bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intramuscular injection of mitomycin C combined with endoscopic dilation for benign esophageal strictures
Authors: Zhang Yin , Wang Xiang , LIU Li , Chen Jian Ping , Fan Zhi Ning 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intramuscular injection of either mitomycin C or dexamethasone with endoscopic dilation for benign esophageal strictures after esophageal surgery or endoscopic submucosal dissection.MethodsPatients with benign esophageal strictures were retrospectively enrolled in this study and divided into three groups: mitomycin C group (mitomycin C injection with endoscopic dilation, dexamethasone group (dexamethasone injection and dilation) and dilation group (physiological saline injection and dilation). The patients' characteristics, locations of lesions, number of previous dilations, esophageal diameters after dilation, grades of dysphagia before and after the procedure and dysphagia‐free period during the follow‐up period were recorded.ResultsAltogether 74 patients including 25 in the mitomycin C group, 25 in the dexamethasone group and 24 in the dilation group were enrolled. The diameter of the esophagus before the procedure was 3.32 ± 0.90 mm, 3.92 ± 1.55 mm and 3.70 ± 1.30 mm, respectively, while that was increased to 12.77 ± 1.62 mm, 12.14 ± 1.28 mm and 12.73 ± 1.42 mm after endoscopic dilation in the mitomycin C, dexamethasone and conventional dilation groups. The dysphagia‐free period was 4.88 ± 1.66 months in the mitomycin C group, 4.02 ± 1.77 months in the dexamethasone group and 2.41 ± 1.26 months in the dilation group (P < 0.05).ConclusionIntramuscular injection of mitomycin C or dexamethasone may prolong the dysphagia‐free period and decrease the frequency of repeat dilations compared with conventional endoscopic dilations in patients with benign esophageal strictures.
Intensive walking exercise for lower extremity peripheral arterial disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lyu Xiafei , Li Sheyu , Peng Shifeng , Cai Huimin , Liu Guanjian , Ran Xingwu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundSupervised treadmill exercise is the recommended therapy for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with intermittent claudication (IC). However, most PAD patients do not exhibit typical symptoms of IC. The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy and safety of intensive walking exercise in PAD patients with and without IC.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of intensive walking exercise with usual care in patients with PAD were included for systematic review and meta‐analysis.ResultsEighteen trials with 1200 patients were eligible for the present analysis. Compared with usual care, intensive walking exercise significantly improved the maximal walking distance (MWD), pain‐free walking distance, and the 6‐min walking distance in patients with PAD (P < 0.00001 for all). Subgroup analyses indicated that a lesser improvement in MWD was observed in the subgroup with more diabetes patients, and that the subgroup with better baseline walking ability exhibited greater improvement in walking performance. In addition, similar improvements in walking performance were observed for exercise programs of different durations and modalities. No significant difference was found in adverse events between the intensive walking and usual care groups (relative risk 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.51, 1.39; P = 0.50).ConclusionsRegardless of exercise length and modality, regularly intensive walking exercise improves walking ability in PAD patients more than usual care. The presence of diabetes may attenuate the improvements in walking performance in patients with PAD following exercise.
Pharmacokinetic analysis of gefitinib in a patient with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Luo Jinmei , Ni Li , Wang Mengzhao , Zhong Wei , Xiao Yi , Zheng Ke , Hu Pei 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPatients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are frequently elderly with poor performance status and usually cannot withstand chemotherapy because of its toxicities. We report a case of an elderly woman with chronic renal failure undergoing HD who was diagnosed with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer and treated with orally administered gefitinib. We analyzed the pharmacokinetic data of gefitinib in this patient and found that that gefitinib was safe under these conditions.
