bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Objectively improving appropriateness of absorbent products provision to patients with urinary incontinence: The DIAPPER study
Authors: Sacco Emilio , Bientinesi Riccardo , Gandi Carlo , Palermo Giuseppe , Pierconti Francesco , Bassi Pierfrancesco 
Published: June 2017

AimsTo objectively assess and enhance the appropriateness of continence products provision to sufferers from urinary incontinence (UI) managed with containment strategies.MethodsIncontinent patients of five Italian continence care services were included in this industry‐supported study from 01/2012 to 03/2016. All patients/carers have been invited to perform a 48‐h home‐based pad test and to fill in a diary. The primary outcome was the product appropriateness defined as the use of a pad with maximum absorbent capacity (MAC) from 30% to 50% higher than the individually measured urine load. Pads provision was corrected accordingly. Meaningful factors affecting products appropriateness and patient's satisfaction with the new products were also assessed.ResultsThe study included 14 493 subjects (mean age 78 years; 26% males, 74% females) using overall during the study days 98 362 pads. Sixty percent of the products were found to be not appropriate. In most of cases, (75%) products were inappropriate because too large. Age and pad weight gain, followed by gender, body weight, waist circumference, level of autonomy and mobility, pad wearing time, skin health status, and health district were independently associated to the propensity to inappropriateness. After correction of products prescription, a significant reduction (−31%) of the use of largest products was observed. At 6 months evaluation, 88% of evaluable participants were satisfied with the new prescription.ConclusionsMost of patients are provided with not appropriate containment products. The use of the 48‐h pad test allows improving on an individual basis the appropriateness of products provision.
Retrospective comparative study of the factors affecting birthweights in frozen‐thawed embryo transfer, compared to fresh embryo transfer
Authors: Tsuji Yuta , Otsuki Junko , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Furuhashi Kohyu , Matsumoto Yukiko , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimSeveral studies have indicated that the cause of the increased birthweight of frozen‐thawed embryos was associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as cryopreservation. In the present study, the mean birthweight of singletons was compared between the ovulatory and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles in order to investigate the primary factor that leads to higher birthweights from frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET).MethodsThis retrospective study was carried out from January 2011 to December 2014 on 2738 singletons who were born at 37‐41 weeks’ gestation, following ART in a single facility. The mean birthweight of the singletons who were born after a fresh embryo transfer (ET) was compared to the mean birthweight of the singletons who were born after a FET. In the FET cycles, the mean birthweight of the singletons was compared between the ovulatory and HRT cycles.ResultsThe mean birthweight of the singletons who were born after a FET was significantly higher than that of the singletons who were born after a fresh ET. In the FET cycles, the birthweight from the HRT cycles was significantly higher than that from the ovulatory cycles. Among the HRT cycles, there was no difference between the birthweight of the singleton who were born from a blastocyst transfer and those who were born from a cleavage‐stage ET.ConclusionThe primary factor to affect the birthweight of singletons might be the pre/postET hormonal environment of the endometrium and not the stage of the transferred embryo nor the frozen‐thawed procedure itself.
Safety and effectiveness of eribulin in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: a post-marketing observational study
Authors: Watanabe Junichiro , Ito Yoshinori , Ohsumi Shozo , Mizutani Mitsuhiro , Tashiro Hideya , Sakurai Kenichi , Takahashi Masato , Saito Tsuyoshi , Tsurutani Junji , Mukai Hirofumi , Yoshinami Tetsuhiro , Takao Shintaro , Yamamoto Yasuhisa , Matsuoka Toshiyuki , Iwase Hirotaka , Iwata Hiroji , Nakamura Seigo , Saeki Toshiaki 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackground This large-scale study was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of eribulin for the treatment of inoperable or recurrent breast cancer in real-world settings in Japan. Methods Between July and December 2011, eligible patients with inoperable or recurrent breast cancer receiving eribulin for the first time were centrally registered and observed for 1 year. Eribulin was administered intravenously (1.4 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 of every 3-week cycle. The primary endpoint was the frequency and intensity of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR) and time to treatment failure (TTF). Results Of 968 patients registered at 325 institutions, 951 and 671 were included in the safety and effectiveness analyses, respectively. In the safety population, ADRs were observed in 841 patients (88.4%). The most common (≥15% incidence) were neutropenia (66.6%), leukopenia (62.4%), lymphopenia (18.4%), and peripheral neuropathy (16.8%). The most common grade ≥ 3 ADRs (>5% incidence) were neutropenia (59.8%), leukopenia (50.5%), lymphopenia (16.1%), and febrile neutropenia (7.7%). In the effectiveness population, ORR was 16.5% (95% confidence interval: 13.7, 19.4). The median TTF was 127 days (95% confidence interval: 120, 134). Conclusions The safety and effectiveness profile of eribulin was consistent with prior studies. Eribulin had a favorable risk-benefit balance when used in real-world clinical settings.
