bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ki67 Labeling Correlated With Invasion But Not With Recurrence
Authors: Sadeghipour Alireza , Mahouzi Leily , Salem Mohammad M. , Ebrahim-Nejad Shaghayegh , Asadi-Lari Mohsen , Radfar Amir , Filip Irina , Babaheidarian Pegah
Published: February 2016

Pituitary adenomas account for 10% to 15% of intracranial neoplasms. Multiple factors had been introduced for tumor recurrence. MIB-1 monoclonal antibody, a marker of the proliferative index, has been introduced in various tumors, but unfortunately, the usefulness of MIB-1 in predicting the behavior of pituitary adenoma has been debated recently. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate its role in the recurrence and the invasiveness of pituitary adenomas. In a cross-sectional study conducted between 2005 and 2010, patients with a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, referred to 2 medical centers (Arad and Iran Mehr hospital) in Tehran, were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory data were gathered. Immunostaining for MIB-1 monoclonal antibody was performed for each slide and scored blindly by 2 pathologists. A total of 176 surgically treated patients met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-six of 176 cases had recurrent episodes. Eleven of 176 patients had invasive tumors. The mean Ki67 index was 2.7%±3.96% in recurrent cases and 2.24%±2.35% in nonrecurring cases, with no statistically significant difference between them (P>0.05). Ten of 11 invasive pituitary tumors had a Ki67>3%, and a statistically significant difference was observed between invasive and noninvasive tumors (P<0.05). Hence, the Ki67 index seems to be suitable for predicting invasion, but it failed to show any correlation between Ki67 and tumor recurrence.
Comprehensive Immunophenotypic Characterization of Adult and Fetal Testes, the Excretory Duct System, and Testicular and Epididymal Appendages
Authors: Magers Martin J. , Udager Aaron M. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , French Diana , Myers Jeffrey L. , Jentzen Jeffrey M. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Heider Amer , Mehra Rohit
Published: February 2016

The immunophenotype of a normal testis and the excretory duct system has not been studied comprehensively in fetal and adult patients without testicular disease or hormonal manipulation so far. In addition, testicular (TA) and epididymal (EA) appendages are frequent paratesticular structures without previously reported comprehensive immunophenotypic studies. Immunohistochemistry for multiple markers, including the androgen receptor (AR), the estrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone receptor (PR), the prostate-specific antigen, the prostate-specific membrane antigen, PAX8, WT1, calretinin, CK7, CK20, OCT4, SALL4, and CD117, was performed on full sections of testicular/paratesticular tissue from a large cohort of adult and fetal autopsy patients. In contrast to adult germ cells (GC), fetal GC strongly express OCT4 and CD117, although the expression of these proteins is lost in the early postnatal period; SALL4, in contrast, is expressed in both fetal and adult GC, with only weak and focal expression in adult patients. Fetal Sertoli cells (SC) express WT1 and calretinin strongly and diffusely, in contrast to adult SC. Both fetal and adult excretory duct systems express CK7 and PAX8 with frequent AR coexpression, and all 3 main segments of the excretory duct system (ductuli efferentes, epididymis, and vas deferens) have unique immunophenotypes. The rete testis also has a unique immunohistochemical expression pattern, which includes strong expression of CK7, PAX8, WT1, calretinin, and AR. Finally, of the adult autopsy patients examined, 80% had a TA, and 60% had an EA; these paratesticular structures occurred at stereotypical locations, demonstrated reproducible morphologic features, and had a unique immunophenotype relative to other studied structures, with strong CK7, PAX8, WT1, AR, ER, and PR coexpression. The testis and the paratestis may be involved by diverse neoplastic and non-neoplastic processes, and knowledge of the immunophenotypic expression spectrum of these tissues may aid in clinical diagnosis and advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of both oncologic and nononcologic disease processes.
Efficient analysis of large datasets and sex bias with ADMIXTURE
Authors: Shringarpure Suyash S. , Bustamante Carlos D. , Lange Kenneth , Alexander David H.
Published: February 2016

Background: A number of large genomic datasets are being generated for studies of human ancestry and diseases. The ADMIXTURE program is commonly used to infer individual ancestry from genomic data.

Results:We describe two improvements to the ADMIXTURE software. The first enables ADMIXTURE to infer ancestry for a new set of individuals using cluster allele frequencies from a reference set of individuals. Using data from the 1000 Genomes Project, we show that this allows ADMIXTURE to infer ancestry for 10,920 individuals in a few hours (a 5x speedup). This mode also allows ADMIXTURE to correctly estimate individual ancestry and allele frequencies from a set of related individuals. The second modification allows ADMIXTURE to correctly handle X-chromosome (and other haploid) data from both males and females. We demonstrate increased power to detect sex-biased admixture in African-American individuals from the 1000 Genomes project using this extension.

