bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nomogram predicting survival of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombus after curative resection
Authors: Hu Yiren , You Sunwu , Yang Zhangwei , Cheng Shuqun 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to combine clinicopathologic variables associated with overall survival and disease‐free survival after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) into a prediction nomogram.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 358 patients who underwent curative resection for HCC with PVTT at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China. Two‐thirds of the patients were randomly assigned to the training set (n = 252) and one‐third were assigned to the validation set (n = 106). Multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazards regression was performed using the training set, and the nomogram was constructed. Discrimination and calibration were performed using the validation set.ResultsThe multivariate Cox model identified alpha fetoprotein, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), tumour diameter, tumour capsule, PVTT type and TNM stage as covariates associated with 1‐year survival, and alpha fetoprotein, HBsAg, tumour diameter, tumour capsule and PVTT type with half‐year disease‐free survival. In the validation set, the nomogram exhibited superior discrimination power (Harrell’s C‐index 0.78) compared with the American Joint Committe on Cancer TNM classification, the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program grade and the Japan Integrated Staging grade. Calibration of the nomogram‐predicted survival corresponding closely with the actual survival, the predicted survival was within a 10% margin of ideal nomogram.ConclusionWe developed a nomogram predicting 1‐year overall survival and half‐year disease‐free survival after curative resection for HCC with PVTT. Validation data sets revealed good discrimination and calibration, suggesting good clinical utility. The nomogram improved individualized predictions of survival.
Influence of liver fibrosis on prognosis after surgical resection for resectable single hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Suh Suk‐Won , Choi Yoo Shin 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundSurgical resection (SR) is recommended for single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with well‐preserved liver function. However, unexpected liver fibrosis sometimes found at the SR which leads to a poor outcome. This study investigated the influence of liver fibrosis on prognosis after SR for HCC.MethodsA total of 189 patients with Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh grade A who underwent curative SR for a single HCC <5 cm were evaluated. Patients were assigned to two groups based on the degree of fibrosis (mild or severe), as determined by histological evaluation.ResultsSevere fibrosis was present in 49 patients (25.9%); these patients had greater posthepatectomy liver failure (P = 0.000) and HCC recurrence (P = 0.016). Severe liver fibrosis (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.849, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.191–2.869; P = 0.006), microvascular invasion (HR = 1.854, 95% CI 1.183–2.906; P = 0.007), and poor histologic grade (HR = 2.097, 95% CI 1.230–3.574; P = 0.007) were related to HCC recurrence.ConclusionSevere fibrosis can be found even in patients with well‐preserved liver function and it leads to poorer early post‐operative and late oncologic outcomes, therefore it should be considered before therapeutic decision making of HCC.
Preferred weight‐related terminology by parents of children with obesity
Authors: Hirschfeld‐Dicker Lior , Samuel Roy David , Tiram Vakrat Elinor , Dubnov‐Raz Gal 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimIn order to improve weight‐related discussion with patients and minimise their discomfort, the terminology used by medical staff should be carefully chosen. The aim of the study was to identify the most motivating weight‐related terminology to use with children with obesity.MethodsFocus groups were used to generate a list of 12 weight‐related terms in Hebrew, sent by a questionnaire to parents of children and adolescents with obesity. Terms were graded according to how desirable, stigmatising, blaming or motivating they were perceived. We identified the most positive and negative weight‐based terms and conducted linear regressions to predict child motivation to lose weight when positive terms are used.ResultsThe least stigmatising and most motivating and desirable terms were ‘unhealthy body weight’ and ‘unhealthy lifestyle’. Medical staff mostly used ‘overweight’, which was relatively inoffensive yet not very motivating. ‘Fat/obese’ (‘Shamen’) was the most stigmatising and blaming term and the least desired. Only 20% of parents endorsed a nonverbal graphical tool to describe body size.ConclusionOur findings encourage using health‐based terminology over weight‐based terminology to promote treatment and lifestyle changes in children with obesity. Healthcare professionals should adopt patient‐centred care and improve the weight‐related terms they use with children with obesity.
