bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct‐acting antiviral regimens are safe and effective in the treatment of hepatitis C in simultaneous liver–kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Nookala Anupama U. , Crismale James , Schiano Thomas , Te Helen , Ahn Joseph , Robertazzi Suzanne , Rodigas Colleen , Satoskar Rohit , KC Mandip , Hassan Mohamed , Smith Coleman 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHepatitis C (HCV) remains the single most common etiology of end‐stage liver disease leading to simultaneous liver/kidney transplant (SLKT) and has worse post‐transplant survival compared to non‐HCV patients. We aim to assess the effectiveness and tolerance of the all‐oral direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents with or without ribavirin (RBV) in the treatment of HCV recurrence post‐SLKT. Thirty‐four patients were studied retrospectively, composed predominantly of treatment‐naïve (73.5%) non‐Caucasian (61.8%) males (82.4%) infected with genotype 1a (64.7%). 94.1% reached a sustained virologic response (SVR) after 24 weeks (32/34 patients), without difference between 12 and 24 weeks of therapy. 64.7% had no clinical side effects. Three deaths occurred, all unrelated to treatment. One patient had liver rejection; tacrolimus was increased and prednisone was initiated while HCV treatment was continued and the patient ultimately achieved SVR. No liver graft losses. No kidney rejection or losses. We demonstrated that DAA combinations with or without RBV result in a remarkable SVR rate and tolerated in the majority of the studied SLKT patients. It is safe to wait to treat until post–kidney transplant and therefore increase the donor pool for these patients. Our cohort is ethnically diverse, making our results generalizable.
Systolic heart failure after liver transplantation: Incidence, predictors, and outcome
Authors: Sonny Abraham , Govindarajan Srinivasa R. , Jaber Wael A. , Cywinski Jacek B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAlthough most patients presenting for liver transplantation have normal left ventricular function, some develop left ventricular failure after transplantation. The primary objective of our study was to determine the predictors of systolic heart failure (HF) occurring immediately after liver transplantation. Its etiology, prospects of recovery, and factors associated with nonrecovery were also studied. Liver transplantations performed at our institution from January 2006 to February 2015 were evaluated using prospectively collected institutional registries. Patients with echocardiographically documented decline in ejection fraction to <45% within 6 months after liver transplantation were identified. Four controls were chosen per case: matched for age, gender, transplant year, and model for end‐stage liver disease score. Conditional multivariable logistic regression was used for primary analysis and nonparametric tests for comparison between groups. In a cohort of 1284 adult patients, 45 cases and 180 controls were identified. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) was an independent predictor (OR 5.26, 95% CI 1.03‐28.57, P = .04) of systolic HF in multivariable analysis. Stress‐induced cardiomyopathy was the most common etiology. Left ventricular function recovered in 21 patients. Pretransplant DD decreased the chances of recovery (P = .05). In conclusion, patients with pretransplant DD need close post‐transplant follow‐up for timely identification of HF.
Soil phosphorus does not keep pace with soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation following woody encroachment
Authors: Zhou Yong , Boutton Thomas W. , Wu X. Ben 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSoil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles are strongly interlinked and controlled through biological processes, and the phosphorus cycle is further controlled through geochemical processes. In dryland ecosystems, woody encroachment often modifies soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stores, although it remains unknown if these three elements change proportionally in response to this vegetation change. We evaluated proportional changes and spatial patterns of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations following woody encroachment by taking spatially explicit soil cores to a depth of 1.2 m across a subtropical savanna landscape which has undergone encroachment byProsopis glandulosa(an N2fixer) and other woody species during the past century in southern Texas,USA.SOCandTNwere coupled with respect to increasing magnitudes and spatial patterns throughout the soil profile following woody encroachment, whileTPincreased slower thanSOCandTNin topmost surface soils (0–5 cm) but faster in subsurface soils (15–120 cm). Spatial patterns ofTPstrongly resembled those of vegetation cover throughout the soil profile, but differed from those ofSOCandTN, especially in subsurface soils. The encroachment of woody species dominated by N2‐fixing trees into this P‐limited ecosystem resulted in the accumulation of proportionally less soil P compared to C and N in surface soils; however, proportionally more P accrued in deeper portions of the soil profile beneath woody patches where alkaline soilpHand high carbonate concentrations would favor precipitation of P as relatively insoluble calcium phosphates. This imbalanced relationship highlights that the relative importance of biotic vs. abiotic mechanisms controlling C and N vs. P accumulation following vegetation change may vary with depth. Our findings suggest that efforts to incorporate effects of land cover changes into coupled climate–biogeochemical models should attempt to represent C‐N‐P imbalances that may arise following vegetation change.