Spatial and temporal evaluation of veterinarians and veterinary employers relative to human and domesticated animal populations in Australia 2002–2012
Authors: Smyth GB , East IJ , Wicks RM 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the distribution of veterinarians, humans, domestic animals and non‐private practice employers in Australia and assess whether a relationship exists between them. To identify trends in the number of veterinarians, humans and domestic animals between 2002 and 2012 that may influence future demands for veterinary services.MethodsAustralian data on registered veterinarians, veterinary practices, the human population and various domestic animal species were obtained for the years 2002, 2007 and 2012. The data were mapped to assess distribution and temporal trends in number and distribution were assessed.ResultsNationally, registered veterinarians were distributed similarly to the general population, with a slight bias to regional areas. The number of veterinarians nationally increased both in absolute terms and relative to the human population between 2002 and 2012. Companion animals were distributed similarly to the human population and livestock occurred in highest density in the more productive agricultural areas. The areas with highest density of domestic animals were within 100 km of an existing veterinary practice. There was moderate correlation between the number of registered veterinarians and the number of people or companion animals, but poor correlation for livestock. The number of domestic animal species decreased between 2002 and 2012, with the exceptions of cattle and poultry.ConclusionsThere is not a simple relationship between the number of veterinarians, people or domestic animals. Better data are needed to describe the drivers for demand for veterinary services and enable future workforce planning.
Malignancy‐associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children and adolescents
Authors: Lehmberg Kai , Sprekels Björn , Nichols Kim E. , Woessmann Wilhelm , Müller Ingo , Suttorp Meinolf , Bernig Toralf , Beutel Karin , Bode Sebastian F. N. , Kentouche Karim , Kolb Reinhard , Längler Alfred , Minkov Milen , Schilling Freimut H. , Schmid Irene , Vieth Simon , Ehl Stephan , Zur Stadt Udo , Janka Gritta E. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryHaemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in the context of malignancy is mainly considered a challenge of adult haematology. While this association is also observed in children, little is known regarding inciting factors, appropriate treatment and prognosis. We retrospectively analysed 29 paediatric and adolescent patients for presenting features, type of neoplasm or preceding chemotherapy, treatment and outcome. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was considered triggered by the malignancy (M‐HLH) in 21 patients, most of whom had T‐ (n = 12) or B‐cell neoplasms (n = 7), with Epstein–Barr virus as a co‐trigger in five patients. In eight patients, HLH occurred during chemotherapy (Ch‐HLH) for malignancy, mainly acute leukaemias (n = 7); an infectious trigger was found in seven. In M‐ and Ch‐HLH, median overall survival was 1·2 and 0·9 years, and the 6 month survival rates were 67% and 63%, respectively. Seven of 11 deceased M‐HLH patients exhibited active malignancy and HLH at the time of death, while only two out of five deceased Ch‐HLH patients had evidence of active HLH. To overcome HLH, malignancy‐ and HLH‐directed treatments were administered in the M‐HLH cohort; however, it was not possible to determine superiority of one approach over the other. For Ch‐HLH, treatment ranged from postponement of chemotherapy to the use of etoposide‐containing regimens.
