bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Furazolidone‐containing triple and quadruple eradication therapy for initial treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: A multicenter randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Xie Yong , Zhang Zhenyu , Hong Junbo , Liu Wenzhong , Lu Hong , Du Yiqi , Wang Weihong , Xu Jianming , Wang Xuehong , Huo Lijuan , Zhang Guiying , Lan Chunhui , Li Xiaoyan , Li Yanqing , Wang Hong , Zhang Guoxin , Zhu Yin , Shu Xu , Chen Ye , Wang Jiangbin , Lu Nonghua ,   the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology Chinese Study Group on Helicobacter pylori
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication has steadily declined, primarily because of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of furazolidone eradication therapies as initial treatments for H. pylori infection.MethodsA national, multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial was performed at 16 sites across 13 provinces in China to evaluate the efficacy and safety of furazolidone‐containing therapies for H. pylori infection. Treatment naïve patients were randomly assigned to: esomeprazole 20 mg, bismuth 220 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and furazolidone 100 mg twice daily for 10 and 7 days (FAB 10 and FAB 7; the same therapy without bismuth (FA 10 and FA 7). The primary and secondary outcomes were the eradication rate and regimen safety, respectively. Treatment success was assessed by the 13C urea breath test at least 4 weeks after treatment completion.ResultsOverall, according to intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rates for FAB 10 and FAB 7 were 86.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.9%‐93.2%) and 83.6% (95% CI, 76.3%‐90.9%) and for FA 10 and FA 7 were 82.4% (95% CI, 74.9%‐89.8%) and 77.6% (95% CI, 69.4%‐85.8%), respectively. According to per‐protocol analysis, the overall eradication rates for FAB 10 and FAB 7 were 94.7% (95% CI, 90.3%‐99.1%) and 90.8% (95% CI, 85.1%‐96.5%) and for FA 10 and FA 7 were 90.6% (95% CI, 84.9%‐96.3%) and 85.1% (95% CI, 78.2%‐92.1%), respectively. The overall prevalence of side effects was 8.1%.ConclusionsFurazolidone‐containing therapies, particularly the tested 10‐day quadruple therapy, exhibited satisfactory efficacy and safety. This 10‐day quadruple therapy represents a promising initial treatment strategy for Chinese patients.
Maspin mRNA expression in sentinel lymph nodes predicts non‐SLN metastasis in breast cancer patients with SLN metastasis
Authors: Umekita Yoshihisa , Ohi Yasuyo , Iwaya Orie , Souda Masakazu , Sagara Yasuaki , Tamada Shugo , Yotsumoto Daisuke , Tanimoto Akihide 
Published: July 2018

AimsMaspin is known to be a tumour suppressor protein, but its prognostic significance in breast cancer patients is controversial. There is no report focusing on maspin expression in metastatic carcinoma of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs); we thus investigated maspin mRNA expression in SLNs using the remaining specimens after the one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay.Methods and resultsNinety‐three breast cancer patients with SLNs metastasis detected by the OSNA assay were enrolled. All patients experienced additional axillary lymph nodes (LNs) dissection and all dissected LNs were examined histopathologically. Maspin mRNA expression in SLNs was detected in 49.5% (46 of 93) and was correlated significantly with the presence of non‐SLN metastasis (P < 0.0001) and ≥4 LN metastases (P = 0.029). In a multivariate logistic analysis, maspin mRNA expression in SLNs (P = 0.0015) had the most significant effect on predicting non‐SLN metastasis, followed by pathological tumour size (P = 0.0039) and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.009). The status of maspin mRNA expression in SLNs was correlated significantly with that of maspin protein expression in the primary carcinoma (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis is the first study, to our knowledge, demonstrating that maspin mRNA expression in SLNs is an independent predictor of non‐SLN metastasis and the presence of ≥4 LN metastases in breast cancer patients with SLN metastasis. The investigation of maspin mRNA expression in SLNs using the remaining specimens after the OSNA assay may be useful for predicting the further progression of metastatic carcinoma in breast cancer patients with SLNs metastasis.
