bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal study of factors associated with informal care provision: Evidence from older Australians
Authors: Peng Rong , Anstey Kaarin J. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo explore the factors associated with informal care provision by older Australians.MethodsLongitudinal cohorts of the Personality and Total Health Through Life project (PATH) were used to build a generalised estimating equation model.ResultsOlder adults who are engaged in volunteer and religious activities are 27.6% and 33.8%, respectively, more likely to provide informal care than their counterparts who are not engaged in these activities. Older adults who formerly provided care are four times more likely to have a continued caregiving role than their counterparts who did not formerly provide care. Those in marriage‐type relationships are 50.9% more likely, and those with primary responsibility for household and income tasks are respectively 28.0% and 31.0% more likely, to provide care than their counterparts.ConclusionPersonal values for social responsibility and role responsibility are significant predictors of informal care provision by older Australians.
Combined immune therapy grade IV dermatitis in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Randhawa Manreet , Archer Christine , Gaughran Gregory , Miller Andrew , Morey Adrienne , Dua Divyanshu , Yip Desmond 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCheckpoint inhibition is the mainstay of treatment in metastatic melanoma. More recently combined cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 and programmed‐death‐1 blockade has resulted in improved response rates and overall survival in treatment naïve patients compared to monotherapy albeit with increased rates of adverse events. Dermatologic toxicities are an emerging consequence of the use of checkpoint inhibitors and have reportedly been more prevalent with the use of combined therapy. However, grade 3 and 4 adverse event rates are still less than 5%. Here, we report a case of a 63‐year‐old Caucasian male with metastatic melanoma treated with first line combined ipilimumab and nivolumab who then developed a steroid refractory, biopsy confirmed pityriasis lichenoides‐like, drug related rash that resolved with cyclosporine. Time of onset was 24 days and presenting symptoms demonstrated a maculopapular rash presenting over the back and chest with pruritus. Unfortunately, the patient subsequently had multi‐organ failure with acute kidney injury requiring dialysis, hypotension requiring vasopressor support, hepatic dysfunction, and bilateral lung infiltrates resulting in a fatal outcome. This case report highlights the effective use of cyclosporine as an immunomodulatory agent in the management of severe dermatological toxicity due to combination immunotherapy.
Glutathione‐S‐transferase M1 polymorphism and pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β are associated with preeclampsia in Serbian women
Authors: Sljivancanin Jakovljevic Tamara , Kontic‐Vucinic Olivera , Nikolic Nadja , Carkic Jelena , Soldatovic Ivan , Milasin Jelena 
Published: February 2019

ProblemPreeclampsia has a multifactorial origin with genetic, immunological, and environmental factors described as main contributors to its onset. This study aimed to investigate glutathione‐S‐transferase M1 (GSTM1) and glutathione‐S‐transferase T1 (GSTT1) gene polymorphisms, the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6), and the potential relationship between GST polymorphisms and cytokine expression levels in preeclampsia and uncomplicated pregnancy.Method of StudyThis prospective case‐control study included 50 women with preeclampsia and 50 healthy pregnant women. DNA and RNA were extracted from women leukocytes. Deletion polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR, while cytokine mRNA expression was analyzed by real‐time PCR.ResultsGSTM1 null genotype with present GSTT1 increased the risk for preeclampsia development. Deletion of GSTT1 without deletion of GSTM1 increased the risk for early preeclampsia. Relative mRNA expression of TNF‐α was significantly higher in preeclampsia compared to healthy pregnant women (P = 0.006). Expression of IL‐1β was significantly higher in severe and late preeclampsia compared to the control group (P = 0.005, P = 0.007, respectively). A significant positive correlation between TNF‐α and IL‐1β was observed (Spearman's ρ = 0.312, P = 0.028) and between IL‐1β and IL‐6, in preeclampsia group (Spearman's ρ = 0.296, P = 0.037). IL‐1β was significantly increased in patients with GSTT1 null genotype (P = 0.015) while IL‐6 was increased in patients with GSTM1 null genotype (P = 0.015).ConclusionsGSTM1 null genotype represents a risk factor for preeclampsia development, while GSTT1 null genotype favors early preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is also associated with increased expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, predominantly TNF‐α and IL‐1β.
