bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma: A single‐center 14‐year experience
Authors: Ramos‐Gonzalez Gabriel , LaQuaglia Michael , O'Neill Allison F. , Elisofon Scott , Zurakowski David , Kim Heung Bae , Vakili Khashayar 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHB is the most common primary liver tumor in children. Complete tumor excision, either by partial resection or by total hepatectomy and liver transplantation, in combination with chemotherapy provides the best chance for cure. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent liver transplantation for HB and herein present our 14‐year single‐institution experience. Twenty‐five patients underwent liver transplantation for HB at a median age of 26 months (IQR: 15‐44). Graft survival was 96%, 87%, and 80% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. There were four patient deaths, three of them due to disease recurrence within the first year post‐transplant. Ten‐year overall survival was 84%. Three recipients initially presented with pulmonary metastases and underwent resection of metastatic disease, of which two are alive at 3.9 years. Of three patients who underwent salvage transplants, two are alive at 1.5 years after transplant. Non‐survivors were associated with lower median alpha fetoprotein value at presentation compared to survivors (21 707 vs 343 214; P = .04). In conclusion, the overall long‐term outcome of primary liver transplantation for HB is excellent. Tumor recurrence was the highest contributor to mortality. Even patients with completely treated pulmonary metastases prior to transplant demonstrated a favorable survival.
Fluoride varnish application, a quality improvement project implemented in a rural pediatric practice
Authors: Gnaedinger Ellen A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe United States has a public health crisis of dental caries in children's primary teeth. Fifty‐five percent of children have dental caries by age 8. The majority of these children are nonwhite and poor. Caries could be decreased by 40% if fluoride varnish (FV) application started with tooth eruption.Design and SampleA four‐month FV application QI project was implemented in a rural pediatric practice. The staff was trained by the Vermont Department of Health using the From the First Tooth protocol. Children aged 9, 18, 24, and 30 months.MeasuresPre‐ and postproject questionnaires were completed. A caries risk tool assessed a child's risk and access to dental care. Completed FV applications were recorded and staff interviewed weekly.InterventionFV application was offered at well child checks (WCCs).ResultsFifty‐six percent of sample patients received FV at their WCCs. Qualitative themes included the following: reasons subjects did/did not receive FV, ease of FV application, increased oral hygiene education, visit flow, application time, older children's FV need, and billing issues.ConclusionThis economical, FV application program can be readily implemented by nurse practitioners and nurses in pediatric practices where children have inadequate dental care.
Using Action Research to prevent work‐related illness among rubber farmers in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Sena Wijitra , Nilvarangkul Kessarawan , Saranrittichai Kesinee , Smith John F. , Phajan Teerasak , Seetangkham Sansanee 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis research aimed to enhance self‐care among rubber farmers for preventing work‐related illness.Design and SampleThe project used Action Research’s four phase iterative process: fact‐finding to understand the problems, action planning, action plan implementation, and evaluation and reflection on action plan impacts. Sixty‐six participants (46 rubber farmers and 20 community stakeholders) were purposively recruited from two villages in the top 10 rubber producing provinces in Northeastern Thailand.MeasuresDemographic and work‐related illness data were collected in face‐to‐face structured interviews, Focus group interviews and participant observations were used to collect data in each project phase. Night group meetings were held throughout the research phases. The intervention included training workshops and establishing a community health education team for ongoing farmer support.ResultsResults showed improved farmer self‐care behaviors and establishment of a community health education team to encourage farmers to care for themselves properly.ConclusionCommunity nurses, other health personnel, and the Thai government can build on initiatives like this to strengthen occupational health and safety practices and services policy for rubber farmers.
