bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of quantitative measurement of EGFR mutation using peptide nucleic acid clamping in advanced EGFR mutant non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Kim Insu , Eom Jung Seop , Jo Eun Jung , Mok.Ki Uk Jeongha , Lee Kwangha , Uk Kim Ki , Park Hye‐Kyung , Lee Min Ki , Kim Mi‐Hyun 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThe presence of EGFR mutation in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) plays an important role in determining the appropriate treatment, response, and survival. Therefore, this study attempted to predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients using data from quantitative mutation measurements.MethodsThe data of patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent EGFR mutation testing using the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) mediated clamping method at the Pusan National University Hospital from October 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The efficiency of PNA clamping was determined by measuring the threshold cycle (Ct) value. The ΔCt−1 value (standard Ct value minus sample Ct value) was calculated to quantify EGFR mutation.ResultsDuring the study period, 71 patients were treated with EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The cutoff point for the ΔCt−1 value derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve was 5.32. A survival benefit was observed in the group with an ΔCt−1 value > 5.32 or with a common EGFR mutation type compared to the group with an ΔCt−1 value < 5.32.Conclusion
EGFR mutation testing using PNA clamping may predict patient survival, especially in patients with common EGFR mutations, such as exon 19 deletion or L858R. A higher ΔCt−1 value correlates with better survival.
Inhibition of the 60S ribosome biogenesis GTPase LSG1 causes endoplasmic reticular disruption and cellular senescence
Authors: Pantazi Asimina , Quintanilla Andrea , Hari Priya , Tarrats Nuria , Parasyraki Eleftheria , Dix Flora L. , Patel Jaiyogesh , Chandra Tamir , Acosta Juan Carlos , Finch Andrew J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCellular senescence is triggered by diverse stimuli and is characterized by long‐term growth arrest and secretion of cytokines and chemokines (termed the SASP—senescence‐associated secretory phenotype). Senescence can be organismally beneficial as it can prevent the propagation of damaged or mutated clones and stimulate their clearance by immune cells. However, it has recently become clear that senescence also contributes to the pathophysiology of aging through the accumulation of damaged cells within tissues. Here, we describe that inhibition of the reaction catalysed by LSG1, a GTPase involved in the biogenesis of the 60S ribosomal subunit, leads to a robust induction of cellular senescence. Perhaps surprisingly, this was not due to ribosome depletion or translational insufficiency, but rather through perturbation of endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and a dramatic upregulation of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The underlying transcriptomic signature is shared with several other forms of senescence, and the cholesterol biosynthesis genes contribute to the cell cycle arrest in oncogene‐induced senescence. Furthermore, targeting of LSG1 resulted in amplification of the cholesterol/ER signature and restoration of a robust cellular senescence response in transformed cells, suggesting potential therapeutic uses of LSG1 inhibition.
Early‐Life Adversity and Blunted Stress Reactivity as Predictors of Alcohol and Drug use in Persons With COMT (rs4680) Val158Met Genotypes
Authors: Lovallo William R. , Cohoon Andrew J. , Sorocco Kristen H. , Vincent Andrea S. , Acheson Ashley , Hodgkinson Colin A. , Goldman David 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundRisk for alcoholism may be enhanced by exposure to early‐life adversity (ELA) in persons with genetic vulnerabilities. We examined ELA in the presence of a common variant of the gene for the enzyme catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT, Val158Met, rs4680) in relation to cortisol reactivity, the onset of early drinking, and experimentation with drugs.MethodsSaliva cortisol reactivity to speech and mental arithmetic stress was measured in 480 healthy young adults (23.5 years of age, 50% females) who experienced either 0, 1, or ≥ 2 forms of ELA during childhood and adolescence, provided information on use of alcohol and recreational drugs, and were genotyped for the Val158Met polymorphism.ResultsELA led to progressively smaller cortisol responses in the Met/Met and Val/Met allele groups but to progressively larger responses in Val homozygotes, F = 3.29, p = 0.011. ELA independently predicted earlier age at first drink, F = 14.2, p < 0.0001, with a larger effect in Met‐allele carriers, F = 13.95, p < 0.00001, and a smaller effect in Val homozygotes, F = 4.14, p = 0.02. Similar effects were seen in recreational drug use. Cortisol reactivity was unrelated to drinking behavior or drug experimentation.ConclusionsELA leads to blunted stress reactivity and, independently, contributes to potentially risky drinking and drug‐use behaviors in persons carrying 1 or 2 copies of the COMT 158Met allele. The results reinforce the impact of early experience on the stress axis and on risky behaviors, and they point to the 158Met allele as conveying a vulnerability to the early environment.
