bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin in hepatitis C: AMBER study
Authors: Flisiak R. , Janczewska E. , Wawrzynowicz‐Syczewska M. , Jaroszewicz J. , Zarębska‐Michaluk D. , Nazzal K. , Bolewska B. , Bialkowska J. , Berak H. , Fleischer‐Stępniewska K. , Tomasiewicz K. , Karwowska K. , Rostkowska K. , Piekarska A. , Tronina O. , Madej G. , Garlicki A. , Lucejko M. , Pisula A. , Karpińska E. , Kryczka W. , Wiercińska‐Drapało A. , Mozer‐Lisewska I. , Jabłkowski M. , Horban A. , Knysz B. , Tudrujek M. , Halota W. , Simon K. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBackgroundVirologic and safety outcomes of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV) therapy have shown high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and good tolerability in most patient populations in pre‐registration studies.AimTo confirm these clinical trial findings in the treatment of genotype 1 and 4 hepatitis C under real‐world conditions.MethodsPatients enrolled for treatment with OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV based on therapeutic guidelines were included, and the regimen was administered according to product characteristics. Clinical and laboratory data, including virologic response, were collected at baseline, end of treatment (EOT) and 12 weeks after EOT.ResultsA total of 209 patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled, most were genotype 1b‐infected (84.2%) and 119 (56.9%) had liver cirrhosis. Among these, 150 (71.7%) had failed previous anti‐viral therapies and 84 (40.2%) were null‐responders. At 12 weeks after EOT, SVR was achieved by 207 (99.0%) patients, ranging from 96.4% to 100.0% across subgroups. All Child–Pugh B and post‐orthotopic liver transplantation patients achieved SVR. Adverse events occurred in 151 (72.2%) patients and were mostly mild and associated with the use of RBV. Serious adverse events, including hepatic decompensation, renal insufficiency, anaemia, hepatotoxicity and diarrhoea, were reported in eight (3.8%) patients. In five (2.4%) patients, adverse events led to treatment discontinuation. On‐treatment decompensation was experienced by seven (3.3%) patients.ConclusionsThe results of our study confirm previous findings. They demonstrate excellent effectiveness and a good safety profile of OBV/PTV/r± DSV±RBV in HCV genotype 1‐infected patients treated in the real‐world setting.
Effects of mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lung lesion‐selected Landrace pigs on MPS resistance and immune competence in three‐way crossbred pigs
Authors: Borjigin Liushiqi , Shimazu Tomoyuki , Katayama Yuki , Watanabe Kouichi , Kitazawa Haruki , Roh Sang‐gun , Aso Hisashi , Katoh Kazuo , Satoh Masahiro , Suda Yoshihito , Sakuma Akiko , Nakajo Mituru , Suzuki Keiichi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTo clarify the genetic influence of mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lesion‐selected Landrace (La) on MPS resistance and immune characteristics in three‐way crossbred pigs (LaWaDa), the LaWaDa pigs were compared with the non‐selected crossbred (LbWbDb) and purebred (La) pigs. The MPS lesion score in the three lines was as follows: La line < LaWaDa line < LbWbDb line, with significant differences among the lines. The proportions of myeloid cells and T cells were lower and higher, respectively, in the LaWaDa pigs compared with those in the other two lines. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, transforming growth factor‐β, and interferon‐γ in peripheral blood was significantly increased after vaccination in the La and LaWaDa lines. IL‐4 mRNA expression in the LaWaDa line was intermediate to the La and LbWbDb lines. Furthermore, principal component analysis for immune traits and MPS lesions was executed to clarify the characteristics of each pig line. These findings suggest that the immune responses in the three pig lines are genetically distinct and that MPS resistance and some immunity characteristics from the La line were transmitted to the three‐way crossbred pigs.
