bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A survey on pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Bashar Izzat Mohammad , Almohammad Farouk , Raslan Ahmad F 
Published: April 2017

Background Surgical pulmonary thromboendarterectomy has been established as the treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We conducted a survey among Asia-Pacific cardiothoracic surgeons to examine their current practice demographics and reflect their views on the future prospects for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery. Methods All cardiothoracic surgeons who were registered on the CTSNet.org website and based in the Asia-Pacific region were invited to participate in an online survey. The electronic questionnaire was completed by 172 (6.3%) surgeons. Responses were recorded anonymously and tabularized as absolute figures and fractions. Results Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery has been performed by few Asia-Pacific surgeons and in small numbers of patients, but survival rates and functional outcomes were satisfactory in most experiences. Failures were thought to have resulted primarily from the difficulty in selecting suitable candidates for surgery. The need for greater clinical experience was clear, yet this might be hampered by the limited recognition of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery as a potential cure for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Most surgeons considered that this procedure should be restricted to designated expert centers, and acknowledged the need to organize dedicated regional meetings where clinical practice guidelines can be established and updated as appropriate for regional healthcare facilities. Conclusions Although much effort is needed before pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery becomes widely adopted in the Asia-Pacific region, many surgeons and centers are already seeking its implementation. Designating expert centers, bringing together a regional working group on pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, and establishing clinical practice guidelines as appropriate for regional healthcare facilities were recommended.
Diffusion kurtosis imaging of the liver at 3 Tesla: in vivo comparison to standard diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Budjan Johannes , Sauter Elke A , Zoellner Frank G , Lemke Andreas , Wambsganss Jens , Schoenberg Stefan O , Attenberger Ulrike I 
Published: April 2017

Background Functional techniques like diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) are gaining more and more importance in liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) is an advanced technique that might help to overcome current limitations of DWI. Purpose To evaluate DKI for the differentiation of hepatic lesions in comparison to conventional DWI at 3 Tesla. Material and Methods Fifty-six consecutive patients were examined using a routine abdominal MR protocol at 3 Tesla which included DWI with b-values of 50, 400, 800, and 1000 s/mm2. Apparent diffusion coefficient maps were calculated applying a standard mono-exponential fit, while a non-Gaussian kurtosis fit was used to obtain DKI maps. ADC as well as Kurtosis-corrected diffusion ( D) values were quantified by region of interest analysis and compared between lesions. Results Sixty-eight hepatic lesions (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] [n = 25]; hepatic adenoma [n = 4], cysts [n = 18]; hepatic hemangioma [HH] [n = 18]; and focal nodular hyperplasia [n = 3]) were identified. Differentiation of malignant and benign lesions was possible based on both DWI ADC as well as DKI D-values ( P values were in the range of 0.04 to < 0.0001). Conclusion In vivo abdominal DKI calculated using standard b-values is feasible and enables quantitative differentiation between malignant and benign liver lesions. Assessment of conventional ADC values leads to similar results when using b-values below 1000 s/mm2 for DKI calculation.
Experiences of people with a personality disorder or mood disorder regarding carrying out daily activities following discharge from hospital
Authors: Birken Mary , Harper Shelley 
Published: April 2017

Introduction People with a diagnosed personality or mood disorder can experience challenges to participating in everyday life. Having a relapse of symptoms and an admission to hospital can further disrupt daily life. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of people with a personality or mood disorder regarding carrying out everyday activities following discharge from hospital. Method Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 service users, by a researcher with lived experience of mental health problems and admissions to hospital. Findings Five themes were identified: The cumulative effect of multiple admissions on activities of daily living; the consequences of long admissions on daily living; reduced activities caused by social isolation in the first few months post-discharge; activities that people would like to do better post-discharge from hospital and longer term goals. Conclusion The findings of this study identified challenges people with a personality or mood disorder experience post-discharge from hospital regarding developing a daily routine, managing their home environment and participating in social activities. This indicates the importance of occupational therapy provision following discharge from hospital.
A Dermatologist’s Approach to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Authors: Hum Matthew , Dytoc Marlene 
Published: April 2017

