bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms—Clinical practice among Nordic specialists
Authors: Bjerrum Ole Weis , Samuelsson Jan , Ghanima Waleed , Kauppila Marjut , Andersen Christen Lykkegaard ,   the Nordic Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Study Group
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have higher risks of developing thromboembolisms compared to the general population. International guidelines on the management of MPNs therefore include recommendations concerning thromboembolism prophylaxis. In clinical practice, strict adherence to guidelines may be challenging and dependent on factors such as physician experience, outpatient clinic setting, and access to therapy; however, no data exist on physician adherence or patient compliance to thromboembolism prophylaxis in MPNs.ObjectivesThe Nordic Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Study Group (NMPN) performed a survey among Nordic hematology specialists with the aim of documenting the implementation of international recommendations in a region of Northern Europe with similar healthcare systems.ResultsThe study showed that Nordic specialists managed their patients in accordance with international guidelines concerning medical intervention, but to a lesser degree regarding the management of additional cardiovascular risk factors. The survey also drew attention to the common clinical dilemma of combining antiaggregatory agents with vitamin K antagonists (VKA), or novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC), as well as phlebotomy limits in female polycythemia vera patients.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the importance of considering all risk factors for thrombosis and an optimal collaboration with the primary healthcare sector.
Effects of pulsed thermosonication treatment on fungal growth and bioactive compounds of Berberis vulgaris juice
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Fidelis Marina , Granato Daniel 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn this study, the single and combined effects of pulsed‐ultrasound amplitude (100 W, 30 kHz with 25 and 50% amplitude levels for up to 30 min) and temperature (65 °C and 75 °C) on fungal growth, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Berberis vulgaris juice were investigated. The combination of pulsed ultrasound at 50% amplitude for 30 min at temperature of 75 °C as the most effective treatment was resulted in a reduction of about−3.083 ± 0.02, −3.04 ± 0.03, −3.10 ± 0.01 and −2.88 ± 0.02 log (N/N0) on S. cerevisiae, A. flavus, A. versicolor and B. fulva, respectively. Additionally, the highest total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were noted for the barberry juice after 30 min of sonication with 50% pulsed‐ultrasound amplitude at either 65 °C or 75 °C. Pulsed thermosonication is a promising technology to extend the shelf life of B. vulgaris fruit juice because of the improvement of antioxidant activity as well as microbial quality.
Defect suppression in CaZrO3‐modified (K, Na)NbO3‐based lead‐free piezoceramic by sintering atmosphere control
Authors: Thong Hao‐Cheng , Li Qi , Zhang Mao‐Hua , Zhao Chunlin , Huang Kevin Xiu , Li Jing‐Feng , Wang Ke 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDuring high‐temperature crystal growth, lattice defects will inevitably form inside piezoelectric materials, which can be a hindrance for performance optimization. Through appropriate atmosphere control during sintering, defect levels inside the piezoelectric material can be regulated. Herein, CaZrO3‐modified (K, Na)NbO3‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics with a nominal composition of 0.95(Na0.49K0.49Li0.02)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3‐0.05CaZrO3 are produced by sintering in an oxygen‐rich atmosphere. Compared with an air‐sintered sample, the piezoelectric constant of the oxygen‐sintered sample has greatly improved 15% up to 390 pC/N, which is comparable to commercial lead‐based counterparts. In addition, the planar electromechanical coupling factor kp is enhanced from 0.46 to 0.52. A qualitative model related to defect engineering is proposed to support the experimental observations. Our results indicate the feasibility of purposely optimizing the piezoelectric performance by sintering atmosphere control.
Analysis of pancreatic volume in acute‐onset, slowly‐progressive and fulminant type 1 diabetes in a Japanese population
Authors: Sasamori Hiroto , Fukui Tomoyasu , Hayashi Toshiyuki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Ohara Makoto , Yamamoto Saki , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Hirano Tsutomu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionA decrease in the size of the pancreas is observed in islet autoantibody‐positive non‐diabetic donors and acute‐onset type 1 diabetes irrespective of the diabetes duration. Little is known, however, about the relationship between the size of the pancreas and type 1 diabetes subtypes, including fulminant type 1 diabetes.Materials and MethodsWe examined the pancreatic volume (PV) in 44 adult patients with type 1 diabetes (16 acute‐onset type 1 diabetes, 18 slowly progressive type 1 diabetes and 10 fulminant type 1 diabetes) and 39 age‐ and body mass index‐matched non‐diabetic controls. PV was measured by computed tomography. The ability to secrete insulin was assessed by stimulated C‐peptide after intravenous glucagon administration.ResultsPV was significantly correlated with bodyweight in both control participants and type 1 diabetes patients. The PV index (PVI; PV/bodyweight) was decreased by 39% in type 1 diabetes compared with that in controls. PVI was significantly decreased in acute‐onset type 1 diabetes patients and slowly progressive type 1 diabetes patients (both P < 0.0001), but not in fulminant type 1 diabetes patients (P = 0.10), compared with control participants. In cases patients with recent‐onset type 1 diabetes (0–7 days post‐diagnosis), PVI was significantly decreased in acute‐onset type 1 diabetes patients (n = 8, P = 0.0005), but not in fulminant type 1 diabetes patients (n = 7, P = 0.44), compared with controls. PVI showed no correlations with the diabetes duration, C‐peptide levels, glycated hemoglobin, glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody levels, serum amylase or daily total insulin dose in type 1 diabetes subtypes.ConclusionsThe present results show that patients with acute‐onset type 1 diabetes and slowly progressive type 1 diabetes have small pancreases irrespective of the diabetes duration or C‐peptide levels. In contrast to earlier findings on acute‐onset type 1 diabetes, we found no reduction of PVI at the onset of fulminant type 1 diabetes.
