bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extreme specialization to rocky habitats inTropiduruslizards from Brazil: Trade‐offs between a fitted ecomorph and autoecology in a harsh environment
Authors: Pelegrin Nicolás , Mesquita Daniel Oliveira , Albinati Pâmela , Caldas Francis Luiz Santos , de Queiroga Cavalcanti Lucas Barbosa , Costa Tais Borges , Falico Diego Alejandro , Galdino Jéssica Yara A. , Tucker Derek B. , Garda Adrian Antonio 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEcomorphological theory indicates that different ecological requirements lead to different organismal designs. Given that species with equal requirements could not coexist, traits leading to more efficient use of resources may be selected to avoid competition among closely related syntopic species, generating specialized ecomorphs. We compared habitat use, diet, thermal biology and morphology among the syntopicTropidurus semitaeniatus,T. helenaeandT. hispidusin the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil.Tropidurus semitaeniatusandT. helenaeare flattened lizards specialized to rocks and rock crevices, whereasT. hispidushas a robust body and generalist habits. We aimed to test the hypothesis that morphological modifications observed in the flattened ecomorphs are related to modifications in diet and habitat use. Also, we hypothesized that specialization to habitat induces morphological modifications, which in turn may constrain lizard performance. Flattened species differed in habitat use, morphology and prey size when compared with the generalist ecomorph. Morphological modifications were related to specializations to rocky habitats and constrained the variety of prey items consumed. This phenotype also reduced their reproductive output when compared with a robust, generalist ecomorph.
Intrapartum intervention rates and perinatal outcomes following induction of labour compared to expectant management at term from an Australian perinatal centre
Authors: Zhao Yi , Flatley Christopher , Kumar Sailesh 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundInduction of labor (IOL) is a common obstetric intervention, yet its impact on intervention rates and perinatal outcomes is conflicting.AimsTo evaluate the impact of IOL on intrapartum intervention rates and perinatal outcomes in women with singleton pregnancies at term.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of term singleton deliveries at the Mater Mother's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia in 2007–2013. The IOL cohort was compared to an expectantly managed group.ResultsOf the final cohort (44 698 women), 64.4% had expectant management and 35.6% had IOL. Multivariate analyses showed that IOL was associated with lower odds of spontaneous vaginal delivery from ≥37 weeks gestation. The risk of emergency caesarean for non‐reassuring fetal status was also higher in the IOL cohort at 40 and 41 weeks gestation. For women who were managed expectantly, the highest rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery and the lowest rate of emergency caesareans occurred at 39 weeks gestation. For women who underwent IOL, the nadir emergency caesarean rate and the highest spontaneous vaginal delivery rate was also at 39 weeks. Rates of neonatal intensive car unit admission were higher in the IOL group at 37 weeks (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.11, 95% CI: 2.62–3.68) and 38 weeks (aOR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.55–2.04) and lower at >42 weeks (OR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14–0.81) respectively.ConclusionIOL compared to expectant management is associated with lower spontaneous vaginal delivery rates and increased risk of emergency caesarean for intrapartum fetal compromise with broadly comparable perinatal outcomes.
Fifteen‐year groin hernia trends in Australia: the era of minimally invasive surgeons
Authors: Kevric Jasmina , Papa Nathan , Toshniwal Sumeet , Perera Marlon 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundGroin hernia repairs (GHRs) are among the commonest general surgical procedures in the Western population. The introduction of minimally invasive surgery has prompted the development of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal and trans‐abdominal preperitoneal hernia repairs. We aimed to determine the hernia treatment trends in Australia over the last 15 years.MethodsUsing Medicare Benefit Schedule data, we categorized the number of laparoscopic and open hernia repairs between 2000 and 2015 in Australia. Population data were collected from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Hernia repair rates were standardized by age, gender and location.ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 324 618 GHRs were performed on adult patients in Australia, 43% by a laparoscopic method. While there was a slight yearly increase in overall total GHRs performed, laparoscopic surgeries increased by 3.1 per 100 000 population every year (95% CI: 2.9–3.3) while open surgeries declined yearly by 2.6 per 100 000 population (95% CI: 2.4–2.8). From the available data, there appears to be a crossover point in 2011/2012 where the laparoscopic hernia repair became more frequent. Considerable state and gender‐based trends exist.ConclusionsThe use of laparoscopic GHRs has increased considerably over the last 15 years. Despite the increased use, significant state‐based and gender discrepancies were observed. Our data offer insight to the public sector and the respective healthcare‐related expenditures pertaining to laparoscopic hernia repair.
