bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the liver functional reserve of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing sorafenib treatment: Prospects for regorafenib therapy
Authors: Terashima Takeshi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Sunagozaka Hajime , Arai Kuniaki , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Kitamura Kazuya , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: May 2018

AimThis study aimed to investigate liver functional reserves during sorafenib treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), to identify predictive factors for maintaining them, and to analyze the proportion of candidates for regorafenib, which has been proven to improve patients’ outcomes in the RESORCE trial.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated Child–Pugh scores during and after sorafenib treatment and evaluated their effects on second‐line treatment and outcomes of 125 patients with advanced HCC.ResultsPretreatment Child–Pugh A was maintained in 59/90 (65.6%) patients and pretreatment Child–Pugh B was improved to Child–Pugh A in 10/35 (28.6%) patients when sorafenib ceased. A Child–Pugh score = 5 and aspartate amino transferase <40 IU/L before treatment were contributing factors; vascular invasion and cessation of sorafenib due to gastrointestinal or liver‐related adverse effects were reverse predictive factors for Child–Pugh A when sorafenib treatment ceased. Significantly more patients with Child–Pugh A when sorafenib treatment ceased received subsequent therapy and achieved better outcomes compared with patients with Child–Pugh B. When sorafenib treatment failed, 45/125 patients (36.0%) fulfilled key inclusion criteria of the RESORCE trial as follows: Child–Pugh A, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1, tumor progression revealed by imaging, and treatment with ≥400 mg sorafenib for at least 20 of the last 28 days before treatment failure in 56.8%, 84.8%, 73.6%, and 68.0% of patients, respectively.ConclusionsA comprehensive understanding and management of dynamic changes in liver functional reserve during sorafenib treatment contributed to the efficacy of subsequent therapy (e.g. regorafenib) and to better outcomes for patients with advanced HCC.
Automation of dietary fibre (TDF, IDF and SDF) analysis by ANKOMTDF analyzer for enzymatic‐gravimetric process
Authors: Bolen Mengyue , Patel Sima , Mui Tracy , Kasturi Prabhakar , Challa Santhosh 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIn this work, we evaluated the effectiveness of the automation capability offered by the ANKOMTDF Dietary Fibre Analyzer to automate the current manual practice of fibre analysis (AOAC Method 991.43). Further, we also validated the automated fibre analysis via cross‐checking with fibre analysis by the manual operation using fruit‐, grain‐ and nut‐based samples. Automated fibre analysis showed relative standard deviations (TDF: 13.8%; IDF: 17.2%; and SDF: 24.6% at 95% CI reported by the AOAC in the method 991.43) that are consistent to the manual methods. Thus, this current work serves as a valuable assessment of a novel filtration system with disposable filter bag developed by ANKOM Technology. The new instrumentation automates the enzymatic‐gravimetric processing by eliminating several laborious, time‐consuming manual operations, saving over 50% of analyst time that converts to 60% overall cost savings and improved laboratory productivity, efficiency and safety. Industry‐wide adoption of such instrumentation not only reduces the analysis cost but also harmonises the fibre amounts reported among the global food and beverage industry.
