bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does awareness of diagnosis influence health related quality of life in north Indian patients with lung cancer ?
Authors: Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Singh Navneet , Gupta Dheeraj , Behera Digambar 
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:
Several patients with cancer in India are not aware of their diagnosis. We evaluated the impact of awareness of cancer diagnosis on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer.

Methods:
A total of 391 treatment-naïve patients with lung cancer, seen at the Lung Cancer Clinic of a tertiary care hospital in north India, were categorized into those aware of their diagnosis (group A) and those not aware (group B). All patients answered Hindi versions of abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and its lung cancer module, EORTC QLQ-LC13. Various domain scores were computed and compared between the two groups. Analysis of covariance was used to determine significance of differences after adjustment for potential confounding factors.

Results:
Only 117 (29.9%) patients were aware of their diagnosis. Of all, 302 (77.2%) patients had non-small cell lung cancer, and 301 (77.0%) had advanced disease. All HRQL domain scores were similar between the two groups, except that group B patients had significantly poorer median (interquartile range) Physical [39.3 (28.6-50.0) vs 46.4 (28.6-57.1)] and Environment [46.9 (40.6-56.3) vs 53.1 (0.6-65.6)] domain scores of WHOQOL-Bref, and Physical function [60.0 (40.0-73.3) vs 66.7 (46.7-80.0)] and Fatigue [66.7 (55.6-77.8) vs 66.7 (44.4-66.7)] scores of QLQ-C30. After adjusting for gender, age, education, family income, and tumour extent, these differences were not significant.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Disclosure of cancer diagnosis, or lack of it, had no significant impact on HRQL in patients with lung cancer after adjustment of potential confounders.
Diagnostic utility of Wilms’ tumour-1 protein (WT-1) immunostaining in paediatric renal tumours
Authors: Goyal Surbhi , Mishra Kiran , Sarkar Urvee , Sharma Satendra , Kumari Anita 
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:
Renal tumours constitute about 7 per cent of all neoplasms in children. It is important to differentiate Wilms’ tumour (commonest tumour) from non-Wilms’ tumours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression and diagnostic role of Wilms’ tumour-1 protein (WT1) in paediatric renal tumours.

Methods:
A total of 53 cases of renal tumours in children (below 18 yr) who underwent total nephrectomy were included in this retrospective study. WT1 immunostaining was done using mouse monoclonal WT1 antibody (clone: 6F-H2).

Results:
Of the 53 cases, 38 (72%) were of Wilms’ tumour. Non-Wilms’ group (15) included six cases of mesoblastic nephroma (MN), two each of clear cell sarcoma (CCSK), renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and peripheral neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) and one each of angiomyolipoma (AML), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and malignant rhabdoid tumour (MRT). Proportion of WT1 positivity in Wilms’ tumour was 100 per cent in contrast to 26.7 per cent in non-Wilms’ tumours (P<0.001). Epithelial and blastemal components of Wilms’ tumour showed moderate (2+) nuclear and cytoplasmic staining in 80 (24/30) and 75 per cent (24/32) cases, respectively. MN, PNET, CCSK and AML were negative for WT1. RMS, RCC and MRT showed cytoplasmic staining, strongest in RMS. No significant association was seen between WT1 expression and NWTSG (National Wilms’ Tumor Study Group) stage.

Interpretation & conclusions:
WT1 helps to differentiate Wilms’ tumour from other paediatric renal tumours. It may help in differentiating the two subgroups of Wilms’ tumour which have distinct molecular pathogenesis and biological behaviour, however, further prospective studies are required for validation of this hypothesis.
Microsatellite instability & survival in patients with stage II/III colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Srdjan Markovic , Jadranka Antic , Ivan Dimitrijevic , Branimir Zogovic , Daniela Bojic , Petar Svorcan , Velimir Markovic , Zoran Krivokapic 
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:
The two key aspects associated with the microsatellite instability (MSI) as genetic phenomenon in colorectal cancer (CRC) are better survival prognosis, and the varying response to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy. This study was undertaken to measure the survival of surgically treated patients with stages II and III CRC based on the MSI status, the postoperative 5-FU treatment as well as clinical and histological data.