Cholesterol Bilayer Domains in the Eye Lens Health: A Review
Authors: Widomska Justyna , Subczynski Witold K. , Mainali Laxman , Raguz Marija 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe most unique biochemical characteristic of the eye lens fiber cell plasma membrane is its extremely high cholesterol content, the need for which is still unclear. It is evident, however, that the disturbance of Chol homeostasis may result in damages associated with cataracts. Electron paramagnetic resonance methods allow discrimination of two types of lipid domains in model membranes overloaded with Chol, namely, phospholipid-cholesterol domains and pure Chol bilayer domains. These domains are also detected in human lens lipid membranes prepared from the total lipids extracted from lens cortices and nuclei of donors from different age groups. Independent of the age-related changes in phospholipid composition, the physical properties of phospholipid-Chol domains remain the same for all age groups and are practically identical for cortical and nuclear membranes. The presence of Chol bilayer domains in these membranes provides a buffering capacity for cholesterol concentration in the surrounding phospholipid-Chol domains, keeping it at a constant saturating level and thus keeping the physical properties of the membrane consistent with and independent of changes in phospholipid composition. It seems that the presence of Chol bilayer domains plays an integral role in the regulation of cholesterol-dependent processes in fiber cell plasm membranes and in the maintenance of fiber cell membrane homeostasis.
Changes to the Korean Disaster Medical Assistance System After Numerous Multi-casualty Incidents in 2014 and 2015
Authors: Cha Myeong-il , Choa Minhong , Kim Seunghwan , Cho Jinseong , Choi Dai Hai , Cho Minsu , Kim Won , Kim Chu Hyun , Kang Daehyun , Heo Yun Jung , Kim Jung Eon , Yoon Han Deok , Wang Soon Joo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveA number of multiple-casualty incidents during 2014 and 2015 brought changes to Korea’s disaster medical assistance system. We report these changes here.MethodsReports about these incidents, revisions to laws, and the government’s revised medical disaster response guidelines were reviewed.ResultsThe number of DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) staff members was reduced to 4 from 8, and the mobilization method changed. An emergency response manual was created that contains the main content of the DMAT, and there is now a DMAT training program to educate staff. The government created and launched a national 24-hour Disaster Emergency Medical Service Situation Room, and instead of the traditional wireless communications, mobile instant smart phone messaging has been added as a new means of communication. The number of disaster base hospitals has also been doubled.ConclusionAlthough there are still limitations that need to be remedied, the changes to the current emergency medical assistance system are expected to improve the system’s response capacity. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:526–530)
Evacuations as a Result of Hurricane Sandy: Analysis of the 2014 New Jersey Behavioral Risk Factor Survey
Authors: Kulkarni Prathit A. , Gu Hui , Tsai Stella , Passannante Marian , Kim Soyeon , Thomas Pauline A. , Tan Christina G. , Davidow Amy L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveWe characterized evacuations related to Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in New Jersey on October 29, 2012.MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2014 New Jersey Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. The proportion of respondents reporting evacuation was used to estimate the number of New Jersey adults who evacuated. We determined evacuation rates in heavily impacted and less-impacted municipalities, as well as evacuation rates for municipalities under and not under mandatory evacuation orders. We tested associations between demographic and health factors, such as certain chronic health conditions, and evacuation.ResultsAmong respondents, 12.7% (95% CI: 11.8%-13.6%) reported evacuating, corresponding to approximately 880,000 adults. In heavily impacted municipalities, 17.0% (95% CI: 15.2%-18.7%) evacuated, compared with 10.1% (95% CI: 9.0%-11.2%) in less-impacted municipalities. In municipalities under mandatory evacuation orders, 42.5% (95% CI: 