bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive in-ear monitoring of intracranial pressure during microgravity in parabolic flights
Authors: Avan Paul , Normand Hervé , Giraudet Fabrice , Gerenton Grégory , Denise Pierre 
Published: May 2018

Among possible causes of visual impairment or headache experienced by astronauts in microgravity or postflight and that hamper their performance, elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) has been invoked but never measured for lack of noninvasive methods. The goal of this work was to test two noninvasive methods of ICP monitoring using in-ear detectors of ICP-dependent auditory responses, acoustic and electric, in acute microgravity afforded by parabolic flights. The devices detecting these responses were handheld tablets routinely used in otolaryngology for hearing diagnosis, which were customized for ICP extraction and serviceable by unskilled operators. These methods had been previously validated against invasive ICP measurements in neurosurgery patients. The two methods concurred in their estimation of ICP changes with microgravity, i.e., 11.0 ± 7.7 mmHg for the acoustic method ( n = 7 subjects with valid results out of 30, auditory responses being masked by excessive in-flight noise in 23 subjects) and 11.3 ± 10.6 mmHg for the electric method ( n = 10 subjects with valid results out of 10 tested despite the in-flight noise). These results agree with recent publications using invasive access to cerebrospinal fluid in parabolic flights and suggest that acute microgravity has a moderate average effect on ICP, similar to body tilt from upright to supine, yet with some subjects undergoing large effects whereas others seem immune. The electric in-ear method would be suitable for ICP monitoring in circumstances and with subjects such that invasive measurements are excluded. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In-ear detectors of intracranial pressure-dependent auditory responses allow intracranial pressure to be monitored noninvasively during acute microgravity. The average pressure increase during 20-s long sessions in microgravity is 11 mmHg, comparable with an effect of body tilt. However, intersubject variability is large, with subjects who repeatedly experience from nothing to twice the average effect. A systematic in-flight use would allow the relationship between space adaptation syndrome and ICP to be established or dismissed.
Biomarker Assessment of HR Deficiency, Tumor BRCA1/2 Mutations, and CCNE1 Copy Number in Ovarian Cancer: Associations with Clinical Outcome Following Platinum Monotherapy
Authors: Stronach Euan A. , Paul James , Timms Kirsten M. , Hughes Elisha , Brown Krystal , Neff Christopher , Perry Michael , Gutin Alexander , El-Bahrawy Mona , Steel Jennifer H. , Liu Xinxue , Lewsley Liz-Anne , Siddiqui Nadeem , Gabra Hani , Lanchbury Jerry S. , Brown Robert 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The current study evaluated three biomarkers [homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), tumor BRCA1/2 (tBRCA) mutations, and CCNE1 copy-number variation (CNV)] in ovarian tumors from patients enrolled on the SCOTROC4 clinical trial for associations with outcome following carboplatin monotherapy. Ovarian tumors (n = 250), with high-grade serous (HGSOC) subgroup analysis (n = 179) were classified as HRD positive (HRD score ≥42 or tBRCA mutation) and as CCNE1 amplification positive (CCNE1 CNV score &gt;2.4). Seventy-four (30%) tumors were HRD positive, including 34 (14%) with tBRCA mutations. Forty-seven (19%) were CCNE1 amplification positive, all of which were tBRCA wild-type. HRD and tBRCA, but not CCNE1 amplification, were significantly associated with CA125 complete response in the entire cohort (HRD, P = 0.00015; tBRCA P = 0.0096), and the HGSOC subgroup (HRD, P = 0.0016; tBRCA P = 0.032). HRD and lack of CCNE1 amplification were associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the full cohort and HGSOC subgroup (HRD, P = 0.00021; CCNE1 status P = 0.038). HRD remained significant for OS and PFS after adjusting for clinical factors, while CCNE1 status only remained significant for PFS. Patients with HRD-positive tumors had greater PFS and OS benefit from platinum dose intensification than HRD-negative tumors (P = 0.049 and P = 0.035, respectively). An alternative exploratory HRD score threshold (≥33 or tBRCA mutation) was also significantly associated with both PFS and OS in the HGSOC subset.
