bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pial fistula in infancy: Report of two cases and literature review with special emphasis on the ruptured group
Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa , Abdalla Ramez Nader , Mohamed Ayman Hemdan , Farid Mostafa 
Published: March 2018

Cerebral pial fistula is a rare vascular pathology with no more than 150 cases reported. Most cases reported in infancy have been published as case reports. Owing to its high flow, its occurrence in this age group carries the potential risk of heart failure, chronic venous hypertension, seizures and, less frequently, cerebral haemorrhage. We present two cases of pial fistulae in infancy treated by endovascular embolisation using N-butyl cyanoacrylate. A review of the English-language literature was performed for this age group with special emphasis on ruptured cases.
Primary angioplasty and stenting may be superior to thrombectomy for acute atherosclerotic large-artery occlusion
Authors: Yang Dong , Lin Min , Wang Shuiping , Wang Huaiming , Hao Yonggang , Zi Wenjie , Lv Penghua , Zheng Dequan , Xiao Guodong , Xu Gelin , Xiong Yunyun , Liu Xinfeng 
Published: March 2018

Objective The objective of this article is to compare the effectiveness of primary angioplasty and/or stenting with stent retriever thrombectomy in acute anterior large-vessel occlusion due to atherosclerotic disease. Methods Patients were retrospectively reviewed from the endovascular treatment for acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke registry. Patients with large-vessel occlusions due to atherosclerosis were selected. We evaluated modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score immediately post-procedure, and symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 72 hours. Results Of 302 patients with acute anterior circulation occlusion due to atherosclerotic disease, 269 were treated with stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line therapy and 33 with angioplasty and/or stenting. Patients who received primary angioplasty treatment showed favorable independent outcome at 90 days (69.7% (23/33) vs 47.6% (128/269), p = 0.02) and lower rate of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (9.1% (3/23) vs 30.5% (82/269), p = 0.01). Recanalization immediately post procedure did not differ (78.8%% (26/33) vs 86.2% (232/269), p = 0.29). Primary angioplasty therapy (OR, 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.90; p = 0.03) and small baseline infarct (OR 0.36: 0.16–0.82; p = 0.02) were protective factors against poor functional outcome, while old age (OR 1.04:1.01–1.07; p = 0.006), severe neurological deficits (OR 3.76: 2.00–7.07; p < 0.001), and high glucose (OR 1.11: 1.01–1.23; p = 0.03) were associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions Patients with acute anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion due to atherosclerosis may benefit from urgent angioplasty and/or stenting as first-line therapy. Randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Efficacy of the proximal balloon flow control method for endovascular coil embolisation as a novel adjunctive technique: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Ohshima Tomotaka , Miyachi Shigeru , Matsuo Naoki , Kawaguchi Reo , Niwa Aichi , Maejima Ryuya , Isaji Taiki , Takayasu Masakazu 
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose In our previous study, we established the utility of 8-F balloon guide catheters for anterior circulation aneurysms. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the proximal flow control method using 8-F balloon guide catheters for coil deployment into the aneurysms as a novel adjunctive technique for aneurysmal coil embolisation along with local balloon neck remodeling, stent assist and double catheter techniques. Materials and methods We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent endovascular coiling of anterior circulation aneurysms between August 2013 and December 2017. Results Of 206 patients enrolled in this study, the balloon of the guiding catheter was inflated to assist coil deployment in 43 patients (20.9%). In addition, the proximal flow control method found utility in cases with small aneurysms and relatively narrow-necked internal carotid artery. We observed no intraprocedural complications in this study. Conclusion This technique enabled secure coil deployment without navigating another microcatheter or balloon catheter around the aneurysms.
Oral Provocation Testing in Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions to Antiretroviral and Antitubercular Therapy: A Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India
Authors: Kaimal Sowmya , Madhukara Jithendriya 
Published: March 2018

Aim: To collect data pertaining to oral drug provocation testing (DPT) in hospitalized patients with antiretroviral (ARV)/antitubercular agent–induced rashes. Methods: Patients with cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ARV/antitubercular drugs and who underwent oral DPT during a 5-year period were included in this study. Results: Data were collected from the records of 21 patients. Of the 21, 19 had HIV infection. The most commonly implicated drug was nevirapine (NVP), followed by cotrimoxazole and antitubercular agents. Of the 11 ADRs that occurred on rechallenge, the ADR on rechallenge was similar in clinical presentation to the initial ADR in 6 patients, while a different rash was elicited in 5 patients. Conclusion: Oral DPT is a safe and effective tool to accurately diagnose ADRs, especially in patients on multiple drugs and in situations such as HIV infection and tuberculosis where second-line agents are expensive and/or not easily available through the national AIDS control/tuberculosis programs.
Pan-SRC kinase inhibition blocks B-cell receptor oncogenic signaling in non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Battistello Elena , Katanayeva Natalya , Dheilly Elie , Tavernari Daniele , Donaldson Maria C. , Bonsignore Luca , Thome Margot , Christie Amanda L. , Murakami Mark A. , Michielin Olivier , Ciriello Giovanni , Zoete Vincent , Oricchio Elisa 
Published: March 2018

