bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) extract oil in painful diabetic neuropathy: A double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Heydari Mojtaba , Homayouni Kaynoosh , Hashempur Mohammad Hashem , Shams Mesbah 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to examine the safety and efficacy of a topical formulation of Citrullus colocynthis in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN).MethodsThe study was designed as a two‐arm double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial using a parallel design. Sixty patients with PDPN were randomly allocated to receive either a topical formulation of C. colocynthis or placebo (1:1 allocation ratio) for 3 months. Patients were evaluated before and after the intervention using the neuropathic pain scale, electrodiagnostic findings, World Health Organization Biomedical Research and Education Foundation (BREF) quality of life (WHOQOL‐BREF) scores, and reported adverse events.ResultsThere was a significantly greater decrease in mean pain score after 3 months in the C. colocynthis (−3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.19, −4.60) than placebo (−2.28; 95% CI −1.66, −2.90) group (P < 0.001). Mean changes in nerve conduction velocity of the tibial nerve, distal latency of the superficial peroneal nerve and sural nerve, and sensory amplitude of the sural nerve were significantly higher in the intervention than placebo group (P < 0.001) in favour of the intervention. In the different domains of WHOQOL‐BREF, there was a significant improvement only for the mean score in the physical domain.ConclusionsApplication of a topical formulation of C. colocynthis fruit extract can decrease pain in patients with PDPN. It also may have some uncertain effects on nerve function and the physical domain of quality of life, which require further investigation in studies with larger sample sizes and of longer duration.
Effect of high‐volume systematic local infiltration analgesia in Caesarean section: a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: LARSEN K. R. , KRISTENSEN B. B. , RASMUSSEN M. A. , RASMUSSEN Y. H. , WEBER T. , KRISTENSEN B. , KEHLET H. 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundPain after Caesarean section is often treated with opioids with a risk of side effects. Wound infiltration with local anaesthetics is effective and has few side effects, but volume vs. dose concentration has not been examined.MethodsNinety patients scheduled for elective Caesarean section included in a randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial receiving infiltration with 50 ml ropivacaine 0.5% or 125 ml ropivacaine 0.2% or 50 ml 0.9% saline (placebo) during surgery. Surgery was performed under lumbar spinal anaesthesia. Primary endpoint was post‐operative pain. Secondary endpoints were rescue analgesic, post‐operative nausea and vomiting, time spent in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and time to first mobilisation.ResultsNo difference in pain response between groups, but time until maximum pain score was prolonged in the ropivacaine 0.5% group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.0493). The administration of ketobemidone at 24 h post‐operatively in the ropivacaine 0.5% group was reduced compared with the placebo group (P = 0.020), and between the ropivacaine 0.2% group and the ropivacaine 0.5% group (P = 0.044). No significant differences between groups were found concerning time spent in the PACU, to first mobilisation or in number of women with nausea/vomiting (P ≥ 0.05). No complications related to ropivacaine were observed.ConclusionsSystematic infiltration with a high concentration, low volume compared with low concentration, high volume showed no significant effect on post‐operative pain intensity. However, a statistically significant, but clinically limited opioid sparing effect was demonstrated compared with placebo in the high concentration, low volume group.
Predicting prolonged hospital stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Morimoto Yoshikazu , Mizuno Hitoshi , Akamaru Yusuke , Yasumasa Keigo , Noro Hiroshi , Kono Emiko , Yamasaki Yoshio 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntroductionWidespread application of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has resulted in a high complication rate and leads to prolonged hospital stays. This study aimed to investigate the preoperative and intraoperative clinical factors that relate to prolongation of hospital stay.MethodsWe studied 370 patients who underwent LC for gallbladder disease between 2008 and 2012. Clinical risk factors were retrospectively collected. The clinical pathway for LC was indicated for all patients, and they were divided into two groups according to postoperative length of stay (LOS): the normal duration group (LOS ≤5 days) and the long duration (LD) group (LOS ≥6 days). Multiple regression analysis was used to predict risk factors that identified hospital prolongation to create a LOS prediction score.ResultsThe normal duration group was 236 patients and the LD group was 134. Seventeen patients (4.6%) required conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. LOS was 4.82 days in the normal duration group and 12.08 days in the LD group. In the LD group, 18.7% of the patients stayed more than 14 days, but no patients were readmitted. Thirteen clinical factors were statistically different between the two groups. ASA score and LC difficulty were the most predictive risk factors for LOS prolongation. LOS prediction score consisted of eight variables selected from 13 factors; it helped determine the likelihood of whether a patients’ hospital stay was prolonged (sensitivity, 82.1%; specificity, 75.0%).ConclusionThirteen factors closely related to hospital stay duration and LOS prediction score could predict the prolongation of a patient's hospital stay.
