bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation provided by medical students, residents and specialists: A non-inferiority trial
Authors: Dîrzu Dan Sebastian , Hagău Natalia , Boț Theodor , Fărcaș Loredana , Copotoiu Sanda Maria 
Published: November 2017

Introduction: No definitive answer has been given to the question ‘who should teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation?’ Healthcare professionals and high school teachers are mostly the trainers, but medical students are increasingly being used for this purpose. Methods: We divided 296 high school students in three groups based on trainer professional level. Medical students, anaesthesia and intensive care residents, and anaesthesia and intensive care specialists provided basic life support training. We tested their theoretical knowledge with the help of a multiple-choice question questionnaire and practical abilities with the help of a medical simulator, recording chest compression frequency as the primary outcome parameter. Results: The study shows comparable results in all groups, with the exception of the chest compression frequency which was higher in the students’ and residents’ groups (students: 134.7/min ± 14.1; residents: 137.9/min ± 15.9; specialists: 126.3/min ± 19.3). Increased rates were not associated with lower depths (39.0 mm ± 8.2, 40.5 mm ± 9.7, and 38.1 mm ± 8.2), so the quality of compressions provided may be seen as equivalent in all the study groups. Conclusion: Our data suggest that medical students may be as effective as anaesthesia and intensive care specialists and residents in cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
Active Stromal Cell–Derived Factor 1α and Endothelial Progenitor Cells are Equally Increased by Alogliptin in Good and Poor Diabetes Control
Authors: Negro Roberto , Greco Eupremio Luigi , Greco Giacomo 
Published: November 2017

Background: It is postulated that the ability of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4-i) to increase circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may be at least partly mediated by active stromal cell–derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) (a pivotal mediator of stem cell mobilization from the bone marrow). As other DPP-4-i were demonstrated to increase EPC concentrations, in this study, we sought to investigate the ability of the DPP-4-i alogliptin in modifying EPCs and SDF-1α, in patients with good and poor diabetes control. Methods: Two groups of diabetic patients on metformin were divided by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Group A—those with HbA1c ≤6.5% (28 patients) and Group B—those with HbA1c 7.5% to 8.5% (31 patients). Both groups received alogliptin 25 mg/daily for 4 months. At baseline and 4 months later, clinical, laboratory parameters, EPCs, and active SDF-1α were determined. Results: After 4-month treatment with alogliptin, either Group A or Group B showed reduced HbA1c levels and concomitant similar increase in EPCs and active SDF-1α. Conclusions: Alogliptin showed significant benefits in increasing EPCs and active SDF-1α either in good or poor diabetes control. The study demonstrated that similar to other DPP-4-i, also alogliptin is able to increase EPC concentrations, suggesting the existence of a class effect mediated by SDF-1α. The extent of increase in EPCs is independent from baseline diabetes control.
Imaging patterns of gray and white matter abnormalities associated with PASAT and SDMT performance in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Riccitelli Gianna C , Pagani Elisabetta , Rodegher Mariaemma , Colombo Bruno , Preziosa Paolo , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo , Rocca Maria A 
Published: November 2017

Objectives: To map the regional patterns of white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities and gray matter (GM) atrophy exclusively associated with reduced performance in the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) in relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: In all, 177 RRMS patients and 80 healthy controls (HC) were studied. WM microstructural abnormalities were investigated on diffusion tensor images using tract-based spatial statistics analysis, and regional GM atrophy was estimated on three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted images using voxel-based morphometry. Results: Compared to HC, RRMS patients showed the expected pattern of cortical–subcortical GM atrophy and WM microstructural abnormalities. In patients, diffusivity abnormalities of supratentorial WM tracts correlated with both SDMT and PASAT scores. Lower SDMT performance was also associated with WM damage in several infratentorial WM tracts. Lower SDMT scores correlated with atrophy of the right anterior cingulate cortex, left postcentral gyrus, and right middle temporal gyrus, whereas lower PASAT scores correlated with atrophy of the deep GM nuclei, bilaterally, and several fronto-temporo-occipital regions. Conclusion: In RRMS patients, regional damage of different neural systems helps explaining reduced performance in SDMT and PASAT. WM microstructural damage typified reduced SDMT performance, whereas atrophy of several GM regions distinguished reduced PASAT performance.
