bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection and clinicopathological characteristics of advanced/recurrent biliary tract carcinomas harboring the FGFR2 rearrangements: a prospective observational study (PRELUDE Study)
Authors: Maruki Yuta , Morizane Chigusa , Arai Yasuhito , Ikeda Masafumi , Ueno Makoto , Ioka Tatsuya , Naganuma Atsushi , Furukawa Masayuki , Mizuno Nobumasa , Uwagawa Tadashi , Takahara Naminatsu , Kanai Masashi , Asagi Akinori , Shimizu Satoshi , Miyamoto Atsushi , Yukisawa Seigo , Kadokura Makoto , Kojima Yasushi , Furuse Junji , Nakajima Takako Eguchi , Sudo Kentaro , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Hama Natsuko , Yamanaka Takeharu , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Okusaka Takuji 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFibroblast growth factor receptor 2(FGFR2) rearrangement is expected to be a novel therapeutic target in advanced/recurrent biliary tract cancer (BTC). However, efficient detection and the exact frequency ofFGFR2rearrangements among patients with advanced/recurrent BTC have not been determined, and the clinical characteristics ofFGFR2rearrangement-positive patients have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to determine the frequency ofFGFR2rearrangement-positive patients among those with advanced/recurrent BTC and elucidate their clinicopathological characteristics.MethodsParaffin-embedded tumor samples from formalin-fixed surgical or biopsy specimens of patients with advanced/recurrent BTC were analyzed for positivity ofFGFR2rearrangement by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). RNA sequencing was performed on samples from all FISH-positive and part of FISH-negative patients.ResultsA total of 445 patients were enrolled. FISH was performed on 423 patients (272 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), 83 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCC), and 68 patients with other BTC). Twenty-one patients with ICC and four patients with PCC were diagnosed asFGFR2-FISH positive. Twenty-three of the 25 FISH-positive patients (20 ICC and 3 PCC) were recognized asFGFR2rearrangement positive by targeted RNA sequencing. Younger age (≤ 65 years;p = 0.018) and HCV Ab- and/or HBs Ag-positivity (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with the presence ofFGFR2rearrangement (logistic regression).ConclusionsFGFR2rearrangement was identified in ICC and PCC patients, and was associated with younger age and history of hepatitis viral infection.
Arterial collateral anatomy predicts the risk for intra-operative changes in somatosensory evoked potentials in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Müller Mandy D. , Seidel Kathleen , Peschi Giovanni , Piechowiak Eike , Mosimann Pascal J. , Schucht Philippe , Raabe Andreas , Bervini David 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
During carotid endarterectomy (CEA), significant amplitude decrement of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) is associated with post-operative neurological deficits.

Objective
To investigate the association between an incomplete circle of Willis and/or contralateral ICA occlusion and subsequent changes in intra-operatively monitored SEPs.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of a single center, prospective cohort of consecutive patients undergoing CEA over a 42-month period after reviewing the collateral arterial anatomy on pre-operative radiological imaging. The primary endpoint was an intra-operative decline in SEPs > 50% compared to the baseline value during arterial cross-clamping. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate a potential association between contralateral ICA occlusion, incomplete circle of Willis, and subsequent alteration in SEPs.

