bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of analgesic efficacy between two approaches of paravertebral block for thoracotomy: A randomised trial
Authors: Taketa Yasuko , Irisawa Yumi , Fujitani Taro 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundAlthough several approaches for ultrasound‐guided thoracic paravertebral block have been introduced, little is known regarding the differences in analgesic efficacy. We conducted this prospective randomised trial to examine whether the type of approach for ultrasound‐guided thoracic paravertebral block could affect analgesic quality in thoracotomy.MethodsPatients scheduled for video‐assisted thoracotomy were randomly allocated into two groups by block technique: the intercostal approach (group IC) or the paralaminar approach (group PL). At the start and end of surgery, 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine was injected, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 5 mL h−1. We also started intravenous fentanyl patient‐controlled analgesia at 0.5 μg kg−1 h−1 and bolus dose of 15 μg. The main outcome was the number of rescue fentanyl use. We also evaluated postoperative pain scores and number of blocked dermatomes showing a reduced sensation.ResultsEnrolment was ceased because of implementation of a minimally invasive surgical method. Overall, 42 subjects completed the trial for analysis. The number of rescue fentanyl use in group PL was significantly less than that in group IC at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hour postoperatively. The numerical rating scale (NRS) at rest in group PL was significantly lower at 1, 3, 6, and 12 hour postoperatively. Patients in Group PL developed significantly wider sensory block level (median (IQR [range]); 4 (4‐5 [2‐7])) than those in Group IC (3 (3‐3 [2‐9])).ConclusionsWe suggested that paralaminar approach provided superior analgesia for thoracotomy rather than the intercostal approach.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Ameliorates Chronic Ethanol‐Induced Cardiac Fibrosis by Restoring Autophagic Flux
Authors: Zhou Chi , Huang Jin , Li Qing , Zhan Chenao , He Ying , Liu Jinyan , Wen Zheng , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundChronic drinking leads to myocardial contractile dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy, and cardiac fibrosis is a consequence of these alcoholic injuries. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) hydrolyzes epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to less bioactive diols, and EETs have cardioprotective properties. However, the effects of sEH inhibition in ethanol (EtOH)‐induced cardiac fibrosis are unknown.MethodsThis study was designed to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of sEH inhibition in chronic EtOH feeding‐induced cardiac fibrosis. C57BL/6J mice were fed a 4% Lieber‐DeCarli EtOH diet for 8 weeks, and the sEH inhibitor 1‐trifluoromethoxyphenyl‐3‐(1‐propionylpiperidin‐4‐yl) urea (TPPU) was administered throughout the experimental period.ResultsThe results showed that chronic EtOH intake led to cardiac dilatation, collagen deposition, and autophagosome accumulation, while TPPU administration ameliorated these effects. In vitro, treating primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) with EtOH resulted in CF activation, including alpha smooth muscle actin overexpression, collagen synthesis, and cell migration. Moreover, EtOH disturbed CF autophagic flux, as evidenced by the increased LC3 II/I ratio and SQSTM1 expression, and by the enhanced autophagosome accumulation. TPPU treatment prevented the activation of CF induced by EtOH and restored the impaired autophagic flux by suppressing mTOR activation.ConclusionsTaken together, these findings suggest that sEH pharmacological inhibition may be a unique therapeutic strategy for treating EtOH‐induced cardiac fibrosis.