Bendamustine and rituximab in elderly patients with low‐tumour burden follicular lymphoma. Results of the LYSA phase II BRIEF study
Authors: Gyan Emmanuel , Sonet Anne , Brice Pauline , Anglaret Bruno , Laribi Kamel , Fruchart Christophe , Tilly Hervé , Araujo Carla , Soubeyran Pierre , Gonzalez Hugo , Morineau Nadine , Nicolas‐Virelizier Emmanuelle , Ghesquières Hervé , Salles Bruno , Bouabdallah Réda , Orfeuvre Hubert , Fahri Jonathan , Couturier Olivier , Xerri Luc , Feugier Pierre ,   the Lymphoma Study Association (LYSA)
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe treatment of low‐tumour burden follicular lymphoma (LTBFL) remains a challenge. Rituximab‐based strategies may be improved by adding chemotherapy. This Lymphoma Study Association multicentre phase II study assessed rituximab and bendamustine in 63 patients with untreated LTBFL who were aged over 60 years old and had a follicular lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) score ≥2. Induction comprised 4 weekly cycles of rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously combined with 2 cycles of bendamustine 90 mg/m2 days 1–2 with a 28‐day interval, followed by twelve cycles of 375 mg/m2 rituximab maintenance therapy every 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR)/unconfirmed CR (CRu), at 12 weeks. Median age was 67·4 years and median FLIPI was 3. Ultimately, 18 patients (29%) had high tumour burden according to Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes Folliculaires criteria. The 12‐week CR/CRu rate was 54·0% and the overall response rate was 93·7%. Surprisingly, 3 patients died during maintenance (2 sepsis, 1 neoplasm). Progression‐free survival was 85·4% at 24 months. In LTBFL patients with FLIPI ≥2, two cycles of rituximab and bendamustine result in a CR rate of 54·0%. However, the treatment‐related deaths observed do not allow this regimen to be recommended for LTBFL patients aged over 60 years.EudraCT: 2010‐020757‐14; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01313611.
The hospital provision of reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities: Findings from Freedom of Information requests
Authors: Heslop Pauline , Read Stuart , Dunwoodie Stirton Fred 
Published: August 2018

Accessible Summary

The Equality Act is a law to make sure that people are treated fairly. The law says that anyone providing a service to the general public, including hospitals, must make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled people. A reasonable adjustment is changing the way the hospital usually does things so that disabled people are able to use their services. The aim of this study was to find out whether the funders of health care (called Clinical Commissioning Groups or CCGs) and hospitals were keeping to the Equality Act .

Some funders and hospitals did not reply to our questions. All of the other funders said that they wrote into their agreements that disabled people must be able to use the hospital. Eight of 186 told us that they checked up on whether this happened or not.

Most of the hospitals could tell us the number of people with learning disabilities that had been inpatients, but fewer could tell us the number of people with learning disabilities who used outpatients or accident and emergency. About half of the hospitals said they did not check up on services for people with learning disabilities or they did not share these reports with the public.

This research is important because it suggests that some hospitals may not be following the Equality Act , and that more could be done to make sure that people with learning disabilities are able to access health care.

AbstractBackgroundThe Equality Act places a duty on service providers to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled people. The aim of this study was to explore key aspects relating to the provision of reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities in hospitals.MethodsThe research questions were explored using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to 206 CCGs and 141 hospital trusts in England.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐six CCGs reported that they included the requirement to provide equal access to services in their contracts with providers. Eight CCGs provided evidence about how they ensured reasonable adjustments were provided. One hundred and twelve of 132 responding hospital trusts provided information about the number of inpatients with learning disabilities; eighty‐three of 132 provided data about outpatients and 88 of 132 provided data about A&E. Sixty‐four of 125 responding trusts explicitly stated that they did not undertake audits of learning disability services or did not make any such reports publicly accessible.ConclusionsThe findings contribute to concern about the gap between legislation and guidance, and its practical application “on the ground.” If CCGs are not assessing contractual compliance to provide equitable access to services for people with learning disabilities, and trusts are not aware of the number of people with learning disabilities using their services, or their access requirements, this raises concerns about their compliance with the Equality Act .
