bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid amyloid‐β oligomer and protofibril accumulation in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Abu Hamdeh Sami , Waara Erik Rollman , Möller Christer , Söderberg Linda , Basun Hans , Alafuzoff Irina , Hillered Lars , Lannfelt Lars , Ingelsson Martin , Marklund Niklas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDeposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) is central to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and associated with progressive neurodegeneration in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We analyzed predisposing factors for Aβ deposition including monomeric Aβ40, Aβ42 and Aβ oligomers/protofibrils, Aβ species with pronounced neurotoxic properties, following human TBI. Highly selective ELISAs were used to analyze N‐terminally intact and truncated Aβ40 and Aβ42, as well as Aβ oligomers/protofibrils, in human brain tissue, surgically resected from severe TBI patients (n = 12; mean age 49.5 ± 19 years) due to life‐threatening brain swelling/hemorrhage within one week post‐injury. The TBI tissues were compared to post‐mortem AD brains (n = 5), to post‐mortem tissue of neurologically intact (NI) subjects (n = 4) and to cortical biopsies obtained at surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients (iNPH; n = 4). The levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 were not elevated by TBI. The levels of Aβ oligomers/protofibrils in TBI were similar to those in the significantly older AD patients and increased compared to NI and iNPH controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, TBI patients carrying the AD risk genotype Apolipoprotein E epsilon3/4 (APOE ε3/4; n = 4) had increased levels of Aβ oligomers/protofibrils (P < 0.05) and of both N‐terminally intact and truncated Aβ42 (P < 0.05) compared to APOE ε3/4‐negative TBI patients (n = 8). Neuropathological analysis showed insoluble Aβ aggregates (commonly referred to as Aβ plaques) in three TBI patients, all of whom were APOE ε3/4 carriers. We conclude that soluble intermediary Aβ aggregates form rapidly after TBI, especially among APOE ε3/4 carriers. Further research is needed to determine whether these aggregates aggravate the clinical short‐ and long‐term outcome in TBI.
Phase I study of glasdegib (PF‐04449913), an oral smoothened inhibitor, in Japanese patients with select hematologic malignancies
Authors: Minami Yosuke , Minami Hironobu , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Yoshimoto Goichi , Kobayashi Yukio , Munakata Wataru , Onishi Yasushi , Kobayashi Masahiro , Ikuta Mari , Chan Geoffrey , Woolfson Adrian , Ono Chiho , Shaik Mohammed Naveed , Fujii Yosuke , Zheng Xianxian , Naoe Tomoki 
Published: May 2017

The hedgehog signaling pathway regulates multiple morphogenetic processes during embryogenesis. Aberrant activation of the hedgehog pathway signal transduction in adult tissues is associated with the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We report findings from an open‐label, multicenter phase I trial of the selective, small‐molecule hedgehog signaling inhibitor glasdegib (PF‐04449913) in Japanese patients with select advanced hematologic malignancies. Glasdegib was administered as once‐daily oral doses (25, 50 and 100 mg) in 28‐day cycles after a lead‐in dose on Day −5. The primary objectives were to determine first‐cycle dose‐limiting toxicities, safety, vital signs and laboratory test abnormalities. Secondary objectives included evaluation of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and preliminary evidence of clinical activity of glasdegib. No dose‐limiting toxicities were noted in the 13 patients in the present study. All patients experienced at least one treatment‐emergent, all‐causality adverse event. The most frequent treatment‐related adverse events (observed in ≥3 patients) were dysgeusia (n = 9), muscle spasms (n = 5), alopecia, decreased appetite (n = 4 each), and increased blood creatinine phosphokinase, constipation and diarrhea (n = 3 each). Two deaths occurred during the study and were deemed not to be treatment‐related due to disease progression. Glasdegib demonstrated dose‐proportional pharmacokinetics, marked downregulation of the glioma‐associated transcriptional regulator GLI1 expression in normal skin, and evidence of preliminary clinical activity, although data are limited. Glasdegib was safe and well tolerated across the dose levels tested. It is confirmed that the 100‐mg dose is safe and tolerable in Japanese patients, and this dose level will be examined in the future clinical trial.
