bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of fluorescence vascular imaging for evaluating splenic perfusion
Authors: Kawasaki Yota , Maemura Kosei , Kurahara Hiroshi , Mataki Yuko , Iino Satoshi , Sakoda Masahiko , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Natsugoe Shoji 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to confirm whether intraoperative fluorescence vascular imaging using indocyanine green (FVI‐ICG) is useful for evaluating splenic perfusion after spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) performed with the Warshaw technique (SPDP‐W).MethodsWe evaluated the blood perfusion of the spleen with an intraoperative FVI‐ICG system after SPDP‐W. All of the patients underwent dynamic computed tomography (CT) scans at one post‐operative week and one post‐operative month to evaluate the post‐operative blood perfusion of the spleen. Then, the post‐operative perfusion status of the spleen according to CT and the intraoperative fluorescence status of the spleen were compared.ResultsFive patients were enrolled in this study. None of the patients required secondary splenectomies. We detected a tendency towards a close relationship between the intraoperative fluorescence level of the spleen according to FVI‐ICG performed after SPDP‐W and post‐operative splenic perfusion as evaluated by CT. Improved splenic perfusion was seen at one post‐operative month in all cases, including a case in which poor splenic perfusion was initially detected.ConclusionWe detected a close relationship between the fluorescence level of the spleen on intraoperative FVI‐ICG and the post‐operative perfusion status of the spleen among patients who underwent SPDP‐W. Intraoperative FVI‐ICG could help surgeons to safely preserve the spleen after SPDP‐W.
The Impact of Internet Investor Relations on the Cost of Capital: Evidence from Companies Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Nel G.F. , Smit E.v.d.M , Brümmer L.M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGiven the voluntary nature of internet investor relations (IIR), the decision to engage can be viewed in terms of a cost–benefit framework. This study aims to investigate one potential benefit of IIR: a reduction in the cost of capital (measured as the weighted average cost of equity and cost of debt). Contrary to the majority of related studies to date that have used either an indirect proxy or examined the annual report, this study entails a content analysis of corporate websites using a comprehensive measurement instrument. IIR is found to be significantly and negatively related to the cost of debt. Although the level of IIR is also found to be significantly and negatively related to the cost of equity, this association only prevails after an adjustment is made to the cost of equity of smaller companies. Finally, the level of IIR is found to be significantly and negatively related to the cost of capital, both before and after an adjustment to the cost of equity of smaller companies is made. Although the current study deals with Johannesburg Stock Exchange data, the problem investigated is universal in nature and according to our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively examine the impact of IIR on the cost of capital.
A Systematic Review on Insulin Overdose Cases: Clinical Course, Complications and Treatment Options
Authors: Johansen Nicklas Järvelä , Christensen Mikkel Bring 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA large overdose of insulin is a serious health matter. Information concerning administration and duration of intravenous (IV) glucose, other treatment options or complications besides hypoglycaemia following large insulin overdoses is not readily apparent from the literature. A systematic search, compilation and review of case reports on insulin overdoses, published 1986–2017, was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and PROSPERO databases. Of 1523 published articles, 45 cases of insulin overdoses were included with a total median insulin dose of 900 international units (IU) (range 26–4800 IU). Hospitalization occurred in 44 cases with a median hospitalization duration of 94 hr (range 12–721 hr), and one‐third (n = 15) admitted to the intensive care unit. First‐line treatment was IV glucose treatment in 95% of cases. Treatment options besides IV glucose that were reported beneficial included glucagon IV or intramuscular (IM), octreotide IV or IM, surgical excision, hydrocortisone IV and oral intake of complex carbohydrates. Prevalent complications were intermittent cerebral impairment (73%), hypokalaemia (49%), other electrolyte disturbances (42%), and hepatic disturbances (7%) and cardiac toxicity (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia) (9%). Long‐term consequences were one case of lasting hypoglycaemic encephalopathy and one death. In conclusion, following large insulin overdoses, in‐hospital admission and treatment with IV glucose may be needed for up to a week. Monitoring of electrolytes and hepatic and cardiac functions seems important. Several experimental treatment options may be considered in addition to glucose administration. With appropriate pre‐ and in‐hospital treatment, cases with severe hypoglycaemia and neurologic complications may have a favourable outcome.