Results
A total of 140 consecutive patients were included, of which 116 patients (82.9%) had symptomatic carotid stenosis of at least 50% according to the classification used in the North American Carotid Surgery Trial (NASCET) (Stroke 22:711–720, 1991). Six patients (4.3%) showed contralateral ICA occlusion, 22 patients (16%) a missing/hypoplastic anterior communicating artery (Acom) or A1 segment, and 79 patients (56%) a missing ipsilateral posterior communicating artery (Pcom) or P1 segment. ICA occlusion and missing segments of the anterior circulation (missing A1 and/or missing Acom) were associated with the primary endpoint (p = 0.003 and p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusion
Contralateral ICA occlusion and missing anterior collaterals of the circle of Willis increase the risk of intra-operative SEP changes during CEA. Pre-operative assessment of collateral arterial anatomy might help identifying patients with an increased intra-operative risk.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus and CSF tap test response: the gait phenotype matters
Authors: Morel Eric , Armand Stéphane , Assal Frédéric , Allali Gilles 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study compared gait speed changes after CSF tap test in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus presenting with various gait phenotypes (frontal, parkinsonian, normal, or other). All patients improved, except those with parkinsonian gait.
Revision of 116 orthognathic surgery patients operated on with the high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO): a retrospective case series (PROCESS-compliant article)
Authors: Herrera-Vizcaino C. , Seifert L. , Berdan M. , Ghanaati S. , Klos M. , Landes C. , Sader Robert 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO) is an alternative to a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Due to its novelty, there are no long-term studies which have focused on describing the incidence and type of complications encountered in the post-operative follow-up. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze patients operated on with this surgical technique and the post-operative complications encountered.

Patient and methods
The electronic medical records of all patients treated with orthognathic surgery at the Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, between the years 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results
A total of 116 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The cases operated on with the standard osteosynthesis (X, Y, and straight) showed a complication rate of 36.37% (n = 4/11). The cases operated on with the HOSO-dedicated plates (HOSO-DP) showed, in total, a complication rate of 6.67% (n = 7/105). The most common post-operative complication resulting from both fixation methods was a reduction in mouth opening and TMJ pain for 4.3%. During the first years of performing the surgery (2009–211), a variety of standard plates had material failure causing non-union or pseudarthrosis. No cases of material failure were observed in the cases operated on with the HOSO-DP. The statistical results showed a highly significant dependence of a reduction in OP-time over the years, when the HOSO was performed without additional procedures (R2 > 0.83, P < 0.0015).

Conclusion
The rate of complications in the HOSO were shown to be comparable to the rate of complications from the BSSO reported in the literature. Moreover, the use of the ramus dedicated plate appears to provide enough stability to the bone segments, making the surgery safer.

Clinical relevance
The HOSO needs to be considered by surgeons as an alternative to BSSO. Once the use of the HOSO-DP was established, the rate of complications and the operation time reduced considerably.
Wetter is Better: Rewetting of Minerotrophic Peatlands Increases Plant Production and Moves Them Towards Carbon Sinks in a Dry Year