BMAL1 deficiency promotes skeletal mandibular hypoplasia via OPG downregulation
Authors: Zhou Xin , Yu Ran , Long Yanlin , Zhao Jiajia , Yu Shaoling , Tang Qingming , Chen Lili 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesSkeletal mandibular hypoplasia (SMH), a common type of developmental deformities, results in impaired aesthetics of facial profile, occlusal dysfunction and poor life quality. In this study, BMAL1 deficiency leads to SMH formation, and we aim to investigate the mechanism by which BMAL1 deficiency induces SMH.Materials and methodsCircadian rhythm‐disordered mouse models were constructed by placing animals in a jet lag schedule of 6‐h light advance every 7 days for 4 or 8 weeks. The OPG expression was evaluated by histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. The mechanism by which BMAL1 affects OPG expression was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. The phenotypes caused by BMAL1 knockout can be rescued by exogenous supplementation with OPG.ResultsWe demonstrate that the expressions of BMAL1 and OPG decreased in SMH patients. Circadian rhythm‐disordered mice and Bmal1−/− mice exhibited decreased expression of OPG, reduced bone mass and bone size of mandibles. Our results revealed that BMAL1 bound directly to the Opg promoter and upregulated its expression, thus inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. BMAL1 deficiency increased osteoclast differentiation by downregulating OPG expression. In vitro, the enhancement effect of osteoclast differentiation caused by BMAL1 knockdown was significantly reversed by exogenous supplementation with OPG. Importantly, bone loss caused by BMAL1 knockout can be partially reversed by injecting OPG Intraperitoneally.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the circadian clock plays a critical role in the growth and development of mandible by regulating OPG expression, and present a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent SMH.
Frequency of crown and root dilaceration of permanent incisors after dental trauma to their predecessor teeth
Authors: de Amorim Camila Silva , Americano Gabriela Caldeira Andrade , Moliterno Luiz Flávio Martins , de Marsillac Mirian de Waele Souchois , Andrade Márcia Rejane Thomas Canabarro , Campos Vera 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground/AimsDental trauma to the predecessor teeth can cause crown and root dilacerations to the successor teeth, which can interfere with the normal development of permanent teeth. The aims of this study were to verify the types of trauma more frequent to the predecessor teeth that cause dilaceration to their successor teeth, to determine the frequency of crown and root dilacerations in permanent incisors, taking into account the child's age at the time of trauma, and to describe the types of treatment performed.Materials and MethodsDetails of 815 anterior primary teeth with dental injury were obtained from 483 dental records of children aged 0‐9 years at the time of trauma.ResultsOf 815 traumatized primary teeth, 161 successor teeth were clinically and radiographically reviewed until complete eruption and had some type of sequel. Avulsion and intrusive luxation were the most frequent types of trauma to the predecessor teeth that caused dilaceration to their successor teeth. Enamel discoloration (30.4%), hypoplasia (23.6%), root (14.3%) and crown (9.9%) dilacerations were the most common sequelae observed in the successor teeth. Root and crown dilacerations were more frequent in children aged more than and up to 3 years, respectively. Tooth extraction and orthodontic treatment were the most common treatments.ConclusionsDentists must be aware of the relationship between the child's age at the time of trauma to the predecessor tooth and the type of sequel to the successor tooth in order to diagnose, monitor, and treat the sequel properly.
