bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agreement between core laboratory and study investigators for imaging scores in a thrombectomy trial
Authors: Fahed Robert , Ben Maacha Malek , Ducroux Célina , Khoury Naim , Blanc Raphaël , Piotin Michel , Lapergue Bertrand 
Published: May 2018

PurposeWe aimed to assess the agreement between study investigators and the core laboratory (core lab) of a thrombectomy trial for imaging scores.MethodsThe Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), the European Collaborative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) hemorrhagic transformation (HT) classification, and the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scores as recorded by study investigators were compared with the core lab scores in order to assess interrater agreement, using Cohen’s unweighted and weighted kappa statistics.ResultsThere were frequent discrepancies between study sites and core lab for all the scores. Agreement for ASPECTS and ECASS HT classification was less than substantial, with disagreement occurring in more than one-third of cases. Agreement was higher on MRI-based scores than on CT, and was improved after dichotomization on both CT and MRI. Agreement for TICI scores was moderate (with disagreement occurring in more than 25% of patients), and went above the substantial level (less than 10% disagreement) after dichotomization (TICI 0/1/2a vs 2b/3).ConclusionDiscrepancies between scores assessed by the imaging core lab and those reported by study sites occurred in a significant proportion of patients. Disagreement in the assessment of ASPECTS and day 1 HT scores was more frequent on CT than on MRI. The agreement for the dichotomized TICI score (the trial’s primary outcome) was substantial, with less than 10% of disagreement between study sites and core lab.Trial registration numberNCT02523261, Post-results.
Development of a bar code-based exposure assessment method to evaluate occupational exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products: a pilot study
Authors: Quinot Catherine , Amsellem-Dubourget Sylvie , Temam Sofia , Sevin Etienne , Barreto Christine , Tackin Arzu , Félicité Jérémy , Lyon-Caen Sarah , Siroux Valérie , Girard Raphaële , Descatha Alexis , Le Moual Nicole , Dumas Orianne 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveHealthcare workers are highly exposed to various types of disinfectants and cleaning products. Assessment of exposure to these products remains a challenge. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of a method, based on a smartphone application and bar codes, to improve occupational exposure assessment among hospital/cleaning workers in epidemiological studies.MethodsA database of disinfectants and cleaning products used in French hospitals, including their names, bar codes and composition, was developed using several sources: ProdHyBase (a database of disinfectants managed by hospital hygiene experts), and specific regulatory agencies and industrial websites. A smartphone application has been created to scan bar codes of products and fill a short questionnaire. The application was tested in a French hospital. The ease of use and the ability to record information through this new approach were estimated.ResultsThe method was tested in a French hospital (7 units, 14 participants). Through the application, 126 records (one record referred to one product entered by one participant/unit) were registered, majority of which were liquids (55.5%) or sprays (23.8%); 20.6% were used to clean surfaces and 15.9% to clean toilets. Workers used mostly products with alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds (>90% with weekly use), followed by hypochlorite bleach and hydrogen peroxide (28.6%). For most records, information was available on the name (93.7%) and bar code (77.0%). Information on product compounds was available for all products and recorded in the database.ConclusionThis innovative and easy-to-use method could help to improve the assessment of occupational exposure to disinfectants/cleaning products in epidemiological studies.
Is radiographic progression in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis related to matrix metalloproteinase degradation of extracellular matrix?
