bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness and safety of ramucirumab plus paclitaxel chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced and recurrent gastric cancer
Authors: Kimura Michio , Usami Eiseki , Teramachi Hitomi , Yoshimura Tomoaki 
Published: April 2017

Introduction Weekly paclitaxel (PTX), irinotecan (CPT-11) and ramucirumab plus paclitaxel (Ram + PTX) are currently recommended as the standard second-line or later chemotherapies for advanced and recurrent gastric cancer. This study aims to compare the cost-effectiveness of using Ram + PTX vs. PTX or CPT-11. Furthermore, we investigated the safety and treatment continuity of Ram + PTX in Japan. Methods Expected costs were calculated based on data from patients with advanced and recurrent gastric cancer who were treated with PTX, CPT-11 and Ram + PTX. A literature review was performed to obtain clinical information so that the probability of the efficacy of each chemotherapy could be calculated. The cost-effectiveness ratio of each chemotherapy agent was calculated by dividing the expected cost by the median survival time (MST). Results The cost-effectiveness ratio per month was JPY 85,395.8/MST for the PTX regimen, JPY 132,735.4/MST for the CPT-11 regimen and JPY 657,175.4/MST for the Ram + PTX regimen (p < 0.001). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per month of the Ram + PTX regimen to the PTX regimen was JPY 2,780,432.4/MST. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the Ram + PTX regimen to the CPT-11 regimen was JPY 2,185,179.0/MST. With regard to the reasons for discontinuation of treatment, the Ram + PTX regimen had only one case of being discontinued owing to adverse events, and had a profile similar to that of the PTX and CPT-11 regimens. Conclusion These findings show that the Ram + PTX regimen is less cost-effective compared to both the PTX and CPT-11 regimen, but the Ram + PTX regimen is a well-tolerated regimen with sufficient efficacy.
Use of a custom-made limb-press model to assess intra- and extracapsular techniques for treating cranial cruciate ligament rupture in cats
Authors: Kneifel Wolfgang , Borak Danilo , Bockstahler Barbara , Schnabl-Feichter Eva 
Published: April 2017

Objectives This study aimed to compare the under-and-over technique, a type of intracapsular treatment, and the standard fabella–tibial suture, a method for extracapsular treatment, in achieving immediate, postoperative stifle stability after cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture by using a feline, custom-made limb-press model. Methods Cadaveric feline hindlimb specimens (n = 14) were positioned in the limb press at predefined joint angles (stifle joint: 120°; hock joint: 120°), and vertical loads of 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% body weight were applied statically. Mediolateral radiographic views were obtained of the stifles under each load before and after CrCL transection, as well as after treatment with either of the two surgical techniques, and differences in distance between two predefined radiographic points for each radiograph were analysed. Results The general linear model showed a significant effect of load ( P <0.01) and technique ( P = 0.004) and a significant interaction between load and technique ( P = 0.006) regarding craniocaudal stifle stability. Distances between predefined tibial and femoral reference points were consistently higher in transected CrCLs than in intact stifles. All standard fabella–tibial suture-treated stifles (n = 7) were stable at all loads tested. Of the seven under-and-over technique-treated stifles, one was unstable at 20% body weight load and three at 30% body weight load. Conclusions and relevance Our model, which appropriately reproduced certain aspects of domestic shorthair cat stifle mechanics, indicated that a 40 lb monofilament nylon prosthesis, tightened at 20 N, produces more favourable biomechanical stabilisation of craniocaudal cruciate-related stifle instability than a 0.5 cm wide strip of fascia lata applied intracapsularly.
The Effect of Epidural Analgesia Alone and in Association With Other Variables on the Risk of Cesarean Section
Authors: Herrera-Gómez Antonio , Luna-Bertos Elvira De , Ramos-Torrecillas Javier , Ocaña-Peinado Francisco Manuel , García-Martínez Olga , Ruiz Concepción 
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Epidural analgesia (EA) is the most widespread pharmacologic method of labor pain relief. There remains disagreement, however, regarding its adverse effects. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of EA administration on the risk of cesarean delivery and its causes (e.g., stalled labor, risk of loss of fetal well-being, among others) and the degree to which this effect may be modulated by mother-, newborn-, and labor-related variables. Method: A retrospective cohort observational study was conducted including all deliveries in a Spanish public hospital between March 2010 and March 2013 ( N = 2,450; EA = 562, non-EA = 1,888). Results: Risk of a cesarean section was significantly increased by EA administration (odds ratio [ OR] = 2.673; p < .0001). The percentage of cesarean deliveries due to the risk of loss of fetal well-being was significantly higher in the EA (47.8%) versus non-EA group (27.5%; OR = 1.739; p = 0.0012,). The EA-associated risk of cesarean section was not significantly modified as a function of maternal age or parity, fetal position, newborn weight, weeks of gestation, or sedation administration alone. However, these variables in combination may increase the risk. We present multivariate models for each group that account for these variables, allowing for estimation of the risk of a cesarean delivery if EA is administered. Conclusion: EA is associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery. Other variables in combination (maternal age or parity, fetal position, newborn weight, weeks of gestation, or sedation administration) may increase this risk.
Treatment response to dimethyl fumarate is characterized by disproportionate CD8+ T cell reduction in MS
Authors: Fleischer Vinzenz , Friedrich Michaela , Rezk Ayman , Bühler Ulrike , Witsch Esther , Uphaus Timo , Bittner Stefan , Groppa Sergiu , Tackenberg Björn , Bar-Or Amit , Zipp Frauke , Luessi Felix 
Published: April 2017