On‐target sorafenib toxicity predicts improved survival in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi‐centre, prospective study
Authors: Howell J. , Pinato D. J. , Ramaswami R. , Bettinger D. , Arizumi T. , Ferrari C. , Yen C. , Gibbin A. , Burlone M. E. , Guaschino G. , Sellers L. , Black J. , Pirisi M. , Kudo M. , Thimme R. , Park J.‐W. , Sharma R. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and has high mortality despite treatment. While sorafenib has a survival benefit for patients with advanced HCC, clinical response is highly variable.AimTo determine whether development of sorafenib toxicity is a prognostic marker of survival in HCC.MethodsIn this prospective multicentre cohort study, patients with advanced‐stage HCC receiving sorafenib were recruited from five international specialist centres. Demographic and clinical data including development and grade of sorafenib toxicity during treatment, radiological response to sorafenib and survival time (months) were recorded prospectively.ResultsA total of 634 patients with advanced‐stage HCC receiving sorafenib were recruited to the study, with a median follow‐up of 6692.3 person‐months at risk. The majority of patients were male (81%) with Child–Pugh A stage liver disease (74%) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C HCC (64%). Median survival time was 8.1 months (IQR 3.8–18.6 months). 94% experienced at least one sorafenib‐related toxicity: 34% diarrhoea, 16% hypertension and 37% hand‐foot syndrome (HFS). Twenty‐one per cent ceased sorafenib due to toxicity and 59% ceased treatment due to progressive disease or death. On multivariate analysis, sorafenib‐related diarrhoea (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61–0.95, P = 0.017), hypertension (HR 0.531, 95% CI 0.37–0.76, P < 0.0001) and HFS (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.81, P < 0.0001) were all significant independent predictors of overall survival after adjusting for age, severity of liver disease, tumour stage and sorafenib dose.ConclusionDevelopment of sorafenib‐related toxicity including diarrhoea, hypertension and hand‐foot syndrome is associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with advanced‐stage HCC on sorafenib.
Does residual microscopic disease after chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer translate into a good clinical outcome?
Authors: Geva R. , Davidovics H. , Soyfer S. , Pelles‐Avraham S. , Klausner J. M. , Inbar M. , Tulchinsky H. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess the progression‐free and overall survival of patients with residual microscopic disease following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and rectal resection for locally advanced rectal cancer.MethodTwo‐hundred and thirty‐four consecutive rectal cancer patients who had neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical resection (from May 2000 to April 2012) were divided according to pathological tumour response: residual microscopic disease (MIC), complete response (pCR) and partial/no response (non‐CR). Data on the neoadjuvant regime, treatment‐to‐surgery interval, final pathology, type of operation, operative time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, disease recurrence and mortality were compared between the groups.ResultsThere were 13 (5.5%) MIC patients, 48 (20.5%) with pCR and 173 (73.9%) with non‐CR group. The groups were demographically comparable. MIC patients had more retrieved lymph nodes compared with the non‐CR and pCR patients (median 13 compared with 8 and 10, respectively, P = 0.0086). The 5‐year overall survival rates were 93.4% for the pCR and MIC patients vs 82.1% for the non‐CR patients (P = 0.0324). The 5‐year progression‐free survival was 85.2% for the pCR and MIC patients vs 73.8% for the non‐CR patients (P = 0.086).ConclusionWe have identified and assessed a new pathological subgroup of rectal cancer patients who had residual microscopic disease after neoadjuvant therapy. The survival analysis aligned them closely with pCR patients.
Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in a Peruvian hospital in human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) positive patients
Authors: Rodríguez‐Zúñiga Milton José Max , Cortez‐Franco Florencio , Qujiano‐Gomero Eberth 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundAdult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive neoplasm of T‐lymphocytes associated with human T‐lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV‐1) infection. As HTLV‐1 is endemic in native ethnics in South America, and its infection leads to several chronic diseases as ATLL with poor prognosis, we aimed to present three ATLL cases and to review current literature.Case reportsTwo cases were from the mountains of Peru, while one was from an endemic harbor of the country. An acute ATLL patient presented with multipapular infiltration of the skin and died 2 weeks after admission because of septic shock. The two chronic ATLL patients presented with erythematous plaques and erythroderma. They had swollen lymph nodes, lymphocytosis, and atypical lymphocytes on blood smear, with normal biochemical results. They both passed away a few months after diagnosis.CommentsATLL is developed after years of HTLV‐1 carrier status; therefore, physicians should know the principal clinical and laboratory findings in order to make prompt diagnosis. Prognosis is still poor in aggressive and indolent variants, with survival rates from months to a few years. Treatment based on chemotherapy, antiretroviral, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation are improving survival rates but with limited results.
May–Thurner syndrome: an often overlooked cause for refractory venous leg ulcers
Authors: Alkhater Maryam , Jockenhöfer Finja , Stoffels Ingo , Dissemond Joachim 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTWe report a 53‐year‐old female patient presenting with a refractory venous leg ulcer and unremarkable findings in the doppler Ultrasound venous mapping of the leg veins. Further comprehensive diagnostics demonstrated an underlying May–Thurner syndrome. After resolution of the primary mechanical obstruction, rapid wound healing in the following 3 weeks was documented. Iliac vein compression syndrome, commonly known as May–Thurner syndrome, is a distinguishable anatomical variant that results from an external compression over the left iliac vein exerted by the overriding adjacent right common iliac artery. It is mostly seen among young, healthy female patients and can easily be under‐diagnosed. Lower extremities duplex ultrasonography remains the gold standard in diagnosing venous insufficiency, but it should not solely depend on it. Instead, clinicians should consider other possibilities, assessing the patency within the truncal veins, which in turn might contribute to the venous insufficiency along the lower limbs. An active early diagnostic approach can prevent significant overall morbidity and help patients to ease back into their daily‐life activities. Therefore, it is recommended that all patients with suspected venous insufficiency and normal lower limbs duplex findings should undergo further evaluation of the truncal venous system pattern. May–Thurner syndrome, along with other causes of iliac veins compression, should be considered in the differential diagnosis in unclear persistent cases of unilateral venous symptoms.
Luminescence investigations of novel orange‐red fluorapatite KLaSr3(PO4)3F: Sm3+ phosphors with high thermal stability
Authors: Guo Qingfeng , Zhao Chenglong , Liao Libing , Lis Stefan , Liu Haikun , Mei Lefu , Jiang Zhouqing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSingle‐phase KLaSr3(PO4)3F: Sm3+ phosphors with fluorapatite structure were prepared via high‐temperature solid‐state method in air atmosphere for the first time. The X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra, and temperature‐dependent emission spectra, as well as lifetimes were measured to characterize the as‐prepared phosphors. Phase results indicated that KLaSr3(PO4)3F: Sm3+ belongs to hexagonal system with a space group of P‐6. Photoluminescence measurements showed the emission spectrum was composed of four sharp peaks at about 564, 602 (the strongest one), 646, and 702 nm, corresponding to the 4G5/2‐6HJ (J=5/2, 7/2, 9/2, and 11/2) transitions of Sm3+ ions. The optimum doping concentration of Sm3+ ions was turned out to be 0.03 (mol), and the mechanism of energy transfer among Sm3+ ions was considered to be dipole‐dipole interaction by using Dexter's theory. In addition, the critical distance Rc for energy transfer among Sm3+ ions were calculated to be 9.97 Å according to Blasse concentration quenching method. The selected KLa0.97Sr(PO4)3F: 0.03Sm3+ exhibited high thermal stability with an activation energy of 0.163 eV. Besides, the Commission International de l'Eclairage chromaticity coordinate of the phosphor were located in the orange‐reddish light region.