Authors: Siebuhr Anne Sofie , van der Heijde Desirée , Bay-Jensen Anne-C , Karsdal Morten Asser , Landewé Robert , van Tubergen Astrid , Ramiro Sofia 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundRadiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) is associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling of affected tissues. We investigated whether there was a relationship between biomarkers of ECM remodelling and 2-year radiographic progression in r-axSpA.MethodsPatients from the Outcome in Ankylosing Spondylitis International Study (OASIS) were included if they had serum, clinical and spinal radiographic assessments available at baseline and 2 years later. Two readers independently scored the radiographs according to the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). The average score was used. Type I, V and VI collagen metabolites (C1M, C5M and C6M) and citrullinated and matrix metalloproteinase-degraded vimentin (VICM) were assessed in serum by ELISAs. The relationship between serum biomarkers and 2-year radiographic progression was investigated using linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Interactions were tested.ResultsPatients included (n=122) had a mean age of 45 years (SD 12), 70% were male and 82% were human leucocyte antigen-B27 positive. The mean 2-year mSASSS progression was 2.1 (2.9) units. Only C1M was significantly associated with mSASSS progression (β=0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.03). The effect disappeared after adjustment for confounders. C5M, C6M and VICM showed no relationship with mSASSS progression.ConclusionWe did not find evidence that degradation of ECM is related to radiographic progression in patients with r-axSpA.
Second Galicia? Poland's shale gas rush through historical lenses
Authors: Cantoni Roberto 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Since the early 2000s, the exploitation of shale gas has radically modified the US energy scenario. In a number of European countries, the US boom has elicited questions about its repeatability in Europe. Among the staunchest supporters of the development of national shale-gas resources were Polish administrations, which grounded their activism in this domain in the language of energy security, autonomy
vis-à-vis
Russian gas, and in Poland's old oil history. The history of hydrocarbon exploration in the country dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, and is connected to the oil boom that occurred in the region of Galicia. While the boom was over by World War I, promising estimations made in recent years by several agencies about Poland's shale gas reserves have stirred hopes of a ‘second Galicia’. From 2007, the Polish government started assigning permits to both national and foreign gas companies. However, factors linked to legislation, geology and macroeconomics caused a premature end to hopes of Polish autonomy. After a reconstruction of the history of oil in Galicia and the constitution of the Polish oil and gas sector, this paper narrates the rise and fall of Poland's ‘affair’ with shale gas.
Dual HDAC and PI3K Inhibition Abrogates NFκB- and FOXM1-Mediated DNA Damage Response to Radiosensitize Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Pal Sharmistha , Kozono David , Yang Xiaodong , Fendler Wojciech , Fitts Whitney , Ni Jing , Alberta John A. , Zhao Jean , Liu Kevin X. , Bian Jie , Truffaux Nathalene , Weiss William A. , Resnick Adam C. , Bandopadhayay Pratiti , Ligon Keith L. , DuBois Steven G. , Mueller Sabine , Chowdhury Dipanjan , Haas-Kogan Daphne A. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Aberrant chromatin remodeling and activation of the PI3K pathway have been identified as important mediators of pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) pathogenesis. As inhibition of these pathways are promising therapeutic avenues and radiation is the only modality to prolong survival of patients with DIPG, we sought to explore radiosensitizing functions of such inhibition and to explore mechanisms of action of such agents. Here, we demonstrate that combined treatment with radiotherapy and CUDC-907, a novel first-in-class dual inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDAC) and PI3K, evokes a potent cytotoxic response in pHGG and DIPG models. CUDC-907 modulated DNA damage response by inhibiting radiation-induced DNA repair pathways including homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining. The radiosensitizing effects of CUDC-907 were mediated by decreased NFκB/Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) recruitment to promoters of genes involved in the DNA damage response; exogenous expression of NFκB/FOXM1 protected from CUDC-907–induced cytotoxicity. Together, these findings reveal CUDC-907 as a novel radiosensitizer with potent antitumor activity in pHGG and DIPG and provide a preclinical rationale for the combination of CUDC-907 with radiotherapy as a novel therapeutic strategy against pHGG and DIPG. More globally, we have identified NFκB and FOXM1 and their downstream transcriptional elements as critical targets for new treatments for pHGG and DIPG.
Significance: These findings describe the radiosensitizing effect of a novel agent in pediatric high-grade gliomas, addressing a critical unmet need of increasing the radiation sensitivity of these highly aggressive tumors. Cancer Res; 78(14); 4007–21. ©2018 AACR.