Lipoxin A4 interferes with embryo implantation via suppression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Xu Zhangye , Zhao Shenzhi , Zhou Tong , Liao Tingting , Huang Xianping , Xiang Huiqiu , Zhang Qiong , Huang Yanjun , Lin Feng , Ye Duyun , Huang Yinping 
Published: February 2019

ProblemTo test whether lipoxin A4 (LXA4) interferes with embryo implantation via suppression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT).Method of studyWe developed a mouse model of LXA4 blocking embryo implantation and detected the indicators of EMT to confirm that LXA4 inhibits EMT might be a mechanism of interfering with the embryo implantation. We detected integrin‐linked kinase (ILK), N‐formylpeptide receptor 2 (FPR2), vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), Akt, GSK3β, NF‐ĸB, twist, vimentin, fibronectin, and β‐catenin mRNA expression using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time RT‐PCR; localized protein expression using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting assay; MMPs activity assay by gelatin zymography; and the status of implantation in pregnant animals assessed by pontamine blue reaction test.ResultsPreimplantation administration of LXA4 resulted in implantation failure. LXA4 has a time‐ and dose‐dependent effect on embryo implantation. Day 0.5 after fertilization is the most effective time to use LXA4 to block embryo implantation. (a) LXA4 reduced endometrial stroma edema; (b) LXA4 inhibited the activity of MMP9 and significantly upregulated the expression of β‐catenin, and downregulated the expression of vimentin, fibronectin, twist, NF‐κB, Akt, and Gsk‐3β in the endometrium and TEV‐1 cells; (c) LXA4 upregulated the expression of FPR2, and downregulated the expression of ILK; FPR2‐overexpressing had an inhibitory effect on ILK in TEV‐1 cells.ConclusionLXA4 inhibits EMT which attenuates ILK action by enhancing FPR2; therefore, this might be a mechanism of interfering with embryo implantation.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in age‐related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Niazi Siar , Krogh Nielsen Marie , Sørensen Torben Lykke , Subhi Yousif 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is aetiologically linked to immunological ageing and dysfunction. One aspect of this is the altered neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which in other domains have been associated with inflammation and angiogenesis, and therefore investigated in patients with AMD in several papers. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we summarize findings in patients with AMD in relation to NLR, both qualitatively and quantitatively. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central and identified six studies from where we extracted data on 1178 individuals (777 patients with AMD and 401 healthy controls). Patients with AMD had a higher NLR (weighted mean difference: 0.37, CI 95% 0.08 to 0.66, p = 0.013) when compared to healthy controls. In subgroup analyses, we did not find a significant difference between patients with dry AMD and healthy controls (weighted mean difference: 0.34, CI 95% −0.03 to 0.69, p = 0.068), but did find a strong significant difference between patients with neovascular AMD and healthy controls (weighted mean difference: 0.54, CI 95% 0.23 to 0.86, p = 0.00068). Hence, we find that the association between AMD and elevated NLR may have stronger relevance to the neovascular subtype of AMD. However, the clinical value of measuring the NLR remains unclear.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION, POLITICS AND RELIGION: INSIGHTS FROM TUNISIA'S NEW DEMOCRACY
Authors: FOURATI Maleke , ESTACHE Antonio 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes the relationship between access to infrastructure services and support for religious parties based on the evidence produced by a recent democratic experience in Tunisia in which a religious political party, Ennahdha, governed from 2011 to 2014. The experience points to a complex relationship. In the 2011 election, areas with higher access are associated with higher support for Ennahdha than areas with lower access. In the 2014 election, however, infrastructure access is positively correlated with support for the party in areas where access had improved but negatively correlated with support for the party in areas that already had high access. A possible pragmatic general implication is that, to be politically competitive, religious parties, cannot bet solely on their religious commitment to provide basic services, including infrastructure, to the poor. They need to recognize the multiplicity of voter's concerns and their evolving agenda.
EVALUATING THE COSTS, QUALITY, AND VALUE FOR MONEY OF INFRASTRUCTURE PUBLIC‐PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: HELBY PETERSEN Ole 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTPublic‒private partnerships (PPPs) are often promoted as a means to lower the costs and increase the quality and value for money (VfM) of public construction and infrastructure projects. While the increasing capital stock of PPPs warrants evaluation of their performance there has until now been limited systematic assessment of PPP versus conventional public procurement. This article contributes to the literature by presenting the findings of a systematic review of empirical peer‐reviewed studies comparing the costs, quality, and/or VfM of infrastructure PPP projects with conventional public procurement. The international literature suggests that PPPs are on average more costly and provide approximately similar VfM as conventional procurement. The number of empirical evaluations is limited, however, and evidence on the quality of infrastructure facilities is particularly scarce. While infrastructure PPPs continue to proliferate, systematic assessment of their performance is warranted to assist policy‐makers in choosing the procurement method that offers best value for taxpayers, users and society.