Traits of criticality in membrane potential fluctuations of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus
Authors: Kosmidis Efstratios K. , Contoyiannis Yiannis F. , Papatheodoropoulos Costas , Diakonos Fotios K. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEvidence that neural circuits are operating near criticality has been provided at various levels of brain organisation with a presumed role in maximising information processing and multiscale activity association. Criticality has been linked to excitation at both the single‐cell and network levels, as action potential generation marks an obvious phase transition from a resting to an excitable state. Using in vitro intracellular recordings, we examine irregular, small amplitude membrane potential fluctuations from CA1 pyramidal neurons of Wistar male rats. We show that these fluctuations, confounded with noise, carry information relevant to the neuronal state. The underlying dynamics exhibit intermittent characteristics shown to describe the temporal fluctuations of the order parameter of a macroscopic system at its critical point even in the absence of firing. An externally applied stimulus serves as the control parameter, driving the system in and out of its critical state. Based on our experimental observations we calculate the equivalent of the isothermal critical exponent δh finding a value which depends on the applied stimulus. For each neuron there is a stimulus amplitude for which the critical behaviour becomes most pronounced. The corresponding mean value of δh in the considered ensemble of neurons is δh ≈ 1.89, close to theoretical predictions for critical networks. Finally, we show that the firing rate of a neuron decreases exponentially with δh.
Intraspecific trait variation and trade‐offs within and across populations of a toxic dinoflagellate
Authors: Brandenburg Karen M. , Wohlrab Sylke , John Uwe , Kremp Anke , Jerney Jacqueline , Krock Bernd , Van de Waal Dedmer B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntraspecific trait diversity can promote the success of a species, as complementarity of functional traits within populations may enhance its competitive success and facilitates resilience to changing environmental conditions. Here, we experimentally determined the variation and relationships between traits in 15 strains of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium ostenfeldii derived from two populations. Measured traits included growth rate, cell size, elemental composition, nitrogen uptake kinetics, toxin production and allelochemical potency. Our results demonstrate substantial variation in all analysed traits both within and across populations, particularly in nitrogen affinity, which was even comparable to interspecific variation across phytoplankton species. We found distinct trade‐offs between maximum nitrogen uptake rate and affinity, and between defensive and competitive traits. Furthermore, we identified differences in trait variation between the genetically similar populations. The observed high trait variation may facilitate development and resilience of harmful algal blooms under dynamic environmental conditions.
Can the performance effect be ignored in the attendance policy discussion?
Authors: Sund Kristian J. , Bignoux Stephane 
Published: August 2018

AbstractShould universities require students to attend? Academics disagree. One side in the discussion of university attendance policies has tried to dismiss any association between attendance and student performance, insisting that students have a fundamental right to choose what and when to attend. By merging student record data and course attendance data for three cohorts of final year undergraduate students at a London‐based university, we are able to isolate attendance effects for 674 students, giving us a large sample, without the inherent weaknesses of more traditional survey methods. We provide fresh empirical evidence for the positive association between attendance and exam performance, and argue for a more balanced view in the attendance policy discussion. Politicians and Higher Education policies are increasingly focused on employability, student retention and completion indicators. Carefully crafted attendance policies can have positive effects on pass and completion rates, primary policy targets of Higher Education funders and policymakers. Attendance effects therefore cannot simply be ignored.
Modelling student migration to Karnataka for Higher Education using a partial least square structural equation model
Authors: Rao Sandeep , Andini Veena 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWith increasing student migration for Higher Education to Karnataka, it is important to understand the reasons which influence the migrants. Studies have indicated various push and pull factors for migration. This paper identifies career opportunities, value for education, brand equity, living conditions and others as pull factors of student migration using exploratory factor analysis. Further, the paper develops a structural equation model using a partial least square technique based on the factors explored. The research is based on primary data collected from students who migrated to Karnataka for Higher Education. The partial least square structural equations model shows that job opportunities and academic progression are the main factors influencing the decision to migrate to Karnataka.