The role of accounting conservatism in executive compensation contracts
Authors: Iwasaki Takuya , Otomasa Shota , Shiiba Atsushi , Shuto Akinobu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTo test the implication of Watts’ (2003) argument that accounting conservatism increases the efficiency of executive compensation contracts, we investigate the relation between accounting conservatism and earnings‐based executive compensation contracts in Japanese firms. We focus on Japanese executive compensation practices because the demand for accounting conservatism is likely to be greater for Japanese than for US firms given the predominance of earnings‐based executive compensation contracts and relatively weak corporate governance of compensation contracts in Japan. We also investigate how the quality of the ex‐ante information environment affects the relation between accounting conservatism and earnings‐based executive compensation contracts. Consistent with our expectations, we find a positive relation between accounting conservatism and the compensation earnings coefficient. We also show that this positive relation is greater for firms with poor ex‐ante information environment. These results suggest that the demand for accounting conservatism is greater for firms that use more earnings‐based executive compensation contracts and have more serious ex‐post settling‐up problems.
Expected consequences of including methane footprint into the breeding goals in beef cattle. A Spanish Blonde d'Aquitaine population as a case of study
Authors: López‐Paredes Javier , Alenda Rafael , González‐Recio Oscar 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study evaluates two potential scenarios for including methane (CH4) emissions in the breeding objectives of beef cattle, using the Spanish population of Blonde d′Aquitaine as a case of study. First, CH4 emissions were included as a cost using a shadow carbon price of 1.22€/CH4 kg (0.044€/CO2 kg) (carbon tax scenario). In the other scenario, a CH4 quota was applied, optimizing emissions per unit of product. The current production system was used as benchmark scenario (Scenario 1). The economic value of CH4 was calculated under all scenarios using a bioeconomic model that translated the production system into a mathematical function. Then, CH4 emissions were included with proper relative weight in the selection index under each scenario. The economic value of CH4 production from cows was −0.54€/year and −0.16€/year in a carbon tax and in a CH4 quota scenario, respectively. Economic values for CH4 production from fattening calves were −1.22€/year and −0.34€/year in a carbon tax and a quota scenario, respectively. The relative weights of total CH4 traits in the indices were 4.9% and 1.8% in a carbon tax and quota scenario. The carbon tax scenario led to smaller cows (−7.59 kg of mature weight) and a decrease in carcass weight gain of calves (−4.78 g/day) involving a reduction in emissions in comparison with Scenario 1 (−0.76 CH4 kg/slaughtered calf/year). However, it also led to a lower expected gain in profit per unit of product (−7.86 €/slaughtered calf/year). A carbon quota scenario would select slightly smaller cows (−0.48 kg) with similar responses in maternal abilities (age at first calving, calving interval, maternal weaning weight, and calving ease) and growth, and lower emissions (−0.22 CH4 kg/slaughtered calf/year) regarding the benchmark scenario. Profit per cow would increase by +1.52€/slaughtered calf/year although this scenario implies a reduction in the number of cows per herd. In a carbon tax scenario, higher reduction in emissions implied a reduction of profitability per animal.
From signals to knowledge: A conceptual model for multimodal learning analytics
Authors: Di Mitri Daniele , Schneider Jan , Specht Marcus , Drachsler Hendrik 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMultimodality in learning analytics and learning science is under the spotlight. The landscape of sensors and wearable trackers that can be used for learning support is evolving rapidly, as well as data collection and analysis methods. Multimodal data can now be collected and processed in real time at an unprecedented scale. With sensors, it is possible to capture observable events of the learning process such as learner's behaviour and the learning context. The learning process, however, consists also of latent attributes, such as the learner's cognitions or emotions. These attributes are unobservable to sensors and need to be elicited by human‐driven interpretations. We conducted a literature survey of experiments using multimodal data to frame the young research field of multimodal learning analytics. The survey explored the multimodal data used in related studies (the input space) and the learning theories selected (the hypothesis space). The survey led to the formulation of the Multimodal Learning Analytics Model whose main objectives are of (O1) mapping the use of multimodal data to enhance the feedback in a learning context; (O2) showing how to combine machine learning with multimodal data; and (O3) aligning the terminology used in the field of machine learning and learning science.