Analysis of the effect of seasonal administration on the efficacy of sitagliptin: Subanalysis of the Januvia Multicenter Prospective Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Study
Authors: Sakura Hiroshi , Hashimoto Naotake , Sasamoto Kazuo , Ohashi Hiroshi , Hasumi Sumiko , Ujihara Noriko , Kasahara Tadasu , Tomonaga Osamu , Nunome Hideo , Honda Masashi , Iwamoto Yasuhiko ,   the JAMP Study Investigators
Published: February 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus fluctuate throughout the year. However, there are few studies that have evaluated the therapeutic effect of hypoglycemic agents while considering such fluctuations. In a multicenter study (Januvia Multicenter Prospective Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Study), pretreatment patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into seven groups and given sitagliptin for 1 year. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the therapeutic effect, and the efficacy of sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on the month the administration of the drug began as a subanalysis of the Januvia Multicenter Prospective Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Study.Materials and MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into four groups according to the month of initiation of sitagliptin. Changes in HbA1c in each group were compared at 3 and 12 months after administration of sitagliptin. As a negative correlation has been reported between baseline HbA1c and the degree of change after administration of sitagliptin, an analysis using the residual error from the approximate line was carried out.ResultsIn the analysis of the degree of change in HbA1c, patients in the group in which administration of sitagliptin was started between August and October had the lowest degree of improvement at 3 months after starting sitagliptin. However, there was no significant intergroup difference in improvement at 12 months after the start of sitagliptin. The same result was also obtained in residual analysis.ConclusionsThe present study suggested that the season of administration of sitagliptin influenced the subsequent hypoglycemic effect even after analysis excluding the influence of HbA1c value at the start of treatment. This study provides possibility, showing that seasonal fluctuations have an effect on the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs.
Does the Association of Comorbidity with 1‐Year Mortality After Hip Fracture Differ According to Gender? The Norwegian Epidemiologic Osteoporosis Studies (NOREPOS)
Authors: L. Riska Brit Solvor , Forsén Lisa , Omsland Tone K. , Søgaard Anne Johanne , Meyer Haakon E. , Holvik Kristin 
Published: February 2018

Background/ObjectivesExcess mortality after hip fracture is higher in men than in women. The objective was to study whether comorbidity differs in men and women with hip fracture and to what degree differences in comorbidity according to gender may explain the higher excess mortality in men.DesignPopulation‐based matched cohort covering the population aged 50 and older in Norway.SettingSpecialist healthcare (individuals with hip fracture) and general population (controls).ParticipantsAll individuals with hip fracture aged 50 and older from 2005 to 2008 (n = 32,175) and individuals without hip fracture matched 3:1 to those with hip fracture on gender, age, and county of residence (n = 96,410).MeasurementsComorbid diagnoses were recorded during the hospital stay. Relative and absolute excess 1‐year mortality in individuals with hip fracture according to gender and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were investigated using Cox regression and linear regression, respectively.ResultsDespite lower age (mean 78.7 vs 81.7), men had higher comorbidity than women. Compared with controls, women (hazard ratio (HR) = 6.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.2–6.9) and men (HR = 7.8, 95% CI = 7.3–8.3) with a CCI of 2 or greater were more likely to die. Women with a CCI of 2 or greater had an estimated 1‐year risk of dying of 44%, and controls had an 11% risk; men with a CCI of 2 or greater had an estimated risk of dying of 53%, and controls had a 12% risk. Men were twice as likely as women to die within 1 year (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.9–2.1). When adjusting for comorbidity, the difference was only slightly smaller (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.7–1.8).ConclusionMen had greater comorbidity than women, but this did not explain the difference according to gender in excess mortality after hip fracture. Men who fracture a hip are an especially vulnerable subpopulation, even when there is no apparent comorbidity, and warrant special attention in follow‐up and care.