Shaping efficiency as a function of time of a new heat‐treated instrument
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Belladonna F. G. , Simões‐Carvalho M. , Cavalcante D. M. , Ramalho C. N. M. J. , Souza E. M. , Lopes R. T. , Silva E. J. N. L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimTo assess the shaping ability of the new XP‐endo Shaper instrument after different working times.MethodologyTen mesial roots of mandibular molars were scanned in a micro‐computed tomographic device and prepared using the XP‐endo Shaper instrument up to the working length (WL) according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Then, each specimen was subjected to an extra 15, 30 and 45 s of active instrumentation at the WL. Postoperative scans were performed after canal preparation at each time‐point. Then, the registered pre‐ and postoperative datasets were examined to evaluate the percentages of volume and surface area of the instrumented canal, surface area of noninstrumented canal areas and the volume of removed dentine. Repeated measures general linear model was used to compare the differences in either the increase or the reduction of the parameters amongst the time‐points. Alpha‐error was set at 5%.ResultsExtending the period of XP‐endo Shaper active instrumentation at WL significantly influenced several parameters such as volume (P < 0.001) and surface area (P < 0.001) of the instrumented canal, surface area of noninstrumented canal areas (P < 0.001), and volume of removed dentine (P < 0.001).ConclusionsExtending the activation time of XP‐endo Shaper instruments at WL resulted in a more comprehensive root canal preparation, increasing the volume and surface area of root canal preparation and the volume of removed dentine.
The ocean as frontier
Authors: Steinberg Philip E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis editorial explores how the concept of the frontier calls attention to the ocean as a space of both opening and closure. Whilst the new opportunities suggested by a frontier imply an opening, the realisation of these opportunities typically requires a degree of (en)closure. At the same time, however, because spaces like the ocean cannot easily be enclosed by existing political institutions, the frontier opens new spaces for regulatory and, ultimately, ethical innovations. In short, while there is much to be concerned about in the opening of the ocean as a “frontier”, this opening also presents political opportunities.
A robust quasi‐superhydrophobic ceria coating prepared using air‐plasma spraying
Authors: Hu Lingyue , Song Xuefeng , Jin Dongliang , Xing Chen , Shan Xiao , Zhao Xiaofeng , Guo Fangwei , Xiao Ping 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHydrophobic coatings that could survive in harsh environment have a wide range of applications from industry to houseware. However, the state‐of‐the‐art polymer‐based coatings cannot meet such requirements due to their low melting point and poor wear resistance. In this study, we reported a plasma sprayed ceramic coating made of ceria with exceptional hydrophobicity, high‐temperature stability, and good wear resistance. The coating exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) up to 139°, due to the intrinsic hydrophobicity of ceria and unique surface morphology produced by plasma spraying. The WCA only slightly decreased to 131° after annealing at 773 K. In addition, the polished coating (WCA ~ 116°) was still more hydrophobic than the sintered bulk specimen (WCA ~ 95°) with the same composition and roughness, which can be attributed to the surface chemistry change induced by Ar+ ion bombing by plasma. It is believed that such robust hydrophobic coating should have great potential in engineering application.
Broadband emission and flat optical gain glass containing Ag aggregates for tunable laser
Authors: Zhong Hua , Chen Baojiu , Fu Shaobo , Li Xiangping , Zhang Jinsu , Xu Sai , Zhang Yanqiu , Tong Lili , Sui Guozhu , Xia Haiping 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSpectroscopic properties of Sm3+‐doped borate glass with silver aggregates were investigated, and it was found that the glass presented broad excitation and emission band covering violet‐infrared region. Furthermore, the optical gain coefficients at various wavelengths were measured via an amplified spontaneous emission technique, it was confirmed that the glass displayed flat net optical gain coefficient in almost full visible region. In addition, the fluorescent temperature quenching of the glass was examined, and it was seen that about 50% of room temperature emission intensity was kept when the sample was heated up to 325°C.