Multi‐centre validation of the prognostic value of the haematopoietic cell transplantation‐ specific comorbidity index among recipient of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: ElSawy Mahmoud , Storer Barry E. , Pulsipher Michael A. , Maziarz Richard T. , Bhatia Smita , Maris Michael B. , Syrjala Karen L. , Martin Paul J. , Maloney David G. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer , Sorror Mohamed L. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe haematopoietic cell transplantation‐specific comorbidity index (HCT‐CI) was developed in a single centre as a weighted scoring system to predict risks of non‐relapse mortality (NRM) following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation. Information on the performance of the HCT‐CI in multi‐centre studies is lacking in the literature. To that end, a collaborative multicentre retrospective study was initiated. Comorbidity data from 2523 consecutive recipients of human leucocyte antigen‐matched grafts from five different US institutions were analysed. Among all patients, HCT‐CI scores of 0 vs. 1–2 vs. ≥3 were associated with 2–year NRM rates of 14%, 23% and 39% (P < 0·0001), respectively, and 2–year overall survival (OS) rates of 74%, 61% and 39%, respectively (P < 0·0001). Using regression models, increasing HCT‐CI scores were independently associated with increases in hazard ratios for NRM and worse survival within individual institutions. The HCT‐CI retained independent capacity for association with outcomes within different age as well as conditioning intensity groups. C‐statistic estimates for the prognostic power of the HCT‐CI for NRM and OS were 0·66 and 0·64, respectively. The estimates within each institution were overall similar. The HCT‐CI is a valid tool for capturing comorbidities and predicting mortality after haematopoietic cell transplantation across different institutions.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Scutellarein Carbamate Derivatives as Potential Multifunctional Agents for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sang Zhi‐pei , Qiang Xiao‐ming , Li Yan , Wu Bei , Zhang Hui , Zhao Ming‐gao , Deng Yong 
Published: May 2015

A series of scutellarein carbamate derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the multitarget‐directed drug design strategy for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Their acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, antioxidant activities, metals chelation, and neuroprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide‐induced PC12 cell injury were evaluated in vitro. The preliminary results indicated that compound 7b exhibited good inhibitory potency toward AChE and BuChE with IC50 values of 1.2 ± 0.03 μm and 22.1 ± 0.15 μm, respectively, possessed the strong antioxidant potency (10.3 trolox equivalents), as well as acted as a selective metal chelator and neuroprotective agent. Furthermore, 7b could improve memory impairment induced by scopolamine, ethanol, and sodium nitrite using the step‐down passive avoidance task in vivo and could remarkably decrease the activity of acetylcholinesterase in mice brain. This study indicated that 7b could be considered as a potential multitarget agent against AD.
Human immunoglobulin G suppresses the production of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Okada Kazumasa , Adachi Hiroaki 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveMatrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 is a key molecule that indicates disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and is recognized as a candidate biomarker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the present study was to determine whether human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) could reduce the production of MMP‐9 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with MS.MethodsWe investigated the effect of hIgG on the expression of MMP‐9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 in PBMC of patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) compared with healthy controls (HC) in vitro.ResultsPatients with RRMS were not receiving any disease‐modifying therapies when blood was sampled in this study. Although levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 in PBMC were not different between RRMS and HC groups, the MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio was significantly increased in patients with RRMS when compared with HC. PBMC that were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/mL) expressed a higher level of MMP‐9 in RRMS than the HC groups, although the level of TIMP‐1 was equal between groups. hIgG reduced the level of MMP‐9 in PBMC from both patients with RRMS and HC with LPS stimulation in a dose‐dependent manner, but had no effect on the expression of TIMP‐1. The MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio in both patients with RRMS and HC was also decreased by hIgG. The effect of hIgG was not through neutralization of MMP‐9. hIgG alone did not induce MMP‐9 mRNA, and suppressed the upregulation of mRNA in PBMC stimulated with LPS.ConclusionsThese results suggest that hIgG could be effective in treating patients with RRMS though the inhibition of the transmigration of immune cells into the brain parenchyma.