Authors: Schwieger Sarah , Kreyling Juergen , Couwenberg John , Smiljanić Marko , Weigel Robert , Wilmking Martin , Blume-Werry Gesche 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPeatlands are effective carbon sinks as more biomass is produced than decomposed under the prevalent anoxic conditions. Draining peatlands coupled with warming releases stored carbon, and subsequent rewetting may or may not restore the original carbon sink. Yet, patterns of plant production and decomposition in rewetted peatlands and how they compare to drained conditions remain largely unexplored. Here, we measured annual above- and belowground biomass production and decomposition in three different drained and rewetted peatland types: alder forest, percolation fen and coastal fen during an exceptionally dry year. We also used standard plant material to compare decomposition between the sites, regardless of the decomposability of the local plant material. Rewetted sites showed higher root and shoot production in the percolation fen and higher root production in the coastal fen, but similar root and leaf production in the alder forest. Decomposition rates were generally similar in drained and rewetted sites, only in the percolation fen and alder forest did aboveground litter decompose faster in the drained sites. The rewetted percolation fen and the two coastal sites had the highest projected potential for organic matter accumulation. Roots accounted for 23–66% of total biomass production, and belowground biomass, rather than aboveground biomass, was particularly important for organic matter accumulation in the coastal fens. This highlights the significance of roots as main peat-forming element in these graminoid-dominated fen peatlands and their crucial role in carbon cycling, and shows that high biomass production supported the peatlands’ function as carbon sink even during a dry year.
The role of Simpson grading in meningiomas after integration of the updated WHO classification and adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Behling Felix , Fodi Christina , Hoffmann Elgin , Renovanz Mirjam , Skardelly Marco , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Schittenhelm Jens , Honegger Jürgen , Tatagiba Marcos 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSince the introduction of the Simpson grading for the extent of resection in meningiomas in 1957, its usefulness in modern neurosurgery has been challenged. Especially, the updated WHO classification regarding brain invasion and the efficacy of radiation therapy has not been taken into account when evaluating the prognostic role of the Simpson grading in this era. We analyzed the clinical and histopathological data of 1571 meningiomas that were surgically resected in the authors’ institution between July 2003 and March 2017. Operative reports were reviewed regarding the extent of resection according to Simpson grading. Meningioma subtype according to the updated WHO classification of 2016 and clinical characteristics and time to tumor progression were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 38.4 months (range 1.2 to 195.6). A higher rate of tumor recurrence was observed for male gender, younger age, recurrent tumors, non-spinal tumor localization, higher WHO, and Simpson grades in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis older age, recurrent tumors and higher WHO grades remained negative prognostic factors. Among the different Simpson grades, the relative risk for recurrence was highest for grade IV compared to all other grades (each p < 0.0001), while there was no difference between Simpson grades I and II. Adjuvant radiotherapy showed lower rates of tumor recurrence. Subtotal microsurgical resection remains an independent prognostic factor with a higher rate of tumor recurrence. The prognostic benefit of radical treatment of the dural attachment is questionable and needs to be considered when weighing the intraoperative risks of radicality.
A phase 3 multicenter open-label maintenance study to investigate the long-term safety of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in Japanese subjects with hyperkalemia
Authors: Kashihara Naoki , Yamasaki Yoshimitsu , Osonoi Takeshi , Harada Hiromasa , Shibagaki Yugo , Zhao June , Kim Hyosung , Yajima Toshitaka , Sarai Nobuaki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Hyperkalemia is associated with many chronic diseases and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor therapy. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), an oral, highly selective cation-exchanger, is approved for the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Methods
This phase 3, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, flexible-dose study assessed the safety and efficacy of SZC in Japanese patients with hyperkalemia during a correction phase of up to 3 days and long-term (1 year) maintenance phase (NCT03172702).