Outcome of acute myeloid leukemia patients with pulmonary nodules of uncertain etiology receiving allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant
Authors: Lim Sara J. , Lim Matthew J. , Raptis Anastasios , Hou Jing‐Zhou , Farah Rafic , Marks Stanley , Im Annie , Dorritie Kathleen , Sehgal Alison , Agha Mounzer , Lim Seah H. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPulmonary nodules (PNs) develop frequently in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They are of infectious or inflammatory origin. They pose potential challenges to successful hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplant as they may be niches for infection reactivation or sites susceptible to subsequent infections. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 20 AML patients with multiple PNs who underwent allogeneic HPC transplants (12 related, 8 unrelated). There were 13 males and seven females (median age 52 yrs). Nine patients were in CR1, seven in CR2, and four with residual disease. The median times from appearance of PNs and from last positive CT scans to transplant were three and two months, respectively. The median time from pretransplant CT scans to transplant was one month. Multiple PNs were still reported in 5/20 of the pretransplant scans. The PNs in all five patients did not worsen after transplant. Four patients (one with positive pretransplant CT scan) died within the first 100 d after transplant, but none from primary pulmonary pathology. The median survival of this group of patients was 350 d. Our results, therefore, suggest that multiple PNs of uncertain etiology in patients with AML do not impact adversely on the outcome of allogeneic HPC transplant.
Geographical patterns of butterfly species diversity in the subtropical Ryukyu Islands: the importance of a unidirectional filter between two source islands
Authors: Hirao Toshihide , Kubota Yasuhiro , Murakami Masashi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimTo examine the roles of geohistorical and ecological factors in the development of butterfly assemblages on continental islands with multiple source pools.LocationThe Ryukyu Islands, Japan. This arc of continental islands is located between two source islands, Kyushu and Taiwan, and contains two major straits, the Tokara and Kerama gaps.MethodsA total of 489 butterfly species were identified on 59 islands, including the two source islands. The influences on species richness and rarity of latitude, area, elevation, and distances from the nearest source and from the nearest larger island were analysed using generalized linear models. The relationships between differences in area, elevation, and distance and dissimilarity between island butterfly faunas were evaluated by multiple regressions on distance matrices. The relationships between area, elevation, and distance from the source and dissimilarity to the source fauna were examined using linear models. The dissimilarity was based on the Sørensen index and its nestedness and turnover components.ResultsLatitude, area and isolation determined species richness and rarity, whereas differences in elevation and distance regulated species turnover between islands. The gaps between islands were associated with nestedness between island faunas. Area consistently had a negative relationship with the total dissimilarity to source fauna. The overall dissimilarity to Kyushu decreased with the distance from Kyushu, whereas dissimilarity to Taiwan increased with distance from Taiwan.Main conclusionsBoth environmental filtering and dispersal limitation determine the geographical patterns of butterfly assemblages in the Ryukyus. The present study focuses on the unique pattern wherein migration from Kyushu is facilitated on islands farther from Kyushu, while migration from Taiwan is inhibited on islands farther from Taiwan. The two source islands have contrasting roles that affect butterfly distributions unidirectionally. This study highlights the importance of resolving dissimilarity into nestedness and turnover components to elucidate the formation of island biota.
