bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Remineralization Potential of Different Agents with Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence Digital Biluminator
Authors: Kucukyilmaz Ebru , Savas Selcuk 
Published: September 2016

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different remineralization agents by quantitative light-induced fluorescence digital Biluminator™ (QLF-D). Methods Artificial caries lesions were created, and the teeth were divided according to the tested materials: (i) distilled water, (ii) acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), (iii) Curodont Repair (CR), (iv) ammonium hexafluorosilicate (SiF) and (v) ammonium hexafluorosilicate plus cetylpyridinium chloride (SiF + CPC). After treatment procedures, each of the samples was placed in artificial saliva. After demineralization and 1 and 4 weeks of remineralization procedures, fluorescence loss and lesion areas were measured with QLF-D. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). Results The fluorescence values of the demineralized enamel specimens treated with the various agents differed significantly compared with pretreatment values for both 1 and 4 weeks (p<0.05). At 4 weeks, the highest fluorescence gain was calculated in the CR, APF and SiF groups compared with the control (p<0.05). Conclusions APF, SiF and CR groups yielded greater remineralization ability than SiF + CPC and control groups.
Is Micro-Computed Tomography Useful for Wear Assessment of Ceramic Femoral Heads? A Preliminary Evaluation of Volume Measurements
Authors: Parrilli Annapaola , Falcioni Stefano , Fini Milena , Affatato Saverio 
Published: September 2016

Background Wear associated with hip components represents the main clinical problem in these patients, and it is important to develop new techniques for more accurate measurements of that wear. Currently, the gravimetric method is the gold standard for assessing mass measurements in preclinical evaluations. However, this method does not give other information such as volumetric loss or surface deviation. This work aimed to develop and validate a new technique to quantify ceramic volume loss from in vitro experiments using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods An alumina (BIOLOX® forte) femoral head (Ø = 28 mm) was used. Mass and volume loss were approached by gravimetric method (using a four decimal place digital microbalance) and by using Skyscan 1176 microtomographic system, respectively. Results Standard error and coefficient of variance of both gravimetric and experimental groups demonstrated the reliability of the micro-CT analysis technique. Conclusions In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that this new protocol could be considered an important tool for wear assessment and that we have found a reliable metrological protocol for volumetric analysis of ceramic femoral head prostheses, demonstrating that the micro-CT technique can be an important tool for wear assessment.
Effect of Graphene Oxide on Bacteria and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Campos-Delgado Jessica , Castro Kelly L.S. , Munguia-Lopez Jose G. , González Ana K. , Mendoza Martin E. , Fragneaud Benjamin , Verdan Raphael , Araujo Joyce R. , González Francisco J. , Navarro-Contreras Hugo , Pérez-Maldonado Ivan N. , de León-Rodríguez Antonio , Achete Carlos A. 
Published: September 2016

Background Driven by the potential biological applications of graphene, many groups have studied the response of cells exposed to graphene oxide (GO). In particular, investigations of bacteria indicate that there are 2 crucial parameters, which so far have only been investigated separately: GO size and exposure methodology. Our study took into account both parameters. We carefully characterized the samples to catalog sizes and structural properties, and tested different exposure methodologies: exposure in saline solution and in the presence of growth media. Furthermore, we performed experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to our GO materials. Methods Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology and composition of different samples of GO: GO-H2O, GO-PBS and GO-MG. Our samples had 2D sizes of ∼100 nm (GO-H2O and GO-PBS) and >2 µm (GO-MG). We tested antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity toward peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 3 different GO samples. Results A size-dependent growth inhibition of Escherichia coli (DH5 α) in suspension was found, which proved that this effect depends strongly on the protocol followed for exposure. Hemocompatibility was confirmed by exposing peripheral blood mononuclear cells to materials for 24 hours; viability and apoptosis tests were also carried out. Conclusions Our experiments provide vital information for future applications of GO in suspension. If its antibacterial properties are to be potentiated, care should be taken to select 2D sizes in the micrometer range, and exposure should not be carried out in the presence of grow media.
Assessment of the Association between ZBTB20 rs9841504 Polymorphism and Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Jizhou , Li Wanzhen , Ding Xiping 
Published: September 2016