Sun sensitivity and sun protective behaviors during sun exposure among indoor office workers in the American Midwest
Authors: Jung Alesia M. , Dennis Leslie K. , Jacobs Elizabeth T. , Wondrak Georg T. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBackground/purposeSun sensitivity, a confounder between sun exposure and sun protection, is often overlooked. We examined how sun exposure and sun protection behaviors among indoor workers varied by sun sensitivity.MethodsSun exposure and sun protection diaries over a 45‐day period from Midwestern United States indoor workers were examined. We categorized sun sensitivity (fair and non‐fair complexion) using tanning inability and sunburn tendency. Total exposure (sunrise to sunset) and peak exposure (10 am and 4 pm) lasting at least 60 minutes were examined. Percentages of time using sun protection were reported. We determined associations between fair complexion, mean sun exposure, and mean sun protection times with logistic regression.ResultsFair individuals spent less time in the sun than non‐fair individuals, but a greater proportion of time using sun protection behaviors, including sunscreen with SPF 30+ (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.98, 1.87)), or wearing long‐sleeved shirts (OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.24, 6.73).ConclusionFair individuals spent less time in the sun and practiced more sun protective behaviors than non‐fair individuals. This complex association between sun sensitivity, sun protection and sun exposure has not consistently been addressed in studies of skin cancer.
Effect of feeding pomegranate seed oil as a source of conjugated linolenic acid on Arabian stallion semen quality in cooled and postthawed condition
Authors: Nouri Houshang , Shojaeian Kamal , Jalilvand Ghasem , Kohram Hamid 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe objective was to assess the influence of pomegranate seed oil supplementation on the quality of fresh, cooled and frozen–thawed Arabian breed stallion semen. Eight stallions (n = 4 per group) received their normal diet (control group) or normal diet top dressed with 200 ml of pomegranate seed oil (PSO group). Semen was collected every fifteen days for 90 days. Stallions were reversed across the treatments after a sixty‐day interval. In cooled and stored condition (2, 12 and 24 hr), spermatozoa motion characteristics, membrane integrity, viability, morphology and lipid peroxidation were analysed. In frozen–thawed semen, sperm dynamic characteristics were analysed by CASA, acrosome status and mitochondrial activity (evaluated by Flow cytometry) determined. The effects of treatment, time, semen type and their interactions were submitted to PROCMIX (SAS®), and means compared by the Tukey test. Also, collected semen samples were artificially inseminated to evaluate fertility and pregnancy rate after day 60 of the experiment. The results from fresh condition showed that semen volume, sperm concentration, abnormality and live sperm were not affected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). In cooled condition, the higher value for sperm plasma membrane integrity and viability was observed in PSO group compared to control after 24 hr cooled and stored in 5°C. In postthawed condition, the higher value for CASA total motility and acrosome status was observed in PSO group compared to control group (p < 0.05). One hundred and twenty‐six mares were artificially inseminated for fertility trial using control and PSO groups’ fresh semen. The average pregnancy rates were not significantly different between control and treated group (62.88% and 65.90%, respectively) (p > 0.05). We concluded that under the conditions of this study, dietary supplementation of 200 ml pomegranate seed oil seems to relatively improved Arabian horse sperm quality during storage in cooled and frozen condition via increasing plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosome status, but did not improve the pregnancy rates.
DVC‐based image subtraction to detect microcracking in lightweight concrete
Authors: Chateau C. , Nguyen T. T. , Bornert M. , Yvonnet J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper presents an image subtraction technique based on digital volume correlation to detect and extract the complex network of microcracks that progressively developed in a lightweight concrete sample submitted in situ to uniaxial compression and imaged by X‐ray computed tomography. From local digital volume correlation measurements, performed only on positions with sufficient image contrast, the mechanical transformation is estimated at all voxels within the whole sample using an adjusted interpolation procedure that computes an affine approximation of the local transformation. The deformed image (containing cracks) is thus transformed back to the same frame as the reference image (without cracks) to compute the difference between both images, taking into account possible brightness and contrast adjustments. The resulting subtracted image reveals the path of cracks, which is clearly visible without the underlying heterogeneous microstructure of the concrete. The detection accuracy is here estimated to one tenth of a voxel, allowing early‐age cracks to be detected while they would barely have been noticed on the X‐ray computed tomography images. Segmentation of the crack network is also made much easier. To overcome a low signal‐to‐noise ratio for the tiniest cracks, a Hessian‐based filter is used to extract the complex crack network. The cracks can be directly located in the microstructure segmented in the reference image and compared for all loading steps to characterise their initiation and propagation.
