bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulator of apoptosis-1 is a potential therapeutic target in acute ischemic injury
Authors: Chan Su Jing , Zhao Hui , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Chai Chou , Tan Chong Teik , Huang Jiawen , Tao Ran , Hamanaka Gen , Arumugam Thiruma V , Lo Eng H , Yu Victor Chun Kong , Wong PeterTsun-Hon 
Published: August 2018

Modulator of apoptosis 1 (MOAP-1) is a Bax-associating protein highly enriched in the brain. In this study, we examined the role of MOAP-1 in promoting ischemic injuries following a stroke by investigating the consequences of MOAP-1 overexpression or deficiency in in vitro and in vivo models of ischemic stroke. MOAP-1 overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells showed significantly lower cell viability following oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) treatment when compared to control cells. Consistently, MOAP-1−/− primary cortical neurons were observed to be more resistant against OGD treatment than the MOAP-1+/+ primary neurons. In the mouse transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model, ischemia triggered MOAP-1/Bax association, suggested activation of the MOAP-1-dependent apoptotic cascade. MOAP-1−/− mice were found to exhibit reduced neuronal loss and smaller infarct volume 24 h after tMCAO when compared to MOAP-1+/+ mice. Correspondingly, MOAP-1−/− mice also showed better integrity of neurological functions as demonstrated by their performance in the rotarod test. Therefore, both in vitro and in vivo data presented strongly support the conclusion that MOAP-1 is an important apoptotic modulator in ischemic injury. These results may suggest that a reduction of MOAP-1 function in the brain could be a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of acute stroke.
Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Recession and Stretching Versus Stretching as Treatment of Chronic Plantar Heel Pain
Authors: Molund Marius , Husebye Elisabeth Ellingsen , Hellesnes Jan , Nilsen Fredrik , Hvaal Kjetil 
Published: August 2018

Background: Plantar heel pain is a common disorder that can lead to substantial pain and disability. Gastrocnemius recession has been described as an operative treatment option, but there is a lack of prospective clinical and biomechanical outcome data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of gastrocnemius recession and stretching compared with a stretching exercise protocol for patients with plantar heel pain lasting more than 12 months. Methods: Forty patients with plantar heel pain lasting more than 1 year were randomized to a home stretching exercise program only or to surgery consisting of a proximal medial gastrocnemius recession in addition to stretching exercises. The main outcome was the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score at 12 months. Secondary clinical outcomes were the Short Form–36 (SF-36) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores. The biomechanical outcome parameters were ankle dorsiflexion, Achilles function evaluated by a test battery with 6 independent tests, and plantar pressure evaluated by pedobarography. All data were obtained at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Results: The AOFAS score increased from 59.5 (42-76) to 88.0 (50-100; P < .001) for the operative group and from 52.5 (37-73) to 65.5 (31-88; P = .138) for the nonoperative group. The AOFAS, VAS pain, and SF-36 scores were significantly better in the operative compared with the nonoperative group at 12-month follow-up ( P < .05). Ankle dorsiflexion increased from 6 degrees (–3 to 15) to 10.5 degrees (0 to 23; P < .001). No between-group difference was observed for Achilles function at follow-up. The average forefoot plantar pressure for the operative group increased from 536 KPa (306-708) to 642 KPa (384-885) at follow-up ( P < .001). Conclusion: Proximal medial gastrocnemius recession with a stretching program was a safe and efficient method of treating chronic plantar heel pain. Level of Evidence: Level 1, randomized clinical trial.
Netherton syndrome; neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning of child and adult patients and their parents
Authors: Versteegh Josette JWM , Dulfer Karolijn , Stuvel Kira , Pasmans Suzanne GMA , Utens Elisabeth MWJ 
Published: August 2018