Implications: HRD, tumor BRCA1/2 mutations, and absence of CCNE1 amplification are associated with improved survival of ovarian cancer patients treated with platinum monotherapy and HRD-positive patients may benefit from platinum dose intensification. Mol Cancer Res; 16(7); 1103–11. ©2018 AACR.
Вплив вуглецевих наночастинок на гепатотоксичність тетрахлорметану
Authors: Letniak N. Ya. , Korda M. M. 
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Carbon nanoparticles have unique mechanical, electrical and thermal properties and are widely used in scientific research, industry and medicine. They are a promising nanomaterial for medical use due to their really high biocompatibility with blood, bones, cartilages and soft tissues. The capability of nanotubes to transport medicines and chemicals inside a cell predicts the possibility of the increase of classical substances toxicity in case of their intake into the body together with nanotubes.The aim of the study – to determine how nanoparticles affect the hepatotoxic properties of tetrachloromethane.Research Methods. The experiments were performed on outbred male rats, which were administered intraperitoneally with 0.5 ml of suspension of single-walled, multi-walled or multi-walled functionalized by COOH nanotubes (60 mg/kg) separately or together with tetrachlormethane (2 ml/kg). The animals were taken out of the experiment in 3, 6 and 48 hours after the administration of the nanotubes and tetrachlormethane. Alanine and aspartate transaminases, alkaline phosphatase activities, as well as total protein and urea contents were measured in rat blood plasma.Results and Discussion. It has been shown that only multi-walled carbon nanotubes changed significantly the studied parameters. The administration of tetrachloromethane to rats caused significant changes of all indices.Maximal changes of all parameters were registered in the group of animals that were coadministered with carbon nanotubes and tetrachloromethane. In this case, activities of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase in blood significantly changed compared to the similar indicators in the group of animals, which were administered with the chemical toxicant only.Conclusion. Carbon nanotubes enhance the negative hepatotoxic effects of tetrachlormethane.
Вплив яблучного пектину на окремі біохімічні та гематологічні показники алкоголізованих тварин
Authors: Sheremeta L. M. , Haynuk L. M. 
Published: May 2018

Introduction. the problem of acute and chronic alcohol intoxications is worldwide because of related injury and high mortality. Medical record protocols include absorbents among other medicines used in treatment of such poisonings.The aim of the study – to investigate the effect of apple pectin on hematological and some biochemical parameters of blood serum in acutely alcoholated rats and compare it with standard enterosorbents used in the clinic for acute alcohol poisoning.Recearch Methods. Experiments were conducted on 65 white outbred rats weighing 180–200 g, which were modeled acute alcohol intoxication by introducing into the stomach 40 % solution of ethanol in a dose of 2 ml/100 g body weight. The influence of apple pectin (in dose 0.2 g/100 g of body weight),and referenceagents (activated charcoal and silicon dioxide – 0.25 g and 0.05 g/100 g respectively) on biochemical and hematological parameters was estimated by changes in hemoglobin levels and the number of erythrocytes, glucose, cholesterol, and transaminase activity in serum.Results and Discussion. It was found that apple pectin when given in the stomach 30 min. before and an hour after the introduction of ethanol normalizes the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin (p˃0.05 compared to intact and other treated groups, but exceeded the level of those indicators by 18.5 % and 15.6 % in untreated animals respectively), improves the lipid (cholesterol) and hydrocarbon (glucose) metabolism and reduces the hepatocytecytolysis: the use of apple pectin in alcoholated rats lowered the activity of AsAT by 19.4 % and activity of AlAT by 16.6 % versus in treated with activated charcoal animals. At the same time mentioned effects were equated with those for the use of “white coal”.Conclusion. According to the determined indicators, the efficiency of pectin is equal to standard adsorbents used as reference products, and in some cases, predominates them.
Вплив питної води з різним вмістом стеаратів калію і натрію на вільнорадикальні процеси в організмі щурів
Authors: Lototska O. V. 
