bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chest ultrasonography in health surveillance of asbestos-related lung diseases
Authors: Smargiassi Andrea , Pasciuto Giuliana , Pedicelli Ilaria , Lo Greco Erminia , Calvello Mariarosaria , Inchingolo Riccardo , Schifino Gioacchino , Capoluongo Patrizio , Patriciello Pasquale , Manno Maurizio , Cirillo Alfonso , Corbo Giuseppe Maria , Soldati Gino , Iavicoli Ivo 
Published: February 2017

Objectives: Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to different lung diseases, such as pleural thickening and effusion, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. These diseases are expected to peak in the next few years. The aim of the study was to validate ultrasonography (US) as a diagnostic tool in the management of lung diseases in subjects with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. Methods: Fifty-nine retired male workers previously exposed to asbestos were enrolled in the study. Chest US was performed in all the subjects. The US operator was blinded to earlier performed computed tomography (CT) scan reports and images. The sonographic pathological findings were pleural thickening (with or without calcifications), peripheral lung consolidation, and focal sonographic interstitial syndrome and diffuse pneumogenic sonographic interstitial syndrome (pulmonary asbestosis). Significant US findings were recorded, stored, and subsequently compared with CT scans. Results: With some patients falling into more than one category, on CT scan, pleural thickening was reported in 33 cases (56%, 26 with calcifications), focal interstitial peripheral alterations in 23 (39%), asbestosis in 6 (10%), and peripheral lung consolidation in 13 cases (22%). Comparing each pathological condition to CT scan reports, US findings had high levels of sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values. US did not prove effective for the detection of central lung nodules or diaphragmatic pleural thickenings. Chest US was considered to be the best technique to detect minimal pleural effusions (six subjects, 10%). Conclusions: Chest US might be considered an additional tool to follow up subjects occupationally exposed to asbestos who have already undergone CT scan examination and whose pathology is detectable by US as well.
Modelling Effects of Tariff Liberalisation on India’s Key Export Sectors: Analysis of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Khorana Sangeeta , Narayanan Badri G. 
Published: February 2017

Trade agreements are increasingly being negotiated between developed and emerging economy partners. An example is the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for which negotiations began in 2007. There has been a debate on the potential effects of the proposed FTA and how this can impact on India’s key export sectors. Our study addresses this aspect from a global computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling perspective. Using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) framework, we analyse trade and welfare impacts of the proposed FTA between the EU and India. Two scenarios are modelled: first, complete and immediate elimination of tariff on all goods traded and second, selective tariff elimination on textiles, wearing apparel and leather goods—products in which India has a comparative advantage. Results under both scenarios show that India enjoys positive welfare effects though there is a possibility of trade diversion. Under scenario 1, India loses due to a negative terms of trade (ToT) effect. Under scenario 2, with selective sectoral liberalisation, gains are mainly concentrated in the textiles, wearing apparel and leather sectors. There is a positive output effect from change in demand for factors of production, suggesting that the proposed FTA could lead to relocation of labour-intensive production to India. JEL Classification: F15, F47, F62
Cutaneous cryptococcosis in a patient taking fingolimod for multiple sclerosis: Here come the opportunistic infections?
Authors: Carpenter Adam F , Goodwin Shikha J , Bornstein Peter F , Larson Andrew J , Markus Christine K 
Published: February 2017

Background: Fingolimod is an oral disease-modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, which acts by sequestering lymphocytes within lymph nodes. Objective: To describe a case of extrapulmonary cryptococcosis in a patient taking fingolimod. Methods: Case report. Results: A 47-year-old man developed a non-healing skin lesion approximately 16 months after starting treatment with fingolimod. Biopsy revealed cryptococcosis. Fingolimod was discontinued and the lesion resolved with antifungal therapy. Conclusion: Despite few reported opportunistic infections in the pivotal clinical trials and first few years post-marketing, there has been a recent increase in reported AIDS-defining illnesses in patients taking fingolimod. Neurologists should be alert for opportunistic infections in their patients using this medication.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in two natalizumab-treated stepsisters: An intriguing coincidence
Authors: Bacchetta Frédéric , Mathias Amandine , Schluep Myriam , Du Pasquier Renaud 
Published: February 2017

Background: Natalizumab, a treatment used in multiple sclerosis (MS), is associated with cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Objective: We describe two cases of PML in related but not genetically apparented natalizumab-treated MS patients who are stepsisters. Reported cases/outcomes: While Patient 1 developed PML, Patient 2 was on natalizumab and had contacts with Patient 1. Patient 2 was diagnosed with PML 5 months after Patient 1. Conclusion: The clinical and temporal data highly suggest that there was JC virus (JCV) transmission from one patient to the other with development of PML as primo-infection in Patient 2.
The activation of the kynurenine pathway in a rat model with renovascular hypertension
Authors: Bartosiewicz Jacek , Kaminski Tomasz , Pawlak Krystyna , Karbowska Malgorzata , Tankiewicz-Kwedlo Anna , Pawlak Dariusz 
Published: February 2017

Hypertension is a serious condition that can lead to many health problems. The mechanisms underlying this process are still not fully understood. The kynurenine pathway may be involved in the occurrence and progression of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of peripheral kynurenine pathway in rats with renovascular hypertension in Goldblatt 2K1C model. Hypertension was induced in the experimental groups by constricting the renal artery of the left kidney of the rats. Determination of tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine pathway metabolites was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography in plasma and tissues obtained at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after the surgical intervention or sham surgery. Levels of Ang II were evaluated using commercial immuno-enzymatic ELISA kits. Surgical treatment led to increased values of mean blood pressure and systolic blood pressure, whereas Trp concentrations were decreased in experimental animals compared to appropriate controls. Simultaneously, the considerable increment of kynurenine pathway components and a significant increase in the activity of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase were observed in rats with developed hypertension in comparison with controls. There were no differences between Ang II levels in controls and experimental groups. The inverse relationship was between plasma Trp and both SBP and Ang II values, and Trp independently affected Ang II concentrations in hypertensive rats. In contrast, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase activity and plasma kynurenine metabolites positively correlated with blood pressure values as well as with Ang II levels in these animals. Moreover, kynurenine was independently connected with MBP. Renovascular hypertension influences kynurenine pathway and leads to an imbalance in Trp and its metabolite levels. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and part of the kynurenine metabolites in plasma and tissues positively correlated with blood pressure values and Ang II levels. Although the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unclear, our experiment showed a link between renovascular hypertension and activation of kynurenine pathway.Impact statementAs hypertension is a major health problem, our research has focused on the connection between the kynurenine pathway and hypertension. We assessed the levels of the main metabolites of dietary tryptophan and analyzed its levels in terms of high blood pressure. The results of our work indicated that in the renovascular rat’s model of hypertension, an alteration of the kynurenine pathway occurred. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated in a comprehensive manner the alteration of the kynurenine pathway under the condition of elevated blood pressure. On the one hand, the work supports a better understanding of pathophysiological basics of the occurrence of hypertension, and on the other hand it provides potential opportunities to treat this disease.
Modified Rankin scale as a determinant of direct medical costs after stroke
Authors: Dewilde Sarah , Annemans Lieven , Peeters Andre , Hemelsoet Dimitri , Vandermeeren Yves , Desfontaines Philippe , Brouns Raf , Vanhooren Geert , Cras Patrick , Michielsens Boudewijn , Redondo Patricia , Thijs Vincent 
Published: February 2017

Background Resource use in the acute and subacute phases after stroke depends on the degree of disability. Aims To determine if direct costs after stroke also vary by level of disability as measured using the modified Rankin scale at the chronic stage after stroke. Methods In a multicentre study, we collected acute and chronic in- and outpatient resource use in survivors of ischemic stroke stratified by levels of disability according to the modified Rankin Scale. Statistical inference on costs at each level of the modified Rankin Scale was estimated using a general linear model for the first three months, the first year, and any subsequent year after ischemic stroke. Results A total of 569 survivors of ischemic stroke with a mean age of 71.7 years were enrolled (41% female) from 10 academic and nonacademic centers. Costs varied substantially over time and with each modified Rankin Scale level. The total average costs in the first year were estimated $33,147 per patient, ranging from $9,114 for modified Rankin Scale 0 to $83,236 for modified Rankin Scale 5. In the second year, medical costs were on average $14,039, varying from $2,921 to $39,723 for patients with modified Rankin Scale 0–5. The level of disability based on the modified Rankin Scale was a major determinant of resource use, irrespective of age, gender, atrial fibrillation, and vascular risk factors. Conclusion Long-term resource use after stroke is high and is mainly driven by degree of disability as measured by the modified Rankin scale.
Intraosseous Epidermal Inclusion Cyst of the Proximal Phalanx of the Fifth Toe and Review of the Literature: A Case Study
Authors: Richardson Marcus P. , Foster James R. , Logan Daniel B. 
Published: February 2017

Intraosseous epidermal inclusion cysts (IEpC) are benign bone tumors that often present in the phalanges of the fingers, but rarely are seen in the lower extremity. These tumors often present following surgery, and have a similar clinical and radiographic presentation to osteomyelitis. The lack of defining characteristics makes preoperative diagnosis of these tumors very difficult. It is crucial to differentiate these tumors from malignant lesions with similar presentation. This case study presents our treatment of this osseous tumor and reviews the available literature describing this condition. Levels of Evidence: Level V: Case report
Pre-flight evaluation of adult patients with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Edvardsen Elisabeth , Akerø Aina , Skjønsberg Ole Henning , Skrede Bjørn 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Background
Air travel may imply a health hazard for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) due to hypobaric environment in the aircraft cabin. The objective was to identify pre-flight variables, which might predict severe hypoxaemia in adult CF patients during air travel.