Self‐Euthanasia, the Dutch Experience: In Search for the Meaning of a Good Death or Eu Thanatos
Authors: Vink Ton 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMy main purpose in this article is to establish the meaning of a ‘good death’ when death is self‐chosen. I will take as my point of departure the new notion of ‘self‐euthanasia’ and the corresponding practice that has evolved in the Netherlands in recent years. Both physician‐euthanasia and self‐euthanasia refer to an ideal process of a good death, the first being ultimately the physician's responsibility, while the second is definitely the responsibility of the individual choosing to die. However, if we also accept the existence of a fundamental moral difference between ending another person's life and ending your own life, and if we accept this moral difference to be also relevant to the normatively laden good death, then this difference represents a strong reason for preferring self‐euthanasia to physician‐euthanasia.
Pro‐Life Arguments Against Infanticide and Why they are Not Convincing
Authors: Räsänen Joona 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAlberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva's controversial article ‘After‐Birth Abortion: Why Should the Baby Live?’ has received a lot of criticism since its publishing. Part of the recent criticism has been made by pro‐life philosopher Christopher Kaczor, who argues against infanticide in his updated book ‘Ethics of Abortion’. Kaczor makes four arguments to show where Giubilini and Minerva's argument for permitting infanticide goes wrong. In this article I argue that Kaczor's arguments, and some similar arguments presented by other philosophers, are mistaken and cannot show Giubilini and Minerva's view to be flawed. I claim that if one wants to reject the permissibility of infanticide, one must find better arguments for doing so.
Biomarkers for evaluation of treatment response in classical Hodgkin lymphoma: comparison of sGalectin‐1, sCD163 and sCD30 with TARC
Authors: Plattel Wouter J. , Alsada Zainab N. D. , van Imhoff Gustaaf W. , Diepstra Arjan , van den Berg Anke , Visser Lydia 
Published: September 2016

SummarySoluble Galectin‐1 (sGal‐1, also termed LGALS1), soluble CD163 (sCD163) and soluble CD30 (sCD30) have been reported to be elevated in plasma or serum of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). We aimed to determine the clinical utility of these biomarkers for evaluation of treatment response compared to thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC, also termed CCL17). Plasma or serum samples were prospectively collected among 103 newly diagnosed cHL patients before and after treatment. Levels of sGal‐1, sCD163, sCD30 and TARC were correlated with disease characteristics and clinical treatment response. Elevated plasma levels of sGal‐1, sCD163, sCD30 and TARC were found in 67%, 21%, 91% and 93% of cHL patients respectively. Mean plasma levels of sGal‐1 and sCD30 decreased after treatment but sCD163 did not decrease after treatment. There was no correlation with change of these markers and clinical treatment response in individual patients. TARC levels strongly correlated with disease characteristics and metabolic volume. TARC remained high in 6 out of 7 non‐responsive patients and dramatically decreased in 95 out of 96 responsive patients. In summary, elevated pre‐treatment levels of sGal‐1, sCD163, sCD30 and TARC can be found in patients with cHL. However, only plasma TARC accurately reflects disease activity and correlates with clinical treatment response.
Smooth muscle‐generated methylglyoxal impairs endothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation of cerebral microvessels in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Alomar Fadhel , Singh Jaipaul , Jang Hee‐Seong , Rozanzki George J , Shao Chun Hong , Padanilam Babu J , Mayhan William G , Bidasee Keshore R 
Published: September 2016

Background and PurposeEndothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation of cerebral arterioles is impaired in individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This defect compromises haemodynamics and can lead to hypoxia, microbleeds, inflammation and exaggerated ischaemia‐reperfusion injuries. The molecular causes for dysregulation of cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (cECs) in T1D remains poorly defined. This study tests the hypothesis that cECs dysregulation in T1D is triggered by increased generation of the mitochondrial toxin, methylglyoxal, by smooth muscle cells in cerebral arterioles (cSMCs).Experimental ApproachEndothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation, vascular transcytosis inflammation, hypoxia and ischaemia‐reperfusion injury were assessed in brains of male Sprague‐Dawley rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes and compared with those in diabetic rats with increased expression of methylglyoxal‐degrading enzyme glyoxalase‐I (Glo‐I) in cSMCs.Key ResultsAfter 7–8 weeks of T1D, endothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation of cerebral arterioles was impaired. Microvascular leakage, gliosis, macrophage/neutrophil infiltration, NF‐κB activity and TNF‐α levels were increased, and density of perfused microvessels was reduced. Transient occlusion of a mid‐cerebral artery exacerbated ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. In cSMCs, Glo‐I protein was decreased, and the methylglyoxal‐synthesizing enzyme, vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP‐1) and methylglyoxal were increased. Restoring Glo‐I protein in cSMCs of diabetic rats to control levels via gene transfer, blunted VAP‐1 and methylglyoxal increases, cECs dysfunction, microvascular leakage, inflammation, ischaemia‐reperfusion injury and increased microvessel perfusion.Conclusions and ImplicationsMethylglyoxal generated by cSMCs induced cECs dysfunction, inflammation, hypoxia and exaggerated ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in diabetic rats. Lowering methylglyoxal produced by cSMCs may be a viable therapeutic strategy to preserve cECs function and blunt deleterious downstream consequences in T1D.