Background: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a debilitating condition caused by hypoestrogenism that presents with vaginal dryness and dyspareunia as well as other genital, sexual, and urinary symptoms. Previously known as atrophic vaginitis, the term GSM is now used. Objective: To help familiarise dermatologists with diagnosing and managing GSM. Methods: In total, 218 articles were identified and reviewed by 2 independent authors using PubMed. Articles included were from December 2005 to December 2015. Sixty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Results: GSM is a clinical diagnosis, requiring the presence of symptoms that should be bothersome and not accounted for by another condition. A pH test may help with diagnosis as vaginal pH will be increased from acidic to neutral. The Papanicolaou test is not recommended because of poor clinical correlation. First-line treatment is low-dose local vaginal estrogen therapy, which has proven efficacy and safety. Serum estrogen levels are not significantly affected with the exception of creams containing high-dose conjugated equine estrogens. Other options have yet to be approved for use in Canada but show promise. Conclusion: GSM is a debilitating and common condition that suffers from barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Current treatments are well tolerated, rewarding, and effective with rapid onset.
Long-term outcome of paediatric spinal cord injury
Authors: Kulshrestha Richa , Kumar Naveen , Chowdhury J Roy , Osman Aheed , El Masri W 
Published: April 2017

Background Spinal cord injuries are relatively uncommon in children and evidence about long-term outcomes is limited. This study was performed to determine the frequency of common long-term complications in patients sustaining spinal injury in childhood (0–18 years) and who were followed up at a single dedicated spinal injuries centre in the UK. Method A retrospective review of clinical records of all patients injured at or less than 18 years of age between 1971 and 1999. Complications studied were renal, bowel, musculoskeletal, pressure ulcers and post-traumatic syringomyelia. Long-term social outcomes of independence, employment and driving were also assessed. Results Of 69 individuals (47 males, 22 females) the median age at injury was 17 years (range 0–18 y); 68% were older than 13 years at injury and 74% had traumatic injuries. Patients had an average duration of 27 years (12–43 years) of spinal injury – half had a neurological level of T6 and above, 80% had paraplegia and 20% had quadriplegia. Discussion Patients with both complete and incomplete spinal cord injury have minimal neurological recovery. Managing medical complications is vital as only 11.5% had normal voiding and 10.6% had normal bowel function. The incidence of skin ulcers increases with duration of spinal cord injury and scoliosis is higher in the non-traumatic injury group. Spasticity is observed in 66.6% and post-traumatic syringomyelia in 11.7%. Long-term social outcomes are good with 75% patients able to do independent care, 46% could drive and 39% managed employment or higher education. Conclusions This study documents the long-term outcomes and complications of spinal cord injuries sustained in childhood. With initial active physiological conservative management of the majority of patients, patient education and ongoing support the majority of patients achieved long-term survival and led independent and productive lives.
Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions Induce Fibrosis Mediated by TGF-β1 Cytokine
Authors: de Andrade Cherley Borba Vieira , Ramos Isalira Peroba Rezende , de Moraes Alan César Nunes , do Nascimento Ana Lúcia Rosa , Salata Camila , Goldenberg Regina Coeli dos Santos , de Carvalho Jorge José , de Almeida Carlos Eduardo Veloso 
Published: April 2017

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate radiation-induced lesions on the skin in an experimental animal model. Methods and Materials: Cutaneous wounds were induced in Wistar rats by 4 MeV energy electron beam irradiation, using a dose rate of 240 cGy/min, for 3 different doses (10 Gy, 40 Gy, and 60 Gy). The skin was observed 5, 10, and 25 days (D) after ionizing radiation exposition. Results: Infiltrate inflammatory process was observed in D5 and D10, for the 40 Gy and 60 Gy groups, and a progressive increase of transforming growth factor β1 is associated with this process. It could also be noted a mischaracterization of collagen fibers at the high-dose groups. Conclusion: It was observed that the lesions caused by ionizing radiation in rats were very similar to radiodermatitis in patients under radiotherapy treatment. Advances in Knowledge: This study is important to develop strategies to prevent radiation-induced skin reactions.
“I had to change so much in my life to live with my new limitations”: Multimorbid patients’ descriptions of their most bothersome chronic conditions
Authors: Slightam Cindie A , Brandt Kirsten , Jenchura Emily C , Lewis Eleanor T , Asch Steven M , Zulman Donna M 
Published: April 2017

Objective To characterize diseases that are described as most bothersome by individuals with multiple chronic conditions and to identify themes that characterize their experiences with their most bothersome condition. Methods In a survey of patients at an academic center and a Veterans Affairs hospital, we asked individuals with multiple chronic conditions to identify their most bothersome chronic condition and describe why it is challenging. Standard content analysis methods were used to code responses and identify themes reflecting characteristics of most bothersome conditions. Results The most commonly cited bothersome conditions were chronic pain (52%), diabetes (43%), post-traumatic stress disorder (25%), heart failure (24%), and lung problems (20%). Conditions were described as most bothersome due to: (a) impact on function and quality of life (e.g. active symptoms, activity limitations), (b) health consequences or sequelae (e.g. risk of complications), and (c) challenges associated with treatment or self-management. Patterns of theme dominance varied for conditions with different characteristics. Discussion The conditions that patients with multiple chronic conditions identify as most bothersome vary depending on individuals’ diseases and their health-related preferences and priorities. Ascertaining patients’ most bothersome conditions and associated challenges, stress, and frustrations may help ensure that management decisions are aligned with patient preferences and priorities.
Identifying and enriching platelet-producing human stem cell–derived megakaryocytes using factor V uptake
Authors: Sim Xiuli , Jarocha Danuta , Hayes Vincent , Hanby Hayley A. , Marks Michael S. , Camire Rodney M. , French Deborah L. , Poncz Mortimer , Gadue Paul 
Published: April 2017

