bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Switching from biosimilar (Basalin) to originator (Lantus) insulin glargine is effective in Chinese patients with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Hu Xia , Zhang Lei , Dong Yanhu , Dong Chao , Jiang Jikang , Gao Weiguo 
Published: April 2018

Background: This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of switching from Basalin® to Lantus® in Chinese patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A retrospective chart review conducted using the electronic medical records of patients hospitalized at the Qingdao Endocrine and Diabetes Hospital from 2005 to 2016. All patients were diagnosed with DM and underwent switching of insulin from Basalin to Lantus during hospitalization. Data collected included fasting (FBG), pre- and post-prandial whole blood glucose, insulin dose, reasons for insulin switching and hypoglycemia. Four study time points were defined as: hospital admission, Basalin initiation, insulin switching (date of final dose of Basalin), and hospital discharge. Blood glucose measurements were imputed as the values recorded closest to the dates of these four time points for each patient. Results: Data from 73 patients (70 patients with type 2 diabetes, 2 with type 1, and 1 undisclosed) were analyzed. At admission, mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and FBG were 8.9% (SD=1.75) and 9.98 (3.22) mmol/L, respectively. Between Basalin initiation and insulin switch, mean FBG decreased from 9.68 mmol/L to 8.03 mmol/L (p<0.0001), over a mean 10.8 (SD=6.85) days of Basalin treatment, and reduced further to 7.30 mmol/L at discharge (p=0.0116) following a mean 6.6 (7.36) days of Lantus. The final doses of Basalin and Lantus were similar (0.23 vs. 0.24 IU/kg/day; p=0.2409). Furthermore, reductions in pre- and post-prandial blood glucose were also observed between Basalin initiation, insulin switch and hospital discharge. The incidence of confirmed hypoglycemia was low during Basalin (2 [2.4%]) and Lantus (1 [1.2%]) treatment, with no cases of severe hypoglycemia. Conclusion: In this study population, switching from Basalin to Lantus was associated with further reductions in blood glucose, although the dose of insulin glargine did not increase. Further studies are required to verify these findings and determine the reason for this phenomenon.
Investigating Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL): A study protocol
Authors: Kesteman Thomas , Ghassani Ali , Hajjar Crystel , Picot Valentina , Osman Marwan , Alnajjar Zahraa , Komurian-Pradel Florence , Messaoudi Melina ,   PEARL Study Group, Soulaiman Hicham Ghazi , Vanhems Philippe , Ramilo Octavio , Karam-Sarkis Dolla , Najjar-Pellet Josette , Hamze Monzer , Endtz Hubert 
Published: April 2018

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a leading cause of mortality, mainly affects children in developing countries. The harsh circumstances experienced by refugees include various factors associated with respiratory pathogen transmission, and clinical progression of CAP. Consequently, the etiology of CAP in humanitarian crisis situations may differ to that of settled populations, which would impact appropriate case management. Therefore, the Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL) study was initiated with the objective of identifying the causal pathogenic microorganisms in the respiratory tract of children and adults from both the refugee and host country population presenting with signs of CAP during a humanitarian crisis. Methods: PEARL, a prospective, multicentric, case-control study, will be conducted at four primary healthcare facilities in Tripoli and the Bekaa valley over 15 months (including two high-transmission seasons/winters). Sociodemographic and medical data, and biological samples will be collected from at least 600 CAP cases and 600 controls. Nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, urine and blood samples will be analyzed at five clinical pathology laboratories in Lebanon to identify the bacterial and viral etiological agents of CAP. Transcriptomic profiling of host leukocytes will be performed. Conclusions: PEARL is an original observational study that will provide important new information on the etiology of pneumonia among refugees, which may improve case management, help design antimicrobial stewardship interventions, and reduce morbidity and mortality due to CAP in a humanitarian crisis.