Alterations of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in bipolar disorder mood states detected by quantitative T1ρ mapping
Authors: Johnson Casey P , Christensen Gary E , Fiedorowicz Jess G , Mani Merry , Shaffer Joseph J , Magnotta Vincent A , Wemmie John A 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesQuantitative mapping of T1 relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ) is a magnetic resonance imaging technique sensitive to pH and other cellular and microstructural factors, and is a potentially valuable tool for identifying brain alterations in bipolar disorder. Recently, this technique identified differences in the cerebellum and cerebral white matter of euthymic patients vs healthy controls that were consistent with reduced pH in these regions, suggesting an underlying metabolic abnormality. The current study built upon this prior work to investigate brain T1ρ differences across euthymic, depressed, and manic mood states of bipolar disorder.MethodsForty participants with bipolar I disorder and 29 healthy control participants matched for age and gender were enrolled. Participants with bipolar disorder were imaged in one or more mood states, yielding 27, 12, and 13 imaging sessions in euthymic, depressed, and manic mood states, respectively. Three‐dimensional, whole‐brain anatomical images and T1ρ maps were acquired for all participants, enabling voxel‐wise evaluation of T1ρ differences between bipolar mood state and healthy control groups.ResultsAll three mood state groups had increased T1ρ relaxation times in the cerebellum compared to the healthy control group. Additionally, the depressed and manic groups had reduced T1ρ relaxation times in and around the basal ganglia compared to the control and euthymic groups.ConclusionsThe study implicated the cerebellum and basal ganglia in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and its mood states, the roles of which are relatively unexplored. These findings motivate further investigation of the underlying cause of the abnormalities, and the potential role of altered metabolic activity in these regions.
Optimising outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia on ibrutinib therapy: European recommendations for clinical practice
Authors: Gribben John G. , Bosch Francesc , Cymbalista Florence , Geisler Christian H. , Ghia Paolo , Hillmen Peter , Moreno Carol , Stilgenbauer Stephan 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIbrutinib is indicated in Europe for the treatment of several B‐cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, despite the high efficacy and favourable toxicity profile of ibrutinib, recent data suggest that it is not always administered optimally in clinical practice, with an increased tendency for dose reduction and a higher frequency of discontinuation. An expert panel of European haematologists was convened to identify practical issues pertinent to physicians involved in the therapeutic management of ibrutinib‐treated CLL patients and here we outline the findings. Practical management recommendations are given for treating patients with ibrutinib and clinical considerations for the management of adverse events (AEs) that can be associated with ibrutinib treatment are addressed. This article highlights that patients should be monitored for treatment emergent adverse events, most of which are mild, transient and generally occur early in therapy and that, even with more challenging AEs, patients can often be maintained on therapy with minimal disruption through careful management. The necessity to use the correct ibrutinib dose, along with increased awareness, vigilance, mitigation and management of AEs, are all recommended to maximise outcomes for CLL patients treated with ibrutinib.
The Layering of Meso‐Level Institutional Effects on Employment Systems in Japan
Authors: Morris Jonathan , Delbridge Rick , Endo Takahiro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractJapan's corporate governance and employment relations systems have been under considerable pressures to reform towards a more Anglo‐American model, against a back‐drop of intensified global competition and slow economic growth over two ‘lost’ decades. But what is the relationship between these systems, and specifically, how does corporate governance structure condition employment relations practice? This paper adopts the ‘Systems, Society, Dominance and Corporate (SSDC) effects’ framework in order to contextualize and evaluate the outcomes of these pressures, particularly in the period following the 2007–2008 global financial crisis. It reports case study data from various parts of the Japanese economy drawn from a series of firm‐based interviews and a variety of secondary sources. It is argued that there has been a strong degree of continuity in certain employment practices, such as lifetime employment, even in relatively new high technology firms, but that the pattern for other practices, such as seniority‐based pay, is more mixed with increasing differentiation between industries and individual organizations. We articulate a layered assessment of the varying SSDC effects at play in corporate Japan. This differentiation across industries and organizations is a function both of strategic choice (corporate effects) and also the increasing variation in the meso‐level institutional pressures that are experienced at organizational level; that is, the differentiation in the sources and nature of dominance effects that are relevant.
Prophylactic benefits of systemically delivered simvastatin treatment in a house dust mite challenged murine model of allergic asthma
Authors: Jha Aruni , Ryu Min H , OO Ojo , Bews Hilary J , Carlson Jules C , Schwartz Jacquie , Basu Sujata , Wong Charles S , Halayko Andrew J 
Published: January 2018

Background and PurposeSystemically delivered statins can blunt airway inflammation in ovalbumin‐challenged mice. However, in asthma clinical trials the beneficial effects of introducing oral statins are not compelling. We have invetigated this discrepancy using a clinically relevant murine model of allergic asthma, and by including a prophylactic study arm.Experimental ApproachAdult mice were: 1) challenged with house dust mite (HDM) alone or with subcutaneous (s.c.) simvastatin for two weeks; or 2) also treated with simvastatin for one week prior to HDM challenge. We assayed lung function, inflammatory cell influx and cytokine profile, goblet cell abundance, and simvastatin concentration in serum, lung lavage and tissue.Key ResultsUltrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry revealed that pharmacologically active simvastatin reached peak serum concentration after 8 h, but declined rapidly. Prophylactic treatment doubled peak serum simvastatin and repeated s.c. delivery established stable serum levels, but simvastatin was undetectable in the lungs. Both simvastatin treatment arms suppressed indices of HDM‐induced airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia, but this was significantly greater with prophylactic therapy, in particular, inhibition of neutrophil and eosinophil influx, and cytokine accumulation. Conversely, neither acute nor prophylactic delivery of simvastatin prevented HDM challenge‐induced airway hyperreactivity.Conclusion and ImplicationsSystemically administered simvastatin accumulates in the blood, but not in lung tissues, and reduces leukocyte influx and associated lung inflammation. Prophylactic therapy has the greatest anti‐inflammatory effects, but as observed in human clinical trials, systemic simvastatin therapy does not prevent allergic airway hyperreactivity.
