bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon-free cure of chronic Hepatitis C is associated with weight gain during long-term follow-up
Authors: Schlevogt Bernhard , Deterding Katja , Port Kerstin , Siederdissen Christoph , Sollik Lisa , Kirschner Janina , Mix Carola , Manns Michael , Cornberg Markus , Wedemeyer Heiner 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Background and aim The advent of direct-acting antivirals has revolutionized treatment of chronic hepatitis C with very high cure rates and excellent tolerability compared to interferon-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. However, long-term effects of interferon-free cure of HCV infection on the metabolic condition of patients have not been investigated so far.
Methods We investigated weight development during and after antiviral treatment of hepatitis C. In a prospective single-center cohort study, interferon-free antiviral treatment was initiated in 284 patients. Each patient’s weight was monitored 1 year before the start of treatment, at baseline (BL), end of treatment (EOT), follow-up week 24 (FU24), and follow-up week 48 (FU48).
Results Weight gain after HCV cure was observed in 20 %, 33 %, and 44 % of patients at EOT, FU24, and FU48, respectively. The mean overall weight change at FU48 compared to baseline was 1.45 kg (95 % CI 0.44; 2.46, p = 0.02, compared to the pretreatment period). Multivariate regression revealed age as the only factor predicting weight change at FU48 (B − 0.107, 95 % CI, − 0.202 to − 0.011, p = 0.03), while gender, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, ribavirin, and body mass index had no influence. In the subgroup of patients younger than 60 years, mean weight gain at FU48 compared to baseline was 2.8 kg (95 % CI, 1.23 – 4.4). In contrast, patients 60 years and older had a mean weight change of − 0.04 kg (95 % CI, − 1.12 to 1.03, p = 0.005).
Conclusions Cure of HCV by interferon-free antiviral treatment was associated with weight gain in up to 44 % of patients during long-term follow-up. Weight gain occurred predominantly in patients younger than 60 years. The precise mechanism of weight gain remains to be elucidated.
Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: predictors and neoplasm-related gradients of difficulty
Authors: Iacopini Federico , Saito Yutaka , Bella Antonino , Gotoda Takuji , Rigato Patrizia , Elisei Walter , Montagnese Fabrizio , Iacopini Giampaolo , Costamagna Guido 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Background and study aim The role of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is standardized in Japan and East Asia, but technical difficulties hinder its diffusion. The aim was to identify predictors of difficulty for each neoplasm type.
Methods A competent operator performed all procedures. ESD difficulty was defined as: en bloc with a slow speed (< 0.07 cm2/min; 30 × 30 mm neoplasm in > 90 min), conversion to endoscopic mucosal resection, or resection abandonment. Pre- and intraoperative difficulty variables were defined according to standard criteria, and evaluated separately for the rectum and colon. Difficulty predictors and gradients were evaluated by the multivariate logistic regression model.
Results A total of 140 ESDs were included: 110 in the colon and 30 in the rectum. Neoplasms were laterally spreading tumors – granular type (LST-G) in 85 cases (61 %); the median longer axis was 30 mm (range 15 – 180 mm); a scar was present in 15 cases (11 %). ESD en bloc resection and difficulty rates were 85 % (n = 94) and 35 % (n = 39) in the colon, and 73 % (n = 22) and 50 % (n = 15) in the rectum (P = 0.17 and 0.28, respectively). The scar was the only preoperative predictor of difficulty in the rectum (odds ratio [OR] 12.3, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.27 – 118.36), whereas predictors in the colon were: scar (OR 12.7, 95 %CI 1.15 – 139.24), LST – nongranular type (NG) (OR 10.5, 95 %CI 1.20 – 55.14), and sessile polyp morphology (OR 3.1, 95 %CI 1.18 – 10.39). Size > 7 – ≤ 12 cm2 (OR 0.20, 95 %CI 0.06 – 0.74) and operator experience > 120 procedures (OR 0.19, 95 %CI 0.04 – 0.81) were predictors for a easy procedure. No intraoperative predictors of difficulty were identified in the rectum, whereas predictors in the colon were: severe submucosal fibrosis (OR 21.9, 95 %CI 2.11 – 225.64), ineffective submucosal exposure by gravity countertraction (OR 12.3, 95 %CI 2.43 – 62.08), and perpendicular submucosal dissection approach (OR 5.2, 95 %CI 1.07 – 25.03). When experience was /= 90, preoperative gradient of colonic ESD difficulty was the highest for LST-NGs (scar positive and negative up to 47 % and 20 %, respectively), intermediate for sessile polyps with scar (up to 23 %), and the lowest for LST-Gs (< 8 %). Different difficulty gradients between neoplasm types persisted with increasing experience: LST-NG rate up to 14 % after 120 procedures.