Results
Overall, 150 patients received treatment during both study phases; the study population was generally representative of hyperkalemic Japanese patients in clinical practice. Most patients (78.7%) had three doses of SZC during the correction phase. All but one patient received SZC for ≤ 48 h before transitioning to the maintenance phase. In the maintenance phase, mean (standard deviation; SD) exposure to the study drug was 319.4 (98.1) days and mean (SD) dose was 7.38 (2.85) g/day. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 131 patients (87.3%); most were mild. The most common treatment-related AEs as evaluated by investigators were constipation (6.7%), peripheral edema (4.0%), and hypertension (2.7%). In the correction phase, 78.7% of patients were normokalemic at 24 h and 98.7% within 48 h; ≥ 65.5% maintained normokalemia throughout the maintenance phase.

Conclusion
After a year of exposure, SZC treatment was well tolerated by Japanese patients and potassium levels were well controlled.
The Temporal Fine Structure of Background Noise Determines the Benefit of Bimodal Hearing for Recognizing Speech
Authors: Stronks H. C. , Briaire J. J. , Frijns J. H. M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCochlear implant (CI) users have more difficulty understanding speech in temporally modulated noise than in steady-state (SS) noise. This is thought to be caused by the limited low-frequency information that CIs provide, as well as by the envelope coding in CIs that discards the temporal fine structure (TFS). Contralateral amplification with a hearing aid, referred to as bimodal hearing, can potentially provide CI users with TFS cues to complement the envelope cues provided by the CI signal. In this study, we investigated whether the use of a CI alone provides access to only envelope cues and whether acoustic amplification can provide additional access to TFS cues. To this end, we evaluated speech recognition in bimodal listeners, using SS noise and two amplitude-modulated noise types, namely babble noise and amplitude-modulated steady-state (AMSS) noise. We hypothesized that speech recognition in noise depends on the envelope of the noise, but not on its TFS when listening with a CI. Secondly, we hypothesized that the amount of benefit gained by the addition of a contralateral hearing aid depends on both the envelope and TFS of the noise. The two amplitude-modulated noise types decreased speech recognition more effectively than SS noise. Against expectations, however, we found that babble noise decreased speech recognition more effectively than AMSS noise in the CI-only condition. Therefore, we rejected our hypothesis that TFS is not available to CI users. In line with expectations, we found that the bimodal benefit was highest in babble noise. However, there was no significant difference between the bimodal benefit obtained in SS and AMSS noise. Our results suggest that a CI alone can provide TFS cues and that bimodal benefits in noise depend on TFS, but not on the envelope of the noise.
Real Convergence Across the Euro Area
Authors: Coutinho Leonor , Turrini Alessandro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper studies the relationship between real convergence in the euro area and macroeconomic imbalances. It compares the main features of convergence within the euro area with other EU and non-EU country groups, looking at both ‘sigma’ and ‘beta’ convergence in output and total factor productivity. Expected convergence paths for euro area countries are estimated using growth regressions run on a large panel of advanced and emerging market economies and compared to actual growth. The findings support the view that EU and euro area countries display similar convergence patterns to those of other country groups, while the group of countries that adopted the euro first exhibit relatively weak convergence since before the financial crisis. Such differences could be partly linked to relatively low dispersion in per capita incomes across this country group, although lack of convergence is also largely due to persisting differences in total factor productivity performance. The findings also suggest that macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the pre-crisis period such as high private and government debt and strong growth in the non-tradable sector have been associated with lower convergence, particularly for euro area countries.
The Impact of Structural Funds on Regional Growth: A Panel Data Spatial Analysis
Authors: Antunes Micaela , Viegas Miguel , Varum Celeste , Pinho Carlos 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe European Union is one of the most prosperous areas of the world. However, huge disparities remain among its member states and regions. Given the persistence of those large regional inequalities, it is pertinent to analyse the efficiency of structural funds. In light of the neoclassical theory, these funds should contribute to improving the economic efficiency among the poorest regions, promoting regional convergence. However, the new economic geography states that structural funds may also facilitate the geographic concentration of economic activities, thus perpetuating regional imbalances. This article measures the impact of structural funds on regional convergence using a spatial econometric approach applied to an extended sample of European regions across a long time interval. Based on data for 96 EU regions during the period 1995–2009, a Durbin model with panel data is estimated in order to capture the effects of spatial dependence in both the lagged dependent variable and the independent variables. The results confirm the existence of conditional convergence and the importance of neighbourhood and spillover effects but do not detect the existence of positive impacts from structural funds.
Von der Grundrente zum Lebenserwartungsfaktor
Authors: Raffelhüschen Bernd , Seuffert Stefan 
Published: October 2020