Editor’s Choice-Effects of targeted temperature management on mortality and neurological outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stanger Dylan , Mihajlovic Vesna , Singer Joel , Desai Sameer , El-Sayegh Rami , Wong Graham C 
Published: November 2017

Aims: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review, and where applicable meta-analyses, examining the evidence underpinning the use of targeted temperature management following resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Methods and results: Multiple databases were searched for publications between January 2000–February 2016. Nine Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome questions were developed and meta-analyses were performed when appropriate. Reviewers extracted study data and performed quality assessments using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology, the Cochrane Risk Bias Tool, and the National Institute of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool. The primary outcomes for each Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome question were mortality and poor neurological outcome. Overall, low quality evidence demonstrated that targeted temperature management at 32–36°C, compared to no targeted temperature management, decreased mortality (risk ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.61–0.92) and poor neurological outcome (risk ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.60–0.88) amongst adult survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with an initial shockable rhythm. Targeted temperature management use did not benefit survivors of in-hospital cardiac arrest nor out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors with a non-shockable rhythm. Moderate quality evidence demonstrated no benefit of pre-hospital targeted temperature management initiation. Low quality evidence showed no difference between endovascular versus surface cooling targeted temperature management systems, nor any benefit of adding feedback control to targeted temperature management systems. Low quality evidence suggested that targeted temperature management be maintained for 18–24 h. Conclusions: Low quality evidence supports the in-hospital initiation and maintenance of targeted temperature management at 32–36°C amongst adult survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with an initial shockable rhythm for 18–24 h. The effects of targeted temperature management on other populations, the optimal rate and method of cooling and rewarming, and effects of fever require further study.
Predictors of pneumonia in lower respiratory tract infections: 3C prospective cough complication cohort study
Authors: Moore Michael , Stuart Beth , Little Paul , Smith Sue , Thompson Matthew J. , Knox Kyle , van den Bruel Anne , Lown Mark , Mant David 
Published: November 2017

The aim was to aid diagnosis of pneumonia in those presenting with lower respiratory tract symptoms in routine primary care.A cohort of 28 883 adult patients with acute cough attributed to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) was recruited from 5222 UK practices in 2009–13. Symptoms, signs and treatment were recorded at presentation and subsequent events followed-up for 30 days by chart review. The predictive value of patient characteristics, presenting symptoms and clinical findings for the diagnosis of pneumonia in the first 7 days was established.Of the 720 out of 28 883 (2.5.%) radiographed within 1 week of the index consultation, 115 (16.0%; 0.40% of 28 883) were assigned a definite or probable pneumonia diagnosis. The significant independent predictors of radiograph-confirmed pneumonia were temperature >37.8°C (RR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5–4.8), crackles on auscultation (RR 1.8; 1.1–3.0), oxygen saturation <95% (RR 1.7; 1.0–3.1) and pulse >100·min–1(RR 1.9; 1.1–3.2). Most patients with pneumonia (99/115, 86.1%) exhibited at least one of these four clinical signs; the positive predictive value of having at least one of these signs was 20.2% (95% CI 17.3–23.1).In routine practice, radiograph-confirmed pneumonia as a short-term complication of LRTI is very uncommon (one in 270). Pulse oximetry may aid the diagnosis of pneumonia in this setting.
Correlates and assessment of excess cardiovascular risk in bronchiectasis
Authors: Saleh Aarash D. , Kwok Bessie , Brown Jeremy S. , Hurst John R. 