Conclusions:These modifications make ADMIXTURE more efficient and versatile, allowing users to extract more information from large genomic datasets.
Group foraging decisions in nutritionally differentiated environments
Authors: Hansen Matthew J. , Schaerf Timothy M. , Simpson Stephen J. , Ward Ashley J. W.
Published: February 2016

Foraging behaviour must be flexible enough to adapt to heterogeneities in the distribution and quality of food resources. Accurate models of optimal foraging behaviour should acknowledge the extent to which animals can detect and regulate their intake of food based on smaller scale differences in food types. In particular, consideration of macro‐nutrient distribution and how animals perceive this is limited in studies of optimal foraging, particularly in vertebrates and for animals that forage in groups.

Here, we track shoals of eight mosquitofish as they forage in two environments that contain equal amounts of available energy but differ in their distribution of macro‐nutrients. We provide empirical evidence that fish will distribute themselves within an environment in relation to the distribution of specific macro‐nutrients.

Also, fish make foraging decisions based on the macronutrient composition of patches, such that their durations on patches are longer when they have a higher concentration of protein and lower concentration of carbohydrate. The ratio of protein to carbohydrate does not affect the probability of a fish joining a patch, however, with low numbers of fish on the patch the probability of a fish leaving is greater per unit time step in the patches with a low protein to carbohydrate ratio than the patches with a high protein to carbohydrate ratio.

This study confirms the importance of considering the macro‐nutrient composition of foods when considering the movement decisions of foraging groups and thus has important consequences for developing more accurate foraging models that take into account the distribution of macro‐nutrients in the environment. The results suggest the spatial distribution of nutrients on a landscape scale could influence grouping patterns and social interactions, thus affecting population dynamics.
‘You're looking for different parts in a jigsaw’: foetal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) as an emerging technology in professional practice
Authors: Reed Kate , Kochetkova Inna , Molyneux‐Hodgson Susan
Published: February 2016

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was first introduced into clinical practice during the 1980s. Originally used as a diagnostic tool to take pictures of the brain, spine, and joints, it is now used to visualise a range of organs and soft tissue around the body. Developments in clinical applications of the technology are rapid and it is often viewed as the ‘gold standard’ in many areas of medicine. However, most existing sociological work on MRI tends to focus on the profession of radiology, little is known about the impact of MRI on a broader range of clinical practice. This article focuses on MRI use in pregnancy, a relatively new application of the technology. Drawing on empirical research with a range of health professionals (from radiologists to pathologists) in the North of England, this article asks: how do different types of health professionals engage with the technology and to what end? It will argue that MRI use in pregnancy offers an increasingly important piece of the diagnostic jigsaw, often acting as a bridging technology between medical specialties. The implications of this will be explored in the context of broader sociological debates on the ‘visualisation’ of medicine and its impact on professionals.
A New Power in the Late Fourteenth‐Century Low Countries: Philip the Bold's Planned Franco‐Burgundian Invasion of England and Scottish Alliance, 1385–1386
Authors: Crombie Laura
Published: February 2016

This article considers the power of Philip the Bold, duke of Burgundy and count of Flanders, Artois and Burgundy Palatine, and his attempts to use violence against England to strengthen his rule in the Low Countries, and help to secure his nephew's rule in France. In 1385, and again in 1386, he came close to launching a large‐scale invasion of England with the support of Scotland and of Brittany that had the potential to remove English influence from Flanders and even force Richard II to give up claims to the French throne. The invasions have been considered from a French and English perspective, and in adding a Burgundian view the present article pulls together English, French, Flemish and Scots source to offer a full analysis of the motivations for the invasion, showing the significance of the Hundred Year War for the rulers of Flanders. Philip's planned invasion capitalized on weaknesses in England, on growing hawkish parties in Scotland, on unity in France and on his own power in the Low Countries. Although the invasions never left Sluis, the attempt to retake the initiative, and to change the balance of power in Europe, merits further consideration for the ambition of Philip and for the centrality of the Low Countries for fourteenth‐century Europe.
Explaining Rules‐Based Characteristics in U.S. GAAP: Theories and Evidence
Authors: DONELSON DAIN C. , MCINNIS JOHN , MERGENTHALER RICHARD D.
Published: February 2016

Despite debate on the desirability of rules‐based standards, no studies provide evidence on why accounting standards take on rules‐based characteristics. We identify and test five theories from prior research (litigation risk, constraining opportunism, complexity, transaction frequency, and age) that could explain why some U.S. accounting standards contain rules‐based characteristics. Litigation risk and complexity are most consistently related to cross‐sectional and time‐series variation in rules‐based characteristics. We find more limited evidence that frequent transactions, age, and desires by regulators to constrain opportunistic reporting are related to rules‐based standards. We note, however, that our findings are necessarily descriptive because standards arise endogenously from market and political forces, limiting causal interpretation. Further, it is difficult to perfectly separate rules‐based characteristics of the standard from both the complexity of the standard and the characteristics of the underlying transaction, including the complexity of the transaction.
Concordance Rate for the Identification of Distant Entrance Gunshot Wounds of the Back by Experienced Forensic Pathologists Examining Only Images of Autopsies
Authors: Heninger Michael
Published: February 2016