Background: The effect of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on circulating lymphocyte subsets and their contribution as predictors of clinical efficacy have not yet been investigated in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To evaluate lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets (analyzed 6 months after DMF start) in MS patients with and without disease activity after 1 year of treatment in a retrospective study. Methods: Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Untreated MS patients ( n = 40) were compared to those 6 months after onset of DMF treatment ( n = 51). Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity of DMF-treated patients were assessed in the first year under treatment. Results: Stable patients showed significantly lower lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as CD19+ B cells compared to active patients under DMF treatment. Furthermore, an increased CD4/CD8 ratio ( p < 0.025) in stable patients indicated a disproportionate reduction of CD8+ T cells relative to CD4+ T cells. Reduced lymphocytes, CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells 6 months after DMF start allowed prediction of the treatment response in the first year. Conclusion: DMF treatment response is reflected by lower circulating lymphocytes and specific lymphocyte subsets. Changes in the cellular immune profiles under DMF treatment are clinically relevant and might serve as a surrogate marker of treatment response.
Bomb blast in a tertiary care hospital, the challenges faced during management of victims in a resource limited country
Authors: Sultan Rizwan , Zafar Hasnain , Bhatti Umar , Khimani Rozina , Ahmed Khabir 
Published: April 2017

Introduction A bomb blast in a hospital results in a many fold increase in the casualties. The affected health care in the region is the next challenge faced by the administration of the city. We discuss the challenges faced after a bomb blast in the civil hospital of Quetta, Pakistan on 8 August 2016. Methods A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who were transferred by air to the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi over a period of 86 h after the blast in Quetta. Results Seventy-five patients were received in three separate waves; those received in the first wave were sicker than the following waves. Errors in triage and communication which could have been prevented were identified. Conclusion Security of hospitals needs to be improved to avoid such incidents in future. The teams involved in the management of these incidents should be trained about triage and communication and its importance. There is need for designated trauma centers to take care of these incidents.
Featured Article: Depletion of HDL3high density lipoprotein and altered functionality of HDL2in blood from sickle cell patients
Authors: Soupene Eric , Larkin Sandra K , Kuypers Frans A 
Published: April 2017

In sickle cell disease (SCD), alterations of cholesterol metabolism is in part related to abnormal levels and activity of plasma proteins such as lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I). In addition, the size distribution of ApoA-I high density lipoproteins (HDL) differs from normal blood. The ratio of the amount of HDL2particle relative to the smaller higher density pre-β HDL (HDL3) particle was shifted toward HDL2. This lipoprotein imbalance is exacerbated during acute vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE) as the relative levels of HDL3decrease. HDL3deficiency in SCD plasma was found to relate to a slower ApoA-I exchange rate, which suggests an impaired ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux in SCD. HDL2isolated from SCD plasma displayed an antioxidant capacity normally associated with HDL3, providing evidence for a change in function of HDL2in SCD as compared to HDL2in normal plasma. Although SCD plasma is depleted in HDL3, this altered capacity of HDL2could account for the lack of difference in pro-inflammatory HDL levels in SCD as compared to normal. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to HDL2isolated from SCD plasma resulted in higher mRNA levels of the acute phase protein long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as compared to incubation with HDL2from control plasma. Addition of the heme-scavenger hemopexin protein prevented increased expression of PTX3 in sickle HDL2-treated cells. These findings suggest that ApoA-I lipoprotein composition and functions are altered in SCD plasma, and that whole blood transfusion may be considered as a blood replacement therapy in SCD.Impact statementOur study adds to the growing evidence that the dysfunctional red blood cell (RBC) in sickle cell disease (SCD) affects the plasma environment, which contributes significantly in the vasculopathy that defines the disease. Remodeling of anti-inflammatory high density lipoprotein (HDL) to pro-inflammatory entities can occur during the acute phase response. SCD plasma is depleted of the pre-β particle (HDL3), which is essential for stimulation of reverse cholesterol from macrophages, and the function of the larger HDL2particle is altered. These dysfunctions are exacerbated during vaso-occlusive episodes. Interaction of lipoproteins with endothelium increases formation of inflammatory mediators, a process counteracted by the heme-scavenger hemopexin. This links hemolysis to lipoprotein-mediated inflammation in SCD, and hemopexin treatment could be considered. The use of RBC concentrates in transfusion therapy of SCD patients underestimates the importance of the dysfunctional plasma compartment, and transfusion of whole blood or plasma may be warranted.
First-in-man experience of self-expanding nitinol stents combined with drug-coated balloon in the treatment of femoropopliteal occlusive disease
Authors: Mwipatayi Bibombe Patrice , Perera Kalpa , Daneshmand Ali , Daniel Rhys , Wong Jackie , Thomas Shannon D , Burrows Sally A 
Published: April 2017