Serum lipids and cardiac function correlate with nitrotyrosine and MMP activity in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Bencsik Péter , Sasi Viktor , Kiss Krisztina , Kupai Krisztina , Kolossváry Márton , Maurovich‐Horvat Pál , Csont Tamás , Ungi Imre , Merkely Béla , Ferdinandy Péter 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimsPeroxynitrite‐matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) signalling has been shown to contribute to myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury and heart failure and to be influenced by hyperlipidaemia in preclinical models. Therefore, here we investigated the correlation between the markers of peroxynitrite–MMP signalling and hyperlipidaemia in patients with significant coronary stenosis.MethodsFive minutes before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), arterial blood samples were collected from 36 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) selected for elective PCI.ResultsSerum nitrotyrosine positively correlated with MMP‐9 activity (r = 0·54, P = 0·01), but not with MMP‐2 activity. Nitrotyrosine positively correlated with total (r = 0·58; P < 0·01) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0·55; P < 0·01), serum triglyceride (r = 0·47; P < 0·05), and creatinine (r = 0·42; P < 0·05) and negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol (r = −0·46; P < 0·05) and with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; r = −0·55; P < 0·05), respectively. MMP‐2 activity correlated positively with total (r = 0·55; P < 0·05) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0·45; P < 0·05). In statin‐treated patients, a significantly reduced serum nitrotyrosine was found as compared to statin naives; however, MMP activities and serum cholesterol levels were not different. MMP‐9 activity correlated with urea nitrogen (r = 0·42; P < 0·05) and LVEF (r = −0·73; P < 0·01). Serum creatinine correlated negatively with LVEF (r = −0·50, P < 0·01).ConclusionsThis is the first demonstration that (i) serum nitrotyrosine correlates with MMP‐9 activity, (ii) lipid parameters correlate with nitrotyrosine and MMP‐2 activity, (iii) myocardial function correlates with creatinine, nitrotyrosine and MMP‐9 activity, and (iv) creatinine correlates with nitrotyrosine and urea nitrogen with MMP‐9 activity in patients with CAD. Studying the biomarkers of peroxynitrite–MMP pathway in large prospective trials may reveal their diagnostic avails.
Labour market institutions, crisis and gender earnings gap in Eastern Europe
Authors: Perugini Cristiano , Selezneva Ekaterina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe study gender pay inequality in ten Central and Eastern EU countries before (2007) and during the economic crisis (2009) using quantile regression methods. The analysis reveals remarkable cross‐country diversity in levels and patterns of the gender gap along the earnings distribution; for the majority of the countries the crisis is associated with declining male/female disparities. We address the role played by labour market institutions in shaping the observed gender pay gap levels and patterns. Labour market deregulation increases gender inequality at the middle and at the top of the pay distribution, but reduces disparities at the bottom. Higher union density and wage coordination reduce the pay gap, with stronger equalizing effects on better‐paid jobs. The crisis seems to weaken the already poor role of institutions in the low‐pay sector.
Does treatment have an impact on incidence and risk factors for autism spectrum disorders in children with infantile spasms?
Authors: Bitton Jonathan Y. , Demos Michelle , Elkouby Katia , Connolly Mary , Weiss Shelly K. , Donner Elizabeth J. , Whiting Sharon , Ronen Gabriel M. , Bello‐Espinosa Luis , Wirrell Elaine C. , Mohamed Ismail S. , Dooley Joseph M. , Carmant Lionel 
Published: May 2015

SummaryObjectiveInfantile spasms (IS) are a severe form of childhood epilepsy associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in up to 35% of cases. The objective of this post hoc analysis of our randomized control trial was to determine whether rapid diagnosis and treatment of IS could limit the incidence of ASD while identifying risk factors related to ASD outcome.MethodsPatients with IS were randomized in a standardized diagnostic and treatment protocol. Clinical and electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluations were completed at all eight visits over 5 years, while cognitive evaluations were administered at 0, 6, 24 and 60 months, respectively. Autism was initially screened by means of the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) at 24 months, and formally assessed at the 30‐and 60‐month follow‐ups using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Generic (ADOS‐G).ResultsOf the 69 patients included in the study, 25 could not be assessed due to severe delay or death. Eleven of the 42 patients screened with CHAT, were found to be at risk of an ASD outcome. ADOS was performed in 44 and 10 were diagnosed with ASD. The CHAT proved to correlate highly with the ADOS (80% ppv). Only patients with symptomatic IS developed ASD (p = 0.003). Earlier diagnosis or successful treatment did not correlate with a reduced rate of ASD. Other risk factors were identified such as having chronic epileptic discharges in the frontotemporal areas after disappearance of hypsarrhythmia (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007) and being of nonwhite origin (p = 0.009).SignificanceASD was only observed in children with sympyomatic IS. Other clinical risk factors include chronic frontotemporal epileptic activity and being of non‐white origin. Early diagnosis and treatment did not prevent ASD as an outcome of IS. However, patients at risk for ASD could be identified early on and should in the future benefit from early intervention to potentially improve their long‐term outcome.