The images of 66 gunshot entrance wounds with a defect on the back, a bullet in the body, hemorrhage along the wound track, and logical certainty that it was an entrance wound were collected from the files of a moderately busy medical examiner's office. Participants numbering 22 board‐certified forensic pathologists viewed a single digital archival image of each of the 66 entrance wounds randomly mixed with 74 presumptive exit wounds to determine whether they were entrance or exit wounds. The concordance rate for correctly identifying the 66 logically known entrance wounds was 82.8% with a range from 58% to 97%. This pilot study was conducted to provide an evidence‐based approach to the interpretation of the direction of gunshot wounds by reviewing pathologists with access only to archival photographs, and it is not a measure of the accuracy to distinguish entrance from exit wounds when given all of the circumstances.
Microbial extracellular electron transfer and its relevance to iron corrosion
Authors: Kato Souichiro
Published: February 2016

Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is a microbial metabolism that enables efficient electron transfer between microbial cells and extracellular solid materials. Microorganisms harbouring EET abilities have received considerable attention for their various biotechnological applications, including bioleaching and bioelectrochemical systems. On the other hand, recent research revealed that microbial EET potentially induces corrosion of iron structures. It has been well known that corrosion of iron occurring under anoxic conditions is mostly caused by microbial activities, which is termed as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Among diverse MIC mechanisms, microbial EET activity that enhances corrosion via direct uptake of electrons from metallic iron, specifically termed as electrical MIC (EMIC), has been regarded as one of the major causative factors. The EMIC‐inducing microorganisms initially identified were certain sulfate‐reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea isolated from marine environments. Subsequently, abilities to induce EMIC were also demonstrated in diverse anaerobic microorganisms in freshwater environments and oil fields, including acetogenic bacteria and nitrate‐reducing bacteria. Abilities of EET and EMIC are now regarded as microbial traits more widespread among diverse microbial clades than was thought previously. In this review, basic understandings of microbial EET and recent progresses in the EMIC research are introduced.
From Global to Local: Providing Actionable Flood Forecast Information in a Cloud‐Based Computing Environment
Authors: Perez J. Fidel , Swain Nathan R. , Dolder Herman G. , Christensen Scott D. , Snow Alan D. , Nelson E. James , Jones Norman L.
Published: February 2016

Global and continental scale flood forecast provide coarse resolution flood forecast, but from the perspective of emergency management, flood warnings should be detailed and specific to local conditions. The desired refinement can be provided by the use of downscaling global scale models and through the use of distributed hydrologic models to produce a high‐resolution flood forecast. Three major challenges associated with transforming global flood forecasting to a local scale are addressed in this work. The first is using open‐source software tools to provide access to multiple data sources and lowering the barriers for users in management agencies at local level. This can be done through the Tethys Platform that enables web water resources modeling applications. The second is finding a practical solution for the computational requirements associated with running complex models and performing multiple simulations. This is done using Tethys Cluster that manages distributed and cloud computing resources as a companion to the Tethys Platform for web app development. The third challenge is discovering ways to downscale the forecasts from the global extent to the local context. Three modeling strategies have been tested to address this, including downscaling of coarse resolution global runoff models to high‐resolution stream networks and routing with Routing Application for Parallel computatIon of Discharge (RAPID), the use of hierarchical Gridded Surface and Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) distributed models, and pre‐computed distributed GSSHA models.
Risk of end‐stage renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Yu Kuang‐Hui , Kuo Chang‐Fu , Chou I‐Jun , Chiou Meng‐Jiun , See Lai‐Chu
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

A cohort with SLE and non‐SLE groups from Taiwan's longitudinal Health Insurance Database year 2000 (LHID2000) was developed. The SLE group was made up of those who were newly diagnosed with SLE in 2000. The non‐SLE group with other medical illnesses was made up of those who did not have SLE from 1996 until 2008 and that were also matched 1 : 1 with the SLE group by sex, age and initial diagnosis date (index date); 1196 (1058 women and 138 men) individuals in the SLE group were included in this study.

Results

Between 2000 and 2008, 61 (2.55%) individuals (SLE, n = 58 [4.85%]; non‐SLE, n = 3 [0.25%]) had incident ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy. The incidence rates of ESRD were 612.8 and 29.3 cases per 100 000 patient‐years in the SLE and non‐SLE groups, respectively. The incidence of ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy occurred more frequently in male SLE (1157.0; 95% CI 502.4–1811.6) than female SLE cases (545.8; 95% CI 388.1–703.5) per 100 000 person‐years (P < 0.001). During the 8‐year follow‐up, after adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, the hazard ratio (HR) for ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy was 18.2 times higher (95% CI: 5.7–58.2, P < 0.001) in the SLE group than in the non‐SLE group.