Contrary to popular belief, chinchillas do not have a pure rod retina
Authors: Sandalon Shai , Boykova Anna , Ross Maya , Obolensky Alexey , Banin Eyal , Ofri Ron 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeTo establish whether there is cone contribution to retinal function and structure in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), in view of the prevailing notion that this species possesses a pure rod retina.MethodsPhotopic electroretinography (ERG) responses to high‐intensity flashes (10 and 25 cd*s/m2) were recorded unilaterally in six pigmented chinchillas following 10 minutes of light adaptation (30 cd/m2). Retinas of two animals were studied histologically, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to detect the presence of short and medium/long wavelength cone photoreceptors.ResultsERG recordings revealed photopic responses, albeit of low amplitudes. Histopathology demonstrated presumptive cone inner segments in the photoreceptor layer. Presence of cone photoreceptors was confirmed by IHC. Cone density was higher in the central retina, and red/green cones outnumbered blue cones.ConclusionsOur results provide convincing evidence for the presence of functioning cone photoreceptors in the chinchilla retina, disproving the established belief that the species has a pure rod retina.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Pst/SenX3-RegX3 Regulates Membrane Vesicle Production Independently of ESX-5 Activity
Authors: White Dylan W. , Elliott Sarah R. , Odean Evan , Bemis Lynne T. , Tischler Anna D. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
releases membrane vesicles (MV) that modulate host immune responses and aid in iron acquisition, although they may have additional unappreciated functions. MV production appears to be a regulated process, but
virR
remains the only characterized genetic regulator of vesiculogenesis. Here, we present data supporting a role for the
M. tuberculosis
Pst/SenX3-RegX3 signal transduction system in regulating MV production. Deletion of
pstA1
, which encodes a transmembrane component of the phosphate-specific transport (Pst) system, causes constitutive activation of the SenX3-RegX3 two-component system, leading to increased protein secretion via the specialized ESX-5 type VII secretion system. Using proteomic mass spectrometry, we identified several additional proteins hyper-secreted by the Δ
pstA1
mutant, including LpqH, an MV-associated lipoprotein. Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a 15-fold increase in MV production by the Δ
pstA1
mutant. Both hyper-secretion of LpqH and increased MV release required RegX3 but were independent of VirR, suggesting that Pst/SenX3-RegX3 controls MV release by a novel mechanism. Prior proteomic analysis identified ESX-5 substrates associated with MV. We therefore hypothesized that MV release requires ESX-5 activity. We constructed strains that conditionally express
eccD

5

, which encodes the predicted ESX-5 transmembrane channel. Upon EccD
5
depletion, we observed reduced secretion of the ESX-5 substrates EsxN and PPE41, but MV release was unaffected. Our data suggest that ESX-5 does not affect vesicle production and imply that further characterization of the Pst/SenX3-RegX3 regulon might reveal novel mechanisms of
M. tuberculosis
vesicle biogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
In Gram-negative bacteria, MV derived from the outer membrane have diverse functions in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis, and several factors regulating their production have been identified. Though Gram-positive bacteria and mycobacteria that lack an outer membrane also produce vesicles with described roles in pathogenesis, the mechanisms of MV biogenesis in these organisms remain poorly characterized. Defining mechanisms of MV biogenesis might yield significant insights into the importance of MV production during infection. In
M. tuberculosis
, only a single genetic element,
virR
, is known to regulate MV production. Our work reveals that the Pst/SenX3-RegX3 signal transduction system is a novel regulator of MV biogenesis that controls MV production by a mechanism that is independent of both VirR and activation of the specialized ESX-5 protein secretion system. Understanding which genes in the RegX3 regulon cause increased MV production might reveal novel molecular mechanisms of MV release.