Key PointsInhibition of BTK in patients who are resistant to ibrutinib changes signaling tumor dependencies and promotes MYC upregulation. Multitarget inhibition of LYN, FYN, and BLK is therapeutically effective in patients with DLBCL independent of their molecular subtypes.
Incidence of pulmonary hypertension and determining factors in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Coghlan J. Gerry , Wolf Matthias , Distler Oliver , Denton Christopher P. , Doelberg Martin , Harutyunova Satenik , Marra Alberto M. , Benjamin Nicola , Fischer Christine , Grünig Ekkehard 
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and determining factors in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) <60% predicted.In this bicentric, prospective cohort study, patients with SSc were clinically assessed at baseline and after 3 years, including right heart catheterisation (RHC). Analysis of determining factors for the development of PH was performed using univariate and multivariate analyses.96 patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) <25 mmHg at baseline were followed for 2.95±0.7 years (median 3 years). Of these, 71 had a second RHC; 18 of these 71 patients (25.3%) developed PH, and five (7%) developed SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. For patients with an mPAP of 21–24 mmHg at baseline, the likelihood of presenting with PH as opposed to normal pressures on follow-up was significantly higher (p=0.026). Pulmonary vascular resistance, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, diffusion capacity and the size of the inferior vena cava at baseline were independent predictors for the development of PH during follow-up.In a selected cohort of SSc patients with aDLCO<60%, pulmonary pressures appeared to rise progressively during follow-up. In this population, it was possible to identify manifest PH in almost 25% of patients using prospective RHC during follow-up. Therefore, regular clinical assessment including RHC might be useful in patients with SSc.
Laboratory-confirmed respiratory infections as triggers for acute myocardial infarction and stroke: a self-controlled case series analysis of national linked datasets from Scotland
Authors: Warren-Gash Charlotte , Blackburn Ruth , Whitaker Heather , McMenamin Jim , Hayward Andrew C. 
Published: March 2018

While acute respiratory tract infections can trigger cardiovascular events, the differential effect of specific organisms is unknown. This is important to guide vaccine policy.Using national infection surveillance data linked to the Scottish Morbidity Record, we identified adults with a first myocardial infarction or stroke from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2014 and a record of laboratory-confirmed respiratory infection during this period. Using self-controlled case series analysis, we generated age- and season-adjusted incidence ratios (IRs) for myocardial infarction (n=1227) or stroke (n=762) after infections compared with baseline time.We found substantially increased myocardial infarction rates in the week afterStreptococcus pneumoniaeand influenza virus infection: adjusted IRs for days 1–3 were 5.98 (95% CI 2.47–14.4) and 9.80 (95% CI 2.37–40.5), respectively. Rates of stroke after infection were similarly high and remained elevated to 28 days: day 1–3 adjusted IRs 12.3 (95% CI 5.48–27.7) and 7.82 (95% CI 1.07–56.9) forS. pneumoniaeand influenza virus, respectively. Although other respiratory viruses were associated with raised point estimates for both outcomes, only the day 4–7 estimate for stroke reached statistical significance.We showed a marked cardiovascular triggering effect ofS. pneumoniaeand influenza virus, which highlights the need for adequate pneumococcal and influenza vaccine uptake. Further research is needed into vascular effects of noninfluenza respiratory viruses.
Multicentre observational screening survey for the detection of CTEPH following pulmonary embolism
Authors: Coquoz Nicolas , Weilenmann Daniel , Stolz Daiana , Popov Vladimir , Azzola Andrea , Fellrath Jean-Marc , Stricker Hans , Pagnamenta Alberto , Ott Sebastian , Ulrich Silvia , Györik Sandor , Pasquier Jérôme , Aubert John-David 
Published: March 2018