Nutritional status, the development and persistence of malnutrition and dietary intake in oesophago‐gastric cancer: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Grace E. M. , Shaw C. , Lalji A. , Mohammed K. , Andreyev H. J. N. , Whelan K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with oesophago‐gastric (OG) cancer may be at risk of malnutrition, troublesome gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) and reduced dietary intake in view of the tumour location and multimodality curative treatment approach. Longitudinal research is lacking. The present study aimed to assess (i) nutritional status and how it evolved over the first year; (ii) the association between nutritional status scores and GI symptom scores; and (iii) the nutrient and food group intake pattern.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study of patients with an OG lesion planned for radical treatment, with assessment at diagnosis, 3 months and 12 months after the start of treatment. Nutritional assessment was performed using the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment, GI symptoms measured using the modified Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and dietary intake assessed using a semi‐quantitative food frequency approach.ResultsEighty patients (61 males, 19 females; aged 46–89 years) were recruited. At baseline, 3 (n = 68) and 12 months (n = 57), 61%, 62% and 60%, respectively, were moderately/severely malnourished. Higher symptom burden was associated with poorer nutritional status at baseline (r = 0.55, P < 0.001), 3 months (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) and 12 months (r = 0.42, P = 0.001). At each respective time point, 37%, 38% and 42% were meeting their estimated average requirement for energy. No change in mean (SD) intake of energy, fibre, nutrient and food groups was observed over time.ConclusionsPatients with OG cancer have progressive weight loss, with malnutrition present over the majority of the 12‐month study period. Optimising nutritional status and symptom management throughout the treatment pathway should be a clinical priority.
Concepts of job satisfaction in people with intellectual disability
Authors: Kocman A. , Weber G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing body of research on job satisfaction in people with intellectual disability (ID). However, little is known about the subjective concepts of job satisfaction in this population. Knowledge on the conceptualisation of job satisfaction in people with ID and whether currently used concepts are meaningful for this population are crucial prerequisites to purposeful research for this group.MethodQualitative interviews on subjective concepts of job satisfaction were conducted with 129 employees of sheltered workshops. Relevant concepts and associated aspects were extracted using content analysis.ResultsConcepts can be grouped into holistic concepts, facet‐related concepts and self‐actualising concepts of job satisfaction in people with ID. Twenty‐five percent of the sample did not have any concept of job satisfaction.ConclusionsThe concepts of job satisfaction in people with ID are closely related to those concepts as reported in organisational psychology. However, sufficient comprehension of the term has to be ensured prior to conducting research on job satisfaction in people with ID.
