bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical composition of urolithiasis from stone dust – a matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Ray Eleanor R. , Rumsby Gill , Smith R. Daron 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo determine if the biochemical composition of a renal calculus can be measured from ‘dust’ obtained during laser fragmentation.Patients and MethodsThis pilot study was set in a tertiary referral hospital between 2011 and 2013. Stone dust was aspirated through the ureteroscope during lasering and a stone fragment also retrieved. Both samples were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Pairs of stone (standard) and dust were compared. They were deemed to match if both were of the same pure biochemical composition or if the predominant constituent was the same in mixed compositions, as this would not alter subsequent management.ResultsPaired specimens were obtained from 97 ureteroscopies. The dust specimen was sufficient for analysis in 66/97 (68%) cases. Of these, the composition matched that of the stone in 49/66 (74%) cases. In 12/66 (18%) the biochemistry differed only in the relative proportions of each constituent, whilst 5/66 (8%) showed a complete mismatch. The overall sensitivity was 51% and specificity 97%. A limitation of the study is the small number of some stone types analysed (<5 each cystine, atazanavir, mixed uric acid/calcium oxalate).ConclusionWe have demonstrated in this pilot study successful proof of principle. Further work is required initially to improve the number of sufficient dust specimens. This technique may offer an option when a stone cannot be retrieved ureteroscopically.
Significant reduction in positive surgical margin rate after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by application of the modified surgical margin recommendations of the 2009 International Society of Urological Pathology consensus
Authors: Maxeiner Andreas , Magheli Ahmed , Jöhrens Korinna , Kilic Ergin , Braun Tom Lukas , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Hinz Stefan , Stephan Carsten , Miller Kurt , Busch Jonas 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo verify retrospectively the margin status and analyse the location and characteristics of positive surgical margins (PSMs) in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP), by a central pathology review, based on the consensus conference 2009 updated margin criteria from the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP).Patients and MethodsThe detailed PSM characteristics of 441 patients who underwent laparoscopic RP (LRP) between 1999 and 2007 were centrally reviewed with regard to location, number, Gleason score at the PSM and tumour width. Predictors of PSMs and the impact of several PSM characteristics on clinical outcomes were examined. Patient characteristics were compared using the chi‐squared test. Differences in recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rates were analysed using the log‐rank test and presented as Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis for the prediction of RFS was performed.ResultsCentral pathology review using the updated PSM definition according to ISUP 2009, resulted in reclassification of a substantial number of patients with PSMs (n = 113, 26.6%) as R0. Several PSM characteristics with a higher risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) were identified as the strongest independent predictors of RFS: pathological stage; Gleason score; and the presence of multiple PSMs (hazard ratio [HR] 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–2.96; P = 0.025). Further analysis replacing the location of PSM by the width categories of PSM showed that a PSM >3 mm was an independent predictor of RFS (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.08–2.72; P = 0.022).ConclusionsThe impact of PSMs after LRP for prostate cancer remains unclear. PSMs in the present cohort of patients undergoing LRP had different characteristics and conferred different risks of BCR. A better understanding of PSM characteristics and a careful standardized pathological evaluation is needed to adequately counsel patients with respect to prognosis and adjuvant therapy after LRP.
Accuracy of prostate biopsies for predicting Gleason score in radical prostatectomy specimens: nationwide trends 2000–2012
Authors: Danneman Daniela , Drevin Linda , Delahunt Brett , Samaratunga Hemamali , Robinson David , Bratt Ola , Loeb Stacy , Stattin Pär , Egevad Lars 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate how well the Gleason score in diagnostic needle biopsies predicted the Gleason score in a subsequent radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen before and after the 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) revision of Gleason grading, and if the recently proposed ISUP grades 1–5 (corresponding to Gleason scores 6, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, 8 and 9–10) better predict the RP grade.Patients and MethodsAll prostate cancers diagnosed in Sweden are reported to the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR). We analysed the Gleason scores and ISUP grades from the diagnostic biopsies and the RP specimens in 15 598 men in the NPCR who: were diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 with clinical stage T1–2 M0/X prostate cancer on needle biopsy; were aged ≤70 years; had serum PSA concentration of <20 ng/mL; and underwent a RP <6 months after diagnosis as their primary treatment.ResultsPrediction of RP Gleason score increased from 55 to 68% between 2000 and 2012. Most of the increase occurred before 2005 (nine percentage points; P < 0.001); however, when adjusting for Gleason score and year of diagnosis in a multivariable analysis, the prediction of RP Gleason score decreased over time (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; P < 0.002). A change in the ISUP grades would have led to a decreasing agreement between biopsy and RP grades over time, from 68% in 2000 to 57% in 2012, with an OR of 0.95 in multivariable analysis (P < 0.001).ConclusionAgreement between biopsy and RP Gleason score improved from 2000 to 2012, with most of the improvement occurring before the 2005 ISUP grading revision. Had ISUP grades been used instead of Gleason score, the agreement between biopsy and RP grade would have decreased, probably because of its separation of Gleason score 7 into ISUP grades 2 and 3 (Gleason score 3 + 4 vs 4 + 3).
