bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for nonmelanoma skin cancer in renal transplant recipients: a case–control study from a reference outpatient clinic in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Flávia R. , Ogawa Marilia M. , Nascimento Luiz F. C. , Tomimori Jane 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundNonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common tumor in humans, and its incidence increases among renal transplant recipients (RTRs). The aims of this study were to characterize the RTRs with NMSC, to identify risk factors, and to calculate the probability of this tumor in this population.MethodsThis was a hospital‐based case–control study. Epidemiological and clinical variables were evaluated. Hierarchical logistic regression was used, and a mathematical model was built.ResultsIn total, 245 subjects were included. Possible associations were identified using a univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified risk factors with respective odds ratios and confidence intervals (95% CI): males 2.5 (1.3–4.7), age over 50 years 5.4 (2.3–12.9), Fitzpatrick's skin phototypes I–III 3.7 (1.6–8.7), occupational sun exposure 4.1 (2.1–8.1), timetable of recreational sun exposure all day 3.0 (1.4–6.1), and duration of transplantation (80 months or more) 3.3 (1.6–6.5). The Hosmer‐Lemeshow test and the receiver operating characteristics curve showed a strong fit and accuracy, respectively. The probability of an NMSC ranged from less than 1 to 92.5%.ConclusionsThis study characterized the RTRs with NMSC and identified risk factors. The multivariate analysis by hierarchical logistic regression proved to be a useful tool and allowed for the determination of the probability of NMSC in this population.
Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumors, lentigines, and café‐au‐lait macules associated with germline c‐kit mutation treated with imatinib
Authors: Gupta Divya , Chandrashekar Laxmisha , Larizza Lidia , Colombo Elisa A. , Fontana Laura , Gervasini Cristina , Thappa Devinder M. , Rajappa Medha , Rajendiran Kalai Selvi , Sreenath Gubbi Shamanna , Kate Vikram 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundFamilial lentiginosis syndromes are characterized by a wide array of manifestations resulting from activation of molecular pathways which control growth, proliferation, and differentiation of a broad range of tissues. Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are often accompanied by additional features like hyperpigmentation, mastocytosis, and dysphagia. They have been described with mutations in c‐kit (most commonly), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor A, neurofibromatosis‐1, and succinate dehydrogenase genes.Materials and MethodsWe report on molecular characterization and tumor histopathology of two siblings in whom lentigines and café‐au‐lait macules were present along with multifocal GIST. Immuhistochemical analysis of CD34 and CD117 was performed on GIST biopsy samples from both siblings, while c‐kit mutational analysis was done by PCR and direct sequencing on DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of all family members and from paraffin‐embedded gastric biopsy specimens of affected siblings.ResultsHistopathology revealed positive expression of CD117 and CD34. Mutational analysis showed the germline c.1676T>C mutation in c‐kit exon 11, (p.(Val559Ala)), in the peripheral blood of both siblings and a second exon 11 mutation, c.1669T>A (p.(Trp557Arg)) in the tumor biopsy of one of them. Initiation of imatinib treatment resulted in striking resolution of their hyperpigmentation and a stable gastrointestinal disease in one of them.ConclusionsA c‐kit mutational test in familial GISTs is indicated before initiation of imatinib therapy, as it can help predict tumor response to treatment.
Assessment of the effectiveness of topical propranolol 4% gel for infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Mashiah Jacob , Kutz Ana , Rabia Smail Hadj , Ilan Efrat Bar , Goldberg Ilan , Sprecher Eli , Harel Avikam 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundInfantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common vascular tumors in children. Because of their benign character and natural involution, the vast majority of IHs do not require any treatment. In the past few years, topical beta blockers have been reported to be an effective treatment of superficial IHs.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of topical propranolol 4% gel for the treatment of IHs.MethodsA retrospective study of all cases of IHs treated with topical propranolol 4% gel between 2013 and 2015 was performed. All patients were evaluated in a pediatric dermatology unit of a tertiary medical center. Epidemiologic, clinical, and treatment data, including effectiveness score and safety, were reviewed.ResultsThe study included 63 patients with a total of 75 IHs. Of the total number of IHs, 43 (57.3%) showed a good response to treatment, 19 (25.3%) a partial response, and 13 (17.33%) poor or no response, thus 62 (82.6%) had good or partial response to treatment. Age at treatment initiation, treatment time, thickness of the superficial component, and size of the lesions were shown to predict response to therapy. Out of the entire examined group, only two patients reported minor local side effects manifested by irritation, redness, and scaling of the treated area. No systemic adverse effects were reported. Limitations: This is an uncontrolled retrospective study.ConclusionPropranolol 4% gel is a safe and efficient topical therapy for IH.