Peer teaching and information retrieval: the role of the NICE Evidence search student champion scheme in enhancing students’ confidence
Authors: Sbaffi Laura , Hallsworth Elaine , Weist Anne 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis research reports on the NICE Evidence search (ES) student champion scheme (SCS) first five years of activity (2011–2016) in terms of its impact on health care undergraduate students’ information search skills and search confidence.ObjectivesA review of students’ evaluation of the scheme was carried out to chart the changes in attitude towards NICE Evidence search as an online health care information source and to monitor students’ approach to information seeking.MethodsThis study is based on the results of questionnaires distributed to students before and after attending a training session on NICE Evidence search delivered by their own peers. The exercise was implemented in health related universities in England over a period of five consecutive academic years.Results(i) Students’ search confidence improved considerably after the training; (ii) ES was perceived as being an increasingly useful resource of evidence based information for their studies; (iii) the training helped students develop discerning search skills and use evidence based information sources more consistently and critically.ConclusionsThe NICE SCS improves confidence in approaching information tasks amongst health care undergraduate students. Future developments could involve offering the training at the onset of a course of study and adopting online delivery formats to expand its geographical reach.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of prostate cancer architecture with serial immunohistochemical sections: hallmarks of tumour growth, tumour compartmentalisation, and implications for grading and heterogeneity
Authors: Tolkach Yuri , Thomann Stefan , Kristiansen Glen 
Published: January 2018

AimsConventional morphology of prostate cancer considers only the two‐dimensional (2D) architecture of the tumour. Our aim was to examine the feasibility of three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of tumour morphology based on multiple consecutive histological sections and to decipher relevant features of prostate cancer architecture.Methods and resultsSeventy‐five consecutive histological sections (5 μm) of a typical prostate adenocarcinoma (Gleason score of 3 + 4 = 7) were immunostained (pan‐cytokeratin) and scanned for further 3D reconstructions with fiji/imagej software. The main findings related to the prostate cancer architecture in this case were: (i) continuity of all glands, with the tumour being an integrated system, even in Gleason pattern 4 with poorly formed glands—no short‐range migration of cells by Gleason pattern 4 (poorly formed glands); (ii) no repeated interconnections between the glands, with a tumour building a tree‐like branched structure with very ‘plastic’ branches (maximal depth of investigation 375 μm); (iii) very stark compartmentalisation of the tumour related to extensive branching, the coexistence of independent terminal units of such branches in one 2D slice explaining intratumoral heterogeneity; (iv) evidence of a craniocaudal growth direction in interglandular regions of the prostate and for a lateromedial growth direction in subcapsular posterolateral regions; and (v) a 3D architecture‐based description of Gleason pattern 4 with poorly formed glands, and its continuum with Gleason pattern 3.ConclusionsConsecutive histological sections provide high‐quality material for 3D reconstructions of the tumour architecture, with excellent resolution. The reconstruction of multiple regions in this typical case of a Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7 tumour provides insights into relevant aspects of tumour growth, the continuity of Gleason patterns 3 and 4, and tumour heterogeneity.