A functional variant of ATG16L2 is associated with Crohn's disease in the Chinese population
Authors: Ma T. , Wu S. , Yan W. , Xie R. , Zhou C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimTo determine whether genetic polymorphism of the ATG16L2 gene is functionally associated with the incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) in the Chinese population.MethodThe single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11235604 of the ATG16L2 gene was genotyped in 363 patients with CD and 486 healthy volunteers from the Chinese Han population. The distributions of the genotype and allele frequency were compared between patients and controls by the chi‐square test. The mRNA expression of ATG16L2 in T cells was evaluated by real‐time PCR. Comparisons of mRNA expression of ATG16L2 between patients and controls and between patients with genotype CC and genotype CT/TT were performed with the Student's t‐test.ResultsCompared with the controls, patients were found to have a significantly higher proportion of genotype TT (5.5% vs 2.5%, P = 0.04). Allele T was the risk allele for the disease (16.3% vs 12.3%, P = 0.02), with an odds ratio of 1.31 (95% CI 1.04–1.67). The ATG16L2 mRNA of the patients was significantly reduced when compared with the controls (0.0044 ± 0.0018 vs 0.0064 ± 0.0023, P < 0.001). Patients with genotype TT/CT had a significant lower level of ATG16L2 mRNA than patients with genotype CC (0.0036 ± 0.0016 vs 0.0053 ± 0.0028, P = 0.005).ConclusionsATG16L2 is a susceptibility gene for CD in the Chinese population. The rs11235604 SNP is remarkably associated with downregulation of the expression of ATG16L2. Further investigation into the gene's function is warranted for a comprehensive knowledge of the contribution of the variant to the development of CD.
Visualization of haemophilic arthropathy in F8−/− rats by ultrasonography and micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Christensen K. R. , Roepstorff K. , Petersen M. , Wiinberg B. , Hansen A. K. , Kjelgaard‐Hansen M. , Nielsen L. N. 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionA major complication of haemophilia is haemophilic arthropathy (HA), a debilitating disorder with an incompletely defined pathobiology. High‐resolution imaging may provide new knowledge about onset and progression of HA, and thereby support identification of new treatment opportunities. Recently, a F8−/− rat model of HA was developed. The size of the rat allows for convenient and high resolution imaging of the joints, which could enable in vivo studies of HA development.AimTo determine whether HA in the F8−/− rat can be visualized using ultrasonography (US) and micro‐computed tomography (μCT).MethodsSixty F8−/− and 20 wild‐type rats were subjected to a single or two induced knee bleeds. F8−/− rats were treated with either recombinant human FVIII (rhFVIII) or vehicle before the induction of knee bleeds. Haemophilic arthropathy was visualized using in vivo US and ex vivo μCT, and the observations correlated with histological evaluation.ResultsUS and μCT detected pathologies in the knee related to HA. There was a strong correlation between disease severity determined by μCT and histopathology. rhFVIII treatment reduced the pathology identified with both imaging techniques.ConclusionUS and μCT are suitable imaging techniques for detection of blood‐induced joint disease in F8−/− rats and may be used for longitudinal studies of disease progression.
