bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Ursodeoxycholic acid in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a systematic review
Authors: Xiang Zun , Chen Yi-peng , Ma Kui-fen , Ye Yue-fang , Zheng Lin , Yang Yi-da , Li You-ming , Jin Xi 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition that occurs during the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Effective therapy for NASH is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the treatment of NASH.MethodsWestern and Chinese databases were searched by independent investigators using appropriate MESH headings to identify randomized, controlled Western and Chinese clinical trials, published between January 1990 and October 2012, testing the effects of UDCA in patients with NASH. Patient characteristics and trial endpoints were analyzed, with quality assessment according to widely acknowledged criteria. P < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant in all trials.ResultsTwelve qualified randomized clinical trials, including six from China and involving 1160 subjects, were selected. Seven of these trials assessed the effects of UDCA Monotherapy, with the other five testing combinations of UDCA with vitamin E, polyene phosphatidylcholine, silymarin, glycyrrhizin and tiopronin. The duration of therapy ranged from 3 to 24 months, with two studies using high doses of UDCA (23–35 mg/kg/d). The average quality point was 2.69, and was significantly lower in articles from China than in those from Western countries (2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 3.8 ± 1.1, respectively, p < 0.05). UDCA Monotherapy significantly improved liver function in five studies and improved steatosis and fibrosis in two studies. All five studies assessing UDCA combination therapy showed significant improvements liver function, while two studies also improved steatosis and inflammation. One study of high-dose UDCA showed significant improvements in ALT, γGT and liver fibrosis, whereas the other study showed no significant change in ALT and liver pathology.ConclusionsUDCA therapy is effective in NASH, especially when combined with other drugs. However, the low quality of these studies and the heterogeneity of their results precluded further meta-analysis. Additional carefully designed clinical trials are needed, especially in China.
Heart dysfunction in patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA does not predict all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up
Authors: Holmström Alexandra , Fu Michael LX , Hjalmarsson Clara , Bokemark Lena , Andersson Björn 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Despite heart failure being a substantial risk factor for stroke, few studies have evaluated the predictive value of heart dysfunction for all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke, in particular in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate whether impaired heart function in elderly patients can predict all-cause mortality after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods
A prospective long-term follow-up analysis was performed on a hospital cohort consisting of n = 132 patients with mean age 73 ± 9 years, presenting with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, without atrial fibrillation. All patients were examined by echocardiography during the hospital stay. Data about all-cause mortality were collected at the end of the follow-up period. The mean follow-up period was 56 ± 22 months.

Results
In this cohort, 58% of patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA had heart dysfunction. Survival analysis showed that heart dysfunction did not predict all-cause mortality in this cohort. Furthermore, in multivariate regression analysis age (HR 5.401, Cl 1.97-14.78, p < 0.01), smoking (HR 3.181, Cl 1.36-7.47, p < 0.01), myocardial infarction (HR 2.826, Cl 1.17-6.83, p < 0.05) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality.

Conclusion
In this population with acute ischemic stroke or TIA and without non-valvular atrial fibrillation, impaired heart function does not seem to be a significant predictor of all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up.
Selaginella tamariscina extract suppresses TPA-induced invasion and metastasis through inhibition of MMP-9 in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE-1 cells
Authors: Hsin Chung-Han , Wu Buor-Chang , Chuang Chun-Yi , Yang Shun-Fa , Hsieh Yi-Hsien , Ho Hsin-Yu , Lin Huang-Pin , Chen Mu-Kuan , Lin Chiao-Wen 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is known for its high incidence of neck lymph node metastasis, which represents poor prognosis. The present study aimed to examine the anti-metastatic properties ofSelaginella tamariscinaextract (STE) in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE-1 cellsin vitro.MethodsCell viability was examined by MTT assay, whereas cell motility was measured by invasive, migration and would healing assays. Real-time PCR, and promoter assays confirmed the inhibitory effects of STE on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mRNA level in HONE-1 cells.ResultsThe STE inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced HONE-1 cell migration and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. By zymographic and Western blot analyses, STE was shown to inhibit the activities and expression of MMP-9. Treatment of STE on TPA-induced HONE-1 cells inhibited MMP-9 expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation without affecting JNK and p38 phosphorylation.ConclusionsSTE inhibits MMP-9 expression and HONE-1 cell metastasis. Its inhibitory effects may involve the Src/FAK/ERK 1/2 pathway. STE may have the potential of being an anti-metastatic agent against NPC.
Development of adaptive pneumatic tourniquet systems based on minimal inflation pressure for upper limb surgeries
Authors: Liu Hong-yun , Guo Jun-yan , Zhang Zheng-bo , Li Kai-yuan , Wang Wei-dong 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundPneumatic tourniquets are medical devices that occlude blood flow to distal part of extremities and are commonly used in upper limb surgeries to provide a dry, clean and bloodless field. To decrease pressure-related injuries and potential risk of complications subjected to the high inflation pressure of pneumatic tourniquet, minimal inflation pressures are recommended.MethodsA new occlusion pressure mathematical model for the upper limb was established based on the correlation analysis between several possible influencing parameters and the minimal pneumatic tourniquet pressure at which the peripheral pulse disappeared was recorded using a digital plethysmograph. A prototype of an adaptive pneumatic tourniquet which automatically varies the pressure in the tourniquet cuff according to the above prediction model was developed for the upper limb which used the lowest possible inflation pressure to achieve occlusion. The prototype comprises a blood pressure monitoring module, an inflatable tourniquet cuff, and a pressure relief mechanism to maintain an optimal cuff inflation pressure. Simulation experiments were conducted to verify the function and stability of the designed adaptive pneumatic tourniquet and clinical experiments using volunteers were undertaken to evaluate the performance of the prototype design in achieving adequate haemostasis in the upper limb.ResultsResults demonstrated that the mean arterial occlusion pressure was 152.3 ± 16.7 mmHg, obviously below the 250 to 300 mmHg previously recommended (J Bone Joint Surg Br 68:625-628, 1986 and Arthroscopy 11:307–311, 1995).ConclusionsIn conclusion, this adaptive method and apparatus which can provide minimal inflation pressure may be a clinically practical alternative for upper limb surgery performed with pneumatic tourniquets.
K-Map: connecting kinases with therapeutics for drug repurposing and development
Authors: Kim Jihye , Yoo Minjae , Kang Jaewoo , Tan Aik Choon 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Protein kinases play important roles in regulating signal transduction in eukaryoticcells. Due to evolutionary conserved binding sites in the catalytic domain of thekinases, most inhibitors that target these sites promiscuously inhibit multiplekinases. Quantitative analysis can reveal complex and unexpected interactions betweenprotein kinases and kinase inhibitors, providing opportunities for identifyingmulti-targeted inhibitors of specific diverse kinases for drug repurposing anddevelopment. We have developed K-Map—a novel and user-friendly web-basedprogram that systematically connects a set of query kinases to kinase inhibitorsbased on quantitative profiles of the kinase inhibitor activities. Users can useK-Map to find kinase inhibitors for a set of query kinases (obtained fromhigh-throughput ‘omics’ experiments) or to reveal new interactionsbetween kinases and kinase inhibitors for rational drug combination studies.

Availability and implementation

K-Map has been implemented in python scripting language and the website is freelyavailable at: http://tanlab.ucdenver.edu/kMap.
Spatial location priors for Gaussian model based reverberant audio source separation
Authors: Duong Ngoc Q K , Vincent Emmanuel , Gribonval Rémi 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We consider the Gaussian framework for reverberant audio source separation, where the sources are modeled in the time-frequency domain by their short-term power spectra and their spatial covariance matrices. We propose two alternative probabilistic priors over the spatial covariance matrices which are consistent with the theory of statistical room acoustics and we derive expectation-maximization algorithms for maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation. We argue that these algorithms provide a statistically principled solution to the permutation problem and to the risk of overfitting resulting from conventional maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. We show experimentally that in a semi-informed scenario where the source positions and certain room characteristics are known, the MAP algorithms outperform their ML counterparts. This opens the way to rigorous statistical treatment of this family of models in other scenarios in the future.
Measuring the incidence and reporting of violence against women and girls in liberia using the 'neighborhood method'
Authors: Stark Lindsay , Warner Ann , Lehmann Heidi , Boothby Neil , Ager Alastair 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
This paper reports on the use of a “neighborhood method” to measure the nature and incidence of violence against women and girls in post-conflict Liberia.

Methods
The study population comprised females in Montserrado and Nimba counties. Study participants were randomly selected for interviews using multi-stage cluster sampling. 30 clusters of households were sampled in each county. Information on incidents of domestic violence and rape within the preceding 18 months was collected with regard to females of all ages in the respondent’s household, and those of her four closest neighbors to make up the full sample.

Findings
Households in the sample contained 7015 females (1687 girls, 4586 women, 742 age missing) in Montserrado and 6632 (2070 girls, 4167 women, 95 age missing) in Nimba. In the previous 18 months 54.1% (CI 53.1-55.1) and 55.8% (CI 54.8-56.8) of females in Montserrado and Nimba respectively were indicated to have experienced non-sexual domestic abuse; 19.4% (CI 18.6-20.2) and 26.0% (CI 25.1-26.9) of females in Montserrado and Nimba respectively to have been raped outside of marriage; and 72.3% (CI 70.7-73.9) and 73.8% (CI 72.0-75.7) of married or separated women in Montserrado and Nimba respectively to have experienced marital rape. Husbands and boyfriends were reported as the perpetrators of the vast majority of reported violence. Strangers were reported to account for less than 2% of the perpetrators of rape in either county. Incidents were most commonly disclosed to other family members or to friends and neighbors, and less often to formal authorities such as the police, court or community leaders. Incidents were approaching fifty times more likely to be reported to police if perpetrated by strangers rather than intimate partners.

Conclusions
Violence against women and girls is widespread in the areas studied. Programming needs to address the fact that this violence is primarily occurring in the household, where most incidents go unreported outside the immediate family or social circle. Police and hospital reports severely under-represent these known perpetrators. Inter-interviewer variance and differences in reports for self and neighbors for some outcomes caution the precision and validity of some estimates. However, the potential utility of the neighborhood method for estimating prevalence rates with an accuracy suitable for programmatic purposes in conflict-affected and post-conflict settings is noted.
Troponin I als Risikostratifikationsmarker bei akuter Lungenarterienembolie
Authors: Beule J. , Schulz A. , Dippold W. , Keller K. 
Published: September 2013

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung: Eine akute Lungenarterienembolie (LE) stellt einen kardiovaskulären Notfall mit hoher Mortalität dar. In Studien wurde ein Zusammenhang zwischen positivem Troponin und einer rechtsventrikulären Dysfunktion (RVD) einerseits und einer erhöhten Mortalitätsrate bei akuter LE andererseits nachgewiesen.Das Ziel unserer Studie war, den Zusammen-hang zwischen Symptomen, Untersuchungsbefunden und insbesondere dem TroponinWert und einer RVD zu überprüfen.
Methoden: Wir haben retrospektiv die Krankengeschichten von 179 Patienten analysiert, die 2006–2011 wegen einer akuten LE behandelt wurden. Die Einteilung der Patienten erfolgte in die LE-Gruppe mit oder ohne RVD. Die Patientendaten wurden fokussiert auf die Troponin I-Werte und eine RVD analysiert und statistisch ausgewertet.
Ergebnisse: Die LE-Patienten mit RVD wiesen einen höheren Troponin-Wert als die Patienten ohne RVD auf (0,08 ng/ml vs. 0,01ng/ml, p<0,0001). Die Multivariablen-Regressions-analyse zeigte einen hochsignifikanten Zusammenhang zwischen erhöhten TroponinWerten und einer RVD (OR 3,98; 95%CI: 2,17–7,31, p<0,0001). Der errechnete optimale Grenzwert des Troponin I zum Erkennen einer RVD lag bei 0,01 ng/ml (ROC-Kurvenanalyse: AUC=0,806).
Schlussfolgerung: Es besteht ein enger Zusammenhang zwischen erhöhten Troponin I-Werten und einer RVD bei einer akuten LE. Troponin I-Werte über 0,01ng/ml weisen bei einer akuten LE auf eine RVD hin. Zudem sind D-Dimer-, systolischer PAP- und Herzfrequenzerhö-hung, Erniedrigung des systolischen Blutdruckes, Dyspnoe, Synkope, Kollaps, Hypotonie, Tachykardie, RSB und S1Q3-Typ häufiger bei einer RVD anzutreffen.
Lifting in Frattini covers and a characterization of finite solvable groups
Authors: Guralnick Robert M. , Tiep Pham Huu 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

We prove a lifting theorem for odd Frattini covers
of finite groups. Using this, we generalize a result of J. G. Thompson and
characterize finite solvable groups as those finite groups which
do not contain nontrivial elements xi
, i = 1,2,3, with x
1
x
2
x
3 = 1 and
xi
a pi
-element for distinct primes pi
. We note some connections
with coverings of curves.
Modeling and Thermo-Fluid Dynamic Simulation of a Fresh Pasta Pasteurization Process
Authors: Bottani Eleonora , Ferretti Gino , Manfredi Michele , Vignali Giuseppe 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This work aims to analyze and predict the thermal pasteurization process for two types of fresh pasta, by means of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation. The types of pasta considered are “ravioli” filled of meat and “orecchiette”, without filling. Thanks to many studies on pasta properties, some parameters, such as thermal conductivity and heat capacity, are previously determined for both products. CFD simulations are, thus, performed using ANSYS CFX code version 14.5 in a transient state (after 150 s for ravioli and after 45 s for orecchiette), to evaluate the pasteurization temperature and the P-value reached on the surface of the orecchiette and at the core of the ravioli, as a function of the process time. The heat exchange takes place in a pasteurization tunnel by means of water vapor at ~371 K. Experimental tests are finally performed to validate the simulation model of heat exchange. Results show a good agreement between the simulated results and the real pasteurization process and confirm the potential usefulness of the simulation model to evaluate the process performance.
The impact of perinatal death on obstetrics nurses: a longitudinal and cross-sectional examination
Authors: Ben-Ezra Menachem , Palgi Yuval , Walker Reut , Many Ariel , Hamam-Raz Yaira 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Mental health and well-being among obstetrics nurses after perinatal death are understudied. Beyond the normal strain imposed on obstetric nurses, exposure to perinatal death may add significant stress. Two studies were conducted on obstetrics nurses. In study 1, obstetrics nurses were measured longitudinally, at baseline (with no recent history of exposure to perinatal death in the past 3 months), and 3 months after (2 months after two consecutive events of perinatal death have occurred 1 month after baseline). In study 2, a cross-sectional study was conducted comparing obstetrics nurses with a history of perinatal death (nurses from study 1) to obstetrics nurses with no history of exposure to perinatal death in the past 6 months. The results of study 1 showed that obstetrics nurses showed a higher level of psychiatric symptoms [posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive, and psychosomatic symptoms] at time 2 (after exposure to perinatal death) in comparison to time 1. The results of study 2 showed a higher level of psychiatric symptoms (PTSD, depressive, and psychosomatic symptoms) in the exposed group in comparison to the non-exposed group. The effect of exposure to perinatal death is severe and needs to be addressed by developing intervention and preparation programs to help obstetric nurses cope with this critical incident.
Influence of antenatal magnesium sulfate application on cord blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in premature infants
Authors: Bachnas Muhammad Adrianes , Mose Johanes Cornelius , Effendi Jusuf Sulaeman , Andonotopo Wiku 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the influence of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) application on cord blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels – the first-line neuroprotection for preventing cerebral palsy in prematurely born infants.

Subjects and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted by observing 72 pregnant women who were divided into three groups: group I (preterm pregnancy with MgSO4), group II (preterm pregnancy without MgSO4), and group III (full-term pregnancy as control group). Groups I and II were selected by block permutation randomization on subjects. Inclusion criteria consisted of preterm pregnancy at 34 weeks of gestation or less who were in labor or having planned terminations and receiving antenatal corticosteroids. Exclusion criteria consisted of previous complications caused by MgSO4, previous history of antenatal MgSO4 application in the current pregnancy infant was born before 4 h administration of MgSO4 or unborn more than 72 h after maximum course of antenatal MgSO4 of 24 h, prolonged antenatal MgSO4 treatment (>24 h), refusal to participate, and emergent adverse events during the study. Group I was given intravenous MgSO4; initial dose was 4 g, which was maintained at 1 g/h up to maximum of 24 h. Meanwhile, groups II and III were not given any special treatment. BDNF was examined by ELISA by taking 5 mL cord blood sample shortly after birth. The result was statistically measured by ANOVA.

Results: The cord blood BDNF levels in premature infants with antenatal MgSO4 was significantly higher than in premature infants without antenatal MgSO4 (11,568 vs. 5027 pg/mL, P=0.000). Moreover, the result was statistically comparable to full-term infants (11,568 vs. 13,300 pg/mL, P=0.085).

Conclusion: The application of antenatal MgSO4 in preterm delivery increased cord blood BDNF levels, which could have a potential role on fetal neuroprotection. Further investigation is needed.
Comparative study of nanoindentation on melt-spun ribbon and bulk metallic glass with Ni60Nb37B3composition
Authors: Aliaga Luis César Rodríguez , Fornell Beringues Jordina , Suriñach Santiago , Baró Maria Dolores , Kiminami Claudio Shyinti , Bolfarini Claudemiro , Botta Walter José , Sort Viñas Jordi 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
A Simplified Approach to Fabricate a Custom-made Ocular Prosthesis
Authors: Ramkumar K , Debnath Nitai , Gupta Renu , Meenakshi A , John Jiji 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT
Loss of eye causes psychological trauma because of the facial disfigurement associated with the loss of facial structures. Rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis relieves this psychological trauma by restoring the lost facial structure and esthetics of the patient, thus aiding the individual in leading a normal, social and professional life. Though prefabricated ocular prostheses are available, due to better adaptation, comfort and esthetics custom-made ocular prosthesis is more preferable than prefabricated stock shells. This article aims at describing a simplified technique to fabricate a custom-made ocular prosthesis.

How to cite this article
Debnath N, Gupta R, Meenakshi A, Ramkumar K, John J. A Simplified Approach to Fabricate a Custom-made Ocular Prosthesis. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(1):25-29.
Un modèle d’accompagnement entrepreneurial fondé sur des apprentissages au sein d’un collectif d’entrepreneurs : le cas de La Ruche
Authors: Fabbri Julie , Charue-Duboc Florence 
Published: September 2013

A partir de l’étude du cas de « La Ruche », espace collectif de travail pour entrepreneurs sociaux à Paris (France), nous proposerons un modèle d’accompagnement entrepreneurial original reposant sur des apprentissages collectifs. Contrairement à la démarche traditionnelle de l’accompagnement dans laquelle l’accompagnateur a un rôle de prescription, ici la figure de l’accompagnateur disparaît au profit du collectif formé par les entrepreneurs. Les conditions de fonctionnement de ce dispositif reposent sur la sélection, articulant une tension entre diversité des projets et partage de valeurs communes, la dynamique interactionnelle supportée par la programmation d’événements, et le rôle de l’environnement physique de travail.
Association of changes in predicted body composition with subsequent risk of dementia
Authors: Kim Sung Min , Choi Seulggie , Lee Gyeongsil , Oh Yun Hwan , Son Joung Sik , Ko Ahryoung , Kim Ji Soo , Cho Yoosun , Keum NaNa , Park Sang Min 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe effect of body composition change on the risk of dementia is not clear. This study analyzed the associations of changes in predicted lean body mass index (pLBMI), predicted appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (pASMI), and predicted body fat mass index (pBFMI) with the risk of dementia.MethodsIn this nationwide cohort study, data were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The exposure was defined as changes in pLBMI, pASMI, and pBFMI derived from validated prediction equations. The outcome was dementia, defined based on the dementia diagnosis with prescription of anti‐dementia medication. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to obtain the hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval for risk of dementia according to changes in predicted body composition.ResultsA total of 13,215,208 individuals with no prior record of dementia who underwent health screenings twice between 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 were included. A 1‐kg/m2 increase in pLBMI and pASMI had an association with reduced risk of dementia (aHR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.84–0.87; aHR: 0.70, 95% CI 0.69–0.72, respectively for men, and aHR: 0.69, 95% CI 0.67–0.71; aHR: 0.59, 95% CI 0.57–0.61, respectively for women). A 1‐kg/m2 increase in pBFMI had an association with a raised risk of dementia (aHR: 1.19, 95% CI 1.17–1.21 for men and aHR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.48–1.57 for women). These results remained consistent regardless of sex or weight change.InterpretationIncrease in pLBMI or pASMI, or reduction in pBFMI was linked to lower risk of dementia.