bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HBsAg kinetics in chronic hepatitis D during interferon therapy: on‐treatment prediction of response
Authors: Niro G. A. , Smedile A. , Fontana R. , Olivero A. , Ciancio A. , Valvano M. R. , Pittaluga F. , Coppola N. , Wedemeyer H. , Zachou K. , Marrone A. , Fasano M. , Lotti G. , Andreone P. , Iacobellis A. , Andriulli A. , Rizzetto M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBackgroundTherapy of chronic hepatitis D with Interferon is successful when testing for HDV‐RNA turns negative. This end‐point is disputed.AimTo assess the role of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the clearance of HDV‐RNA in pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN)‐treated chronic hepatitis D (CHD).MethodsSixty‐two patients with CHD, treated with Peg‐IFN, were considered. The patients belonged to three groups: 14 patients cleared the HBsAg and HDV‐RNA (responders, R), 12 cleared the HDV‐RNA remaining positive for HBsAg (partial responders, PR) and 36 cleared neither the HBsAg nor the HDV‐RNA (nonresponders, NR).ResultsIn responders, at baseline the median value (mv) of HBsAg and HDV‐RNA was 1187 and 188 663 IU/mL. By month 6 of therapy, HBsAg declined to less than 1000 IU/mL and HDV‐RNA was undetectable in 12 patients. In NR, the pre‐therapy median value of HBsAg and HDV viremia was 6577 and 676 319 IU/mL. There was no significant reduction of antigen at month 6; after a decline, HDV‐RNA rebounded to baseline levels. In PR, the median value of baseline HBsAg was 7031 IU/mL; it declined at month 6 in the majority. HDV‐RNA progressively declined from an initial median value of 171 405 IU/mL. HBsAg <1000 IU/mL at month 6 discriminated responders and PR from NR (P < 0.001). By ROC curve, the threshold of 0.105 log reduction of HBsAg associated with 1.610 log reduction of HDV‐RNA from baseline to month 6 predicted the clearance of this marker.ConclusionsA reduction of serum HBsAg is mandatory for the definitive clearance of the HDV‐RNA. Quantitative HBsAg may predict the long‐term response to Peg‐IFN therapy and provide a guide to prolong or stop treatment.
Effect of long‐term adherence to clopidogrel on the VASP‐PRI after elective coronary stent implantation: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Forni Ogna Valentina , Menetrey Isabelle , Muller Olivier , Tousset Eric , Guihard Linda , Fontana Pierre , Eeckhout Eric , Eap Chin B. , Vrijens Bernard , Burnier Michel , Wuerzner Grégoire 
Published: July 2016

AimsThe biological response to clopidogrel is highly variable and a poor responsiveness is associated with major adverse cardiac events. Adherence to therapy is a major cause of poor responsiveness but its impact on long‐term platelet inhibition is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different programmes monitoring adherence to clopidogrel on platelet reactivity.MethodsThe study took the form of a monocentric, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Adults treated with clopidogrel 75 mg after elective coronary stenting were randomized into one of three groups: (i) a standard of care group; (ii) a standard of care + adherence electronic monitoring group, in which drug intake was recorded but kept blinded until the study end; or (iii) an integrated care group, with regular feedback on recorded adherence. Clopidogrel response was assessed with the vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein–platelet reactivity index (VASP‐PRI) at randomization, 3 months and 6 months.ResultsA total of 123 adults were enrolled and randomized. Baseline VASP‐PRI was highly variable, with a mean of 48 ± 18.8%. No difference between groups in VASP‐PRI was found at 6 months (P = 0.761), despite better adherence to clopidogrel in the integrated care group. However, adherence (P = 0.035) and baseline VASP‐PRI (P = 0.015) were associated with VASP‐PRI at 3 months and 6 months. The association between adherence and VASP‐PRI was lost in patients with baseline VASP‐PRI > 50%. Diabetes, CYP2C19*2 carrier status and body mass index were significant predictors of VASP‐PRI.ConclusionsThe platelet response to clopidogrel during chronic therapy remained highly variable, despite high adherence. Different adherence monitoring programmes did not affect VASP‐PRI at 6 months. Poor adherence is associated with lower VASP‐PRI only in initial good responders to clopidogrel.
Dual institution experience of nodal marginal zone lymphoma reveals excellent long‐term outcomes in the rituximab era
Authors: Starr Adam G. , Caimi Paolo F. , Fu PingFu , Massoud Mira R. , Meyerson Howard , Hsi Eric D. , Mansur David B. , Cherian Sheen , Cooper Brenda W. , De Lima Marcos J. G. , Lazarus Hillard M. , Gerson Stanton L. , Jagadeesh Deepa , Smith Mitchell R. , Dean Robert M. , Pohlman Brad L. , Hill Brian T. , William Basem M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryNodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) is a rare non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that arises from mature B‐cells. We delineate outcomes, prognostic factors and treatment trends among a large cohort of patients withNMZLin the rituximab era. We identified 56 such patients treated at our institutions. The majority presented with advanced stage disease (78·6%). Over a median follow‐up of 38·2 months, median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 42·4 months and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Kaplan–Meier estimates ofOSat 120 months after diagnosis was 71·9%. High‐risk follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) was associated with inferiorPFS. Age >60 years and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were associated with inferiorOS. Transformation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma occurred in 7 patients, 6 of who presented with advanced disease.OSwas comparable to our previously reported extranodalMZLcohort.FLIPIscore predicted for inferiorPFSandOSwhen both cohorts were analysed together (n = 267). In summary, outcomes inNMZLare favourable with a large majority of patients surviving at 120 months. High riskFLIPI, age >60 years, and elevated serumLDHwere associated with inferior outcomes.
A phase II trial of bendamustine in combination with rituximab in older patients with previously untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Park Steven I. , Grover Natalie S. , Olajide Oludamilola , Asch Adam S. , Wall James G. , Richards Kristy L. , Sobol Anna L. , Deal Allison M. , Ivanova Anastasia , Foster Matthew C. , Muss Hyman B. , Shea Thomas C. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBendamustine in combination with rituximab (BR) has been associated with high response rates and acceptable toxicity in older patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Evaluation of BR is warranted in the front‐line setting for DLBCL patients not eligible for anthracyclines or for the elderly. In this phase II study, we enrolled DLBCL patients aged ≥65 years who were poor candidates for R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) to determine the efficacy and safety of BR in previously untreated stage II–IV DLBCL. Twenty‐three patients were enrolled with a median age of 80 years. 52% of patients presented with poor functional status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of ≥2). The overall response rate was 78% with 12 complete responses (52%). At a median follow up of 29 months, the median overall survival was 10·2 months and the median progression‐free survival was 5·4 months. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were haematological. Combination therapy with BR demonstrates high response rates as front‐line therapy in frail older patients with DLBCL, but survival rates were low. BR should be used with caution in future clinical trials involving older DLBCL patients with poor functional status.
Endocytosis of exogenous factor V by ex‐vivo differentiated megakaryocytes from patients with severe parahaemophilia
Authors: Radu Claudia M. , Spiezia Luca , Bulato Cristiana , Gavasso Sabrina , Campello Elena , Sartorello Francesca , Castoldi Elisabetta , Simioni Paolo 
Published: July 2016