Qualitative accounting research: dispelling myths and developing a new research agenda
Authors: de Villiers Charl , Dumay John , Maroun Warren 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article deals with some common misconceptions about qualitative research. Qualitative studies are well suited to studying complex interconnections and relationships without reducing the complexity to simple numbers or variables. Rather than excluding outliers from a dataset, qualitative researchers are interested in these exceptions and often examine them in‐depth in order to develop better understandings and generate new theories on how accounting develops, functions and influences behaviour. New understandings and theory allow qualitative research to advance recommendations, extend the boundaries of accounting research, and make important contributions to both accounting theory and practice.
Fire resilience of a rare, freshwater crustacean in a fire‐prone ecosystem and the implications for fire management
Authors: Driessen Michael M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUnderstanding species’ responses to fire regimes, particularly rare or threatened species, is important for land managers tasked with managing for biodiversity. Hickman's Allanaspides (Allanaspides hickmani, Anaspidesidae) is a rare, primitive, shrimp‐like crustacean, with high conservation value. It is restricted to a single catchment in the island state of Tasmania, Australia, where it occurs within moorland pools typically containing crayfish (Ombrastacoides spp.) burrows. Although its moorland habitat has a long history of firing, adverse fire regimes are a potential threat to the species. A large part of its range is subject to planned burning to help manage the detrimental effects of high‐intensity wildfires. The resilience of A. hickmani to low–moderate‐intensity fires was investigated over 13 years using a replicated before‐after‐control‐impact design. The fires resulted in an initial reduction in vegetation cover and surface water and an increase in water temperature. There was no effect of fire on A. hickmani captures 4 months after small‐scale, low‐intensity autumn burns. However, 5 months later, following an unintended larger‐scale, medium‐intensity spring burn, there was an 80–90% reduction in A. hickmani captures and their numbers did not recover until 6–9 years post‐fire. It is not known whether the reduced catch was due to a reduction in the number of A. hickmani or their movement from pools into crayfish burrows. These findings together with evidence of a varied fire history, including high‐intensity wildfires, within their range suggests that A. hickmani and its habitat are resilient to a range of fire frequencies and intensities provided that the fire regime does not degrade or lead to a complete loss of peat. Climate change predictions for warmer and drier summers in western Tasmania will increase the risk of peat loss. Planned burning is likely to be important for the protection of A. hickmani habitat from predicted adverse fire regimes.
Outpatient vs inpatient total laparoscopic hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Christiansen Ulla J. , Kruse Anne R. , Olesen Peter G. , Lauszus Finn F. , Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Forman Axel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of the study was to investigate whether outpatient total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) could be performed as a routine without compromising patient satisfaction. The main outcomes were patient satisfaction with length of hospital stay, quality of life, complications and readmissions, and time to return to work.Material and methodsA non‐blinded prospective randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I) performed in a single‐center teaching hospital in Denmark. A total of 204 women scheduled for TLH on benign indication were randomized to same‐day discharge or overnight stay after TLH. Visual analogue scales (VAS), a validated questionnaire EQ‐5D, and a diary were filled in pre‐ and postoperatively. VAS scores on satisfaction with length of hospital stay and pain were administered taken with the EQ‐5D and the diary during a follow up over 4 weeks. Student's t test, Chi‐square and non‐parametric statistics were used for analysis. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02933047.ResultsA total of 204 women gave informed consent and 203 underwent surgery (101 outpatient and 102 inpatient women). Complete data were available for 76 women in the outpatient group and 86 women in the inpatient group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics. No group differences were found in satisfaction with length of hospital stay (P = 0.35). The EQ‐5D revealed no difference in patient satisfaction. However, one‐third in the outpatient group chose overnight stay without medical indication. The groups were comparable in clinical outcomes. Sick leave was longer in the outpatient group regardless of the actual treatment (P = 0.015).ConclusionsRoutine outpatient TLH implies that one‐third of the patients stay overnight if this option is available without medical indication. Within this context the procedure can be performed with high patient satisfaction, but may lengthen the time to return to work.