Diacylglycerol lipase β inhibition reverses nociceptive behaviour in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain
Authors: Wilkerson J L , Ghosh S , Bagdas D , Mason B L , Crowe M S , Hsu K L , Wise L E , Kinsey S G , Damaj M I , Cravatt B F , Lichtman A H 
Published: February 2016

Background and PurposeInhibition of diacylglycerol lipase (DGL)β prevents LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory responses in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Thus, the present study tested whether DGLβ inhibition reverses allodynic responses of mice in the LPS model of inflammatory pain, as well as in neuropathic pain models.Experimental ApproachInitial experiments examined the cellular expression of DGLβ and inflammatory mediators within the LPS‐injected paw pad. DAGL‐β (−/−) mice or wild‐type mice treated with the DGLβ inhibitor KT109 were assessed in the LPS model of inflammatory pain. Additional studies examined the locus of action for KT109‐induced antinociception, its efficacy in chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve and chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain (CINP) models.Key ResultsIntraplantar LPS evoked mechanical allodynia that was associated with increased expression of DGLβ, which was co‐localized with increased TNF‐α and prostaglandins in paws. DAGL‐β (−/−) mice or KT109‐treated wild‐type mice displayed reductions in LPS‐induced allodynia. Repeated KT109 administration prevented the expression of LPS‐induced allodynia, without evidence of tolerance. Intraplantar injection of KT109 into the LPS‐treated paw, but not the contralateral paw, reversed the allodynic responses. However, i.c.v. or i.t. administration of KT109 did not alter LPS‐induced allodynia. Finally, KT109 also reversed allodynia in the CCI and CINP models and lacked discernible side effects (e.g. gross motor deficits, anxiogenic behaviour or gastric ulcers).Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings suggest that local inhibition of DGLβ at the site of inflammation represents a novel avenue to treat pathological pain, with no apparent untoward side effects.
Cut to the chase: a review of CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase-4's (DPP4) entanglement in the immune system
Authors: Klemann C , Wagner L , Stephan M , von Hörsten S 
Published: February 2016

SummaryCD26/DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4/DP4/DPPIV) is a surface T cell activation antigen and has been shown to have DPP4 enzymatic activity, cleaving-off amino-terminal dipeptides with either L-proline or L-alanine at the penultimate position. It plays a major role in glucose metabolism by N-terminal truncation and inactivation of the incretins glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP) and gastric inhibitory protein (GIP). In 2006, DPP4 inhibitors have been introduced to clinics and have been demonstrated to efficiently enhance the endogenous insulin secretion via prolongation of the half-life of GLP-1 and GIP in patients. However, a large number of studies demonstrate clearly that CD26/DPP4 also plays an integral role in the immune system, particularly in T cell activation. Therefore, inhibition of DPP4 might represent a double-edged sword. Apart from the metabolic benefit, the associated immunological effects of long term DPP4 inhibition on regulatory processes such as T cell homeostasis, maturation and activation are not understood fully at this stage. The current data point to an important role for CD26/DPP4 in maintaining lymphocyte composition and function, T cell activation and co-stimulation, memory T cell generation and thymic emigration patterns during immune-senescence. In rodents, critical immune changes occur at baseline levels as well as after in-vitro and in-vivo challenge. In patients receiving DPP4 inhibitors, evidence of immunological side effects also became apparent. The scope of this review is to recapitulate the role of CD26/DPP4 in the immune system regarding its pharmacological inhibition and T cell-dependent immune regulation.
Unaccompanied minors in the Netherlands and the care facility in which they flourish best
Authors: Kalverboer Margrite , Zijlstra Elianne , van Os Carla , Zevulun Daniëlle , ten Brummelaar Mijntje , Beltman Daan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study compares the views of unaccompanied minors living in four different types of care facilities in the Netherlands: namely in foster care, small living units, children's living groups and campuses on their wellbeing, living circumstances and place in Dutch society. Interviews with 132 minors were both qualitatively and quantitatively analysed. Based on the transcripts from the interviews the researchers completed a questionnaire (BIC‐Q) to judge the quality of the child rearing environment in the different types of care facilities.Minors in foster care fare best and are most positive about their place in Dutch society. Minors in small living units and small living groups often miss affectionate bonds, care, support and stability in their lives. Minors in campuses most often expressed feeling lonely and sad and being excluded from the Dutch society. They experience a lack of care and support from adults. The quality of the child rearing environment in campuses was judged by the researchers as being so low that these facilities appear to be unfit for unaccompanied minors.
