bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends, clinical patterns and outcomes of NAFLD‐related HCC in patients undergoing liver resection over a 20‐year period
Authors: Pais R. , Fartoux L. , Goumard C. , Scatton O. , Wendum D. , Rosmorduc O. , Ratziu V. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. NAFLD‐HCC often occurs in noncirrhotic liver raising important surveillance issues.AimTo determine the temporal trends for prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of NAFLD‐HCC in patients undergoing liver resection.MethodsConsecutive patients with histologically confirmed HCC who underwent liver resection over a 20‐year period (1995‐2014). NAFLD was diagnosed based on past or present exposure to obesity or diabetes without other causes of chronic liver disease.ResultsA total of 323 HCC patients were included, 12% with NAFLD. From 1995‐1999 to 2010‐2014, the prevalence of NAFLD‐HCC increased from 2.6% to 19.5%, respectively, P = .003, and followed the temporal trends in the prevalence of metabolic risk factors (28% vs 52%, P = .017), while hepatitis C‐HCC decreased (from 43.6% to 19.5%, P = .003). NAFLD‐HCC occurred more frequently in the absence of bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis (63% of cases, P < .001 compared to other aetiologies). Within the NAFLD group, tumour characteristics were similar between F0‐F2 and F3‐F4 patients, except for a higher proportion of single nodules (95% vs 54%, P < .01).A total of 53% patients had tumour recurrence and 40% died. NAFLD‐HCC had similar time to recurrence and survival as HCCs of other aetiologies. Satellite nodules, tumour size, microvascular invasion and male sex but not the aetiology were independently associated with recurrence.ConclusionNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease increased substantially over the past 20 years among resectable HCCs. It is now the leading cause of HCC occuring without/or with only minimal fibrosis. NAFLD patients are older, with larger tumours while survival and recurrence rates are as severe as in other aetiologies.
Life‐threatening hemorrhage from the corona mortis after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: Report of a case
Authors: Yasuda Tomohiko , Matsuda Akihisa , Miyashita Masao , Matsumoto Satoshi , Sakurazawa Nobuyuki , Kawano Youichi , Sekiguchi Kumiko , Ando Fumihiko , Matsutani Takeshi , Uchida Eiji 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlong with the increased use of other laparoscopic procedures, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has become widely used because of its minimally invasive nature. Here, we report a case of 66‐year‐old man who underwent transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty and developed hemorrhagic shock on postoperative day 1. CT showed postoperative venous hemorrhage from the retropubic space. Successful hemostasis of the massive hemorrhage was achieved laparoscopically. The origin of the hemorrhage was assumed to be the corona mortis vein, which was slightly injured during the operation. Despite the rarity of this complication, surgeons must be aware of the need to carefully dissect and fix the mesh in the retropubic space to avoid injuring the corona mortis. Laparoscopic hemostasis may be an effective alternative to the open approach.
Overground endoscopy in 311 Thoroughbred racehorses: findings and correlation to resting laryngeal function
Authors: Davison JA , Lumsden JM , Boston RC , Ahern BJ 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo review a large number of equine overground endoscopy (OGE) examinations to determine the incidence of dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAO); correlations were explored with laryngeal endoscopy findings at rest and abnormal exercising respiratory noise.MethodsRetrospective analysis of horses presenting for OGE because of perceived poor performance and/or history of abnormal exercising respiratory noise between 2010 and 2014. Signalment, history and examination findings during resting laryngeal endoscopy and OGE were reviewed.ResultsOf the total examinations, 311 were reviewed. One or more DUAO were found in 249/311 horses. From 210 males (colts and geldings), 121 had arytenoid cartilage collapse (ACC) and 111 had vocal fold collapse (VFC). From 101 females, 25 had intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Resting laryngeal function grade 4 was found in 121/311 of the study population and 92/210 of males. An association was found between horses with lower resting arytenoid abduction ability to dynamic ACC and higher resting arytenoid abduction ability with DDSP. Abnormal exercising respiratory noise was positively associated with the presence of DUAO.ConclusionsMultiple DUAO in association with abnormal exercising respiratory noise was a common finding in horses examined for poor performance. This study highlights the importance of OGE in accurately diagnosing the nature of DUAO associated with poor performance.