The association between hepatocellular carcinoma and direct‐acting anti‐viral treatment in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Mecci Ali Jibran , Kemos Polychronis , Leen Clifford , Lawson Adam , Richardson Paul , Khakoo Salim I. , Agarwal Kosh , Mutimer David , Rosenberg William M. , Foster Graham R. , Irving William L. ,   on behalf of HCV Research UK
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundDirect‐acting anti‐viral therapy (DAA) has transformed hepatitis C virus (HCV) care, particularly in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. However, their impact on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.AimTo use a national registry of patients with advanced liver disease to explore the relationship between DAA therapy and HCC.MethodsAll patients with de novo HCC post DAA therapy were frequency matched with patients who did not develop HCC. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Cross‐sectional imaging and multidisciplinary team reports were reviewed for dates of HCC diagnosis and HCC progression. Patients were categorised by treatment outcome and time of HCC development. Data were examined by multivariable analysis and Kaplan‐Meier estimation.ResultsEighty patients with HCC were compared with 165 patients without HCC, treated between June 2014 and September 2015. Mean follow‐up from start of DAA therapy was 32.4 months. Twenty‐eight patients were diagnosed with early HCC (within 6 months of therapy) and 52 presented late. Baseline nonmalignant lesions (HR: 1.99), thrombocytopaenia (HR: 1.59) and diabetes (HR: 1.68) increased likelihood of HCC. Response to therapy was reduced in patients who developed liver cancer (SVR in patients with HCC = 54/80 (68%), SVR in patients without HCC = 143/165 (87%), P < 0.001, OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.64‐5.99). We found no difference between tumour size, progression or survival between viraemic and nonviraemic patients.ConclusionThere is no alteration in prognosis or cancer progression following HCC development after HCV treatment. However, baseline nonmalignant liver lesions, diabetes and thrombocytopaenia increase the risk of HCC, and HCC is associated with a decreased SVR rate.
Production of lipid mediators in mastitic milk of cow
Authors: Hayashi Akane , Fujii Shota , Nakamura Tatsuro , Kobayashi Koji , Sakatani Miki , Endo Maiko , Takahashi Tomotsugu , Murata Takahisa 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBovine mastitis is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in the dairy industry. Lipid mediators are signaling molecules which coordinately and intricately modulate inflammation. They are produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the cellular membrane via several enzymes including cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). In the present study, we performed comprehensive analysis of lipid production in milk obtained from clinical or subclinical mastitic cows using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. We detected 26, 24, and 40 kinds of lipid constantly in healthy, subclinical, and clinical mastitic milk, respectively. In clinical mastitic milk, the amount of a major n‐6 PUFA, arachidonic acid (AA), tended to increase, whereas amounts of major n‐3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, tended to decrease. The amounts of several AA‐derived lipids including COX‐catalyzed prostaglandin (PG) D2 and PGE2, and LOX‐catalyzed leukotriene (LT) B4 were increased in clinical mastitic milk. Although subclinical mastitic milk represented similar trend of lipid production to healthy milk, amounts of several lipids such as LTD4, 14,15‐dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid, and 14‐epoxyeicosatrienoic acid changed. These findings would be helpful for better understanding of mastitis pathology and give us some insights to develop a new diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.
Management of vaso‐occlusive episodes in the day hospital decreases admissions in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Karkoska Kristine , Appiah‐Kubi Abena , Rocker Joshua , Stoffels Guillaume , Aygun Banu 
Published: May 2019

SummaryAcute vaso‐occlusive episodes (VOE) are the most common reason for presentation to the Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient admission in people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). The goal of this study was to compare the hospital admission rate for VOE from our centre’s day hospital (Pediatric Ambulatory Chemotherapy and Transfusion Unit; PACT) versus the ED, and to determine which factors influence admission rate. The study included a total of 370 visits involving 140 children with SCD with a mean age of 10·9 ± 5·5 years. The timing from triage to the first analgesic was significantly different between the PACT and the ED (median, 32 vs. 70 min, P < 0·0001). The initial choice of opioid dosage adhered to our centre’s guidelines 84% of the time in the PACT v. 45% in the ED for morphine (P = 0·0003) and 100% in the PACT vs. 43% (P = 0·002) for hydromorphone. The admission rate from the ED (57%) was significantly higher than that of the PACT (29%) even when accounting for differences in baseline variables (P = 0·0001). In conclusion, the odds of being admitted were 3·8 times higher if the patient was treated in the ED. Timely administration and appropriate dosing of intravenous opioids may change this outcome in the future.
Psychometric properties of the Child Oral‐care Performance Assessment Scale
Authors: Nair Rahul , Do Loc Giang , Luzzi Liana , Brennan David Simon , Roberts‐Thomson Kaye Frances , Spencer Andrew John 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of Child Oral‐care Performance Assessment Scale (COPAS).MethodsItems for the instrument were developed and pilot tested. This questionnaire was implemented in the Australian National Child Oral Health Study 2012‐2014, whose aims included the assessment of oral care performance. This nationally representative sample of 23 538 respondents with complete data was divided into five groups: a main validation group and four cross‐validation groups, using blocked randomization. Two scales were constructed, full scale with 37 items (COPAS) and a partial scale with a subset of 31 items (COPAS‐Partial). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed using correlation coefficients, and structural validity was ascertained in the main validation group and confirmed in the cross‐validation groups using structural equation models.ResultsCronbach's alpha for COPAS was 0.95, and for COPAS‐Partial was 0.94. The convergent validity of global satisfaction with oral care and the subscales was r = 0.29‐0.51, and that with the overall scales was r = 0.59 for COPAS and r = 0.59 for COPAS‐Partial. COPAS (Root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06, Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.90, Tucker‐Lewis index (TLI) = 0.89, and Coefficient of determination(COD) = 0.99) and COPAS‐Partial (RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.90, COD = 0.97) had adequate fit. Structural invariance was present (P‐value = 0.97).ConclusionThere was acceptable structural validity, construct validity and internal consistency in the models tested for COPAS and COPAS‐Partial. COPAS has potential use in the evaluation of the delivery of dental services to children.