Background: Netherton syndrome is a rare severe skin disease. Clinical experience showed considerable psychosocial burdens among Netherton syndrome patients/families. Their (neuro)psychological functioning has never been investigated. Objective: To investigate neuropsychological/psychosocial functioning of Netherton syndrome patients and parents. Methods: A total of 12 Netherton syndrome patients and/or parents completed neuropsychological tests, semi-structured-interviews, and psychological-questionnaires. Results: Intelligence results showed disharmonic profiles, with below-average scores on processing speed. Neuropsychological problems and unfavorable outcomes on health-related quality of life, illness-appearance-related problems, and negative social consequences among patients/parents were found. Psychopathological (emotional) problems were reported; stigmatization, bullying was common among Netherton syndrome patients. Conclusion: Compared with normative data, Netherton syndrome patients showed neuropsychological and psychosocial problems. Standard follow-up is necessary to identify problems at early stage.
Orthotopic renal autotransplantation for young-onset and medical treatment-requiring complex renovascular hypertension
Authors: Li Fang-Da , Ji Zhi-Gang , Liu Chang-Wei , Shao Jiang , Xie Yi , Zheng Yue-Hong 
Published: August 2018

Objective: In this article, we aim to prove the safety and effectiveness of orthotopic renal autotransplantation using ex vivo repair for the treatment of complex renovascular hypertension (RVH). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed five consecutive patients (three women, two men) with young-onset RVH from January 2009 to August 2014. Orthotopic renal autotransplantation using ex vivo repair was performed and perioperative data were collected for statistical analysis. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 20 years (range, 11 to 27 years). Technique success was achieved in all the patients with no in-hospital or late deaths. During a median follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 1.5 to 6 years), the postoperative blood pressure was decreased compared with preoperative level (204 ± 8/133 ± 8 mm Hg vs 129 ± 3/78 ± 5 mm Hg; p < 0.0001). The postoperative anti-hypertensive medications number was reduced (3.4 ± 0.4 vs 0.2 ± 0.2; p < 0.0001). Early and late renal functions were both well preserved as measured by no changes in serum creatinine level ( p > 0.05). The primary patent rate was 100% (5/5) at one-year follow-up. Conclusion: In our small series, orthotopic renal autotransplantation using ex vivo repair was safe and effective for the resolution of complex young-onset RVH.
Health Technology Assessments for Flash Glucose Monitoring and How to Use Them in Everyday Clinical Practice
Authors: Stueve Magnus , Schnell Oliver 
Published: August 2018

Background: Various health technology assessment (HTA) agencies review new medical devices worldwide, and their recommendations can be useful in guiding clinical decision making. However, different agencies use different processes and methodologies, resulting in variation in recommendations. Objectives: The objectives were to review full HTAs for a new technology for diabetes management, flash glucose monitoring (FGM), with the aim of summarizing similarities/differences in processes, methodologies, and recommendations from the perspective of everyday clinical practice. Methods: A literature review was conducted using online HTA resources. Results: Four full HTAs were identified (Canary Islands, France, Catalunya, and Norway); one issued a conditional recommendation for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with controlled glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (Spain; Canary Islands), one issued a broader recommendation for patients with T1DM and T2DM (France), and two reported that there was insufficient evidence to support a recommendation (Spain [Catalunya] and Norway). The most comprehensive and stringent of the available HTAs were those in the Canary Islands and Norway, which included systematic literature reviews (SLRs), consultation with patient groups and clinicians, GRADE evidence quality assessments, and full economic models. Comprehensive HTAs either did not recommend FGM (Norway) or restricted the recommendation to a small subpopulation of the overall diabetes population (Canary Islands). Conclusion: HTAs represent a valuable additional resource for clinicians to consider alongside clinical evidence, guidelines, and consensus papers; however, interpreting recommendations requires an understanding of the processes behind these recommendations. In this review, comprehensive HTAs either recommended for a selected subpopulation based on RCT evidence or found insufficient evidence for a recommendation.
An Analysis of the Cost-Effectiveness of Spinal Versus General Anesthesia for Lumbar Spine Surgery in Various Hospital Settings
Authors: Morris Matthew T. , Morris Jonathan , Wallace Camari , Cho Woojin , Sharan Alok , Abouelrigal Manal , Joseph Vilma 
Published: August 2018

Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Objective: To determine the relative cost-effectiveness of spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia for lumbar laminectomy and microdiscectomy surgery performed in an academic versus private practice hospital setting. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed charts of 188 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy by a single surgeon from 2012 to 2016 at either an academic or a private practice hospital setting. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were recorded and direct variable costs were calculated. Results: At the academic institution, the direct cost of a lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy surgery under general anesthesia was determined to be 9.93% greater than with spinal anesthesia ( P = .040). The greatest difference was seen with operating room costs, in which general anesthesia was associated with 18.74% greater costs than spinal anesthesia ( P = .016). There was no significant difference in cost at the private practice hospital setting. Conclusions: We conclude that use of spinal anesthesia for lumbar laminectomy leads to less operating room, postanesthesia care unit, and anesthesia times, lower levels of postoperative pain, and no increased rate of other complications compared with general anesthesia at an academic institution as compared to a private practice setting. Spinal anesthesia is 9.93% less expensive than general anesthesia, indicating substantial cost-saving potential. With no sacrifice of patient outcomes and the added benefit of less pain and recovery time, Spinal anesthesia represents a more cost-effective alternative to general anesthesia in lumbar spine surgery in the academic hospital setting.
Mechanical Properties of an Adjustable-Loop Cortical Suspension Device for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Iuchi Ryo , Mae Tatsuo , Tachibana Yuta , Shino Konsei , Nakagawa Shigeto , Yoshikawa Hideki , Nakata Ken 
Published: August 2018

Background: Various biomechanical properties of adjustable-loop cortical suspension devices have been observed among previous studies in which different experimental conditions were used to test each of these devices. However, no studies have investigated the biomechanical properties of single adjustable-loop cortical suspension devices under different cyclic loading protocols. It is necessary to clarify the problems associated with using this device and detect the best method of using it in the clinical setting. Hypothesis: The elongation of the loop of an adjustable-loop cortical suspension device with cyclic loading would be smaller with (1) an increase in the lower force limit and (2) lower speeds of cyclic loading. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eighteen anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) adjustable-loop cortical suspension devices were tested under the following 3 cyclic loading protocols in a device-only model. Protocol A included cyclic loading between 10 and 50 N at 50 mm/min for 500 cycles. The upper force limit was then increased by 25-N increments every 500 cycles up to 250 N, for a total of 4500 cycles. Protocol B included cyclic loading between 30 and 50 N at 50 mm/min for 500 cycles. The upper force limit was then increased to 250 N, for a total of 4500 cycles, in the same manner as protocol A. Protocol C included cyclic loading between 30 and 50 N at 25 mm/min for 500 cycles. The upper force limit was then increased to 250 N, for a total of 4500 cycles, in the same manner as protocol A. Results: The elongation after 4500 cycles was 36.1, 18.5, and 8.6 mm for protocols A, B, and C, respectively. There were significant differences among the 3 protocols, with protocol C showing the smallest elongation with cyclic loading. The elongation in each group progressed with each 25-N cyclic load increment. Conclusion: The adjustable-loop cortical suspension device showed a smaller elongation of the loop with increases in the lower force limit and with lower cyclic loading speeds. Clinical Relevance: Care should be taken during rehabilitation after anatomic ACL reconstruction using adjustable-loop cortical suspension devices with a low initial tension at graft fixation. Slow and less intense exercises may be more desirable in the early stages of healing.
Glafki Gotsi, Androniki Dialeti and Eleni Fournaraki (eds.), Το φύλο στην ιστορία: αποτιμήσεις και παραδείγματα [Gender in history: historiographical accounts and case studies]
Authors: Karydaki Danae 
Published: August 2018

Review of Glafki Gotsi, Androniki Dialeti, Eleni Fournaraki (eds.), Το φύλο στην ιστορία: αποτιμήσεις και παραδείγματα [Gender in history: historiographical accounts and case studies]. Athens: Asini, 2015, 373 pp.
Sakis Gekas, Xenocracy: State, Class and Colonialism in the Ionian Islands, 1815–1864
Authors: Zanou Konstantina 
Published: August 2018