Respiratory impedance is correlated with airway narrowing in asthma using three‐dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Karayama M. , Inui N. , Mori K. , Kono M. , Hozumi H. , Suzuki Y. , Furuhashi K. , Hashimoto D. , Enomoto N. , Fujisawa T. , Nakamura Y. , Watanabe H. , Suda T. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundRespiratory impedance comprises the resistance and reactance of the respiratory system and can provide detailed information on respiratory function. However, details of the relationship between impedance and morphological airway changes in asthma are unknown.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the correlation between imaging‐based airway changes and respiratory impedance in patients with asthma.MethodsRespiratory impedance and spirometric data were evaluated in 72 patients with asthma and 29 reference subjects. We measured the intraluminal area (Ai) and wall thickness (WT) of third‐ to sixth‐generation bronchi using three‐dimensional computed tomographic analyses, and values were adjusted by body surface area (BSA, Ai/BSA, and WT/the square root (√) of BSA).ResultsAsthma patients had significantly increased respiratory impedance, decreased Ai/BSA, and increased WT/√BSA, as was the case in those without airflow limitation as assessed by spirometry. Ai/BSA was inversely correlated with respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and 20 Hz (R20). R20 had a stronger correlation with Ai/BSA than did R5. Ai/BSA was positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio, percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and percentage predicted mid‐expiratory flow. WT/√BSA had no significant correlation with spirometry or respiratory impedance.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceRespiratory resistance is associated with airway narrowing.
A patient‐specific approach to develop an exclusion diet to manage food allergy in infants and children
Authors: Venter C. , Groetch M. , Netting M. , Meyer R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFood allergy is becoming increasingly common in infants and young children. This article set out to explain the different factors that should be taken into account during an individualized allergy consultation: Foods to avoid and degree of avoidance, suitable alternatives, self‐management skills, co‐ and cross‐reactive allergens and novel allergens alongside the role of the industry in allergen avoidance, importance of nutritional aspects of the diet and the future directions that nutritional guidance make take. Allergy management advice should be individualized to provide a patient‐specific approach. Changes in the management of food allergies have in particular occurred in nut, milk and egg allergies over the past few years. There has also been a progressive increase in our understanding of cross‐reactivity between different foods and also food and aero‐allergens. A patient‐specific approach of allergen avoidance should consider factors relating to industry and the environment such as food and nutrition literacy, threshold levels, cross‐contact/contamination and safe eating away from home. Increasing migration and travel has also led to exposure of unfamiliar foods. As understanding improves on individual allergens and threshold levels, food labels and food labelling laws are affected. Allergy specialist dietitians should also keep up to date with the latest information on nutrition, the gut microbiome and the immune system to incorporate nutrition strategies in a dietetic consultation using an evidence‐based approach.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐21 promotes glioma cell proliferation and inhibits senescence and apoptosis by targeting SPRY1 via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Chai Chang , Song Lai‐Jun , Han Shuang‐Yin , Li Xi‐Qing , Li Ming 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAimsOur study aims to investigate the effect of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) on the proliferation, senescence, and apoptosis of glioma cells by targeting SPRY1 via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.MethodsGlioma tissues and brain tissues were collected for this study after surgical decompression for traumatic brain injury. RT‐qPCR was employed to measure mRNA levels of miR‐21, SPRY1, PTEN,PI3K, and AKT, and Western blotting was conducted to determine protein levels of SPRY1, PTEN,PI3K, AKT, p‐AKT, Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, P53, GSK3, and p‐GSK3. Human glioma U87 cells were assigned into the blank, negative control (NC), miR‐21 mimics, miR‐21 inhibitors, siRNA‐SPRY1, and miR‐21 inhibitors + siRNA‐SPRY1 groups, with human HEB cells serving as the normal group. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were determined by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively.ResultsCompared with control group, an increased expression of miR‐21, PI3K, AKT, p‐AKT, P53, and p‐GSK3, and a decreased expression of SPRY1, PTEN, Caspase‐3, and Caspase‐9 were observed in the glioma group, and no significant differences were found in the expression of GSK3. SPRY1 was verified to be the target gene of miR‐21. Compared with the blank and NC groups, levels of PI3K, AKT, p‐AKT, P53, and p‐GSK3 increased while levels of SPRY1, PTEN, Caspase‐3, and Caspase‐9 decreased in the miR‐21 mimics and siRNA‐SPRY1 groups; the miR‐21 inhibitors group reversed the tendency; furthermore, the miR‐21 inhibitors group showed decreased cell proliferation but promoted apoptosis, which were opposite to the results of the miR‐21 mimics and siRNA‐SPRY1 groups.ConclusionMicroRNA‐21 might promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell senescence and apoptosis of human glioma cells by targeting SPRY1 via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Fingolimod‐improved axonal and myelin integrity of white matter tracts associated with multiple sclerosis‐related functional impairments