Background The protein encoded by ZBTB20 is a member of the POK family, whose members function as transcriptional repressors through interactions mediated by their conserved C2H2 Krüppel-type zinc finger and BTB/POZ domains. Polymorphisms in ZBTB20 appeared to be associated with gastric and esophageal cancer susceptibility in biological models, but the results of these studies were inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis by pooling all available data to assess the exact association between the ZBTB20 rs9841504 polymorphism and gastric and esophageal cancer susceptibility. Method The meta-analysis was performed for homozygote comparison, heterozygote comparison, and dominant and recessive models by applying a fixed- or random-effects model. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Moreover, the data were analyzed using the Stata 12.0 software(StataCorp). Result A total of 8 independent case-control studies comprising 9,994 cases and 10,258 controls were included. We found a significant association between the rs9841504 polymorphism and decreased gastric cancer susceptibility in the allelic, homozygous, dominant and recessive models (B vs. A:OR = 0.797, 95% CI 0.644-0.986, p = 0.036; BB vs. AA:OR = 0.601, 95% CI 0.366-0.988, p = 0.045; BA + BB vs. AA:OR = 0.789, 95% CI 0.627-0.992, p = 0.043; BB vs. BA + AA:OR = 0.635, 95% CI 0.405-0.997, p = 0.049). Conversely, no association between the rs9841504 polymorphism and esophageal cancer susceptibility was found. In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we observed a significantly decreased susceptibility to gastric cancer in Asian populations in the allele contrast, homozygous and recessive models (B vs. A:OR = 0.791, 95% CI 0.628-0.996, p = 0.046; BB vs. AA:OR = 0.559, 95% CI 0.323-0.966, p = 0.037; BB vs. BA + AA:OR = 0.593, 95% CI 0.361-0.972, p = 0.038). Conclusions In summary, our work suggests that the ZBTB20 rs9841504 polymorphism is a protective factor for gastric cancer rather than esophageal cancer.
Surveillance for Hemodialysis Access Stenosis: Usefulness of Ultrasound Vector Volume Flow
Authors: Brandt Andreas H. , Jensen Jonas , Hansen Kristoffer L. , Hansen Peter , Lange Theis , Rix Marianne , Jensen Jørgen A. , Lönn Lars , Nielsen Michael B. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose To investigate if ultrasound vector-flow imaging (VFI) is equal to the reference method ultrasound dilution technique (UDT) in estimating volume flow and changes over time in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis. Materials and methods From January 2014 to January 2015, patients with end-stage renal disease and matured functional AVFs were consecutively solicited to participate in this prospective study. All patients were included after written informed consent and approval by the National Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics and the local Ethics Committee (journal no. H-4-2014-FSP). VFI and UDT measurements were performed monthly over a six-month period. Nineteen patients were included in the study. VFI measurements were performed before dialysis, and UDT measurements after. Statistical analyses were performed with Bland-Altman plot, Student's t-test, four-quadrant plot, and regression analysis. Repeated measurements and precision analysis were used for reproducibility determination. Results Precision measurements for UDT and VFI were 32% and 20%, respectively (p = 0.33). Average volume flow measured with UDT and VFI were 1161 mL/min (±778 mL/min) and 1213 mL/min (±980 mL/(min), respectively (p = 0.3). The mean difference was -51 mL/min (CI: -150 mL/min to 46 mL/min) with limits of agreement from -35% to 54%, with a strong correlation (r2 = 0.87). A large change in volume flow between dialysis sessions detected by UDT was confirmed by VFI (p = 0.0001), but the concordance rate was poor (0.72). Conclusions VFI is an acceptable method for volume flow estimation and volume flow changes over time in AVFs.
Impact of the Shape of the Needle Tip on the Efficacy of Flushing Implantable Port Chambers
Authors: Guiffant Gérard , Dupont Christian , Merckx Jacques 
Published: September 2016