The fungal‐resistance factors BmSPI38 and BmSPI39 predominantly exist as tetramers, not monomers, in Bombyx mori
Authors: Li Y. , Dong Z. , Liu H. , Zhu R. , Bai Y. , Xia Q. , Zhao P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have indicated that trypsin inhibitor‐like cysteine‐rich domain (TIL)‐type protease inhibitors, BmSPI38 and BmSPI39, suppress conidial germination and integument penetration of entomopathogenic fungi by inhibiting their cuticle‐degrading proteases and might functions as fungal‐resistance factors in the silkworm. To date, the physiological forms and functional significance of multimerization of BmSPI38 and BmSPI39 remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the physiological forms of BmSPI38 and BmSPI39 in Bombyx mori silkworms using multiple complementary methods, including activity staining, reducing and nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, western blotting and immunofluorescence. We found that recombinant BmSPI38 and BmSPI39 tend to form homologous multimers, and their dimers, trimers and tetramers possessed intense inhibitory activity against subtilisin A from Bacillus licheniformis. In contrast, their monomers showed no detectable inhibitory activity. Both BmSPI38 and BmSPI39 also exist mainly as stable tetramers in silkworm tissues, and they also predominantly function as a tetramer in these tissues. This study is the first to demonstrate this preferred quaternary form of a TIL‐type protease inhibitor and will likely help to elucidate the mechanisms of BmSPI38 and BmSPI39 in the innate immune response of the silkworm.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients attending two metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Australia: high risk status and low prevalence
Authors: George Elena S. , Roberts Stuart K. , Nicoll Amanda J. , Reddy Anjana , Paris Tonya , Itsiopoulos Catherine , Tierney Audrey C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease globally, with increased rates in high‐risk populations, including type 2 diabetes and obesity. The condition increases the risk of end‐stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma and all‐cause mortality. NAFLD is asymptomatic and often remains undiagnosed as routine screening in high‐risk groups is not practised.AimsThe aim of this study was to determine the rates and characteristics of NAFLD patients attending liver clinics at two Melbourne metropolitan hospitals.MethodsLiver clinics were prospectively screened for 10 consecutive months and participants with a diagnosis of NAFLD were further evaluated using pathology and imaging results obtained from medical records.ResultsOf the 2050 patients screened, 148 (7%) had NAFLD predominantly diagnosed using ultrasound (81%). NAFLD patients were obese (mean body mass index 30.7 ± 5.9 kg/m2), insulin resistant (median HOMA 4.2 (3.2) mmol/L) and had elevated liver enzymes (ALT median, males 47.0 (34.3), females 36.0 (28.0) U/L), and 18% of patients had liver stiffness measuring >12 kPa, suggesting a moderate probability of cirrhosis. Patients with liver stiffness measuring ≥9.6 kPa had significantly higher: glucose (median 5.5 (1.2) vs 6.2 (5.3) mmol/L, P = 0.007), aspartate aminotransferase levels (median 25.5 (26.0) vs 41.0 (62.0) u/L, P = 0.0005) and HOMA (3.1 (3.0) vs 5.4 (5.5) mmol/L, P = 0.040).ConclusionsNAFLD constituted a minority of liver clinic patients, most of who were obese, insulin resistant and hypertensive, and many had an elevated liver stiffness measurement. NAFLD poses added adverse health outcomes to high‐risk patients, and therefore, early detection is warranted.
Lived experience researchers partnering with consumers and carers to improve mental health research: Reflections from an Australian initiative
Authors: Banfield Michelle , Randall Rebecca , O'Brien Mearon , Hope Sophie , Gulliver Amelia , Forbes Owen , Morse Alyssa R. , Griffiths Kathleen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractConsumer and carer involvement in mental health research is a growing and developing field. Whilst there has been policy and in‐principle support for such involvement from governments around the world, lived experience researchers conducting academic research in partnership with other consumers and carers remains uncommon. ACACIA: The Australian Capital Territory Consumer and Carer Mental Health Research Unit is based at The Australian National University and employs academic researchers with lived experience to undertake research directly relevant to the needs of mental health consumers and carers with the aim of influencing policy and practice. In this study, we share our experience of developing and conducting research within ACACIA to provide a model for meaningfully engaging mental health consumers and carers throughout the research process.
Localised Estimates of Dynamics of Multi‐dimensional Disadvantage: An Application of the Small Area Estimation Technique Using Australian Survey and Census Data
Authors: Baffour Bernard , Chandra Hukum , Martinez Arturo 
Published: May 2018

SummaryDeep and persistent disadvantage is an important, but statistically rare, phenomenon in the population, and sample sizes are usually not large enough to provide reliable estimates for disaggregated analysis. Survey samples are typically designed to produce estimates of population characteristics of planned areas. The sample sizes are calculated so that the survey estimator for each of the planned areas is of a desired level of precision. However, in many instances, estimators are required for areas of the population for which the survey providing the data was unplanned. Then, for areas with small sample sizes, direct estimation of population characteristics based only on the data available from the particular area tends to be unreliable. This has led to the development of a class of indirect estimators that make use of information from related areas through modelling. A model is used to link similar areas to enhance the estimation of unplanned areas; in other words, they borrow strength from the other areas. Doing so improves the precision of estimated characteristics in the small area, especially in areas with smaller sample sizes. Social science researchers have increasingly employed small area estimation to provide localised estimates of population characteristics from surveys. We explore how to extend this approach within the context of deep and persistent disadvantage in Australia. We find that because of the unique circumstances of the Australian population distribution, direct estimates of disadvantage have substantial variation, but by applying small area estimation, there are significant improvements in precision of estimates.