E‐cigarettes and head and neck cancers: A systematic review of the current literature
Authors: Flach Susanne , Maniam Pavithran , Manickavasagam Jaiganesh 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundCigarette smoking is a well‐established risk factor for head and neck (HN) cancers. Use of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) is gaining popularity, being advertised as benign alternatives to tobacco. A wide variety of potentially harmful chemical components with variable quantity have been identified in e‐liquids and aerosols of e‐cigarettes. However, use of e‐cigarettes remains controversial due to conflicting evidence.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the association between e‐cigarettes and HN cancers. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the literature for evidence on carcinogenic effects of e‐cigarettes in the pathogenesis of HN cancers.Type of reviewQualitative systematic review.Search strategyA PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL Plus, Trip Medical Database and Web of Science search was done for studies on e‐cigarettes and HN cancer.Evaluation methodAbstract review of all articles, full article revision of included studies, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent assessors.ResultsThe literature search resulted in the identification of 359 articles. Eighteen articles were selected for inclusion into the systematic review. The majority were laboratory‐based studies, followed by several cohort and case studies, representing low‐level evidence. A few reports suggested DNA damage following exposure to e‐cigarettes potentially due to increased oxidative stress. Flavoured e‐liquids appear to be more harmful. There is variable evidence from clinical studies.ConclusionsOur review outlines potential dangers associated with the use of e‐cigarettes and their role in HN cancers. More longitudinal and controlled studies are needed to assess the possible link between e‐cigarettes and HN cancers.
Does donor‐recipient age difference matter in outcome of heart transplantation?
Authors: Ram Eilon , Lavee Jacob , Kogan Alexander , Kassif Yigal , Elian Dan , Freimark Dov , Peled Yael 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivePotential interactions between donor‐recipient age difference and outcomes after heart transplantation are not well known. We thus aimed to study the impact of donor‐recipient age difference on heart transplantation outcomes.MethodsBetween 1995 and 2017, we assessed 234 heart transplantation patients. Based on donor‐recipient age difference histogram, we stratified these patients into three groups: older donors (donor‐recipient difference > 0; n = 48), younger donors (donor‐recipient difference 0 to −20 years; n = 82), and much younger donors (donor‐recipient difference <−20 years; n = 104).ResultsThe baseline metabolic risk profile of the recipients was significantly higher for the much younger donor group compared with the younger and older groups, including hypertension (52% vs 33% vs 25%, P = 0.002), dyslipidemia (51% vs 51% vs 29%, P = 0.027), diabetes (30% vs 16% vs 17%, P = 0.044), and smoking history (53% vs 46% vs 29%, P = 0.024), respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups in long‐term survival, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, or rejection‐free survival in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. In the much younger donor group, gender matching was associated with a lower incidence of primary graft dysfunction (37% vs 58% P = 0.05).ConclusionsDonor‐recipient age difference does not significantly impact long‐term heart transplantation outcomes.
The long‐term effects of institutional rearing, foster care intervention and disruptions in care on brain electrical activity in adolescence
Authors: Debnath Ranjan , Tang Alva , Zeanah Charles H. , Nelson Charles A. , Fox Nathan A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractExposure to early psychosocial deprivation as a result of institutional care disrupts typical brain development. The Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP) is the first longitudinal study to investigate the neurodevelopment of institutionalized infants randomized to a foster care (FCG) intervention versus care as usual (CAUG). Here, we present findings from a follow‐up assessment of brain electrical activity as indexed by resting EEG at age 16 years. In addition, we examined the effects of disruption of foster care placement (e.g. the number of moves among foster care placements) on brain electrical activity. Resting‐state EEG was collected from 48 CAUG, 46 FCG and 48 never institutionalized (NIG) control participants. Absolute (µV2) and relative (proportion) power were computed from eyes closed, resting EEG data for theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. The CAUG displayed higher relative theta and lower relative alpha power compared to the FCG at 16 years of age. The FCG showed brain activity comparable to the NIG. The results further showed that disruptions following the original foster care placement had an adverse effect on brain electrical activity. Within the foster care group, there were no effects of age of placement on EEG power. Placement of children who have experienced early institutional rearing into stable foster care settings ensure long‐term improvement in brain functioning.