Review of Sakis Gekas, Xenocracy: State, Class and Colonialism in the Ionian Islands, 1815–1864. New York/Oxford: Berghahn, 2017. 380 pp.
Three Cases of Extranodal Rosai-Dorfman Disease and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Xue , Yu Dan , Jin Chunshun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectTo summarize the etiology, pathology, diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment of the rare extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD).MethodsClinical data of three cases of extranodal RDD who were admitted to the E. N. T. Department of the second hospital of Jilin University were analyzed retrospectively, and the literature was reviewed.ResultsThree cases of extranodal RDD (maxillary sinus, nasal pharyngeal focus, and external auditory meatus) had a low fever and weight loss rather than painless enlarged lymph nodes. Surgical intervention was managed to clarify the diagnosis. All pathological diagnoses were extranodal RDD. Predisone for oral use was given to all patients postoperatively. There was no recurrence in the following 3 months, except case 1 was lost 2 months later.ConclusionsRDD is a rare idiopathic histiocytic proliferative disorder defined by its unique histopathological features: a proliferation of huge histiocytic cells with emperipolesis and S-100(+), CD1a(-). RDD is characterized clinically by bilateral cervical painless enlarged lymph nodes, while extranodal RDD is rarer and its manifestations varied. A defined therapeutic regimen has not been elucidated. RDD in about 20% of patients is self-limited. Surgical intervention is the main management of treatment, with glucocorticoids used in initial medical therapy. More clinical trials are necessary before drawing conclusions.
Assessment of Bentonite Compatibility with Salinity Using Centrifugation-Based Water Retention
Authors: Fehervari Andras , Gates Will P. , Bouazza Abdelmalek , Shackelford Charles D. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
A generalized centrifugation-based water retention (CWR) test has been developed to evaluate the chemical compatibility of geosynthetic clay liner bentonites with different inorganic aqueous solutions of various types and ionic strengths of two salts, NaCl and CaCl2, and to serve as a surrogate for the standard swell index (SI) test. The intention of this study is to provide the industry and researchers with a powerful, robust, and accurate method that fulfills the same pre-screening role as the SI test but is more efficient, quantifiable, and reproducible. The steps to optimize the centrifugation-based test are reported and discussed, and the effects of various parameters (e.g., g level, centrifugal duration, ionic strength of inorganic salts, etc.) on the water retention characteristics of bentonite are analyzed and evaluated. In general, water retention of bentonites decreased with increasing salt loads and centrifugal forces. Centrifugal duration (30 min versus 60 min) had little to no effect on the measured CWR values. The CWR strongly correlated with SI for the same samples, enabling predictions of SI of Na-bentonite in weak to strong saline solutions.
Application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to Detect Joints in Organic Soft Rock
Authors: Tolooiyan Ali , Dyson Ashley P. , Karami Mojtaba , Shaghaghi Tahereh , Ghadrdan Mohsen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe detection of joints and discontinuities is of particular importance to the stability of a broad range of geostructures, including slopes and underground and open-pit mines. As a common example, the mechanical response of soft rocks observed within open-pit mines is significantly influenced by the existence of joint networks, resulting in a complex stress distribution that governs the stability factor of safety as well as the failure mechanism. In this article, surface geophysics scanning by ground penetrating radar (GPR) is presented for the detection of vertical joints at one of the largest open-pit coal mines in Australia. The optimum soil velocity, point interval, and antenna frequency for joint detection in Victorian Brown Coal (VBC) are presented in comparison with electromagnetic properties of known organic soils. Furthermore, the performance of an assorted set of post-processing signal filtering techniques to successfully identify the underground coal fractures are detailed, along with obstructions affecting the feasibility of GPR vertical joint discovery in this light organic soft rock.
The Effects of Soil Erosion Characteristics on Critical Filter Design in Embankment Dams
Authors: Soroush Abbas , Shourijeh Piltan Tabatabaie , Fouladi Sina Ramezani 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The commonly accepted criteria available for a critical filter design are considered independent from soil erodibility and make no reference to soil erosion properties. This treatment investigates the interrelationship between core soil erosion resistance and critical filter substantiation. Erosion characteristics, namely, coefficient of soil erosion, critical shear stress, and erosion rate index, for 17 fine clay/silt core soils are determined via the hole erosion test. Also, the no-erosion boundary filter for each core soil is determined through no erosion filter testing. The results suggest that soils with higher erosion resistance permit coarser no-erosion boundary filters, i.e., higher D15b. Moreover, for soils with similar fines content or near d85 values, a lower erosion resistance would necessitate a smaller D15b/d85.
Experimental Study on Uplift Behavior of Group Anchors in Sand
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Jinyuan , Liu Mingliang 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This article presents an experimental investigation on sand deformation above a group of two plate anchors using a digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The test setup developed for this study includes a test frame with loading and deformation measurement, a computer connected to a high-resolution camera and equipped with DIC software, and a test mold to host scale model anchor plates. A series of physical model tests were conducted under different configurations, including different embedment depths, anchor spacings, and sand densities. Based on the sand displacement fields obtained from DIC, it was found that anchor group efficiency occurs when there is an overlap in soil displacement fields. This overlap is influenced by the combination of embedment depth, sand density, and anchor spacing. There is a critical spacing that defines the spacing at which group anchors act individually. An empirical formula is proposed for the relationship between group efficiency and critical spacing for sand at different density conditions. The formula compares favorably with experimental results published in the literature.
Direitos Sociais, Trabalho e Crise Social no Brasil / Social Rights, Work and Social Crisis in Brazil
Authors: Lara Ricardo , Silva Mauri Antônio 
Published: August 2018