Authors: Gurevich Michael , Waknin Roy , Stone Evan , Achiron Anat 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAimsFingolimod hydrochloride is an effective immunomodulatory drug in improving relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, data on the neuroradiologic effects on white matter (WM) have not been demonstrated. In this study, we aimed elucidating the impact of 1‐year fingolimod treatment on WM integrity in patients with RRMS.MethodsDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was applied to assess axonal and myelin integrity in specific WM tracts of patients with RRMS prior to and 1 year postfingolimod treatment (n = 30). The fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity were analyzed using tract‐based spatial statistics on specific regions of interest associated with impaired Expanded Disability Status Scale functional scores before treatment.ResultsIn patients with impaired pyramidal function at baseline (average score 2.3 ± 0.2, n = 25), fingolimod induced a significant increase in FA (P = 0.002) and decrease in RD (P = 0.03) in the corticospinal tract. In patients with impaired cerebellar function at baseline (average score 2.0 ± 0.1, n = 19), significant increases in FA and decreases in RD were observed in the superior (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, respectively) and inferior (P = 0.03, P = 0.05, respectively) cerebellar peduncles.ConclusionThe observed results suggest increased microstructural integrity and decreased demyelination of damaged WM tracts and support the possible direct mechanism of fingolimod action.
TAK‐063, a novel PDE10A inhibitor with balanced activation of direct and indirect pathways, provides a unique opportunity for the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Kazunori , Kimura Haruhide 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe basal ganglia regulates motor, cognitive, and emotional behaviors. Dysfunction of dopamine system in this area is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia characterized by positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are principal output neurons of striatum in the basal ganglia. Similar to current antipsychotics with dopamine D2 receptor antagonism or partial agonism, phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibitors activate indirect pathway MSNs, leading to the expectation of therapeutic potential for the treatment of psychosis. PDE10A inhibitors also activate direct pathway MSNs which may be associated with cognitive functions. These pathways have competing effects on antipsychotic‐like activities and extrapyramidal symptoms in rodents. Therefore, careful consideration of activation pattern of these pathways by a PDE10A inhibitor is critical to produce potent efficacy and superior safety profiles. In this review, we outline the pharmacological profile of TAK‐063, a novel PDE10A selective inhibitor. Our study revealed that off‐rates of PDE10A inhibitors may characterize their pharmacological profiles via regulation of each MSN pathway. TAK‐063, with a faster off‐rate property, could provide a unique opportunity as a novel therapeutic approach to treatment of psychosis and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. TAK‐063 also has a therapeutic potential in other basal ganglia disorders.
A dynamic fuzzy‐based dance mechanism for the bee colony optimization algorithm
Authors: Choong Shin Siang , Wong Li‐Pei , Lim Chee Peng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe bee colony optimization (BCO) algorithm with a linear dance function (denoted as the BCO‐Linear algorithm) is inspired by the bees' foraging behaviors, in which waggle dances are modeled as a communication medium among bees. Through these informative waggle dances, more bees are recruited toward exploring more profitable search regions. In the BCO‐Linear algorithm, a fitter bee is allowed to dance longer, and the dance duration is determined by a linear function with a scaling parameter that requires manual tuning. This article presents a dynamic fuzzy‐based dance mechanism, ie, the BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm, to solve the manual tuning problem. A fuzzy‐based approach is applied to regulate the duration of waggle dances instead of regulating the dance duration using a linear function. The proposed BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm comprises parameters that are dynamically controlled based on the feedback of the search process, therefore overcoming the limitation of manual parameter tuning of the BCO‐Linear algorithm. The BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm is evaluated comprehensively using a set of benchmark traveling salesman problems. The experimental results show that the performance of the BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm is comparable with that of the BCO‐Linear algorithm. Specifically, the dynamic fuzzy‐based dance mechanism improves the BCO algorithm in terms of rewarding dance instances near the inflection point. Performance comparison with other nature‐inspired algorithms proves the effectiveness of the proposed BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm.