bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Splenic artery embolization with detachable balloons for hypersplenism
Authors: Pang Xiaoxi , Li Tengyu , Wang Cheng’en 
Published: July 2018

Objective This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of proximal splenic artery embolization using detachable balloons for patients with hypersplenism and portal hypertension. Methods Twelve patients diagnosed with hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia or leukocytopenia caused by portal hypertension were treated by proximal splenic artery embolization with detachable balloons and metallic fibered coils. All patients were followed for up to 6 months. Blood parameters, coagulation factors, and liver function indicators were measured. Enhanced computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography examinations were also performed in advance to confirm the infarction area and evaluate the changes in spleen size. Results Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete embolization of the proximal splenic artery in all 12 patients. Thrombocyte and leukocyte counts rose significantly in all patients in 2 weeks and stayed significantly higher than those before embolization throughout the 6-month follow-up. The total bilirubin concentration and prothrombin activity recovered significantly and returned to normal levels 6 months later. Computed tomography revealed partial infarction and liquefaction of the splenic parenchyma in nine patients. Conclusions Proximal splenic artery embolization using detachable balloons could be considered a safe and effective therapeutic modality in alleviating hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension.
Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients on hemodialysis using a novel synthetic peptide calcimimetic, etelcalcetide: a short-term clinical study
Authors: Mima Akira , Tansho Kosuke , Nagahara Dai , Watase Kenji 
Published: July 2018

Objective Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a major complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SHPT is related to chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Etelcalcetide is intravenously administered at the end of hemodialysis (HD). Etelcalcetide differs from the oral calcimimetic cinacalcet because it reduces gastrointestinal adverse events, thereby improving therapeutic effects. Etelcalcetide has only been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for several months. Therefore, there have only been a few reports regarding treatment of SHPT using etelcalcetide. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of etelcalcetide in patients on HD with SHPT. Methods Nine patients on HD (four men and five women, aged 58 ± 10 years) were enrolled in this study. All of the patients received etelcalcetide (5–10 mg, three times a week after HD). The observation period was 4.4 ± 1.0 months. Results All of the patients showed a significant reduction in serum parathyroid hormone levels during the observation period (−59% ± 20%). No significant adverse effects were observed. Conclusions Although this study had an uncontrolled small group and a short observation period, our results suggest that etelcalcetide could be a promising agent for SHPT treatment.
Patient and family engagement in incident investigations: exploring hospital manager and incident investigators’ experiences and challenges
Authors: Kok Josje , Leistikow Ian , Bal Roland 
Published: July 2018

Objective There is growing recognition among health care providers and policy makers that when things go wrong, the patient or their families should be heard and participate in the incident investigation process. This paper explores how Dutch hospitals organize patient or family engagement in incident investigations, maps out incident investigators’ experiences of involving patients or their families in incident investigations and identifies the challenges encountered. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and incident investigators in 13 Dutch hospitals. Study participants (n = 18) were asked about the incident investigation routines and their experiences of involving affected patients or family members. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Our findings reveal that patient or family involvement in incident investigations is typically organized as a one-time interview event. Interviews with patients or their families were considered to be valuable and important in their own right and seen as a way to do justice to the individual needs of the patient or their family. Yet, the usefulness and validity of the patient or family perspective for incident investigations was often seen to be limited, with the professional perspective afforded more weight. This was particularly the case when the patient or their family were unable to provide verifiable details of the incident under investigation. Study participants described challenges when involving patients or family members, including in relation to the available timeframe for incident investigations, legal issues, managing trust and working with intense emotions. Conclusions We propose that by placing patient and family criteria of significance at the centre of incident investigations (i.e. an ‘emic’ research approach), hospitals may be able to expand their learning potential and improve patient-centeredness following an incident.
Use of cold-atmospheric plasma in oncology: a concise systematic review
Authors: Dubuc Antoine , Monsarrat Paul , Virard François , Merbahi Nofel , Sarrette Jean-Philippe , Laurencin-Dalicieux Sara , Cousty Sarah 
Published: July 2018

Background: Cold-atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionized gas produced at an atmospheric pressure. The aim of this systematic review is to map the use of CAP in oncology and the implemented methodologies (cell targets, physical parameters, direct or indirect therapies). Methods: PubMed, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Google Scholar were explored until 31 December 2017 for studies regarding the use of plasma treatment in oncology ( in vitro, in vivo, clinical trials). Results: 190 original articles were included. Plasma jets are the most-used production systems (72.1%). Helium alone was the most-used gas (35.8%), followed by air (26.3%) and argon (22.1%). Studies were mostly in vitro (94.7%) and concerned direct plasma treatments (84.2%). The most targeted cancer cell lines are human cell lines (87.4%), in particular, in brain cancer (16.3%). Conclusions: This study highlights the multiplicity of means of production and clinical applications of the CAP in oncology. While some devices may be used directly at the bedside, others open the way for the development of new pharmaceutical products that could be generated at an industrial scale. However, its clinical use strongly needs the development of standardized reliable protocols, to determine the more efficient type of plasma for each type of cancer, and its combination with conventional treatments.
Perceived Usefulness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices at the Workplace: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Scharf Jessica , Nguyen Xuan Quynh , Vu-Eickmann Patricia , Krichbaum Michael , Loerbroks Adrian 
Published: July 2018