LVP keratoprosthesis: anatomical and functional outcomes in bilateral end-stage corneal blindness
Authors: Basu Sayan , Nagpal Ritu , Serna-Ojeda Juan Carlos , Bhalekar Swapnil , Bagga Bhupesh , Sangwan Virender 
Published: June 2018

PurposeTo describe the anatomical and functional outcomes of the novel LVP keratoprosthesis (Kpro), developed as an alternative to the modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (MOOKP), in eyes with end-stage corneal blindness where conventional corneal surgeries are contraindicated.MethodsThis prospective case series included 58 eyes of 56 patients (12 children and 44 adults) with severe bilateral keratopathy and completely dry, dermalised ocular surfaces who underwent unilateral LVP Kpro implantation from 2012 to 2016. In this two-stage procedure, an ocular surface labial mucous membrane grafting was performed, followed for 3 months by the implantation of the device under the engrafted mucosal flap. The primary outcome measures were anatomical retention rate and improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The secondary outcome measure was rate of occurrence of complications.ResultsMean postoperative follow-up was 2.5±1.1 years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed an anatomical retention rate of 90.8%±3.9% at 1 year, 80%±5.7% at 2 years and 76.6%±6.5% at 3–5 years. The survival rates were comparable in children and adults (91% vs 72% at 5 years, p=0.258). About 61.5% of eyes maintained 20/400 or better vision and median BCVA improved from perception of light to 20/70 at 1 year postoperatively (p<0.0001). Complications like retroprosthetic membrane formation, glaucoma, vitritis, endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis occurred in 43%, 26%, 22%, 12% and 3% of the eyes, respectively.ConclusionThe LVP Kpro is an effective procedure for the treatment of end-stage corneal blindness in completely dry eyes. The LVP Kpro can be particularly useful in situations where the MOOKP is contraindicated or difficult to perform.
Long-term visual outcome and its predictors in macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion treated with dexamethasone implant
Authors: Busch Catharina , Rehak Matus , Sarvariya Chintan , Zur Dinah , Iglicki Matias , Lima Luiz H , Invernizzi Alessandro , Viola Francesco , Agrawal Kushal , Sinawat Suthasinee , Couturier Aude , Mehta Aanchal , Juneja Rakesh , Jain Hardik , Agarwal Aniruddha Kishandutt , Goel Neha , Nagpal Manish , Gupta Vishali , Banker Alay , Loewenstein Anat , Okada Mali , Saatci Ali Osman , Mansour Ahmad M , Chhablani Jay 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundTo evaluate the functional long-term outcome in patients with macular oedema (MO) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) treated with dexamethasone implant (DEX implant) and to identify its clinical predictors.MethodsA 24-month, retrospective, multinational, real-world study. Chart review of patients with either naïve or recurrent MO secondary to CRVO/BRVO treated with DEX implant, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), demographic baseline characteristics and details of any additional treatment during follow-up.ResultsA total of 155 eyes (65 CRVO, 90 BRVO) from 155 patients were included. At 24 months, mean BCVA did not change significantly in CRVO (−2.1±24.5 letters, p=0.96) and BRVO patients (1.3±27.0 letters, p=0.07). A worse baseline BCVA (p<0.001), visual acuity (VA) gain ≥5 letters at 2 months (p=0.006) and no need for adjunctive intravitreal therapy after first DEX implant (p=0.001) were associated with a better final BCVA gain. Treatment-naïve patients (p=0.006, OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.57) and those with a baseline CST≤400 µm (p=0.02, OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.63) were identified as being less likely to need additional intravitreal therapy.ConclusionClinical baseline characteristics and the early treatment response were identified as possible predictors for long-term outcome and the need of adjunctive intravitreal therapy in MO secondary to BRVO/CRVO treated by DEX implant.
Healthcare utilisation and expenditure of overweight and non-overweight children
Authors: Wijga Alet H , Mohnen Sigrid M , Vonk Judith M , Uiters Ellen 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundQuantification of the burden of overweight on the healthcare system is becoming increasingly urgent for health policy, but accurate estimates are hard to obtain.MethodsIn order to assess healthcare utilisation and expenditure of overweight and non-overweight children, we linked, on an individual basis, data on body mass index from a birth cohort study with administrative health insurance claims data. In children aged 14–15 years, we compared utilisation and expenditure on general practice care, dental care, hospital/specialist care, prescribed medication, allied healthcare and mental healthcare of overweight children (overweight at age 11 and 14, n=80) and non-overweight children (no overweight at age 11 and 14, n=1253).ResultsFor overweight children, mean 1-year healthcare expenditure was €837 per child and for non-overweight children €616. This difference was mainly due to significant differences in utilisation of hospital care (49% vs 37%) and mental healthcare (14% vs 7%) and to a lesser extent to higher expenditure per user.ConclusionOur results indicate the potential value of linking survey data to claims data in order to obtain insight into the healthcare costs of childhood overweight. Further studies should elucidate whether the observed differences are causally related to overweight.