‘Pre‐Accession Europeanization’: The Case of Serbia and Kosovo
Authors: Economides Spyros , Ker‐Lindsay James 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article argues that there is much confusion surrounding Serbia's landmark decision to engage in a process of normalization with Kosovo. Rather than undergoing a process of Europeanization, whereby a fundamental transformation in the underlying rationale and processes of decision‐making occurred, as some have argued, the changes in Serbia's policy are in fact based on material concerns. By tracing relations in the EU‐Serbia‐Kosovo triangle, the article shows that change in Serbia's approach towards Kosovo is based on pragmatism and political opportunism, rather than absorption, adaptation, convergence or identity formation. What we have witnessed is a more short‐term, interest based policy shift serving very specific economic purposes. In conceptual terms, this is better understood as a policy of rationally instrumental ‘pre‐Accession Europeanization’ rather than as a process of adaptive normative Europeanization as more conventionally understood in the literature.
Swedish and South African Nursing Students’ Descriptions of Family
Authors: Erlingsson Christen , Brysiewicz Petra 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare and contrast descriptions of “family” amongst Swedish and South African university nursing students.Design and MethodsThis qualitative inquiry, using convenience sampling, explored how 232 undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students responded to a two‐query, open‐response questionnaire designed to elicit a definition of family and a description of who students considered to be members of their own families. Free‐text responses were analyzed using manifest and qualitative content analysis.FindingsFive categories emerged from the data: Ties of Kinship, Ties of Love, Ties of Influence, Ties of Everyday Life, and Tied by Slipknots. Analysis clarified that students’ responses from both countries were addressing the same issues and as such were in general very similar. Contrasting Swedish and South African responses, a noticeable difference in proportions of responses coded into each category was evident. Three conceptualizations of family are offered: for the total sample, Swedish sample, and South African sample.ConclusionsThe study provides data on students’ conceptualization of family usable in family research, nursing education, and practice as a basis for comparison, and as a starting point for discussions on the nursing of families, not only in South Africa and Sweden, but also in broader international contexts.Clinical RelevanceBecause understanding family is important for healthcare providers in their everyday work, awareness about what is meant by family can assist nurses through increasing understanding of the complexities surrounding this issue and encouraging cultural sensitivity and openness to patients’ and families’ views about who is a family member.
LATS2 induced by TNF‐alpha and inhibited cell proliferation and invasion by phosphorylating YAP in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dong Cong , Wei Kui‐Jie , Zhang Wen‐Bin , Sun Hao , Pan Hong‐Ya , Zhang Lei 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveMany reports indicated LATS2 was a component of the Hippo pathway, could phosphorylate and inactivate YAP, acted as a tumor suppressor in human cancers. But few studies investigated the role of LATS2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and clarified the mechanisms of regulation of LATS2 expression.DesignThe expressions of LATS2 and phosphorylated YAP were detected by Western blotting in HN6 cells treated with TNF‐α in different time and different dose. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to detect whether YAP can be phosphorylated by LATS2 in HN6 cells. Cell proliferation, anchorage independent growth in soft agar, transwell cell invasion assay, and nu mice in vivo xenografts growth were performed to study the effects of overexpression of LATS2 on OSCC cells.ResultsIn this study, we confirmed that YAP can be phosphorylated by LATS2. LATS2 can be dose‐ and time‐dependently induced by TNF‐α in HN6 cells. Overexpression of LATS2 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, cell invasion, and in vivo xenografts growth in OSCC cells.ConclusionLATS2 could be induced by TNF‐alpha and inhibited cell proliferation and invasion by phosphorylating YAP in OSCC cells. LATS2 might play a role in the tumorigenesis of OSCC and might be a potential therapeutic target in OSCC treatment.
Extensive respiratory chain defects in inhibitory interneurones in patients with mitochondrial disease
Authors: Lax Nichola Z. , Grady John , Laude Alex , Chan Felix , Hepplewhite Philippa D. , Gorman Grainne , Whittaker Roger G. , Ng Yi , Cunningham Mark O. , Turnbull Doug M. 