Background: Previous research suggests that psychosocial working conditions may detrimentally affect diabetes self-management behavior at work, including self-monitoring of glucose levels. We aimed to better understand the potential usefulness of continuous glucose monitoring devices at the workplace according to employees with diabetes. Methods: We carried out secondary analyses of data from a qualitative study, which sought to explore potential barriers to and solutions for effective diabetes self-management at work. Interviews were carried out in face-to-face contact or by telephone and were transcribed and content-analyzed using MaxQDA. The used topic guide did not specifically inquire after continuous glucose monitoring devices, but views on the suitability of those devices at the workplace repeatedly emerged from the interviews. Data from 25 employed adults with diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2 on insulin therapy were included. Results: The major perceived improvements associated with the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices pertained to their time-saving application that allowed for an increased frequency of glucose level assessments and for socially covert glucose measurement. The socially less noticeable way of monitoring glucose level was specifically perceived as beneficial, as employees with diabetes believed their illness would thereby attract less attention. Fewer or shorter interruptions as well as the reliability of integrated alarm systems were perceived to increase concentration at work and workability. Conclusions: Continuous glucose monitoring devices were perceived to facilitate glucose management at the workplace, which may exert positive effects on compliance as well as functioning at work. Further research would be of interest to statistically confirm our findings in occupational samples.
Visual and vestibular functioning, and age and surgery effects on postural control in healthy children with vertical strabismus
Authors: Zanini Sergio , Cordaro Claudia , Martucci Lucia , Del Piero Ivana , Geotti Simonetta , Makuc Marta , Csillaghy Annalisa , Godio Marina , Cazzagon Monica 
Published: July 2018

Purpose: To describe visual and vestibular functioning and the effects of age and surgery effects on postural control in healthy children with vertical strabismus. Design: This is a comparative case series. Methods: We evaluated participants at the Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea during routine clinical activities. We enrolled 30 consecutive children/adolescents (age range 4–13 years) with isolated vertical strabismus, with and without corrective surgery. Participants were split into four subgroups according to age (4–8 years versus 9–13 years) and ocular surgery (surgery versus no surgery). The clinical protocol included ophthalmological, orthoptic, neurological, physiatrical, otolaryngological, and vestibular evaluations, and the instrumental protocol included ocular cyclotorsions assessment, posturography, and vestibular myogenic-evoked potentials. Main outcome measures of the study were the prevalence of study-relevant orthopedic, ocular, vestibular, and posturographic abnormalities. Results: Among the overall largely variable findings across patients’ groups, we found some interesting trends: larger binocular vision and convergence disorders in younger children, smaller prevalence of asymmetric vestibular-evoked potentials in operated children, less posturographic abnormalities in younger children. No clear-cut beneficial effect of surgery was found on all clinical and instrumental parameters considered, despite good re-alignment of the eyes. Conclusion: The pathophysiology of postural control in vertical strabismus is extremely complex and above the potential of this study design and should be specifically addressed in deeper experimental studies.
Chronic pelvic pain and the role of exploratory laparoscopy as diagnostic and therapeutic tool: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Brichant Géraldine , Denef Marie , Tebache Linda , Poismans Gaëlle , Pinzauti Serena , Dechenne Valérie , Nisolle Michelle 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Background
Forty percent of exploratory laparoscopies are performed for chronic pelvic pain (CPP). However, a final diagnosis is still unreported in 35% of the patients. We decided to evaluate the identification of pathological lesions and the improvement of painful symptoms in patients with CPP and normal physical examination and imaging and who are scheduled for exploratory laparoscopy. The prospective study was designed in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Forty-eight patients complaining of CPP and scheduled for exploratory laparoscopy were included. Pelvic pain intensity was assessed using the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), and at inclusion, negative clinical and imaging assessments were required. During exploratory laparoscopy, the recognized lesions were reported and different surgical treatment options were performed depending on the location of the lesion.

Results
In 98% of the cases, exploratory laparoscopy demonstrated the presence of pelvic anomalies that had not been diagnosed at the time of clinical and imaging examination. After surgery, a significant improvement of CPP has been demonstrated in 24 (59%) patients with VAS < 5 postoperatively.

Conclusions
Exploratory laparoscopy is reasonable in patients complaining of CPP, allowing a final diagnosis in a high percentage of patients and a significant improvement in pain symptom in 59% of the cases. This study was retrospectively registered by our local Ethics Committee on February 7, 2018 (B412201835729).
Sexual rights, mental disorder and intellectual disability: principles and law
Authors: Le Gallez Isabelle , Rix Keith J. B. , Choong Kartina A. , Dewson Helen 
Published: July 2018

SUMMARYPeople with mental disorder and intellectual disability have the same rights to sexual expression as other people, albeit that in some cases a lack of capacity may require curtailment of those rights and regard must be had to protecting the vulnerable. Furthermore, the formation or maintenance of sexual relations, or the attainment of sexual fulfilment, may assist in the maintenance or restoration of mental health or well-being. This article demonstrates how the courts in England and Wales, applying statute law and judicial precedent, are largely supportive of the rights of people with mental disorder or intellectual disability to make decisions about sexual expression, sexual relationships and related matters, notwithstanding some societal and staff attitudes that act to prevent them fulfilling their sexual needs and making decisions about sexual and reproductive matters.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand the underlying principles that apply to the exercise of their sexual rights by people with mental disorder or intellectual disability•Understand some of the obstacles to the exercise of sexual rights by people with mental disorder or intellectual disability•Understand the statute and case law that apply to the exercise of sexual rights by people with mental disorder or intellectual disabilityDECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.
Cultural engagement and cognitive reserve: museum attendance and dementia incidence over a 10-year period
Authors: Fancourt Daisy , Steptoe Andrew , Cadar Dorina 
Published: July 2018

SummaryTheories of cognitive reserve, disuse syndrome and stress have suggested that activities that are mentally engaging, enjoyable and socially interactive could be protective against the development of dementia. Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, this study shows that for adults aged 50 and older visiting museums every few months or more was associated with a lower incidence rate of dementia over a 10-year follow-up period compared with less-frequent visiting. This association was independent of demographics, socioeconomic status, health-related variables including sensory impairment, depression, vascular conditions and other forms of community engagement. Visiting museums may be a promising psychosocial activity to support the prevention of dementia.Declaration of interestNone.
Cholera toxin inhibits SNX27-retromer-mediated delivery of cargo proteins to the plasma membrane
Authors: Singh Varsha , Yang Jianbo , Yin Jianyi , Cole Robert , Tse Ming , Berman Diego E. , Small Scott A. , Petsko Gregory , Donowitz Mark 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
Cholera toxin (CT) causes severe diarrhea by increasing intracellular cAMP leading to a PKA-dependent increase in Cl− secretion through CFTR and decreased Na+ absorption through inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3; also known as SLC9A3). The mechanism(s) by which CT inhibits NHE3 is partially understood, although no drug therapy has been successful at reversing this inhibition. We now describe that CT phosphorylates an amino acid in the PDZ domain of SNX27, which inhibits SNX27-mediated trafficking of NHE3 from the early endosomes to the plasma membrane (PM), and contributes to reduced basal NHE3 activity through a mechanism that involves reduced PM expression and reduced endocytic recycling. Importantly, mutagenesis studies (Ser to Asp) showed that the effect of this phosphorylation of SNX27 phenocopies the effects seen upon loss of SNX27 function, affecting PM trafficking of cargo proteins that bind SNX27–retromer. Additionally, CT destabilizes retromer function by decreasing the amount of core retromer proteins. These effects of CT can be partially rescued by enhancing retromer stability by using ‘pharmacological chaperones’. Moreover, pharmacological chaperones can be used to increase basal and cholera toxin-inhibited NHE3 activity and fluid absorption by intestinal epithelial cells.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Effect of the Headgroup Structure on Counterion Binding in Adsorbed Surfactant Films Investigated by Total Reflection X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy
Authors: Imai Yosuke , Tokiwa Yuhei , Ueno Shusaku , Tanida Hajime , Watanabe Iwao , Matsubara Hiroki , Takiue Takanori , Aratono Makoto 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Competitive binding of binary mixed counterions to the headgroups of adsorbed surfactant films has been investigated at solution surfaces by total reflection X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The obtained extended XAFS χ spectra for bromide counterions are linear combinations of the spectra of fully hydrated bromide ions (free Br) and partially dehydrated bromide ions bound to the headgroups of the surfactant ions (bound Br). From the fraction of bound Br in counterion mixed systems, two series of the relative strengths of counterion binding are proposed for the trimethylammonium (TA+) and 3-methylimidazolium (MIM+) headgroups: (a) TA–SO4 &lt; TA–Cl &lt; TA–Br &lt; TA–BF4 and (b) MIM–Br &lt; TA–Br &lt; TA–BF4 &lt; MIM–BF4. For the TA headgroup, matching the hydration of the headgroups and counterions gives series (a) according to Collins’ law, which states that the tendency of contact ion pair formation becomes larger when the absolute values of the hydration enthalpies of the ions match. For the MIM headgroup, the number of binding sites of hydrogen bonds between the MIM headgroup and counterion is essential, which leads to series (b) because of competition between the counterion and water for interaction with the MIM headgroup.
PtNi Alloy Nanoparticles Prepared by Nanocapsule Method for ORR Catalysts in Alkaline Media
Authors: Miyatake Kenji , Shimizu Yuma 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
PtNi alloy nanoparticles prepared by unique nanocapsule method exhibited high oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline media. The catalytic activity was dependent much on the alloy composition. At the optimum composition (ca. 50 atom% of Ni), the mass activity was more than twice as high as that of pure Pt nanoparticles.
THE PRESENCE OF VARI - KIROU PIRA UNIT AT PANION HILL (SE ATTICA, GREECE)
Authors: Bassi Ε. Κ. , Soukis Κ. , Lekkas S. 
Published: July 2018