Effects of comorbidity and medication use on the haemodynamic status during office‐based laryngeal procedures: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang C.T. , Liao L.J. , Lo W.C. , Huang T.W. , Cheng P.W. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveOffice‐based laryngeal procedures (OBLPs) are emerging as effective alternative modalities for vocal disorders. This study systematically investigates the haemodynamic status of patients, specifically focusing on the potential effects of underlying comorbidity and medication use.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral centre.ParticipantsWe prospectively recruited 214 consecutive patients who received OBLPs during January‐December 2015. All procedures were performed under local anaesthesia without sedation, in an upright (sitting) position.Main outcome measuresWe measured heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturations at baseline (before procedure), immediately after local anaesthesia to the pharynx and larynx, immediately after completing of procedure, and 20 minutes after the procedure.ResultsSystolic, diastolic blood pressures and HR all significantly increased after local anaesthesia, and gradually decreased after the procedure (P<.01). Oxygen concentration remained unchanged. Patients with comorbidity and those receiving vasoactive medications showed significantly higher perioperative blood pressures than the other patients (P<.05), but the trend remained similar. Prominent hypertension (systolic ≥160 mm Hg or diastolic ≥100 mm Hg) was noted in 17 patients, more commonly in patients with older age, higher baseline blood pressures and receiving vasoactive medications. Only 2% of patients with normal baseline measurements developed prominent hypertension perioperatively. Tachycardia (HR≥100 bpm) developed in 22 patients, more frequently in patients with higher baseline HRs, and perceiving greater discomforts.ConclusionThis study revealed that routine haemodynamic monitoring may not be necessary for all the OBLPs, but should be considered for older patients, those with higher baseline blood pressure or HR, sensitive patients who might be more susceptible to perioperative discomfort, and those receiving vasoactive medications.
Extramedullary disease at diagnosis of AML does not influence outcome of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in CR1
Authors: Bourlon Christianne , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Deotare Uday , Gupta Vikas , Kim Dennis D. , Kuruvilla John , Viswabandya Auro , Thyagu Santhosh , Messner Hans A. , Michelis Fotios V. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveExtramedullary disease (EMD) at diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been associated with increased risk of relapse and worse outcomes post‐chemotherapy. This study sought to investigate the association of EMD with outcomes following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT).MethodsThis single‐center retrospective study investigated the impact of EMD at diagnosis on the outcome of patients transplanted for AML in first complete remission (CR1). The study included 303 consecutive patients with AML transplanted in CR1, median age 51 years (range 18‐71).ResultsEMD at diagnosis was documented in 39 patients (13%), either histologically (26 patients) or clinically/radiologically (13 patients). Among the 39 EMD patients, 16 had CNS disease, seven had gingival infiltration, and five had leukemia cutis. On univariate analysis, EMD had no significant impact on survival, with a 3‐year OS of 55% (95% CI 38‐69) compared to 48% for the non‐EMD group (95% CI 42%‐55%) (P=.84). Likewise, 3‐year CIR was 18% vs 19% (P=.86) and 3‐year NRM was 26% vs 33% (P=.83) for EMD vs non‐EMD groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed these results.ConclusionsWe conclude that EMD at diagnosis of AML does not seem to influence outcomes following allo‐HCT performed in CR1.
Creating positive practice environments in a primary health care setting
Authors: Rabie Tinda , Klopper Hester C. , Coetzee Siedine K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of nurse managers, nurses, and a physician in the community health centre with the most positive practice environment in a province of South Africa.MethodsTen (N = 10) semistructured individual interviews were conducted with personnel of the community health centre with the most positive practice environment.ResultsPersonnel cited the following as the most important characteristics of a positive practice environment in a primary health care setting: support, leadership and governance, collegial nurse‐physician relationships, and quality of care.ConclusionIn a primary health care setting, it is important to train, appoint, and support managers who in turn will be able to train and support their personnel. Furthermore, reciprocal community involvement must be encouraged between personnel of the community health centre and stakeholders in the community to improve the health status of the community. Finally, group cohesions between all health care workers and managers at different organisational levels should be encouraged, as this enhances teamwork and a culture of teaching‐learning and improves the competence of all staff.
