bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Proanthocyanidins in a Rat Model of Mild Intestinal Inflammation and Impaired Intestinal Permeability Induced by LPS
Authors: Gil‐Cardoso Katherine , Comitato Raffaella , Ginés Iris , Ardévol Anna , Pinent Montserrat , Virgili Fabio , Terra Ximena , Blay Mayte 
Published: January 2019

ScopeIntestinal dysfunction consists of a defective barrier function, which allows the influx of luminal endotoxins, thus causing intestinal inflammation. Proanthocyanidins are natural bioactive compounds that could modulate intestinal dysfunction. This study analyzes the protective effects of proanthocyanidins in a rat model of intestinal dysfunction.Methods and resultsTo investigate the preventive effects of both high dietary (75 mg kg–1 body weight) and pharmacological (375 mg kg–1 body weight) oral doses of proanthocyanidins (GSPE), rat intestinal dysfunction is induced with LPS (i.p.). In vivo intestinal permeability (ovalbumin [OVA] assay) and systemic inflammation and endotoxemia (TNF‐α and LPS plasma levels) are assessed. Intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress are determined using myeloperoxidase (MPO), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) activities, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, respectively. Ileal gene expression of permeability/inflammatory genes is analyzed.LPS administration induces intestinal permeability, inflammation, and oxidative stress. GSPE normalizes in vivo OVA levels. In the small intestine, the GSPE treatment decreases MPO and COX‐2 activities; modulates the ileum inflammatory and permeability proteins gene expression; and in the large intestine, prevents increase of ROS levels.ConclusionsProanthocyanidins, at nutritional and pharmacological doses, prevents endotoxin‐induced‐intestinal inflammation, permeability, and oxidative stress in rats differentially in each intestinal section. Proanthocyanidins are nutritional‐therapeutic novel candidates for preventing intestinal dysfunction.
Safety‐oriented design of in‐house software for new techniques: A case study using a model‐based 4DCT protocol
Authors: O'Connell Dylan , Thomas David H. , Lewis John H. , Hasse Katelyn , Santhanam Anand , Lamb James M. , Cao Minsong , Tenn Stephen , Agazaryan Nzhde , Lee Percy P. , Low Daniel A. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeIn‐house software is commonly employed to implement new imaging and therapy techniques before commercial solutions are available. Risk analysis methods, as detailed in the TG‐100 report of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, provide a framework for quality management of processes but offer little guidance on software design. In this work, we examine a novel model‐based four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) protocol using the TG‐100 approach and describe two additional methods for promoting safety of the associated in‐house software.MethodsTo implement a previously published model‐based 4DCT protocol, in‐house software was necessary for tasks such as synchronizing a respiratory signal to computed tomography images, deformable image registration (DIR), model parameter fitting, and interfacing with a treatment planning system. A process map was generated detailing the workflow. Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) was performed to identify critical steps and guide quality interventions. Software system safety was addressed through writing “use cases,” narratives that characterize the behavior of the software, for all major operations to elicit safety requirements. Safety requirements were codified using the easy approach to requirements syntax (EARS) to ensure testability and eliminate ambiguity.ResultsSixty‐one failure modes were identified and assigned risk priority numbers using FMEA. Resultant quality management interventions include integration of a comprehensive reporting and logging system into the software, mandating daily and monthly equipment quality assurance procedures, and a checklist to be completed at image acquisition. Use cases and resulting safety requirements informed the design of needed in‐house software as well as a suite of tests performed during the image generation process.ConclusionsTG‐100 methods were used to construct a process‐level quality management program for a 4DCT imaging protocol. Two supplemental tools from the field of requirements engineering facilitated elicitation and codification of safety requirements that informed the design and testing of in‐house software necessary to implement the protocol. These general tools can be applied to promote safety when in‐house software is needed to bring new techniques to the clinic.