A systematic review of long-term patient reported outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the skeletally immature
Authors: Buckle C. , Wainwright A. M. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose To systematically review the available literature regarding outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the skeletally immature at skeletal maturity or more than five years after surgery. Methods A systematic search was performed of seven online databases for literature reporting patient reported outcomes for the treatment of ACL injuries in the skeletally immature. A systematic review of this literature was performed examining the outcomes and their association with skeletal immaturity and treatment techniques. Results A total of 18 articles reported the outcomes of 425 subjects. The mean age at surgery ranged from 10.3 to 15 years. Mean follow-up ranged from 36 to 163 months. Ten studies followed up subjects until skeletal maturity. Mean outcome scores were similar for extraphyseal (Lysholm 96.2 (95.7 to 97.4), Tegner 6.75, IKDC 95.4 (94 to 100)) and transphyseal surgery (Lysholm 94.3 (84.6-100), Tegner 7.6 (6 to 8.7), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 93.6 (84 to 99)). However, the lower range boundary for Lysholm and IKDC was worse for the transphyseal group. The results for non-surgical treatments were worse (Lysholm 63.2, Tegner 4.8, IKDC 87). No significant differences were found in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy (p = 0.32), coronal plane growth disturbance (p = 0.48), graft rupture (p = 0.88) and persistent symptomatic instability (p = 0.11) with transphyseal and extraphyseal surgical techniques. Conclusion Both transphyseal and extraphyseal reconstructive techniques produced good patient reported outcomes, with no significant differences in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy, coronal plane growth disturbance, graft rupture and persistent symptomatic instability. They compare favourably with the repair techniques reviewed and the natural history of the condition. Further high-quality studies comparing the transphyseal and extraphyseal techniques are required. Level of Evidence Level IV
Intimate earthly embodiments: Dancing the seasons in bharatanatyam
Authors: Zubko Katherine C. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The six seasons of Indian aesthetics expressed in the fifth-century poet Kalidasa’s Ritu Samhara (Cycle of Seasons) depict the landscapes of the natural world as reflections of the shifting inner worlds of a lover in relationship with his or her beloved. Weather patterns, animal behaviours, variances in rivers and cycles of trees parallel the rhythmic dance of desire between humans and between humans and nature. This article traces an ethnographic example of Kalidasa’s work, Ritu: The Seasons as choreographed by Suchitra Sairam in the South Asian storytelling dance form of bharatanatyam. As a unique thematic programme focused on nature, danced in an outdoor venue, Ritu offers kinesthetic insights into how gesture sequences enact a particular oscillation of inward and outward responsiveness between humans and the environment within the aesthetic framework of sringara rasa, an erotic mood. Attuning the dancers’ bodies to aspects of nature nurtures an intimacy at the centre of an embodied ecological relationality.
Somewhere, sometime, some dance!: A tribute to Obá
Authors: Daniel Yvonne 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This article proposes one model for living in connection with the earth. Using learned lessons from within African Diaspora dance practices, I suggest a transfer of collective traditional body knowledge about the importance of dancing to contemporary earth-dwellers in hopes of an accessible and practical method for abundant joy, human health and committed contribution to Mother Earth.
Proceedings of the “Think Tank Hackathon’’, Big Data Training School for Life Sciences Follow-up, Ljubljana 6th – 7th February 2018
Authors: Schulze Sabrina K. , Ramšak Živa , Hoang Yen , Zdravevski Eftim , Pfeil Juliane , Duarte-López Ariel , Baier Uwe , Zagorščak Maja 
Published: April 2018

On 6th and 7th February 2018, a Think Tank took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It was a follow-up of the “Big Data Training School for Life Sciences” held in Uppsala, Sweden, in September 2017. The focus was on identifying topics of interest and optimising the programme for a forthcoming “Advanced” Big Data Training School for Life Science, that we hope is again supported by the COST Action CHARME (Harmonising standardisation strategies to increase efficiency and competitiveness of European life-science research - CA15110). The Think Tank aimed to go into details of several topics that were - to a degree - covered by the former training school. Likewise, discussions embraced the recent experience of the attendees in light of the new knowledge obtained by the first edition of the training school and how it comes from the perspective of their current and upcoming work. The 2018 training school should strive for and further facilitate optimised applications of Big Data technologies in life sciences. The attendees of this hackathon entirely organised this workshop.
Poročilo o obročkanju ptic v Sloveniji v letu 2016 in pojavljanje mušje listnice Phylloscopus inornatus v 25 letih v Sloveniji
Authors: Vrezec Al , Fekonja Dare 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In 2016, data on 176 bird species were gathered during bird ringing activities in Slovenia. A total of 65,711 birds of 165 different species were ringed. Furthermore, 148 recoveries of birds ringed in Slovenia and found abroad, 245 foreign recoveries in Slovenia and 1840 local recoveries were made. The most frequently ringed species was the Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Among the ringed nestlings, Great Tits Parus major, Tree Sparrows Passer montanus and White Storks Ciconia ciconia predominated. Considering recoveries of birds ringed or found abroad, the most frequent were finds based on colour rings, especially of Black-headed Gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus, Mute Swans Cygnus olor and Common Terns Sterna hirundo. As far as local recoveries are concerned, most data were collected for Great Tit and Siskin Spinus spinus. Among rare species, two Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus were ringed, one Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola, one Little Emberiza pusilla and one Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala, the latter as a singing male, which probably also bred in 2016. The catch frequency of the Yellow-browed Warblers has indeed been increasing in Slovenia in the last 25 years, but this is still a rare and irregular vagrant on autumn migration.