35.1%-49.8%) evacuated, compared with 11.8% (95% CI: 10.9%-12.9%) in municipalities not under mandatory orders. Female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.14-1.64), unmarried status (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02-1.46), shorter length of residence (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03-1.60), and living in a heavily impacted municipality (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.54-2.20) were significantly associated with evacuation. History of stroke (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.02-2.53) was the only chronic condition associated with evacuation.ConclusionsApproximately 880,000 New Jersey adults evacuated because of Hurricane Sandy. Those in heavily impacted municipalities and municipalities under mandatory evacuation orders had higher evacuation rates; however, still fewer than half evacuated. These findings can be used for future disaster planning. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:720–728).
Olivooides-like tube aperture in early Cambrian carinachitids (Medusozoa, Cnidaria)
Authors: Han Jian , Li Guoxiang , Wang Xing , Yang Xiaoguang , Guo Junfeng , Sasaki Osamu , Komiya Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe early Cambrian Carinachitidae, a family in the subclass Conulata, are intriguing and important small shelly fossils. Their gently tapering, tube-shaped skeletons consist of convex faces separated from each other by broad, deep corner sulci, and they exhibit triradial, pentaradial, or predominantly tetraradial symmetry. However, the morphology of the aperture and the modes of growth of carinachitid skeletons as well as the anatomy of their soft parts are unknown. Examination of a single new, exceptionally well-preserved specimen of tetramerousCarinachites spinatusQian, 1977, collected from the lower Cambrian Kuanchuanpu Formation in South China, reveals: (1) that its aperture is connected to a small mass of relic soft tissue and (2) that the apertural end of each of the four faces is developed into a subtriangular lappet or oral lobe that is smoothly folded toward the long axis of the tube, partially closing the tube aperture. Similarities between thorn-like spines on the faces and the oral lobes indicate that the transverse ribs were periodically displaced from the perradial portion of the aperture during formation of new ribs. In addition, the tube walls may have undergone secondary thickening during growth. The growth pattern of the tube and the spatial relationships between the tube aperture and soft parts are analogous to those of co-occurring olivooids. These findings further strengthen the previously proposed hypothesis that coeval carinachitids, olivooids, hexangulaconulariids, and Paleozoic conulariids are closely related taxa within the subphylum Medusozoa. Finally, carinachitids most likely represent an evolutionary intermediate between olivooids and hexangulaconulariids.
Holocene vegetation signals in the Alashan Desert of northwest China revealed by lipid molecular proxies from calcareous root tubes
Authors: Li Zhuolun , Gao Youhong , Han Lang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn the hinterland of deserts, it is difficult to reconstruct paleovegetation using fossil pollen because of the low pollen concentration. Therefore, an efficient method is needed to reconstruct the paleovegetation of desert regions. In this study, 34 Holocene calcareous root tube (CRT) samples were collected from the Alashan Desert in northwest China, and lipid molecular proxies from CRTs were selected to address this deficiency. The results show that n-alkanes mainly maximized at C27, C29, and C16, and that the carbon preference index is close to 1. Thus, the sources of n-alkanes from CRTs were the roots of higher plants and microorganisms, and thus changes in n-alkanes from CRTs could reveal variations in vegetation cover. The n-alkane Cmax of long-chain n-alkanes (C>25) in CRTs, maximizing at C27, indicated that vegetation in the Alashan Desert was characterized by shrub vegetation during the Holocene. Changes in the ratio of (C27+C29)/(C31+C33) indicated that the biomass of shrub vegetation increased during the period 7–2 cal ka BP. Moreover, the relative concentration of short-chain to long-chain n-alkanes decreased from 7 to 2 cal ka BP, suggesting that the effective moisture decreased during that period.