Published: November 2017

Patients with bronchiectasis are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to identify factors associated with elevated cardiovascular risk in bronchiectasis, measured using aortic stiffness and cardiac biomarkers. In addition, we sought to compare these direct measures against calculated QRISK2 scores.Aortic stiffness, cardiac biomarkers and systemic inflammation were measured in 101 adults with stable bronchiectasis. In addition, clinical and demographic data were collected to allow calculation of QRISK2 score and the bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) for each patient.The BSI score correlated with measured cardiovascular risk assessments, partly due to greater exacerbation frequency and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s. Pulse-wave velocity was significantly higher in frequent exacerbators (≥3 events·year-1) than infrequent exacerbators (<3 events·year-1; 10.5versus9.2 m·s−1, p=0.01). In addition, frequent exacerbators had elevated serum C-reactive protein concentration, suggesting increased systemic inflammation (4.8versus2.2 mg·L−1, p=0.005). QRISK2 systematically underestimated cardiovascular risk in this population (median change in relative risk 1.29). Underestimation was associated with frequent exacerbations and male sex.Patients with bronchiectasis have greater cardiovascular risk than published reference populations. Excess cardiovascular risk is associated with exacerbation frequency and impaired lung function. Cardiovascular risk assessment in bronchiectasis should be individualised, as calculation tools are likely to underestimate the risk in this population.
Prevalence of persistent blood eosinophilia: relation to outcomes in patients with COPD
Authors: Casanova Ciro , Celli Bartolome R. , de-Torres Juan P. , Martínez-Gonzalez Cristina , Cosio Borja G. , Pinto-Plata Victor , de Lucas-Ramos Pilar , Divo Miguel , Fuster Antonia , Peces-Barba Germán , Calle-Rubio Myriam , Solanes Ingrid , Aguero Ramón , Feu-Collado Nuria , Alfageme Inmaculada , De Diego Alfredo , Romero Amparo , Balcells Eva , Llunell Antonia , Galdiz Juan B. , Marin Margarita , Moreno Amalia , Cabrera Carlos , Golpe Rafael , Lacarcel Celia , Soriano Joan B. , López-Campos José Luis , Soler-Cataluña Juan J. , Marin José M. 
Published: November 2017

The impact of blood eosinophilia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial.To evaluate the prevalence and stability of a high level of blood eosinophils (≥300 cells·μL–1) and its relationship to outcomes, we determined blood eosinophils at baseline and over 2 years in 424 COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 60% predicted) and 67 smokers without COPD from the CHAIN cohort, and in 308 COPD patients (FEV160% predicted) in the BODE cohort. We related eosinophil levels to exacerbations and survival using Cox hazard analysis.In COPD patients, 15.8% in the CHAIN cohort and 12.3% in the BODE cohort had persistently elevated blood eosinophils at all three visits. A significant proportion (43.8%) of patients had counts that oscillated above and below the cut-off points, while the rest had persistent eosinophil levels <300 cells·μL–1. A similar eosinophil blood pattern was observed in controls. Exacerbation rates did not differ in patients with and without eosinophilia. All-cause mortality was lower in patients with high eosinophils compared with those with values <300 cells·μL–1(15.8%versus33.7%; p=0.026).In patients with COPD, blood eosinophils ≥300 cells·μL–1persisting over 2 years was not a risk factor for COPD exacerbations. High eosinophil count was associated with better survival.
