bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paradiplomacy and political geography: The geopolitics of substate regional diplomacy
Authors: Jackson Thomas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPolitical geographers have increasingly engaged with “alternative” diplomatic practices, actors, cultures, and sites which transcend traditional state‐centric modalities. Despite this growing interest, the term paradiplomacy, referring to the international activities of substate regions, has not featured heavily in the geographical literature. This paper brings debates surrounding the nature and practices of paradiplomacy into conversation with recent political geography scholarship on diplomacy and, in particular, geopolitics. It begins by introducing the increasingly plural understandings of diplomacy that have challenged dominant state‐centric discourse and foregrounded the inherent spatiality of diplomatic practices. This is followed by an examination of the dynamic evolution of the term “paradiplomacy.” The paper goes on to suggest how theoretical and methodological insights from political geography could be productively interwoven with the study of paradiplomacy. The final section exemplifies this through an exploration of the geopolitics of substate diplomacy. It is argued that by building on methodological insights from critical readings of geopolitics, it is possible to offer a multi‐scalar analysis of paradiplomacy which contributes to an ongoing project of political geography—to unsettle and challenge ingrained imaginaries which underpin our understandings of the region, the state, and the international political system.
Potassium fertilization of timothy‐based cut grassland—Effects on herbage yield, mineral composition and critical K concentration on soils with different K status
Authors: Lunnan T. , Øgaard A. F. , Krogstad T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHerbage yield responses to K fertilizer application are variable in Norwegian grassland. Excessive K application may increase the risk of grass tetany (hypomagnesaemia) and milk fever (hypocalcaemia). We analysed a series of K fertilizer experiments on grassland with respect to their herbage yields and mineral composition. Our results show the importance of native soil K reserves when considering the need for K application. Soils with a high content of acid‐soluble K showed no response to K fertilizer application. The critical K content in grass with respect to yield was estimated to be 17.7 g K/kg DMin the first cut and 20.3 kg K/DMin the second cut, while the critical K/N relationship was found to be 0.83 when a maximum yield reduction of 2.5% was used as a criterion. In these trials, soils with a high content of acid‐soluble K had the greatest risk of grass tetany and the highest values of cation–anion balance. Application of potassium chloride had little effect on the cation–anion balance, and thereby the risk of milking fever, because there was a corresponding uptake of K and Cl ions.
Management of pain in end‐stage renal disease patients: Short review
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Krishnappa Vinod , Gupta Mona 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPain management in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is a complex and challenging task to accomplish, and effective pain and symptom control improves quality of life. Pain is prevalent in more than 50% of hemodialysis patients and up to 75% of these patients are treated ineffectively due to its poor recognition by providers. A good history for PQRST factors and intensity assessment using visual analog scale are the initial steps in the management of pain followed by involvement of palliative care, patient and family counseling, discussion of treatment options, and correction of reversible causes. First line should be conservative management such as exercise, massage, heat/cold therapy, acupuncture, meditation, distraction, music therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Analgesics are introduced according to WHO guidelines (by the mouth, by the clock, by the ladder, for the individual, and attention to detail) using three‐step analgesic ladder model. Neuropathic pain can be controlled by gabapentin and pregabalin. Substitution/addition of opioid analgesics are indicated if pain control is not optimal. Commonly used opioids in ESRD patients are tramadol, oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, and buprenorphine. Methadone, fentanyl, and buprenorphine are the ideal analgesics in ESRD. However, complex pain syndrome requires multidrug analgesic regimen comprising opioids, non‐opioids, and adjuvant medication, which should be individualized to the patient to achieve adequate pain control.