ZusammenfassungIn Zeiten der gesellschaftlichen Alterung befindet sich die Rentenpolitik im Zwiespalt zwischen politisch opportunen Leistungsausweitungen und fiskalischer Nachhaltigkeit. Die langfristigen fiskalischen Auswirkungen von leistungsausweitenden Maßnahmen und eine generationengerechte Ausgestaltung der Rentenversicherung lassen sich anhand der Methodik der Generationenbilanzierung quantifizieren. Die langfristigen Kosten der „Rente mit 63“ und des Grundrentenkompromisses entsprechen einer Nachhaltigkeitslücke von zusammen knapp 10 % des Bruttoinlandprodukts. Es zeigt sich, dass der Grundrentenkompromiss die wichtigsten Fundamentalprinzipien der Sozialpolitik bricht. Im Sinne der intergenerativen Gleichbehandlung wäre der dynamische Lebenserwartungsfaktor zur automatischen Anpassung des Renteneintrittsalters an die Entwicklung der Lebenserwartung sinnvoll.
Exploring the Use of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Women from Durban, South Africa as Part of the HIV Prevention Package in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Beesham Ivana , Heffron Renee , Evans Shannon , Baeten Jared M. , Smit Jenni , Beksinska Mags , Mansoor Leila E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHIV endpoint-driven clinical trials in Africa enroll women who are at heightened risk of acquiring HIV. In 2017, the South African Medical Research Council recommended the provision of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in HIV prevention trials, at which time the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes trial was ongoing and began to provide PrEP on-site at some trial sites. We interviewed 132 women who initiated PrEP on-site at the Durban, South Africa trial site to explore PrEP use, and conducted phone-based interviews 4–6 months post-trial exit to explore post-trial PrEP access. PrEP uptake was high (42.6%). Among women initiating PrEP on-site, 87.9% felt at risk of acquiring HIV. Most women (> 90%) heard of PrEP for the first time from study staff and three-quarters who initiated PrEP on-site continued at trial-exit. PrEP use declined post-trial exit with more than 50% of women discontinuing PrEP, and barriers relating to access emerged.
Implementing a patient decision aid, a process evaluation of a large-scale pre- and post-implementation trial
Authors: Raphael Daniela D. B. , Russell N. S. , van Werkhoven E. , Immink J. M. , Westhoff D. P. G. , Stenfert Kroese M. C. , Stam M. R. , van Maurik L. M. , van Gestel C. M. J. , van der Weijden T. , Boersma L. J. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Patient decision aids (PtDAs) have been reported to have a positive influence on patients making a health care decision in trials. Nevertheless, post-trial implementation is poor. The aim of this study is to explore patient, clinician, and organizational success factors for implementing a PtDA designed for breast cancer patients, facing a decision on their radiation treatment.

Methods
We performed a process evaluation within a multi-center pre- and post-implementation trial. The PtDA was incorporated as much as possible in the logistics of 13 participating centers. Tracking data were collected on PtDA use. Process characteristics were recorded by both clinicians and patients. A logistic regression method was applied to investigate which process characteristics were significantly related to the probability that patients logged in to the PtDA.

Results
189 patients received the PtDA of whom140 (77%) used the PtDA. If patients received the link via the surgery department they were more likely to use the PtDA (OR 9.77 (1.28–74.51)), compared to patients that received the link via the radiation oncology department. If the report of the multidisciplinary team stated that radiation treatment “had to be discussed with the patient”, patients were more likely to use the PtDA (OR 2.29 (1.12–4.71)). Educational level was not related to the probability of PtDA use.

Conclusions
We accomplished a high level of PtDA use. Patients were more likely to use the PtDA if they received the link via the surgery department and if “to be discussed with the patient” was written in the multidisciplinary team report.
Effects of Levosimendan on cardiac function, size and strain in heart failure patients
Authors: Beitzke D. , Gremmel F. , Senn D. , Laggner R. , Kammerlander A. , Wielandner A. , Nolz R. , Hülsmann M. , Loewe C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLevosimendan improves cardiac function in heart failure populations; however, its exact mechanism is not well defined. We analysed the short-term impact of levosimendan in heart failure patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) using multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We identified 33 patients with ischemic or non-ischemic CMP who received two consecutive CMR scans prior to and within one week after levosimendan administration. Changes in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV volumes, as well as changes in strain rates, were measured prior to and within one week after levosimendan infusion. LV scarring, based on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), was correlated to changes in LV size and strain rates. Both LV endiastolic (EDV) and endsystolic volumes (ESV) significantly decreased (EDV: p=0,001; ESV: p=0,002) after levosimendan administration, with no significant impact on LVEF (p=0.41), cardiac output (p=0.61), and strain rates. Subgroup analyses of ischemic or non-ischemic CMP showed no significant differences between the groups in terms of short-term LV reverse remodeling. The presence and extent of scarring in LGE did not correlate with changes in LV size and strain rates. CMR is able to monitor cardiac effects of levosimendan infusion. Short-term follow-up of a single levosimendan infusion using CMR shows a significant decrease in LV size, but no impact on LVEF or strain measurements. There was no difference between patients with ischemic or non-ischemic CMP. Quantification of LV scarring in CMR is not able to predict changes in LV size and strain rates in response to levosimendan.