Messorocaris, a new sanctacaridid-like arthropod from the middle Cambrian Wheeler Formation (Utah, USA)
Authors: LEROSEY-AUBRIL RUDY , SKABELUND JACOB 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Drumian Wheeler Formation preserves one of the most diverse exceptionally preserved faunas of the Cambrian period. Here we describe Messorocaris magna gen. et sp. nov., a new non-biomineralizing arthropod from this formation tentatively assigned to the family Sanctacarididae. The new taxon exhibits a vaulted axial region, and wide pleural regions forming sickle-shaped lateral extensions in the trunk, a character particularly distinctive within the Sanctacarididae. This description provides an opportunity to stress the fact that the ‘Wheeler fauna’ encompasses two distinct assemblages, as confirmed by similarity analysis. These contemporaneous faunas lived at different bathymetries, and should be treated as separate entities.
Firms’ Integration into Value Chains and Compliance with Adverse WTO Panel Rulings
Authors: YILDIRIM AYDIN B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article aims to account for the variation in the time it takes for WTO Members to bring compliance following adverse panel rulings. It seeks to answer the question: under what conditions do defendants swiftly implement adverse rulings of WTO panels? I demonstrate that defendants are more likely to comply without delay when the targeted measures involve firms that are integrated into regional and global value chains. When a dispute touches upon the interests of these firms and targets import-restricting measures, they are triggered to mobilize and press for compliance because they rely on foreign imports. In effect, the mobilization of these firms changes the domestic political conditions in favor of timely implementation. I show the plausibility of my argument in a comparative design with four case studies in which the US and Canada acted as defendants in WTO disputes. I control for a number of political factors and also consider legal sources of variation – i.e. the complexity of the form of implementation – that may impact WTO Members’ record of compliance.
The care experiences of patients who die in residential hospice: A qualitative analysis of the last three months of life from the views of bereaved caregivers
Authors: Bainbridge Daryl , Giruparajah Mohanna , Zou Hanyan , Seow Hsien 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjective:Despite the increasing prominence of residential hospices as a place of death and that, in many regards, this specialized care represents a gold standard, little is known about the care experience in this setting. Using qualitative survey data, we examined the positive and negative perceptions of care in hospices and in other prior settings.Method:Qualitative comments were extracted from the CaregiverVoice survey completed by bereaved caregivers of decedents who had died in 16 residential hospices in Ontario, Canada. On this survey, caregivers reported what was good and bad about the services provided during the last three months of life as separate open-text questions. A constant-comparison method was employed to derive themes from the responses.Results:A total of 550 caregivers completed the survey, 94% (517) of whom commented on either something good (84%) and/or bad (49%) about the care experience. In addition to residential hospice, the majority of patients represented also received palliative care in the home (69%) or hospital (59%). Overall, most positive statements were about care in hospice (71%), whereas the negative statements tended to refer to other settings (81%). The hospice experience was found to exemplify care that was compassionate and holistic, in a comforting environment, offered by providers who were personable, dedicated, and informative. These humanistic qualities of care and the extent of support were generally seen to be lacking from the other settings.Significance of results:Our examination of the good and bad aspects of palliative care received is unique in qualitatively exploring palliative care experiences across multiple settings, and specifically that in hospices. Investigation of these perspectives affirmed the elements of care that dying patients and their family caregivers most value and that the hospices were largely effective at addressing. These findings highlight the need for reinforcing these qualities in other end-of-life settings to create comforting and supportive environments.