O artigo tem como objetivo desenvolver abordagem sócio-histórica das principais ofensivas aos direitos dos trabalhadores brasileiros no período de 2010 a 2016 e, simultaneamente, apresentar dados das principais greves e pautas da luta sindical. A crise social que atinge o Brasil agrava-se com política de ajuste fiscal e ofensiva aos direitos sociais, principalmente pela redução de investimento do governo federal em politicas públicas e, por conseguinte, manutenção do pagamento de juros e amortização da dívida pública. Diante dessa situação, as articulações e atuações conjuntas entre o movimento social e sindical são extremamente necessárias para potencializarem as lutas contra os ataques aos direitos sociais e a possibilidade de construções de genuínas alternativas para o conjunto da sociedade brasileira.
Prevalence Estimates of Polycystic Kidney and Liver Disease by Population Sequencing
Authors: Lanktree Matthew B. , Haghighi Amirreza , Guiard Elsa , Iliuta Ioan-Andrei , Song Xuewen , Harris Peter C. , Paterson Andrew D. , Pei York 
Published: August 2018

Background
Estimating the prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is challenging because of age-dependent penetrance and incomplete clinical ascertainment. Early studies estimated the lifetime risk of ADPKD to be about one per 1000 in the general population, whereas recent epidemiologic studies report a point prevalence of three to five cases per 10,000 in the general population.

Methods
To measure the frequency of high-confidence mutations presumed to be causative in ADPKD and autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD) and estimate lifetime ADPKD prevalence, we used two large, population sequencing databases, gnomAD (15,496 whole-genome sequences; 123,136 exome sequences) and BRAVO (62,784 whole-genome sequences). We used stringent criteria for defining rare variants in genes involved in ADPKD (PKD1, PKD2), ADPLD (PRKCSH, SEC63, GANAB, ALG8, SEC61B, LRP5), and potential cystic disease modifiers; evaluated variants for quality and annotation; compared variants with data from an ADPKD mutation database; and used bioinformatic tools to predict pathogenicity.

Results
Identification of high-confidence pathogenic mutations in whole-genome sequencing provided a lower boundary for lifetime ADPKD prevalence of 9.3 cases per 10,000 sequenced. Estimates from whole-genome and exome data were similar. Truncating mutations in ADPLD genes and genes of potential relevance as cyst modifiers were found in 20.2 cases and 103.9 cases per 10,000 sequenced, respectively.

Conclusions
Population whole-genome sequencing suggests a higher than expected prevalence of ADPKD-associated mutations. Loss-of-function mutations in ADPLD genes are also more common than expected, suggesting the possibility of unrecognized cases and incomplete penetrance. Substantial rare variation exists in genes with potential for phenotype modification in ADPKD.