Introduction To follow international guidelines and protect healthcare workers from needle stick injuries, manufacturers now provide safety non-coring needles. Methods Numerical simulations show the potential efficacy of infusion and flushing flow in straight and curved side wall port chambers from a beveled non-coring needle (BNCN) or a bevel-free cannula (BFC). Results In straight and curved side wall port chambers, the stream of flow with a BNCN is determined by the direction of the bevel, whereas the outlet stream from a BFC leads to a cylindrical symmetric flow. This, along with the position of the BFC impacts the wall shear rate of the port chamber, and the hydraulic resistance within the chamber. Discussion This last factor has never been the subject of extensive hydrodynamic study. Caregiver safety and patient comfort are paramount but physics show that the shape of the needle tip affects the hydrodynamics of the injected flow. Conclusions The presence of a bevel at the needle tip is a key factor for ensuring efficient flushing of the port. The absence of a bevel may increase hydraulic resistance and deposits in the port chamber. Implantable port flushing protocols must take this notion into account if the patency of port chambers is to be maintained. The clinical impact of this study has yet to be determined.
Pediatric Patients Undergoing Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery without Intraoperative Heparin
Authors: Regus Susanne , Almási-Sperling Veronika , Lang Werner 
Published: September 2016

Introduction Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in children could be extremely challenging for vascular surgeons due to small vessels with a high tendency of vasospasm. This could be one reason for primary failures (PF) and early access thrombosis. There exists no guideline for the need of intraoperative heparin administration during hemodialysis fistula creation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra-operative heparin administration on immediate outcome. Methods Medical records of 42 pediatric patients aged between 7 and 17 years were retrospectively reviewed. All received an AVF under inpatient conditions by exclusively one vascular surgeon with many years of professional experience. The intraoperative anticoagulation standards changed by the years 2001 based on the decision of the vascular surgeon. Therefore, we build two groups (group 1: 14 patients with 5000 IU of intravenous heparin during surgery and group 2: 28 patients without heparin). Major complications included hematoma or bleeding leading to surgery. PF was defined as the inability to use the AVF even once due to absent maturation or occlusion within 4 weeks after creation. Results We found 6 (14%) PF with the need of immediate surgical access revision (three from group 1 and three from group 2; p = 0.350). There were no bleedings leading to surgery in all cases, but 5 (12%) hematomas without the need of surgical revision (three from group 1 and two from group 2; p = 0.736). Conclusions We found no benefit of heparin administration during clamping the arteries while performing the arteriovenous fistula in pediatric patients.
Arterial Stiffness and Arteriovenous Fistula Failure of Maturation
Authors: Masengu Agnes , Hanko Jennifer B. , Maxwell Alexander P. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose Increased arterial stiffness is a common finding in patients with end-stage renal disease. Following creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), appropriate dilation of the feeding artery must occur to facilitate AVF maturation. Arterial stiffness may impair the arterial dilation required to facilitate AVF development and contribute to subsequent failure to mature (FTM). The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the association between measurements of central and peripheral arterial stiffness, and AVF FTM. Methods Patients undergoing AVF creation in a single centre (Belfast City Hospital, UK) between January and December 2015 were invited to have their carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial-radial PWV and augmentation index (AI) measured prior to AVF creation. Subsequent AVF outcomes were identified. Results Fifty-nine patients who had an AVF procedure were included in the final analysis (mean age 62 years); 50.8% had diabetes mellitus. The mean pre-operative arterial diameter for all AVFs was 3.9 mm. Average values for carotid-femoral PWV were 9.5 m/s, brachial-radial PWV 7.7 m/s and AI 25.6%. Using logistic regression, these arterial stiffness parameters did not predict AVF FTM: carotid-femoral PWV (P = 0.20), brachial-radial PWV (P = 0.13), AI (P = 0.50). Conclusions This is the largest study to date exploring the association between arterial stiffness and AVF FTM. The measured central and peripheral arterial stiffness parameters were not associated with AVF FTM. Further research is needed to define if non-invasive arterial physiological measurements would be clinically useful in the prediction of AVF FTM.
Intradialytic Ultrafiltration Volume and Vascular Access Outcomes: A Japan Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study Subanalysis
Authors: Asano Manabu , Oguchi Kenichi , Saito Akira , Onishi Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Yosuke , Fukuhara Shunichi , Akiba Takashi , Akizawa Tadao 
Published: September 2016