Methods
Thirty adult CF-patients underwent pre-flight evaluation with spirometry, arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), pulse oximetry (SpO2) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at sea level (SL). The results were related to the PaO2 obtained during a hypoxia-altitude simulation test (HAST) in which a cabin altitude of 2438 m (8000 ft) was simulated by breathing 15.1% oxygen.

Results
Four patients fulfilled the criteria for supplemental oxygen during air travel (PaO2 HAST < 6.6 kPa). While walking slowly during HAST, another eleven patients dropped below PaO2 HAST 6.6 kPa. Variables obtained during CPET (PaO2 CPET, SpO2 CPET, minute ventilation/carbon dioxide output, maximal oxygen uptake) showed the strongest correlation to PaO2 HAST.

Conclusions
Exercise testing might be of value for predicting in-flight hypoxaemia and thus the need for supplemental oxygen during air travel in CF patients.
Trial registration The study is retrospectively listed in the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System: NCT01569880 (date; 30/3/2012)
Shape Effect of MnOx-Decorated CeO2 Catalyst in Diesel Soot Oxidation
Authors: Mori Kohsuke , Miyauchi Yusuke , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Yamashita Hiromi 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
A series of MnOx-decorated CeO2 (MnCeO) catalysts with different morphologies have been prepared by the shape-controlled synthesis of single-crystalline CeO2, such as nanorod, nanoparticle, and nanocube, by a hydrothermal method followed by the deposition of MnOx phase by a simple impregnation method. Their shape-dependent physicochemical properties were investigated by means of XRD, BET, UV–vis, HRTEM, XPS, TPR and oxygen storage/release properties measurements. The MnOx/CeO2 nanorod (MnCeO-NR) showed prominent carbon soot combustion activity at lower temperature under tight contact mode with a T50 temperature of 317 °C, which is attributed to larger surface area and higher oxygen release rate, as compared with particle and cubic catalysts. MnCeO-NR also exhibited higher catalytic activity (a shift of T50 by 127 °C) in NO-assisted soot combustion under a loose contact mode. Not only the higher surface area but also the superior NO conversion ability at low temperature as well as greater NO absorption contributes to the improved catalytic activities. The MnCeO-NR further displayed high stability and satisfactory recyclability without significant loss of catalytic activity. The use of cheaper combinations without noble metals makes the MnOx/CeO2 catalyst a promising candidate to satisfy future requirements in industry.
A Unified Framework for the Scheduling of Guaranteed Targeted Display Advertising Under Reach and Frequency Requirements
Authors: Hojjat Ali , Turner John , Cetintas Suleyman , Yang Jian 
Published: February 2017

Motivated by recent trends in online advertising and advancements made by online publishers, we consider a new form of contract that allows advertisers to specify the number of unique individuals that should see their ad (reach) and the minimum number of times each individual should be exposed (frequency). We develop an optimization framework that aims for minimal under-delivery and proper spread of each campaign over its targeted demographics. As well, we introduce a pattern-based delivery mechanism that allows us to integrate a variety of interesting features into a website’s ad allocation optimization problem that have not been possible before. For example, our approach allows publishers to implement any desired pacing of ads over time at the user level or control the number of competing brands seen by each individual. We develop a two-phase algorithm that employs column generation in a hierarchical scheme with three parallelizable components. Numerical tests with real industry data show that our algorithm produces high-quality solutions and has promising run-time and scalability. Several extensions of the model are presented, e.g., to account for multiple ad positions on the webpage or randomness in the website visitors’ arrival process. An e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2016.1567 .
MINAYO, Miryam de Souza. El caso de Darfur: limitaciones políticas a la responsabilidade de proteger. São Paulo: Editora Hucitec, 2015, 498p. ISBN: 978-85-8404-008-7
Authors: Braga Camila De Macedo 
Published: February 2017