H. S. Nyberg’s Encounter with Egypt and the Mu‘tazilī School of Thought
Authors: Larsson Göran 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn 1923, the Swedish Orientalist H. S. Nyberg (1889-1974) was awarded a scholarship that would enable him to travel to Cairo. The primary aim of the trip was to improve his skills in the spoken Arabic language and to study Istanbul and early Islamic sects. Besides studying the Arabic language, Nyberg also found an unpublished text of the Mu’tazili theologian Abū al-Ḥusayn B. ‘Uthmān al-Khayyāṭ and his refutation of Ibn ar-Rāwandī’s critique against the Mu‘tazilites. By examining Nyberg’s unpublished letters that were sent from Egypt to his friends, colleagues and family in Sweden, this article casts light on how the editing process and the discovery of al-Khayyāt’s manuscript was communicated, discussed, and reported back to Sweden. The letters also contain more general information about Nyberg’s perceptions of Egypt, Islam and the Muslim reformists and politicians that were active in Egypt.
Begonia qingchengshanensis (sect. Reichenheimia, Begoniaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China
Authors: LI HONG-ZHE , GUAN KAI-YUN , LIN CHE-WEI , PENG CHING-I 
Published: May 2018

Begonia qingchengshanensis H.Z. Li, C.-I Peng & C.W. Lin, a new species of sect. Reichenheimia from Qingchengshan, an important centre of Daoist religion in Sichuan Province, China and a World Heritage Site, is here described and fully illustrated. Begonia qingchengshanensis resembles B. wilsonii Gagnep., also a member of sect. Reichenheimia occurring in Sichuan, in the widely ovate leaves and 3-locular ovary, each locule with unilamellate placenta. The new species differs from B. wilsonii in having an erect stem (vs. stemless with basal leaves) and ovary trigonous-ellipsoid with 3 wings (vs. clavate and without wings).
The effects of respiratory muscle training on peak cough flow in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Reyes Alvaro , Castillo Adrián , Castillo Javiera , Cornejo Isabel 
Published: May 2018

Objective: To compare the effects of an inspiratory versus and expiratory muscle-training program on voluntary and reflex peak cough flow in patients with Parkinson disease. Design: A randomized controlled study. Setting: Home-based training program. Participants: In all, 40 participants with diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were initially recruited in the study and randomly allocated to three study groups. Of them, 31 participants completed the study protocol (control group, n = 10; inspiratory training group, n = 11; and expiratory training group, n = 10) Intervention: The inspiratory and expiratory group performed a home-based inspiratory and expiratory muscle-training program, respectively (five sets of five repetitions). Both groups trained six times a week for two months using a progressively increased resistance. The control group performed expiratory muscle training using the same protocol and a fixed resistance. Main measures: Spirometric indices, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and peak cough flow during voluntary and reflex cough were assessed before and at two months after training. Results: The magnitude of increase in maximum expiratory pressure ( d = 1.40) and voluntary peak cough flow ( d = 0.89) was greater for the expiratory muscle-training group in comparison to the control group. Reflex peak cough flow had a moderate effect ( d = 0.27) in the expiratory group in comparison to the control group. Slow vital capacity ( d = 0.13) and forced vital capacity ( d = 0.02) had trivial effects in the expiratory versus the control group. Conclusions: Two months of expiratory muscle-training program was more beneficial than inspiratory muscle-training program for improving maximum expiratory pressure and voluntary peak cough flow in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Effects of polaprezinc on gastric mucosal damage and neurotransmitters in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced vomiting
Authors: Liu Zhao Yang , Xie Wen Bo , Ru Li Ming , Teng Nan , Liang Xiao , Zhang Zi Qiang 
Published: May 2018

Objective To investigate the effects of polaprezinc (PZ) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)- or cisplatin (DDP)-induced gastric mucosal injury and on a rat model of neurotransmitter-mediated vomiting. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were divided at random into Control, CTX, DDP, PZ+CTX, and PZ+DDP groups. After 20 days, brain tissues and sera were analyzed for the levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of stomach, intestine, and brain tissues were examined using light microscopy. Results The levels of DA, 5-HT, and NF-κB in brain and serum samples of rats treated with CTX or DDP were significantly increased compared with those of rats in the Control group. There was a significant decrease in these values in the PZ group. Moreover, PZ reduced damage to brain tissue caused by CTX or DDP. Conclusions PZ decreased the levels of DA, 5-HT, and NF-κB in blood and brain tissues caused by CTX or DDP and reduced the chemotherapy-induced damage to the small intestine, stomach, and brain. These findings can be translated to the clinic to enhance the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy.