Integrated Genomic Classification of Melanocytic Tumors of the Central Nervous System Using Mutation Analysis, Copy Number Alterations, and DNA Methylation Profiling
Authors: Griewank Klaus G. , Koelsche Christian , van de Nes Johannes A.P. , Schrimpf Daniel , Gessi Marco , Möller Inga , Sucker Antje , Scolyer Richard A. , Buckland Michael E. , Murali Rajmohan , Pietsch Torsten , von Deimling Andreas , Schadendorf Dirk 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Purpose: In the central nervous system, distinguishing primary leptomeningeal melanocytic tumors from melanoma metastases and predicting their biological behavior solely using histopathologic criteria may be challenging. We aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of integrated molecular analysis.
Experimental Design: Targeted next-generation sequencing, array-based genome-wide methylation analysis, and BAP1 IHC were performed on the largest cohort of central nervous system melanocytic tumors analyzed to date, including 47 primary tumors of the central nervous system, 16 uveal melanomas, 13 cutaneous melanoma metastases, and 2 blue nevus–like melanomas. Gene mutation, DNA-methylation, and copy-number profiles were correlated with clinicopathologic features.
Results: Combining mutation, copy-number, and DNA-methylation profiles clearly distinguished cutaneous melanoma metastases from other melanocytic tumors. Primary leptomeningeal melanocytic tumors, uveal melanomas, and blue nevus–like melanoma showed common DNA-methylation, copy-number alteration, and gene mutation signatures. Notably, tumors demonstrating chromosome 3 monosomy and BAP1 alterations formed a homogeneous subset within this group.
Conclusions: Integrated molecular profiling aids in distinguishing primary from metastatic melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system. Primary leptomeningeal melanocytic tumors, uveal melanoma, and blue nevus–like melanoma share molecular similarity with chromosome 3 and BAP1 alterations, markers of poor prognosis. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4494–504. ©2018 AACR.
Intra versus Inter Cross-resistance Determines Treatment Sequence between Taxane and AR-Targeting Therapies in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lombard Alan P. , Liu Liangren , Cucchiara Vito , Liu Chengfei , Armstrong Cameron M. , Zhao Ruining , Yang Joy C. , Lou Wei , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Current treatments for castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) largely fall into two classes: androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapies such as the next-generation antiandrogen therapies (NGAT), enzalutamide and abiraterone, and taxanes such as docetaxel and cabazitaxel. Despite improvements in outcomes, patients still succumb to the disease due to the development of resistance. Further complicating the situation is lack of a well-defined treatment sequence and potential for cross-resistance between therapies. We have developed several models representing CRPC with acquired therapeutic resistance. Here, we utilized these models to assess putative cross-resistance between treatments. We find that resistance to enzalutamide induces resistance to abiraterone and vice versa, but resistance to neither alters sensitivity to taxanes. Acquired resistance to docetaxel induces cross-resistance to cabazitaxel but not to enzalutamide or abiraterone. Correlating responses with known mechanisms of resistance indicates that AR variants are associated with resistance to NGATs, whereas the membrane efflux protein ABCB1 is associated with taxane resistance. Mechanistic studies show that AR variant-7 (AR-v7) is involved in NGAT resistance but not resistance to taxanes. Our findings suggest the existence of intra cross-resistance within a drug class (i.e., within NGATs or within taxanes), whereas inter cross-resistance between drug classes does not develop. Furthermore, our data suggest that resistance mechanisms differ between drug classes. These results may have clinical implications by showing that treatments of one class can be sequenced with those of another, but caution should be taken when sequencing similar classed drugs. In addition, the development and use of biomarkers indicating resistance will improve patient stratification for treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(10); 2197–205. ©2018 AACR.