Duration of androgen deprivation therapy and nadir of testosterone at 20 ng/dL predict testosterone recovery to supracastrate level in prostate cancer patients who received external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Takei Akinori , Sakamoto Shinichi , Wakai Ken , Tamura Takaaki , Imamura Yusuke , Xu Minhui , Maimaiti Maihulan , Kawamura Koji , Imamoto Takashi , Komiya Akira , Akakura Koichiro , Ichikawa Tomohiko 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the predictors of testosterone recovery after termination of androgen deprivation therapy in high/intermediate‐risk prostate cancer patients receiving external beam radiation therapy with neoadjuvant and adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy.MethodsA total of 82 patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Serum testosterone levels after androgen deprivation therapy terminations were studied. Cox proportional hazard models and the Kaplan–Meier method were used for statistical analysis.ResultsMedian age, baseline testosterone, nadir testosterone and duration of androgen deprivation therapy were 73 years, 456 ng/dL, 16 ng/dL and 26 months, respectively. Androgen deprivation therapy duration of 33 months (hazard ratio 0.13; P = 0.0018), nadir testosterone of 20 ng/dL (hazard ratio 0.35; P = 0.0112) and testosterone >50 ng/dL at 6 months after androgen deprivation therapy termination (hazard ratio 0.21; P = 0.0075) were significantly associated with testosterone recovery to normal levels (200 ng/dL) on multivariate analysis. Androgen deprivation therapy duration of 33 months (hazard ratio 0.31; P = 0.0023) and nadir testosterone of 20 ng/dL (hazard ratio 0.38; P = 0.0012) were significantly associated with testosterone recovery to the supracastrate level (50 ng/dL) on multivariate analysis. After dividing patients into three risk groups, the rate of testosterone recovery to the normal level after 2 years of androgen deprivation therapy termination was 100% in the low‐risk group versus 20.8% in the high‐risk group (P < 0.0001); the rate of testosterone recovery to the supracastrate level was 100% in the low‐risk group versus 51.5% in the high‐risk group (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsDuration of androgen deprivation therapy and achievement of nadir testosterone 20 ng/dL both predict testosterone recovery to the supracastrate level in prostate cancer patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy with androgen deprivation therapy.
Boron‐dependent microstructural evolution, thermal stability, and crystallization of mechanical alloying derived SiBCN
Authors: Li Daxin , Yang Zhihua , Jia Dechang , Cai Delong , Wang Shengjin , Chen Qingqing , Zhou Yu , Yu Dongli , Tian Yongjun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAmorphous boron‐rich SiBCN were prepared by high‐energy ball‐milling of the mixtures of Si, graphite, h‐BN, and inorganic boron, which acted as extra boron source. The solid‐state amorphization, thermal stability, and crystallization of the boron‐rich SiBCN were studied in detail. It was suggested that mechanical alloying can drive solid‐state amorphization but also can be an initiation step for the nucleation of nanocrystals. The amorphous networks of Si‐C, C‐B, C‐C, C‐N, B‐N, and C‐B‐N bonds are detected by XPS; however, solid‐state NMR further confirms the formation of a new chemical environment around B atoms, BC3. The increases in boron content improve the thermal stability of SiBCN ceramics but weaken their oxidation resistance. Nano‐SiC crystallizes first while BN(C) forms subsequently. Boron promoting SiC crystallization may result from the reduced hindering effects of B‐N‐C nanodomains that retard SiC crystallization.
On the persistence and dynamics of Big 4 real audit fees: Evidence from the UK
Authors: Kacer Marek , Peel David A. , Peel Michael J. , Wilson Nicholas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite the huge audit pricing literature, there is a dearth of evidence on the temporal dynamics of audit fee adjustments and the persistence of audit fees. Based on a sample of 76,867 panel observations for a sample of UK companies audited by the Big 4 over the period 1998 to 2012, we employ consistent lagged dependent variable panel estimators to provide new evidence on the persistence and dynamics of real Big 4 audit fees. Contrary to extant research, which assumes that audit fees adjust immediately in a single period, our empirical results indicate that Big 4 real audit fees are persistent, being partly dependent on their previous realisations. We conclude that static audit fee models omit a potentially important temporal dimension of audit pricing behaviour and that further research is warranted into dynamic audit fee models across other jurisdictions.