Short dental implants (6 mm) versus long dental implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus floor elevation procedures: 3‐year results from a multicentre, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pohl Veronika , Thoma Daniel S. , Sporniak‐Tutak Katarzyna , Garcia‐Garcia Abel , Taylor Thomas D. , Haas Robert , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimTo test whether the use of short dental implants (6 mm) results in an implant survival rate similar to that with longer implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus grafting.MethodsThis multicentre study enrolled 101 patients with partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla and a remaining bone height of 5–7 mm. Included patients were randomly assigned to receive short implants (6 mm; GS/group short) or long implants (11–15 mm) simultaneously with sinus grafting (GG/group graft). Six months after implant placement (IP), implants were loaded with single crowns (PR) and patients were re‐examined yearly thereafter. Assessed outcomes included: implant survival, marginal bone level changes (MBL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque accumulation (PCR) during 3 years of loading as well as recording of any adverse effects. In addition to descriptive statistics, statistical analysis has been performed for the two treatment modalities using a non‐parametric approach.ResultsIn 101 patients, 137 implants were placed. At the 3‐year follow‐up (FU‐3), 94 patients with 129 implants were re‐examined. The implant survival rate was 100% in both groups. MBL at FU‐3 was 0.45 mm (GG) and 0.44 mm (GS) (p > 0.05). A statistically significant loss of MBL was observed in both GG (−0.43 ± 0.58 mm) and GS (−0.44 ± 0.56 mm) from IP to FU‐3, and from PR to FU‐3 in GG (−0.25 ± 0.58 mm) but not in GS (−0.1 ± 0.54 mm). PCR and BoP at FU‐3 did not show any difference between the groups but for PPD (p = 0.035).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, implants with a length of 6 mm as well as longer implants in combination with a lateral sinus lift may be considered as a treatment option provided a residual ridge height of 5–7 mm in the atrophied posterior maxilla is present.
Transarterial chemoembolization prior to liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Si Tengfei , Chen Yongjun , Ma Di , Gong Xiaoyong , Guan Ruoyu , Shen Boyong , Peng Chenghong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimA debate exists over whether using preoperative transarterial chemoembolization for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation. Numerous studies have been investigating on this, but there is still no unanimous conclusion about the effect of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization. We conducted the meta‐analysis of all available studies to systematically evaluate the influence of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization on liver transplant.MethodsA systematic search was performed by two authors (Si TF. and Guan RY.) through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Science Citation Index Expanded, combined with Manual Retrieval and Cited Reference Search. The searching cut‐off date was 2016/07/31, and all the data obtained were statistically analyzed using Review Manager version 5.1 software (Copenhagen, The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011) recommended by Cochrane Collaboration.ResultsThe study showed that there was no difference between the experimental group and the control group on perioperative mortality (RR = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.49–2.48], P = 0.82) or biliary complications (RR = 0.96, 95%CI = [0.66–1.39], P = 0.83). Preoperative transarterial chemoembolization had no obvious effect on improving overall survival (HR = 1.05, 95%CI = [0.65–1.72], P = 0. 83) but would result in a higher rate of vascular complications (RR = 2.01, 95%CI = [1.23–3.27], P = 0.005) and a reduction of disease free survival (HR = 1.66, 95%CI = [1.02–2.70], P = 0.04). Subgroup analysis also revealed that patients from transarterial chemoembolization group in Asia had a much lower overall survival rate (HR = 2.65, 95%CI = [1.49–4.71], P = 0.0009) compared with the control group.ConclusionsConsidering the possible adverse impacts on liver transplantation and the variation in sensitivity to transarterial chemoembolization, clinicians should be more cautious when considering transarterial chemoembolization as the bridging therapy for patients in the waiting list.