Key PointsDescribe human MK populations representing distinct developmental stages within a heterogeneous culture. FV uptake identifies cultured MKs ready to release platelets upon infusion into mice.
Online Cash-back Shopping: Implications for Consumers and e-Businesses
Authors: Ho Yi-Chun (Chad) , Ho Yi-Jen (Ian) , Tan Yong 
Published: April 2017

Through reimbursing a portion of the transactional amount to some consumers in a form of cash back, merchants are able to exercise third-degree price discrimination by offering two asymmetric prices via an online dual channel. To better understand such a novel pricing mechanism, we develop a game theoretical model and start our analyses with a market consisting of one merchant, one affiliate site, and consumers heterogeneous in their product valuation. From a price point of view, cash-back shopping appears to provide site users with a saving opportunity since the effective post-cash-back price they pay is perceived to be lower than the regular price targeted at nonusers. However, we find that under some conditions, this seemingly lower price could be actually higher, compared with the optimal uniform price when the merchant does not price discriminate. An important implication is that all consumers may end up suffering from higher prices in the presence of the cash-back mechanism. This surprising result, referred to as the cash-back paradox, defies a common intuition that a price-discriminating firm must raise the price for one segment of consumers but decrease it for the other. We also develop two extensions to seek explanations behind various industry practices. We find that it is in a merchant’s best interest to affiliate with multiple sites, and the resulting competition improves overall market efficiency. Moreover, merchants who are disadvantageous in brand valuation should target price-sensitive consumers by strategically offering cash-back deals. Our results, consistent with several real-world observations, have useful implications for marketers. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2017.0693
Outcome Measures for Clinical Trials in Down Syndrome
Authors: Esbensen Anna J. , Hooper Stephen R. , Fidler Deborah , Hartley Sigan L. , Edgin Jamie , d'Ardhuy Xavier Liogier , Capone George , Conners Frances A. , Mervis Carolyn B. , Abbeduto Leonard , Rafii Michael , Krinsky-McHale Sharon J. , Urv Tiina , Group Outcome Measures Working 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIncreasingly individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, are being targeted for clinical trials. However, a challenge exists in effectively evaluating the outcomes of these new pharmacological interventions. Few empirically evaluated, psychometrically sound outcome measures appropriate for use in clinical trials with individuals with Down syndrome have been identified. To address this challenge, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assembled leading clinicians and scientists to review existing measures and identify those that currently are appropriate for trials; those that may be appropriate after expansion of age range addition of easier items, and/or downward extension of psychometric norms; and areas where new measures need to be developed. This article focuses on measures in the areas of cognition and behavior.
Japanese gay men’s attitudes towards ‘gay manga’ and the problem of genre
Authors: Baudinette Thomas 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This article critically analyses the concept of ‘gay manga’ to ascertain how fan ‘produsers’ and casual consumers understand both geikomi (also known as bara) and Boys Love (BL) manga. Drawing upon interviews with four Japanese gay men, one Japanese Korean man and one Japanese Brazilian man, I investigate how ‘gay manga’ is understood as a locus for the construction of gay subjectivity. I argue that the informants understand BL and geikomi as two aspects of the same meta-genre, revealing how attitudes to the term ‘gay’ have evolved in Japan. For the informants, geikomi and BL are interconnected and they are both understood as legitimate expressions of gay subjectivity that play a crucial role in their understandings of gay desire. Importantly, by focusing upon readers’ subjective relationships with texts, this article demonstrates how ‘gay manga’ is understood through an affective lens, with consumers locating their understandings of ‘gay manga’ within their overall patterns of ‘gay media’ consumption. Throughout the article, I reflect upon the necessity for scholars to engage with genre in a more nuanced fashion in order to better understand how individual consumers engage with media texts in their everyday lives.
Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of the Aqueous and Supercritical Fluid Extracts from Salvia sclareoides Brot
Authors: Batista Daniela , Falé Pedro L. , Serralheiro Maria L. , Araújo Maria-Eduarda , Dias Catarina , Branco Isabel , Grosso Clara , Coelho José , Palavra António , Madeira Paulo J. A. , Martins Alice , Rauter Amélia P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPlants belonging to the genusSalvia(Lamiaceae) are known to have a wide range of biological properties. In this work, extracts obtained from the aerial parts ofSalvia sclareoidesBrot. were evaluated to investigate their chemical composition, toxicity, bioactivity, and stability underin vitrogastrointestinal conditions. The composition of the supercritical fluid extract was determined by GC and GC-MS, while the identification of the infusion constituents was performed by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS. Thein vitrocytotoxicity of both extracts (0-2 mg/mL) was evaluated in Caco-2 cell lines by the MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activities were determined through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and acetylcholinesterase enzymes, while β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching test and the DPPH assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The infusion inhibited cyclooxygenase-1 (IC50= 271.0 μg/mL), and acetylcholinesterase (IC50= 487.7 μg/ mL) enzymes, also demonstrated significant antioxidant properties, as evaluated by the DPPH (IC50= 10.4 μg/mL) and β-carotene/linoleic acid (IC50= 30.0 μg/mL) assays. No remarkable alterations in the composition or in the bioactivities of the infusion were observed afterin vitrodigestion, which supports the potential ofS.sclareoidesas a source of bioactive ingredients with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Development and Impact of Chinese Investment in EU
Authors: Hung Nguyen Phuoc 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this paper examines the roles and influence of China in the world and, mainly, in European Union. For a decade, Chinese investors have been looking for opportunities to buy european assets. Especially since the beginning of the 2008 crisis we observed an increase of investment activities of Chinese companies. During the crisis, cash troubled european companies due to loss of liquidity were forced to sell their shares at significant discount. Over time, with stabilizing the economic situation in Europe, European companies asset prices seemingly ceased to be cheap, nevertheless a volume of Chinese FDI to Europe continued to grow. Our goal will be detailed insight into these investments and try to identify the benefits and risks of these investments. Moreover, this paper not only provide insight into economic development of Chinese FDI but also take into account political issues and background of these investment. As far as a methodology is concerned, the basis of our work will be comparing an impact of Chinese investments in European countries and their impact on economic development in selected countries. In particular, we are interested in the behavior of Chinese investors and their motivation to buy in Europe. At the same time it will also be interested in the motives of European companies that have decided to sell shares to new owners. Finally, we will also examine ways in which Chinese investors proceed with acquisitions in the EU. Data comes from Eurostat, the national statistical offices and stock market prices. We will also be examining the political influence on these countries individually and globally, therefore as part of the EU. Based on the gained information we will try to assess the current situation of China’s influence in the euro area and at the same time try to estimate its future impact. Finally, based on the detected information to analyze the results of our research.
Air purification in industrial plants producing automotive rubber components in terms of energy efficiency
Authors: Grzebielec Andrzej , Rusowicz Artur , Szelągowski Adam 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn automotive industry plants, which use injection molding machines for rubber processing, tar contaminates air to such an extent that air fails to enter standard heat recovery systems. Accumulated tar clogs ventilation heat recovery exchangers in just a few days. In the plant in which the research was conducted, tar contamination causes blockage of ventilation ducts. The effect of this phenomenon was that every half year channels had to be replaced with new ones, since the economic analysis has shown that cleaning them is not cost-efficient. Air temperature inside such plants is often, even in winter, higher than 30°C. The air, without any means of heat recovery, is discharged outside the buildings. The analyzed plant uses three types of media for production: hot water, cold water at 14°C (produced in a water chiller), and compressed air, generated in a unit with a rated power consumption of 180 kW. The aim of the study is to determine the energy efficiency improvement of this type of manufacturing plant. The main problem to solve is to provide an air purification process so that air can be used in heat recovery devices. The next problem to solve is to recover heat at such a temperature level that it would be possible to produce cold for technological purposes without air purification. Experimental studies have shown that air purification is feasible. By using one microjet head, a total of 75% of tar particles was removed from the air; by using 4 heads, a purification efficiency of 93% was obtained. This method of air purification causes air temperature to decrease from 35°C to 20°C, which significantly reduces the potential for heat recovery. The next step of the research was designing a cassette-plate heat exchanger to exchange heat without air purification. The economic analysis of such a solution revealed that replacing the heat exchanger with a new one even once a year was not cost-efficient. Another issue examined in the context of energy efficiency was the use of waste heat from the air compressor. Before any changes, the heat was picked up by a chilled water system. The idea was to use the heat for cold generation. Temperature of oil and air in the compressor exceeds 65°C, which makes it a perfect heat source for an adsorption refrigeration device. This solution reduced the cooling demand by 147 kW, thus reducing power consumption by 36.75 kW. This study shows that even in factories where air is heavily polluted with tar, there are huge potentials for energy recovery using existing technical solutions. It is important to note that problems of this kind should always be approached individually.