Quality of Hospice Care at Home Versus in an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home
Authors: Unroe Kathleen T. , Stump Timothy E. , Effler Shannon , Tu Wanzhu , Callahan Christopher M. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo describe differences in perceived quality of hospice care for individuals living at home or in a nursing home (NH) or assisted living facility (ALF) through analysis of after‐death surveys of family members.DesignRetrospective cohort study using hospice medical record data and Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC) survey data.SettingLarge, national hospice provider.ParticipantsIndividuals who died while receiving routine hospice care and family caregivers who completed after‐death quality‐of‐care surveys.MeasurementsSurvey results for 7,510 individuals were analyzed using analysis of variance and chi‐square tests. Logistic regression was used to assess relationship between location of care and overall service quality.ResultsThe overall survey response rate was 27%; 34.5% of families of individuals in ALFs in hospice, 27.4% of those at home, and 22.9% of those in NHs returned the survey (P < .001). Differences in return rate according to primary diagnosis were significant, although differences were not large. Most (84.3%) respondents reported that hospice referral had occurred at the right time, and 63.4% rated service quality as excellent. Hospice care in the NH was less likely to be perceived as excellent.ConclusionThere were significant differences in characteristics of individuals whose family members did and did not return surveys, which has implications for use of after‐death surveys to evaluate hospice quality. Lower perceived quality of hospice care in NHs may be related to general dissatisfaction with receiving care in this setting. Survey results have the potential to set priorities for quality improvement, choice of provider, and potentially reimbursement. Underlying causes of differences of perceived quality in different settings of care should be examined.
Nrf2-mediated neuroprotection against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury by emodin via AMPK-dependent inhibition of GSK-3β
Authors: Park Sun Young , Choi Young-Whan , Park Geuntae 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Our study verified the neuroprotective properties of emodin against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and demonstrated its mechanism.

Methods
Human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells were investigated by analysing cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase levels, expression of molecules related to apoptotic cell death, and using biochemical techniques, flow cytometry and Western blot assays.

Key findings
Emodin reduced OGD/R-lead to neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. OGD/R significantly increased levels of cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, p53, p21 and Bax protein. However, emodin treatment effectively inhibited these OGD/R-induced changes. Emodin treatment also increased HO-1 and NQO1 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and caused antioxidant response element (ARE) transcription activity and nuclear Nrf2 accumulation. Emodin phosphorylated AMPK and GSK3β, and pretreatment of cells with an AMPK inhibitor suppressed emodin-induced nuclear Nrf2 accumulation and HO-1 and NQO1 expression. AMPK inhibitor treatment decreased GSK3β phosphorylation, suggesting that AMPK is upstream of GSK3β, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1. Emodin's neuroprotective effect was completely blocked by HO-1, NQO1 and Nrf2 knock-down and an AMPK inhibitor, indicating the action of AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2/ARE in the neuroprotective effect of emodin subjected to OGD/R.

Conclusions
Emodin treatment protected against OGD/R-lead to neurotoxicity by potentiating Nrf2/ARE-regulated neuroprotection through the AMPK/GSK3β pathway, indicating that emodin may be useful for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
Why not to stop antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Marciano Sebastián , Gadano Adrián 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTreatment of chronic hepatitis B with entecavir or tenofovir leads to viral suppression in almost all patients. However, prolonged or lifelong treatment is necessary. At present, there is no consensus among the three major guidelines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B on whether or not to stop antiviral treatment. One of the main reasons for this controversy is that virological relapse has been well documented in patients with chronic hepatitis B who stop treatment. Relapse rate is particularly high in patients who are HBeAg‐negative when treatment begins, with reported relapse rates of up to 70% 36 months after treatment discontinuation. Moreover, hepatic decompensation, jaundice and death have been described in patients with cirrhosis after treatment discontinuation. The main reason for stopping antiviral treatment is related to cost, however there is no robust evidence to support treatment discontinuation in most patients.
Hepatitis B: Who and when to treat?