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a severe complication of pulmonary embolism. Its incidence following pulmonary embolism is debated. Active screening for CTEPH in patients with acute pulmonary embolism is yet to be recommended.This prospective, multicentre, observational study (Multicentre Observational Screening Survey for the Detection of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) Following Pulmonary Embolism (INPUT on PE); ISRCTN61417303) included patients with acute pulmonary embolism from 11 centres in Switzerland from March 2009 to November 2016. Screening for possible CTEPH was performed at 6, 12 and 24 months using a stepwise algorithm that included a dyspnoea phone-based survey, transthoracic echocardiography, right heart catheterisation and radiological confirmation of CTEPH.Out of 1699 patients with pulmonary embolism, 508 patients were assessed for CTEPH screening over 2 years. CTEPH incidence following pulmonary embolism was 3.7 per 1000 patient-years, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 0.79%. The Swiss pulmonary hypertension registry consulted in December 2016 did not report additional CTEPH cases in these patients. The survey yielded 100% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity. The second step echocardiography in newly dyspnoeic patients showed a negative predictive value of 100%.CTEPH is a rare but treatable disease. A simple and sensitive way for CTEPH screening in patients with acute pulmonary embolism is recommended.
Associations between blood eosinophils and decline in lung function among adults with and without asthma
Authors: Hancox Robert J. , Pavord Ian D. , Sears Malcolm R. 
Published: March 2018

Eosinophilic inflammation and airway remodelling are characteristic features of asthma, but the association between them is unclear. We assessed associations between blood eosinophils and lung function decline in a population-based cohort of young adults.We used linear mixed models to analyse associations between blood eosinophils and spirometry at 21, 26, 32 and 38 years adjusting for sex, smoking, asthma and spirometry at age 18 years. We further analysed associations between mean eosinophil counts and changes in spirometry from ages 21 to 38 years.Higher eosinophils were associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratios and lower FEV1% predicted values for both pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry (all p-values ≤0.048). Although eosinophil counts were higher in participants with asthma, the associations between eosinophils and spirometry were similar among participants without asthma or wheeze. Participants with mean eosinophil counts >0.4×109 cells·L−1between 21 and 38 years had greater declines in FEV1/FVC ratios (difference 1.8%, 95% CI 0.7–2.9%; p=0.001) and FEV1values (difference 3.4% pred, 95% CI 1.5–5.4% pred); p=0.001) than those with lower counts.Blood eosinophils are associated with airflow obstruction and enhanced decline in lung function, independently of asthma and smoking. Eosinophilia is a risk factor for airflow obstruction even in those without symptoms.
Embodied modeling approach to explore tumour cells drug resistance
Authors: Sohail Ayesha , Sherin Lubna , Li Zhiwu , Chaudhry Qasim Ali 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMathematical modelling provides mechanistic insight of an infirmity by emulating the course of disease on individual or group level under various interventions and hence makes pragmatic contribution to complement conventional biomedical research modalities. Subsequently, real-world effectiveness is observed in the prediction of experimental outcome that leads to optimized clinical therapies. This article addresses with the aid of mathematical modelling, the drug pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic along with treatment responses. This article uses an agent based model to discuss the effects of chemotherapy on angiogenesis as well as tumor microenvironment and establishes pertinency between numerical and experimental results. This study supports the emerging “discrete analysis ” which, in the near future, is anticipated to be a promising major tool, for designing rational dosage regimes and effective dosage forms.
Novel practical SNR determination method for MRI using double echo with longest second echo time (DELSET)
Authors: Ohno Naoki , Miyati Tosiaki , Niwa Yoshiaki , Kan Hirohito , Ishida Shota , Kasai Harumasa , Shibamoto Yuta , Gabata Toshifumi 
Published: March 2018

Objective:
We devised a practical method using double echo with the longest second echo time (DELSET) for simple and accurate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement of MRIs.

Methods:
The DELSET method is based on the double-echo sequence in which the first and second echo times (TE) are set, respectively, as the clinically acceptable time for the signal image and as the longest time for the noise image. The second TE needs to be at least 8 times longer than T 2 (for spin-echo) or T 2* (for gradient-echo) of the objective tissue. For example, second TE &gt; 560 ms for the case of T 2 = 70 ms: the real part of signal intensity theoretically reaches the same order of magnitude as the quantization limit, due to the T 2 relaxation process. SNR was calculated by dividing mean signal intensity in the first echo image by signal standard deviation (SD) in the second echo image in identical regions of interest after necessary noise correction. We determined the SNRs of cylindrical phantom images with different coils [quadrature (QD) and array coils] and sequences (spin-echo and spoiled gradient-echo sequences) and compared them between the DELSET and subtraction or background methods. The ratio of the mean signal intensity and SD in the second echo image with QD coil was determined to confirm whether the signal intensity had reached noise level.

Results:
There were no significant differences in the phantom SNRs with both coils and sequences when DELSET was compared with the other two methods (p &gt; 0.05 for all). The ratios of mean signal intensity and SD in the second echo images with both sequences were found to be in general agreement with a theoretical value. It was possible to obtain SNR images of the phantom, brain and abdomen with the DELSET method.

Conclusion:
The DELSET method enables simple and accurate SNR quantification. This practical method is applicable to in vivo parallel imaging.