The GlideScope with modified Magill forceps facilitates nasogastric tube insertion in anesthetized patients: A randomized clinical study
Authors: Kim Han Joon , Park Su In , Cho Sang Yun , Cho Min Jae 
Published: May 2018

Objective Insertion of a nasogastric tube (NGT) in patients who have been intubated with an endotracheal tube while under general anesthesia can cause difficulties and lead to complications, including hemorrhage. A visualization-aided modality was recently used to facilitate NGT insertion. Some studies have focused on the role of modified Magill forceps, which have angles similar to those of the GlideScope blade (Verathon, Bothell, WA, USA). Methods Seventy patients were divided into a control group (Group C) and an experimental group (GlideScope and modified Magill forceps, Group M). Results The total NGT insertion time was significantly shorter in Group M than C (71.3 ± 22.6 vs. 96.7 ± 57.5 s; mean difference, –25.3 s; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.8–71.5). There were also significantly fewer mean insertion attempts in Group M than C (1.0 ± 0.0 vs. 2.11 ± 0.93). The success rate for the first attempt in Group C was 37.1%, while that in Group M was 100% (relative risk, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.7–4.1). Conclusion The use of the GlideScope with modified Magill forceps for insertion of an NGT in patients who are already intubated and under general anesthesia will shorten the insertion time and improve the success rate.
Immunological recovery in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis after intensive phase treatment
Authors: Luo Xuejiao , Wu Furong , Ma Jun , Xiao Heping , Cui Haiyan 
Published: May 2018

Objectives This study aimed to examine the change and significance of immune parameters in patients with sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) after 2 months of intensive phase anti-TB treatment. Methods The immune parameters of 232 cases of sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB were detected before and after 2 months of intensive phase anti-TB treatment and compared with 50 cases from healthy volunteers (controls). The T lymphocyte cell population in peripheral blood was detected using flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α were measured by ELISA. Results After 2 months of intensive phase anti-TB treatment, a reduction in the percentage of CD4+ T cells showed a significant restoration similar to that of controls. Moreover, after intensive anti-TB treatment, serum levels of IL-1β, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α were significantly decreased compared with before treatment. Additionally, serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 showed a diminished recovery compared with controls. Conclusions Our findings suggest immunological recovery in patients with pulmonary TB after intensive phase treatment. Therefore, serum cytokine levels are considered potential host biomarkers for monitoring the response of treatment for pulmonary TB.
Caring for a Dying Partner: The Male Experience
Authors: Judd Rebecca , Guy Helen , Howard Ruth A. 
Published: May 2018

Objective: Caring for someone close who is dying, such as a spouse, is an emotive experience; however, there is little research examining the phenomenon of caregiving for a spouse at the end of life and of men’s experiences specifically. Existing literature suggests that men who are providing care are less likely to seek help than women, especially psychological and emotional support for themselves. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experiences of men caring for a dying spouse or partner and their help-seeking for themselves during this time. Methods: Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with men caring for their partner, who was receiving palliative care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged from the data, “Illness Questions Everything,” “Constructing the Caring Role,” and “Help-Seeking at the Limit.” The arrival of a terminal illness into a partnership is traumatic, and while it can deepen relationships, it can also create distance. The carer role has conflicting demands and carers need to make sense of their experience in order for the carer role to be constructed as a source of purpose or meaning. Finally, the idea of seeking help for oneself as a carer during this time is seen as “incompatible,” unmanageable, and can only be considered if constructed as a “last resort.” Significance of Results: Men care too; however, they can feel confused by this role and unsure as to how this fits with their identity as a man. They make sense of this by identifying as a partner whose “duty” or “responsibility” is to provide care. Although this is an understandable stance, it puts them at risk of further emotional, psychological, and physiological difficulties if their own needs are not met. Men need to be supported during this time and their caring qualities need to be destigmatized and demystified so that they can feel more able to identify with the role and look after themselves while caring for their dying partner.