Purpose The present study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of a drug-coated balloon inflated within a thin-strut self-expanding bare-metal stent in patients with severe and complex femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Methods This prospective study used the Pulsar-self-expanding stent and Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon in patients with severe and complex femoropopliteal occlusive disease. The primary endpoint was the 12-month primary patency, and the secondary endpoints included 24-month primary patency, assisted primary patency, secondary patency, and clinically associated target lesion revascularisation. Results The study included 44 patients (51 limbs). The mean age of the patients was 67.6 ± 10.2 years, with 73% men. Chronic limb severity was classified as Rutherford Category III in 41% of the patients, stage IV in 31%, and stage V in 27%. Lesions were predominantly Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC 2007) D (51%) and C (45%), with 32 (63%) chronic total occlusions. Procedural success was obtained in all cases. The mean lesion length was 200 ± 74.55 mm (95% CI = 167.09–208.01) with a mean number of stents per limb used of 1.57 ± 0.70 (95% CI = 1.37–1.76). Distal embolisation occurred in two patients. The primary patency rates at the 12- and 24-month follow-up were 94% (95% CI = 82.9–98.1) and 88% (95% CI = 75.7–94.5), respectively. The assisted primary was 94% (95% CI = 82.9–98.1) and secondary patency was 96% (95% CI = 85.2–99.0) at 24-month follow-up. The cumulative stent fracture rate at the 24-month follow-up was 10%. Freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularisation was 94% (95% CI = 83–98%) at 12-month follow-up and 88% (95% CI = 76–94%) at 24-month follow-up, with two patients requiring a bypass graft. Conclusion Our novel approach involving the combination of a thin-strut bare-metal stent and a drug-coated balloon may be safe and effective, with sustainable and promising clinical outcomes up to 24 months after treatment.
Cost of Cancer-Related Neutropenia or Fever Hospitalizations, United States, 2012
Authors: Tai Eric , Guy Gery P. , Dunbar Angela , Richardson Lisa C. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Neutropenia and subsequent infections are life-threatening treatment-related toxicities of chemotherapy. Among patients with cancer, hospitalizations related to neutropenic complications result in substantial medical costs, morbidity, and mortality. Previous estimates for the cost of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations are based on older and limited data. This study provides nationally representative estimates of the cost of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations. Methods: We examined data from the 2012 National Inpatient Sample and Kids’ Inpatient Database. Hospitalizations for cancer-related neutropenia were defined as those with a primary or secondary diagnosis of cancer and a diagnosis of neutropenia or a fever of unknown origin. We examined characteristics of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations among children (age < 18 years) and adults (age ≥ 18 years). Adjusted predicted margins were used to estimate length of stay and cost per stay. Results: There were 91,560 and 16,859 cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations among adults and children, respectively. Total cost of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations was $2.3 billion for adults and $439 million for children. Cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations accounted for 5.2% of all cancer-related hospitalizations and 8.3% of all cancer-related hospitalization costs. For adults, the mean length of stay for cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations was 9.6 days, with a mean hospital cost of $24,770 per stay. For children, the mean length of stay for cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations was 8.5 days, with a mean hospital cost of $26,000 per stay. Conclusion: We found the costs of cancer-related neutropenia hospitalizations to be substantially high. Efforts to prevent and minimize neutropenia-related complications among patients with cancer may decrease hospitalizations and associated costs.
Electrostatic Potential Charge including Spatial Electron Density Distribution (SEDD): Application to Biosystems
Authors: Yokogawa Daisuke , Arifin  
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Atomic charges are very useful variables in chemistry and biochemistry. However, there is no equation to give “exact” atomic charges. For evaluation of atomic charges, the criteria, (i) small dependency of basis sets, (ii) reproduction of electrostatic potential (ESP) determined by self-consistent field calculation, and (iii) small grid artifacts in charge fitting, have been often employed. Although ESP charge, which is one of the choices for atomic charges, satisfies the criteria (i) and (ii), it has been difficult to remove the grid artifacts. Recently, we proposed another ESP charge by including spatial electron density distribution. In this study, we computed the atomic charges about intramolecular transesterification in phosphorylated d-ribose and oxidation reaction of deoxytetranucleotide d(CGCG)2 with our method and showed that our method can satisfy the three criteria.
A Partial-Order-Based Model to Estimate Individual Preferences Using Panel Data
Authors: Jagabathula Srikanth , Vulcano Gustavo 
Published: April 2017

