bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is there a need for a European doctorate in health promotion and public health?
Authors: Gugglberger Lisa , Hall Caroline 
Published: April 2014

Objectives: This paper summarises the context and rationale behind developing a European doctorate in health promotion and public health and its relevance to the international context. Since no Pan-European doctorate exists to date, a network of universities and higher education institutions across Europe has been working towards the establishment of a European doctorate in health promotion and public health. This paper describes the consensus-building process among this network of core stakeholders, combining key learning outcomes with the results of a scoping study. We critically examine some of the challenges encountered and discuss the potential need for such a doctoral level qualification. Methods: The consensus-building process included several meetings as well as a qualitative scoping study, consisting of nine qualitative interviews with and two written responses from different stakeholders in the area of doctoral education. Results: We describe the different requirements, benefits and challenges linked to the development of a European doctorate in health promotion and public health that were identified within the consensus-building process and in the qualitative data. Conclusion: Overall, the benefits identified suggest that a European doctorate in health promotion and public health would be a positive and progressive initiative. However, the potential added value and the demand for such a doctorate still need to be examined.
pASL versus DSC perfusion MRI in lateralizing temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Oner A Yusuf , Eryurt Bulent , Ucar Murat , Capraz Irem , Kurt Gokhan , Bilir Erhan , Tali Turgut 
Published: April 2014

Background Accurate lateralization of the epileptogenic focus in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is crucial. Pulsed arterial spin labeling (pASL) has the capability of quantifying local relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) by measuring the inflow of electromagnetically labeled arterial blood into the target area, and can be used in the presurgical workup of refractory TLE. Purpose To evaluate pASL in detecting mesial temporal lobe (mTL) perfusion asymmetry for the lateralization of the epileptogenic focus in patients with refractory TLE and to compare it with dynamic susceptibility contrast enhanced (DSC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. Material and Methods This study was approved by the local ethical committee, and written informed consent was obtained in each patient. Thirty-six patients with medically refractory TLE and 11 healthy volunteer was enrolled in this study. Following brain MRI, pASL and DSC perfusion were performed in all subjects at 3T. rCBF measurements with two different perfusion MRI technique were compared between the patient and healthy volunteers. Lateralization based on perfusion asymmetry index (AI) were also evaluated and compared with clinical lateralization. Results rCBF ratios measured in healthy volunteers by two different perfusion technique did not show any statistically significant difference. In TLE patients rCBF ratio of the ipsilateral (affected) side was found to be significantly lower than the contralateral (unaffected) side with both technique. The AI in the patient group was 8.86 ± 3.88 with pASL and 8.39 ± 4.06 with DSC. Correlation coefficient between clinical laterality and perfusion AI were 0.86 for pASL and 0.83 for DSC. Conclusion pASL can successfully detect interictal asymmetry in patients with TLE and can readily be combined with routine structural assessment for lateralization, providing an alternative to DSC perfusion.
Changes in regional brain glucose metabolism measured with F-18-FDG-PET in essential tremor
Authors: Ha Sang-Won , Yang Young Soon , Song In-Uk , Chung Yong-An , Oh Jin-Kyoung , Chung Sung-Woo 
Published: April 2014

Background There is growing evidence that essential tremor (ET) is a multiple-system disorder. Previous PET studies in ET typically have measured brain oxygen consumption and cerebral blood flow. Purpose To compare ET patients with control subjects to investigate any regional change in cerebral glucose metabolism through statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (F-18-FDG-PET). Material and Methods We studied 17 patients with ET (17 men; mean age, 67.3 ± 4.8 years) and age-sex matched normal subjects. All subjects underwent FDG-PET imaging, and evaluated severity of tremor symptoms was measured as score on the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin rating scale (FTM). We also evaluated detailed the medical history and neurological examinations in all patients. Results The mean age of tremor onset was 57.6 ± 12.9 years and the mean FTM score was 15.1 ± 4.9. Brain FDG-PET analysis demonstrated hypometabolism in the medial frontal lobe, medial temporal lobe, and the precuneus of parietal lobe. However, there was no significant difference of glucose metabolism in the cerebellum. Conclusion We propose that motor symptom of ET are caused by electrophysiological disturbances within cortical–cerebellar networks, rather than degenerative process of cerebellum, because the metabolism of the cerebellum was normal at rest. Furthermore, the abnormal glucose metabolism in the cerebral regions that do not mainly participate in motor function suggest that these regions may play a role as early markers of non-motor manifestations.
Effectiveness of a silicone device for foot MRI in order to obtain homogeneous fat suppression images
Authors: Seo Dae Keon , Na Sara , Park Jung-Hoon , Choi Kwan Woo , Lee Ho Beom , Han Dong-Kyoon 
Published: April 2014