Authors: Vlachogiannakos Jiannis , Papatheodoridis George V. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAs current treatment options almost never achieve eradication of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the most realistic goal for HBV treatment is persistent inhibition of viral replication and ALT normalization. Thus, the decision to start treatment should be based on careful patient selection and individualized decisions. Treatment is generally indicated in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL, elevated ALT and/or at least moderate histological lesions, while all patients with cirrhosis and detectable HBV DNA should be treated. Patients with HBV DNA >20 000 IU/mL and ALT >2xULN (upper limit of normal), HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL and liver stiffness >9 or >12 kPa in case of normal or ≤5xULN, HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL and a family history of cirrhosis and/or HCC as well as HBeAg‐positive patients with HBV DNA >20 000 IU/mL and over 30 years old can begin treatment whatever the liver histology. Moreover, patients with HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL and at least moderate histological lesions can begin treatment whatever the ALT levels. Prophylactic treatment is indicated in HBV‐related liver transplantation patients to prevent recurrence, in the last trimester of pregnancy in women with high viraemia to prevent vertical transmission and in patients receiving immunosuppression/chemotherapy to prevent the reactivation of HBV. Treatment is also indicated in patients with co‐infections, extrahepatic manifestations and severe acute hepatitis B, or healthcare workers with viraemia. These treatment indications can only change if HBV eradication or at least HBsAg clearance can be achieved in the future in a significant proportion of patients.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of nucleo(t)side analogue therapy in hepatitis B
Authors: Buti Maria , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Esteban Rafael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLong‐term treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with nucleos(t)ide analogues is often necessary to achieve durable viral suppression. Therefore, current guidelines recommend the most potent drugs with optimal resistance profiles. Entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are the first‐line monotherapies for CHB. All of these drugs are highly effective in suppressing viral replication but with slightly different safety profiles. This review provides an overview of the long‐term efficacy and safety data that have become available over the 10 years since ETV and TDF were first approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis, and recent data on TAF in patients with CHB.
Infections complicating cirrhosis
Authors: Piano Salvatore , Brocca Alessandra , Mareso Sara , Angeli Paolo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPatients with cirrhosis have a high risk of bacterial infections. Bacterial infections induce systemic inflammation that may lead to organ failure and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) resulting in a high risk of short term mortality. The early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections is essential to improve the patient's prognosis. However, in recent years, the spread of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections has reduced the efficacy of commonly used antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins. In patients at high risk of MDR bacteria, such as those with nosocomial infections, the early administration of broad spectrum antibiotics has been shown to improve the prognosis. However, early de‐escalation of antibiotics is recommended to reduce a further increase in antibiotic resistance. Strategies to prevent acute kidney injury and other organ failures should be implemented. Although prophylaxis of bacterial infections with antibiotics improves the prognosis in selected patients, their use should be limited to patients at high risk of developing infections. In this article, we review the pathogenesis and management of bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis.
The next wave of hepatitis C virus: The epidemic of intravenous drug use
Authors: Shiffman Mitchell L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) began in the 1960s when transmission was primarily the result of blood transfusions. By 1990, when HCV was identified and a serologic test for screening donated blood was implemented, 123 million persons had already become infected worldwide and HCV was the most common cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and the most common indication for liver transplantation. Approximately 75% of persons with HCV are “baby boomers” born between the years 1945 and 1965. The number of new cases of HCV declined precipitously between 1990 and 2005. The next wave of HCV began in 2005, and transmission is primarily the result of an epidemic of intravenous drug use. New cases of HCV have increased three‐fold between 2005 and 2015. Approximately 50% of persons who inject drugs (PWID) have been exposed to HCV, and 25% of these persons are under the age of 25 years. The treatment of chronic HCV in PWID has two goals; treating HCV and preventing the patient from returning to drug use and becoming reinfected. Highly effective oral antiviral agents are now available and can cure HCV in virtually all patients. Treatment can be highly effective in PWID with sustained virologic response rates similar to that observed in a non‐drug‐using population. Preventing the patient from returning to drug use and becoming reinfected with HCV is more difficult and will require that the medical and social problems associated with intravenous drug use be addressed and resolved.
How to improve long‐term outcome after liver transplantation?
Authors: Durand François 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe outcome of liver transplantation has markedly improved in the last 3 decades. Although early post‐transplantation outcomes have improved over time, this is not true of the long‐term outcome. The majority of late deaths are not related to graft dysfunction, and with the advent of new antiviral agents, recurrence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C after transplantation may no longer represent a source of graft loss and patient's death in the long term. The complications of metabolic syndrome may represent an increasing source of morbidity and mortality after transplantation. This study discusses these modifiable factors associated with late mortality to improve the long‐term results of transplantation.
Diagnosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: Why liver biopsy is essential
Authors: Bedossa Pierre 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe pattern of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is complex with an association of several lesions, each of them related to different pathophysiological mechanisms. Despite the progress in non‐invasive tools, liver biopsy remains the only diagnostic procedure that can reliably assess these various patterns, their related severity and associations. The most important difficulties of liver biopsy can be avoided if this procedure is performed by an experienced hepatologist and read by a liver pathologist. However, for obvious reasons, biopsy should be restricted to selected patients, especially in the context of clinical trials. Indeed, liver biopsy is considered mandatory by regulatory authorities as a surrogate to assess drug efficacy in Phase 3 clinical trials. In addition to the clinical diagnosis, liver biopsy can be used to score the various histological patterns of disease (NASH‐CRN, SAF scores) and accurately assess the extent of fibrosis, both of which are useful when follow‐up biopsies are performed. When treatment becomes available in the near future, liver biopsy could remain useful for choosing the most suitable therapeutic option based on the main predominant histological features (activity, steatosis, fibrosis).