bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual-responsive and Multi-functional Plasmonic Hydrogel Valves and Biomimetic Architectures Formed with Hydrogel and Gold Nanocolloids
Authors: Song Ji Eun , Cho Eun Chul 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe present a straightforward approach with high moldability for producing dual-responsive and multi-functional plasmonic hydrogel valves and biomimetic architectures that reversibly change volumes and colors in response to temperature and ion variations. Heating of a mixture of hybrid colloids (gold nanoparticles assembled on a hydrogel colloid) and hydrogel colloids rapidly induces (within 30 min) the formation of hydrogel architectures resembling mold shapes (cylinder, fish, butterfly). The biomimetic fish and butterfly display reversible changes in volumes and colors with variations of temperature and ionic conditions in aqueous solutions. The cylindrical plasmonic valves installed in flow tubes rapidly control water flow rate in on-off manner by responding to these stimuli. They also report these changes in terms of their colors. Therefore, the approach presented here might be helpful in developing new class of biomimetic and flow control systems where liquid conditions should be visually notified (e.g., glucose or ion concentration changes).
Forest biomass carbon stocks and variation in Tibet’s carbon-dense forests from 2001 to 2050
Authors: Sun Xiangyang , Wang Genxu , Huang Mei , Chang Ruiying , Ran Fei 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTibet’s forests, in contrast to China’s other forests, are characterized by primary forests, high carbon (C) density and less anthropogenic disturbance, and they function as an important carbon pool in China. Using the biomass C density data from 413 forest inventory sites and a spatial forest age map, we developed an allometric equation for the forest biomass C density and forest age to assess the spatial biomass C stocks and variation in Tibet’s forests from 2001 to 2050. The results indicated that the forest biomass C stock would increase from 831.1 Tg C in 2001 to 969.4 Tg C in 2050, with a net C gain of 3.6 Tg C yr−1 between 2001 and 2010 and a decrease of 1.9 Tg C yr−1 between 2040 and 2050. Carbon tends to allocate more in the roots of fir forests and less in the roots of spruce and pine forests with increasing stand age. The increase of the biomass carbon pool does not promote significant augmentation of the soil carbon pool. Our findings suggest that Tibet’s mature forests will remain a persistent C sink until 2050. However, afforestation or reforestation, especially with the larger carbon sink potential forest types, such as fir and spruce, should be carried out to maintain the high C sink capacity.
Nano-volcanic Eruption of Silver
Authors: Lin Shih-kang , Nagao Shijo , Yokoi Emi , Oh Chulmin , Zhang Hao , Liu Yu-chen , Lin Shih-guei , Suganuma Katsuaki 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSilver (Ag) is one of the seven metals of antiquity and an important engineering material in the electronic, medical, and chemical industries because of its unique noble and catalytic properties. Ag thin films are extensively used in modern electronics primarily because of their oxidation-resistance. Here we report a novel phenomenon of Ag nano-volcanic eruption that is caused by interactions between Ag and oxygen (O). It involves grain boundary liquation, the ejection of transient Ag-O fluids through grain boundaries, and the decomposition of Ag-O fluids into O2 gas and suspended Ag and Ag2O clusters. Subsequent coating with re-deposited Ag-O and the de-alloying of O yield a conformal amorphous Ag coating. Patterned Ag hillock arrays and direct Ag-to-Ag bonding can be formed by the homogenous crystallization of amorphous coatings. The Ag “nano-volcanic eruption” mechanism is elaborated, shedding light on a new mechanism of hillock formation and new applications of amorphous Ag coatings.
BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Influences Visuomotor Associative Learning and the Sensitivity to Action Observation
Authors: Taschereau-Dumouchel Vincent , Hétu Sébastien , Michon Pierre-Emmanuel , Vachon-Presseau Etienne , Massicotte Elsa , De Beaumont Louis , Fecteau Shirley , Poirier Judes , Mercier Catherine , Chagnon Yvon C. , Jackson Philip L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMotor representations in the human mirror neuron system are tuned to respond to specific observed actions. This ability is widely believed to be influenced by genetic factors, but no study has reported a genetic variant affecting this system so far. One possibility is that genetic variants might interact with visuomotor associative learning to configure the system to respond to novel observed actions. In this perspective, we conducted a candidate gene study on the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism, a genetic variant linked to motor learning in regions of the mirror neuron system, and tested the effect of this polymorphism on motor facilitation and visuomotor associative learning. In a single-pulse TMS study carried on 16 Met (Val/Met and Met/Met) and 16 Val/Val participants selected from a large pool of healthy volunteers, Met participants showed significantly less muscle-specific corticospinal sensitivity during action observation, as well as reduced visuomotor associative learning, compared to Val homozygotes. These results are the first evidence of a genetic variant tuning sensitivity to action observation and bring to light the importance of considering the intricate relation between genetics and associative learning in order to further understand the origin and function of the human mirror neuron system.
Characterizing Failure to Establish Hepatitis C Care of Baby Boomers Diagnosed in the Emergency Department
Authors: Franco Ricardo A. , Overton E. Turner , Tamhane Ashutosh R. , Forsythe Jordan M. , Rodgers Joel B. , Schexnayder Julie K. , Guthrie Deanne , Thogaripally Suneetha , Zinski Anne , Saag Michael S. , Mugavero Michael J. , Wang Henry E. , Galbraith James W. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background
Emergency departments (EDs) are high-yield sites for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, but data regarding linkage to care (LTC) determinants are limited.

Methods
Between September 2013 and June 2014, 4371 baby boomers unaware of their HCV status presented to the University of Alabama at Birmingham ED and underwent opt-out screening. A linkage coordinator facilitated referrals for positive cases. Demographic data, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, and clinic visits were collected, and patients were (retrospectively) followed up until February 2015. Linkage to care was defined as an HCV clinic visit within the hospital system.

Results
Overall, 332 baby boomers had reactive HCV antibody and detectable plasma ribonucleic acid. The mean age was 57.3 years (standard deviation = 4.8); 70% were male and 61% were African Americans. Substance abuse (37%) and psychiatric diagnoses (30%) were prevalent; 9% were identified with cirrhosis. During a median follow-up of 433 days (interquartile range, 354–500), 117 (35%) linked to care and 48% needed inpatient care. In multivariable analysis, the odds of LTC failure were significantly higher for white males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–6.38) and uninsured individuals (aOR, 5.16; 95% CI, 1.43–18.63) and lower for patients with cirrhosis (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14–0.92) and access to primary care (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.10–0.41).

Conclusions
In this cohort of baby boomers with newly diagnosed HCV in the ED, only 1 in 3 were linked to HCV care. Although awareness of HCV diagnosis remains important, intensive strategies to improve LTC and access to curative therapy for diagnosed individuals are needed.
Methodological and Reporting Quality of Comparative Studies Evaluating Health-Related Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Patients and Controls: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wong Carlos K. H. , Guo Vivian Y. W. , Chen Jing , Lam Cindy L. K. 
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:
Health-related quality of life is an important outcome measure in patients with colorectal cancer. Comparison with normative data has been increasingly undertaken to assess the additional impact of colorectal cancer on health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE:
This review aimed to critically appraise the methodological details and reporting characteristics of comparative studies evaluating differences in health-related quality of life between patients and controls.

DATA SOURCES:
A systematic search of English-language literature published between January 1985 and May 2014 was conducted through a database search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline.

STUDY SELECTION:
Comparative studies reporting health-related quality-of-life outcomes among patients who have colorectal cancer and controls were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Methodological and reporting quality per comparison study was evaluated based on a 11-item methodological checklist proposed by Efficace in 2003 and a set of criteria predetermined by reviewers.

RESULTS:
Thirty-one comparative studies involving >10,000 patients and >10,000 controls were included. Twenty-three studies (74.2%) originated from European countries, with the largest number from the Netherlands (n = 6). Twenty-eight studies (90.3%) compared the health-related quality of life of patients with normative data published elsewhere, whereas the remaining studies recruited a group of patients who had colorectal cancer and a group of control patients within the same studies. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core 30 was the most extensively used instrument (n = 16; 51.6%). Eight studies (25.8%) were classified as “probably robust” for clinical decision making according to the Efficace standard methodological checklist. Our further quality assessment revealed the lack of score differences reported (61.3%), contemporary comparisons (36.7%), statistical significance tested (38.7%), and matching of control group (58.1%), possibly leading to inappropriate control groups for fair comparisons.

LIMITATIONS:
Meta-analysis of differences between the 2 groups was not available.

CONCLUSIONS:
In general, one-fourth of comparative studies that evaluated health-related quality of life of patients who had colorectal cancer achieved high quality in reporting characteristics and methodological details. Future studies are encouraged to undertake health-related quality-of-life measurement and adhere to a methodological checklist in comparison with controls.
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Anterior Resection Using a Curved Stapler
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Ota Mitsuyoshi , Suwa Yusuke , Ishibe Atsushi , Masui Hidenobu , Nagahori Kaoru 
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION:
Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy is technically limited because of such factors as instrument crowding, in-line viewing, and insufficient countertraction. In particular, it is technically difficult to cut the distal rectum from the umbilicus using an articulating linear stapler in single-incision laparoscopic anterior resection.

TECHNIQUE:
After treating the mesorectum, the 5-mm trocar is replaced with a 12-mm trocar. The cartridge of the curved stapler is mounted while the shaft of the stapler is inserted into the 12-mm port extracorporeally. The curved stapler is inserted through the umbilical incision with the cartridge. A multichannel port is then mounted, and the abdominal cavity is reinsufflated. The curved stapler can then be operated intracorporeally. This procedure facilitates the vertical dissection of the rectum from the umbilicus.

RESULTS:
A total of 27 consecutive patients were analyzed in this study. All the procedures were safely performed without any complications. The median distance from the peritoneal reflection to the transection point of the distal bowel in single-incision laparoscopic anterior resection was 5.0 cm (range, –2.0 to 15.0). One stapler firing was required to achieve distal bowel division in 26 patients (96.3 %), whereas 2 firings were required in 1 patient (3.7 %). The median distal margin was 7.0 cm (range, 3.0–13.0). The time from the insertion of the stapler to transection was 180 seconds (range, 100–420). There were no cases of anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSIONS:
In single-incision laparoscopic anterior resection, it is feasible to perform rectal transection from the umbilicus by using a curved stapler. This technique may allow for the omission of 1 trocar from the operation.
The First Reported Case of Recurrent Carcinoid Tumor in the External Auditory Canal
Authors: McCrary Hilary C. , Faucett Erynne A. , Reghunathan Saranya , Aly F. Zahra , Khan Rihan , Carmody Raymond F. , Jacob Abraham 
Published: October 2016

Objective:
Cutaneous neuroendocrine lesions of the external auditory canal (EAC) are exceptionally rare, with only five cases reported in the literature. In this case report, we present a patient with a recurrent carcinoid tumor in the EAC, which has yet to be described.

Patients:
A 38-year-old woman presenting with otalgia, aural fullness, and decreased hearing was found to have a recurrent EAC carcinoid tumor, 8-years after initial resection at an outside facility.

Interventions:
The recurrent tumor involved much of the proximal, anterior bony ear canal and was trans-tympanic, extending to the middle ear and epitympanum; therefore, a lateral temporal bone resection was performed to ensure complete resection.

Main Outcome Measures:
Surgical pathology confirmed the presence a recurrent carcinoid tumor in the EAC, with immunohistochemistry positive for pancytokeratin (MAK6), CD56, and synaptophysin, with chromogranin showing rare cells positive for cytoplasmic granules. There was no evidence of metastasis.

Results:
Lateral temporal bone resection was successful and the patient is being followed with annual imaging. The patient is considering future hearing rehabilitation with a bone anchored hearing device.

Conclusion:
This case report highlights the first known case of recurrent carcinoid tumor in the EAC, treated with lateral temporal bone resection. Clinical presentation, imaging, treatment, and pathology are reviewed along with a review of the literature.
Association Between Low Relative Muscle Mass and the Risk of Colorectal Neoplasms
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Kim Nam Hee , Ryu Seungho , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il 
Published: October 2016

Goals:
We aimed to ascertain whether low relative muscle mass is associated with colorectal neoplasm (CRN) risk.

Background:
CRN and sarcopenia have common pathophysiological mechanisms such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and physical inactivity. However, the direct relationship between the 2 diseases has not been investigated.

Study:
A cross-sectional study was performed on 81,885 examinees who underwent colonoscopy as part of a health check-up. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) [SMI (%)=total skeletal muscle mass (kg)/body weight (kg)×100] was estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer.

Results:
Of 81,885 participants, 52,272 were men and 29,613 were women. The prevalence rate of CRN in subjects in quartiles 1, 2, 3, and 4 of SMI was 22.8%, 20.5%, 18.2%, and 14.9% among men, and 14.8%, 11.8%, 9.7%, and 8.2% among women, respectively (P
trend<0.001). In a multivariable-adjusted model, the inverse associations between SMI and prevalence of CRN remained significant. In men, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for overall CRN comparing each of the quartiles 1, 2, and 3 of SMI with the quartile 4 were 1.41 (1.32 to 1.52), 1.24 (1.16 to 1.33), and 1.12 (1.04 to 1.20), and those for advanced CRN were 1.64 (1.34 to 2.01), 1.38 (1.12 to 1.70), and 1.12 (0.90 to 1.40), respectively (all P
trend<0.001). In women, those for overall CRN were 1.18 (1.04 to 1.33), 1.15 (1.01 to 1.30), and 1.05 (0.93 to 1.20), respectively (P
trend=0.006).

Conclusions:
Relative muscle mass was negatively associated with CRN prevalence, supporting low muscle mass as an independent risk factor for CRN. Our results may provide a novel insight into the mechanisms linking low muscle mass and CRN.
Lamivudine improves short-term outcome in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients with a high model for end-stage liver disease score
Authors: Li Xiaoshu , Gao Fangyuan , Liu Huimin , Zhang Henghui , Liu Yao , Ye Xieqiong , Geng Mingfan , Sun Le , Wang Rui , Li Yuxin , Jiang Yuyong , Wang Xiaojing , Zhou Guiqin , Yang Zhiyun , Li Ang , Zeng Hui , Wang Xianbo 
Published: October 2016

Aim
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has significant morbidity and mortality. There is no standard approach for the management of HBV-related ACLF with nucleos(t)ide analogs. Our objective was to compare the short-term mortality between entecavir (ETV) and lamivudine (LAM) in patients with HBV-related ACLF.

Methods
We recruited 311 inpatients with HBV-related ACLF from December 2002 to January 2015. The patients were treated with ETV (n=143) or LAM (n=168). The primary endpoint was mortality rate at week 8. Virological and biochemical responses were also studied.

Results
By week 8, 53 (37.06%) patients in the ETV group and 57 (33.93%) patients in the LAM group died, and the two groups had similar mortality (P=0.414). Multivariate analysis showed that age, total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were independent factors for mortality at week 8. The best cut-off value of the MELD score was 24.5 for 8-week mortality. Twenty-nine of the 170 (17.06%) patients with MELD score less than 24.5 died at week 8, and the ETV and LAM groups had similar mortality (P=0.743). Eighty-one of the 141 (57.45%) patients with MELD score of at least 24.5 died at week 8 and the LAM group had lower mortality than the ETV group (P=0.018 at week 4; P=0.039 at week 8). Both groups showed similar virological and biochemical responses at 4 weeks.

Conclusion
LAM reduces the 8-week mortality rate significantly in patients with HBV-related ACLF who had MELD score of at least 24.5.
Short article: The effect of implementation of a treatment algorithm for infliximab on remission rates and drug costs in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Taks Margot , Pijls Phillipe A.R.R. , Derijks Luc J.J. , ten Broeke Robert , Grouls Rene J. , Curvers Joyce , Gilissen Lennard P.L. 
Published: October 2016

Introduction
The effective, but expensive, drug infliximab is used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Monitoring infliximab trough levels and anti-infliximab antibody (ATI) formation can lead to a more cost-effective use of infliximab therapy. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of implementation of a treatment algorithm for infliximab in a single-centre IBD cohort, focussing on remission rates and drug costs.

Methods
IBD patients aged 18 years or older treated with infliximab were asked to participate in this study. Remission rates were assessed using faecal calprotectin levels and a validated questionnaire. Infliximab trough levels and ATIs were determined at baseline and at the third infliximab infusion. According to the advice given by the treatment algorithm, infliximab dosage adjustments were performed at the second infliximab infusion.

Results
Between January and December 2015 a total of 62 IBD patients in our centre were treated with infliximab, of whom 33 (53%) patients agreed to participate in this study. The number of patients in remission was 28 (85%) at baseline and there were 13 dose adaptations suggested by the treatment algorithm for the successive second infusion. Four patients possessed undetectable infliximab levels and positive ATI status at baseline. After the second infusion, there were 29 (88%) patients in remission at the third infusion. All of this resulted in an annual drug cost reduction of €47 026 (7.4%).

Conclusion
Our developed treatment algorithm of infliximab led to optimization of infliximab therapy in IBD patients by increasing remission rates and reducing drug costs.
First report of hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic gastritis caused by antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Brandenburg
Authors: Szili Karoly , Vanya Melinda , Balogh Emese P. , Dezsi Csilla , Lajos Gyorgy 
Published: October 2016

Introduction:
Salmonella infections are one of the most common agents of food-borne diseases. Brandenburg serovar is more common in animals than in humans, and previous reports has been published on suppurative thyroiditis, peritonitis, abscess of the thigh, abscess of the endometriosic ovarian-cyst and haemorrhagic urethritis caused by Salmonella Brandenburg infection.

Objective:
Our aim was to demonstrate a separate case of Salmonella Enterica subsp. enterica serovar Brandenburg infection in a male presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis with hidradentis suppurativa in a 6-month period in 2014.

Case report:
This article reports an unusual case of a male prison guard with good physical and psychosocial condition aged (38), who developed gastroenteritis, displaying vomitus and progressive diarrhoea of 5-day duration in June 2014, but after the antibiotic therapy, his symptoms had not ended. The local family doctor had not taken stool samples. Four months later, hidradenitis suppurativa and rosacea was detected by the prison doctor. The first examination of the stool culture and smear was positive for S. Enterica subsp. enterica serovar Brandenburg in December 2014. After several and different therapies (including dermatologists) with antibiotics, proton-pump inhibition and other agents, a final diagnosis has been revealed as the Salmonella infection. Following an oral 14-day course of ciprofloxacin treatment and B6 vitamin supplementation, the patient displayed a significant clinical improvement.

Conclusion:
According to our best knowledge, this is the first article to report the case of Salmonella Brandenburg-associated chronic gastroenteritis, rosacea and axillar hidradenitis suppurativa.
Implementation and Operational Research: Affordable Care Act Implementation in a California Health Care System Leads to Growth in HIV-Positive Patient Enrollment and Changes in Patient Characteristics
Authors: Satre Derek D. , Altschuler Andrea , Parthasarathy Sujaya , Silverberg Michael J. , Volberding Paul , Campbell Cynthia I. 
Published: October 2016

Objectives:
This study examined implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in relation to HIV-positive patient enrollment in an integrated health care system; as well as changes in new enrollee characteristics, benefit structure, and health care utilization after key ACA provisions went into effect in 2014.

Methods:
This mixed-methods study was set in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). Qualitative interviews with 29 KPNC leaders explored planning for ACA implementation. Quantitative analyses compared newly enrolled HIV-positive patients in KPNC between January and December 2012 (“pre-ACA,” N = 661) with newly enrolled HIV-positive patients between January and December 2014 (“post-ACA,” N = 880) on demographics; medical, psychiatric, and substance use disorder diagnoses; HIV clinical indicators; and type of health care utilization.

Results:
Interviews found that ACA preparation focused on enrollment growth, staffing, competition among health plans, concern about cost sharing, and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. Quantitative analyses found that post-ACA HIV-positive patient enrollment grew. New enrollees in 2014 were more likely than 2012 enrollees to be enrolled in high-deductible plans (P < 0.01) or through Medicaid (P < 0.01), and marginally more likely to have better HIV viral control (P < 0.10). They also were more likely to be diagnosed with asthma (P < 0.01) or substance use disorders (P < 0.05) and to have used primary care health services in the 6 months postenrollment (P < 0.05) than the pre-ACA cohort.

Conclusions:
As anticipated by KPNC interviewees, ACA implementation was followed by HIV-positive patient enrollment growth and changing benefit structures and patient characteristics. Although HIV viral control improved, comorbid diagnosis findings reinforced the importance of coordinated health care.