Background Incomplete fat suppression induced by magnetic field inhomogeneity is difficult to compensate for with hardware magnetic-field shimming. Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of a silicone device used to obtain homogeneous fat suppression during 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the foot. Material and Methods Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were enrolled and examined twice, before (group A) and after (group B) the application of a silicone device. Fat-saturated, T2-weighted, fast spin-echo images were acquired using the same scanning protocol at both examinations. Signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios (SNR and CNR) were calculated and compared in the four regions of interest (ROIs). ROI 1 and 2 were selected from toe-side bone and soft tissue, while ROI 3 and 4 were selected from proximal bone and soft tissue. Qualitative analysis using a four-point scale was performed for three categories. The categories are as follows: the overall image quality, homogeneity of the first phalange and metatarsal bone, respectively. Results The SNR and CNR in ROI 1 and 2 were significantly higher in group A than in group B (SNR; P < 0.001, CNR; P < 0.001), and there were no significant difference in ROI 3 and 4. The qualitative score of the overall fat suppression in group B was significantly higher than that in group A ( P < 0.001). Homogeneity of the first phalange in group B was also significantly higher than that in group A ( P < 0.001). On the other hand, the homogeneity of the metatarsal bone was not significantly different in the two groups. Conclusion The use of a silicone device provides homogeneous fat suppression in 3T MRI of the foot and can significantly improve image quality.
The Modified Mayo Clinic technique: Emphasis on plausible significant reduction of colon cancer
Authors: Lui Yuk-Ming Mark 
Published: April 2014

Objective To compare the ability to detect colonic polyps using a modified Mayo Clinic (MMC) barium enema technique with that of the usual gold standard optical colonoscopy (OC). Methods Patients considered at an average or increased risk of colorectal cancer were initially screened using the MMC technique. Patients who refused OC, those who had isolated rectal lesions and those with incomplete OC were excluded. Patients with mass lesions in the right colon or left colon were further assessed using OC. Results A total of 142 consecutive patients were examined using the MMC technique. Of these, 18 patients were found to have mass lesions in the right or left colon and were further evaluated using OC. Sensitivity and specificity of the MMC technique for detecting colonic polyps/cancers of ≥0.3 cm were 87.5% and 80.0%, respectively. Most significantly, for detecting polyps of ≥1.0 cm, the false-negative rate was 0%. Conclusions The MMC technique may provide an alternative screening method to OC for the detection of colorectal polyps, particularly in countries where resources are scarce.
Thrombotic risk factors in patients undergoing chemotherapy via peripherally inserted central catheter
Authors: Shi Yulan , Wen Li , Zhou Yanyan , Tao Sifeng 
Published: April 2014

