bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where are we with improving outcome guidance? An update on pelvic urological services in the NHS
Authors: Jallad Samer , Hounsome Luke , Verne Julia , Mayer Erik 
Published: February 2017

Background: The volume–outcome relationship in surgery has been a focus of interest for over a decade. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published their improving outcome guidance in 2002, which encouraged a regionalised multidisciplinary approach in managing urological cancer cases and recommended centralisation of urological pelvic surgery. The current study offers an updated view on the urological pelvic services in England with regard to radical cystectomy (RC) and radical prostatectomy (RP) and adherence to improving outcome guidance guidelines and patterns of services provision since its introduction in 2002. Methods: The data for inpatient elective RC and RP were taken from hospital episodes statistics for 2003–2013. The RC and RP cases were calculated separately per year for every trust to calculate the annual rates and then combined for every trust. The catchment areas for RC and RP were calculated using the proportionate-flow method. Results: The number of trusts performing RC and RP reduced significantly over the 10 years, while in the same period, the numbers of RC and RP performed increased significantly ( P<0.05). There has been a steady increase in the cases referred to another trust for their RC or RP surgery ( P<0.05). Overall, there has been a significant increase in the number of trusts achieving the improving outcome guidance recommended minimal case volume of 50 or more (RC + RP combined) over the 10-year analysis ( P=0.0006). Conclusion: There has been a shift in urological pelvic surgery provision in England since the publication of improving outcome guidance by NICE in 2002, with over 95% of cases being performed in improving outcome guidance compliant centres achieving 50 cases or more per year. Simultaneously, a significant reduction in postoperative mortality and the hospital length of stay has been seen over this period.
The Epidemiology of urological cancer 2001–2013
Authors: Kockelbergh Roger , Hounsome Luke , Mayer Erik 
Published: February 2017

Background: The purpose of the NCRAS Urological Cancer Site-Specific Clinical Reference Group (SSCRG) is to link the knowledge of clinicians with the large amount of routine data collected by cancer registration. This study considers the latest available data and trends in incidence, mortality and survival and offers interpretation of findings in a clinical context. Methods: New diagnoses of urological cancer in England for 2001 to 2013 were extracted from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS). Deaths were counted from Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for the same years. Directly age-standardised rates (ASRs) and net survival were calculated. Results: Prostate cancer incidence has increased to 40,000 cases per year. Mortality rates are falling and hence the improvement seen in five-year survival is likely to be due to changes in treatment rather than artefact. Bladder cancer (including CIS and pTa disease) shows a stable incidence and decreasing mortality rates. Survival from T1–T4 bladder cancer is stable. There has been a marked rise in kidney cancer incidence in both sexes with a stable mortality. The stable mortality suggests that improved five-year survival may be an artefact due to increased detection as a result of more widespread use of diagnostic imaging. Incidence of upper-urinary-tract cancer has risen both for invasive and non-invasive disease, and mortality in men has risen for invasive disease. This may be down to better recognition and attribution of disease. Testicular cancer has shown little change. Deaths are now rare, and survival is the highest for any cancer. There have been no significant changes in penis cancer, which remains the rarest urological cancer. Conclusion: The epidemiological data suggest a generally improving picture for urological cancer. However, there are some areas which require further consideration. Population-based studies can show variation in rare cancers and highlight previously unrecognised inequalities.
Trends in incidence, mortality and treatment of penile cancer before and after centralisation of penile cancer services in England (1990–2009)
Authors: Ayres BE , Iles M , Hounsome L , McPhail S , Persad R , Verne J , Watkin NA ,   on behalf of the National Cancer Intelligence Network
Published: February 2017