Introduction The relationship between intradialytic ultrafiltration volume and vascular access (VA) patency remains unclear. Using data from the Japan Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study, we analyzed whether large-volume ultrafiltration was associated with VA failure in hemodialysis patients. Methods We included 2736 patients for whom it was possible to evaluate VA patency and bodyweight change during dialysis. Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertile of intradialytic ultrafiltration by bodyweight: low, -9.5%-3.8%; middle, 3.8%-5.1%; and high, 5.1%-13.7%. Primary VA patency was defined as the time to first VA intervention, and secondary patency as the time to creation of a new VA. Hazard ratios for VA failure were compared across groups by using Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hemoglobin and phosphorus levels, Kt/V, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent and antiplatelet use. Results For the low, middle, and high groups, the incidences of primary and secondary VA patency were 4.7, 5.6, and 6.7 events/100 person-years and 1.3, 1.6, and 1.7 events/100 person-years, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for primary VA patency in the middle and high groups versus the low group were 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.52) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.07-1.87), respectively; those for secondary VA patency were 1.29 (95% CI, 0.78-2.13) and 1.45 (95% CI, 0.86-2.45), respectively. Discussion Large-volume ultrafiltration during dialysis tended to increase VA failure in hemodialysis patients. We thus recommend smaller ultrafiltration volumes during hemodialysis to secure VA safely.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Seokwon , Jung Younglae , Bae Youngtae , Yun Sung Pil , Kim Suk , Jo Hongjae , Seo Hyung-Il 
Published: September 2016

Aims and background We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in breast cancer patients using liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to investigate factors associated with NAFLD. Methods We evaluated 104 patients surgically treated for breast cancer at our hospital between September and November 2013. None of the patients had any other causes of secondary hepatic fat accumulation (such as signiﬁcant alcohol consumption, use of steatogenic medication or inborn disorders). Hepatic fat accumulation was measured using liver MRI perfomed in all patients before surgical treatment. Results Based on the fat signal percentage from liver MRIs, 19 of 104 breast cancer patients were diagnosed with NAFLD, so the prevalence of NAFLD was 18.3%. In univariate analysis, factors associated with NAFLD were older age, high body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, elevated aspartate aminotransferase, elevated alanine aminotransferase and elevated triglycerides (TG). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with NAFLD were high body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] 1.403; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.111-1.771; p = 0.005), type 2 DM (OR 11.872; 95% CI 1.065-132.373; p = 0.044), and an elevated TG level (OR 50.267; 95% CI 4.409-573.030; p = 0.002). Conclusions The prevalence of NAFLD in breast cancer patients was not different from that of the general population. High BMI, type 2 DM and an elevated serum TG level were factors associated with NAFLD.
Estimating Long-Term Crude Probability of Death among Young Breast Cancer Patients: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Clèries Ramon , Buxó Maria , Yasui Yutaka , Marcos-Gragera Rafael , Martinez José M. , Ameijide Alberto , Galceran Jaume , Borràs Josep M. , Izquierdo Àngel 
Published: September 2016