Intentional partnering: a grounded theory study on developing effective partnerships among nurse and physician managers as they co‐lead in an evolving healthcare system
Authors: Clausen Christina , Lavoie‐Tremblay Melanie , Purden Margaret , Lamothe Lise , Ezer Héléne , McVey Lynne 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe the process of how nurse and physician managers in formalized dyads work together to address clinical management issues in the surgical division of one hospital setting.BackgroundNurse and physician managers are uniquely positioned to co‐lead and transform healthcare delivery. However, little is known about how this management dyad functions in the healthcare setting.DesignA constructivist grounded theory approach was used to investigate the process of how nurse and physician managers work together in formalized dyads in an urban Canadian university affiliated teaching hospital.MethodsData collection occurred from September 2013–August 2014. Data included participant observation (n = 142 hours) and intensive interviews (n = 36) with nurse‐physician manager dyads (12 nurses, 9 physicians) collected in a surgical department. Theoretical sampling was used to elaborate on properties of emerging concepts and categories.Results/FindingsA substantive theory on ‘intentional partnering’ was generated. Nurses' and physicians' professional agendas, which included their interests and purposes for working with each other served as the starting point of ‘intentional partnering’. The theory explains how nurse and physician managers align their professional agendas through the processes of ‘accepting mutual necessity’, ‘daring to risk (together)’ and ‘constructing a shared responsibility’. Being credible, earning trust and safeguarding respect were fundamental to communicating effectively.ConclusionIntentional partnering elucidates the relational components of working together and the strategizing that occurs as each partner deliberates on what he or she is willing to accept, risk and put into place to reap the benefits of collaborating.
Extracellular renalase protects cells and organs by outside‐in signalling
Authors: Wang Yang , Safirstein Robert , Velazquez Heino , Guo Xiao‐Jia , Hollander Lindsay , Chang John , Chen Tian‐Min , Mu Jian‐Jun , Desir Gary V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRenalase was discovered as a protein synthesized by the kidney and secreted in blood where it circulates at a concentration of approximately 3–5 μg/ml. Initial reports suggested that it functioned as an NAD(P)H oxidase and could oxidize catecholamines. Administration of renalase lowers blood pressure and heart rate and also protects cells and organs against ischaemic and toxic injury. Although renalase's protective effect was initially ascribed to its oxidase properties, a paradigm shift in our understanding of the cellular actions of renalase is underway. We now understand that, independent of its enzymatic properties, renalase functions as a cytokine that provides protection to cells, tissues and organs by interacting with its receptor to activate protein kinase B, JAK/STAT, and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways. In addition, recent studies suggest that dysregulated renalase signalling may promote survival of several tumour cells due to its capacity to augment expression of growth‐related genes. In this review, we focus on the cytoprotective actions of renalase and its capacity to sustain cancer cell growth and also the translational opportunities these findings represent for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for organ injury and cancer.