Objective To evaluate risk factors for venous thrombosis in patients undergoing chemotherapy via peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Methods Data regarding age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, diagnosis, medical history, family history of thrombosis, haemoglobin level, and white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were prospectively collected from consecutively recruited patients. Patients were evaluated using six thrombotic risk-assessment scales prior to PICC. Assessments of the general venous system and the catheterized vein and limb were made. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was diagnosed by colour Doppler ultrasonography. Thrombosis risk factors were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results Thrombosis occurred in 12/188 patients (6.38%). Age >60 years, BMI >25 kg/m2 and WBC >11.4 × 109/l were identified as independent risk factors for thrombosis. The incidence of thrombosis was 16.6% (12/72) in patients with one or more risk factors, and 55.5% (five of nine) in those with two or more risk factors. Conclusions Age >60 years, BMI >25 kg/m2 and WBC >1.4 × 109/l are major risk factors for thrombosis in Chinese patients undergoing PICC chemotherapy.
Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of hydrocortisone therapy in cancer patients with septic shock
Authors: Nazer Lama , AlNajjar Taghreed , Al-Shaer Mohammad , Rimawi Dalia , Hawari Feras 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of hydrocortisone (HC) in cancer patients with septic shock. Methods This was a retrospective study of adult cancer patients with septic shock who received low-dose HC therapy (200 mg/day). The effectiveness of HC was assessed by determining the proportion of patients with reversal of septic shock, time to reversal, and mortality. The safety was assessed by determining the incidences of hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, and secondary infections, using a case-control approach. Results During the study period, 96 patients were enrolled. Reversal of septic shock was reported in 46 (47.9%) patients, median time to reversal was 1.9 days (range 0.2–7.6), ICU mortality was reported in 62 (65.26%) patients, and 28-day mortality in 64 (66.7%) patients. The incidence of secondary infections was higher in patients who received HC therapy, compared to patients who did not receive HC during septic shock: 44.8% vs 27.4%, P = 0.028. Conclusions HC therapy was associated with resolution of septic shock in about half of the patients and a high incidence of secondary infections. Prospective studies are needed to fully assess the efficacy and safety of HC in cancer patients with septic shock.
Preoperative glucose level has different effects on the endogenous extracellular matrix–related gene expression in saphenous vein of type 2 diabetic patients undergoing coronary surgery
Authors: Sun Yongxin , Lin Zibo , Ding Wenjun , Wei Qiang , Shi Yunqing , Wang Chunsheng 
Published: April 2014

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) severely reduces the benefits of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, few studies investigated the correlation between preoperative glucose level and endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM)-related gene expression of saphenous vein (SV) conduits in diabetic patients. Methods: A total of 130 patients were divided into high-glucose (HG), low-glucose (LG) and control group according to the preoperative level of blood glucose. The expression of ECM-related genes was analysed by microarray. Results: Compared with control group, 30 genes showed at least a threefold change in expression in HG group; up-regulation was observed in 24 genes. However, there were only 21 ECM-related genes showed at least a threefold change in expression between the LG and control group. Compared with HG group, matrix metalloproteinases’ (MMPs) expression was significantly decreased in LG and control groups. In contrast to the decrease in MMPs’ expression, expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) was increased. Conclusion: This study suggested that different preoperative diabetic status affected the expression of ECM-related genes in SV. ECM-related genes were more significantly imbalanced in diabetic patients with uncontrolled preoperative blood glucose than those with well-controlled preoperative blood glucose.
The Role of Demineralized Allograft Subchondral Bone in the Treatment of Talar Cystic OCD Lesions That Have Failed Microfracture
Authors: Brigido Stephen A. , Protzman Nicole M. , Galli Melissa M. , Bleazey Scott T. 
Published: April 2014

Cystic talar shoulder defects are particularly challenging osteochondral lesions. A retrospective chart review was performed on 13 adults that previously failed microfracture, presented with medial cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus, and were treated with malleolar osteotomy and subchondral allograft reconstruction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a medial malleolar osteotomy and allograft subchondral bone plug on pain and function. We hypothesized that following surgery, pain and function would significantly improve. Compared with preoperative measures, pain (first step in the morning, during walking, at the end of the day) and function (descending the stairs, ascending the stairs, and ambulating up to 4 blocks) improved postoperatively at 6 and 12 months ( P ≤ .001). During each activity, pain improved postoperatively from 6 to 12 months ( P ≤ .006). Postoperatively, from 6 to 12 months, the level of disability improved while descending the stairs ( P = .004), and the level of disability experienced while ascending the stairs and ambulating up to 4 blocks was maintained ( P ≥ .02). Multiple regression analyses identified body mass index as a predictor of preoperative function ( R2 = .34, P = .04). No variables were identified as significant predictors of postoperative pain or function. With all osteotomies healing, no graft rejection, and a single deep venous thrombosis, allograft subchondral plugs appear to successfully treat osteochondral lesions of the talus with improvements in pain and function as well as an acceptable complication rate. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective Case Series.
Effects of recent Virginia AIDS Drug Assistance Program policy changes on diabetes and hyperlipidemia control in people living with HIV
Authors: McManus Kathleen A , Pinkerton Relana , Dillingham Rebecca 
Published: April 2014