Aims and Background Bayesian survival analysis was applied to assess the long-term survival and probability of death due to breast cancer (BC) in Girona, the Spanish region with the highest BC incidence. Methods A Bayesian autoregressive model was implemented to compare survival indicators between the periods 1985–1994 and 1995–2004. We assessed the long-term excess hazard of death, relative survival (RS), and crude probability of death due to BC (PBC) up to 20 years after BC diagnosis, reporting the 95% credible intervals (CI) of these indicators. Results Patients diagnosed from 1995 onwards showed lower 20-year excess hazards of death than those diagnosed earlier (RS during 1985–1994: local stage: 76.6%; regional stage: 44.9%; RS during 1995–2004: local stage: 85.2%; regional stage: 57.0%). The PBC after 20 years of BC diagnosis for patients diagnosed in 1995 and after might reach 14.4% (95% CI: 8.9%–21.2%) in local stage and 41.0% (95% CI: 36.1%–47.1%) in regional stage. Conclusions The method presented could be useful when dealing with population-based survival data from a small region. Better survival prospects were found in patients diagnosed after 1994, although we detected a non-decreasing long-term excess hazard of death, suggesting that these patients have higher mortality than the general population even 10 years after the diagnosis of BC.
Sporadic Desmoid Tumors of the Abdominal Wall: The Results of Surgery
Authors: Mussi Chiara E. , Colombo Piergiuseppe , Russo Chiara Lo , Kasangian Anaid , Cananzi Ferdinando , Marrari Andrea , Morenghi Emanuela , De Sanctis Rita , Quagliuolo Vittorio 
Published: September 2016

Purpose Before the wait-and-see policy became the standard approach in abdominal wall desmoid tumors, surgery was performed on a systematic basis. Surgery remains indicated for progressing tumors but its extent is debatable. The abdominal wall is a common site of origin of sporadic desmoids, usually associated with a favorable prognosis. We analyzed the results of surgery at this specific site. Methods Data from 33 patients affected by sporadic desmoid tumors of the abdominal wall (31 primary, 2 recurrent) consecutively treated at our cancer center between January 2000 and September 2013 were retrospectively studied. Results Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery upfront and 1 after progression during the initial wait-and-see period. Prosthetic reconstruction of the abdominal wall was required in 28 patients. The average hospital stay was 5 days. Three patients developed surgical complications. Local recurrence-free survival was 90% at 5 and 10 years. Three patients had an uneventful childbirth during the follow-up after surgery. Conclusions Desmoid tumors of the abdominal wall have a favorable prognosis after surgical resection, which remains a safe and effective treatment. Wild-type tumors are common, whereas the incidence of S45F mutation in the beta-catenin gene is lower than in other anatomic sites. Upfront surgery may be considered in selected women who wish to bear a child.
Bevacizumab as First-Line Treatment in HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer: Pros and Cons
Authors: Sini Valentina , Cassano Alessandra , Corsi Domenico , De Laurentiis Michele , Gamucci Teresa , Mauri Mariella , Naso Giuseppe , Roselli Mario , Maria Ruggeri Enzo , Tonini Giuseppe , Vici Patrizia , Zampa Germano , Marchetti Paolo 
Published: September 2016

Purpose Bevacizumab, a humanized, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-A monoclonal antibody, has shown efficacy in a number of cancers. However, its use in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains controversial. Methods A literature review using the PubMed database was performed to update the currently available clinical trials evidence on bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of breast cancer. In addition, the proceedings of selected oncology annual meetings were searched for relevant presentations. Results This article reviews the available evidence for bevacizumab as first-line therapy for MBC and discusses its current and future applicability in the management of MBC. Three phase III trials (ECOG-2100, AVADO, RIBBON-1) demonstrated that the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy is well-tolerated and improves progression-free survival and objective response rates in the first-line setting. These findings were supported by a large clinical practice-based study (ATHENA) and a recent clinical trial in which bevacizumab added to paclitaxel showed notable activity in triple-negative MBC. However, bevacizumab has thus far not demonstrated a significant benefit in overall survival. Conclusions The addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy is well-tolerated and produces substantial improvements in overall response rate and progression-free survival, compared with chemotherapy alone, in advanced HER2-negative breast cancer. Nevertheless, it has thus far not demonstrated a significant benefit in overall survival. Whether prolongation of progression-free survival is enough to consider bevacizumab efficacious is unclear. Based on the available clinical trials results, bevacizumab is a part of the complex therapeutic strategy of advanced HER2-negative breast cancer.