Comparison of Proctor and Uniaxial Compression Tests for Selected Soils
Authors: Błażejczak Dariusz , Śnieg Kinga , Słowik Małgorzata 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The objective of this paper was to compare the results of soil material compaction carried out with the use of the Proctor and uniaxial compression tests in order to find relations between these methods. Soil material in the form of loose mass was collected from the layer deposited at the depth from 35 to 60 cm in order to determine its typical properties (textural group, density of solid particles, humus content, reaction, plastic and liquid limits) and in order to compact it in the Proctor apparatus and in the uniaxial compression test. Results of both tests were used for construction of regression models reflecting the course of the unit stress (Pρdp
), necessary to generate compaction equal to the dry density of solid particles obtained in the Proctor apparatus (ρdp) in relation to the sample moisture (w
s). It was stated that the stress value Pρdp
on the soil sample in the uniaxial compression test depends significantly on w
s. It was proved that for the purpose of comparing the results of both tests, the uniaxial stress of samples must be performed in conditions of their lateral expansion. It was also proved that the use of the uniaxial test with possible lateral expansion of soil with a model sample, a diameter of which is 100 and the height is 30 mm, one may determine the obtained compaction with the use of the plate movement value.
Orchards Pruning to Energy – The Results of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the New Logistic Chain Developed within the Europruning Project – Part 2
Authors: Dyjakon Arkadiusz , Boer Jan den , García-Galindo Daniel , Adamczyk Florian , Lopez Eva , Sebastian Fernando , Suardi Allesandro , Gebresenbet Girma , Jirjis Raida , Bosona Techane , Germer Sonja , Bischoff Wolf-Anno 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
To determine the environmental impact, the assessment of the Euro-Pruning project strategy has been carried out in accordance with the checking and scooping list related to Directive 97/11/EC. Additionally, some suggestions and recommendations to prevent/minimize the hazard of accidents or negative interaction on surrounding have been elaborated (according to the suggested procedure in ISO 14001 methodology: risk definition and prevention action proposal). As a consequence, the results of the inspection during the demo tests taking place in different orchards/plantations regarding the performance of the machineries operation, farmers’ habits and pruning residues harvesting procedures have been presented, in order to diagnose and determine possible risks that may occur and influence negatively the local environment. Similar activities have been carried out during the storage tests and transportation processes.
Analysis of Operation Performance in the Process of Machine Wood Harvesting with Fao Far 6840 Mini-Harvester
Authors: Kormanek Mariusz , Baj Dariusz 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The article presents analysis of operation of Fao Far 6840 mini harvester for machine wood harvesting. Analysis was made based on working day timing. The investigations were carried out on the area of Lubliniec Forest Inspectorate, Bór Forestry on the habitat forest site − fresh mixed forest where pine wood was obtained with the use of a harvester. Timing was carried out based on the registration of the exploitation time of a harvester with the use of a video camera and stopwatch and measurements of the obtained size grade. Based on the obtained results low values of performance in the exploitation change time 9.61 m3·h−1, and effective performance 12.14 m3·h−1 were reported. Low machine performance was affected mainly by conditions of harvesting, low log volume (at the average 0.62 m3) and concentration of trees. The head structure (applied feed system), weak work organization (short time of a single 6 hour shift) and weak skills of the machine operator were additional factors that reduced the performance
Towards harmonization of external quality assessment/proficiency testing in hemostasis
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Jennings Ian , Olson John , Van Cott Elizabeth M. , Bonar Roslyn , Gosselin Robert , Meijer Piet 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Quality in diagnostic testing represents a key target of laboratory medicine, for which an assurance around the quality of testing is expected from all involved in the process. Laboratories attempt to assure the quality of their testing by various processes, but especially by performance of internal quality control and external quality assessment (EQA). This is especially true for tests of hemostasis and coagulation. EQA in general provides information on test accuracy and on evaluation of long-term laboratory performance. EQA providers support laboratory performance by various means, including distribution of material for testing of analytes (“proficiency testing”), educational support through expert advice, distribution of publications or case series. Participation in EQA is often a laboratory accreditation requirement. This review aims to identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of EQA, and targets attempts towards harmonization of EQA practice, in order to achieve the best outcome for participant laboratories and, thus, for patients and their clinical care providers.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Three Cases of Bronchial Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: Andreev Valeri Y. , Yanev Nikolay A. , Stanimirov Stefan K. , Mircheva Temenuzhka V. , Ivanov Ivan N. , Popovska Savelina , Hristova Petkana A. , Ivanov Yavor Y. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
As part of a retrospective study on bronchoscopies performed at the Clinic of Pneumonology and Phthisiatry of the University Hospital – Pleven by autofluorescence bronchoscopy we found 3 cases diagnosed with carcinoma in situ. They were treated in different ways – endobronchial electrocoagulation, extraction by forceps biopsy and open surgery, but the result was the same – clinical healing. The paper presents the three clinical cases and the analysis of the treatment.