Childhood‐Onset Cluster Headache: Observations From a Personal Case‐Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Taga Arens , Manzoni Gian Camillo , Russo Marco , Paglia Maria Vittoria , Torelli Paola 
Published: December 2017

Background/ObjectivesPuberty seems to be a turning point in cluster headache (CH) onset. To verify its influence on CH phenotype, we focused on cases with onset ≤13 years. A review of the literature follows.MethodWe considered CH cases with age‐of‐onset ≤13 years evaluated at our center between 1975 and 2015; these cases were matched by sex to two consecutive patients with age‐of‐onset as close as possible (±2 years) to the median age‐of‐onset of the overall CH population.ResultsOf the overall 808 cases (585 men and 223 women, M:F ratio = 2.6), 38 patients (20 men and 18 women, M:F ratio = 1.1) had pediatric onset (PO). The diagnostic delay was significantly higher among cases with PO (21.2 ± 12.4 years, P < .0001). In this group, females had more frequently a chronic course and a familiarity for CH. Men with PO had some significant distinctive features, including higher frequency and longer duration of headache attacks, and higher proportion of various cranial autonomic and migraine‐like symptoms.ConclusionsWe confirmed that CH with childhood onset does not show a male predominance, which was actually inverted for chronic cases. Furthermore, males with PO seem to have a specific clinical phenotype.
Antioxidant potential of protein‐rich serum from farmed swan goose (Anser cygnoides): in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antioxidant effects
Authors: Cui Hao , Zhang Yang , Tian Haiping , Zhai Wanchen , Jiang Yu , Zhou Hongli 
Published: December 2017

SummaryAs food ingredient, Anser cygnoides is farmed in large scale; however, its blood is underused. The characteristics, stability and antioxidant activities of Powder of farmed A. Cygnoides Serum (FACSP) were investigated. Results showed that FACSP was protein‐rich and displayed satisfactory antioxidant activities. In vitro analysis indicated that the IC50 values of 2, 2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenz‐thiazoline‐6‐sulphonate), 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals were 1.56, 2.76 and 39.55 mg mL−1, respectively. In vivo experiment showed that the activity of total superoxide dismutase and content of glutathione of the FACSP‐treated groups were enhanced, and the contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were decreased. The parameters of 400 and 800 mg kg−1 bw day−1 dose groups were equally or approximately to vitamin C. The FACSP shows potential as an antioxidant functional food at a dose of 400 mg kg−1 bw day−1.
Low‐fidelity simulation for patients and caregivers in the use of lubricants in clean intermittent catheterization
Authors: Orlandin Leonardo , Mazzo Alessandra , Meska Mateus Henrique Gonçalves , Jorge Beatriz Maria , Cotta Filho Cezar Kayzuka , Fumincelli Laís 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTCan low‐fidelity simulation improve the knowledge and skills of patients undergoing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and their caregivers to prevent complications? Patients undergoing CIC are exposed to risks, such as urethral trauma and urinary tract infections. Objective of this paper was to assess the implications of low‐fidelity simulations for patients and caregivers in the use of clean intermittent catheterization in the event of urethral trauma and for its prevention. A quasi‐experimental study carried out between November 2015 and February 2016 in the rehabilitation centre of a university hospital, with patients undergoing CIC and/or their caregivers. Following the ethical precepts, data collection was performed during nursing consultations by means of interviews, structured observation, and a knowledge test applied before and after the low‐fidelity simulation. Patients undergoing CIC and/or caregivers underwent a low‐fidelity simulation of CIC with urethral trauma and then they were guided by the researchers following the protocol established in the department. They then underwent another simulation with the same characteristics. Fifty‐five patients participated in this study, in which most of them (33 [60·0%]) were men, with an average age of 31·7 years. Bleeding was reported by 19 patients (34·5%), of which 18 were men. The performance of low‐fidelity simulations proved to be effective for patients or caregivers in adverse situations, such as bleeding, resistance to the introduction of the catheter and negative urine drainage. The performance of low‐fidelity simulation is easily accessible and shows efficiency when used in teaching‐learning processes of health education and development of skills and competencies.