Conclusions Colonic and rectal ESD difficulty has qualitative differences. Preoperative predictors should be considered to identify the difficulty gradient of each neoplasm type and the appropriate setting for ESD.
Development and validation of an algorithm to complete colonoscopy using standard endoscopes in patients with prior incomplete colonoscopy
Authors: Rogers Melinda , Gawron Andrew , Grande David , Keswani Rajesh 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Incomplete colonoscopy may occur as a result of colon angulation (adhesions or diverticulosis), endoscope looping, or both. Specialty endoscopes/devices have been shown to successfully complete prior incomplete colonoscopies, but may not be widely available. Radiographic or other image-based evaluations have been shown to be effective but may miss small or flat lesions, and colonoscopy is often still indicated if a large lesion is identified. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm to determine the optimum endoscope to ensure completion of the examination in patients with prior incomplete colonoscopy.
Patients and methods This was a prospective cohort study of 175 patients with prior incomplete colonoscopy who were referred to a single endoscopist at a single academic medical center over a 3-year period from 2012 through 2015. Colonoscopy outcomes from the initial 50 patients were used to develop an algorithm to determine the optimal standard endoscope and technique to achieve cecal intubation. The algorithm was validated on the subsequent 125 patients.
Results The overall repeat colonoscopy success rate using a standard endoscope was 94 %. The initial standard endoscope specified by the algorithm was used and completed the colonoscopy in 90 % of patients.
Conclusions This study identifies an effective strategy for completing colonoscopy in patients with prior incomplete examination, using widely available standard endoscopes and an algorithm based on patient characteristics and reasons for prior incomplete colonoscopy.
Comparison of two fluoroscopic images to ensure efficient scope insertion for biliary intervention in patients with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy
Authors: Tsutsumi Koichiro , Kato Hironari , Hirao Ken , Mizukawa Sho , Muro Shinichiro , Akimoto Yutaka , Uchida Daisuke , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Tomoda Takeshi , Horiguchi Shigeru , Yabe Shuntaro , Seki Hiroyuki , Noma Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Naoki , Harada Ryo , Ogawa Tsuneyoshi , Okada Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims No standard procedure for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is available for patients with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) with side-to-end hepaticojejunostomy. We therefore explored methods of efficient scope insertion at a hepaticojejunostomy site.
Patients and methods Patients with suspected biliary disease were prospectively enrolled. Based on two fluoroscopic images obtained on scope insertion into each lumen of a two-pronged Roux-en-Y anastomosis, we selected the lumen in which the distal end of the scope progressed toward the patient’s liver or head. The accuracy of this method for selecting the correct lumen leading to the hepaticojejunostomy site was investigated.
Results Of the 33 included patients, successful insertion to the hepaticojejunostomy site was achieved in 32 (97 %), 26 (81 %) of whom had undergone the imaging method. The accuracy of the method was 88 % (23/26). The time required for insertion between the anastomotic site and the hepaticojejunostomy site was shorter when the lumen selection had been correct (13 minutes [7 – 30] (n = 23) vs. 18 minutes [8 – 28] (n = 9); P = 0.95).
Conclusion This method based on two fluoroscopic images was useful for achieving efficient scope insertion in patients with RYHJ.Trial registered at University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000014183).
Negative Effekte von Psychotherapie: Häufigkeit und Korrelate in einer klinischen Stichprobe
Authors: Abeling Britta , Müller Astrid , Stephan Michael , Pollmann Iris , de Zwaan Martina 
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Die Häufigkeit negativer Effekte von Psychotherapie und die Korrelate ihrer Anzahl wurden bislang selten systematisch untersucht. Die Häufigkeit negativer Effekte variiert zwischen 3 Studien mit dem Inventar zur Erfassung negativer Effekte von Psychotherapie (INEP) mit 20, 84 und 93,8% erheblich. Ob Bias-Effekte daran beteiligt waren, bleibt ungeklärt. Diese Studie hatte daher zum Ziel, die Häufigkeit negativer Effekte mit dem INEP in einer konsekutiven Stichprobe zu erheben. Zudem sollten in Vorstudien berichtete Korrelate der Anzahl negativer Effekte überprüft und um weitere mögliche Korrelate ergänzt werden.