Objectives: To describe the impacts of Virginia AIDS Drug Assistance Program’s elimination of diabetes and hyperlipidemia medication on disease outcomes in people living with HIV. Methods: Data were collected on two groups of people living with HIV who were prescribed medications for diabetes and/or hyperlipidemia; one group received medications from AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and the other group received medications from another source. Data were collected for 13 months before and after the policy change. Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and HIV control were compared using standard laboratory measures. Results: During the pre-policy-change time period, non-ADAP patients had better diabetes control than ADAP patients, but with multivariate analysis, ADAP status was no longer a statistically significant predictor. Otherwise, no significant differences between groups were identified. Discussion: ADAP patients had worse diabetes control compared to the non-ADAP group before the policy change. It is possible that this is due to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program population’s poor access to non-HIV primary care, including care for diabetes. It is reassuring that, even during a time of flux in AIDS Drug Assistance Program resources, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program patients’ co-morbid and HIV outcomes were not negatively impacted.
RhoA determines disease progression by controlling neutrophil motility and restricting hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Jennings Richard T. , Strengert Monika , Hayes Patti , El-Benna Jamel , Brakebusch Cord , Kubica Malgorzata , Knaus Ulla G. 
Published: April 2014

Key PointsRho-deficient neutrophils are hyperresponsive. RhoA acts predominantly as a negative regulator of chemotaxis.
Phospho-kinase profile of triple negative breast cancer and androgen receptor signaling
Authors: Cuenca-López María D , Montero Juan C , Morales Jorge C , Prat Aleix , Pandiella Atanasio , Ocana Alberto 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
The androgen receptor (AR) plays a central role in the oncogenesis of different tumors, as is the case in prostate cancer. In triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) a gene expression classification has described different subgroups including a luminal androgen subtype. The AR can be controlled by several mechanisms like the activation of membrane tyrosine kinases and downstream signaling pathways. However little is known in TNBC about how the AR is modulated by these mechanisms and the potential therapeutic strategists to inhibit its expression.

Methods
We used human samples to evaluate the expression of AR by western-blot and phospho-proteomic kinase arrays that recognize membrane tyrosine kinase receptors and downstream mediators. Western-blots in human cell lines were carried out to analyze the expression and activation of individual proteins. Drugs against these kinases in different conditions were used to measure the expression of the androgen receptor. PCR experiments were performed to assess changes in the AR gene after therapeutic modulation of these pathways.

Results
AR is present in a subset of TNBC and its expression correlates with activated membrane receptor kinases-EGFR and PDGFRβ in human samples and cell lines. Inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in TNBC cell lines decreased notably the expression of the AR. Concomitant administration of the anti-androgen bicalutamide with the EGFR, PDGFRβ and Erk1/2 inhibitors, decreased the amount of AR compared to each agent given alone, and had an additive anti-proliferative effect. Administration of dihydrotestosterone augmented the expression of AR that was not modified by the inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR or Erk1/2 pathways. AR expression was posttranscriptionally regulated by PI3K or Erk1/2 inhibition.