Use of Larynx-Preservation Strategies in the Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update
Authors: Forastiere Arlene A. , Ismaila Nofisat , Lewin Jan S. , Nathan Cherie Ann , Adelstein David J. , Eisbruch Avraham , Fass Gail , Fisher Susan G. , Laurie Scott A. , Le Quynh-Thu , O’Malley Bernard , Mendenhall William M. , Patel Snehal , Pfister David G. , Provenzano Anthony F. , Weber Randy , Weinstein Gregory S. , Wolf Gregory T. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeTo update the guideline recommendations on the use of larynx-preservation strategies in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.MethodsAn Expert Panel updated the systematic review of the literature for the period from January 2005 to May 2017.ResultsThe panel confirmed that the use of a larynx-preservation approach for appropriately selected patients does not compromise survival. No larynx-preservation approach offered a survival advantage compared with total laryngectomy and adjuvant therapy as indicated. Changes were supported for the use of endoscopic surgical resection in patients with limited disease (T1, T2) and for initial total laryngectomy in patients with T4a disease or with severe pretreatment laryngeal dysfunction. New recommendations for positron emission tomography imaging for the evaluation of regional nodes after treatment and best measures for evaluating voice and swallowing function were added.RecommendationsPatients with T1, T2 laryngeal cancer should be treated initially with intent to preserve the larynx by using endoscopic resection or radiation therapy, with either leading to similar outcomes. For patients with locally advanced (T3, T4) disease, organ-preservation surgery, combined chemotherapy and radiation, or radiation alone offer the potential for larynx preservation without compromising overall survival. For selected patients with extensive T3 or large T4a lesions and/or poor pretreatment laryngeal function, better survival rates and quality of life may be achieved with total laryngectomy. Patients with clinically involved regional cervical nodes (N+) who have a complete clinical and radiologic imaging response after chemoradiation do not require elective neck dissection. All patients should undergo a pretreatment baseline assessment of voice and swallowing function and receive counseling with regard to the potential impact of treatment options on voice, swallowing, and quality of life. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Polynorbornene-based Template for Polymer Synthesis
Authors: Lai Guoqiao , Luh Tien-Yau 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The recent advances in the use of rigid polynorbornene or polycyclobutene as template for the synthesis of different polymers with well-defined degree of polymerization and narrow polydispersity are reviewed. Polynorbornene and polycyclobutene templates containing fused N-arylpyrrolidene pendants are synthesized by ruthenium or molybdenum-catalyzed ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of the corresponding monomers. Since these polymerizations are living, the templates thus have well-defined degree of polymerization and narrow polydispersity. Monomers are linked to the template polymer via ester linkage. After polymerization and hydrolysis, the poly-carboxylic acid template can easily be separated from the neutral polyalcohol daughter polymer.
Análise de paclobrutrazol em solos de áreas cultivadas com diferentes variedades de mangueira no Vale do São Francisco empregando QuEcHers e CLAE
Authors: Silva Paula Tereza de Souza e , Souza Layanny Samara da Silva , Neta Carolina Rodrigues , Mouco Maria Aparecida , Simoes Welson , Ferraz Andrea 
Published: November 2017

O paclobutrazol (PBZ) é um composto do grupo dos triazois, muito usado na agricultura como regulador de crescimento. É aplicado geralmente no solo, onde pode permanecer ativo por alguns anos. No Vale do submédio do São Francisco, esse composto vem sendo aplicado para garantir a produção de manga durante todo o ano. O objetivo desse estudo foi validar um método para quantificar o paclobutrazol no solo, avaliando áreas cultivadas com mangueira no Vale do São Francisco. A importância desse estudo é devido a frequencia do uso do PBZ aplicado no solo, que poderá acarretar risco de contaminação ambiental e também da possibilidade da redução da dosagem aplicada, para melhorar a eficiência da produção da mangueira. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de solo em fazendas localizadas no município de Petrolina-PE e Juazeiro-BA. O PBZ foi extraído por QuEchers e analisado por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). Resíduos do PBZ foram encontrados em amostras de solo sob diferentes variedades de mangueira (0,18-6,86 mg kg-1). Os resultados encontrados demonstraram que a extração por QuEchErs e a determinação por CLAE foi eficiente para determinação do PBZ no solo.
A Novel Kinetics Study on H2O2 Decomposition inthe Propylene Epoxidation System in a Fixed-Bed Reactor
Authors: Wang Lina , Wang Yaquan , Wu Guoqiang , Feng Wenping , Zhang Teng , Yang Rumin , Jin Xing , Shi Hainan 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
H2O2 decomposition in the propylene epoxidation system in a fixed-bed reactor was studied herein for the first time. The decomposition rate of H2O2 increased with increasing reaction temperature. The decomposition reaction followed the first-order kinetics equation at 30–50°C, whereas it did not follow the equation any longer at higher than 50°C. A kinetics equation for the H2O2 decomposition catalyzed by TS-1/SiO2 at 30–50°C was obtained, and the reaction activation energy Ea was calculated as 69.26 kJ/mol.