Conclusions

ESRD is more common in SLE than non‐SLE patients in this insurance database. Due to the lack of data on initial renal function and the renal parameters, the odds ratios do not represent the risk of ESRD in SLE patients compared to the general population, but only to those with non‐SLE chronic illnesses.
Level of business insights in the MD&A and nonprofessional investors' judgments
Authors: Li Wei
Published: February 2016

This study examines how the level of business insights in a firm's MD&A interacts with its current financial performance to influence nonprofessional investors' judgments. Following the observations and guidance of the ASIC and SEC to define low‐and high‐insight MD&A, this study finds that low‐insight MD&A, when provided for a negative earnings surprise, increases investors’ judgments of the negative earnings persistence and hurts management reputation more than if no MD&A had been provided. High‐insight MD&A, when including a plausible external attribution, increases investors’ judgments of management reputation in the negative earnings surprise condition and decreases investors’ judgments of positive earnings persistence.
Perseveration of craving: effects of stimuli conditioned to drugs of abuse versus conventional reinforcers differing in demand
Authors: Martin‐Fardon Rémi , Weiss Friedbert
Published: February 2016

Associative learning is essential for establishing appropriate responses to cause–effect relationships and effective behavioral adjustments to environmental changes. However, learned associations also promote maladaptive behavior such as uncontrollable drug seeking in addicts exposed to drug‐associated stimuli. Here, we sought to identify behavioral characteristics that distinguish reward seeking produced by environmental stimuli conditioned to highly potent but non‐addictive conventional reinforcers from reward seeking induced by stimuli conditioned to addictive drugs. Rats were trained to associate discriminative (i.e. contextual) stimuli (S+) with availability of cocaine, ethanol, palatable sweet solutions or water during dehydration. Following extinction, response‐reinstating effects of re‐exposure to these stimuli were established in terms of magnitude and perseveration. Initially, the S+ produced strong reinstatement irrespective of association with conventional or drug reward. However, with repeated testing, S+‐induced reward seeking decreased to extinction levels when motivated by the sweet solutions but perseverated when motivated by cocaine or ethanol. In rats placed on water restriction to induce a motivational constraint, the S+ supported perseverating reinstatement identical to that produced by an S+ conditioned to cocaine. The findings suggest that behavior guided by associations between environmental stimuli and drugs of abuse is characterized by perseverating, apparently highly extinction‐resistant reward seeking, whereas behavior controlled by stimuli associated with conventional reward extinguishes rapidly in the absence of primary reinforcement. Reward seeking elicited by stimuli associated with natural reward can, however, become perseverative during physiological deprivation states. Possibly, perseverating drug seeking engages mechanisms overlapping with those that have evolved to promote alleviation of physiological deprivation to secure survival.
IL‐33 mediates reactive eosinophilopoiesis in response to airborne allergen exposure
Authors: Anderson E. L. , Kobayashi T. , Iijima K. , Bartemes K. R. , Chen C.‐C. , Kita H.
Published: February 2016

Background

Exposure to aeroallergens induces eosinophilic airway inflammation in patients with asthma and allergic airway diseases. The circulating number of eosinophils in peripheral blood is relatively small, leading us to hypothesize that bone marrow needs to be engaged quickly to meet the demands of the tissues.

Methods

To investigate the communication between the lungs and bone marrow, we used acute allergen exposure and airway inflammation models in mice. Gene‐deficient mice and cytokine reporter mice as well as in vitro cell culture models were used to dissect the mechanisms.

Results

Naïve BALB/c mice produced increased numbers of eosinophil precursors and mature eosinophils in the bone marrow when their airways were exposed to a common fungal allergen, Alternaria alternata. Expression of IL‐5 and IL‐33 increased rapidly in the lungs, but not in the bone marrow. Sera from allergen‐exposed mice promoted eosinophilopoiesis in bone marrow cells from naïve mice, which was blocked by anti‐IL‐5 antibody. Mice deficient in the IL‐33 receptor ST2 (i.e., Il1rl1−/− mice) were unable to increase their serum levels of IL‐5 and allergen‐induced eosinophilopoiesis in the bone marrow after allergen exposure. Finally, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in the lungs showed robust expression of IL‐5 after Alternaria exposure.

Conclusions

These finding suggests that lung IL‐33, through innate activation of ILC2s and their production of IL‐5, plays a key role in promoting acute reactive eosinophilopoiesis in the bone marrow when naïve animals are exposed to airborne allergens. Therefore, bone marrow eosinophilopoiesis may be affected by atmospheric environmental conditions.
A new perspective on universal preconception care in China
Authors: Zhou Qiongjie , Acharya Ganesh , Zhang Shikun , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Li Xiaotian
Published: February 2016

Many risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes can be identified and modified preconceptionally. Despite a broad consensus that preconception care should be provided to all couples of reproductive age, it has not been integrated in routine healthcare. There are several barriers to its implementation, and even in the most resourceful countries, it is only provided to some select high‐risk groups, rather than being an organized healthcare service provision to all. Recently, China seems to be leading the way by implementing preconception care nationwide in all rural areas. Its National Free Preconception Health Examination Project is a unique model of comprehensive preconception care. Advantages of this ambitious project are now becoming evident and benefiting the most vulnerable sections of Chinese society. This commentary provides an overview of National Free Preconception Health Examination Project and highlights the concepts that could be further developed and adapted into a model of preconception care.
Childbirth or termination of pregnancy: does paid employment matter? A population study of women in reproductive age in Norway
Authors: Eskild Anne , Herdlevær Ida E. , Strøm‐Roum Ellen M. , Monkerud Lars , Grytten Jostein
Published: February 2016

Introduction

We studied whether female paid employment is associated with pregnancy outcome; childbirth or pregnancy termination.