Changes in browning‐related components of apple slices during different stages of instant controlled pressure drop‐assisted hot air drying (AD‐DIC)
Authors: Gao Kun , Chen Qinqin , Bi Jinfeng , Liu Xuan , Wu Xinye , Wang Xueyuan 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe effect of instant controlled pressure drop‐assisted hot air drying (AD‐DIC) on browning‐related components in apple slices was studied. Results showed the AD temperature had no significant effect on colour index of final apple slices. The aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, histidine, arginine, sucrose and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) in apple slices increased firstly during the AD process and then decreased during DIC process. The fructose, glucose, reduced ascorbic acid and major phenolic compounds reduced with the abrupt increase of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) during AD‐DIC. There were significant correlations (P < 0.05) among moisture content (w.b.), water activity (aw), water state, reduced ascorbic acid, DHAA, chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B1, (+)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin and phlorizin during AD‐DIC. The colour difference showed that the major browning reaction of apple slices during the predrying process was enzymatic browning, while nonenzymatic browning played a crucial role on green‐red value (CIE a* value) during DIC.
Variation of composition and functional properties of gum from six Canadian flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars
Authors: Liu Jun , Shim Youn Young , Shen Jianheng , Wang Yong , Ghosh Supratim , Reaney Martin J. T. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryFlaxseed gum (FG) was prepared from six Canadian flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars. Yield, neutral sugar content, acidic sugar content and protein content varied significantly among cultivar FG extracts. Zeta potential (−16.4 to −27.4 mV) and rheological properties of solution were cultivar dependent. Solutions prepared with CDC Glas FG had the highest viscosity (2.984 Pa•s), while CDC Sorrel produced the lowest (0.048 Pa•s). FG solutions exhibited pseudoplastic shear‐thinning behaviour. Viscosity of FG solution increased with concentration, while viscosity and pseudoplasticity decreased with increased temperature. NaCl addition decreased solution viscosity while adding sucrose increased viscosity. FG solutions prepared from Flanders and CDC Sorrel had the highest and lowest emulsion activity index, respectively, while solutions of CDC Arras and CDC Bethune FG had the lowest and highest emulsion stability, respectively. Findings presented here provide information that could enable greater utilisation in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as thickeners and/or emulsifiers.
Diagnostic accuracy of the use of parental‐reported sleep bruxism in a polysomnographic study in children
Authors: Restrepo Claudia , Manfredini Daniele , Castrillon Eduardo , Svensson Peter , Santamaria Adriana , Alvarez Claudia , Manrique Ruben , Lobbezoo Frank 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundPolysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for sleep bruxism (SB) diagnosis. PSG/SB children's criteria are not available; thus, parental‐report SB is widely used.AimAssessing the diagnostic accuracy of parental report of sleep tooth grinding (STG) with a PSG/SB diagnosis in children, adopting adult criteria.DesignThirty‐seven children from clinics of Universidad CES were included. Parents filled the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) assessing the single‐observation report – CSHQ – of STG with a No/Yes answer and five ordinal answers. A 5‐day diary reporting the presence/absence of STG (multiple‐observation report) was also completed. Each child underwent a single‐night PSG study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, likelihood ratios, Spearman correlation coefficient, and Cohen's kappa coefficient were used to analyze data.ResultsSingle observation, using No/Yes answer, showed acceptable specificity and NPV, while low PPV and sensitivity. Accuracy and likelihood ratios were low. When using the five ordinal answers, weak correlation and fair agreement (r = 0.34 and κ = 0.40) with PSG/SB adult criteria were found. Multiple‐observation evaluation of STG presented moderate correlation and agreement (r = 0.50 and κ = 0.48).ConclusionsAlthough multiple‐observation report achieved better agreement than single‐observation report, our results failed supporting the validity of report strategies for the diagnosis of SB in children, as an equivalent of PSG/SB adult criteria.