O texto traz uma breve resenha do livro de Miryam de Souza Minayo, doutora em Direito Internacional e Relações Internacionais pela Universidad Complutense de Madrid. A autora realiza uma análise sobre as respostas apresentadas pela comunidade internacional durante a primeira década de conflito no Darfur, região oeste do Sudão, e a subsequente tragédia humanitária que acompanha a intensificação da violência armada. A resposta da comunidade internacional, ou ainda, a ausência de uma resposta efetiva, é contrastada com os limitados avanços no direito e na prática internacional de uma normatividade, assentada no princípio da responsabilidade de proteger (RdP), que busca regular o uso coletivo da força na proteção de civis em casos de graves violações dos direitos humanos.ABSTRACTThe text briefly reviews the thesis written by Miryam de Souza Minayo, Ph.D. in International Law and International Relations at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. The author analyzes the responses of the international community during the first decade of armed conflict in Darfur, western region of Sudan, and the subsequent humanitarian crisis. The international community’s response, or the absence of an effective one, is contrasted with the limited advances in international law and normative practice based on the principle of ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P), which seeks to regulate the collective use of force for the protection of civilians in cases of serious human rights violations.Palavras-chave: Darfur, intervenção internacional, Responsabilidade de Proteger (RdP).Keywords: Darfur, international intervention, Responsibility to Protect (R2P).DOI: 10.12957/rmi.2016.21521 Recebido em 14 de Fevereiro de 2016 | Aceito em 20 de Junho de 2016Received on February 14, 2016 | Accepted on June 20, 2016
A Política Internacional da Saúde: a UNITAID e o acesso a medicamentos | The International Politics of Health: UNITAID and access to medicines
Authors: Amorim Celso Luiz Nunes 
Published: February 2017

O direito à saúde é um direito fundamental. Várias iniciativas no âmbito da Assembleia Geral da ONU e no Conselho de Direitos Humanos reforçam esse pensamento. Neste particular, a criação da UNITAID, em 2006, foi uma forma de facilitar o acesso a medicamentos a populações mais pobres utilizando fontes inovadoras de financiamento. A instituição, hospedada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), busca melhores formas de prevenir, tratar e diagnosticar o HIV/AIDS, a tuberculose e a malária de forma mais rápida, eficaz e acessível, buscando conciliar a discussão de patentes com o direito inalienável à saúde. O artigo analisa o processo político e as negociações que levaram à Declaração de Doha sobre TRIPS e Saúde Pública, cuja importância é destacada, entre outros, pelos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável aprovado por todos os Chefes de Estado das Nações Unidas.ABSTRACTThe right to health is a fundamental, inalienable human right. A number of initiatives within the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council reinforce this concept. Established in 2006 and hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNITAID is engaged in finding new ways to prevent, treat and diagnose HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria more quickly, more cheaply and more effectively. It plays an important role in the global effort to defeat these lethal diseases, by facilitating and speeding up the availability of improved health tools and trying to reconcile patent protection with the right to health. The article analyzes the political process and the negotiations which led up to the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health, whose importance – among others – is highlighted on the Sustainable Development Objectives approved by all United Nations Heads of State.Palavras-chave: UNITAID, acesso a medicamentos, saúde global, TRIPS, Doha.Keywords: UNITAID, access to medicines, global health, TRIPS, Doha.DOI: 10.12957/rmi.2016.27034Recebido em 28 de dezembro de 2016 | Received on December 28, 2016.
Developing a scaffolded learning process to increase undergraduate research skills
Authors: Poms Laura Wheeler , Paeglow Corrie , Sheehan Sarah , Miner Julianna , Weinstein Ali , Weiler Robert 
Published: February 2017

This session presents the successes and challenges experienced in redesigning our curriculum (BS in Community Health) to support a scaffolded approach to developing undergraduate research skills, which was funded through a Students as Scholars’ Curriculum Scholarship Development grant. We will detail the creation of discovery, inquiry and creation of scholarship level courses. In addition, our liaison librarian, who created library skills workshops unique to the research requirements of each class level, will share her insights on the collaboration. We will share our assessment data related to student learning outcomes. Implementation challenges, including working with various types of faculty members (adjunct, tenured, tenure-track, and term) and teaching these scholarship courses across multiple sections will be covered. Our presentation team includes tenured, term and adjunct faculty members and our liaison librarian. Session attendees will learn more about how to introduce, reinforce and further develop students’ research skills using an integrated approach across the curriculum.
Individual and institutional predictors of faculty mentoring undergraduate researchers: Findings from a multi-institutional research collaboration
Authors: Davis Shannon N. 
Published: February 2017

Undergraduate research is an experience that cultivates creative and intentional learners in and out of the classroom. Using unique data from an online survey of faculty members at three diverse colleges and universities, we investigate the individual and institutional factors that facilitate or inhibit faculty members’ willingness to provide undergraduates with research opportunities. We focus our analysis on individual and institutional explanations for faculty participation or non-participation as a research mentor to one or more undergraduates. We examine the influence of demographic (e.g., gender, race, tenure status, discipline) and institutional characteristics (e.g., type of institution, perceived institutional supports) to statistically model the likelihood that faculty members had previously mentored undergraduates in independent research projects. We draw upon these findings to discuss implications for institutions desiring to increase student (and therefore faculty) undergraduate research experience.