Quantifying establishment limitations during the ecological restoration of species‐rich Nardus grassland
Authors: Van Daele Frederik , Wasof Safaa , Demey Andreas , Schelfhout Stephanie , De Schrijver An , Baeten Lander , van Ruijven Jasper , Mertens Jan , Verheyen Kris 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimsSuccessful establishment of species‐rich Nardus grasslands on ex‐agricultural land requires identification and removal of barriers to effective seed germination and seedling survival. Therefore, we investigate how germination and early development are affected by soil conditions from different restoration phases and how this relates to their specific plant strategies.LocationGrasslands and experiments in northern Belgium.MethodsWe selected three grassland restoration phases (Lolium perenne grasslands, grass–herb mix grasslands and species‐rich Nardus grasslands), which were characterized by a distinct plant community and soils with contrasting abiotic and biotic properties (respectively, eutrophic, mesotrophic and oligotrophic soils). In a first germination experiment we investigated the species‐specific responses (germination, lag time and emergence rate) of 70 grassland species (that typically occur along the restoration gradient) in each of the selected soils. Second, a mesocosm experiment was set‐up in which a mixture of 19 species (representative of the distinct grassland restoration phases) was grown together in the respective soils. Here, we analysed the intraspecific variation of plant growth, SLA and identified changes in community assembly.ResultsIrrespective of soil influences, Nardus grassland species had significantly lower germination potentials and longer germination lag times than L. perenne grassland species. Germination (and its lag time) of grass–herb mix grassland species were negatively affected by the oligotrophic soils. Soil factors determined early growth patterns during the emergence and establishment phase. L. perenne grassland species exhibited a more plastic growth response and were highly dependent on soil type. Nardus grassland species exhibited large intraspecific variation in SLA, which was found to be significantly lower in the oligotrophic soils. Even though the difference in bio‐available P between mesotrophic and oligotrophic soils was minor, Nardus grassland species were only able to compete in the oligotrophic soils (no significant difference in biomass between communities). Mesotrophic mesocosms exhibited the highest species richness after 200 d of growth.ConclusionPlant species from the three grassland restoration phases display distinct germination strategies, irrespective of soil type. Interactions between growth strategies and soil factors determine competitive asymmetry and therefore shape community assembly in the distinct grassland phases.
Systemic TLR2 Antibody Application in Renal Ischaemia and Reperfusion Injury Decreases AKT Phosphorylation and Increases Apoptosis in the Mouse Kidney
Authors: Urbschat Anja , Baer Patrick , Zacharowski Kai , Sprunck Vera , Scheller Bertram , Jürgen Raimann Florian , Maier Thorsten Jürgen , Hegele Axel , Hofmann Rainer , Mersmann Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAcute kidney injury remains an important cause of renal dysfunction. In this context, Toll‐like receptors have been demonstrated to play a critical role in the induction of innate and inflammatory responses. Among these, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) is constitutively expressed in tubular epithelial cells (TECs) of the kidney and is also known to mediate ischaemia reperfusion (IR) injury. Adult male C57BL/6JRj mice were randomized into seven groups (n = 8): a non‐operative control group (CTRL) and six interventional groups in which mice were subjected to a 30 min. bilateral renal ischaemia. Immediately before reperfusion, mice were treated either with saline or with TLR2 antibody (clone T2.5) and harvested after ischaemia and reperfusion for 3, 24 and 48 hr. Analysed kidney homogenates of TLR2 antibody‐treated mice displayed significantly decreased levels of TLR2 protein after 3 hr of IR compared to saline‐treated mice. Accordingly, the degree of AKT phosphorylation was significantly decreased after 3 hr of IR compared to saline‐treated animals. TUNEL staining revealed significantly higher apoptosis rates in TLR2 antibody‐treated animals compared to saline‐treated mice after 3 and 24 hr of IR. Further, a positive correlation between TLR2 protein expression and phosphorylation of AKT as well as a negative correlation with the number of TUNEL‐positive cells could be observed. Inhibition of TLR2 and its signalling pathway by a single application of TLR2 antibody results in reduced phosphorylation of AKT and consecutively increased apoptosis.
Why Do Workers with Disabilities Earn Less? Occupational Job Requirements and Disability Discrimination
Authors: Kruse Douglas , Schur Lisa , Rogers Sean , Ameri Mason 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe analyse competing explanations for the lower pay of employees with disabilities, using 2008–2014 data from the American Community Survey matched to O*Net data on occupational job requirements. The results indicate that only part of the disability pay gap is due to productivity‐related job requirements. The remaining pay gap — experienced by employees whose impairments should not limit their productivity — reflects potential discrimination. The discrimination‐related pay gaps appear to be smallest and possibly non‐existent for women and men with hearing impairments, and largest for those with cognitive and mobility impairments. Overall the results indicate that discrimination is likely to remain an influence on the pay of many workers with disabilities.