Material and methods

All women in Norway, 16–54 years of age, during the years 2007–10 were included. Data sources were; the Norwegian Central Person Registry, the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, and the Registry of Pregnancy Termination. We compared the proportion without paid employment among all women, women who gave birth, and among women who requested termination of pregnancy. Thereafter, and among pregnant women, we estimated the odds ratio for pregnancy termination request for women without paid employment by applying logistic regression analyses, using women with paid employment as reference.

Results

Among all women 16–54 years of age, 23.5% were without paid employment. Among women who gave birth, 15.8% were without paid employment, whereas this proportion was 46.4% among women who requested pregnancy termination (p < 0.05). Among the 307 512 women who were pregnant, 60 734 (19.4%) requested pregnancy termination. The odds ratio for pregnancy termination request was 3.18 (95% CI 3.11–3.25) for women without paid employment. Adjustments were made for age, number of children, and region of residence in Norway.

Conclusion

Being without paid employment was more common among women in the general population and among women requesting pregnancy termination than among women who gave birth. Hence, women seem to have children when they are in paid employment. The role of women's paid employment for reproductive choices should be further investigated.
Breast milk nutrient content and infancy growth
Authors: Prentice Philippa , Ong Ken K. , Schoemaker Marieke H. , van Tol Eric A. F. , Vervoort Jacques , Hughes Ieuan A. , Acerini Carlo L. , Dunger David B.
Published: February 2016

Aim

Benefits of human breast milk (HM) in avoiding rapid infancy weight gain and later obesity could relate to its nutrient content. We tested the hypothesis that differential HM total calorie content (TCC) or macronutrient contents may be associated with infancy growth.

Methods

HM hindmilk samples were collected at ages 4–8 weeks from 614 mothers participating in a representative birth cohort, with repeated infancy anthropometry. HM triglyceride (fat), lipid analytes and lactose (carbohydrate) were measured by 1H‐NMR, and protein content by the Dumas method. TCC and %macronutrients were determined.

Results

In 614 HM samples, fat content was as follows: [median(IQR)]: 2.6 (1.7–3.6) g/100 mL, carbohydrate: 8.6 (8.2–8.8) g/100 mL, protein: 1.2 (1.1–1.2) g/100 mL; TCC: 61.8 (53.7–71.3) kcal/100 mL. HM of mothers exclusively breast feeding vs. mixed feeding was more calorific with higher %fat, lower %carbohydrate and lower %protein. Higher HM TCC was associated with lower 12‐months body mass index (BMI)/adiposity, and lower 3–12 months gains in weight/BMI. HM %fat was inversely related to 3–12 months gains in weight, BMI and adiposity, whereas %carbohydrate was positively related to these measures. HM %protein was positively related to 12‐months BMI.

Conclusion

HM analysis showed wide variation in %macronutrients. Although data on milk intakes were unavailable, our findings suggest functional relevance of HM milk composition to infant growth.
Years of life that could be saved from prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cucchetti A. , Trevisani F. , Bucci L. , Ravaioli M. , Farinati F. , Giannini E. G. , Ciccarese F. , Piscaglia F. , Rapaccini G. L. , Di Marco M. , Caturelli E. , Zoli M. , Borzio F. , Sacco R. , Maida M. , Felder M. , Morisco F. , Gasbarrini A. , Gemini S. , Foschi F. G. , Missale G. , Masotto A. , Affronti A. , Bernardi M. , Pinna A. D. ,   the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) group
Published: February 2016

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes premature death and loss of life expectancy worldwide. Its primary and secondary prevention can result in a significant number of years of life saved.

Aim

To assess how many years of life are lost after HCC diagnosis.

Methods

Data from 5346 patients with first HCC diagnosis were used to estimate lifespan and number of years of life lost after tumour onset, using a semi‐parametric extrapolation having as reference an age‐, sex‐ and year‐of‐onset‐matched population derived from national life tables.

Results

Between 1986 and 2014, HCC lead to an average of 11.5 years‐of‐life lost for each patient. The youngest age‐quartile group (18–61 years) had the highest number of years‐of‐life lost, representing approximately 41% of the overall benefit obtainable from prevention. Advancements in HCC management have progressively reduced the number of years‐of‐life lost from 12.6 years in 1986–1999, to 10.7 in 2000–2006 and 7.4 years in 2007–2014. Currently, an HCC diagnosis when a single tumour <2 cm results in 3.7 years‐of‐life lost while the diagnosis when a single tumour ≥2 cm or 2/3 nodules still within the Milan criteria, results in 5.0 years‐of‐life lost, representing the loss of only approximately 5.5% and 7.2%, respectively, of the entire lifespan from birth.