Objective: Penile cancer services were centralised in England in 2002. Has this had an impact on treatments for penile cancer and survival? Patients and methods: All cases of penile cancer from 1990 to 2009 were identified from national cancer registry data. Mortality data were obtained from the Office for National Statistics and survival data were extracted from a national population-based database, the Cancer Information System. Socioeconomic deprivation was calculated using a national income deprivation score and surgical treatments were obtained from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data. Results: The number of penile cancer cases recorded rose from 300 to 400 per year during the early period of centralisation. There was a significant rise in the age-standardised incidence of penile cancer from 1.2 per 100,000 to 1.4 per 100,000 during this period. Mortality remained stable at 0.3 per 100,000. One-year and five-year relative survival remained stable after centralisation at 88% and 72% respectively. The incidence and mortality of penile cancer was significantly higher in the most deprived quintile of the population. Following centralisation, the number of total penile amputations was low at 11% but only 39% of men were recorded as having lymph node surgery, although this may reflect poor compliance with coding rather than true practice. Conclusions: The incidence of penile cancer in England is rising, but mortality and survival remains stable. Incidence and mortality is higher in more deprived areas, and greater public awareness of this disease and its risk factors are needed. By 2009, rates of penile amputation were low but potentially the proportion of lymph-node surgery remained low. This may change with the uptake of inguinal sentinel lymph-node sampling.
Comparison of HTO with articular cartilage surgery and UKA in unicompartmental OA
Authors: Jeon Yoon Sang , Ahn Chi Hoon , Kim Myung-Ku 
Published: February 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to assess the clinical outcome of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with articular cartilage surgery compared with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in unicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: We designed retrospective study and evaluated 47 patients with unicompartmental OA (Kellgren–Laurence [K–L] grade ≥III OA). Two groups of patients underwent either HTO with articular cartilage surgery or UKA by the senior author between January 2010 and April 2013. The minimum follow-up period is 2 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and visual analog scale (VAS) score. And we evaluated the radiologic result of HTO and UKA by measuring mechanical axis at preoperative period and at last follow-up. Results: The IKDC score was significantly better in the UKA group than in the HTO group at 6 months but there was no significant difference in the two groups at 2 years. The VAS score was improved at the final follow-up compared to before surgery in both groups and did not show significant intergroup difference ( p = 0.123). There was no significant difference in the preoperative mechanical axis in the two groups. But their mechanical axis at the final follow-up were significantly different ( p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The clinical outcome was significantly better in the UKA group at 6 months. But in the two groups, there were no significant differences at 12 months and 2-year follow-up, and the mechanical axis correction effect is greater than the UKA group. Based on our research, HTO with articular cartilage surgery can be considered as the treatment of choice for more active and younger patients with unicompartmental OA.
Platelets and von Willebrand factor in atherogenesis
Authors: Wu Melinda D. , Atkinson Tamara M. , Lindner Jonathan R. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The role of platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation in acute atherothrombotic events such as myocardial infarction and stroke is well established. There is increasing evidence that platelet-endothelial interactions also contribute to early atherosclerotic plaque initiation and growth. Through these interactions, platelet-derived factors can contribute to the proinflammatory and mitogenic status of resident mural cells. Among the many putative mechanisms for platelet-endothelial interactions, increased endothelial-associated von Willebrand factor, particularly in a multimerized form, which interacts with platelet glycoproteins and integrins, is a major factor and represents a therapeutic target in early atherogenesis.
Mouse models of MLL leukemia: recapitulating the human disease
Authors: Milne Thomas A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Chromosome translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene fuse it in frame with multiple partner genes creating novel fusion proteins (MLL-FPs) that cause aggressive acute leukemias in humans. Animal models of human disease are important for the exploration of underlying disease mechanisms as well as for testing novel therapeutic approaches. Patients carrying MLL-FPs have very few cooperating mutations, making MLL-FP driven leukemias ideal for animal modeling. The fact that the MLL-FP is the main driver mutation has allowed for a wide range of different experimental model systems designed to explore different aspects of MLL-FP leukemogenesis. In addition, MLL-FP driven acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in mice is often used as a general model for AML. This review provides an overview of different MLL-FP mouse model systems and discusses how well they have recapitulated aspects of the human disease as well as highlights the biological insights each model has provided into MLL-FP leukemogenesis. Many promising new drugs fail in the early stages of clinical trials. Lessons learned from past and present MLL-FP models may serve as a paradigm for designing more flexible and dynamic preclinical models for these as well as other acute leukemias.
Poor quality of life and functioning in bipolar disorder
Authors: Sylvia Louisa G. , Montana Rebecca E. , Deckersbach Thilo , Thase Michael E. , Tohen Maurcio , Reilly-Harrington Noreen , McInnis Melvin G. , Kocsis James H. , Bowden Charles , Calabrese Joseph , Gao Keming , Ketter Terence , Shelton Richard C. , McElroy Susan L. , Friedman Edward S. , Rabideau Dustin J. , Nierenberg Andrew A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Background
This study explores the association of demographic and clinical features with quality of life and functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder.

Methods
Adult participants (N = 482) with bipolar I or II disorder were enrolled in a comparative effectiveness study across eleven study sites and completed baseline measures of medical and psychiatric history, current mood, quality of life, and functioning. Participants with at least mildly depressive or manic/hypomanic symptomatic severity were randomized to receive lithium or quetiapine in addition to adjunctive personalized treatment for 6 months.