WHAT DO CITIZENS THINK ABOUT PUBLIC ENTERPRISES? SUBJECTIVE SURVEY DATA ON THE LEGITIMACY OF THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE GERMAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Authors: SIDKI Marcus , BOLL David 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTWe analyse the legitimacy of public enterprises that perform economic activities by focusing on the citizens’ subjective preferences, i.e. determining their political legitimacy. Using data from a representative survey conducted among 318 citizens of the German state of Rhineland‐Palatine, we explore determinants for the support of either privatisation efforts or the instrumental thesis, a widespread principle in German‐speaking countries, which considers public enterprises solely as instruments to fulfil economic policy objectives. Our results indicate that the respondents’ perception of the efficiency of public enterprises as well as their personal economic situation are important factors for the support of privatisation. The influential factors for the use of public enterprises as policy instruments are political ideology, the perception of a higher security of supplying goods and services as well as opinions regarding corporate social responsibility. The subjective preferences of a (democratic) country's citizens are thus an important reason why the public sector should or should not play an active part in providing goods and services. This can play an important role when decision makers from the public sector are keen to take into account the citizens’ approval or disapproval of privatisation measures.
In vitro binding of cefovecin to plasma proteins in Australian marsupials and plasma concentrations of cefovecin following single subcutaneous administration to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Gharibi S , Vogelnest L , Govendir M 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundCefovecin has a long duration of antibiotic activity in cats and dogs, somewhat attributable to its high plasma protein binding.AimsTo determine the cefovecin binding to plasma proteins in vitro in selected Australian marsupials and to quantify the change in cetovecin concentration over time following subcutaneous injection in koalas.Methods and resultsVarious cefovecin concentrations were incubated with plasma and quantified using HPLC. The median (range) bound percentages when 10 μg/mL of cefovecin was incubated with plasma were 11.1 (4.1–20.4) in the plasma of the Tasmanian devil, 12.7 (5.8–17.3) in the koala, 18.9 (14.6–38.0) in the eastern grey kangaroo, 16.9 (15.7–30.2) in the common brush‐tailed possum, 37.6 (25.3–42.3) in the eastern ring‐tailed possum and 36.4 (35.0–38.3) in the red kangaroo, suggesting that cefovecin may have a shorter duration of action in these species than in cats and dogs. Cefovecin binding to plasma proteins in thawed, frozen equine plasma was also undertaken for assay quality control and the median (range) plasma protein binding (at 10 μg/mL) was 95.6% (94.9–96.6%). Cefovecin was also administered to six koalas at 8 mg/kg subcutaneously and serial blood samples were collected at 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 h thereafter. Cefovecin plasma concentrations were not quantifiable in four koalas and in the other two, the mean plasma concentration at t = 3 h was 1.04 ± 0.01 μg/mL.ConclusionBecause of the limited pharmacokinetic data generated, no further pharmacokinetic analysis was performed; however, a single injected bolus of cefovecin is likely to have a short duration of action in koalas (hours, rather than days).
Lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and adolescents: review of current challenges and future opportunities
Authors: Burkhardt Birgit , Hermiston Michelle L. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryLymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is the second most common type of Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) in childhood and adolescence, accounting for 25–35% of all cases. The majority, 70–80%, is of T‐lymphoblastic origin while 20–25% arise from B lymphoblasts. With current therapy, the event‐free and overall survivals for paediatric LBL patients now exceeds 80%. Therapy, especially in T‐LBL with large mediastinal tumours, is challenging, with both significant morbidity and late sequela. An additional challenge is the dismal prognosis of patients with refractory or relapsed disease. This review article will focus on the growing knowledge of the pathogenesis and biology of LBL, recent advances and challenges in the therapy of LBL, and ongoing and future efforts and opportunities in optimizing therapy and developing novel targeted treatment approaches.
A deep‐learning model using automated performance metrics and clinical features to predict urinary continence recovery after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hung Andrew J. , Chen Jian , Ghodoussipour Saum , Oh Paul J. , Liu Zequn , Nguyen Jessica , Purushotham Sanjay , Gill Inderbir S. , Liu Yan 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo predict urinary continence recovery after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using a deep learning (DL) model, which was then used to evaluate surgeon's historical patient outcomes.Subjects and MethodsRobotic surgical automated performance metrics (APMs) during RARP, and patient clinicopathological and continence data were captured prospectively from 100 contemporary RARPs. We used a DL model (DeepSurv) to predict postoperative urinary continence. Model features were ranked based on their importance in prediction. We stratified eight surgeons based on the five top‐ranked features. The top four surgeons were categorized in ‘Group 1/APMs’, while the remaining four were categorized in ‘Group 2/APMs’. A separate historical cohort of RARPs (January 2015 to August 2016) performed by these two surgeon groups was then used for comparison. Concordance index (C‐index) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to measure the model's prediction performance. Outcomes of historical cases were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis, chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests.ResultsContinence was attained in 79 patients (79%) after a median of 126 days. The DL model achieved a C‐index of 0.6 and an MAE of 85.9 in predicting continence. APMs were ranked higher by the model than clinicopathological features. In the historical cohort, patients in Group 1/APMs had superior rates of urinary continence at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (47.5 vs 36.7%, P = 0.034, and 68.3 vs 59.2%, P = 0.047, respectively).ConclusionUsing APMs and clinicopathological data, the DeepSurv DL model was able to predict continence after RARP. In this feasibility study, surgeons with more efficient APMs achieved higher continence rates at 3 and 6 months after RARP.