Published: March 2015

AimsMitochondrial disorders are among the most frequently inherited cause of neurological disease and arise due to mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA. Currently, we do not understand the specific involvement of certain brain regions or selective neuronal vulnerability in mitochondrial disease. Recent studies suggest γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic interneurones are particularly susceptible to respiratory chain dysfunction. In this neuropathological study, we assess the impact of mitochondrial DNA defects on inhibitory interneurones in patients with mitochondrial disease.MethodsHistochemical, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent assays were performed on post‐mortem brain tissue from 10 patients and 10 age‐matched control individuals. We applied a quantitative immunofluorescent method to interrogate complex I and IV protein expression in mitochondria within GABAergic interneurone populations in the frontal, temporal and occipital cortices. We also evaluated the density of inhibitory interneurones in serial sections to determine if cell loss was occurring.ResultsWe observed significant, global reductions in complex I expression within GABAergic interneurones in frontal, temporal and occipital cortices in the majority of patients. While complex IV expression is more variable, there is reduced expression in patients harbouring m.8344A>G point mutations and POLG mutations. In addition to the severe respiratory chain deficiencies observed in remaining interneurones, quantification of GABAergic cell density showed a dramatic reduction in cell density suggesting interneurone loss.ConclusionsWe propose that the combined loss of interneurones and severe respiratory deficiency in remaining interneurones contributes to impaired neuronal network oscillations and could underlie development of neurological deficits, such as cognitive impairment and epilepsy, in mitochondrial disease.
Father role: A comparison between teenage and adult first‐time fathers in Thailand
Authors: Sriyasak Atcharawadee , Almqvist Anna‐Lena , Sridawruang Chaweewan , Häggström‐Nordin Elisabet 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this study, we compared perceived father roles among teenage and adult first‐time fathers in Thailand. The design was cross‐sectional and comparative, and the sample involved 70 teenage and 70 adult fathers, whose children were 2–6 months old. The fathers were recruited from 32 primary healthcare centers in the western region of Thailand. Three validated, self‐reported questionnaires with multiple‐choice questions were used for data collection. Differences between the two groups were analyzed using χ2‐test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test. The results revealed differences between teenage and adult fathers concerning income, educational level, and intention to have a baby. The teenage father group had a lower sense of competence, and scored lower on childrearing behavior and father–child relationship than the adult father group. These findings provide healthcare professionals with increased knowledge and understanding of teenage fathers' needs in preparing for parenthood. Given that we now know the importance of positive father roles in children's lives, health authorities should be expected to provide resources to help support these fathers.
Intraoperative mechanical ventilation strategies for obese patients: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang C. , Zhao N. , Wang W. , Guo Libo , Guo Lei , Chi C. , Wang X. , Pi X. , Cui Y. , Li E. 
Published: March 2015

SummarySeveral intraoperative ventilation strategies are available for obese patients. However, the same ventilation interventions have exhibited different effects on PaO2/FIO2 concerning obese patients in different trials, and the issue remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a network meta‐analysis to identify the optimal mechanical ventilation strategy. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science for studies published up to June 2014, and the PaO2/FIO2 in obese patients given different mechanical ventilation strategies was assessed. We assessed the studies for eligibility and extracted data and then pooled the data and used a Bayesian fixed‐effect model to combine direct comparisons with indirect evidence. Eligible studies evaluated different ventilation strategies for obese patients and reported the intraoperative PaO2/FIO2 ratio, atelectasis and pulmonary compliance. Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included for network meta‐analysis, including 476 patients who received 1 of 12 ventilation strategies. Volume‐controlled ventilation with higher PEEP plus single recruitment manoeuvres (VCV + higher PEEP + single RM) was associated with the highest PaO2/FiO2 ratio, improving intraoperative pulmonary compliance and reducing the incidence of intraoperative atelectasis.