Systemic and maxillofacial characteristics of 11 Japanese children with Russell–Silver syndrome
Authors: Sato Chiemi , Ogawa Takuya , Tsuge Risa , Shiga Momotoshi , Tsuji Michiko , Baba Yoshiyuki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Moriyama Keiji 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRussell–Silver syndrome (RSS) is a congenital anomaly characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, typical facial features, fifth‐finger clinodactyly, and skeletal asymmetry. Although data on intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation have been reported, there are few reports concerning the typical maxillofacial morphology in individuals with RSS. The aim of this study was to describe the details of this systemic condition and to characterize maxillofacial morphology based on cephalograms in 11 Japanese patients (age range, 3.9–12.0 years) with RSS. All 11 individuals had intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation. In addition, most showed mandibular retrognathia and relative macrocephaly. Lateral cephalogram measurements showed that mandibular retrognathia resulted from short mandibular body length, whereas the depth of the cranial base was close to normal. Although asymmetry of hand, foot, and limb length were present in most individuals, obvious facial asymmetry was not common. Differences between left and right skeletal and dental age were not observed, indicating that children with RSS might show asymmetry because of quantitative differences in skeletal growth rather than delayed growth rate. Our findings not only provide important information about the maxillofacial characteristics of RSS, but also help to clarify the association between these characteristics and genetics, which will add to the body of information on clinical symptoms.
Influence of rapid‐ and slow‐rate resorption collagen membrane in maxillary sinus augmentation
Authors: Bresaola Marco Dapievi , Matsumoto Mariza Akemi , Zahoui Abbas , Biguetti Claudia Cristina , Nary‐Filho Hugo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of low‐ and rapid‐resorption‐rate bioabsorbable collagen membranes in maxillary sinus augmentation procedure in rabbits considering Schneiderian membrane (SM) reaction and bone tissue formation.Materials and methodsEighteen male adult rabbits underwent bilateral maxillary sinus augmentation with particulate bovine hydroxyapatite to be divided into three groups, as follows: Group C – control, no membrane; Group RR – rapid resorbable collagen membrane; and Group SR – slow‐resorbable collagen membrane. The animals were euthanized after 30 and 120 days for specimen's removal to be prepared and analyzed under light microscopy, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry for Runx2 and VEGF labeling.ResultsHistopathology evaluation presented similar healing pattern among the groups with a satisfactory response of SM, both at day 30 and day 120. Bone histomorphometry did not reveal significant differences among the groups, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis, which presented intense immunolabeling for both proteins in all groups.ConclusionsThe presence of both membranes did not negatively interfere in bone formation and remodeling, and the focal mild inflammatory reaction caused by their degrading process did not impair the reconstructive procedure.
Cost‐effectiveness of conservation payment schemes for species with different range sizes
Authors: Drechsler Martin , Smith Henrik G. , Sturm Astrid , Wätzold Frank 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPayments to compensate landowners for carrying out costly land‐use measures that benefit endangered biodiversity have become an important policy instrument. When designing such payments, it is important to take into account that spatially connected habitats are more valuable for many species than isolated ones. One way to incentivize provision of connected habitats is to offer landowners an agglomeration bonus, that is, a bonus on top of payments they are receiving to conserve land if the land is spatially connected. Researchers have compared the cost‐effectiveness of the agglomeration bonus with 2 alternatives: an all‐or‐nothing, agglomeration payment, where landowners receive a payment only if the conserved land parcels have a certain level of spatial connectivity, and a spatially homogeneous payment, where landowners receive a payment for conserved land parcels irrespective of their location. Their results show the agglomeration bonus is rarely the most cost‐effective option, and when it is, it is only slightly better than one of the alternatives. This suggests that the agglomeration bonus should not be given priority as a policy design option. However, this finding is based on consideration of only 1 species. We examined whether the same applied to 2 species, one for which the homogeneous payment is best and the other for which the agglomeration payment is most cost‐effective. We modified a published conceptual model so that we were able to assess the cost‐effectiveness of payment schemes for 2 species and applied it to a grassland bird and a grassland butterfly in Germany that require the same habitat but have different spatial‐connectivity needs. When conserving both species, the agglomeration bonus was more cost‐effective than the agglomeration and the homogeneous payment; thus, we showed that as a policy the agglomeration bonus is a useful conservation‐payment option.