Does Investor Sentiment Predict the Near‐Term Returns of the Chinese Stock Market?
Authors: Cheema Muhammad A. , Man Yimei , Szulczyk Kenneth R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecent evidence on the relationship between investor sentiment and subsequent monthly market returns in China shows that investor sentiment is a reliable momentum predictor since an increase (decrease) in investor sentiment leads to higher (lower) future returns. However, we suggest that momentum predictability of investor sentiment originates from the boom and bust period of 2006–2008 (the bubble period hereafter). The bubble period is characterized by several months of sustained optimism followed by several months of sustained pessimism, with the market consequently earning high (low) returns following high (low) sentiment months. Therefore, we find a strong positive association between investor sentiment and subsequent market returns during the bubble period. However, investor sentiment has a negligible impact on subsequent monthly market returns once we exclude the bubble period.
A systematic method for reviewing and analysing health information on consumer‐oriented websites
Authors: Rew Lynn , Saenz Ashley , Walker Lorraine O. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimA discussion of a proposed method for analysing the quality of consumer‐oriented websites that provide health‐related information.BackgroundThe quality of health information available to consumers online varies widely in quality. In an effort to improve the quality of online information, experts have undertaken systematic reviews on selected health topics; however, no standardized comprehensive methodology currently exists for such review.DesignAn eight‐step method is recommended embracing the following steps: (a) select topic; (b) determine the purpose of the analysis; (c) select search terms and engines; (d) develop and apply website inclusion and exclusion criteria; (e) develop processes and tools to manage search results; (f) specify measures of quality; (g) compute readability; (h) evaluate websites. Each of these steps is illustrated in relation to the health topic of gynaecomastia, a physical and mental health challenge for many adolescent males and young men.Implications for nursingAlthough most extant analyses of consumer‐oriented websites have focused on disease conditions and their treatment, website analysis methodology would encourage analyses that fall into the nursing care domain.ConclusionThe method outlined in this paper is intended to provide nurses and others who work with specific patient populations with the tools needed for website analytic studies. Such studies provide a foundation for making recommendations about quality websites, and identifying gaps in online information for health consumers.
Measuring Quadriceps strength in adults with severe or moderate intellectual and visual disabilities: Feasibility and reliability
Authors: Dijkhuizen Annemarie , Douma Rob K. , Krijnen Wim P. , van der Schans Cees P. , Waninge Aly 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundA feasible and reliable instrument to measure strength in persons with severe intellectual and visual disabilities (SIVD) is lacking. The aim of our study was to determine feasibility, learning period and reliability of three strength tests.MethodsTwenty‐nine participants with SIVD performed the Minimum Sit‐to‐Stand Height test (MSST), the Leg Extension test (LE) and the 30 seconds Chair‐Stand test (30sCS), once per week for 5 weeks. Feasibility was determined by the percentage of successful measurements; learning effect by using paired t test between two consecutive measurements; test–retest reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient and Limits of Agreement and, correlations by Pearson correlations.ResultsA sufficient feasibility and learning period of the tests was shown. The methods had sufficient test–retest reliability and moderate‐to‐sufficient correlations.ConclusionThe MSST, the LE, and the 30sCS are feasible tests for measuring muscle strength in persons with SIVD, having sufficient test re‐test reliability.