Proteomic analysis provides new insights into the adaptive response of a dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense to changing ambient nitrogen
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Jiao , Zhang Shu‐Fei , He Zhi‐Ping , Lin Lin , Wang Da‐Zhi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNitrogen (N) is the major nutrient limiting phytoplankton growth and productivity over large ocean areas. Dinoflagellates are important primary producers and major causative agents of harmful algal blooms in the ocean. However, very little is known about their adaptive response to changing ambient N. Here, we compared the protein profiles of a marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense grown in inorganic N‐replete, N‐deplete and N‐resupplied conditions using 2‐D fluorescence differential gel electrophoresis. The results showed that cell density, chlorophyll a and particulate organic N contents presented low levels in N‐deplete cells, while particulate organic carbon content and glutamine synthetase (GS) activity maintained high levels. Comparison of the protein profiles of N‐replete, N‐deplete and N‐resupplied cells indicated that proteins involved in photosynthesis, carbon fixation, protein and lipid synthesis were down‐regulated, while proteins participating in N reallocation and transport activity were up‐regulated in N‐deplete cells. High expressions of GS and 60 kDa chaperonin as well as high GS activity in N‐deplete cells indicated their central role in N stress adaptation. Overall, in contrast with other photosynthetic eukaryotic algae, P. donghaiense possessed a specific ability to regulate intracellular carbon and N metabolism in response to extreme ambient N deficiency.
Pharmacy as a centre for Protestant reform in Renaissance Venice
Authors: Kostylo Joanna 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article reveals the importance of the Renaissance pharmacy for the history of the Reformation. Focusing on the case of a Venetian apothecary and physician, Gian'Battista Gemma (1537–1608), the article highlights the role of Venetian pharmacies as sites of religious and scientific innovation, as well as healthcare provision and poor relief. It argues that a pharmacy was one of the most conspicuous and radical centres for unorthodox belief in Renaissance Venice. Drawing on recent studies of medical networks, spaces and identities, and questions related to cultural transfers, the article examines the way in which contemporary apothecaries and physicians integrated their religious pursuits into their professional activities. Like contemporary preachers, schoolmasters and master printers, Venetian men of medicine emerge as a particularly energetic group of cultural brokers who were able to give their reforming ideas broad influence through a variety of social, economic and professional means.
Redesigned 26-Inch Last-Stage for Improved Turbine Reliability and Efficiency
Authors: O’Connor M. F. , Robbins K. E. , Williams J. C. 
Published: March 2015

Since its introduction in the mid-1950s, General Electric’s 26-in last stage bucket for large steam turbines has proven to be a popular and durable design. Since that time, however, major advances have been made in aerodynamic and structural design methods and manufacturing technology.
This paper describes an improved 26-in. last-stage bucket which has been developed for application to new large steam turbines and as replacement rows in operating units. The new bucket is a design having continuous coupling at the outermost periphery and near the midpoint of the vane, and benefits the user through substantial efficiency gains and improved reliability margins.
Gravel Bed Combustor for Solid Fuel Fired Gas Turbine
Authors: Ragland Kenneth W. , Aerts Danny J. 
Published: March 2015

A fixed bed, downdraft combustor for solid fuels applicable to gas turbine cogeneration or combined cycles is described. The combustor has a refractory gravel bed, with fuel placed on top of the gravel and burning at the fuel-gravel interface. The gravel retains fuel particles in the combustion zone, preventing carryover of unburned char. Combustion temperature is held below the ash fusion temperature by using high excess air through the bed, thereby minimizing particulate ash agglomeration.
Previous work on fixed bed, downdraft combustors and coal fired gas turbines is reviewed. Recent results from test firing a 480 cm2 (0.5 ft2) gravel bed combustor at atmospheric pressure with 2 cm (0.75 in.) wood chips are presented. Heat release rates of 3500 MJ/hr m2 (300,000 Btu/hr ft2) and higher were obtained. Carbon carryover in the exhaust was negligible. Approximately 85 percent of the particulate ash emissions was less than 10 microns.