Conclusion
Our results describe the expression of the AR in TNBC as a druggable target and further suggest the combination of bicalutamide with inhibitors of EGFR, PDGFRβ or Erk1/2 for future development.
Determinants of exercise capacity in cystic fibrosis patients with mild-to-moderate lung disease
Authors: Pastré Jean , Prévotat Anne , Tardif Catherine , Langlois Carole , Duhamel Alain , Wallaert Benoit 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently have reduced exercise tolerance, which is multifactorial but mainly due to bronchial obstruction. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine the mechanisms responsible for exercise intolerance in patients with mild-to-moderate or severe disease.

Methods
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing with blood gas analysis at peak exercise was performed in 102 patients aged 28 ± 11 years: 48 patients had severe lung disease (FEV1 < 50%, group 1) and 54 had mild-to-moderate lung disease (FEV1 ≥ 50%, group 2). VO2 peak was measured and correlated with clinical, biological, and functional parameters.

Results
VO2 peak for all patients was 25 ± 9 mL/kg/min (65 ± 21% of the predicted value) and was < 84% of predicted in 82% of patients (100% of group 1, 65% of group 2). VO2 peak was correlated with body mass index, C-reactive protein, FEV1, FVC, RV, DLCO, VE/VCO2 peak, VD/VT, PaO2, PaCO2, P(A-a)O2, and breathing reserve. In multivariate analysis, FEV1 and overall hyperventilation during exercise were independent determinants of exercise capacity (R2 = 0.67). FEV1 was the major significant predictor of VO2 peak impairment in group 1, accounting for 31% of VO2 peak alteration, whereas excessive overall hyperventilation (reduced or absent breathing reserve and VE/VCO2) accounted for 41% of VO2 alteration in group 2.

Conclusion
Exercise limitation in adult patients with CF is largely dependent on FEV1 in patients with severe lung disease and on the magnitude of the ventilatory response to exercise in patients with mild-to-moderate lung disease.
Terminalia catappa attenuates urokinase-type plasminogen activator expression through Erk pathways in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yeh Chao-Bin , Yu Yung-Luen , Lin Chiao-Wen , Chiou Hui-Ling , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Yang Shun-Fa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe survival rate of malignant tumors, and especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has not improved primarily because of uncontrolled metastasis. In our previous studies, we have reported thatTerminalia catappaleaf extract (TCE) exerts antimetastasis effects on HCC cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) in HCC metastasis have not been thoroughly investigated, and remain poorly understood.MethodsThe activities and protein levels of u-PA were determined by casein zymography and western blotting. Transcriptional levels of u-PA were detected by real-time PCR and promoter assays.ResultsWe found that treatment of Huh7 cells with TCE significantly reduced the activities, protein levels and mRNA levels of u-PA. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that TCE inhibited the transcription protein of nuclear factors SP-1 and NF-κB. TCE also did inhibit the effects of u-PA by reducing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 pathway.ConclusionsThese results show that u-PA expression may be a potent therapeutic target in the TCE-mediated suppression of HCC metastasis.
The potentials of and barriers to the utilization of advanced computer systems in remote construction projects: case of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sidawi Bhzad , Alsudairi Abdulsalam 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background
An extensive body of knowledge indicated the positive impact of the Advanced Computer based Management Systems (ACMS) on various aspects of project management, while highlighting barriers that hinder adoption, diffusion, and utilization of the ACMS by the construction industries around the world. Remote projects have their unique management problems and these are caused mainly by the remoteness of the project. Little research was undertaken concerning this issue, particularly in the Persian Gulf region, and it has highlighted few unique communications and management problems such as the loose control, lack of human resources, infrastructure and experience.

Methods
This research investigated the use of ACMS by large companies in the Eastern province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and how it would help these companies sorting out a number of present projects’ management problems. Subsequently, a field study i.e. a questionnaire survey and interviews was carried out.

Result
The field study revealed significant association between frequent management problems with little use of ACMS and the domination of use of traditional communications and management systems. This paper argues that the use of traditional systems and the traditional way of sorting out construction problems limit the applicability of ACMS.

Conclusion
The present researchers recommend the use of customized ACMS associated with the application of lean and sustainable management principals as these would help overcoming barriers and providing intelligent solution for the strategic, technical, and social issues of the remote construction sites.