Safety and efficacy of the combination of once‐daily tadalafil and alpha‐1 blocker in Japanese men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study
Authors: Takeda Masayuki , Yokoyama Osamu , Yoshida Masaki , Nishizawa Osamu , Hirata Kinya , Nakaoka Ryuhei , Takita Yasushi , Murakami Masahiro 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of tadalafil plus α1‐blocker combination therapy in Japanese patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.MethodsThe present multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, two‐period cross‐over study compared the effects of tadalafil and a placebo added to ongoing α1‐blocker therapy. A total of 171 Japanese patients were randomized.ResultsTadalafil combined with an α1‐blocker did not decrease blood pressure in the orthostatic test. The only statistically significant differences in vital signs between the combination and monotherapy groups were diastolic blood pressure and pulse (P = 0.0194 and 0.0313, respectively). However, these changes were not considered clinically meaningful. Treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 28.1% (47/167) and 24.2% (39/161) of patients in the combination therapy and α1‐blocker monotherapy groups, respectively. Additionally, 56.7% (89/157) of patients preferred combination therapy to monotherapy, though this was not statistically significant (P = 0.0937). There was a statistically significant reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score voiding subscore in the combination therapy group (P = 0.0442).ConclusionsConcurrent treatment with tadalafil and an α1‐blocker seems to be safe and well tolerated in Japanese patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Adding tadalafil to baseline α1‐blocker therapy does not translate in adverse effects on the blood pressure. Patients tend to prefer combination therapy over monotherapy, and there seems to be a clinical benefit when using combination therapy.
Bone scan index: A new biomarker of bone metastasis in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Nakajima Kenichi , Edenbrandt Lars , Mizokami Atsushi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBone scintigraphy is one of the first‐line imaging modalities for the screening and follow up of bone metastasis in patients with prostate cancer. The amount (%) of bone metastasis can be calculated using a bone scan index thanks to recent advances in quantitative bone scintigraphy. Since an artificial neural network was applied for hot‐spot characterization and quantitation, the bone scan index has become a simple, reproducible and practical means of quantifying bone metastasis. The bone scan index is presently considered as an imaging biomarker of bone metastasis. The present article summarizes the principles and application of bone scan index using dedicated software (EXINI bone in Europe and North America; BONENAVI in Japan), and the advantages and cautions of using the bone scan index. The bone scan index could serve as a practical marker with which to monitor disease progression and treatment effects in multicenter studies, and to manage prostate and other types of cancer in the clinical setting.
Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Economic Growth: Evidence from a Fiscal Reform in China
Authors: Ma Guangrong , Mao Jie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper uses a fiscal decentralisation reform in China – namely, the province‐managing‐county (PMC) reform – to examine the effects of fiscal decentralisation on local economic growth. The PMC reform abolished the subordinate fiscal relationship between prefectures and counties and transferred much of the tax and spending authority from the prefecture to the county level. Exploiting a county‐level panel data set over 2001–11, we find that the reform has led to a significant increase in the GDP growth rate. The effect is considerably more pronounced in regions with superior initial institutional quality. We also identify channels: the PMC reform induced county governments to exert lower tax burdens on firms and increase spending on infrastructure construction.