Stress redistribution of dynamic loading incident with arbitrary waveform through a circular cavity
Authors: Tao Ming , Li Zhanwen , Cao Wenzhuo , Li Xibing , Wu Chengqing 
Published: January 2019

SummaryIn actual geotechnical and civil engineering, dynamic stress concentrations around cavities generated by wave sources widely exist. In this study, based on the complex variable theory and Fourier transform method, the expression of the dynamic stress concentration factor (DSCF) around a circular cavity in infinite homogeneous media subjected to transient waves with arbitrary waveform is obtained. The relationships between both steady‐state and transient DSCF and their waveform parameters are investigated quantitatively. The results indicate that a relatively large tensile stress is generated with low Poisson's ratio under steady‐state incidence. Under the condition of transient incidence, the position of the wave peak has a minor effect on the DSCF in the case of small wavenumber, but it has a significant effect in the opposite case. It is found that when the wavenumber is high, such as 0.5, the stress response lags behind the stress wave. In addition, the closer the wave peak to the center of the waveform, the greater the potential damage of the transient incidence.
Developing quantitative MRI parameters to characterize host response and tissue ingrowth into collagen scaffolds
Authors: Shazeeb Mohammed Salman , Howes Stuart , Kandasamy Sivakumar , Peiris Thelge Buddika , Sotak Christopher H. , Pins George D. 
Published: January 2019

The in vivo evaluation of soft biomaterial implant remodeling routinely requires the surgical removal of the implant for subsequent histological assessment of tissue ingrowth and scaffold remodeling. This approach is very resource intensive, often destructive, and imposes practical limitations on how effectively these materials can be evaluated. MRI has the potential to non‐invasively monitor the remodeling of implanted collagen scaffolds in real time. This study investigated the development of a model system to characterize the cellular infiltration, void area fraction, and angiogenesis in collagen scaffold implants using T2 relaxation time and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps along with conventional histological techniques. Initial correlations found statistically significant relationships between the MRI and histological parameters for various regions of the implanted sponges: T2 versus cell density (r ≈ −0.83); T2 versus void area fraction (r ≈ +0.78); T2 versus blood vessel density (r ≈ +0.95); ADC versus cell density (r ≈ −0.77); and ADC versus void area fraction (r ≈ +0.84). This suggests that MRI is sensitive to specific remodeling parameters and has the potential to serve as a non‐invasive tool to monitor the remodeling of implanted collagen scaffolds, and to ultimately assess the ability of these scaffolds to regenerate the functional properties of damaged tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin or skeletal muscle.
Decomposable robust two‐stage optimization: An application to gas network operations under uncertainty
Authors: Aßmann Denis , Liers Frauke , Stingl Michael 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe study gas network problems with compressors and control valves under uncertainty that can be formulated as two‐stage robust optimization problems. Uncertain data are present in the physical parameters of the pipes as well as in the overall demand. We show how to exploit the special decomposable structure of the problem to reformulate the two‐stage problem as a single‐stage robust optimization problem. The right‐hand side of the single‐stage problem can be precomputed by solving a series of optimization problems and multiple elements of the right‐hand side can be combined into one optimization task. The practical feasibility and effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated with benchmarks on several gas network instances, among them a realistic model of the Greek natural gas network. Overall, aggregation and preprocessing allow us to quickly solve large gas network instances under uncertainty for the price of slightly more conservative solutions.
Canine sex estimation and sexual dimorphism in the collection of identified skeletons of the University of Coimbra, with an application in a Roman cemetery from Faro, Portugal
Authors: Luna Leandro H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSexual estimation of human remains is an aspect of great importance for the characterization of demographic profiles in bioarcheology and to identify individuals in forensic cases. The aims of this paper are threefold: to generate population‐specific formulae for sex estimation based on permanent canine metrics, to evaluate the dental sexual dimorphism, and to develop a Bayesian approach in a sample of 115 individuals from the documented human sample housed in the University of Coimbra (Portugal). Discriminant functions and logistic regression equations were developed, and posterior probabilities were calculated. Formulae offered high percentages of correct sex assignation (77.42–86.54% for the discriminant functions and 81.63–85.18% for the logistic regression), whereas posterior probabilities ranged between 0.71 and 0.85. The procedures were then applied in an archaeological sample of 32 individuals from the Roman (I‐III century AC) cemetery of Ossonoba Romana (Faro, Portugal) in order to test the relevance of their use in this geographical‐related sample. The results of correct estimation are higher than 75% for three formulae and four combinations of variables in the Bayesian approach. Although phenotypic variation may be a factor influencing the sex estimations, canine odontometrics are powerful tools when previously tested and can increase the amount of data obtained for paleodemographic and forensic purposes. In this case, some of the methods developed for the modern sample can be used in archaeological samples and in spatial and temporal‐related skeletal collections.
Creating a teachable moment in community pharmacy for men with prostate cancer: A qualitative study of lifestyle changes
Authors: Poole Karen , Ogden Jane , Gasson Sophie , Lemanska Agnieszka , Archer Fiona , Griffin Bruce , Saxton John , Lyons Karen , Faithfull Sara 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveIt is well established that exercise and lifestyle behaviours improve men's health outcomes from prostate cancer. With 3.8 million men living with the disease worldwide, the challenge is creating accessible intervention approaches that lead to sustainable lifestyle changes. We carried out a phase II feasibility study of a lifestyle intervention delivered by nine community pharmacies in the United Kingdom to inform a larger efficacy study. Qualitative interviews explored how men experienced the intervention, and these data are presented here.MethodsCommunity pharmacies delivered a multicomponent lifestyle intervention to 116 men with prostate cancer. The intervention included a health, strength, and fitness assessment, immediate feedback, lifestyle prescription with telephone support, and reassessment 12 weeks later. Three months after receiving the intervention, 33 participants took part in semistructured telephone interviews.ResultsOur framework analysis identified how a teachable moment can be created by a community pharmacy intervention. There was evidence of this when men's self‐perception was challenged and coupled to a positive interaction with a pharmacist. Our findings highlight the social context of behaviour change with men identifying how their lifestyle choices were negotiated within their household. There was a ripple effect as lifestyle behaviours made a positive impact on friends and family.ConclusionsThe teachable moment is not a serendipitous opportunity but can be created by an intervention. Our study adds insight into how community pharmacists can support cancer survivors to make positive lifestyle behaviour changes and suggests a role for doing rather than just telling.
Mindfulness and metacognition in facing with fear of recurrence: A proof‐of‐concept study with breast‐cancer women
Authors: Cheli Simone , Caligiani Lucia , Martella Francesca , De Bartolo Paola , Mancini Francesco , Fioretto Luisa 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveFear of recurrence is a crucial issue in cancer care. On the one hand, the increase of cancer‐survival rates and complexity of care is exposing patients to this type of fear. On the other hand, it is a distressing and recurrent psychosocial risk that affects quality of life and adherence to follow‐up. Patients should have access to targeted psychological interventions aimed at reducing or preventing fear of recurrence. This mixed‐methods pilot study reports the preliminary results of a novel mindfulness‐ and metacognition‐based intervention specifically targeting fear of recurrence.MethodsThe study was composed of an individual (n = 76) and a group (n = 38) intervention, both lasting 8 weeks, that were evaluated through a preassessment and postassessment and a 1‐month follow‐up. We enrolled women recovering from breast cancer (n = 114) in follow‐up care, with significant psychosocial distress. Patients with more severe psychopathology were assigned to the individual treatment, whereas the less severe ones were assigned to the group treatment. We explored the distress and the fear of recurrence through standardized measures and in‐depth qualitative interviews.ResultsResults showed that depressive, anxious, and post‐traumatic symptoms were reduced significantly in the entire sample. Patients reported a significant reduction of fear of recurrence, which was described in terms of loss of control, increase of uncertainty, and decrease of metacognitive and interpersonal skills.ConclusionsAlthough further studies are needed, these findings provide preliminary proof‐of‐concept results for the potential of integrated mindfulness‐ and metacognition‐based interventions to reduce fear of recurrence in cancer patients.