Foraging impacts of Asian megafauna on tropical rain forest structure and biodiversity
Authors: Terborgh John , Davenport Lisa C. , Ong Lisa , Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMegaherbivores are known to influence the structure, composition, and diversity of vegetation. In Central Africa, forest elephants act as ecological filters by breaking tree saplings and stripping them of foliage. Much less is known about impacts of megafauna on Southeast Asian rain forests. Here, we ask whether herbivory by Asian megafauna has impacts analogous to those of African forest elephants. To answer this, we studied forest (1) structure, (2) composition, (3) diversity, and (4) tree scars in Belum and Krau, two protected areas of Peninsular Malaysia, and compared the results with those obtained in African forests. Elephants are abundant in Belum but have been absent in Krau since 1993. We found that stem density and diversity, especially of tree saplings, were higher in Krau than in Belum. Palms and other monocots were also more abundant in Krau. In Belum, however, small monocots (<1 m tall) were very abundant but larger ones (>1 m tall) were virtually absent, suggesting size‐selective removal. The frequency of stem‐break scars was equal at Belum and Krau but less than in Central Africa and greater than in the Peruvian Amazon where tapirs are the only megafauna. Pigs and tapirs could also contribute to the high frequency of tree scars recorded in Malaysian forests. Forest‐dwelling elephants in Asia seem to have a reduced impact on tree saplings compared to African forest elephants, but a very strong impact on monocots.
International child abuse prevention: insights from ACT Raising Safe Kids
Authors: Howe Tasha R. , Knox Michele , Altafim Elisa R. Pisani , Linhares Maria Beatriz M. , Nishizawa Nahoko , Fu Trista Juhsin , Camargo Ana P. Leao , Ormeno Gabriela I. Reyes , Marques Teresa , Barrios Luisa , Pereira Ana I. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundEvidence‐based practices are often viewed as lofty goals endorsed by wealthy academics in developed nations, but impossible to implement in other contexts. This article will provide evidence suggesting that, to the contrary, we can indeed scale up western‐developed parenting interventions that can be both effective and warmly received by parents in diverse cultural and economic contexts.Methods/ResultsThis paper gives a brief overview of the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program and summarizes the results of evaluation studies done with parents around the world. It discusses specific strategies facilitators use to modify the program as necessary to fit cultural contexts while also maintaining fidelity, implementing the manualized curriculum under varied, and complex circumstances.ConclusionsIt is hoped that the lessons learned from our work will inspire practitioners to adapt ACT or other programs to diverse contexts, evaluate those programs, and thereby improve the mental health and life trajectories of children and families around the world.
Left behind: How to encourage biological parents' involvement in their children's group homes
Authors: Sulimani‐Aidan Yafit 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper addresses the challenges and benefits of involving biological parents in group homes in Israel and presents various means to encourage their involvement in care. Using family systems theories and the concept of co‐parenting, it analyses the fragile and complex relationship caseworkers and foster parents have with biological parents. The paper presents four components that might play a role in encouraging parental involvement to benefit their children's adjustment. The components are demonstrated through case studies and include assessing the family profile; addressing the family's needs within the child's intervention plan; training biological and foster parents; and building co‐parenting between biological and foster parents.
Electrochemical machining process parameter optimization using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Chenthil Jegan Thankaraj Mariapushpam , Ravindran Durairaj 
Published: August 2017

AbstractElectrochemical machining (ECM) is a nontraditional process used for the machining of hard materials and metal‐matrix composites. Composites are used in several applications such as aerospace, automobile industries, and medical field. The determination of optimal process parameters is difficult in the ECM process for obtaining maximum material removal rate (MRR) and good surface roughness (SR). In this paper, a multiple regression model is used to obtain the relationship between process parameters and output parameters. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is one of the optimization techniques for solving the multiobjective problem; it is proposed to optimize the ECM process parameters. Current (C), voltage (V), electrolyte concentration (E), and feed rate (F) are considered as process parameters, and MRR and SR are the output parameters used in the proposed work. The developed multiple regression is statistically analyzed by regression plot and analysis of variance. The optimized value of MRR and SR obtained in PSO is 0.0116 g/min and 2.0106 μm, respectively. Furthermore, PSO is compared with the genetic algorithm. The PSO technique outperforms the genetic algorithm in computation time and statistical analysis. The obtained values are validated to test the significance of the model, and it is noticed that the error value for MRR and SR is within 0.15%.
Adding the Third Dimension to Marine Conservation
Authors: Levin Noam , Kark Salit , Danovaro Roberto 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Earth's oceans are inherently 3‐D in nature. Many physical, environmental, and biotic processes vary widely across depths. In recent years, human activities, such as oil drilling, mining, and fishing are rapidly expanding into deeper frontier ocean areas, where much of the biodiversity remains unknown. Most current conservation actions, management decisions and policies of both the pelagic and benthic domains do not explicitly incorporate the 3‐D nature of the oceans and are still based on a two‐dimensional approach. Here, we review current advances in marine research and conservation, aiming to advance towards incorporating the third dimension in marine systematic conservation planning. We highlight the importance and potential of vertical conservation planning and zoning from the sea surface to the seafloor. We propose that undertaking marine conservation, management and environmental decisions in 3‐D has the potential to revolutionize marine conservation research, practice and legislation.