Methods:
A total of 125 consecutive patients with stages II and III (American Joint Committee on Cancer, AJCC staging) primary CRCs, were followed prospectively for a median time of 31 months (January 2006 to December 2009). All patients were assessed, operated and clinically followed. Tumour samples were obtained for cytopathological verification and MSI grading.

Results:
Of the 125 patients, 21 (20%) had high MSI (MSI-H), and 101 patients (80%) had MSI-L or MSS (low frequency MSI or stable MSI). Patients with MSS CRC were more likely to have recurrent disease (P=0.03; OR=3.2; CI 95% 1-10.2) compared to those with MSI-H CRC. Multi- and univariate Cox regression analysis failed to show a difference between MSI-H and MSS groups with respect to disease-free, disease-specific and overall survival. However, the disease-free survival was significantly lower in patients with MSI-H CRC treated by adjuvant 5-FU therapy (P=0.03).

Interpretation & conclusions:
MSI-H CRCs had a lower recurrence rate, but the prognosis was worse following adjuvant 5-FU therapy.
Carbon ions of different linear energy transfer (LET) values induce apoptosis & G2 cell cycle arrest in radio-resistant melanoma cells
Authors: Jelena Žakula , Lela Korićanac , Otilija Keta , Danijela Todorović , Cirrone Giuseppe A.P. , Francesco Romano , Giacomo Cuttone , Ivan Petrović , Aleksandra Ristić-Fira 
Published: October 2016

Background & objectives:
The main goal when treating malignancies with radiation is to deprive tumour cells of their reproductive potential. One approach is to induce tumour cell apoptosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of carbon ions (12C) to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human HTB140 melanoma cells.

Methods:
In this in vitro study, human melanoma HTB140 cells were irradiated with the 62 MeV/n carbon (12C) ion beam, having two different linear energy transfer (LET) values: 197 and 382 keV/μm. The dose range was 2 to 16 Gy. Cell viability was estimated by the sulforhodamine B assay seven days after irradiation. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated 48 h after irradiation using flow cytometry. At the same time point, protein and gene expression of apoptotic regulators were estimated using the Western blot and q-PCR methods, respectively.

Results:
Cell viability experiments indicated strong anti-tumour effects of 12C ions. The analysis of cell cycle showed that 12C ions blocked HTB140 cells in G2 phase and induced the dose dependent increase of apoptosis. The maximum value of 21.8 per cent was attained after irradiation with LET of 197 keV/μm at the dose level of 16 Gy. Pro-apoptotic effects of 12C ions were confirmed by changes of key apoptotic molecules: the p53, Bax, Bcl-2, poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). At the level of protein expression, the results indicated significant increases of p53, NFκB and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PARP cleavage. The Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio was also increased, while no change was detected in the level of NFκB mRNA.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The present results indicated that anti-tumour effects of 12C ions in human melanoma HTB140 cells were accomplished through induction of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as well as G2 arrest.
Computer Modeling to Evaluate the Impact of Technology Changes on Resident Procedural Volume
Authors: Grenda Tyler R. , Ballard Tiffany N. S. , Obi Andrea T. , Pozehl William , Seagull F. Jacob , Chen Ryan , Cohn Amy M. , Daskin Mark S. , Reddy Rishindra M. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Background
As resident “index” procedures change in volume due to advances in technology or reliance on simulation, it may be difficult to ensure trainees meet case requirements. Training programs are in need of metrics to determine how many residents their institutional volume can support.

Objective
As a case study of how such metrics can be applied, we evaluated a case distribution simulation model to examine program-level mediastinoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) volumes needed to train thoracic surgery residents.

Methods
A computer model was created to simulate case distribution based on annual case volume, number of trainees, and rotation length. Single institutional case volume data (2011–2013) were applied, and 10 000 simulation years were run to predict the likelihood (95% confidence interval) of all residents (4 trainees) achieving board requirements for operative volume during a 2-year program.

Results
The mean annual mediastinoscopy volume was 43. In a simulation of pre-2012 board requirements (thoracic pathway, 25; cardiac pathway, 10), there was a 6% probability of all 4 residents meeting requirements. Under post-2012 requirements (thoracic, 15; cardiac, 10), however, the likelihood increased to 88%. When EBUS volume (mean 19 cases per year) was concurrently evaluated in the post-2012 era (thoracic, 10; cardiac, 0), the likelihood of all 4 residents meeting case requirements was only 23%.

Conclusions
This model provides a metric to predict the probability of residents meeting case requirements in an era of changing volume by accounting for unpredictable and inequitable case distribution. It could be applied across operations, procedures, or disease diagnoses and may be particularly useful in developing resident curricula and schedules.
Impact of a Preinterview Dinner on Candidate Perception of a Fellowship Training Program
Authors: Skalski Joseph H. , Dulohery Megan M. , Kelm Diana J. , Ramar Kannan 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Background
The interview visit is an important component of residency and fellowship recruitment that requires a substantial expenditure of time and resources for both training programs and candidates.

Objective
Survey aimed to study the impact of a preinterview dinner on fellowship program candidates.

Methods
A single center preintervention and postintervention comparison study was conducted using an electronic survey distributed to all Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship candidates over 3 years (2013–2015). The interview visit in 2013 did not include a preinterview dinner (no-dinner group), while the candidates interviewing in 2014 and 2015 were invited to a preinterview dinner with current fellows on the evening before the interview day (dinner group).

Results
The survey was distributed to all candidates (N = 70) who interviewed between 2013 and 2015 with a 59% (n = 41) completion rate. Ninety percent of respondents (37 of 41) reported that a preinterview dinner is valuable, primarily to gain more information about the program and to meet current fellows. Among candidates who attended the dinner, 88% (23 of 26) reported the dinner improved their impression of the program. The dinner group was more likely to have a positive view of current fellows in the program as desirable peers compared to candidates in the no-dinner group.

Conclusions
This pilot study suggests that a preinterview dinner may offer benefits for candidates and training programs and may enhance candidates' perceptions of the fellowship program relative to other programs they are considering.
Decision Making in Times of Knightian Uncertainty: An Info-Gap Perspective
Authors: Ben-Haim Yakov , Demertzis Maria 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The distinction of risk vs uncertainty as made by Knight has important implications for policy selection. Assuming the former when the latter is relevant can lead to wrong decisions. With the aid of a stylized model that describes a bank’s decision on how to allocate loans, the authors discuss policy insights for decision making under Knightian uncertainty. They use the infogap robust satisficing approach to derive a trade-off between confidence and performance (analogous to confidence intervals in the Bayesian approach but without assignment of probabilities). The authors show that this trade off can be interpreted as a cost of robustness. They show that the robustness analysis can lead to a reversal of policy preference from the putative optimum. The authors then compare this approach to the min-max method which is the other main non-probabilistic approach available in the literature. They also consider conceptual proxies for robustness and demonstrate their use in qualitative analysis of financial architecture and monetary policy.
Knowledge needs, available practices, and future challenges in agricultural soils
Authors: Key Georgina , Whitfield Mike G. , Cooper Julia , De Vries Franciska T. , Collison Martin , Dedousis Thanasis , Heathcote Richard , Roth Brendan , Mohammed Shamal , Molyneux Andrew , Van der Putten Wim H. , Dicks Lynn V. , Sutherland William J. , Bardgett Richard D. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The goal of this study is to clarify research needs and identify effective practices for enhancing soil health. This was done by a synopsis of soil literature that specifically tests practices designed to maintain or enhance elements of soil health. Using an expert panel of soil scientists and practitioners, we then assessed the evidence in the soil synopsis to highlight practices beneficial to soil health, practices considered detrimental, and practices that need further investigation. A partial Spearman's correlation was used to analyse the panel's responses. We found that increased certainty in scientific evidence led to practices being considered to be more effective due to them being empirically justified. This suggests that for practices to be considered effective and put into practice, a substantial body of research is needed to support the effectiveness of the practice. This is further supported by the high proportion of practices (33 %), such as changing the timing of ploughing or amending the soil with crops grown as green manures, that experts felt had unknown effectiveness, usually due to insufficiently robust evidence. Only 7 of the 27 reviewed practices were considered to be beneficial, or likely to be beneficial in enhancing soil health. These included the use of (1) integrated nutrient management (organic and inorganic amendments); (2) cover crops; (3) crop rotations; (4) intercropping between crop rows or underneath the main crop; (5) formulated chemical compounds (such as nitrification inhibitors); (6) control of traffic and traffic timing; and (7) reducing grazing intensity. Our assessment, which uses the Delphi technique, is increasingly used to improve decision-making in conservation and agricultural policy, identified practices that can be put into practice to benefit soil health. Moreover, it has enabled us to identify practices that need further research and a need for increased communication between researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners, in order to find effective means of enhancing soil health.
SHAPE MEMORY BEHAVIOR OF CARBON NANOTUBE FILLED SEGMENTED POLYURETHANE COMPOSITES UNDER VARIABLE STRESSES
Authors: Gupta Y. N. , Bhave T. , Chandra M. , Sharma R. B. , Setua D. K. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Composites of the segmented polyurethane (SPU) elastomer with different loadings of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared. Atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to study the surface topography and structural aspects of the samples. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed in order to estimate the thermal stability of the composite samples. Two sets of cyclic thermomechanical experiments, both at sub-ambient conditions, were conducted for the evaluation of shape memory performance of the samples using modulated thermomechanical analysis. The first set of experiments was designed to estimate the shape memory performance under stress free or unconstraint conditions, while the second set was planned for the constraint conditions by application of variable stresses. The experimental parameters were so chosen that differences in shape memory response of matrix and composites were clearly distinguished and demonstrated. It was found that MWCNTs strongly affect the shape memory performance of the SPU and reduce the recovery speed under unconstraint conditions. While under constraint conditions, the extent of recovery and recovery speed of composites was found to depend on the applied load and nanotube concentration in the composites.
Suminė ir labilioji anglis dirvožemyje tręšiant šunažolę mineralinėmis trąšomis ir biodujų gamybos šalutiniu produktu
Authors: Staugaitis Žygimantas , Šlepetienė Alvyra , Tilvikienė Vita , Kadžiulienė Žydrė 
Published: October 2016

Tyrimų tikslas – palyginti mineralinių ir organinių (biodujų gamybos atliekos – BIODga) trąšų, naudotų skirtingomis normomis, poveikį dirvožemio suminės ir labiliosios anglies kiekio pokyčiams. Tyrimų objektas – dirvožemis, giliau glėjiškas karbonatingasis išplautžemis (Endohypogleyi-Calc(ar)ic Luvisols), kuriame auginta ‘Amba’ veislės paprastoji šunažolė (Dactylis glomerata L.). Laboratoriniai tyrimai atlikti 2013–2015 m. LAMMC Žemdirbystės instituto Cheminių tyrimų laboratorijoje. Eksperimento metu nustatyta, kad tręšiant mineralinėmis trąšomis dirvožemio organinės anglies kiekis buvo mažesnis, palyginti su netręštu. Suminės dirvožemio organinės anglies (Corg.) kaupimasis priklausė nuo BIODga normos, o didžiausias dirvožemio organinės anglies kiekis buvo tręšiant maksimalia azoto (N450) norma. Tyrimai parodė tręšimo įtaką labiliosios vandenyje tirpios anglies (C) kiekiui dirvožemyje (0–30 cm sluoksnis). Tręšimas azoto trąšomis tiek mineralinėmis, tiek biodujų gamybos atliekomis lėmė santykinai didesnį labiliosios C kaupimąsi viršutiniame (0–10 cm) dirvožemio sluoksnyje negu suminės organinės anglies (Corg.). Intensyviausi dirvožemio C transformacijos procesai vyko viršutiniame dirvožemio sluoksnyje, keičiantis labiliosios C santykinei daliai.
Maistui netinkamų riebalinių žaliavų panaudojimas biodyzelino gamyboje
Authors: Sendžikienė Eglė , Gumbytė Milda 
Published: October 2016

Biodegalų gamyba iš maistinių sėklų turi neigiamus ekonominius, socialinius ir aplinkosauginius efektus, todėl būtina ieškoti alternatyvių žaliavų, tinkančių biodyzelino gamybai. Riebalinėms atliekoms, kurios tinka biodyzelino gamybai, galima priskirti gyvūninės kilmės riebalus, susidarančius perdirbant mėsą ir pieną, kailių ir odų apdorojimo riebalines atliekas. Biodegalų gamybai tikslinga naudoti ir aliejinguosius augalus, kurių aliejus neatitinka maistiniam aliejui keliamų reikalavimų. Šio darbo tikslas – ištirti gyvūninės kilmės riebalų ir judrų (Camelina sativa) sėklų aliejaus mišinių panaudojimo biodyzelino gamyboje galimybes taikant biotechnologinius metodus peresterinimui naudojant butanolį. Gaminant judrų aliejaus ir gyvūninės kilmės riebalų rūgščių butilesterius (JRBE) santykiu 1:3, efektyvus biokatalizatorius – Lipozyme TL IM. Dviejų stadijų proceso optimalios sąlygos: pirma stadija – 9 % lipazės (aliejaus masės), aliejaus ir butanolio molinis santykis – 1:6, temperatūra – 40 °C, trukmė – 6 val.; antra stadija – 5 % lipazės, aliejaus ir butanolio molinis santykis – 1:8, temperatūra – 40 °C, sintezės trukmė – 6 val. JRBE atitinka mūsų šalyje naudojamiems degalams keliamus reikalavimus, į butilesterius įterpus antioksidanto Ionol BF200 (1 000 ppm) ir depresanto Chimec 6635 (2 000 ppm) priedus.
Using maximum entropy to predict suitable habitat for the endangered dwarf wedgemussel in the Maryland Coastal Plain
Authors: Campbell Cara A. , Hilderbrand Robert H. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Species distribution modelling can be useful for the conservation of rare and endangered species. Freshwater mussel declines have thinned species ranges producing spatially fragmented distributions across large areas. Spatial fragmentation in combination with a complex life history and heterogeneous environment makes predictive modelling difficult.
A machine learning approach (maximum entropy) was used to model occurrences and suitable habitat for the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon, in Maryland's Coastal Plain catchments. Landscape‐scale predictors (e.g. land cover, land use, soil characteristics, geology, flow characteristics, and climate) were used to predict the suitability of individual stream segments for A. heterodon.
The best model contained variables at three scales: minimum elevation (segment scale), percentage Tertiary deposits, low intensity development, and woody wetlands (sub‐catchment), and percentage low intensity development, pasture/hay agriculture, and average depth to the water table (catchment). Despite a very small sample size owing to the rarity of A. heterodon, cross‐validated prediction accuracy was 91%.
Most predicted suitable segments occur in catchments not known to contain A. heterodon, which provides opportunities for new discoveries or population restoration. These model predictions can guide surveys toward the streams with the best chance of containing the species or, alternatively, away from those streams with little chance of containing A. heterodon.
Developed reaches had low predicted suitability for A. heterodon in the Coastal Plain. Urban and exurban sprawl continues to modify stream ecosystems in the region, underscoring the need to preserve existing populations and to discover and protect new populations.
Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and evaluation of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐MS/MS method to quantify 19 nucleobases and nucleosides in rat plasma
Authors: Du Yan , Li Yin‐jie , Hu Xun‐xiu , Deng Xu , Qian Zeng‐ting , Li Zheng , Guo Meng‐zhe , Tang Dao‐quan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAs essential endogenous compounds, nucleobases and nucleosides fulfill various functions in living organisms. This study presents the development and validation of a new hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of 19 nucleobases and nucleosides in rat plasma. For the sample preparation, 15 kinds of protein precipitants were evaluated according to the chromatographic profile and ion response of analytes. The optimization of chromatographic separation was respectively performed using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mode; each separation mode included two test columns with different stationary phases. The chromatographic profile and parameters such as half‐width (W1/2), capacity factor (K′) and tailing factor (ft) were used to evaluate the separation efficiencies. Furthermore, the adopted composition of two mobile phase systems and the concentrations of the additives in the optimum buffer system were also investigated. The developed method was fully validated and successfully applied quantitatively to determine 19 nucleobases and nucleosides in plasma from normal and diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. Significant differences between normal and DN rats were found in plasma levels of cytosine, xanthine, thymidine, adenosine, guanosine, inosine and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine. This information may provide a useful reference for the discovery of potential biomarkers of DN.