Difficulties with Fine Motor Skills and Cognitive Impairment in an Elderly Population: The Progetto Veneto Anziani
Authors: Curreri Chiara , Trevisan Caterina , Carrer Pamela , Facchini Silvia , Giantin Valter , Maggi Stefania , Noale Marianna , De Rui Marina , Perissinotto Egle , Zambon Sabina , Crepaldi Gaetano , Manzato Enzo , Sergi Giuseppe 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate dysfunction in fine motor skills in a cohort of older Italian adults, identifying their prevalence and usefulness as indicators and predictors of cognitive impairment.DesignPopulation‐based longitudinal study with mean follow‐up of 4.4 years.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsOlder men and women enrolled in the Progetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.) (N = 2,361); 1,243 subjects who were cognitively intact at baseline were selected for longitudinal analyses.MeasurementsFine motor skills were assessed by measuring the time needed to successfully complete two functional tasks: putting on a shirt and a manual dexterity task. Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score less than 24.ResultsOn simple correlation, baseline MMSE score was significantly associated with the manual dexterity task (correlation coefficient (r) = −0.25, P < .001) and time needed to put on a shirt (r = −0.29, P < .001). Over the study period, changes in time needed to perform the fine motor tasks were significantly associated with changes in MMSE (putting on a shirt: β = 0.083, P = .003; manual dexterity task: β = 0.098, P < .001). Logistic regression analyses confirmed that worse results on tasks were associated with cognitive impairment at baseline (odds ratio (OR) = 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74–3.50, for the fourth quartile of time needed to put on a shirt; OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.42–2.76, for the fourth manual dexterity task quartile) and greater risk of cognitive impairment developing during follow‐up (OR = 4.38, 95% CI = 2.46–7.80, for the fourth quartile of time needed to put on a shirt; OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.30–3.72, for the fourth manual dexterity task quartile).ConclusionsDifficulties with fine motor skills are common in older adults, and assessing them may help to identify early signs of dementia, subjects at high risk to develop cognitive decline, and individuals who can be referred to specialists.
Non‐surgical periodontal therapy reduces salivary adipocytokines in chronic periodontitis patients with and without obesity
Authors: Al‐Hamoudi Nawwaf , Abduljabbar Tariq , Mirza Sana , Al‐Sowygh Zeyad H. , Vohra Fahim , Javed Fawad , Akram Zohaib 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to assess the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on periodontal parameters and whole salivary resistin and interleukin (IL)‐6 levels in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with and without obesity.MethodsParticipants were divided into two groups; group 1 included obese and non‐obese individuals with CP; and group 2 included obese and non‐obese individuals without CP. In both groups, bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm and whole salivary resistin and IL‐6 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 6 months after SRP. The number of missing teeth was counted, and marginal bone loss was measured on digital panoramic radiographs at baseline and 6 months' postoperatively.ResultsBOP was significantly higher among obese patients in group 1 than obese (P < .001) and non‐obese (P < .001) individuals in group 2. At 6 months' follow up, BOP (P < .001) and PD ≥4 mm (P < .001) were significantly lower among obese and non‐obese patients in group 1 than their respective baseline values. At 6 months' follow up, BOP (P < .001) and PD ≥4 mm (P < .001) were significantly higher among obese and non‐obese individuals in group 1 compared with individuals in group 2.ConclusionSRP is effective in reducing periodontal inflammation in CP patients with and without obesity. CP seems to be the primary factor that influences periodontal status and the expression of resistin and IL‐6 levels in obese and non‐obese patients.
Analogous on‐axis interference topographic phase microscopy (AOITPM)
Authors: XIU P. , LIU Q. , ZHOU X. , XU Y. , KUANG C. , LIU X. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe refractive index (RI) of a sample as an endogenous contrast agent plays an important role in transparent live cell imaging. In tomographic phase microscopy (TPM), 3D quantitative RI maps can be reconstructed based on the measured projections of the RI in multiple directions. The resolution of the RI maps not only depends on the numerical aperture of the employed objective lens, but also is determined by the accuracy of the quantitative phase of the sample measured at multiple scanning illumination angles. This paper reports an analogous on‐axis interference TPM, where the interference angle between the sample and reference beams is kept constant for projections in multiple directions to improve the accuracy of the phase maps and the resolution of RI tomograms. The system has been validated with both silica beads and red blood cells. Compared with conventional TPM, the proposed system acquires quantitative RI maps with higher resolution (420 nm @λ = 633 nm) and signal‐to‐noise ratio that can be beneficial for live cell imaging in biomedical applications.