Conclusions

Hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence results in the loss of a considerable number of years‐of‐life, especially for younger patients. In recent years, the increased possibility of effectively treating this tumour has improved life expectancy, thus reducing years‐of‐life lost.
Caregiver Stress and Related Factors in Korean Households Utilizing Childcare Support by Grandmothers
Authors: Kim Eun‐Jeong
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine and compare caregiver stress and the factors that affect both the grandmothers providing childcare support and the working mothers entrusting their children in Korea. Data were collected from 130 households in which grandmothers took care of grandchildren under the age of six. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t‐test and hierarchy multiple regression analysis. Grandmothers providing childcare were found to experience a relatively higher level of caregiver stress. There were significant differences between the grandmothers and working mothers in terms of caregiver stress and family relationship. Self‐rated health condition, age, the number of grandchildren in care, and the quality of relationships with adult children were found to be predictable variables to grandmothers’ caregiver stress, Factors contributing to working mothers’ caregiver stress were of based on the quality of relationships with the grandmothers and social support. Based on these results, I discuss practical implications to ease caregiver stress in family members in households providing childcare support by grandparents.
Antinociceptive Interaction of Tramadol with Gabapentin in Experimental Mononeuropathic Pain
Authors: Miranda Hugo F. , Noriega Viviana , Prieto Juan Carlos , Zanetta Pilar , Castillo Rodrigo , Aranda Nicolás , Sierralta Fernando
Published: February 2016

Neuropathic pain is the result of injury to the nervous system, and different animal models have been established to meet the manifestations of neuropathy. The pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain includes gabapentin and tramadol, but these are only partially effective when given alone. The aim of this study was to assess the antinociceptive interaction between both drugs using the isobolographic analysis and changes of the IL‐1β concentration in a mouse model of neuropathic pain (partial sciatic nerve ligation or PSNL). The i.p. administration of gabapentin (5–100 mg/kg) or tramadol (12.5–100 mg/kg) displayed a dose‐dependent antinociception in the hot plate assay of PSNL mice, and effects induced by gabapentin with tramadol were synergistic. Administration of gabapentin or tramadol reversed significantly the increase in the concentration of IL‐1β induced by PSNL after either 7 or 14 days and their combination was significantly more potent in reversing the elevated concentration of IL‐1β. The synergism obtained by the co‐administration of gabapentin and tramadol is proposed to result from action on different mechanisms in pain pathways. Gabapentin or tramadol or their combination modulates the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β, in a model of mice PSNL which could be due to an inhibition of glial function.
Birth Outcomes, Intervention Frequency, and the Disappearing Midwife—Potential Hazards of Central Fetal Monitoring: A Single Center Review
Authors: Brown James , McIntyre Andrew , Gasparotto Robyn , McGee Therese M.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Many birth units use central fetal monitoring (CFM) under the assumption that greater surveillance improves perinatal outcomes. The unexpected loss of the CFM system at a tertiary unit provided a unique opportunity to evaluate outcomes and staff attitudes toward CFM.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared patient data from 2,855 electronically monitored women delivering over a 12‐month period, where CFM was available for the first 6 months but unavailable for the following 6 months. Primary outcomes relating to neonatal morbidity and secondary outcomes relating to intrapartum interventions were examined. Additionally, birth unit staff members were surveyed about aspects of care related to CFM.

Results

There were no significant differences in perinatal outcomes between the cohorts. While unadjusted analysis suggested a lower spontaneous vaginal birth rate (55.4% vs 60.3%) and a higher cesarean delivery rate (25.1% vs 22.0%, p = 0.026), together with higher epidural (53.0% vs 49.2%, p = 0.04) and fetal blood sampling (11.8% vs 9.4%, p = 0.03) rates in the presence of CFM, these differences were lost when adjusted for prostaglandin ripening. Over half of the staff (56.0% of midwives, 54.0% of obstetricians) reported spending more time with the laboring woman in the period without CFM.

Conclusions

This single institution's experience indicates that in birth units staffed for one‐to‐one care in labor, central fetal monitoring does not appear to be associated with either a benefit on perinatal outcomes or an increase in cesarean delivery and other interventions. However, it is associated with a reduction in the time a midwife spends with the laboring woman.
Influence of Skeletal and Local Bone Density on Dental Implant Stability in Patients with Osteoporosis
Authors: Merheb Joe , Temmerman Andy , Rasmusson Lars , Kübler Alexander , Thor Andreas , Quirynen Marc
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

Osteoporosis is a major skeletal disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent studies claim that patients with osteoporosis do not have a higher risk of early implant failure compared to non‐osteoporotic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of skeletal osteoporosis and local bone density on initial dental implant stability.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐three patients were recruited and were assigned (based on a Dual‐energy X‐ray Absorptiometry scan) to either the osteoporosis (Opr), osteopenia (Opn), or control (C) group. Forty nine of the 73 patients received dental implants and had implant stability measured by means of resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at implant placement and at prosthetic abutment placement. On the computerized tomography scans, the cortical thickness and the bone density (Hounsfield Units) at the sites of implant placement were measured.