In retail operations, customer choices may be affected by stockout and promotion events. Given panel data with the transaction history of customers, and product availability and promotion data, our goal is to predict future individual purchases. We use a general nonparametric framework in which we represent customers by partial orders of preferences. In each store visit, each customer samples a full preference list of the products consistent with her partial order, forms a consideration set, and then chooses to purchase the most preferred product among the considered ones. Our approach involves: (a) defining behavioral models to build consideration sets as subsets of the products on offer, (b) proposing a clustering algorithm for determining customer segments, and (c) deriving marginal distributions for partial preferences under the multinomial logit model. Numerical experiments on real-world panel data show that our approach allows more accurate, fine-grained predictions for individual purchase behavior compared to state-of-the-art alternative methods. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2683 . This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.
Can Prospect Theory Explain the Disposition Effect? A New Perspective on Reference Points
Authors: Meng Juanjuan , Weng Xi 
Published: April 2017

There has been recent debate about whether prospect theory can explain the disposition effect. Using both theory and simulation, this paper shows that prospect theory often predicts the disposition effect when lagged expected final wealth is the reference point under the principle of preferred personal equilibrium, regardless of whether the reference point is updated or not. When initial wealth is the reference point, however, there is often no disposition effect. Models that use a reference point with no lag under the principle of preferred personal equilibrium or that determine the reference point using the principle of disappointment aversion cannot explain why the investor bought a stock in the first place. Reference point adjustment weakens the disposition effect, leads to more aggressive initial stock purchase strategies, and predicts history dependence in stock holding. This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Autonomia i rozliczalność uczelni w zakresie nieruchomości – przypadek Polski
Authors: Rymarzak Małgorzata 
Published: April 2017

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań nad autonomią i rozliczalnością polskich uczelni publicznych w zakresie nieruchomości. Starano się w nim odpowiedzieć na pytanie: Czy w ostatnich latach uczelnie podlegały społecznej i administracyjnej kontroli poziomu wykorzystania posiadanych kampusów, a podejmowane przez nie decyzje o znacznej ich rozbudowie były ekonomicznie uzasadnione? Pytanie to ma szczególne znaczenie w dobie pogłębiającego się niżu demograficznego i zmniejszania stopnia finansowania szkolnictwa wyższego ze środków publicznych oraz rosnących kosztów utrzymania budynków. Analiza danych empirycznych pokazuje, że w okresie rozdzielania znacznych krajowych i europejskich środków publicznych na rozbudowę czy modernizację infrastruktury akademickiej uczelnie w Polsce nie były zobligowane do wykazywania, jak gospodarują powierzonym im majątkiem. W konsekwencji mogło przyczynić się to do istotnego (nie zawsze jednak uzasadnionego) wzrostu powierzchni uczelnianych zasobów, który może w kolejnych latach skutkować problemami finansowymi poszczególnych jednostek, a także determinować przyszłość całego systemu szkolnictwa wyższego.
Community Poverty and Child Abuse Fatalities in the United States
Authors: Farrell Caitlin A. , Fleegler Eric W. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Wilson Celeste R. , Christian Cindy W. , Lee Lois K. 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Child maltreatment remains a problem in the United States, and individual poverty is a recognized risk factor for abuse. Children in impoverished communities are at risk for negative health outcomes, but the relationship of community poverty to child abuse fatalities is not known. Our objective was to evaluate the association between county poverty concentration and rates of fatal child abuse.

METHODS:
This was a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of child abuse fatalities in US children 0 to 4 years of age from 1999 to 2014 by using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Compressed Mortality Files. Population and poverty statistics were obtained from US Census data. National child abuse fatality rates were calculated for each category of community poverty concentration. Multivariate negative binomial regression modeling assessed the relationship between county poverty concentration and child abuse fatalities.

RESULTS:
From 1999 to 2014, 11 149 children 0 to 4 years old died of child abuse; 45% (5053) were &lt;1 year old, 56% (6283) were boys, and 58% (6480) were white. The overall rate of fatal child abuse was 3.5 per 100 000 children 0 to 4 years old. In the multivariate model, counties with the highest poverty concentration had &gt;3 times the rate of child abuse fatalities compared with counties with the lowest poverty concentration (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 2.4–3.79).

CONCLUSIONS:
Higher county poverty concentration is associated with increased rates of child abuse fatalities. This finding should inform public health officials in targeting high-risk areas for interventions and resources.