Patterns of care and outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Victoria: an update
Authors: Wang Luke L. , Begashaw Kirobel , Evans Melanie , Earnest Arul , Evans Sue M. , Millar Jeremy L. , Murphy Declan G. , Moon Daniel 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundTo update patterns of care for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Victoria, Australia between 2008 and 2015.MethodsFrom August 2008 to December 2015, 14 025 men diagnosed with prostate cancer were included. These data were obtained from the Prostate Cancer Outcome Registry – Victoria (PCOR‐Vic). Frequencies were used to describe hospital and patient characteristics and treatment types. Comparisons were made between previous period of analysis (2008–2011) to the most recent period (2011–2015). Survival analysis using a stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed.ResultsMean age of diagnosis was 66.5 years and 44% of patients were diagnosed with Gleason 7 prostate cancer. Majority of notifications (63.6%) were received from a private institution and 70.2% of patients were diagnosed at a metropolitan institution. Most patients (95.3%) were diagnosed with clinically localized disease. Within 12 months of diagnosis, 55.9% of patients with low‐risk disease received no active treatment. Radical prostatectomy was the most common primary treatment with curative intent (47%). When comparing of patterns of care between 2008–2011 and 2011–2015, the proportion of patients diagnosed with Gleason 9–10 disease increased, as has the proportion of patients diagnosed with metastatic disease.ConclusionWith the PCOR‐Vic, we were able to identify that increasing number of patients were diagnosed with high‐risk and metastatic disease. There has been an overall decrease in radical treatment rates, likely due to active surveillance playing a significant role especially in patients with low‐risk prostate cancer.
The association between the NAT2 genetic polymorphisms and risk of DILI during anti‐TB treatment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Shuqiang , Wilffert Bob , Tong Rongsheng , van Soolingen Dick , van den Hof Susan , Alffenaar Jan‐Willem 
Published: July 2018

AimsThe aim of this study is to evaluate the potential association between N‐acetyltransferase type 2 (NAT2) polymorphisms and drug‐induced liver injury during anti‐TB treatment (AT‐DILI).MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and performed a meta‐analysis to clarify the role of NAT2 polymorphism in AT‐DILI. PubMed, Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for studies published in English to December 31, 2017, on the association between the NAT2 polymorphism and AT‐DILI risk. Outcomes were pooled with random‐effects meta‐analysis. Details were registered in the PROSPERO register (number: CRD42016051722).ResultsThirty‐seven studies involving 1527 cases and 7184 controls were included in this meta‐analysis. The overall odds ratio (OR) of AT‐DILI associated with NAT2 slow acetylator phenotype was 3.15 (95% CI 2.58–3.84, I2 = 51.3%, P = 0.000). The OR varied between different ethnic populations, ranging from 6.42 (95% CI 2.41–17.10, I2 = 2.3%) for the West Asian population to 2.32 (95% CI 0.58–9.24, I2 = 80.3%) for the European population. Within the slow NAT2 genotype, variation was also observed; NAT2*6/*7 was associated with the highest risk of AT‐DILI (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.09–2.59) compared to the other slow NAT2 acetylators combined.ConclusionsNAT2 slow acetylation was observed to increase the risk of AT‐DILI in tuberculosis patients. Our results support the hypothesis that the slow NAT2 genotype is a risk factor for AT‐DILI.
Positioning uterus transplantation as a ‘more ethical’ alternative to surrogacy: Exploring symmetries between uterus transplantation and surrogacy through analysis of a Swedish government white paper
Authors: Guntram Lisa , Williams Nicola Jane 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWithin the ethics and science literature surrounding uterus transplantation (UTx), emphasis is often placed on the extent to which UTx might improve upon, or offer additional benefits when compared to, existing ‘treatment options’ for women with absolute uterine factor infertility, such as adoption and gestational surrogacy. Within this literature UTx is often positioned as superior to surrogacy because it can deliver things that surrogacy cannot (such as the experience of gestation). Yet, in addition to claims that UTx is superior in the aforementioned sense it is also often assumed (either implicitly or explicitly) that UTx is less fraught with ethical difficulties and thus should be considered a less morally problematic option. This article seeks to examine this assumption. Given that much UTx research has been performed in Sweden, a country where surrogacy is effectively although not currently explicitly forbidden, we do this through an analysis of the arguments underpinning a 2016 Swedish white paper which considered amending existing policy such that altruistic surrogacy arrangements would be permitted. By applying the white paper’s arguments for a restrictive position on altruistic surrogacy to the case of UTx using living altruistic donors we find that such arguments, if they hold in the case of surrogacy, apply similarly to UTx. We thus suggest that, for reasons of consistency, a similar stance should be taken towards the moral and legal permissibility of these two practices.
Controllable Image‐Based Transfer of Flow Phenomena
Authors: Bosch Carles , Patow Gustavo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractModelling flow phenomena and their related weathering effects is often cumbersome due their dependence on the environment, materials and geometric properties of objects in the scene. Example‐based modelling provides many advantages for reproducing real textures, but little effort has been devoted to reproducing and transferring complex phenomena. In order to produce realistic flow effects, it is possible to take advantage of the widespread availability of flow images on the Internet, which can be used to gather key information about the flow. In this paper, we present a technique that allows the transfer of flow phenomena between photographs, adapting the flow to the target image and giving the user flexibility and control through specifically tailored parameters. This is done through two types of control curves: a fitted theoretical curve to control the mass of deposited material, and an extended colour map for properly adapting to the target appearance. In addition, our method filters and warps the input flow in order to account for the geometric details of the target surface. This leads to a fast and intuitive approach to easily transfer phenomena between images, providing a set of simple and intuitive parameters to control the process.
Conserving the abundance of nonthreatened species
Authors: Baker David J. , Garnett Stephen T. , O'Connor James , Ehmke Glenn , Clarke Rohan H. , Woinarski John C.Z. , McGeoch Melodie A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHuman modification of the environment is driving declines in population size and distributional extent of much of the world's biota. These declines extend to many of the most abundant and widespread species, for which proportionally small declines can result in the loss of vast numbers of individuals, biomass, and interactions. These losses could have major localized effects on ecological and cultural processes and services without elevating a species’ global extinction risk. Although most conservation effort is directed at species threatened with extinction in the very near term, the value of retaining abundance regardless of global extinction risk is justifiable based on many biodiversity or ecosystem service metrics, including cultural services, at scales from local to global. The challenges of identifying conservation priorities for widespread and abundant species include quantifying the effects of species’ abundance on services and understanding how these effects are realized as populations decline. Negative effects of population declines may be disconnected from the threat processes driving declines because of species movements and environment flows (e.g., hydrology). Conservation prioritization for these species shares greater similarity with invasive species risk assessments than extinction risk assessments because of the importance of local context and per capita effects of abundance on other species. Because conservation priorities usually focus on preventing the extinction of threatened species, the rationale and objectives for incorporating declines of nonthreatened species must be clearly articulated, going beyond extinction risk to encompass the range of likely harmful effects (e.g., secondary extinctions, loss of ecosystem services) if declines persist or are not reversed. Research should focus on characterizing the effects of local declines in species that are not threatened globally across a range of ecosystem services and quantifying the spatial distribution of these effects through the distribution of abundance. The case for conserving abundance in nonthreatened species can be made most powerfully when the costs of losing this abundance are better understood.
Cardiopulmonary, biomarkers, and vascular responses to acute hypoxia following cardiac transplantation
Authors: Sanz‐de la Garza Maria , Iannino Nadia , Finnerty Vincent , Mansour Asmaa , Blondeau Lucie , Gayda Mathieu , Chaar Diana , Sirois Martin G. , Racine Normand , de Denus Simon , Harel François , White Michel 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have suggested good adaptation of cardiac transplant (CTx) recipients to exposure to a high altitude. No studies have investigated the cardiopulmonary and biomarker responses to acute hypoxic challenges following CTx. Thirty‐six CTx recipients and 17 age‐matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Sixteen (16) patients (42%) had cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Cardiopulmonary responses to maximal and submaximal exercise at 21% O2, 20‐minutes hypoxia (11.5% O2), and following a 10‐minute exposure to 11.5% O2 using 30% of peak power output were completed. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) were measured at baseline and at peak stress. Endothelial peripheral function was assessed using near‐infrared spectroscopy. Compared with HC, CTx presented a lesser O2 desaturation both at rest (−19.4 ± 6.8 [CTx] vs −24.2 ± 6.0% O2 [HC], P < 0.05) and following exercise (−23.2 ± 4.9 [CTx] vs −26.2 ± 4.7% O2 [HC], P < 0.05). CTx patients exhibited a significant decrease in peak oxygen uptake. IL‐6 and VEGF levels were significantly higher in CTx recipients in basal conditions but did not change in response to acute stress. CTx patients exhibit a favorable ventilatory and overall response to hypoxic stress. These data provide further insights on the good adaptability of CTx to exposure to high altitude.