Associations between bouted and non‐bouted physical activity on multimorbidity
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe association between objectively measured bouted (at least 10 min in duration) and non‐bouted (<10 min in duration) physical activity with multimorbidity is unknown, which was the purpose of this study.MethodsData from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were employed (n = 4 584 adults). Bouted physical activity and non‐bouted physical activity were assessed via accelerometry, with multimorbidity assessed via physician diagnosis and laboratory data.ResultsFor the ordinal regression model, and after adjustment, both non‐bouted moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA; βadjusted = −0·63; 95% CI: −0·79 to −0·48; P<0·001) and bouted MVPA (βadjusted = −0·43; 95% CI: −0·63 to −0·23; P<0·001) were independently associated with multimorbidity. In a multivariable logistic regression, both non‐bouted MVPA (ORadjusted = 0·59; 95% CI: 0·48–0·72; P<0·001) and bouted MVPA (ORadjusted = 0·66; 95% CI: 0·52–0·84; P = 0·001) were associated with a reduced odds of being multimorbid.ConclusionBoth bouted MVPA and non‐bouted MVPA were associated with reduced odds of multimorbidity, underscoring the importance of promoting both types of physical activity.
Effect of prior hepatitis B virus exposure on long‐term risk of liver‐related events after liver transplantation
Authors: Chen Po‐Hung , Limketkai Berkeley N. , Trilianos Panagiotis , Pirtini‐Cetingul Muge , Woreta Tinsay A. , Kim Brian , Gulsen Murat T. , Segev Dorry L. , Cameron Andrew M. , Gurakar Ahmet 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the risk of liver‐related events and death in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐exposed liver transplantation (LT) recipients.MethodsRetrospective review was performed in all adults who underwent LT between January 1995 through December 2010 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Recipients with graft failure or death within 14 d of LT or missing HBV status were excluded, leaving 575 individuals for analysis. Patients were classified according to HBV exposure status: Unexposed, Resolved HBV, Chronic HBV, or hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) seropositive liver donor.ResultsCompared with HBV‐unexposed patients, the relative hazard of combined liver‐related events (rejection, cirrhosis, re‐transplantation) and death after LT was not increased in patients with a baseline history of resolved HBV infection or chronic hepatitis B. Using anti‐HBc seropositive donors also did not increase the risk of liver‐related events, death, or composite events (all p ≥ 0.05). However, hepatitis C was associated with liver‐related events [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–2.52], and blacks had a higher risk of death (aHR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01–2.22).ConclusionLT of patients with prior HBV exposure or use of anti‐HBc seropositive donors is not associated with increased risk of liver‐related events or death.
Cost comparison of heart transplant vs. left ventricular assist device therapy at one year
Authors: Marasco Silvana F. , Summerhayes Robyn , Quayle Margaret , McGiffin David , Luthe Marco 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWith the worldwide shortage of donor organs, use of ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy is rapidly increasing in both the bridge to transplant and destination therapy settings. However, the high cost of VADs and VAD care is a cause for concern for policy makers who have relied on the limited supply of donor hearts to naturally cap health expenditure on heart transplantation (HTx). We sought to compare costs of the first 12 months of care of VADs vs. HTx. Single center retrospective study utilizing real generated costs over a three yr span from 2010–2012. Only patients with 12 months of costing data were included. Costs of 28 HTx patients and 24 VAD patients were analyzed. Index admission costs were more than double in the VAD group compared to the HTx group and this was driven by the procurement costs and length of stay which increased almost all aspects of in hospital care costs. Subsequent costs were six times higher in the HTx group and this was driven largely by pharmaceuticals. VAD therapy remains a very expensive treatment option for end stage heart failure patients. Device prices need to reduce substantially to make this a more widely applicable and cost effective treatment option.
Audit of cytology of upper urinary tract
Authors: Malta F. , Lenos M. , Leotsakos I. , Katafigiotis I. , Gakiopoulou H. , Constantinides C. , Mikou P. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveCytology is an essential tool for the investigation of urinary tract malignancy. In this audit, we aimed to assess our laboratory performance in the diagnosis of upper urinary tract malignancy and to use the information provided to improve our service.MethodsWe retrieved cytology reports of upper urinary tract specimens from two periods, re‐evaluated the cases, compared the reports with histology data and estimated the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). In the time interval between the two periods, we adopted new terminology, established better communication with clinicians and gained experience in the field. Finally, the data from the two periods were compared.ResultsIn phase A, we estimated a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 86% and PPV of 84.6%. As a result of the cytological re‐evaluation, correlation with histology and clinical follow‐up, plus communication with the clinicians during the audit, we established new terminology and a new request form. A three tiered grading system of atypia (mild, moderate and severe) was replaced by a two tiered grading system. The first category “atypia probably benign” corresponded to “mild atypia” while the second category “atypia, not otherwise specified” corresponded to “moderate atypia”. The cases diagnosed as “severe atypia” were reclassified as “suspicious for malignancy”. In phase B, the sensitivity, specificity and PPV were 75%, 89% and 90%, respectively.ConclusionsOur laboratory performance is in concordance with reported data and has been improved through this study. The audit process is extremely valuable for the identification of problems, for taking action and, finally, for the improvement of the clinical cytology service in the field of upper urinary tract malignancy.