Engagement in performing clinical physiotherapy research: Perspectives from leaders and physiotherapists
Authors: Nilsagård Ylva , Westerdahl Elisabeth , Forsberg Anette 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe recent increase in physiotherapy research has led to more physiotherapists being involved in research. Consequently, leaders must make a standpoint on whether the department should engage in research, whereas individual physiotherapists have to decide if they want to play an active role in carrying out a research project. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions and experiences of both participating physiotherapists and their leaders regarding taking part in clinical physiotherapy research projects.MethodsA qualitative study using face‐to‐face interviews was conducted. All (n = 8) leaders were interviewed individually. Physiotherapists (n = 18) were interviewed either individually (n = 5) or in small groups including two to three persons (n = 13). The interviews were analysed using inductive conventional content analysis.ResultsThere was a consensus that engagement of the leaders was a prerequisite for entering research projects and that the research had to be in line with the department's regular assignment. For the physiotherapists, the key factors for success were having designated time and having support from their leader, especially when feelings of responsibility became overwhelming. The leaders stressed the importance of being well informed. Participating in clinical research created value such as personal and professional growth for the physiotherapists, who also inspired their colleagues and thus positively affected the organization. Engaging in research contributed to being an attractive employer and gave a boost to evidence‐based practice.ConclusionThe study provides perspectives from leaders and physiotherapists on engaging in research. There was a consensus that participating in a research project was beneficial for the organization, the individual physiotherapist, and the patients. However, clinical applicability, support, sufficient time, and early involvement of leaders are significant prerequisites.
Ultrathin Graphitic Carbon Coated Molybdenum Phosphide as Noble‐Metal‐Free Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Yu‐Qing , Sui Xu–Lei , Zhao Lei , Huang Guo‐Sheng , Gu Da‐Ming , Wang Zhen‐Bo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe exploration of non‐precious metal catalysts for hydrogen generation by electrochemical water‐splitting is the subject of extensive studies. In this work, we report the ultrathin graphitic carbon coated MoP nanoparticles (MoP/GC) prepared by the combination method of temperature‐programmed reduction and hydrothermal treatment. The sintering condition is of vital importance for the MoP synthesis. Our catalyst exhibits high activity and outstanding stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In acidic media, MoP/GC exhibits a low onset overpotential of 47 mV, and a Tafel slope of 54.0 mV dec−1. The novel ultrathin graphitic carbon coated structure provides MoP with enhanced electrical conductivity and improved catalytic activity. This work enlightens a universal method of preparing cost‐effective and acid‐stable electrocatalysts for HER.
Transfer of shear stresses at steel‐concrete interface
Authors: Chrzanowski Maciej , Odenbreit Christoph , Obiala Renata , Bogdan Teodora , Degée Hervé 
Published: January 2019

AbstractShear stresses can be transferred via bond at the steel‐concrete interface without having to consider any mechanical shear connectors. The research conducted shows that the use of anti‐adhesive products, such as grease, reduce the bond at the steel‐concrete interface in push‐out tests (POTs). However, the effect is still significant, especially for fully encased steel profiles. The results of an experimental POT campaign with nine small‐scale cube specimens and two composite column specimens are presented here. Three different surface conditions were examined: a) an untreated surface, b) a surface treated with anti‐adhesive agent (formwork release oil) and c) a surface treated with PTFE spray. The resulting ultimate shear stresses were compared with the experimental results available in the literature [1–10]. How the different geometries of the specimens, the concrete age and the surface treatment conditions influence the bond strength are compared and summarized.