When do firms benefit from affiliated outside directors? Evidence from Korea
Authors: Joh Sung Wook , Jung Jin‐Young 
Published: August 2017

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueDirectors can serve different roles: advisors, liaisons, or monitors. Affiliated outside directors have social or business/financial ties to firm executives, are often more trusted than others by the latter, have more knowledge of the firm, give better advice, or liaise more effectively with other organizations. However, they monitor less effectively than other outside directors do. This study theoretically predicts and empirically examines whether affiliated outside directors' contributions to firm value are moderated by corporate conditions: external control threats, uncertainty, government regulation, or information asymmetry.Research Findings/InsightsPanel data analysis shows that among firms that are standalone, have M&A threats, suffer financial distress, face financial uncertainty, or are subject to stricter government regulations, those with more affiliated outside directors—especially those with social ties—have greater firm value. In low information asymmetry environments, firms with more affiliated outside directors have lower firm value. In high information asymmetry environments, however, firms with more independent outside directors have lower firm value. These results remain robust after controlling for endogeneity issues of board composition, outside directors' human capital, social capital, CEO attributes, firm attributes, and industry attributes.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study extends and links resource dependence theory and agency theory by showing how outside directors with social ties and those with business ties are related to firm value. Furthermore, the value of affiliated outside directors' resources and liaisons differ across corporate conditions, which extends resource dependence theory. Also, effective monitoring by unaffiliated outside directors requires sufficient access to firm information, which extends agency theory.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe relations of different outside directors to firm value across corporate conditions suggest that firms can benefit from considering their corporate conditions when designing the composition of their board of directors.
The effect of targeted therapy on recruited cancer stem cells in a head and neck carcinoma model
Authors: Marcu Loredana G. , Marcu David 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveHead and neck cancers (HNC) are known for their repopulation ability driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs). While a small fraction of CSCs proliferates, there are quiescent CSCs that are long‐lived and reside outside the cell cycle. Recruitment of quiescent CSCs into the cycle occurs as a response to cell loss and their proliferation may lead to treatment failure. Therefore, CSCs require a more targeted approach to be destroyed. An agent that sensitizes CSC response to treatment is all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA). The aim of this work is to assess the impact of ATRA combined with radiotherapy on HNC and to analyse the interplay between these agents and cell recruitment.MethodsAn in silico model is employed to grow a HNC consisting of all cancer cell lineages, with biologically valid kinetic and dynamic parameters. The fate of both cycling and quiescent cancer stem cells is assessed. The Linear Quadratic model is used to simulate radiotherapy, while cellular recruitment and the effects of ATRA on cancer stem cells are modelled based on literature data.ResultsA Dose Enhancement Factor (DEF) was determined in order to undertake a quantitative assessment of the effect of ATRA on tumour control. Without recruitment, DEF for the tumour population is 1.06, indicating a slight radiosensitizing effect. Yet, when CSCs are being recruited, the dose enhancement factor is significantly greater (DEF = 1.89). Radiation‐induced cell arrest and CSC sensitization by ATRA significantly decreases the dose required for CSC eradication in the cycling population. However, the tumour as a whole is not notably affected as the quiescent cells appear to dictate the shape of the survival curve.ConclusionsThe model shows that ATRA exhibits a powerful effect on CSCs when combined with radiotherapy. However, the more radioresistant quiescent cell population should not be ignored, as it can be a potential threat to treatment outcome when cells are recruited into the cell cycle.
Using known drug interactions to manage supratherapeutic calcineurin inhibitor concentrations
Authors: Lange Nicholas W. , Salerno David M. , Berger Karen , Tsapepas Demetra S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo summarize the available body of evidence guiding the management of supratherapeutic concentrations of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) using cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme inducers.MethodsA nondate restricted literature search within MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was performed using the terms “cyclosporine,” “tacrolimus,” “calcineurin inhibitor,” “toxicity,” “pharmacokinetics,” “carbamazepine,” “rifampin,” “phenytoin,” and “phenobarbital.” Additional references were identified from a review of all included citations. All English‐language reports that describe the management of supratherapeutic CNI concentrations with interventions targeting metabolic induction using CYP450 enzyme inducers were evaluated.ResultsA total of 10 publications were identified in which a CYP450 enzyme inducer was utilized intentionally to enhance CNI clearance in the setting of supratherapeutic concentrations; 7 case reports describe the use of phenytoin and 3 case reports describe the use of phenobarbital. Patient demographics, dosing strategies employed, and reported efficacy across this series of publications are heterogeneous; however, both agents appear to be well‐tolerated when used in this setting.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of published data on the use of CYP450 enzyme inducers for the management of supratherapeutic CNI concentrations. While routine use of this approach cannot be recommended, thorough risk‐benefit analyses should be performed in the management of each such clinical scenario.