A relation between ablation area and outcome of ablation using 28‐mm cryoballon ablation: Importance of carina region
Authors: Nanbu Tadafumi , Yotsukura Akihiko , Sano Fumihiko , Suzuki George , Ishidoya Yuki , Yoshida Izumi , Sakurai Masayuki 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with wide antral ablation leads to better outcomes in atrial fibrillation ablation therapy, but the ablation area is relatively small during cryoballoon ablation (CBA). The present study tested the hypothesis that wide ablation can lead to better outcomes in CBA.Methods and resultsNinety‐six patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled (paroxysmal 76%, 64.1 ± 11.7 years). All patients underwent preprocedural computed tomography and the PV diameter at left atrial PV junction was measured. PV isolation was performed using a 28‐mm CB for 3 minutes with single freezing. Sinus rhythm bipolar voltage amplitude maps with the NavX mapping system were generated after ablation. According to the voltage map, patients were divided into 3 subgroups (68 in the extensive isolation group, 17 in the individual isolation group, and 10 in the incomplete isolation group). Atrial tachyarrhythmias recurred in 9 patients of the extensive isolation group and 6 in the individual isolation group. The rate of 12‐month freedom from tachyarrhythmia after a single ablation procedure was 84% (95% confidence interval [C.I.], 72%–91%) in the extensive group and 57% (95% C.I., 28%–78%) in the individual group (P = 0.048). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that maximal PV diameter was the only predictor to achieve extensive PVI (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% C.I. 1.08–2.29 P = 0.018).ConclusionExtensive isolation is superior to individual isolation for achieving freedom from atrial arrhythmia in long term follow‐up by CBA. Evaluating PV diameter at the left atrial PV junction is essential for applying CBA.
Polysomnography‐derived sleep parameters as a determinant of nocturnal blood pressure profile in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kuwabara Mitsuo , Tomitani Naoko , Shiga Toshikazu , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: May 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea causes blood pressure (BP) surges during sleep, which may lead to increased sleep‐onset cardiovascular events. The authors recently developed an oxygen‐triggered nocturnal BP monitoring system that initiates BP measurements when oxygen desaturation (SpO2) falls below a variable threshold. The association between nocturnal BP parameters obtained by nocturnal BP monitoring and simultaneously examined polysomnography‐derived sleep parameters in 116 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (mean age 57.9 years, 85.3% men) was studied. In multivariable analysis with independent factors of age, body mass index, sex, and polysomnography‐derived measures (apnea‐hypopnea index, apnea index, arousal index, lowest SpO2, and SpO2 < 90%), apnea‐hypopnea index (β = .26, P = .02) and lowest SpO2 (β = −.34, P < .001) were independent determinants of hypoxia‐peak systolic BP (SBP), defined as the maximum SBP value measured by nocturnal BP monitoring. Similarly, apnea‐hypopnea index (β = .21, P = .04) and lowest SpO2 (β = −.49, P < .001) were independent determinants of nocturnal SBP surge, defined as the difference between the hypoxia‐peak SBP and the average of the SBP values within 30 minutes before and after the hypoxia‐peak SBP, measured by the fixed‐interval function in the manner of conventional ambulatory BP monitoring. In conclusion, in polysomnography‐derived parameters, lowest SpO2, defined as the minimum SpO2 value during sleep, is the strongest independent determinant of hypoxia‐peak SBP and nocturnal SBP surge measured by nocturnal BP monitoring. Our findings suggest that the severity of the decrease in SpO2 and the frequency of such decreases would be important indicators to identify high‐risk patients who are likely to develop cardiovascular events specifically during sleep.