Material und Methoden Eine klinische Stichprobe (teil)stationärer Patienten (N=200) beurteilte die letzte Psychotherapie vor der aktuellen Behandlung retrospektiv mit dem INEP, das anhand von 21 Items 6 Dimensionen negativer Effekte abbildet. Soziodemografische und klinische Daten der Patienten und Therapeuten sowie zeitliche und methodische Aspekte der Therapie wurden als mögliche Korrelate der Anzahl negativer Effekte untersucht.
Ergebnisse 70,5% (n=141) der Patienten berichtete über mind. einen negativen Therapieeffekt (INEP: MW=2,11; SD=2,23) in ihrer letzten Psychotherapie. Am häufigsten wurden „längere Phasen in schlechter psychischer Verfassung“ (39,9%) und „Verletztheit durch Aussagen des Therapeuten“ (28%) angegeben. Eine höhere Symptombelastung, ein als gering eingeschätzter „allgemeiner Therapieerfolg“ und „unerfüllte Therapieerwartungen“ nicht aber die „Qualität der therapeutischen Beziehung“ waren mit einer höheren Anzahl an negativen Effekten assoziiert. Eine negative Assoziation konnte auch für weibliches Geschlecht sowohl bei Patienten als auch Therapeuten und ein jüngeres Therapeutenalter gefunden werden.
Diskussion Die Häufigkeit von selbst berichteten negativen Therapieeffekten war nicht unerheblich. Am häufigsten betroffen waren übereinstimmend mit Vorstudien die INEP-Dimensionen „Symptomatik“ und „therapeutische Beziehung“. Die Studie konnte einige Korrelate für die Anzahl retrospektiv angegebener negativer Effekte bestätigen. Patienten sollten zu Beginn einer Psychotherapie über mögliche negative Effekte informiert werden.
Neue Untersuchungsmöglichkeiten in der Beurteilung retinaler Arterienverschlüsse mittels OCT-Angiografie
Authors: Loidl Max , Enders Christian , Werner Jens , Lang Gerhard , Lang Gabriele 
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Retinale Arterienverschlüsse (RAV) stellen die häufigsten primären Gefäßerkrankungen der Netzhaut dar. Sie treten mit einer Inzidenz von 0,01 – 0,15% jedoch insgesamt selten auf. Meist entsteht ein irreversibler Netzhautschaden, der mit einer schlechten Visusprognose einhergeht. Bereits seit der Entwicklung in den 1960er-Jahren stellt die FA (Fluoreszenzangiografie) das Standardverfahren zur Diagnosesicherung bei RAV dar. Im Bereich der Diagnostik zeigte sich zuletzt nur wenig Fortschritt. Mit der Einführung der OCT-Angiografie (OCT-A) hat aktuell ein neues, multimodales, nicht invasives Bildgebungsverfahren Einzug gefunden.
Patienten/Methoden Zur Anwendung kam die AngioPlex®-OCT-A-Technologie von Zeiss in Kombination mit dem CIRRUS™ HD-OCT 5000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, USA). Es wurden 6 × 6-mm- und 3 × 3-mm-Volumenscans im Verschlussgebiet erstellt. Segmentierungen zwischen den einzelnen Netzhautschichten ermöglichen eine En-face-Darstellung des Gefäßsystems in beliebiger Tiefe. Die Perfusionsanalyse des untersuchten Netzhautareals erfolgte qualitativ anhand einer Beurteilung des superfiziellen und tiefen Kapillarplexus. Anhand von 4 Fallbeispielen soll die Anwendbarkeit bei RAV sowie deren typische Befunde in der OCT-A gezeigt werden.
Ergebnisse Die OCT-A eignet sich gut dafür, die durch retinale Arterienverschlüsse hervorgerufenen ischämischen Bereiche darzustellen. Hinsichtlich einer vorliegenden Durchblutungsstörung können sich Verteilungsunterschiede im superfiziellen und tiefen kapillären Gefäßplexus finden. Sowohl bei akuten als auch chronischen Arterienverschlüssen liefert die OCT-A wichtige Informationen über die Perfusion.
Schlussfolgerung Die OCT-A kann bei Patienten mit akutem oder chronischem retinalen Zentralarterien- oder Arterienastverschluss eingesetzt werden. Die OCT-A stellt ein äußerst vielversprechendes, innovatives bildgebendes Verfahren dar und eignet sich zur Diagnosestellung von akuten und chronischen RAV. Im klinischen Einsatz sind vor allem der nicht invasive Charakter und die rasche Durchführbarkeit von Vorteil. Auch wenn auftretende Artefakte und das aktuell noch eingeschränkte Sichtfeld eine Herausforderung bei der Interpretation darstellen, so scheint gerade hinsichtlich RAV die OCT-A die FA in Zukunft bei der Diagnostik häufig ersetzen zu können.