Rome foundation Asian working team report: Real world treatment experience of Asian patients with functional bowel disorders
Authors: Xiong Lishou , Gong Xiaorong , Siah Kewin Tien‐Ho , Pratap Nitesh , Ghoshal Uday Chand , Abdullah Murdani , Syam Ari Fahrial , Bak Young‐Tae , Choi Myung‐gyu , Lu Ching‐Liang , Gonlachanvit Sutep , Chua Andrew Seng Boon , Chong Kuck‐Meng , Ricaforte‐Campos Jane D , Shi Quan , Hou Xiaohua , Whitehead William E , Gwee Kok‐Ann , Chen Minhu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimInformation on real world treatment experiences of patients with functional bowel disorders is lacking from Asia. This study aimed to describe the medication exposure and treatment satisfaction of patients presenting to gastroenterology clinics across a sampling of Asian cities.MethodsFrom March 2011 to October 2013, adult patients presenting to hospital‐based gastroenterology outpatient clinics in 11 cities across Asia, who fulfilled screening criteria for any functional gastrointestinal disorder, were asked to complete a validated culturally adapted translation of the Rome III diagnostic questionnaire, a checklist of medications received in the preceding 3 months and questions on treatment satisfaction.ResultsA total of 1376 patients (female 755, male 621, 41.36 ± 13.25 years) comprising irritable bowel (621, 45.1%), unspecified functional bowel disorder (372, 27.8%), functional constipation (202, 14.7%), functional bloating (144, 10.5%), and functional diarrhea (56, 4.1%) completed the study. Of 1105 patients with a previous consultation, 509 (46.1%) were dissatisfied with their treatment, with ineffective treatment being the commonest reason. Satisfaction with previous consultation was lowest by diagnosis for functional constipation (29.2%), and the most bothersome symptom was straining (37.5%). Of 1046 patients who had taken medications for their gastrointestinal symptoms in the last 3 months, 793 (75.8%) had received two or more drugs. For irritable bowel syndrome patients, treatment with proton pump inhibitors and antispasmodics was recorded in 57% and 31%, with overlapping epigastric pain and heartburn predicting proton pump inhibitors use.ConclusionsMore attention should be given to treatment gaps with regards to possible under‐treatment with antispasmodics in irritable bowel syndrome and to critically evaluating the efficacy of constipation management.
Treatment strategy for urinary frequency in women
Authors: Hsieh Ching‐Hung , Su Tsung‐Hsien 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the differential diagnosis of the underlying etiologies of urinary frequency and the treatment strategies for urinary frequency in women. Urinary frequency is a symptom, a sign, and a condition of uncertainty and of multifactorial cause. Common causes of urinary frequency include psychosocial, medical, sexual, urological, gynecologic, endocrine, and pharmacological in origin. Hence, treatment of symptoms and possible cures need a high‐level plan or strategy to overcome the multifactorial etiology. Proper investigation of the chief complaint, history and physical examinations, is needed to evaluate urinary frequency. Pregnancy test, wet smear, urinalysis, midstream urine culture, frequency–volume charts, cystourethroscopy, urodynamics, and genitourinary imaging are the basic routine of office investigations. These tools promote the accuracy of the differential diagnosis of the underlying cause of urinary frequency. It is then often helpful to adopt an algorithmic approach to the management of this complaint. Treatment of urinary frequency might be empirical, and it remains a clinical challenge to gynecologists. To cure the disease, it is important to listen to the patient and consider the condition in all its aspects and use proven techniques.