Results
Participants with more severe depressive and irritability symptoms had lower quality of life and higher functional impairment. All psychiatric comorbid conditions except substance use disorder were associated with worse quality of life. On average, females had lower quality of life than males. Patients who were married, living as married, divorced, or separated had worse functional impairment compared with patients who were single or never married. A composite score of social disadvantage was associated with worse functioning and marginally associated with worse quality of life. Symptom severity did not moderate the effect of social disadvantage on quality of life or functioning.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight that depression, irritability, and psychiatric comorbid conditions negatively impact quality of life and functioning in bipolar disorder. The study suggests that individuals with social disadvantage are at risk for functional impairment.
Trial Registration This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Identification number: NCT01331304
Examination on Brain Training Method: Effects of n-back task and dual-task
Authors: Sawami Kazue , Katahata Yukari , Suishu Chizuko , Kamiyoshikawa Tomiko , Fujita Emi , Uraoka Mika , Nishikawa Hiroko 
Published: February 2017

Background: Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is the most common dementia, accounting for more than 60% of all dementia cases. For adults aged >65 years, the incidence rate doubles for every 5 years of increased age; therefore, preserving cognitive function is a pressing issue. Thus, our team screens for AD in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, at 11 public halls in Kashihara City, Japan, and offers follow-up to those with cognitive difficulties. The purpose of this research was to measure the effects of two interventions, a dual-task (requiring the participant to perform two tasks at the same time) and an n-back task (test of memory retention, requiring the participant to identify the item occupying the nth-back position in a sequence of items). A comparison group performed a single learning task in place of the dual-task. Moreover, the majority of non-drug therapies for the maintenance of cognitive function help promote a positive mood, activating reward systems in the brain and motivating the individual to continue the task. Therefore, the correlation between cognitive function, and positive and negative mood was investigated. Methods: Dual and n- back task (n = 304) and single-task (n = 78) groups were compared in a 6-month intervention. Salivary α-amylase concentration was measured, which reflects positive and negative mood, and correlations with cognitive function were analyzed. Results: Cognitive function improved in both the dual-task and the single-task groups, and many cognitive domains had improved in the dual-task group. A correlation between salivary α-amylase and cognitive function was found, indicating that a greater positive mood was associated with greater cognitive function. Conclusion: The results of this research show that functional decline can be improved by a cognitive intervention. Positive mood and cognitive function were correlated, suggesting that encouraging comfort in the participant can increase the effectiveness of the intervention.
A phylogenetic circumscription of Silene sect. Siphonomorpha (Caryophyllaceae) in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Naciri Yamama , Du Pasquier Pierre-Emmanuel , Lundberg Magnus , Jeanmonod Daniel , Oxelman Bengt 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSilene sect. Siphonomorpha (Caryophyllaceae) has historically either been split into three different and homogeneous entities (sect. Italicae, sect. Paradoxae, sect. Siphonomorpha s.str.) or considered as a single group (sect. Siphonomorpha s.l.). In this study, we investigate the delimitation of sect. Siphonomorpha s.l. and the three subgroups, in order to sort out previous taxonomic concepts. We first performed an analysis of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences with wide taxonomic sampling to place sect. Siphonomorpha within the genus. Then, using nuclear and chloroplast sequences in a multi‐species coalescent context, we constructed two species trees with independent specimen sampling. One was based on ITS, the nuclear RPA2 gene, and the plastid rps16 gene, the other used ITS and the plastid trnH‐psbA and trnS‐trnG regions. The results are congruent among the three analyses and show that sect. Siphonomorpha s.l. is not supported as being monophyletic and that an extended concept of this section would include species also belonging to sections Saxifragoideae, Coronatae, Tataricae, Chloranthae, Barbeyanae, Nanosilene, Otites, Koreanae, Brachypodae, Graminiformes, Dianthoidea, Longitubulosae and Holopetalae. However, the three entities “Italicae”, “Paradoxae” and “Siphonomorpha s.str.” are monophyletic with minor alterations and deserve taxonomic recognition as sections. Several ambiguous species are now resolved, among them the position of S. gigantea which is shown to be a highly supported clade, sister of sect. Italicae, that could therefore be named sect. Giganteae.
Mitochondrial efficiency and exercise economy following heat stress: a potential role of uncoupling protein 3
Authors: Salgado Roy M. , Sheard Ailish C. , Vaughan Roger A. , Parker Daryl L. , Schneider Suzanne M. , Kenefick Robert W. , McCormick James J. , Gannon Nicholas P. , Van Dusseldorp Trisha A. , Kravitz Len R. , Mermier Christine M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHeat stress has been reported to reduce uncoupling proteins (UCP) expression, which in turn should improve mitochondrial efficiency. Such an improvement in efficiency may translate to the systemic level as greater exercise economy. However, neither the heat‐induced improvement in mitochondrial efficiency (due to decrease in UCP), nor its potential to improve economy has been studied. Determine: (i) if heat stress in vitro lowers UCP3 thereby improving mitochondrial efficiency in C2C12 myocytes; (ii) whether heat acclimation (HA) in vivo improves exercise economy in trained individuals; and (iii) the potential improved economy during exercise at altitude. In vitro, myocytes were heat stressed for 24 h (40°C), followed by measurements of UCP3, mitochondrial uncoupling, and efficiency. In vivo, eight trained males completed: (i) pre‐HA testing; (ii) 10 days of HA (40°C, 20% RH); and (iii) post‐HA testing. Pre‐ and posttesting consisted of maximal exercise test and submaximal exercise at two intensities to assess exercise economy at 1600 m (Albuquerque, NM) and 4350 m. Heat‐stressed myocytes displayed significantly reduced UCP3 mRNA expression and, mitochondrial uncoupling (77.1 ± 1.2%, P < 0.0001) and improved mitochondrial efficiency (62.9 ± 4.1%, P < 0.0001) compared to control. In humans, at both 1600 m and 4350 m, following HA, submaximal exercise economy did not change at low and moderate exercise intensities. Our findings indicate that while heat‐induced reduction in UCP3 improves mitochondrial efficiency in vitro, this is not translated to in vivo improvement of exercise economy at 1600 m or 4350 m.
Evidence for an Evolutionarily Conserved Memory Coding Scheme in the Mammalian Hippocampus
Authors: Thome Alexander , Marrone Diano F. , Ellmore Timothy M. , Chawla Monica K. , Lipa Peter , Ramirez-Amaya Victor , Lisanby Sarah H. , McNaughton Bruce L. , Barnes Carol A. 
Published: February 2017

Decades of research identify the hippocampal formation as central to memory storage and recall. Events are stored via distributed population codes, the parameters of which (e.g., sparsity and overlap) determine both storage capacity and fidelity. However, it remains unclear whether the parameters governing information storage are similar between species. Because episodic memories are rooted in the space in which they are experienced, the hippocampal response to navigation is often used as a proxy to study memory. Critically, recent studies in rodents that mimic the conditions typical of navigation studies in humans and nonhuman primates (i.e., virtual reality) show that reduced sensory input alters hippocampal representations of space. The goal of this study was to quantify this effect and determine whether there are commonalities in information storage across species. Using functional molecular imaging, we observe that navigation in virtual environments elicits activity in fewer CA1 neurons relative to real-world conditions. Conversely, comparable neuronal activity is observed in hippocampus region CA3 and the dentate gyrus under both conditions. Surprisingly, we also find evidence that the absolute number of neurons used to represent an experience is relatively stable between nonhuman primates and rodents. We propose that this convergence reflects an optimal ensemble size for episodic memories.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOne primary factor constraining memory capacity is the sparsity of the engram, the proportion of neurons that encode a single experience. Investigating sparsity in humans is hampered by the lack of single-cell resolution and differences in behavioral protocols. Sparsity can be quantified in freely moving rodents, but extrapolating these data to humans assumes that information storage is comparable across species and is robust to restraint-induced reduction in sensory input. Here, we test these assumptions and show that species differences in brain size build memory capacity without altering the structure of the data being stored. Furthermore, sparsity in most of the hippocampus is resilient to reduced sensory information. This information is vital to integrating animal data with human imaging navigation studies.
Increasing Tdap Coverage Among Postpartum Women: A Quality Improvement Intervention
Authors: Bernstein Henry H. , Monty Mikhaela , Yang Patriot , Cohen Amy 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Infants are at greatest risk for severe disease and death from pertussis; most acquire it from household contacts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis, adsorbed (Tdap) vaccination for infant caregivers, especially postpartum women who did not receive it during pregnancy. Our objective was to increase the percentage of women receiving Tdap vaccine before postpartum discharge.

METHODS:
An interdisciplinary workgroup identified barriers to improvement of postpartum Tdap vaccination from which a 5-step intervention was created: (1) provide education on Tdap and pertussis; (2) offer Tdap throughout hospitalization; (3) create a Tdap standing order; (4) keep Tdap as floor stock; and (5) document administration. Pre- and postintervention data were collected from monthly chart reviews. Our main outcome measures were the proportion of postpartum women eligible for Tdap and the proportion of those eligible who received Tdap.

RESULTS:
Preintervention baseline data (202 charts) described 166 postpartum women eligible to receive Tdap. Of the eligible women, 91 (55%) received the Tdap vaccine. During the 9-month postintervention period, 844 charts were reviewed (average, 93 per month; range, 82–104). Of the 632 women eligible to receive the Tdap vaccine, 462 (73% overall [range, 67%–79%]) received it. Thirty-three percent more postpartum mothers received the Tdap vaccine before discharge in the postintervention period (P &lt; .01). The percentage of women eligible decreased from 82% to 75%.

CONCLUSIONS:
This quality improvement initiative substantially increased Tdap immunization in the immediate postpartum period. Efforts to increase immunization during pregnancy for passive transfer of maternal antibodies remain preferable.