CYP2E1 Rsa Ι/Pst Ι polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility: A meta‐analysis involving 10,947 subjects
Authors: Shen Ze‐Tian , Wu Xin‐Hu , Li Bing , Shen Jun‐shu , Wang Zhen , Li Jing , Zhu Xi‐Xu 
Published: May 2018

The above article, published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine on 14 September 2016 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), and in Volume 19, pp. 2136‐2142, has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Stefan Constantinescu, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to unattributed overlap of the language used in the “Materials and method” and “Discussion” sections of this study and the following article published in Lung Cancer: “CYP2E1 Rsa I/Pst I polymorphism is associated with lung cancer risk among Asians” by Ping Zhan, Jing Wang, Yu Zhang, Li‐Xin Qiu, Su‐feng Zhao, Qian Qian, Shu‐Zhen Wei, Li‐Ke Yu and Yong Song, Volume 69, 2010, pages 19‐25.REFERENCEShen Z‐T, Wu X‐H, Li B, Shen J‐S, Wang Z, Li J, Zhu X‐X. CYP2E1 Rsa Ι/Pst Ι polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility: a meta‐analysis involving 10,947 subjects. J Cell Mol Med. 2015;19:2136‐2142. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.12579
Primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer in mountain guides: attitude and motivation for or against participation
Authors: Zink A. , Thomé F. , Schielein M. , Spinner C.D. , Biedermann T. , Tizek L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundOutdoor professionals such as mountain guides are at a substantial risk of developing non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) due to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Despite major recent primary prevention efforts, studies on secondary skin cancer prevention efforts are limited and corresponding data on outdoor workers scarce.ObjectiveTo assess the sun protective behaviour and individual motivations for or against skin cancer screening examinations in the German mountain guide population to aid in the development of effective awareness and prevention strategies.MethodsA cross‐sectional study among all registered mountain guides in Germany was conducted using a 35‐item online questionnaire on primary and secondary prevention of NMSC as well as perceived barriers for prevention.ResultsA total of 145 mountain guides participated in the study in January 2017. Of these, 86.2% reported using sunscreen often or always, 62.1% with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30–50% and 60.7% had undergone dermatological examination by a medical professional. The most common reasons for using secondary prevention efforts were hope of an early diagnosis (77.3%), fear of skin cancer (73.9%) and the intention to be aware of one's own health (70.5%). The main reasons for not doing so were absence of conspicuous skin conditions (63.2%) and feeling healthy (59.6%).ConclusionAwareness of prevention strategies recommended by the scientific community is low among affected occupationally high‐risk mountain guide populations. Understanding the specific needs of this high‐risk group is essential for the development of sustainable awareness and prevention strategies.
Efficacy of bioactive compounds from Curcuma longa L. against mosquito larvae
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Min , Fu Wei‐jie , Hu Jin‐feng , Dai Guang‐hui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo identify larvicidal compounds from the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma longa root, the active compounds were isolated using activity‐guided fractionation with column chromatography and identified based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) data. The dipping method was used to determine the larvicidal activities of each compound against 4th‐instar larvae of Culex pipiens pallens. Two compounds were isolated and identified, ar‐turmerone and 8‐hydroxyl‐ar‐turmerone. The two compounds exhibited larvicidal activities against the 4th‐instar larvae of C. pipiens pallens after 24 hr of treatment with LC50 values of 138.86 and 257.68 ppm, respectively. The larvicidal activities of ar‐turmerone and 8‐hydroxyl‐ar‐turmerone against C. pipiens pallens are reported herein for the first time. The elucidation of the structure of these phytochemicals and their insecticidal activities are important for assessing the potential of this plant as a botanical insecticide.
Crohn's disease of the vulva: A prospective study
Authors: Bhoyrul Bevin , Lyon Calum 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsVulval Crohn's disease (VCD) is a rare extra‐intestinal cutaneous manifestation of Crohn's disease. VCD is often unrecognized and misdiagnosed and can be difficult to treat. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical presentation, associated features, and response to treatment modalities in patients with VCD.MethodsA prospective review of patients with VCD who were referred to our specialist dermatology clinic from 2003 to 2017 was performed. Data on age at diagnosis, presenting signs, associated features, and response to treatment were collected.ResultsThirty‐one patients with a median age of 40 years (range 13–66 years) were identified. VCD manifested most frequently with vulval edema (77%), ulceration (35%), and fissures (39%). Eighty‐one percent had active gastrointestinal disease. Oral involvement and pyoderma gangrenosum were present in 13% and 19%, respectively. Topical therapy was effective in mild VCD. Tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors were the most effective second‐line therapy, with 53% achieving complete clinical remission. Additionally, we have found compression garments and shorts to be useful adjuncts in treating vulval edema.ConclusionsVulval Crohn's disease is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We recommend consideration of tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors at an early stage.