Transcriptome characterization of male accessory glands in ants to identify molecules involved in their reproductive success
Authors: Gotoh A. , Shigenobu S. , Yamaguchi K. , Kobayashi S. , Ito F. , Tsuji K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn insects, seminal fluid proteins that are produced by male accessory glands and transferred to females during mating have key functions in sperm competition and sperm physiology that lead to male reproductive success. In ants, male reproductive success also depends on the longevity of sperm stored in the queen's spermatheca because their sexual offspring are usually produced only after a prolonged storage period. We identified genes that were up‐regulated in the male accessory glands relative to the bodies of Crematogaster osakensis to characterize the reproductive molecules associated with male reproductive success in ants. We found novel genes that had no hits in a homology search and that were predominantly expressed in the accessory glands. These reproductive proteins may have evolved under rapid positive selection for reproductive success in the species. Furthermore, we discovered that three spermatheca‐specific genes of C. osakensis queens were also enriched in the accessory glands relative to the bodies of males. These genes may be important for maintaining the sperm quality continuously from ejaculation by males to prolonged storage by queens. This research provides crucial information about the molecular mechanisms of sperm maintenance and sexual selection in ants, and also insight into the evolution of reproductive strategies in insects.
Do seasonal species assemblages differ in their biogeography? Evidence from the spatial structure of bird communities on land‐bridge islands
Authors: Chen Chuanwu , Holyoak Marcel , Si Xingfeng , Wang Yanping , Ding Ping 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimWe tested the effects of season and migratory status (residents‐versus‐seasonal migrants) on island biogeography of bird assemblages through partitioning beta diversity into richness and turnover components and community nestedness metrics. We predicted that total beta diversity, the richness component of beta diversity and community nestedness will be lower for bird assemblages in winter than in summer, and lowest of all for winter visitors. These predictions were derived from published ideas about resource availability, movement and habitat choice in birds in different seasons.LocationThousand Island Lake, China.MethodsBird species were sampled using line transects on 36 islands during five breeding and winter seasons (2009−2014). Birds were grouped into assemblages of winter residents, winter visitors and summer residents. Associations between beta diversity partitioning, island area, isolation and habitat richness were tested using partial Mantel correlations. We complemented these tests with measures of nestedness and null model approaches.ResultsContrary to expectation, beta diversity, nestedness and difference of beta diversity or its components from null models were higher for winter residents than either summer resident or winter visitor assemblages. As predicted, winter visitors showed little association with habitat richness, and beta diversity was rarely different from null communities. Summer residents had the highest correlations of beta diversity components with habitat richness, but showed the lowest level of total beta diversity, a low richness component and were anti‐nested (less nested than random).Main conclusionsSubstantial differences were found in the biogeography of winter‐versus‐summer residents, and seasonal visitor (migratory)‐versus‐resident bird assemblages, which match expectations derived from bird biology and population ecology. Summer residents highlighted the role of habitat‐related niche differences, whereas winter residents showed area‐related selective extinction. By contrast, winter visitors appeared to be more randomly distributed.
Hepatitis C virus clearance by direct‐acting antiviral treatments and impact on insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Adinolfi Luigi E , Nevola Riccardo , Guerrera Barbara , D'Alterio Giovanni , Marrone Aldo , Giordano Mauro , Rinaldi Luca 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), particularly genotype 1, is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes. This study evaluated the impact of HCV clearance by all‐oral direct‐acting antiviral treatments on IR and glycemic control.MethodsIncluded in this prospective case–control study were 133 consecutive HCV‐genotype 1 patients with advance liver fibrosis (F3–F4) without type 2 diabetes. Sixty eight were treated with direct‐acting antiviral and 65 were untreated. Liver fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography. Pre‐treatment, end‐treatment, and 3 months post‐treatment withdrawal IR homeostasis was assessed by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐IR, HOMA‐S, and HOMA‐B.ResultsAt baseline, treated, and untreated patients showed similar liver fibrosis levels, HOMA‐IR was 4.90 ± 4.62 and 4.64 ± 5.62, respectively. HOMA‐IR correlated with HCV RNA levels. At the end of treatment, all patients cleared HCV RNA, regardless of liver fibrosis and body mass index, and a reduction in HOMA‐IR at 2.42 ± 1.85 was showed (P < 0.001); in addition, increased insulin sensitivity, decreased insulin secretion, reduction of serum glucose, and insulin levels were observed. Data were confirmed 3 months after treatment withdrawal in the 65 patients who cleared HCV. No variation occurred in untreated patients. Overall, 76.5% of sustained virologic response patients showed IR improvements, of which 41.2% normalized IR. Improvement of IR was strictly associated with HCV clearance; however, patients with the highest levels of fibrosis remain associated with some degree of IR.ConclusionsThe data underline a role of HCV in development of IR and that viral eradication reverses IR and improves glycemic control and this could prevent IR‐related clinical manifestations and complications.