Results

At implant placement, primary stability was on average lower in group Opr (63.3 ± 10.3 ISQ) than in group Opn (65.3 ± 7.5 implant stability qutient (ISQ)), and group C (66.7 ± 8.7 ISQ). At abutment placement, a similar trend was observed: group Opr (66.4 ± 9.5 ISQ) scored lower than group Opn (70.7 ± 7.8 ISQ), while the highest average was for group C (72.2 ± 7.2 ISQ). The difference between groups Opr and C was significant. Implant length and diameter did not have a significant effect on implant stability as measured with RFA. A significant correlation was found between local bone density and implant stability for all regions of interest.

Conclusions

Implant stability seems to be influenced by both local and skeletal bone densities. The lower stability scores in patient with skeletal osteoporosis reinforce the recommendations that safe protocols and longer healing times could be recommended when treating those patients with dental implants.
Experimental models for contamination of titanium surfaces and disinfection protocols
Authors: Sousa Vanessa , Mardas Nikos , Spratt David , Boniface David , Dard Michel , Donos Nikolaos
Published: February 2016

Aim

The aim of this pilot study was to describe anin vitromodel of peri‐implantitis microcosm for contamination of titanium surfaces and anin vivomodel for evaluating different disinfection strategies of titanium surfaces.

Materials and methods

Biofilms were grownin vitrofor 30 days on sandblasted large‐grit acid‐etched (SLA)Ti discs (n = 69) in a constant depth film fermentor (CDFF) associated with peri‐implantitis conditions. FourSwedish loop rabbits were randomly allocated in three test groups (T1, T2, T3) and one control group (C). In groupC, two sterileSLA Ti discs were implanted/fixed in each tibia. In the test groups (to evaluate the potential of different surface disinfection techniques), one sterile and three previously disinfectedSLA Ti discs were placed following different disinfection protocols: groupT1: the discs were treated with a titanium brush –TiB; groupT2: the discs were treated with the combination ofTiBand photodynamic therapy; and groupT3: the discs were treated withTiBand 1%NaOCl plus 0.2%CHX. Tensile strength test and qualitative histological analysis were performed on all 16 discs after 4 weeks of healing.

Results

Thirty days followingCDFFemulating peri‐implantitis microcosm, allSLA Ti discs had a mean total viable aerobes and facultative anaerobes count of 8.06 log10 CFU/biofilm and anaerobes 8.32 log10 CFU/biofilm. Before implantation/fixation on the tibia, differences of log10 CFU/biofilm counts between control and test groups afterpost hocadjustment were highly significant (P < 0.001). In thein vivoanalysis, group C exhibited the highest tensile strength (67.60 N [25.64–127.02]) and the histological sections revealed the presence of dense mature bone in direct contact with the disc surface. The analysis at the test groups showed that T2presented with the highest tensile strength in comparison with the other two test groups.

Conclusions

Thein vitromodel used in this study provides a valuable and reproducible tool for evaluating thein vitrodynamics of the peri‐implantitis microcosm biofilm and for contaminating in a reproducible manner titanium surfaces. At the same time, thein vivomodel used in this study provides a standardised mode of evaluating disinfection modalities of previously infected titanium surfaces.
Quantifying population declines based on presence‐only records for red‐list assessments
Authors: Cruickshank Sam S. , Ozgul Arpat , Zumbach Silvia , Schmidt Benedikt R.
Published: February 2016

Accurate trend estimates are necessary for understanding which species are declining and which are most in need of conservation action. Imperfect species detection may result in unreliable trend estimates because this may lead to the overestimation of declines. Because many management decisions are based on population trend estimates, such biases could have severe consequences for conservation policy. We used an occupancy‐modeling framework to estimate detectability and calculate nationwide population trends for 14 Swiss amphibian species both accounting for and ignoring imperfect detection. Through the application of International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List criteria to the different trend estimates, we assessed whether ignoring imperfect detection could affect conservation policy. Imperfect detection occurred for all species and detection varied substantially among species, which led to the overestimation of population declines when detectability was ignored. Consequently, accounting for imperfect detection lowered the red‐list risk category for 5 of the 14 species assessed. We demonstrate that failing to consider species detectability can have serious consequences for species management and that occupancy modeling provides a flexible framework to account for observation bias and improve assessments of conservation status. A problem inherent to most historical records is that they contain presence‐only data from which only relative declines can be estimated. A move toward the routine recording of nonobservation and absence data is essential if conservation practitioners are to move beyond this toward accurate population trend estimation.
Intramyocellular lipids and their dynamics assessed by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Popadic Gacesa J. , Schick F. , Machann J. , Grujic N.
Published: February 2016