Effectiveness of IMPACT:Ability to Improve Safety and Self‐Advocacy Skills in Students With Disabilities—Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Dryden Eileen M. , Desmarais Jeffrey , Arsenault Lisa 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDResearch shows that individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse than their peers without disabilities. Yet, few evidenced‐based abuse prevention interventions exist. This study examines whether positive outcomes identified previously in an evaluation of IMPACT:Ability were maintained 1 year later.METHODSA survey measuring safety and self‐advocacy knowledge, confidence, and behaviors among special education high‐school students was administered 12 months post‐training. Paired samples t‐tests were used to compare baseline to follow up and postsurvey to follow up and repeated measures analyses were conducted to test the effect of time across the 3 time points (baseline, post, and 1‐year follow up) (N = 47).RESULTSFollow‐up study participants had a range of disabilities, just over half were boys, and most were either black or Latino/Hispanic. Difference between scores at baseline and follow‐up for all the measures of interest represented gains from baseline. Statistically significant post‐training improvements in participants' safety and self‐advocacy knowledge and confidence were maintained 1‐year later.CONCLUSIONSThese results provide additional support for the case that IMPACT:Ability is a promising safety and self‐advocacy training program for diverse groups of students with disabilities.
Development of a Real‐time Fluorescence Loop‐mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detection of Burkholderia gladioli pv. alliicola
Authors: Kuang Weigang , Luo Laixin , Gao Wenna , Lei Yahong , lv Qingyang , Li Jianqiang 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBurkholderia gladioli pv. alliicola is a causal agent of rot on a wide range of hosts including onion and tulip. It is one of quarantine phytopathogenic bacteria in China. To reduce the economic losses associated with this pathogen, simple and rapid detection methods are needed. In this study, an efficient loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay with a real‐time fluorometer was developed. The analysis of 16S‐23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences showed considerable variability between different Burkholderia species and B. gradioli pathovars. A set of LAMP primers was designed based on the ITS region. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed assay were evaluated at the optimal temperature of 65°C. The primers were specific for B. gladioli pv. alliicola and did not react to strains of others species and other pathovars in the species B. gladioli. The sensitivity of the real‐time LAMP assay was 1 fg DNA which was 100 times higher than that of conventional PCR. The method was verified by testing natural samples and inoculated onion seeds, and it showed effectiveness. The real‐time LAMP assay established in this study is an effective method for detection of B. gladioli pv. alliicola.
Effect of sweet potato vines on performance parameters and some carcass characteristics of rabbits
Authors: Klinger A. C. K. , da Silva L. P. , de Toledo G. S. P. , Galarreta B. , Goulart F. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryConventional feedstuffs in Brazil are expensive, which has led to the search for less conventional cheaper and locally available feedstuffs. Thus, this study was carried out to determine the dietary effect of dry sweet potato vines (SPV) on the performance and some carcass characteristics of rabbits. A total of twenty‐seven weaned White New Zealand rabbits (14 male and 13 female) 35 days old with an average initial weight of 755 g were allocated into three treatments. Nine rabbits were assigned to each treatment in a completely randomized design. Three diets were formulated to similar protein and energy levels: 0SPV – diet without inclusion of dry sweet potato vines; 10SPV – diet with 10% alfalfa hay replaced by dry sweet potato vines; and 15SPV – diet with 15% of alfalfa hay replaced by dry sweet potato vines. The experiment lasted for 49 days during which data for feed intake and body weight were recorded. The daily feed intake ranged from 73.17 to 78.02 g; daily weight gain from 22.32 to 23.17 g; feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 3.16 to 3.49 and final live weight ranged from 1839.44 to 1880.55 g. None of the evaluated performance parameters as well as carcass weight, heart weight and percentages of fat and protein in meat were significantly affected by any of the tested dietary treatments. However, the liver weight was statistically lower in animals fed the diets containing 10% of SPV, mainly due to lower glucose content. Glycogen within the tissue, did not differ significantly among treatments. It was therefore concluded that up to 15% of SPV can successfully be included in the diet of rabbits as a cheaper replacement for alfalfa hay without adversely affecting performance.