Nexus Strength: A Novel Metric for Assessing the Global Resource Nexus
Authors: Font Vivanco David , Wang Ranran , Hertwich Edgar 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe limited access to natural resources is a major constraint for sustainability at various spatial scales. This challenge has sparked scholarly interest in the linkages or nexus between resources, with a view to helping anticipate unforeseen consequences, identify trade‐offs and co‐benefits, and find optimal solutions. Yet, despite decades of research, limitations in the scope and focus of studies remain. Recently constructed multiregional input‐output (MRIO) databases, which cover the global economy and its use of resources in unprecedented detail, allow systematically investigation of resource use by production as well as consumption processes at various levels and garner new insights into global resource nexus (GRN) issues. This article addresses the question of how to prioritize such issues. Using the MRIO database, EXIOBASE, we address the GRN considering five key resources: blue water, primary energy, land, metal ores, and minerals. We propose a metric of nexus strength, which relies on linear goal programming to rank industries and products based on its associated combined resource use and various weighting schemes. Our results validate current research efforts by identifying water, energy, and land as the strongest linkages globally and at all scales and, at the same time, lead to novel findings into the GRN, in that (1) it appears stronger and more complex from the consumption perspective, (2) metals and minerals emerge as critical, yet undervalued, components, and (3) it manifests with a considerable diversity across countries owing to differences in the economic structure, domestic policy, technology, and resource endowments.
Development, characterization, and evaluation of sunscreen cream containing solid lipid nanoparticles of silymarin
Authors: Netto MPharm Gladyston , Jose Jobin 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundMost of the sunscreen formulations mainly contain chemicals or synthetic molecules. Nowadays, researchers are mainly focussing on herbal formulations due to toxicity of the synthetic molecules. Silymarin is a natural flavonoids having excellent antioxidant properties. Solid lipid nanoparticles are novel drug carriers which improve the drug stability and tolerance effect and also enhance the permeation effect.AimsThis study aimed at the preparation of solid lipid nanoparticles containing silymarin that will be incorporated into a sunscreen cream and determine its sun protection factor.MethodsThe solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by micro‐emulsion method; here, the glyceryl monostearate was used as lipid, and Tween 80 was used as an emulsifier. The solid lipid nanoparticles were evaluated for drug entrapment, particle size and morphology, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. The dispersion was formulated into sunscreen cream and evaluated for various parameters, such as extrudability, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation of drug, in vitro and in vivo sun protection factor determination, in vivo skin irritation test, and accelerated stability studies.ResultsThe results suggested that as the concentration of emulsifier increased, the entrapment efficiency of silymarin increased. In vitro and in vivo sun protection factor determination showed that SPF of 13.80 and 14.1, respectively. Stability studies were performed under accelerated conditions, and it did not show any appreciable change in parameters.ConclusionThese results indicated that the sunscreen containing silymarin solid lipid nanoparticles exhibited better photoprotective action.