Inhaled Fasudil Lacks Pulmonary Selectivity in Thromboxane-Induced Acute Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn Lambs
Authors: Hanson Shawn F. L. , Terry Michael H. , Moretta Dafne T. , Power Gordon G. , Wilson Sean M. , Alam Farzana , Ahsan Fakhrul , Blood Arlin B. , Giri Paresh C. 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a potentially deadly disease for infants and adults with few existing medical interventions and no cure. In PH, increased blood pressure in the pulmonary artery eventually leads to heart failure. Fasudil, an antagonist of Rho-kinase, causes vasodilation leading to decreased systemic artery pressure and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). This study compared the effects of fasudil administered as either an intravenous infusion or inhaled aerosol in newborn lambs. Hypothesis: Inhaled aerosol delivery of fasudil will provide selective pulmonary vasodilation when compared with intravenous administration. Methods: Newborn lambs (∼11 days) were surgically instrumented and mechanically ventilated under anesthesia. A pulmonary artery catheter and ultrasonic flow probe were inserted to measure hemodynamics. Acute PH was pharmaceutically induced via continuous intravenous infusion of thromboxane. After achieving a 2- to 3-fold elevation of PAP, fasudil was administered either as intravenous infusion (2.5 mg/kg) or inhaled aerosol (100 mg of fasudil in 2 mL of saline). Changes in PAP, mean systemic arterial pressure (MABP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), cardiac output, and heart rate were assessed. In addition, plasma concentrations of fasudil were measured. Results: Both routes of fasudil delivery produced significant decreases in PAP and PVR but also produced similar decreases in MABP and SVR. The Cmax for intravenous fasudil was greater than that for inhaled fasudil. Conclusions: These results suggest inhaled fasudil lacks pulmonary selectivity when compared with intravenous fasudil.
Evaluation of the efficacy of an appeasing pheromone diffuser product vs placebo for management of feline aggression in multi-cat households: a pilot study
Authors: DePorter Theresa L , Bledsoe David L , Beck Alexandra , Ollivier Elodie 
Published: May 2018

Objectives Aggression and social tension among housemate cats is common and puts cats at risk of injury or relinquishment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new pheromone product in reducing aggression between housemate cats. Methods A new pheromone product (Feliway Friends) containing a proprietary cat-appeasing pheromone was evaluated for efficacy in reducing aggression between housemate cats via a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of 45 multi-cat households (pheromone [n = 20], placebo [n = 25]) reporting aggression for at least 2 weeks. Each household had 2–5 cats. Participants attended an educational training meeting on day (D) –7 and the veterinary behaviorist described behaviors to be monitored for 7 weeks using the Oakland Feline Social Interaction Scale (OFSIS), which assessed the frequency and intensity of 12 representative aggressive interactions. Participants were also provided with instructions for handling aggressive events, including classical conditioning, redirection by positive reinforcement and not punishing or startling the cat for aggressive displays. Punishment techniques were strongly discouraged. Plug-in diffusers with the pheromone product or placebo were utilized from D0–D28. Participants completed a daily diary of aggressive events and weekly OFSIS assessments through to D42. Results Evolution of the OFSIS–Aggression score according to treatment group in the full analysis set population revealed a significant effect on time and treatment group. The OFSIS–Aggression score decreased over time from D0–D28 in both groups (time factor P = 0.0001) with a significant difference in favor of the verum P = 0.06); similar results were found considering the D0–D42 period (time factor P = 0.0001 [D0] and P = 0.04 [D42]). Conclusions and relevance The OFSIS provided a quantifiable measure of the frequency and intensity of 12 intercat interactions reflecting conflict between cats. The cat-appeasing pheromone is a promising treatment for the management of aggression between housemate cats in multi-cat households.