Auditor selection and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Sun Wen‐Chi , Huang Hua‐Wei , Dao Mai , Young Chaur‐Shiuh 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study examines the association between the selection of an industry‐specialist auditor and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We find that firms with higher CSR ratings are more likely to hire industry‐specialist auditors (national‐level industry leaders, city‐level industry leaders or joint city‐national industry leaders). Moreover, firms with better CSR performance related to product quality and the environment in controversial industries are found to select non‐specialized auditors. The results suggest that such firms may overinvest in CSR activities associated with the environment and product issues to disguise the sin nature of their manufactured goods, and simultaneously engage low quality auditors perhaps to avoid full disclosure of potential environmental and legal liabilities. Overall, we conclude that CSR is associated with the non‐controversial firms ensuring high quality financial reporting in response to societal expectations, and thus CSR firms in such industries have strong incentives to engage industry‐specialist auditors.
Loosening of the fixing screw in single implant crowns: predisposing factors, prevention and treatment options
Authors: Kourtis Stefanos , Damanaki Mariana , Kaitatzidou Sofia , Kaitatzidou Aikaterini , Roussou Vasiliki 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe problem of technical complications in implants and implant‐supported restorations has existed for decades. The most frequent complication is the loosening of the fixing screw, which although is not catastrophic, if it occurs repeatedly, it may affect the success of the implant therapy and the patient satisfaction. Factors that affect the frequency of prosthetic complications include: the implant‐abutment connection, para‐functional habits, cantilevers, and the type of restoration. Regarding the implant‐abutment connection, the first systems were those with an external hexagon. Because of their small height and the disadvantages that this entails, other connection types were developed, such as those of hexagonal and conical connection, which decreased the complication rates, including the loosening of the fixing screw. On the dilemma “cement‐ or screw‐retained restoration”, the choice depends on biological, technical, and aesthetic factors. Cement‐retained restorations are simpler in construction with lower cost and clinicians are more familiar with the clinical procedure. On the other side, if the fixing screw of the abutment is loosened in a cement‐retained restoration, it may be a difficult and demanding clinical task to fix this prosthetic complication. Screw‐retained restorations are more prone to loosening of the fixing screw, but allow easy retrievability and repair. Their use however, is often restricted because of diverting or unfavorable inclination of the alveolar ridge and the implant. The aim of this article was to present clinical solutions for the complication of screw‐loosening through clinical examples and discuss the factors that may predispose to its occurrence.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe problem of technical complications in implants and implant‐supported restorations has existed for decades. The most frequent complication is the loosening of the fixing screw which, although is not catastrophic, if it occurs repeatedly, it may affect the success of the implant therapy and the patient satisfaction. Factors that affect the frequency of prosthetic complications include: the implant‐abutment connection, para‐functional habits, cantilevers and the type of restoration.The treatment options for the clinician are limited but certain preventing measures during construction of the restoration may be helpful to overcome this clinical problem.
Does the presence of unilateral maxillary incisor edge asymmetries influence the perception of smile esthetics?
Authors: Betrine Ribeiro Joanna , Alecrim Figueiredo Bruna , Wilson Machado Andre 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveDetermine orthodontists and laypersons' perception of maxillary central and lateral incisor edge asymmetries in full‐face and close‐up smiles.Material and MethodsFour smile photos were selected for this study: two full‐face and two close‐up smile photos of two male subjects, a white man and an Afro‐descendant man. Both were considered pleasant smiles, following some principles of an ideal smile. Images were digitally altered to create tooth wear asymmetries on the maxillary left central and lateral incisor in 0.5 mm increments. Final images were arranged randomly into a photo album and were shown to 86 judges (43 orthodontists and 43 laypersons). Judges were asked to evaluate the attractiveness of the images according to a visual analog scale. Data were statistically analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Tukey's post hoc test and the Student t test.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the mean esthetic scores of the full‐face and close‐up smile photos. The most attractive smiles were those without asymmetries and those with 0.5 mm wear in the lateral incisor, whereas the least attractive ones were those with 1.0‐1.5 mm wear in the central incisors. Statistically significant difference was found in the mean scores given by the judges in most cases. The orthodontists were more critical and assigned lower scores than the laypersons.ConclusionsThe presence of maxillary incisor asymmetries is a critical factor influencing the perception of smile esthetics. The most attractive smiles of the men investigated were those without asymmetry and those with 0.5 mm incisor edge asymmetry in the lateral incisor.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe presence of incisal asymmetries (especially in maxillary central incisors) negatively influences smile esthetics, corroborating the clinical hypothesis that the closer to the facial midline, the greater the need for symmetry.
