces the quality of life in patients; However, no disease-modifying therapy is available. For a long time, OA was considered a non-inflammatory disease that was the result of ‘wear-and-tear’ and abnormal mechanics, and therefore many considered the term ‘osteoarthritis’ a misnomer. However, during the last decades the notion arose that inflammation is not only present in the majority of OA patients but, rather, actively involved in the progression of the disease. Influx of immune cells is observed in the synovium and a plethora of inflammatory mediators is present in tissues and fluids from OA patients. These mediators cause the production of degrading enzymes that break down the cartilage matrix, which is the main hallmark of OA. Alarmins, which belong to the group of danger signals, have been implicated in many inflammatory diseases. They are among the first factors to be released upon cell stress due to, for example, infection, damage and inflammation. They attract and activate cells of the immune system and therefore lie at the base of the inflammatory reaction. In this narrative review, an overview of the history of OA, the evolving concept of inflammation as important factor in the OA pathogenesis, and particularly the central role that alarmins play in the initiation and maintenance of the low-grade inflammatory response in OA, is provided. Moreover, the targeting of alarmins as a promising approach to dampen the inflammation in OA is highlighted.
Implementation of HPV‐based cervical cancer screening in an organised regional screening programme: 3 years of experience
Authors: Veijalainen Olga , Kares Saara , Kujala Paula , Vuento Risto , Osuala Veronika , Tirkkonen Mika , Luukkaala Tiina , Kholová Ivana , Mäenpää Johanna 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐based screening in the framework of an organised cervical cancer screening programme.MethodsA total of 46 708 women aged 35‐60 years invited to the regional cervical cancer screening programme from 1 January 2012, to 31 December 2014, were enrolled. Overall, 17 770 women were screened by the Abbot RealTime hrHPV test with cytology triage and 15 605 were screened by conventional (Papanicolaou, Pap) cytology. In both groups, women with at least low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were referred directly for colposcopy, whereas HPV‐positive women with borderline or normal cytology were invited to intensified screening in the following year. In the Pap group, the indication for intensified follow‐up was borderline cytology.ResultsThe attendance rate was similar in the HPV and Pap groups (72% and 71%, respectively). Overall, 6.0% of women in the HPV group vs 6.4% in the Pap group were referred to intensified follow‐up (relative risk 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87‐1.03). At the index screening years, the relative sensitivity of the HPV test with cytology triage vs conventional screening was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.05‐2.55) for CIN2+ and 2.06 (95% CI: 1.17‐3.41) for CIN3+. The specificity of the hrHPV test with cytology triage for CIN2+ and CIN3+ was equal to that of the Pap screening (99.2% vs 99.2% for CIN2+ and 99.1% vs 99.1% for CIN3+).ConclusionsDue to its high sensitivity and specificity, primary hrHPV testing with cytology triage seems to be acceptable for cervical cancer screening in an organised setting.
Promoting sustainable development through civil society: A case study of the EU’s NSA/LA thematic programme in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Pierobon Chiara 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe article focuses on the contribution of the European Union (EU) in promoting sustainable development through the involvement of civil society in partner countries. More specifically, it analyses the main features and outcomes of the projects implemented by civil society organizations (CSOs) in Kyrgyzstan under the EU thematic programme Non‐State Actors and Local Authorities in Development (NSA/LA). Despite its importance—this is the only EU programme providing direct support to non‐state actors and local authorities engaged in poverty reduction—to date, there has been very little research on the functioning of this instrument on the ground. This article seeks to fill this gap in the literature by examining the EU’s contribution to sustainable development through a case study on Kyrgyzstan. The study is based on primary data: 10 semi‐structured interviews conducted with the EU‐funded organizations implementing the NSA/LA programme. The NSA/LA projects were analysed by considering two major fields of engagement of non‐state actors in the development process: as service providers and as advocates (Banks & Hulme, 2012). Overall, the organizations awarded EU support were not only focused on fulfilling short‐term needs but also sought to introduce new ways of dealing with poverty and inequality, positioning themselves between the “Big‐D” and the “little‐d” approaches to development (Bebbington, Hickey, & Mitlin, 2008). Nonetheless, the EU‐funded projects were too limited and fragmented to be able to sustain long‐term structural change. Therefore, the EU should place new emphasis on creating synergies between new and old structures at the grassroots level and establishing mechanisms and bodies that could merge and co‐ordinate their efforts. In addition, the calls for proposals could highlight the need to share the lessons learnt by “obliging” the beneficiaries to act as multipliers and to pass on their positive experience to neighbouring communities. Finally, the EU could stimulate the funded organizations to experiment with innovative mechanisms of involvement in the policy‐making process, by making this aspect a mandatory requirement of the projects implemented with its support.