Remineralization of Natural Human Carious Dentin Lesions with an Experimental Whisker‐Reinforced Atraumatic Restorative Treatment Composite
Authors: Zhang Chao , Campbell Stephen D. , Dickens Sabine H. , Yang Bin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the remineralization of natural human dentin caries with an experimental whisker‐reinforced Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) composite.Materials and MethodsTeeth with moderate active dentin caries were prepared with caries‐disclosing dye and hand instruments, restored with ART or resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (RM‐GIC), and then wet sliced into 120‐µm sections with 15 sections in each group. After taking transverse microradiographs and implementing digital image analysis to determine the “mineral‐loss‐before,” each section was incubated in artificial saliva solution (pH = 7.0) for 4 weeks and 8 weeks with 1 hour each workday in demineralization solution (pH = 4.3). Transverse microradiographs of each section were retaken, and the “mineral‐loss‐after” was determined. The remineralization was calculated from [1‐(“mineral‐loss‐after”/“mineral‐loss‐before”)] × 100%. Results were statistically analyzed with a repeated‐measures ANOVA with one within‐subject factor (time: 4 and 8 weeks) and one between‐subject factor (material: ART and RM‐GIC) (α = 0.05).ResultsThe statistical analysis indicated that ART composite resulted in significantly higher remineralization than the RM‐GIC (p ≤ 0.05). For the remineralization of each material, there was a statistical difference between 4 weeks and 8 weeks (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsThis experimental ART composite remineralized natural human dentin caries better than the RM‐GIC.
Type and timing of dietary acid intake and tooth wear among American adults
Authors: Al‐Zwaylif Lynn H. , O'Toole Saoirse , Bernabé Eduardo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the interrelationship between type and timing of dietary acid intake and tooth wear among American adults.MethodsThis study used data from 3,586 adults, aged 18 years and older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003‐04. Information on four types of acidic food and beverages (fruits, fruit juices, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks) and timing of consumption (meals versus snacks, defined according to percentage of total energy intake, self‐reported eating occasion, and time of day) was extracted from two 24‐hour dietary recalls. The association of the type and timing of dietary acid intake with the number of surfaces with moderate‐to‐severe tooth wear was assessed in Hurdle models to account for the excess zero counts and over‐dispersion. Models were adjusted for socio‐demographic factors, acid reflux medication, and dental insurance coverage.ResultsThe daily intake of soft drinks was associated with tooth wear, while those of fruits, fruit juices, and alcoholic drinks were not. The consumption of soft drinks with meals was the only factor consistently associated with tooth wear, irrespective of the method used to define meals versus snacks. The above associations were found with the number of surfaces with tooth wear (among those with the condition), but not with the odds of having tooth wear (among all participants).ConclusionThe consumption of soft drinks with meals was associated with moderate‐to‐severe tooth wear among American adults. Other acidic foods and beverages were not associated with tooth wear, regardless of their timing of consumption.
Proteinuria in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease
Authors: Fukai Yuta , Yorimitsu Daisuke , Nishimura Hirotake , Kutoku Yumiko , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki , Ohsawa Yutaka , Sunada Yoshihide 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRecently, clinical features of adult‐onset neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease have gradually become characterized by premortem diagnoses based on eosinophilic, ubiquitin‐positive intranuclear inclusions demonstrated using skin biopsy specimens. A 65‐year‐old healthy woman with proteinuria was admitted because of cognitive impairment and walking instability. She had frontal lobe dysfunction and sensory ataxia with high‐signal‐intensity lesions in the corticomedullary junction on performing diffusion‐weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging. She was incidentally diagnosed with adult‐onset sporadic neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease based on the presence of intranuclear inclusions in renal biopsy specimens. Proteinuria might be a non‐neuronal symptom of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease because no other causes for proteinuria were found on renal testing.