Recurrence of uterine myoma after myomectomy: Open myomectomy versus laparoscopic myomectomy
Authors: Kotani Yasushi , Tobiume Takako , Fujishima Risa , Shigeta Mamoru , Takaya Hisamitsu , Nakai Hidekatsu , Suzuki Ayako , Tsuji Isao , Mandai Masaki , Matsumura Noriomi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimOpen myomectomy (OM) was previously frequently performed; however, laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) has recently become more common. Nevertheless, myoma can recur after both LM and OM. In this study, we report our retrospective investigation of myoma recurrence by comparing LM and OM.MethodsA total of 474 patients underwent LM and 279 patients underwent OM. The patients were followed‐up postoperatively from six months to eight years. Recurrence was confirmed when a myoma with a diameter of ≥ 1 cm was detected. Post‐LM, post‐OM and cumulative recurrence rates were investigated, and a Cox hazard test was performed.ResultsThe cumulative recurrence rates between the two groups were 76.2% (LM) vs. 63.4% (OM) at eight years postoperatively. A log‐rank test revealed a significant difference between the two groups. Cox hazard testing revealed that LM, a larger number of enucleated myoma masses and the absence of postoperative gestation significantly contributed to the postoperative recurrence rate.ConclusionsLM yielded a higher recurrence rate than OM, likely a result of manual myoma removal in OM, which is a more exhaustive extraction of smaller myoma masses than performed in LM. In other words, fewer residual myoma masses after OM contribute to a lower postoperative recurrence rate.
Supplemental oxygen therapy does not affect the systemic inflammatory response to acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hofmann R. , Tornvall P. , Witt N. , Alfredsson J. , Svensson L. , Jonasson L. , Nilsson L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundOxygen therapy has been used routinely in normoxemic patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) despite limited evidence supporting a beneficial effect. AMI is associated with a systemic inflammation. Here, we hypothesized that the inflammatory response to AMI is potentiated by oxygen therapy.MethodsThe DETermination of the role of Oxygen in suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction (DETO2X‐AMI) multicentre trial randomized patients with suspected AMI to receive oxygen at 6 L min−1 for 6–12 h or ambient air. For this prespecified subgroup analysis, we recruited patients with confirmed AMI from two sites for evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers at randomization and 5–7 h later. Ninety‐two inflammatory biomarkers were analysed using proximity extension assay technology, to evaluate the effect of oxygen on the systemic inflammatory response to AMI.ResultsPlasma from 144 AMI patients was analysed whereof 76 (53%) were randomized to oxygen and 68 (47%) to air. Eight biomarkers showed a significant increase, whereas 13 were decreased 5–7 h after randomization. The inflammatory response did not differ between the two treatment groups neither did plasma troponin T levels. After adjustment for increase in troponin T over time, age and sex, the release of inflammation‐related biomarkers was still similar in the groups.ConclusionsIn a randomized controlled setting of normoxemic patients with AMI, the use of supplemental oxygen did not have any significant impact on the early release of systemic inflammatory markers.
Evaluating the Association between Enlarged Perivascular Spaces and Disease Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cavallari Michele , Egorova Svetlana , Healy Brian C. , Palotai Miklos , Prieto Juan Carlos , Polgar‐Turcsanyi Mariann , Tauhid Shahamat , Anderson Mark , Glanz Bonnie , Chitnis Tanuja , Guttmann Charles R.G. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEEnlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs) have been associated with relapses and brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the association of EPVS with clinical and MRI features of disease worsening in a well‐characterized cohort of relapsing‐remitting MS patients prospectively followed for up to 10 years.METHODSBaseline EPVSs were scored on 1.5T MRI in 30 converters to moderate‐severe disability, and 30 nonconverters matched for baseline characteristics.RESULTSEPVS scores were not significantly different between converters and nonconverters, nor associated with accrual of lesions or brain atrophy.CONCLUSIONSOur preliminary findings from a relatively small study sample argue against a potential use of EPVS as early indicator of risk for disease worsening in relapsing‐remitting MS patients in a clinical setting. Although the small sample size and clinical 1.5T MRI may have limited our ability to detect a significant effect, we provided estimates of the association of EPVS with clinical and MRI indicators of disease worsening in a well‐characterized cohort of MS patients.