Electrodermal Activity Monitoring during Endotracheal Suction in Sedated Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Aslanidis Theodoros , Grosomanidis Vasilios , Karakoulas Konstantinos , Chatzisotiriou Athanasios 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Endotracheal suctioning of respiratory secretions is one of the most common causes of pain and discomfort in Intensive Care Unit environment. The electrical properties of the skin, also known as electrodermal activity (EDA), are considered as an indirect measure of autonomous nervous system.
Aim: This study explores EDA changes during endotracheal suction in sedated adult critical care patients; and compares these changes to other monitoring parameters.
Materials and methods: Skin conductance variability, selected hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, bispectral index (BIS) and ambient noise level, were monitored during 4 hour routine daytime intensive care nursing and treatment in an adult Intensive Care Unit. 4h-measurements were divided into 2 groups, based upon the sedation level (group A: Ramsay sedation scale 2-4 and group B: 5-6 respectively) of the patients. Selected recordings before and after endotracheal suction (stress events) were performed. Seven stress events from Group A and 17 from Group B were included for further analysis. Patients’ demographics, laboratory exams and severity scores were recorded. Pain status evaluation before every event was also performed via 2 independent observers.
Results: In both groups the rate of EDA changes was greater than in other monitoring parameters. Yet, in group A only selected parameters were significantly changed after the start of the procedure, while in group B, every parameter showed significant change (p<0.05). Groups were similar for other co-founding factors.
Conclusion: EDA measurements are more sensitive to stress stimuli, than cardiovascular, respiratory or even BIS monitoring. Deeper sedation seems to affect more the intensity of EDA changes during suction.
Relations of Apelin with Cardiac Remodeling in Patients with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Koval Sergiy , Iushko Kostiantyn , Starchenko Tatyana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: The peptide apelin has antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties, but its role in the processes of cardiac remodeling in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is poorly understood.
Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate apelin levels in patients with hyper-tension and T2D and to determine its relations to heart structural parameters and types of cardiac remodeling.
Materials and methods: We examined 63 patients with hypertension and T2D. Investigation complex included physical examination, standard transthoracic echocardiography and determination of apelin serum levels by ELISA. Control group consisted of 16 volunteers.
Results: The apelin levels in patients were significantly lower than those in volunteers (0.882(0.788; 0.924) ng/ml versus 1.097(0.944; 1.171) ng/ml, p<0.001). Negative correlation relations of apelin with septal wall thickness (r=−0.50, p<0.001), posterior wall thickness (r=−0.46, p<0.001), left ventricle (LV) mass (r=−0.39, p<0.01), LV mass index (r=−0.42, p<0.001) and left atrium size (r=−0.45, p<0.001) were found. In patients with concentric remodeling of LV apelin levels were 0.918 (0.892; 0.984) ng/ml, with concentric LV hypertrophy – 0.855(0.722; 0.899) ng/ml, with eccentric LV hypertrophy – 0.884(0.856; 0.929) ng/ml (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.001 versus control, respectively). Patients with concentric LV hypertrophy had significantly lower apelin levels than patients with concentric remodeling of LV (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Patients with hypertension and T2D have significant reduction of apelin blood levels, which is accompanied by cardiac remodeling development primarily concentric LV hypertrophy and have negative correlation relations of apelin with heart structural parameters that characterize LV remodeling and left atrium size.
Pathobiochemical Mechanisms Relating Iron Homeostasis with Parameters of Inflammatory Activity and Autoimmune Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Stefanova Katya I. , Delcheva Ginka T. , Maneva Ana I. , Batalov Anastas Z. , Geneva-Popova Mariela G. , Karalilova Rositza V. , Simitchiev Kiril K. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Aim: To find the correlations between the parameters of iron homeostasis, inflammatory activity and autoimmune disorders in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Materials and methods: The present study included 114 patients with RA and 42 healthy controls. We determined the parameters of iron homeostasis: serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), the parameters of inflammatory activity: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prohepcidin, and the parameters of autoimmune disorders: rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (antiCCP) antibodies and DAS 28.
Results: The levels of sTfR, CRP, IL-6 and prohepcidin were significantly higher in RA patients than those in the controls and the level of serum iron was significantly lower in RA than that in the control group. Unlike the controls, in RA, there was a significant positive correlation of sTfR with the parameters of inflammatory activity (IL-6, prohepcidin, ESR) and with the parameters of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28, RF, antiCCP). A negative correlation of serum iron with sTfR was found only in RA patients. Prohepcidin positively correlated with the parameters of inflammation (CRP, ESR) and with the parameters for evaluation of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28 and RF) in the RA group.
Conclusion: Our study shows that the simultaneous determination of the two parameters sTfR and prohepcidin is most informative for evaluation of the changes in iron homeostasis in RA. The increase of both parameters provides information for tissue iron deficiency (assessed by the level of sTfR), caused by the inflammation when prohepcidin is expressed.