Increasing therapy‐related myeloid neoplasms in multiple myeloma
Authors: Fernández‐Caballero Mariana , Salmerón Diego , Dolores Chirlaque María , Chen‐Liang Tzu H. , Hurtado Ana M. , García Malo María D. , Ortuño Francisco J. , Roldán Vanessa , Vicente Vicente , Jerez Andrés , De Arriba Felipe 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundDespite the longer survival achieved in multiple myeloma (MM) patients due to new therapy strategies, a concern is emerging regarding an increased risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs) and how to characterize those patients at risk. We performed a retrospective study covering a 28‐year follow‐up period (1991‐2018) in a tertiary single institution.Material and MethodsData of 403 MM patients were recorded and compared with the epidemiologic register of the population area covered by our centre, calculating the standardize incidence ratio (SIR) for the different types of SPMs diagnosed in the MM cohort. Fine and Gray regression models were used to identify risk factors for SPMs.ResultsOut of the 403 MM patients, 23 (5.7%) developed SPMs: 13 therapy‐related myeloid (TRM) malignancies (10 of them (77%) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 1 acute lymphoid leukaemia and 9 solid neoplasms. In the MM cohort, the relative risk of MDS was significantly higher than in the general population. Survival of patients with TRM malignancies was poor with a median of 4 months from the diagnosis, and most of them showed complex karyotype. Within the MM subset, multivariable analysis showed a higher risk of TRM malignancies in patients that previously received prolonged treatment with lenalidomide (>18 months).ConclusionsThough the improvement in MM outcome during the last decades is an unprecedented achievement, it has been accompanied by the rise in TRM malignancies with complex cytogenetic profile and poor prognosis that are in the need of an improved biologic and therapeutic approach.
Standing low‐field magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic modality for solar keratoma in a horse
Authors: Mageed M. , Elfadl A. , Blum N. , Wegert J. , Kremer F. , Swagemakers J. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryA 22‐year‐old Friesian gelding was presented with a history of chronic, nonresolving lameness localised to the right front foot. Radiographs showed a smoothly marginated circular lucent area with a rim of increased opacity adjacent to the solar canal of the distal phalanx. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a reversed V‐shaped smoothly demarcated space‐occupying mass causing invagination of the solar laminae towards the solar canal arch and deformity of the adjacent surface of the distal phalanx. The mass was removed surgically and submitted for histopathology, which revealed a keratoma and periosteal fibrosis. Six weeks post‐surgery the horse returned to the previous work level and 8 months follow‐up showed no recurrence of keratoma. This report highlights the usefulness of MRI as a diagnostic modality for solar keratoma.
Melasma: Updates and perspectives
Authors: Kwon Soon‐Hyo , Na Jung‐Im , Choi Ji‐Young , Park Kyoung‐Chan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractManagement of melasma is highly challenging due to inconsistent treatment results and frequent relapses. However, recent studies revealed that melasma may not only be a disease of melanocytes, but also a photoaging skin disorder. Herein, we attempt to validate that melasma is indeed a photoaging disorder by presenting the histopathologic findings of melasma: solar elastosis, altered basement membrane, increased vascularization and increased mast cell count. We also provide some therapeutic implications based on these findings and a discussion on the latest updates and perspectives regarding treatment.
Upregulation of Helicoverpa armigera core RNA interference genes by bacterial infections and its effect on the insect–bacteria interaction
Authors: Baradaran E. , Moharramipour S. , Asgari S. , Mehrabadi M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is an extremely conserved defence mechanism. The antiviral role of the RNAi pathway in insects is well documented; however, the relevance of this pathway in other aspects of insect immunity is largely unknown. In this study, we questioned whether RNAi has any function during insect–bacteria interactions. For this, we assessed induction of the RNAi pathway in response to bacterial infections by monitoring the expression of dicer1/argonaute1 and dicer2/argonaute2, which are important genes in the microRNA and short interfering RNA sub‐pathways respectively. Bacterial cells of Bacillus thuringiensis and Serratia marcescens were injected into the haemocoel of fifth‐instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera, whereas double‐distilled water was injected into control insects. Expression levels of the RNAi‐related genes increased in the bacteria‐injected larvae compared with controls. Transcript knockdown of dicer1 reduced the replication of B. thuringiensis; as a consequence, larval mortality decreased compared with the control. However, replication of S. marcescens increased following dicer1 silencing, which led to higher rates of larval mortality when compared with the control. RNAi of dicer2 promoted replication of both bacteria in the larvae and also enhanced larval mortality. Therefore, dicer1 and dicer2 affected larval survival and the replication rates of the pathogenic bacteria, suggesting their roles in the interactions.
Designing User‐Centered Humanitarian Technologies with Displaced People in Iraq: Lessons from Refunite's Mobile Family Tracing Platform
Authors: Robehmed Sacha 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTAs almost all adults in Iraq own a mobile phone, there is great scope to reach and engage with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq through mobile technologies. This article argues for the importance of a user‐centered design approach when using mobile technologies in humanitarian response. A user‐centered approach considers context and places IDPs’ lived experiences as active technology users at the forefront of project design and implementation. The argument is supported by a case study of Refunite, a family tracing platform that uses mobile technologies to help people find their missing loved ones. This article seeks to address the gap in the literature on user‐centered humanitarian mobile technology projects, particularly in relation to the Middle East. Given the current lack of guidelines on mobile technologies in humanitarian response, the article concludes by recommending that humanitarian practitioners draw on an existing framework, the Principles for Digital Development (2016).