Published: May 2018

Introduction One of the reasons for the lack of quality drinking water is the poor quality of natural water, which is constantly polluted by waste water from industrial and municipal enterprises, surface runoff from the fields and territories of settlements with which it enters a large amount of toxic substances. Among them, surface-active substances such as potassium and sodium stearate are not the last.The aim of the study to determine the specifics of lipid peroxidation and the state of the antioxidant protection under the influence of potassium and sodium stearates on the body of the experimental rats when they enter with drinking water.Research Methods. White rats were divided into 7 groups, which consumed water with stearates in quantities equal to the maximum non-active dose of the substance (MND), 1/2 MND and 1/4 MND for 25 days. The content of TBC-active lipid peroxidation products, diene conjugates and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver homogenate were determined.Results and Discussion. In the homogenate of the liver of animals of all groups, there was a significant increase in the level of diene conjugates and TBK-active products in proportion to the concentration of the substance. It was also found that in animals that consumed water with different concentrations of potassium stearate, inhibition of antioxidant enzymes was observed. Consumption of water with different concentrations of sodium stearate caused the activation of these enzymes.Conclusions. Prolonged use by test animals of aqueous solution with concentrations of potassium and sodium stearate in MND and 1/2 MND negatively affects the state of hepatocyte cell membranes due to the activation of the lipid peroxidation processes, namely TBK-active products and diene conjugates, the amount of which depended on the concentration of stearates in drinking water. The use of drinking water by test animals with maintenance of potassium and sodium stearates at various doses caused changes in the content of antioxidant enzymes: water with potassium stearate inhibits the activity of these indicators, and causes sodium activation with sodium stearate.
The Bakru Speaks
Authors: Pires Rogério Brittes W. , Strange Stuart Earle , Mello Marcelo Moura 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Throughout the Guianas, people of all ethnicities fear one particular kind of demonic spirit. Called baccoo in Guyana, bakru in coastal Suriname, and bakulu or bakuu among Saamaka and Ndyuka Maroons in the interior, these demons offer personal wealth in exchange for human life. Based on multisited ethnography in Guyana and Suriname, this paper analyzes converging and diverging conceptions of the “same” spirit among several Afro- and Indo-Guianese populations. We argue that transformations in how people conceptualize bakulu reveal how supposedly radical moral differences are constructed within and between populations in the multi-ethnic Caribbean. More than figurative projections of monetized inequality or racial and ethnic prejudices, baccoo actively mediate how people throughout the Guianas think about and experience the everyday conduct of economic and racial relations.
A Liberation Health Approach to Examining Challenges and Facilitators of Peer-to-Peer Human Milk Sharing
Authors: McCloskey Rebecca J. , Karandikar Sharvari 
Published: May 2018

Background: Human milk sharing between peers is a common and growing practice. Although human milk has been unequivocally established as the ideal food source for infants, much stigma surrounds the practice of human milk sharing. Furthermore, there is little research examining peer-to-peer human milk sharing. Research Aim: We used the liberation health social work model to examine the experiences of mothers who have received donated human milk from a peer. Research questions were as follows: (a) What challenges do recipient mothers experience in peer-to-peer human milk sharing? (b) What supports do recipient mothers identify in peer-to-peer human milk sharing? Methods: Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with mothers ( N = 20) in the United States and Canada who were recipients of peer-to-peer human milk sharing. Researchers independently reviewed transcripts and completed open, axial, and selective coding. The authors discussed conflicts in theme identification until agreement was reached. Results: Challenges to peer-to-peer human milk sharing were (a) substantial effort required to secure human milk; (b) institutional barriers; (c) milk bank specific barriers; and (d) lack of societal awareness and acceptance of human milk sharing. Facilitators included (a) informed decision making and transparency and (b) support from healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Despite risks and barriers, participants continued to pursue peer-to-peer human milk sharing. Informed by a liberation health framework, healthcare professionals—rather than universally discouraging human milk sharing between peers—should facilitate open dialogue with parents about the pros and cons of this practice and about screening recommendations to promote safety and mitigate risk.