OCT-Angiografie bei exsudativer AMD mit vaskularisierter Pigmentepithelabhebung
Authors: Gunnemann Frederic , Rothaus Kai , Farecki Marie-Louise , Faatz Henrik , Book Benedikt , Lommatzsch Albrecht , Pauleikhoff Daniel 
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Ziel der vorliegenden erweiterten Fallbeschreibung ist die Darstellung choroidaler Neovaskularisationen (CNV) bei vaskularisierten Pigmentepithelabhebungen (PE-Abhebung) initial und unter Anti-VEGF-Therapie mittels OCT-Angiografie (OCT-A) im Vergleich zur konventionellen Diagnostik. CNV-Größe und Flow-Areal wurden in der OCT-A quantifiziert und diese Befunde mit anderen SD-OCT-Charakteristika der Läsion verglichen.
Patienten und Methode Bei 8 Patienten mit vaskularisierter PE-Abhebung wurde zusätzlich zur konventionellen Bildgebung eine OCT-A (Avanti, Optovue) durchgeführt. Auf diesen Aufnahmen wurde mit einer zum retinalen Pigmentepithel parallelen (RPE-parallel) Segmentierung das CNV-Areal manuell umgrenzt und die Größe sowie der Gefäßanteil (Flow-Areal) initial und nach der durchgeführten Anti-VEGF-Therapie ausgemessen. Gleichzeitig wurden der Visus (logMAR) und im SD-OCT die Höhe der PE-Abhebung und die NH-Dicke im Verlauf bestimmt und statistisch verglichen.
Ergebnisse Initial zeigte die Größe der CNV in der OCT-A eine große phänotypische Variationsbreite (0,33 – 1,35 mm2; Mittel 0,71 mm2) mit signifikanter Abnahme unter Therapie (0,44 – 0,84 mm2; Mittel 0,57 mm2; p = 0,02). Das Flow-Areal variierte ebenso initial (0,21 – 0,88 mm2; Mittel 0,45 mm2) und reduzierte sich unter Therapie (nach Therapie 0,08 – 0,44 mm2; Mittel 0,27 mm2; p = 0,07). Die Höhe der PE-Abhebung im SD-OCT war initial unterschiedlich (initial 274 – 1459 µm; Mittel 607 µm), zeigte unter Therapie aber nur eine geringe Veränderung (132 – 1317 µm; Mittel 524 µm; p = 0,09). Dies galt ebenso für die mittlere Netzhautdicke (vor der Therapie 315 µm, nach der Therapie 294 µm; p = 0,5). Der Visus verbesserte sich nach der Therapie im Mittel von initial 0,51 auf 0,45 logMAR ebenfalls nur gering (p = 0,7).
Schlussfolgerungen Die Kombination aus SD-OCT und OCT-A ermöglicht eine verbesserte Darstellung und Quantifizierung von CNV-Arealen bei vaskularisierten PE-Abhebungen. Hierdurch können Veränderungen in der Perfusion und Größe der CNV quantifiziert werden. Dies könnte neben den retinalen Aktivitätszeichen eine 2. Aktivitätsbeurteilung des CNV-Anteils unter einer Anti-VEGF-Therapie ergeben. Aufgrund der dreidimensionalen Grundstruktur können insbesondere bei diesem Subtyp der exsudativen AMD zukünftige dreidimensionale Darstellungsmöglichkeiten sowohl des strukturellen SD-OCT als auch der OCT-A von großer Bedeutung sein.
Storytelling and evidence-based policy: lessons from the grey literature
Authors: Davidson Brett 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA number of authors interested in how to translate evidence into policy identify the importance of policy narrative and argue that advocates of scientific evidence need to tell good stories to grab the attention and appeal to the emotions of policymakers. Yet, this general call for better narratives is incomplete without concrete examples and evidence of their effectiveness. This article shows how these processes are described in the “grey” literature—defined as literature which is produced by all levels of government, academics, business and industry, but which is not controlled by commercial publishers. This literature is often missed by scientists but more important to activists and advocates within social movements and the non-profit sector who frequently engage with or seek to influence policymakers. The article outlines some of the ways in which an understanding of policymaker psychology and factors such as group dynamics and political context are reflected in the grey literature, and the implications of this for understanding the role of storytelling in political advocacy. It highlights practical advice about storytelling that emerges from the literature, and presents four case studies illustrating aspects of storytelling in action. It concludes by identifying the implications for scientists and other advocates of “evidence informed policymaking”, practitioners and policymakers.