Oral literacy demand in the pediatric dental clinic: a pilot study
Authors: Benadof Dafna , Hajishengallis Evlambia , Cole Amanda , Vidal Carolina 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe parent's ability to obtain, process, and understand important oral health information (i.e., their oral health literacy) is directly related to their child's oral health status.AimTo assess the relationship between oral literacy demands placed on parents by dentists and parents’ understanding of dental information given to them.DesignThirty‐one consenting primary caregivers of children attending their first dental visit completed a demographic survey, a REALD‐30 test, and a survey to test understanding of dental information. Dental appointments, performed by eight pediatric dental residents, were audio‐recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis and descriptive statistics.ResultsFactors associated with language complexity were significantly higher in dental residents (R) than participants (P), that is, total number of words spoken (R: 1615.09 + 859.91 vs P: 480.68 + 232.034) and words per sentence (R: 8.82 + 1.74 vs P: 4.91 + 1.71). Speaking turns did not differ between resident and parent (R: 94.64 vs P: 83.27).ConclusionsAlthough the dialogue between the participating dentists and parents was highly unequal, parents understood about 86% of the information provided by the resident. Future studies are needed to identify factors associated with gaps in the educational process of parents in the dental setting.
Effect of total contact cast in non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers in Lebanese patients
Authors: Merheb Marie , Gharios Elie , Younes Alaa , Cheikh Mohamad Al , Chaaban Toufic 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of total contact casting (TCC) in treating non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers in Lebanese diabetic patients. Twenty‐three diabetic patients were treated with TCC, and relevant data were collected retrospectively. Sixteen patients were analysed; the average duration of casting was 6 weeks, and 75% of the patients achieved complete ulcer closure without recurrence during one year of follow‐up and without any complications. TCC appears to be an effective treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Trauma management in Homer's Iliad
Authors: Koutserimpas Christos , Alpantaki Kalliopi , Samonis George 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHomer's Iliad is one of the highest intellectual products of the early ancient Greek civilisation. A plethora of medical information lies within Iliad's 24 rhapsodies, and a total of 147 injuries are described. The present study records and evaluates all cases of trauma management included in this epic poem. Not only Iliad's original text but also all myths related to Iliad from the five‐volume Greek Mythology by Ioannis Kakridis were meticulously studied to locate the injured person, the type of trauma, the care provider and the type of given care as well as the outcome of each case. A total of 21 cases were found and evaluated with a 5% mortality rate. The majority of these injuries were caused by an arrow (43%) and were located to the upper extremity (43%). Injuries of the head, neck and trunk were not treated as all of them were lethal. Many of the recorded trauma management techniques can be correlated to modern medicine. Furthermore, the role and skills of military doctors and paramedics, mentioned by Homer, is discussed.
Predicting Corporate Bankruptcy: An Evaluation of Alternative Statistical Frameworks
Authors: Jones Stewart , Johnstone David , Wilson Roy 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCorporate bankruptcy prediction has attracted significant research attention from business academics, regulators and financial economists over the past five decades. However, much of this literature has relied on quite simplistic classifiers such as logistic regression and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Based on a large sample of US corporate bankruptcies, we examine the predictive performance of 16 classifiers, ranging from the most restrictive classifiers (such as logit, probit and linear discriminant analysis) to more advanced techniques such as neural networks, support vector machines (SVMs) and “new age” statistical learning models including generalised boosting, AdaBoost and random forests. Consistent with the findings of Jones et al. (), we show that quite simple classifiers such as logit and LDA perform reasonably well in bankruptcy prediction. However, we recommend the use of “new age” classifiers in corporate bankruptcy modelling because: (1) they predict significantly better than all other classifiers on both the cross‐sectional and longitudinal test samples; (2) the models may have considerable practical appeal because they are relatively easy to estimate and implement (for instance, they require minimal researcher intervention for data preparation, variable selection and model architecture specification); and (3) while the underlying model structures can be very complex, we demonstrate that “new age” classifiers have a reasonably good level of interpretability through such metrics as relative variable importances (RVIs).