Protein kinase A activation by the anti-cancer drugs ABT-737 and thymoquinone is caspase-3-dependent and correlates with platelet inhibition and apoptosis
Authors: Rukoyatkina Natalia , Butt Elke , Subramanian Hariharan , Nikolaev Viacheslav O , Mindukshev Igor , Walter Ulrich , Gambaryan Stepan , Benz Peter M 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia is a common bleeding risk in cancer patients and limits chemotherapy dose and frequency. Recent data from mouse and human platelets revealed that activation of protein kinase A/G (PKA/PKG) not only inhibited thrombin/convulxin-induced platelet activation but also prevented the platelet pro-coagulant state. Here we investigated whether or not PKA/PKG activation could attenuate caspase-dependent apoptosis induced by the anti-cancer drugs ABT-737 (the precursor of navitoclax) and thymoquinone (TQ), thereby potentially limiting chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. This is particularly relevant as activation of cyclic nucleotide signalling in combination chemotherapy is an emerging strategy in cancer treatment. However, PKA/PKG-activation, as monitored by phosphorylation of Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), did not block caspase-3-dependent platelet apoptosis induced by the compounds. In contrast, both substances induced PKA activation themselves and PKA activation correlated with platelet inhibition and apoptosis. Surprisingly, ABT-737- and TQ-induced VASP-phosphorylation was independent of cAMP levels and neither cyclases nor phosphatases were affected by the drugs. In contrast, however, ABT-737- and TQ-induced PKA activation was blocked by caspase-3 inhibitors. In conclusion, we show that ABT-737 and TQ activate PKA in a caspase-3-dependent manner, which correlates with platelet inhibition and apoptosis and therefore potentially contributes to the bleeding risk in chemotherapy patients.
Clustering of arc volcanoes caused by temperature perturbations in the back-arc mantle
Authors: Lee Changyeol , Wada Ikuko 
Published: June 2017

AbstractClustering of arc volcanoes in subduction zones indicates along-arc variation in the physical condition of the underlying mantle where majority of arc magmas are generated. The sub-arc mantle is brought in from the back-arc largely by slab-driven mantle wedge flow. Dynamic processes in the back-arc, such as small-scale mantle convection, are likely to cause lateral variations in the back-arc mantle temperature. Here we use a simple three-dimensional numerical model to quantify the effects of back-arc temperature perturbations on the mantle wedge flow pattern and sub-arc mantle temperature. Our model calculations show that relatively small temperature perturbations in the back-arc result in vigorous inflow of hotter mantle and subdued inflow of colder mantle beneath the arc due to the temperature dependence of the mantle viscosity. This causes a three-dimensional mantle flow pattern that amplifies the along-arc variations in the sub-arc mantle temperature, providing a simple mechanism for volcano clustering.
Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic comparison of tanshinones between two formulations of Salvia miltiorrhiza in healthy volunteers
Authors: Xing Lu , Tan Zhi-Rong , Cheng Jin-Le , Huang Wei-Hua , Zhang Wei , Deng Wen , Yuan Chun-Su , Zhou Hong-Hao 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSalvia miltiorrhiza (SM) is widely used to treat microcirculatory disturbance-related diseases; its lipophilic components play important roles in this application. Cryptotanshinone (CTS), tanshinone I (TSI) and tanshinone IIA (TSA) are the most widely-studied lipophilic ingredients, but low oral bioavailability limits their clinical application. It has been proven that micronization could improve the bioavailability of some drugs, so we’ve conducted this randomized study to investigate whether micronized granular powder (GP) of SM could improve the bioavailability of tanshinones compared with traditional decoction (TD). An oral dose of TD or GP of SM was administrated to subjects and blood samples were collected at predetermined time points. The plasma concentrations of tanshinones were detected by a validated method and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental model. GP of SM resulted in a significant increase in mean maximum plasma concentration (C
max
), elimination half-life and area under concentration-time curve (AUC) of tanshinones, with the plasma AUC of CTS, TSI and TSA in GP 5–184, 4–619 and 5–130 times higher than TD. In addition, the individual variances of C
max
and AUC were much lower after GP administration. Summarily, tanshinones in micronized GP of SM had higher oral bioavailability and lower individual variances, thus we speculate that it may indicate a better clinical efficacy and be a better choice than current treatments.