Correlation between different carboplatin dosing patterns and its toxicity analysis in patients with advanced lung cancers: A retrospective study
Authors: Kartolo Adi , Robinson Andrew 
Published: May 2018

Objective To evaluate the current NCI-CTEP recommendation and the clinical use of Calvert Formula-derived carboplatin dosing pattern in the treatment of advanced lung cancer patients and assess carboplatin-related toxicity in relation to the degree of dose fluctuation. Methodology This retrospective study involved all histologically confirmed inoperable lung cancer patients receiving palliative-intent carboplatin or carboplatin-combination chemotherapy from 2012 to 2016 at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. The carboplatin dosing pattern and carboplatin-related toxicity were collected and analysed on SPSS IBM for Windows version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results were expressed in percentages and P values. Results Our findings ( N = 75) suggested that 24% of patients had a high-degree of fluctuation in carboplatin dose (>10% variation from initial dose) if carboplatin dose was readjusted with each new creatinine. In practice, 16% of patients had a fluctuation of greater than 10% in ordered dose in the absence of planned dose reductions. Our study found no significant association between prescribed high-risk dosing fluctuation (>10% increased from initial dose) and carboplatin-related toxicities. Discussion and conclusion In contrast to some prescribing recommendations such as NCI-CTEP, our study suggested that most medical oncologists incorporate new serum creatinine in calculating carboplatin dose for each cycle. Only 9% of patients were treated with a fixed dosing pattern (i.e. no fluctuation). Nonetheless, no significant associations were found between high-risk carboplatin dosing fluctuation and its-related toxicity. Whether such practice was due to the forcing function of the computer order entry system (CPOE), or conscious decisions by medical oncologists was unknown. Further analysis in evaluating physicians' preferences and influencing factors on dosing pattern decision would be recommended.
Perceptions of Acute Malnutrition and Its Management in Infants Under 6 Months of Age: A Qualitative Study in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Arafat Yasir , Islam M Munirul , Connell Nicki , Mothabbir Golam , McGrath Marie , Berkley James A , Ahmed Tahmeed , Kerac Marko 
Published: May 2018

Background: World Health Organization guidelines advise community-based care (CBC) for “uncomplicated” severe acute malnutrition (SAM) infants <6 months old (u6m), whereas current national protocols refer to inpatient care. Our aim was to inform and shape future management strategies by understanding caregivers’ and different stakeholders’ perceptions on malnutrition among infants u6m on barriers/facilitators to future CBC. Methods: The methods used in this study are as follows: in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) in southern Bangladesh, thematic analysis of transcripts, and sample size by data saturation. Results: We conducted 5 FGDs with 29 caregivers, 4 with 29 health care workers, 4 key informant interviews each with community leaders and health supervisors. Five themes emerged. 1) Identification of SAM infants and care-seeking behavior: malnutrition was not noticed until severe, caregivers focused on clinical symptoms. Both allopathic and traditional healers were consulted. (2) Perceived causes of infant malnutrition: underlying illness, poor feeding practices, poverty, and local superstitions. (3) Views and preferences on treatment: hospitals and doctors were perceived as offering the best treatment, health care workers were also important, and respondents highlighted the need care of the caregiver/mother along with the infant. (4) Perceived benefits and risks of CBC: lower cost and greater accessibility were appreciated but worried about quality. (5) Community networks: wider family and social support networks were considered important aspects of care. Conclusions: There is considerable potential for CBC but needs to be better and earlier identification of at-risk infants, strengthening of health systems to avoid community options being perceived as “second best,” engagement with families and communities to tackle “upstream” determinants of SAM, and care for mother-infant pairs.
External validity of a cardiovascular screening including a coronary artery calcium examination in middle-aged individuals from the general population
Authors: Grønhøj Mette H , Gerke Oke , Mickley Hans , Steffensen Flemming H , Lambrechtsen Jess , Sand Niels Peter R , Rasmussen Lars M , Olsen Michael H , Hallas Jesper , Diederichsen Axel CP 
Published: May 2018

Background Coronary artery calcium is important in cardiovascular risk stratification, but this knowledge is based on studies with a significant selection bias. This study aims to evaluate the external validity of a screening programme including coronary artery calcium examination, and the association between coronary artery calcium and cardiovascular events. Design Multi-centre population based study. Methods Randomly selected middle-aged men and women ( N = 1751) free of cardiovascular disease were invited to the examination during 2009–2010. Participation rate in the examination was 70%. Participants ( n = 1227) and non-participants ( n = 524) were compared regarding: cardiovascular medical treatment, Charlson comorbidity index and socioeconomic status (evaluated by cohabitation, gross income and education). Study endpoints were cardiovascular events and mortality. Results Non-participants had a significant higher comorbidity ( p = 0.003) and a lower socioeconomic status ( p < 0.0001), while cardiovascular medical treatment was alike. Over a median follow-up time of 6.5 years the cardiovascular event and mortality rates were equal (6.7% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.80 and 0.4% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.76, respectively). Adjusted hazard ratio was 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–1.37). Among participants, the extent of coronary artery calcium was significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 1.92, 95% CI 1.03–3.54, hazard ratio 3.66, 95% CI 1.82–7.32, hazard ratio 6.51, 95% CI 3.17–13.36 for coronary artery calcium scores 1–99, 100–399, ≥400 AU, respectively). Conclusions Non-participants had a higher comorbidity index and a lower socioeconomic status, but the cardiovascular event and mortality rates were equal to those of participants. Thus, a screening programme including a coronary artery calcium examination had a high external validity regarding cardiovascular risk, but also a significant social imbalance.
An increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in circulating inflammatory cells predicts primary response to infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Kadijani Azade Amini , Sorrentino Dario , Mirzaei Alireza , Shahrokh Shabnam , Balaii Hedieh , Geraci Marco , Zali Mohammad Reza 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundPredicting the response of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to infliximab (IFX) is an unmet clinical need. The expression and density of transmembrane tumor necrosis factor‐α in circulating leukocytes maybe directly related to response by promoting apoptosis.AimWe tested the hypothesis that direct apoptosis assessment by real‐time polymerase chain reaction evaluation of pro‐apoptotic (Bax) and anti‐apoptotic (Bcl‐2) proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) might be associated with response to IFX.MethodsIFX naïve patients (Crohn's disease, 32 and ulcerative colitis, 20; 35 responders and 17 non‐responders) were evaluated for Bax and Bcl‐2 mRNA expression levels before and 2 weeks after the first infusion. In a subset of patients, apoptosis was also evaluated using flow cytometry.ResultsAfter the first infusion, Bax increased more in responders than in non‐responders (0.7± 0.38 vs 0.81 ± 0.32 and 0.86 ± 0.37 vs 0.87 ± 0.45, respectively, p = 0.071). Bcl‐2 decreased more in responders than in non‐responders (0.71 ± 0.12 vs 0.63 ± 0.13 and 0.81 ± 0.28 vs 0.77 ± 0.27, respectively, p = 0.038). The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio increased more in responders than in non‐responders (0.99 ± 0.5 vs 1.3 ± 0.51 and 1.03 ± 0.17 vs 1.1 ± 0.28, respectively, p = 0.005). The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was able to predict response in 33/52 patients and was correlated to flow cytometry‐assessed apoptosis (r = 0.911; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAn increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in PBMCs was associated with therapeutic response to IFX in IBD patients.
The effect of anti-acid therapy on survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a methodological review of observational studies
Authors: Tran Tanja , Suissa Samy 
Published: May 2018

International treatment guidelines for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) give a conditional recommendation for anti-acid therapy. As some observational studies reported discrepant findings on the effectiveness of anti-acid therapy on mortality in IPF, we reviewed all studies to evaluate whether immortal time bias explains these discrepancies.We searched the Embase and MEDLINE databases up to July 2017 for observational studies assessing the effectiveness of anti-acid therapy on mortality in IPF. Hazard ratios of mortality with anti-acid therapy were pooled across studies using random-effect models, stratified by the presence of immortal time bias.We identified 10 observational studies. Four of the five studies reporting beneficial effects of anti-acid therapy use on mortality were affected by immortal time bias (pooled hazard ratio 0.46; 95% CI 0.30–0.69), while it was unclear whether the fifth was affected. The five studies that avoided immortal time bias reported no effect of anti-acid therapy on mortality (pooled hazard ratio 0.99; 95% CI 0.81–1.22).The apparent beneficial effects of anti-acid therapy on mortality in patients with IPF result from observational studies affected by immortal time bias. Thus, the effectiveness of anti-acid therapy in IPF remains uncertain and needs to be reassessed with more accurate observational study methods and randomised trials.