Dysregulation of spliceosome gene expression in advanced prostate cancer by RNA-binding protein PSF
Authors: Takayama Ken-ichi , Suzuki Takashi , Fujimura Tetsuya , Yamada Yuta , Takahashi Satoru , Homma Yukio , Suzuki Yutaka , Inoue Satoshi 
Published: September 2017

Significance
Elevated downstream signals of androgen receptor (AR) and its variants are important for prostate cancer progression. We show that an RNA-binding transcriptional and splicing factor, splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich (PSF/SFPQ), predicts worse prognosis of prostate cancer patients. Inhibition of PSF expression repressed treatment-resistant prostate tumor growth in our animal model. Our global analysis of PSF-binding RNAs revealed that PSF enhances AR-regulated genes and noncoding RNAs associated with prostate cancer progression. Interestingly, various splicing factors, which are primary targets of PSF, are upregulated in metastatic prostate tumors. These enhanced factors form complexes with PSF to promote AR expression and splicing. Our findings suggest a role of RNA-binding protein for AR activation for prostate cancer progression.
Acidophilic green algal genome provides insights into adaptation to an acidic environment
Authors: Hirooka Shunsuke , Hirose Yuu , Kanesaki Yu , Higuchi Sumio , Fujiwara Takayuki , Onuma Ryo , Era Atsuko , Ohbayashi Ryudo , Uzuka Akihiro , Nozaki Hisayoshi , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Miyagishima Shin-ya 
Published: September 2017

SignificanceExtremely acidic environments are scattered worldwide, and their ecosystems are supported by acidophilic microalgae as primary producers. To understand how acidophilic algae evolved from their respective neutrophilic ancestors, we determined the draft genome sequence of the acidophilic green algaChlamydomonas eustigmaand performed comparative genome analyses betweenC.eustigmaand its neutrophilic relativeChlamydomonas reinhardtii. The results suggest that higher expression of heat-shock proteins and H+-ATPase, loss of some metabolic pathways that acidify cytosol, and acquisition of metal-detoxifying genes by horizontal gene transfer have played important roles in the adaptation to acidic environments. These features are also found in other acidophilic green and red algae, suggesting the existence of common mechanisms in the adaptation to acidic environments.
Prestige auditing and the market for academic esteem: a framework and an appeal
Authors: Elliott J. E. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Much has been written about the remarkable rise of global university rankings from their initial appearance in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai) tables in 2003. The examination of all things rankings, however, has arguably outpaced its conceptual uptake. This paper addresses this imbalance by reviewing prestige audits as resource management tools and status allocation measures. The paper argues that audit ambition has courted audit failure in both dimensions. The resource management justification underestimates the challenge of devising reliable proxy variables across international higher education sectors, organizational types, and disciplinary/departmental objectives. Evidential data sets are duly recast as data narratives that compete with each other and cloud the ordinal clarity aspired to in ranking tables. The status competition approach generates Matthew effects and encourages factor gaming. Positional goods investments are also socially and economically wasteful. In either strict (rigid) or relaxed (normed) form, finally, their zero-sum logic fails to account for private and public externalities. The paper closes with an appeal to soft-variable evaluations in higher education contexts as well as to closer scrutiny of the vocabulary informing both quantitative and qualitative assessments.
Using satellite data to identify the causes of and potential solutions for yield gaps in India’s Wheat Belt
Authors: Jain M , Singh Balwinder , Srivastava A A K , Malik R K , McDonald A J , Lobell D B 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Food security will be increasingly challenged by climate change, natural resource degradation, and population growth. Wheat yields, in particular, have already stagnated in many regions and will be further affected by warming temperatures. Despite these challenges, wheat yields can be increased by improving management practices in regions with existing yield gaps. To identify the magnitude and causes of current yield gaps in India, one of the largest wheat producers globally, we produced 30 meter resolution yield maps from 2001 to 2015 across the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), the nation’s main wheat belt. Yield maps were derived using a new method that translates satellite vegetation indices to yield estimates using crop model simulations, bypassing the need for ground calibration data. This is one of the first attempts to apply this method to a smallholder agriculture system, where ground calibration data are rarely available. We find that yields can be increased by 11% on average and up to 32% in the eastern IGP by improving management to current best practices within a given district. Additionally, if current best practices from the highest-yielding state of Punjab are implemented in the eastern IGP, yields could increase by almost 110%. Considering the factors that most influence yields, later sow dates and warmer temperatures are most associated with low yields across the IGP. This suggests that strategies to reduce the negative effects of heat stress, like earlier sowing and planting heat-tolerant wheat varieties, are critical to increasing wheat yields in this globally-important agricultural region.