Study on combined heat pump drying with freeze‐drying of Antarctic krill and its effects on the lipids
Authors: Sun Dewei , Cao Chen , Li Bo , Chen Hongjian , Cao Peirang , Li Jinwei , Liu Yuanfa 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo better preserve quality of Antarctic krill for wide food application, a drying method by the combining both the heat pump drying (HPD) and freeze‐drying (FD) was investigated. The effect on its dehydration efficiency, and effects on lipid extraction rate and lipid qualities and cost of the process were compared. The Antarctic krill was first treated by HPD, followed by the FD method. The lipids extracted from the various dehydrated samples were compared. In addition, the time and energy consumption during the process of dehydration and the physical properties such as color and microstructure of the Antarctic krill samples dehydrated by various drying methods were also compared. The results indicated that Antarctic krill drying by combined dehydration had good color and microstructure, which were both close to the FD sample, and better than the heat pump and hot air drying samples alone. The procedure was performed with an optimal dehydration temperature of HPD at 60 °C and a transition point of 40% moisture content, followed by freezing‐drying up to moisture content of 10%. Lipids extracted from Antarctic krill dried through procedure would have high lipid extraction rate (21.02%), low acid value (10.4 mg KOH/g), high astaxanthin content (200 mg/kg). Importantly it would save about 62 and 50%, respectively, of time and energy consumption in comparison of freezing‐drying method. Therefore, this study was for the first time to show that the combined dehydration of HPD and FD could be viable applicable dehydration method for Antarctic krill treatment.Practical applicationsHPD can provide efficient dehydration with a low temperature and energy consumption for high water content materials. The combined dehydration procedure of HPD and FD for Antarctic krill treatment could supply excellent quality of Antarctic krill as foodstuffs and for its further processes such as lipid extraction. This procedure would be more feasible for the food industrial processes.
Change of appetite in patients with functional digestive disorder. Association with psychological disorders: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fysekidis Marinos , Bouchoucha Michel , Mary Florence , Airinei Gheorghe , Bon Cyriaque , Benamouzig Robert 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsChanges in appetite are a frequent complaint in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). The aims of this study are to evaluate whether the changes in appetite are associated with specific FGIDs and to explore associations of these changes with symptoms of anxiety or depression.MethodsThis study included 1009 consecutive FGID patients (71% female), aged 48.9 years who all filled out a Rome III questionnaire for the evaluation of FGIDs, submitted to a psychological evaluation of symptoms of anxiety, and completed the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire. The patients were classified according to their appetite change using a 7‐point grading scale and split into three groups: those with appetite loss, those with no change in appetite, and those with increased appetite.ResultsAmong the 1009, 496 patients (49%) reported a change in appetite, of which 332 (33%) patients reported a decrease in appetite and 164 (16%) patients reported an increase in appetite.Appetite was not affected in 51% of patients. Changes in appetite depended on gender, body mass index and psychometric evaluation scores. Increased appetite did not have specific FGIDs associations, while decreased appetite was associated with esophageal, gastroduodenal, bowel, and anorectal symptoms. The presence of depressive symptoms was also a predictor for the majority of FGIDs in decreased appetite, while anxiety trait was significant for globus and dysphagia.ConclusionsDecreased appetite was associated with FGIDs, especially in the presence of depressive symptoms. A reduced appetite would help to predict psychological disorders associated with FGIDs.Financial disclosureNone declared.Legal registrationThis study was a registered study in the French National Drug Agency (ANSM, Agence Nationale de Securité du Medicamentet des produits de santé, Study Number 2016‐A01120‐51).Competing interestsMichel Bouchoucha, Marinos Fysekidis, Florence Mary, Gheorghe Airinei, Cyriaque Bon, and Robert Benamouzig have no competitive interests.