This report provides an overview on the present knowledge on intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and their dynamics in the course of interventions with physical activity of variable type and intensity in different population groups, as accessible by examinations using non‐invasive volume‐selective 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). IMCL serve as energy source in skeletal muscle for fat oxidation in the mitochondria and became intensively studied after discovery of their relation with insulin sensitivity. While baseline levels of IMCL concentration have been shown to be mainly dependent on the metabolic status (insulin sensitivity), on the level of training and on fibre composition in the muscles, studies applying different physical activity protocols revealed the dynamic of their depletion and replenishment. From the findings in human studies, it can be concluded that IMCL levels are potentially useful markers for monitoring metabolic adaptation of skeletal muscle to sportive activities and training.
Endoscopic diagnosis of colorectal serrated lesions: Current status and future perspectives based on the results of a questionnaire survey
Authors: Matsuda Takahisa , Oka Shiro , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Matsushita Hiro‐o , Mori Yuichi , Takeuchi Yoji , Tamai Naoto , Kawamura Takuji , Chino Akiko , Keum Bora , Khomvilai Supakij , Uraoka Toshio
Published: February 2016

Serrated lesions, especially sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) are considered one of the most important precursors of colorectal cancers. However, it is still difficult to endoscopically differentiate SSA/P from hyperplastic polyps. In the present review, we mainly focus on the current status and future perspectives of endoscopic diagnosis of colorectal serrated lesions based on the results of a questionnaire survey and report from the Endoscopic Forum Japan (EFJ) 2015 held in Tokyo in August 2015. The proposed diagnostic strategy recommended for colorectal serrated lesions is as follows. (i) For detection, use of an updated image‐enhanced endoscopy system including autofluorescence imaging (AFI) and narrow‐band imaging (NBI) may be promising. (ii) For differential diagnosis (hyperplastic polyp or SSA/P) of diminutive, small and large serrated lesions, NBI with magnification and magnifying chromoendoscopy using both indigocarmine and crystal violet should be applied, respectively. (iii) For differential diagnosis of SSA/P (with or without cytological dysplasia), magnifying chromoendoscopy, endocytoscopy and updated AFI system modalities might be promising.
The Impact of Echocardiographic Epicardial Fat Thickness on Outcomes of Cryoballoon‐Based Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Canpolat Uğur , Aytemir Kudret , Yorgun Hikmet , Asil Serkan , Dural Muhammed , Özer Necla
Published: February 2016

Background

Evidence from previous studies indicates increased epicardial fat volume, measured using computerized tomography, is significantly associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation. This association is most frequently linked to pro‐inflammatory cytokine release from epicardial fat tissue. However, there is little data regarding the role of echocardiographically measured epicardial fat thickness (EFT) on catheter ablation outcomes. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of echocardiographically measured EFT on AF recurrence after cryoballoon‐based catheter ablation.

Methods

A total of 234 patients (51.3% male; mean age, 54.0 ± 10.9 years; 81.2% paroxysmal AF) with symptomatic AF underwent an initial cryoablation procedure. EFT was measured from the parasternal long‐axis view at end‐systole. A 3‐month postablation blanking period was observed.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 20 (IQR: 13−24) months, 45 patients (19.2%) had developed AF recurrence. EFT thickness was significantly higher among patients with AF recurrence (7.79 ± 2.0 vs. 5.79 ± 1.38, P < 0.001) and was positively correlated with hs‐CRP levels (r = 0.381, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed EFT (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10–1.66, P = 0.004), left atrial diameter, and early AF recurrence were independent predictors of AF recurrence. Using a cutoff level of 6.92, preprocedural EFT predicted AF recurrence during follow‐up with a sensitivity of 71.1% and specificity of 78.3% (AUC: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.71–0.87, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Echocardiographically measured EFT independently predicted the AF recurrence after cryoablation and was also positively correlated with hs‐CRP as an indicator for systemic inflammation. Thus, the association of echocardiographically measured EFT with AF recurrence may be linked to systemic inflammation.
Asymmetric Parachute‐Like Tricuspid Valve with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation in an Adult Patient
Authors: Güvenç Tolga Sinan , Gök Gülay , Erer Hatice Betül , Ekmekçi Ahmet , Eren Mehmet
Published: February 2016

Mini‐Abstract

Parachute‐like tricuspid valve is a very uncommon congenital heart disease that may cause tricuspid stenosis or regurgitation. Different from a parachute anomaly, more than one papillary muscle group is present in a parachute‐like defect. We report a case of parachute‐like tricuspid valve diagnosed in adulthood using three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.
Rapid Swelling of Infarcted Myocardium Soon after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Sign of Critical Reperfusion Hemorrhage
Authors: Nagai Tomoo , Tahara Mai , Arakawa Junko , Katsushika Shuichi
Published: February 2016

Mini‐Abstract

Although early reperfusion is the best approach to salvage ischemic myocardium and limit myocardial necrosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction, revascularization can also lead to adverse effects by causing reperfusion injury that results in further myocyte necrosis. Intramyocardial hemorrhage is considered a fulminant form of reperfusion injury and is caused by the extravasation of red blood cells via damaged endothelial walls; this leads to the expansion of the myocardial necrosis. Here, we present a case with intramyocardial hemorrhage demonstrating rapid swelling of infarcted myocardium after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention and discuss its clinical implication.