Stage‐dependent puma predation on dangerous prey
Authors: Elbroch L. M. , Feltner J. , Quigley H. B. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPredators likely assess their risk of injury with regards to hunting different prey types, while deciding whether to initiate an attack or to avoid dangerous prey. Risk‐taking is age‐, stage‐ and state‐dependent, and foraging theory predicts that juvenile predators, individuals of lower social rank, and less‐experienced predators that are hungry are among those most likely to engage dangerous prey. In carnivores that optimally hunt prey larger than themselves, however, juveniles may also select for smaller, suboptimal prey as they refine their hunting skills. Thus, in the case of predators that exhibit age‐specific prey selection, there may be multiple factors influencing decision‐making about prey selection. We compared puma (Puma concolor) predation on dangerous adult ungulates and safer juvenile ungulates, as well as two similar‐sized rodent species: the more dangerous North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) and the more vulnerable American beaver (Castor canadensis). We found that dispersing, subadult pumas with limited hunting experience and without territories avoided dangerous but optimally sized adult ungulates, and instead hunted dangerous, suboptimal porcupines more than resident, territorial adults. In contrast, there was no difference in puma predation on beavers between dispersers and residents. Small prey (e.g. not ungulates) formed a large portion of dispersing puma diets of both sexes, and this stage‐dependent foraging pattern might be important in describing the ecology of the species, as well as in modeling potential dispersal habitat that could see puma expansion east in North America across hostile matrices where their primary prey has been reduced through anthropogenic effects.
Novel targets for hepatitis B virus therapy
Authors: Testoni Barbara , Durantel David , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTreatment with either pegylated interferon‐alpha (pegIFN‐α) or last generation nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) successfully leads to serum viral load suppression in most chronically infected hepatitis B (CHB) patients, but HBsAg loss is only achieved in 10% of the cases after a 5‐year follow‐up. Thus, therapy must be administered long‐term and it will not completely eliminate infection because of the persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) minichromosome in infected cells, and cannot completely abolish the risk of developing severe sequelae such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent progress in the development of in vitro and in vivo models of HBV infection have helped renew interest in the investigation of the viral life cycle, as well as specific virus–host cell interactions to identify new targets for the development of new antiviral drugs. This includes either direct inhibition of viral replication by targeting fundamental steps such as entry, cccDNA formation/stability, viral transcripts, capsid assembly and secretion or the manipulation of the host immune system for better defence against infection. Multiple strategies are currently under investigation, including boosting endogenous innate responses and/or restoring adaptive immunity via engineering of HBV‐specific T cells or via the use of inhibitors of negative regulators, as well as therapeutic vaccines. It is increasingly clear that multiple therapeutic strategies must be combined to reach a cure of HBV and that the definition of clinical, virological and immunological correlates for the management of treatment are urgently needed.
Radiologic findings of Fusarium pneumonia in neutropenic patients
Authors: Sassi Claudia , Stanzani Marta , Lewis Russell E. , Vianelli Nicola , Tarsi Andrea , Poerio Antonio , Cavo Michele , Battista Giuseppe 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIn neutropenic patients, lungs are involved in 50%–80% of cases of fusariosis, but imaging of pulmonary fusariosis has been previously described as indistinguishable from other invasive mould diseases. Our attempt was to identify a radiological pattern that may distinguish pulmonary fusariosis from other mould diseases. We examined the CT findings of nine neutropenic haematology patients with invasive fusariosis. As control group for comparison, we examined 14 invasive mould diseases (11 aspergillosis, 3 mucormycosis) in haematology patients with similar underlying disease and timing of CT imaging. Chest‐CT in invasive fusariosis showed small airways (7/9) or peribronchial (5/9) infiltrates, less frequently macronodular consolidations (4/9) with hypodense sign, but without halo sign or occluded‐vessel sign. The control group presented macronodular consolidations with occluded‐vessel sign in all of the cases; the halo and the hypodense signs were observed, respectively, in 100% and 82% of aspergillosis, and in 67% and 100% of mucormycosis. Sinusitis was documented by CT in 7/7 fusariosis, 2/2 mucormycosis and 5/7 aspergillosis; maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were involved in 7/7 fusariosis, in most of the cases with hyperdense opacification (rarely observed in the controls). We concluded that no radiological findings can discriminate between different mould infections, but invasive fusariosis should be suspected if chest‐CT demonstrates pulmonary infiltrates with the hypodense sign, but without the halo or the occluded‐vessel signs. Suspicion is greater in the presence of hyperdense maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis.