bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site radical prostatectomy and cystectomy with the aid of a transurethral port: a feasibility study
Authors: Su Jian , Zhu Qingyi , Yuan Lin , Zhang Yang , Zhang Qingling , Wei Yunfei 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo describe the surgical technique and report early outcomes of transurethral assisted laparoendoscopic single‐site (LESS) radical prostatectomy (RP) and LESS radical cystectomy (RC) in a single institution.Materials and MethodsBetween December 2014 and March 2016, a total of 114 LESS RPs and RCs were performed, comprising 68 LESS RPs, 38 LESS RCs with cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) and eight LESS RCs with orthotopic ileal neobladder (OIN). Access was achieved via a single‐port, with four channels placed through a transumblical incision. After the apex of prostate was separated from the urethra, a self‐developed port (‘Zhu's port’) was inserted through the urethra to facilitate resection of prostate and urethrovesical anastomosis. The peri‐operative and postoperative data were collected and analysed retrospectively. Patients were followed up postoperatively for evidence of long‐term side effects.ResultsAll the procedures were completed successfully. No conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery was necessary. For LESS RP, the average operating time was 152 min. Estimated blood loss was 117 mL. The mean hospital stay was 16.4 days after surgery. For LESS RC with CU and LESS RC with OIN, the mean operating times were 215 and 328 min, mean estimated blood loss was 175 and 252 mL, and mean hospital stay was 9.4 and 18.2 days, respectively. Six patients required blood transfusion (5.26%). Intra‐operative complications occurred in two patients (1.75%), and postoperative complications in nine (7.89%). Fourteen out of 68 (20.6%) patients who underwent LESS RP had positive surgical margins. Follow‐up ranged from 10 to 30.6 months. In the prostate cancer cases, good urinary control was observed in 35.3%, 97.1% and 100% of patients at 1, 6 and 12 months after the operation, respectively, while biochemical recurrence was observed in 11.8% patients. In the bladder cancer cases, two patients had local recurrence and two patients had distant metastasis.ConclusionOur results showed that LESS RP and LESS RC are feasible and safe with the aid of a transurethral port. Operating through the transurethral port might overcome the challenges posed by the single‐port laparoscopic approach.
The role of pre‐existing structures during rifting, continental breakup and transform system development, offshore West Greenland
Authors: Peace Alexander , McCaffrey Ken , Imber Jonathan , van Hunen Jeroen , Hobbs Richard , Wilson Robert 
Published: July 2017

AbstractContinental breakup between Greenland and North America produced the small oceanic basins of the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay, which are connected via the Davis Strait, a region mostly comprised of continental crust. This study contributes to the debate regarding the role of pre‐existing structures on rift development in this region using seismic reflection data from the Davis Strait data to produce a series of seismic surfaces, isochrons and a new offshore fault map from which three normal fault sets were identified as (i) NE‐SW, (ii) NNW‐SSE and (iii) NW‐SE. These results were then integrated with plate reconstructions and onshore structural data allowing us to build a two‐stage conceptual model for the offshore fault evolution in which basin formation was primarily controlled by rejuvenation of various types of pre‐existing structures. During the first phase of rifting between at least Chron 27 (ca. 62 Ma; Palaeocene), but potentially earlier, and Chron 24 (ca. 54 Ma; Eocene) faulting was primarily controlled by pre‐existing structures with oblique normal reactivation of both the NE‐SW and NW‐SE structural sets in addition to possible normal reactivation of the NNW‐SSE structural set. In the second rifting stage between Chron 24 (ca. 54 Ma; Eocene) and Chron 13 (ca. 35 Ma; Oligocene), the sinistral Ungava transform fault system developed due to the lateral offset between the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay. This lateral offset was established in the first rift stage possibly due to the presence of the Nagssugtoqidian and Torngat terranes being less susceptible to rift propagation. Without the influence of pre‐existing structures the manifestation of deformation cannot be easily explained during either of the rifting phases. Although basement control diminished into the post‐rift, the syn‐rift basins from both rift stages continued to influence the location of sedimentation possibly due to differential compaction effects. Variable lithospheric strength through the rifting cycle may provide an explanation for the observed diminishing role of basement structures through time.
Molecular analysis of brazilian patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency and orthotopic posterior pituitary lobe reveals eight different PROP1 alterations with three novel mutations
Authors: Madeira Joao LO , Nishi Mirian Y , Nakaguma Marilena , Benedetti Anna F , Biscotto Isabela Peixoto , Fernandes Thamiris , Pequeno Thiago , Figueiredo Thalita , Franca Marcela M , Correa Fernanda A , Otto Aline P , Abrão Milena , Miras Mirta B , Santos Silvana , Jorge Alexander AL , Costalonga Everlayny F , Mendonca Berenice B , Arnhold Ivo JP , Carvalho Luciani R 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundMutations in PROP1, HESX1 and LHX3 are associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) and orthotopic posterior pituitary lobe (OPP).ObjectiveTo identify mutations in PROP1, HESX1 and LHX3 in a large cohort of patients with CPHD and OPP (35 Brazilian, two Argentinian).Design and MethodsWe studied 23 index patients with CPHD and OPP (six familial and 17 sporadic) as well as 14 relatives. PROP1 was sequenced by the Sanger method in all except one sporadic case studied using a candidate gene panel. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was applied to one familial case in whom PROP1 failed to amplify by PCR. In the 13 patients without PROP1 mutations, HESX1 and LHX3 were sequenced by the Sanger method.ResultsWe identified PROP1 mutations in 10 index cases. Three mutations were novel: one affecting the initiation codon (c.1A>G) and two affecting splicing sites, c.109+1G>A and c.342+1G>C. The known mutations, c.150delA (p.Arg53Aspfs*112), c.218G>A (p.Arg73His), c.263T>C (p.Phe88Ser) and c.301_302delAG (p.Leu102Cysfs*8), were also detected. MLPA confirmed complete PROP1 deletion in one family. We did not identify HESX1 and LHX3 mutations by Sanger.ConclusionPROP1 mutations are a prevalent cause of congenital CPHD with OPP, and therefore, PROP1 sequencing must be the first step of molecular investigation in patients with CPHD and OPP, especially in populations with a high frequency of PROP1 mutations. In the absence of mutations, massively parallel sequencing is a promising approach. The high prevalence and diversity of PROP1 mutations is associated with the ethnic background of this cohort.
Implant treatment in pharmacologically immunosuppressed liver transplant patients: A prospective‐controlled study
Authors: Paredes Víctor , López‐Pintor Rosa María , Torres Jesús , de Vicente Juan Carlos , Sanz Mariano , Hernández Gonzalo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe main objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of implant therapy in liver transplant patients (LTP). The secondary goal was to assess several implant‐ and patient‐dependent variables, such as peri‐implantitis (PI), peri‐implant mucositis (PIM), bone loss (BL), and immediate postoperative complications.Material and methodsTwo groups, including 16 pharmacologically immunosuppressed LTP and 16 matched controls, received 52 and 54 implants, respectively, between 1999 and 2008. After evaluating the postoperative healing, a mean follow‐up of more than 8 years was carried out, and radiographic, clinical, and periodontal parameters were recorded to evaluate implant survival and implant‐ and patient‐dependent outcomes.ResultsThe early postsurgical complications were similar in both groups. Implant survival rate was 100% in the LTP group and 98.15% in the CG. PIM was diagnosed in 35.42% of the implants and 64.29% of the patients of LTP group (LTPG) and in 43.40% of the implants and 56.25% of the patients in the CG. PI was detected in 4.17% of the implants and 7.10% of the patients in the LTPG and in 9.43% of the implants and 18.80% of the patients in the CG.ConclusionPharmacologically immunosuppression in liver transplant patients was not a risk factor for implant failure, nor for the incidence of peri‐implant diseases. Liver transplant is not a contraindication for dental implant treatment, although these patients should be carefully monitored during follow‐up care.
Downregulation of DEC1 contributes to the neurotoxicity induced by MPP+ by suppressing PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Wang Yu‐Wen , Ge Ding‐Hao , Lu Ming , Liu Wei , Xiong Jing , Hu Gang , Li Xiao‐Ping , Yang Jian 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAimDifferentiated embryonic chondrocyte gene 1 (DEC1) is involved in the neuronal differentiation and development. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of DEC1 in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPP+)‐induced PD model.MethodsThe location of DEC1 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐positive neurons were detected by immunofluorescence. 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced mouse subacute model of PD was established to evaluate the change of DEC1 expression in midbrain. Then, SH‐SY5Y cells were used to investigate the role of DEC1 in MPP+‐induced neurotoxicity.ResultsWe showed that the co‐expressed DEC1 and TH neurons took up more than 80% of the expressed TH neurons in the midbrain of mice. DEC1/TH double‐positive neurons decreased by 40.6% in SNpc and 28.8% in VTA of MPTP‐injured mice. Consistently, DEC1, TH and dopamine transporter (DAT) expression decreased in the midbrain of MPTP mice. In SY‐SY5Y cells, MPP+ significantly suppressed DEC1 expression and increased the cleaved caspase 3/caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl‐2. DEC1 overexpression relieved, whereas DEC1 knockdown aggravated MPP+‐induced cytotoxicity. Likewise, DEC1 overexpression and knockdown inversely regulated the expression of β‐catenin and PI3Kp110α (PIK3CA), an essential role in Wnt/β‐catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Interestingly, LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K/Akt signaling, aggravated, whereas LiCl, an activator of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, abolished the reduction in DEC1 by MPP+. It is established that these two pathways are interconnected by the phosphorylation status of GSK3β. DEC1 overexpression increased but MPP+ and DEC1 knockdown decreased GSK3β phosphorylation.ConclusionDownregulation of DEC1 contributes to MPP+‐induced neurotoxicity by suppressing PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway.
Sleep duration and progression to diabetes in people with prediabetes defined by HbA1c concentration
Authors: Kim C.‐W. , Chang Y. , Sung E. , Ryu S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the association between sleep duration and the risk of progression to diabetes among people with prediabetes, defined by HbA1c values.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study in 17 983 adults who underwent health check‐up examinations, including assessments of sleep duration and quality. Diabetes was defined as either HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%), or the use of antidiabetic medication. Time‐dependent proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between sleep duration and the risk of progression to diabetes.ResultsDuring 31,582 person‐years of follow‐up, 664 incident cases of diabetes were identified; the incidence rate was 21.0 per 1000 person‐years. The multivariate adjusted hazard ratios for progression to diabetes in people with sleep durations of ≤5, 6 and ≥8 h compared with 7 h were 1.68 (95% CI 1.30–2.16), 1.44 (95% CI 1.17–1.76) and 1.23 (95% CI 0.85–1.78), respectively (P for quadratic trend <0.001). This association was partially mediated by biomarkers of adiposity, fatty liver and insulin resistance.ConclusionIn this large study in young and middle‐aged adults with prediabetes, we found an association between short sleep duration and the risk of progression to diabetes. Our findings suggest that sufficient sleep duration is important for delaying or preventing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.
Urban “slums” and social mobility
Authors: Turok Ivan , Budlender Joshua , Visagie Justin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractInformal urban settlements determine the wellbeing of a large section of global humanity. Yet there has been little research on their role in facilitating social mobility. In theory such settlements may foster human progress by linking rural–urban migrants to the services, contacts and livelihoods concentrated in cities. The article uses longitudinal data for South Africa to explore the magnitude of social progression among people living within informal settlements compared with rural areas and formal urban areas. It finds that there may be some advantage from living in an informal settlement compared with a rural area, but the effect is not strong. The impact may be larger in the more prosperous Gauteng city‐region than in other urban regions.
Strain‐related pathogenicity in Diplodia corticola
Authors: Félix C. , Pinto G. , Amaral J. , Fernandes I. , Alves A. , Esteves A. C. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryDiplodia corticola is one of the most aggressive fungal pathogens of Quercus species and is involved in the decline of Mediterranean cork oak forests and Californian oaks. Information regarding variation in virulence between strains is scarce. We hypothesize that D. corticola strains differ in virulence and consequently induce different symptoms in infected plants. To test this, infection assays were carried out on Quercus suber half‐sib seedlings with seven strains of D. corticola. Visual symptoms of infection (external lesions, leaf wilting, exudation and others) were recorded in parallel with physiological and biochemical parameters. All strains were able to cause lesions but at differing levels of aggressiveness. We show that internal lesion length did not correlate directly with strain aggressiveness and this agrees with physiological parameters that should be taken into account to infer about strain pathogenicity. Infection by all strains induced an overall negative impact on the net photosynthetic rate and an increase in the oxidative stress status of plants; however, significant differences were found when the effects of different strains were compared. Results also suggest that being under optimum growth conditions, prior to and during infection, allowed plants to respond to the pathogen. At the end of the experiment, some strains of D. corticola established a latent pathogen‐like relationship with cork oak. This is the first study to show that D. corticola virulence is strain‐dependent.
Expression and function of the metabotropic purinergic P2Y receptor family in experimental seizure models and patients with drug‐refractory epilepsy
Authors: Alves Mariana , Gomez‐Villafuertes Rosa , Delanty Norman , Farrell Michael A. , O'Brien Donncha F. , Miras‐Portugal Maria Teresa , Hernandez Miguel Diaz , Henshall David C. , Engel Tobias 
Published: July 2017

SummaryObjectiveATP is released into the extracellular space during pathologic processes including increased neuronal firing. Once released, ATP acts on P2 receptors including ionotropic P2X and metabotropic P2Y receptors, resulting in changes to glial function and neuronal network excitability. Evidence suggests an involvement of P2Y receptors in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, but there has been no systematic effort to characterize the expression and function of the P2Y receptor family during seizures and in experimental and human epilepsy.MethodsStatus epilepticus was induced using either intra‐amygdala kainic acid or pilocarpine to characterize the acute‐ and long‐term changes in hippocampal P2Y expression. P2Y expression was also investigated in brain tissue from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Finally, we analyzed the effects of two specific P2Y agonists, ADP and UTP, on seizure severity and seizure‐induced cell death.ResultsBoth intra‐amygdala kainic acid and pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus increased the transcription of the uracil‐sensitive P2Y receptors P2ry2, P2ry4, and P2ry6 and decreased the transcription of the adenine‐sensitive P2Y receptors P2ry1, P2ry12, P2ry13. Protein levels of P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, and P2Y6 were increased after status epilepticus, whereas P2Y12 expression was decreased. In the chronic phase, P2ry1, P2ry2, and P2ry6 transcription and P2Y1, P2Y2, and P2Y12 protein levels were increased with no changes for the other P2Y receptors. In hippocampal samples from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, P2Y1 and P2Y2 protein expression was increased, whereas P2Y13 levels were lower. Demonstrating a functional contribution of P2Y receptors to seizures, central injection of ADP exacerbated seizure severity, whereas treatment with UTP decreased seizure severity during status epilepticus in mice.SignificanceThe present study is the first to establish the specific hippocampal expression profile and function of the P2Y receptor family after experimental status epilepticus and in human temporal lobe epilepsy and offers potential new targets for seizure control and disease modification.
Comparison of preferences of healthcare professionals and MS patients for attributes of disease‐modifying drugs: A best‐worst scaling
Authors: Kremer Ingrid E. H. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , Jongen Peter J. , Hiligsmann Mickaël 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe choice between disease‐modifying drugs (DMDs) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) becomes more often a shared decision between the patient and the neurologist and MS nurse. This study aimed to assess which DMD attributes are most important for the healthcare professionals in selecting a DMD for a patient. Subsequently, within this perspective, the neurologists’ and nurses’ perspectives were compared. Lastly, the healthcare professionals’ perspective was compared with the patients’ perspective to detect any differences that may need attention in the communication about DMDs.DesignA best‐worst scaling (BWS) was conducted among 27 neurologists and 33 MS nurses treating patients with MS to determine the importance of 27 DMD attributes. These attributes were identified through three focus groups with MS patients in a previous study (N=19). Relative importance scores (RISs) were estimated for each attribute. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to compare the different perspectives.ResultsAccording to the neurologists and nurses, safety of the DMD was the most important DMD attribute in the treatment decision, closely followed by effect on disability progression, quality of life and relapse rate. Patients with MS agreed with the importance of the last three attributes, but valued safety significantly lower (b=−2.59, P<.001).ConclusionsThis study suggests that, overall, neurologists and nurses regard the same DMD attributes as important as MS patients with the notable exception of safety. This study provides valuable information for the development of interventions to support shared decision making and highlights which attributes of DMDs may need additional attention.
Microstructure and phase evolution of Indian magnesite‐derived MgAl2O4 as a function of stoichiometry and ZrO2 doping
Authors: Mandal Somnath , Mondal Santanu , Das Kaberi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTo aid development of cost‐effective sintered spinel as a refractory raw material, this paper presents an extensive analysis of microstructure and complex phase evolution of Al‐rich, Mg‐rich, and stoichiometric spinel aggregates derived from Indian magnesite and calcined alumina. Pore morphology in Al‐rich spinel was transformed upon sintering at 1650°C and corundum laths embedded in porous Al‐rich spinel matrix was formed. Stoichiometric spinel sintered at 1600°C consisted of mostly direct bonded angular equiaxed spinel grains which incorporated the impurities in solid solution. Mg‐rich spinel was composed of spinel grains with reduced angularity along with intergranular amorphous phase, small round monticellite grains, and periclase. EDS line scan revealed impurity‐free joins existed between direct bonded spinel grains. Mg‐rich spinel containing 0.65 wt% ZrO2 formed cubic ZrO2‐CaO‐MgO solid solution located along spinel boundaries, which reduced both intergranular amorphous phase and monticellite. This increased SiO2 and MgO content in spinel solid solution triggering exsolution of metastable cubic forsterite manifested as split spinel peaks in XRD pattern. A 14.7% reduction in slag penetration was exhibited upon doping Mg‐rich spinel with 0.21% ZrO2. Stoichiometric and Mg‐rich spinels attained 0.35% and 0.54% apparent porosity at 1600°C, which is better than most commercial sintered refractory spinels.
Successful treatment of metastatic clear cell carcinoma with nivolumab in a patient receiving dialysis treatment
Authors: Tabei Tadashi , Natsume Ichiro , Kobayashi Kazuki 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe efficacy and safety of nivolumab for patients receiving dialysis treatment has not been established yet. Herein, we describe a patient on dialysis successfully treated with nivolumab as seventh‐line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Before initiating nivolumab, he had respiratory discomfort induced by a lesion occluding the left intermediate bronchus that originated from the metastatic lymph node behind the tracheal bifurcation. Four weeks after nivolumab was initiated, his symptom remarkably improved, and the occlusion disappeared according to the bronchoscopy examination. The effectiveness and safety of nivolumab has continued for 6 months. There are few cases in which nivolumab has been given to patients on dialysis. In the present case, nivolumab was given to a patient on dialysis, and it resulted in a remarkable improvement without any adverse events.
Equal Opportunity and the Family: Levelling Up the Brighouse‐Swift Thesis
Authors: Engster Daniel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlthough liberal political philosophers have long recognised the tension between equal opportunity and the family, most have assumed there is little society can do to mitigate it. Brighouse and Swift argue, by contrast, that an analysis of the value of the family reveals limits on the rights of parents to benefit their children and hence points to a way to reconcile the family with equal opportunity. Their solution for resolving the tension between equal opportunity and the family, however, leads to some untenable conclusions. A better solution for promoting equal opportunity in the family is to level up the opportunities that less advantaged parents have to promote the development and wellbeing of their children so that they are on par with the opportunities of the most advantaged parents. Five strategies are outlined for achieving this goal. Once society has provided all parents with real opportunities to fulfil their fiduciary duties, Brighouse and Swift's argument for limited parental partiality can be applied without contradiction. The result is an alternate solution for mitigating the conflict between equal opportunity and the family in liberal political philosophy.