The Horizontal Effect of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU: Rediscovering the Reasons for Horizontality
Authors: Frantziou Eleni 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article analyses the horizontal effect of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Horizontal effect has been an integral part of the Union's application of fundamental rights, especially in the field of equality. However, the codification of fundamental rights in the Charter raises important questions as to how horizontal effect will continue to apply in the EU, particularly in the aftermath of the Court's reticent rulings in cases such as Dominguez and Association de Médiation Sociale. This article argues that the emphasis on prior approaches to horizontal effect in recent rulings fails to address the profound constitutional issues that the horizontal effect of a fundamental rights catalogue raises, which concern the role of private responsibility within the developing constitutional order of the European Union. It therefore calls for a more systematically theorised approach towards the horizontal application of fundamental rights under the Charter framework.
G. Stanley Hall and an American Social Darwinist Pedagogy: His Progressive Educational Ideas on Gender and Race
Authors: Goodchild Lester F. 
Published: May 2015

President G. Stanley Hall hung only a portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson in his office at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. The philosopher embodied Hall's most cherished mid-nineteenth century ideas that comprised part of his intellectual worldview. In the 1840s, Emerson reflected on his transcendental concepts of the common mind and instinct, which held all innate human knowledge and behavioral patterns, in hisEssays:There is one mind common to all individual men. Every man is an inlet to the same and to all of the same…. In every man's mind, some images, words, and facts remain, without effort on his part to imprint them, which others forget, and afterwards these illustrate to him important laws. All our progress is an unfolding, like the vegetable bud. You have first an instinct, then an opinion, then a knowledge, as the plant has a root, bud, and fruit. Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2O2Se Ceramics by Bi Deficiencies
Authors: Zhan Bin , Liu Yaochun , Tan Xing , Lan Jin‐le , Lin Yuan‐hua , Nan Ce‐Wen 
Published: May 2015

Polycrystalline Bi2−xO2Se ceramics were synthesized by spark plasma sintering process. Their thermoelectric properties were evaluated from 300 to 773 K. All the samples are layered structure with a tetragonal phase. The introduction of Bi deficiencies will cause the orientation alignment and change of effective mass. As a result, a significant enhancement of thermoelectric performance was achieved. The maximum of Seebeck coefficient is −568.8 μV/K for Bi1.9O2Se at 773 K, much larger than −445.6 μV/K for pristine Bi2O2Se. Featured with very low thermal conductivity [~0.6 W·(m·K)−1] and an optimized electrical conductivity, ZT at 773 K is significantly increased from 0.05 for pristine Bi2O2Se to 0.12 for Bi1.9O2Se by introducing Bi deficiencies, which makes it a promising candidate for medium temperature thermoelectric applications.
Two New Brackish Ciliates, Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. and A. bellus sp. n. from Mangrove Wetlands in Southern China, with Notes on the Molecular Phylogeny of the Family Amphileptidae (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Pleurostomatida)
Authors: Wu Lei , Yi Zhenzhen , Li Jiqiu , Warren Alan , Xu Hualin , Lin Xiaofeng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTwo new brackish pleurostomatid ciliates, Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. and A. bellus sp. n. were collected from mangrove wetlands of southern China and their morphology and molecular phylogeny were studied. Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. can be distinguished from congeners by the presence of 11–14 right and 6–8 left kineties, two macronuclear nodules and a conspicuous beak‐like anterior body end. Amphileptus bellus sp. n. is characterized by the presence of 2–4 macronuclear nodules, 31–35 right and 6 or 7 left kineties and two types of extrusomes. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences data indicate that the family Amphileptidae is paraphyletic.