Advances in knowledge:
Practical SNR quantification based on the DELSET method is feasible for application in MRI systems used clinically.
Funding knowledgebases: Towards a sustainable funding model for the UniProt use case
Authors: Gabella Chiara , Durinx Christine , Appel Ron 
Published: March 2018

Millions of life scientists across the world rely on bioinformatics data resources for their research projects. Data resources can be very expensive, especially those with a high added value as the expert-curated knowledgebases. Despite the increasing need for such highly accurate and reliable sources of scientific information, most of them do not have secured funding over the near future and often depend on short-term grants that are much shorter than their planning horizon. Additionally, they are often evaluated as research projects rather than as research infrastructure components. In this work, twelve funding models for data resources are described and applied on the case study of the Universal Protein Resource (UniProt), a key resource for protein sequences and functional information knowledge. We show that most of the models present inconsistencies with open access or equity policies, and that while some models do not allow to cover the total costs, they could potentially be used as a complementary income source. We propose the Infrastructure Model as a sustainable and equitable model for all core data resources in the life sciences. With this model, funding agencies would set aside a fixed percentage of their research grant volumes, which would subsequently be redistributed to core data resources according to well-defined selection criteria. This model, compatible with the principles of open science, is in agreement with several international initiatives such as the Human Frontiers Science Program Organisation (HFSPO) and the OECD Global Science Forum (GSF) project. Here, we have estimated that less than 1% of the total amount dedicated to research grants in the life sciences would be sufficient to cover the costs of the core data resources worldwide, including both knowledgebases and deposition databases.
Naród, narodowość, nacjonalizm we współczesnej Europie. Baskijskie i katalońskie narracje tożsamościowe
Authors: Orzechowska-Wacławska Joanna 
Published: March 2018

Nation, Nationality and Nationalism in Contemporary Europe. Basque and Catalan Identity Narratives
This article explores the identity processes that are currently taking place in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Its main focus is the Basque/Catalan identity which is understood as a form of local, regional and/or national form of collective identification. In particular, the paper analyzes how contemporary Basques and Catalans define, declare and manifest their collective identity, whether they see it as a national identity (or not), and what the political implications of these identity choices are. Based on the results deriving from the latest research on self-identification of the members of the Basque and Catalan society, this article explores the relationship between 1) Basque/Catalan local identity, which is a wide category that encompasses various forms of socio-cultural identification, 2) Basque/Catalan national identity, which is based on the conviction that Basques/Catalans are not just nationalities (have important and particular social and cultural features), but they are in fact nations of their own (this identity has therefore an important political dimension), and 3) Basque/Catalan nationalistic identity, which is understood as a form of identity, that resides on the belief that the Basques and Catalans constitute separate national communities, and this very fact is used to fuel certain rhetoric and ideology: separate nationhood becomes the basic element of identification and social mobilization.
Kontestacja wspólnej polityki bezpieczeństwa i obrony w Parlamencie Europejskim na przykładzie działań UE w Afganistanie w latach 2005-2013
Authors: Zubek Marcin 
Published: March 2018

Contestation of the common foreign and security policy in European Parliament. The case of EU actions in Afghanistan in 2005‑2013
Foreign policy, including the security policy, has traditionally been considered a domain of the public policy, where lower standards of parliamentary democratic control and scrutiny can be employed. There is a belief among the policy‑makers, that in order to act effectively in this field, they should not be limited by the legislative power. This democratic deficit is even amplified on the international level, whenever an international organization is involved in implementing security policy. In spite of that fact, parliaments still retained the right to scrutinize security policies via debates, which reveal MPs approach towards state’s security policy. The main aim of this article is to analyze a case of democratic control over security policy on the international level, namely the security policy towards Afghanistan between 2005 and 2013 and its contestation in the European Parliament (EP). In order to do so a qualitative analysis of the plenary debates in the EP will be employed, which will reveal arguments used by the MEPs in order to justify certain policies, political claims directed to national and international institutions and contestation of the process of the formulation of the EU policy towards this particular security issue.
Twenty-first century vampires: From the Dracula myth to new (American) superheroes
Authors: Louis Stella 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Taking into consideration Julie Sanders’ distinction between adaptation and appropriation and Julie Grossman’s notion of ‘elastextity’, this article focuses on how contemporary adaptations of an archetypal vampiric text have progressively led to its appropriation by another cinematographic narrative genre. Dracula is the model of the ultimate vampire in the public eye, but also in the minds of modern creators, who began to exploit the ‘elastextity’ of the traditional vampire codes, ethics and images. After undergoing a process of humanization, ‘new’ vampires started appearing at the turn of the current century such as Stephen Norrington’s Blade (1998) and till Gary Shore’s recent representation of Dracula (Dracula Untold, 2014). They represent a new kind of vampire, one associated with the aesthetic of American superhero films. With this evolution vampires have come to represent a new model of superhero expression linked, by virtue of their nature, to sacrifice, redemption and hope.