Detailed mapping in the area of Panion Hill (SE Attica, Greece), revealed the existence of three metamorphosed lithological units which are separated by major tectonic contacts. The lower unit is located at the western part of Panion Hill and comprises marble - schist alternations that pass transitionally to massive dolomitic marbles of probable Thassic age. The intermediate unit comprises exclusively massive to thick bedded marbles that occupy the central and eastern part of the hill. The upper unit can be observed mainly at the foothills of Panion and comprises HP/LT schists, exhibiting greenschsist fades retrograde metamorphism. The contact between the lower and the intermediate unit is a low-angle normal fault, dipping to the east-southeast whereas the upper unit, in most cases is juxtaposed against the intermediate and lower units by high angle normal faults. These contacts accommodated the exhumation of the lowermost metamorphic formations of Attica at least in the last stages. The overall structure resembles that of Mt. Hymittos (east of Athens), where the Vari Schists and Dolomitic Marble formations (Vari - Kirou Pira Unit, VKPU) underlie tectonically the Lower Marble, Kesariani Schists and Upper Marble formations (Hymittos Unit, HU) Based on lithological and structural similarities the lower unit of Panion Hill is considered to be part of the Vari - Kirou Pira Unit and the intermediate unit part of the Hymittos Unit, respectively. The upper unit of Panion Hill belongs to the allochthonous Lavrion Unit. The existence of a major tectonic contact separating formations of VKPU and HU in several outcrops in SE Attica signifies that it is of no local character. Furthermore, it supports the suggestion of dividing the relatively autochthonous unit of Attica into two distinct units: the upper Hymittos Unit and the lower Vari - Kirou Pira Unit, the latter standing for the actual autochthonous unit of SE Attica.
Conhecimento sobre a vacinação contra o HPV em estudantes de medicina no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Barbosa Gilda Maria Sales , Barbosa Daniel Pereira , Megale Elizabeth Zaroni , Silva Eduarda Karenn Ferreira da , Santos Elaine Alves , Florêncio Cassio Do Nascimento 
Published: July 2018

No Brasil, mais de 12 milhões de mulheres são diagnosticadas com lesões cervicais pré-cancerosas de acordo com o Grupo de Infecções e Epidemiologia do Câncer (IARC's). Esta doença que retira mulheres de suas rotinas diárias e pode levar a óbito é evitada através de vacinas. É iminente que os profissionais de saúde estejam preparados para contribuir com a diminuição desses números alarmantes. A evidência de que a prevenção está a alcance de cada indivíduo motivou a pesquisa quanto a situação vacinal em acadêmicas de Medicina no Rio de Janeiro. Um breve levantamento bibliográfico de pesquisas semelhantes no país constatou que grande parte dos investigados não tomaram a vacina contra o Papiloma Vírus Humano (HPV). Este trabalho se une com resultados prévios e corrobora com um cenário de desinformação e falta de prevenção por parte de acadêmicos e profissionais da saúde. O material de investigação consistiu em um questionário respondido por 390 acadêmicas, com idade média de 26 anos, a fim de avaliar o status de vacinação contra o HPV. É uma revisão integrativa, exploratória- descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. Os resultados mostraram que 79% das acadêmicas não foram vacinados contra HPV. Este estudo direciona a Universidade para uma ação de conscientização sobre o perigo de contrair o HPV e o potencial risco de desenvolver o câncer. A partir dos resultados serão estabelecidos formulários de campanha preventiva na Universidade para difundir a importância de reduzir a incidência de HPV e tornar futuros médicos multiplicadores dessas ações.