Selective tetramodal bladder‐preservation therapy, incorporating induction chemoradiotherapy and consolidative partial cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: oncological and functional outcomes of 107 patients
Authors: Kijima Toshiki , Tanaka Hajime , Koga Fumitaka , Masuda Hitoshi , Yoshida Soichiro , Yokoyama Minato , Ishioka Junichiro , Matsuoka Yoh , Saito Kazutaka , Kihara Kazunori , Fujii Yasuhisa 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes associated with selective tetramodal bladder‐sparing therapy, comprising maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT), induction chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and consolidative partial cystectomy (PC) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND).Materials and MethodsIn the present study, 154 patients with non‐metastatic muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), prospectively enrolled in the tetramodal bladder‐preservation protocol, were analysed. After TURBT and induction CRT, patients showing complete remission were offered consolidative PC with PLND for the achievement of bladder preservation. Pathological response to induction CRT was evaluated using PC specimens. Oncological and functional outcomes after bladder preservation were evaluated using the following endpoints: MIBC‐recurrence‐free survival (RFS); cancer‐specific survival (CSS); overall survival (OS), and cross‐sectional assessments of preserved bladder function and quality of life (QoL) including uroflowmetry, bladder diary, International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) score.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 48 months. Complete MIBC remission was achieved in 121 patients (79%) after CRT, and 107 patients (69%) completed the tetramodal bladder‐preservation protocol comprising consolidative PC with PLND. Pathological examination in these 107 patients revealed residual invasive cancer (≥pT1) that was surgically removed in 11 patients (10%) and lymph node metastases in two patients (2%). The 5‐year MIBC‐RFS, CSS and OS rates in the 107 patients who completed the protocol were 97%, 93% and 91%, respectively. As for preserved bladder function, the median maximum voided volume, post‐void residual urine volume, and nighttime frequency were 350 mL, 25 mL, and two voids, respectively. In the SF‐36, patients had favourable scores, equivalent to the age‐matched references in all the QoL scales.ConclusionSelective tetramodal bladder‐preservation therapy, incorporating consolidative PC with PLND, yielded favourable oncological and functional outcomes in patients with MIBC. Consolidative PC may have contributed to the low rate of MIBC recurrence in patients treated according to this protocol.
Ultrasound guidance can be used safely for renal tract dilatation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Armas‐Phan Manuel , Tzou David T. , Bayne David B. , Wiener Scott V. , Stoller Marshall L. , Chi Thomas 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo compare clinical outcomes in patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with renal tract dilatation performed under fluoroscopic guidance vs renal tract dilatation with ultrasound guidance.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational cohort study, enrolling successive patients undergoing PCNL between July 2015 and March 2018. Included in this retrospective analysis were cases where the renal puncture was successfully obtained with ultrasound guidance. Cases were then grouped according to whether fluoroscopy was used to guide renal tract dilatation or not. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 15.1 including univariate (Fisher's exact test, Welch's t‐test) and multivariate analyses (binomial logistic regression, ordinal logistic regression, and linear regression).ResultsA total of 176 patients underwent PCNL with successful ultrasonography‐guided renal puncture, of whom 38 and 138 underwent renal tract dilatation with fluoroscopic vs ultrasound guidance, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), preoperative hydronephrosis, stone burden, procedure laterality, number of dilated tracts, and calyceal puncture location between the two groups. Among ultrasound tract dilatations, a higher proportion of patients were placed in the modified dorsal lithotomy position as opposed to prone, and a significantly shorter operating time was observed. Only modified dorsal lithotomy position remained statistically significant after multivariate regression. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative stone clearance, complication rate, or intra‐operative estimated blood loss. A 5‐unit increase in a patient's BMI was associated with 30% greater odds of increasingly severe Clavien–Dindo complications. A 5‐mm decrease in the preoperative stone burden was associated with 20% greater odds of stone‐free status. No variables predicted estimated blood loss with statistical significance.ConclusionsRenal tract dilatation can be safely performed in the absence of fluoroscopic guidance. Compared to using fluoroscopy, the present study demonstrated that ultrasonography‐guided dilatations can be safely performed without higher complication or bleeding rates. This can be done using a variety of surgical positions, and future studies centred on improving dilatation techniques could be of impactful clinical value.