Feasibility, accuracy and safety of a percutaneous fine‐needle biopsy technique to obtain qualitative muscle samples of the lumbar multifidus and erector spinae muscle in persons with low back pain
Authors: Agten Anouk , Verbrugghe Jonas , Stevens Sjoerd , Boomgaert Lukas , O. Eijnde Bert , Timmermans Annick , Vandenabeele Frank 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe lumbar muscular system, in particular the lumbar multifidus muscle (LM) and the erector spinae muscle (ES), plays an important role in stabilizing and mobilizing the lumbar spine. Based on the topography, the lumbar paraspinal muscles can be classified into local and global muscles. LM is part of the local system, whereas ES is part of the global system. Therefore, it is interesting to investigate the muscle fibre type composition in both muscles. There is accumulating evidence that nonspecific chronic low back pain is associated with lumbar muscle dysfunction. To further elucidate this lumbar paraspinal muscle dysfunction, it is important to understand the structural characteristics of individual muscle fibres of LM and ES. Muscle fibre type composition can be investigated in muscle tissue samples. So far, muscle samples are taken by using invasive procedures that are not well tolerated. The aim of this article was to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and safety of a percutaneous fine‐needle biopsy technique to obtain muscle samples from LM and ES in persons with nonspecific chronic low back pain and to evaluate the feasibility of performing immunofluorescence analysis of myosin heavy chain isoform expression to investigate muscle fibre type composition. Preliminary investigations in cadavers were performed to determine the optimal vertebral level and puncture site to obtain muscle samples of LM and ES through a single skin puncture. In 15 persons with nonspecific chronic low back pain, muscle samples of LM and ES were taken under local anaesthesia with the percutaneous fine‐needle biopsy technique, preceded by determination of the puncture site with ultrasonography. Muscle fibre type composition was investigated using immunofluorescence analysis of myosin heavy chain expression. The subjects reported little or no pain and were willing to repeat the procedure. The obtained muscle tissue contained transverse‐sectioned muscle fibres in which muscle fibre contractile characteristics of the paraspinal muscles could be evaluated with immunofluorescence analysis of the myosin heavy chains. We can conclude that percutaneous microbiopsy appears to be feasible and accurate, and safe to use to obtain muscle tissue from the paraspinal muscles. The use of ultrasonography to determine the puncture site is necessary to ensure biopsy of the correct muscles and to ensure the safety of the procedure.
Comparison of three strip harvesting technqiues (Haber's, Pathomvanich's and Ahmad's techniques)
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundTo compare the three techniques, that is, using tissue spreader, using skin hooks technique, and using sharp scissor techniques.MethodsA double‐blind, randomized study was conducted in 10 patients undergoing hair transplant surgery by strip harvest after informed consent. The marked strip was divided into 3 equal parts to be assigned randomly to one of the harvesting techniques, that is, (a) using tissue spreader technique (A), (b) using skin hooks technique (B), and (c) using sharp scissor technique (C). The total number of hair of the strip margins were counted. The number of transected hair were also counted. The time taken for harvesting for each technique was noted. All the data were analyzed using ANOVA test.ResultsThe average length of the strip was 27.8 cm. The mean harvesting time was 46.2 seconds (technique A), 174.5 seconds (technique B), and 49.9 seconds (technique C) (P < 0.05). The total hair density was 640.9 vs 664.5 vs 690.0, respectively. The total transection rate was 2.822 vs 2.689 vs 2.465 in technique A, B, and C, respectively.ConclusionSharp scissor technique is a safe technique which results in lower transection rate and no significant increase in operation time.
Growth‐regulated oncogene‐α from oral submucous fibrosis fibroblasts promotes malignant transformation of oral precancerous cells
Authors: Ye Mei‐Yin , Chen Meng‐Yen , Chang Ya‐Han , Huang Jehn‐Shyun , Huang Tze‐Ta , Wong Tung‐Yiu , Hong Tse‐Ming , Chen Yuh‐Ling 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common human malignancy and is usually preceded by the oral precancerous lesions. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is one of the oral precancerous lesions with high incidence of malignant transformation. In addition to cancer cells, cancer‐associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment are correlated with cancer progression, but the role of fibroblasts from OSF in tumorigenesis and progression is still unknown. Growth‐regulated oncogene‐α (GRO‐α), a member of CXC chemokine family, is related to tumorigenesis in several cancers. In this study, we would like to explore the role of GRO‐α from OSF‐associated fibroblasts in oral cancer progression.MethodsWe isolated primary culture fibroblasts of normal, precancerous, and tumor tissues from patients with OSCC accompanied with OSF. A cytokine array was used to screen cytokine secretions in the conditioned media of the fibroblasts. A wound healing migration assay, WST‐1 cell proliferation assay, rhodamine‐phalloidin staining, and soft agar colony formation assay were used to investigate the effects of GRO‐α on a dysplastic oral keratinocyte cell line (DOK) cell migration, growth, and anchorage‐independent growth.ResultsGRO‐α was identified to be increased in conditioned media of OSF‐associated fibroblasts. GRO‐α promotes DOK cells proliferation, migration, and anchorage‐independent growth through enhancing the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway, F‐actin rearrangement, and stemness properties, respectively. Moreover, GRO‐α neutralizing antibodies downregulated the conditioned medium‐induced cell proliferation and migration of DOK.ConclusionGRO‐α from OSF‐associated fibroblasts paracrinally promotes oral malignant transformation and significantly contributes to OSCC development.