Comparison of phenotype, comorbidities, therapy and adverse events between psoriatic patients with and without psoriatic arthritis. Biobadaderm registry
Authors: Pérez‐Plaza A. , Carretero G. , Ferrandiz C. , Vanaclocha F. , Gómez‐García F.J. , Herrera‐Ceballos E. , De la Cueva‐Dobao P. , Belinchón I. , Sánchez‐Carazo J.L. , Alsina M. , López‐Estebaranz J.L. , Ferrán M. , Torrado R. , Carrascosa J.M. , Llamas‐Velasco M. , Rivera R. , Jiménez‐Puya R. , García‐Doval I. , Descalzo M.A. ,   The Biobadaderm Study Group
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere are a limited number of studies comparing psoriasis patients without psoriatic arthritis (PsA) to those with arthritis. Previous results are controversial.ObjectivesTo perform a comparative analysis of the phenotype, baseline comorbidities, therapeutic profile and incidence of adverse events (particularly overall adverse events, infections and infestations, malignancies and psychiatric disorders) among psoriatic patients with/without PsA.MethodsAll the patients on the Biobadaderm registry, a prospective inception cohort of psoriasis patients on systemic therapy, were included. Patients were divided into two groups: those with psoriasis without arthritis at the time of entry into the cohort (Pso group) and those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA group) at entry. Patients were followed until the censorship date (last visit in a lost‐to‐follow‐up patient, or 10 November 2015, whichever occurred first). We excluded all the patients who developed any kind of signs and/or symptoms of joint involvement during the follow‐up. A descriptive analysis was performed. We estimated incidence ratios (IRR) of adverse events during systemic treatment using a mixed‐effects Poisson regression.ResultsWe included 2120 patients: 1871 (88%) patients with psoriasis without arthritis and 249 (12%) with psoriasis and PsA. The follow‐up time was 5020 patients‐year in the Pso group and 762 patients‐year in the PsA group. Patients with PsA had more comorbidities, particularly hypertension and liver disease; used a higher number of systemic therapies, particularly anti‐TNFα drugs and combination therapy; and presented more adverse events (IRR adjusted = 1.29; 95% CI: [1.05–1.58]), particularly serious adverse events (IRR adjusted = 1.51; 95% CI: [1.01–2.26]) and infections/infestations (IRR adjusted = 1.88; 95% CI: [1.27–2.79]), independently of the associated comorbidities and present/past therapies.ConclusionsGiven the differences between patients with psoriasis alone or with psoriasis associated with PsA, patients with psoriasis and PsA should be followed and managed more closely and with specific attention.
Evidence for purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) release from rat C6 glioma cells
Authors: Giuliani Patricia , Zuccarini Mariachiara , Buccella Silvana , Peña‐Altamira Luis Emiliano , Polazzi Elisabetta , Virgili Marco , Monti Barbara , Poli Alessandro , Rathbone Michel P. , Iorio Patrizia Di , Ciccarelli Renata , Caciagli Francesco 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntracellular purine turnover is mainly oriented to preserving the level of triphosphate nucleotides, fundamental molecules in vital cell functions that, when released outside cells, act as receptor signals. Conversely, high levels of purine bases and uric acid are found in the extracellular milieu, even in resting conditions. These compounds could derive from nucleosides/bases that, having escaped to cell reuptake, are metabolized by extracellular enzymes similar to the cytosolic ones. Focusing on purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) that catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of purine (deoxy)‐nucleosides/bases, we found that it is constitutively released from cultured rat C6 glioma cells into the medium, and has a molecular weight and enzyme activity similar to the cytosolic enzyme. Cell exposure to 10 μM ATP or guanosine triphosphate (GTP) increased the extracellular amount of all corresponding purines without modifying the levels/activity of released PNP, whereas selective activation of ATP P2Y1 or adenosine A2A metabotropic receptors increased PNP release and purine base formation. The reduction to 1% in oxygen supply (2 h) to cells decreased the levels of released PNP, leading to an increased presence of extracellular nucleosides and to a reduced formation of xanthine and uric acid. Conversely, 2 h cell re‐oxygenation enhanced the extracellular amounts of both PNP and purine bases. Thus, hypoxia and re‐oxygenation modulated in opposite manner the PNP release/activity and, thereby, the extracellular formation of purine metabolism end‐products. In conclusion, extracellular PNP and likely other enzymes deputed to purine base metabolism are released from cells, contributing to the purinergic system homeostasis and exhibiting an important pathophysiological role.
image