Using habitat models for chinstrap penguins Pygoscelis antarctica to advise krill fisheries management during the penguin breeding season
Authors: Warwick‐Evans Victoria , Ratcliffe Norman , Lowther Andrew D. , Manco Fabrizio , Ireland Louise , Clewlow Harriet L. , Trathan Philip N. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimTo predict the at‐sea distribution of chinstrap penguins across the South Orkney Islands and to quantify the overlap with the Southern Ocean krill fishery.LocationSouth Orkney Islands, Antarctica.MethodsPenguins from four colonies across the South Orkney Islands were tracked using global positioning systems (GPSs) and time depth recorders (TDRs). Relationships between a variety of environmental and geometric variables and the at‐sea distribution of penguins were investigated using general additive models for the three main phases of the breeding season. Subsequently, the final models were extrapolated across the South Orkney archipelago to predict the at‐sea distribution of penguins from colonies where no tracking data are available. Finally, the overlap between areas used by chinstrap penguins and the krill fishery was quantified.ResultsThe foraging distribution of chinstrap penguins can be predicted using two simple and static variables: the distance from the colony and the direction of travel towards the shelf‐edge, while avoiding high densities of Pygoscelis penguins from other colonies. Additionally, we find that the chinstrap penguins breeding on the South Orkney Islands use areas which overlap with frequently used krill fishing areas and that this overlap is most prominent during the brood and crèche phases of the breeding season.Main conclusionsThis is the first step in understanding the potential impacts of the krill fishery, for all colonies including those where no empirical tracking data are available. However, with the available data, it is not currently possible to infer an impact of the krill fisheries on penguins. With this in mind, we recommend the implementation of monitoring schemes to investigate the effects of prey depletion on predator populations and to ensure that management continues to follow a precautionary approach and is addressed at spatial and temporal scales relevant to ecosystem operation.
Impact on HbA1c and body weight of switching from other GLP‐1 receptor agonists to semaglutide: A model‐based approach
Authors: Overgaard Rune V. , Lindberg Søren Ø. , Thielke Desirée 
Published: July 2018

AimsSemaglutide is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogue approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The impact of switching treatment from another GLP‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) to semaglutide was investigated by analyses of exposure‐response models.MethodsHbA1c and body weight time‐course models were developed, using up to 30 weeks of observations from four trials in the semaglutide phase 3 programme. Given the recommended dosing for each GLP‐1RA, pharmacokinetic profiles were simulated based on published population pharmacokinetic models and exposure was adjusted by the relative potencies to ensure that model predictions matched the effects observed in clinical trials. After 26 weeks of simulated treatment with liraglutide, dulaglutide or exenatide extended‐release, simulated semaglutide treatment was initiated 1 day after the last once‐daily dose of liraglutide and 1 week after the last once‐weekly doses of dulaglutide or exenatide extended‐release.ResultsThe potency‐adjusted total effective GLP‐1RA concentration increased after switching from another GLP‐1RA to semaglutide and was associated with reductions ranging from ~0.3% to ~0.8%‐points for HbA1c and from ~2% to ~4% for body weight with semaglutide 1.0 mg. Temporary slight deteriorations in HbA1c were observed after switching to semaglutide 0.25 mg from liraglutide 1.2/1.8 mg or dulaglutide 1.5 mg.ConclusionsExposure‐response modelling suggests that switching to semaglutide from liraglutide, dulaglutide or exenatide extended‐release results in further reductions in HbA1c and body weight. Initial slight deterioration in outcome values when switching to semaglutide 0.25 mg could be avoided by initiating semaglutide treatment at a higher dose.