Three‐dimensional ultrastructural analysis and histomorphometry of collagen bundles in the periodontal ligament using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography
Authors: Hirashima Shingo , Ohta Keisuke , Kanazawa Tomonoshin , Okayama Satoko , Togo Akinobu , Miyazono Yoshihiro , Kusukawa Jingo , Nakamura Kei‐ichiro 
Published: July 2018

Background and objectiveThe periodontal ligament (PDL) is an essential tissue for tooth function. However, the 3‐dimensional ultrastructure of these PDL collagen bundles on a mesoscale is not clear. We investigated the 3‐dimensional ultrastructure of these collagen bundles and quantitatively analyzed their histomorphometry using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) tomography.Material and methodsThe PDLs of the first mandibular molar of male C57BL/6 mice were analyzed using FIB/SEM tomography. The serial images of the collagen bundles so obtained were reconstructed. The collagen bundles were analyzed quantitatively using 3‐dimensional histomorphometry.ResultsCollagen bundles of the PDL demonstrated multiple branched structures, rather than a single rope‐like structure, and were wrapped in cytoplasm sheets. The structure of the horizontal fiber of the collagen bundle was an extensive meshwork. In contrast, the oblique and apical fibers of the collagen bundle showed a chain‐like structure. The area and the minor and major axis lengths of cross‐sections of the horizontal fiber, as determined from 3‐dimensional images, were significantly different from those of the oblique and apical fibers.ConclusionThese findings indicate that collagen bundles in horizontal fiber areas have high strength and that the tooth is firmly anchored to the alveolar bone by the horizontal fibers, but is not secured evenly to the alveolar bone. The tooth is firmly anchored around the cervical area, creating a “slingshot‐like structure.” This study has provided further insights into the structure of the PDL and forms the basis for the development of more effective therapies for periodontal tissue regeneration.
Position of maximal nasopharyngeal maximal occlusion in relation to hamuli pterygoidei: use of hamuli pterygoidei as landmarks for palatoplasty in brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome surgical treatment
Authors: Sarran D. , Caron A. , Testault I. , Segond S. , Billet J. P. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the influence of complete nasopharyngeal occlusion on respiratory signs in brachycephalic dogs. To determine the cranio‐caudal position of rostral nasopharyngeal occlusion in relation to the hamuli pterygoidei in brachycephalic dogs. To determine whether using the hamuli pterygoidei as anatomical landmarks for palatoplasty results in clinical respiratory improvement.Materials and MethodsProspective study of dogs diagnosed with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. The dogs were scored according to the severity of their clinical respiratory signs and the nasopharynx was CT scanned. The site of most rostral nasopharyngeal occlusion was measured in relation to the hamuli pterygoidei. Measurements were compared between brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome group, completely occluded and partially occluded groups. The hamuli pterygoidei were used as the most cranial landmarks for the palatoplasty incision, such that the incision was made at the point of maximal nasopharyngeal occlusion. Owners were interviewed by telephone for the medium‐term follow‐up.ResultsThirty‐five dogs were included. There was no significant association between the severity of respiratory clinical signs and extent of nasopharyngeal occlusion. Maximal nasopharyngeal occlusion was always located directly caudal to the hamuli pterygoidei (mean ±sd value of 9∙4 ±6∙5 mm). hamuli pterygoidei were easily palpable perioperatively in all cases. There was a significant improvement of clinical grades postoperatively.Clinical SignificanceThe hamuli pterygoidei are a reliable landmark for soft palate incision for palatoplasty in these cases but the distance between them and the site of maximal nasopharyngeal occlusion varied greatly.