Induced Voltage Behavior on Pipelines Due to HV AC Interference: Effective Length Concept
Authors: Nassereddine Mohamad , Rizk Jamal , Nagrial Mahmood , Hellany Ali 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
High-voltage infrastructure upgrade is expending due to the growth in populations. To save on easement cost and to reduce the environmental impact of these projects, HV transmission lines occupy the same easement as pipelines in many cases. This joint easement introduces the AC interference between transmission lines and pipelines. The induced voltage can reach a limit which will jeopardize the human safety. The cited research studies the induced voltage under the presence of the overhead earth wire (OHEW) using the shielding factor. The work in this paper studies the induced voltage using the OHEW section current along with the superposition theorem. The simulations are compared to the existing research methods. The case study along with the theoretical study discusses the advance accuracy of the proposed method over the existing shield factor used in the presence research. Furthermore, they introduce the effective length along with the effective shielding factor, which aids in computing the additional effect that the OHEW has on the induced voltage.
An Examination of the Good Governance Legal Framework of Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Act 2007
Authors: Ihugba Bethel Uzoma 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTransparency and accountability are key concepts of good governance that are repeatedly demonstrated to have the capacity to translate natural resources wealth to sustainable development of economies. These concepts are particularly important to countries rich in natural resources and Nigeria is one of such countries. Evidence however suggests that Nigeria is not benefiting from the gains expected from its natural resources despite policies and legislations like the NEITI Act 2007 which are aimed at promoting sustainable development through transparency and accountability. Various attempts at theorizing the reasons behind these apparent failures have tended to blame external factors. These external factors are sometimes disguised under the omnibus descriptions of resource curse phenomenon and corruption. This paper argues that although these factors may be contributing to the continued failures of several development initiatives, there may be need to ensure that the legal frameworks and instruments developed to achieve these objectives are not in themselves faulty. The article posits that the internal normative incoherence in some of these laws creates the room for continued failures despite the best of intentions and interests. To demonstrate this argument, the paper through normative analysis, examines the NEITI Act 2007 in relation to its key transparency and accountability provisions.
Economic Explanation: From Sharecropping to the Sharing Economy
Authors: Tsui Kevin K. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
I examine the sharing economy using a contractual approach pioneered by Cheung (1969, The Theory of Share Tenancy: With Special Application to Asian Agriculture and the First Phase of Taiwan Land Reform. Chicago: Chicago University Press). Progress in information technology that reduces transactions costs leads to the emergence of rental contract to supersede outright ownership, especially among goods and services in which search and monitoring costs had been major trade barriers. I present evidence that ridesharing indeed significantly lowers wait times. Trust cannot explain the economic success of some sharing economy companies (e. g., Airbnb, Uber) but not others (e. g., SnapGoods). Sharing power drill, the poster child of the sharing economy, is an economic failure because the major trade barrier is transportation rather than transaction costs. Changes in transaction costs lead to changes in contractual arrangements. In the case of contractual choice between ridesharing platform and drivers, findings about drivers’ characteristics and contract details are consistent with the theory of share tenancy. My analysis also sheds light on the current debate on the employment status of driver-partners.
Contract Matters: An Explanation of China’s Recent Economic History
Authors: Sheng Hong 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Contracts, as a form of institutions, have an influence on efficiency. Other conditions being the same, different contracts lead to different efficiency. Unlike property rights which require compulsory implementation by law, contracts rely mainly on the contracting parties’ voluntary implementation due to the fact that they are reached by two or more contracting parties in unanimity. Therefore, in cases where property institutions cannot be altered fast enough due to political or ideological reasons, reforms can be achieved by the modification of contracts, which result in similar effects at a lower cost. This is the case for China’s reforms, especially in agriculture: the land ownership in rural areas— collective land property rights have not changed in name, but the contracts between farmers and the state, or the collectives, have changed tremendously to bring about remarkable economic growth. In a more general sense, it has happened once and again in human history when property institutions—judicial institutions—cannot be changed due to political or other reasons, or due to brutal bloodshed or war in prospect. Therefore, as an option, the change of contract exists as a more common, and unconscious but effective form of institutional change.