Identifying Information Gaps in a Surgical Capacity Assessment Tool for Developing Countries: A Methodological Triangulation Approach
Authors: Nwanna‐Nzewunwa Obieze C. , Ajiko Mary Margaret , Motwani Girish , Kabagenyi Fiona , Carvalho Melissa , Feldhaus Isabelle , Kirya Fred , Epodoi Joseph , Dicker Rochelle , Juillard Catherine 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundSurgical capacity assessment in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is challenging. The Surgeon OverSeas’ Personnel Infrastructure Procedure Equipment and Supplies (PIPES) survey tool has been proposed to address this challenge. There is a need to examine the gaps in veracity and context appropriateness of the information obtained using the PIPES tool.MethodsWe performed a methodological triangulation by comparing and contrasting information obtained using the PIPES tool with information obtained simultaneously via three other methods: time and motion study (T&M); provider focus group discussions (FGDs); and a retrospective review of hospital records.ResultsIn its native state, the PIPES survey does not capture the role of non‐physician clinicians who contribute immensely to surgical care delivery in LMICs. The surgical workforce was more accurately captured by the FGDs and T&M. It may also not reflect the improvisations (e.g., patients sharing beds, partitioning the operating theater, and using preoperative rooms for surgery, etc.) that occur to expand surgical capacity to overcome the limited infrastructure and equipment.ConclusionsThe PIPES tool captures vital surgical capacity information but has gaps that can be filled by modifying the tool and/or using ancillary methodologies. The interests of the researcher and the local stakeholders’ perspectives should inform such modifications.
Impact of Tumor Location on Postoperative Outcome of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct
Authors: Matsumoto Takatsugu , Kubota Keiichi , Hachiya Hiroyuki , Sakuraoka Yuhki , Shiraki Takayuki , Shimizu Takayuki , Mori Shozo , Iso Yukihiro , Kato Masato , Yamagishi Hidetsugu , Imai Yasuo , Aoki Taku 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe concept of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) has been proposed to be the biliary equivalent of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. While the classification of IPMNs is based on their location of duct involvement, such classification has not been fully evaluated for IPNBs. The aim of this study is to investigate the value of IPNB classification based on its location.MethodsA total of 306 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection with a diagnosis of bile duct tumor were enrolled. Among these patients, 21 were diagnosed as having IPNB. The IPNBs were classified into two groups as follows: extrahepatic IPNB, which located in the distal or perihilar bile duct, and intrahepatic IPNB, which located more peripherally than the hilar bile duct. The clinicopathological features of the two groups were then compared.ResultsExtrahepatic IPNB tended to show more invasive characteristics than intrahepatic IPNB (presence of invasive component: 40.0 vs. 9.1%, p = 0.084). Moreover, patients with extrahepatic IPNB showed significantly poorer relapse‐free survival (RFS) than those with intrahepatic IPNB [5‐year RFS rate (%): 81.8 vs. 16.2, p = 0.014].ConclusionPatients with intrahepatic IPNB show more favorable pathological characteristics and postoperative survival outcomes than those with extrahepatic IPNB.
Laying Blame for Flight and Fight: Sino-Soviet Relations and the “Yi–Ta” Incident in Xinjiang, 1962
Authors: Kraus Charles 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn spring 1962, 60,000 individuals fled from northern Xinjiang into the Soviet Union. Known as the “Yi–Ta” incident, the mass exodus sparked a major flare up in Sino-Soviet relations. This article draws on declassified Chinese and Russian-language archival sources and provides one of the first in-depth interpretations of the event and its aftermath. It argues that although the Chinese government blamed the Soviet Union for the Yi-Ta incident, leaders in Beijing and Xinjiang also recognized the domestic roots of the disturbance, such as serious material deficits in northern Xinjiang and tensions between minority peoples and the party-state. The Chinese government's diplomatic sparring with Moscow over the mass exodus reflected Mao Zedong's continued influence on Chinese foreign policy, despite claims by scholars that Mao had retreated from policymaking during this period.