An Anatomy of Cartel Contracts
Authors: Hyytinen Ari , Steen Frode , Toivanen Otto 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
We study the contracts of 898 legal Finnish cartels. Cartels that exclusively allocate markets, either geographically or in the product/production space, are dominant in manufacturing. They are often bilateral and include a vertical dimension. Structural industry characteristics predict the type of a cartel, e.g., consistent with theory, quota cartels are more common in manufacturing and when buyers are primarily industrial. The contracts of quota cartels include more (governance) clauses. Pure pricing cartels are the dominant cartel type in non-manufacturing and are more common when demand is primarily from retail buyers. Pricing cartels are larger than other types of cartels.
Selective contrast‐enhanced computed tomography is appropriate in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma therapy response assessment
Authors: Kriegsmann Katharina , Wack Maurizio , Kriegsmann Mark , Cremer Martin , Bruckner Thomas , Ho Anthony D. , Wuchter Patrick , Witzens‐Harig Mathias 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveAlthough not the gold standard, contrast‐enhanced CT of neck, thorax, and abdomen/pelvis is routinely performed in diagnosis and response assessment of DLBCL. PD during first‐line treatment is a relatively rare event. The question arises if the imaging of initially involved regions only might be sufficient for response evaluation.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed the data of 167 DLBCL patients who had an extensive contrast‐enhanced CT scan at first diagnosis. The majority of patients (n = 128, 77%) was treated with R‐CHOP. Therapy response was assessed as interim and end of treatment staging by contrast‐enhanced CT.ResultsThe overall response rate at the end of treatment was 94%. None of the patients showed involvement of new sites at interim staging. As a major finding, none of the patients showed an involvement of sites, which were not initially involved. Four patients developed PD during first‐line chemotherapy/after mid‐treatment staging and 31 relapsed. A conclusive comparison between initial and PD/relapse DLBCL involvement was possible in 27 patients: 8 patients did and 19 patients did not show additional/new sites of involvement compared to first diagnosis.ConclusionOur retrospective analysis provides a rationale for selective imaging of initially involved DLBCL sites for therapy response assessment.
Serum level of IL‐4 predicts response to topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone in alopecia areata
Authors: Gong Yugang , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaoting , Qi Shiling , Li Shuifeng , Ye Yanting , Yang Jian , Caulloo Sillani , McElwee Kevin J. , Zhang Xingqi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated predictors of response to topical diphenylyclopropenone (DPCP) immunotherapy in patients with alopecia areata (AA).ObjectiveTo identify predictors of response, or resistance, to treatment for AA through clinical observations and serum tests.MethodsEighty four AA patients were treated with DPCP. Serum cytokine levels were measured in 33 AA patients pre‐ and post‐treatment, and in 18 healthy controls, using ELISA assays.ResultsOf patients, 56.1% responded to DPCP with satisfactory hair regrowth; the response rate was negatively correlated with hair loss extent. Before DPCP treatment, higher serum IFN‐γ and IL‐12 cytokine levels were observed in AA patients compared to healthy controls. Non‐responders to DPCP had significantly elevated serum IL‐4 pre‐treatment (3.07 fold higher) and lower IL‐12 levels compared with responders. After DPCP treatment, non‐responders had persistently high IL‐4, increased IL‐12, negligible decrease in IFN‐γ and decreased IL‐10. Post‐treatment DPCP responders exhibited significantly decreased IFN‐γ and IL‐12, and increased IL‐4 and IL‐10. Development of adverse side‐effects was significantly associated with higher pre‐treatment serum IgE levels.LimitationsA small number of subjects were evaluated.ConclusionsPotentially, elevated pre‐treatment serum levels of IL‐4 and IL‐12 can be used as unfavorable and favorable predictors of DPCP therapeutic effect, respectively. In addition, pre‐treatment elevated serum total IgE may predict increased risk for severe adverse side‐effects to DPCP application. Whether serum cytokine expression levels can be used as predictors of response to other forms of treatment is unknown, but it may warrant investigation in the development of personalized treatments for AA.