SummaryAlthough human megakaryocytes can synthesize factor V (FV), platelet FV derives largely from endocytosis of plasma FV. Recently, it has been shown that plasma transfusions can replenish the platelet FV pool in parahaemophilic patients. Here we corroborate this finding by showing FV endocytosis by ex vivo differentiated megakaryocytes derived from patients with inherited parahaemophilia. Mononuclear stem cells isolated from peripheral blood of healthy subjects and of three patients with severe parahaemophilia were cultured in the presence of thrombopoietin and interleukin‐3 and differentiated into CD41‐positive polynucleated megakaryocytes. Exogenous purified FV was added to the culture medium to evaluate FV endocytosis. Immunofluorescence staining revealed abundant FV expression in megakaryocytes derived from healthy donors, but no FV expression in those derived from patients with severe parahaemophilia. However, after the addition of purified FV to the culture medium, megakaryocytes from parahaemophilia patients became positive upon FV immunostaining, suggesting endocytosis of exogenous FV. Endocytosed FV retained factor Xa‐co‐factor activity as assessed by a prothrombin time‐based functional test in megakaryocyte lysates. Addition of exogenous FV to culture medium can restore the FV content of megakaryocytes derived from patients with severe FV defects. This rescue mechanism can have important clinical implications in the management of parahaemophilia patients.
Recombinant IL‐7/HGFβ hybrid cytokine separates acute graft‐versus‐host‐disease from graft‐versus‐tumour activity by altering donor T cell trafficking
Authors: Hu Rong , Liu Yalan , Song Yinhong , Su Min , Lu Xiuling , Rood Debra , Lai Laijun 
Published: July 2016

SummaryGiven that donor T cells from a transplant contribute both the desired graft‐versus‐tumour (GVT) effect and detrimental graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), strategies to separate GVHD and GVT activity are a major clinical goal. We have previously demonstrated that in vivo administration of a recombinant (r)IL‐7/HGFβ hybrid cytokine, consisting of interleukin‐7 (IL‐7, IL7) and the β‐chain of hepatocyte growth factor (HGFβ), significantly inhibits the growth of cancer cells in murine tumour models. The antit‐umour effect of rIL‐7/HGFβ is related to a marked infiltration T cells in the tumour tissues. We have also shown that GVHD was not induced in rIL‐7/HGFβ‐treated T cell‐depleted allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. We show here that, in T cell‐replete allogeneic HSCT murine models, rIL‐7/HGFβ attenuated acute GVHD (aGVHD), while promoting GVT activity. This was related to an alteration of donor T cell trafficking, with an increased infiltration of donor T cells into tumour tissues and the lympho‐haematopoietic system but decreased number of the T cells in the GVHD target organs. Therefore, rIL‐7/HGFβ may offer a new tool to alleviate aGVHD while prompting GVT, and to study the molecular regulation of T cell trafficking.
Randomized controlled study of the efficacy and safety of continuous saline bladder irrigation after transurethral resection for the treatment of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Onishi Takehisa , Sugino Yusuke , Shibahara Takuji , Masui Satoru , Yabana Tadashi , Sasaki Takeshi 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous saline bladder irrigation (CSBI) after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) in patients with low‐ to intermediate‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Patients and MethodsIn this prospective randomized study, 250 patients with primary low‐ to intermediate‐risk tumours were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to receive CSBI (2 000 mL/h for the first 1 h, then 1 000 mL/h for 2 h, followed by 500 mL/h for 15 h) or a single immediate instillation of mitomycin C (MMC) after TURBT. The primary endpoint was recurrence‐free survival, and secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival and adverse events.ResultsA total of 227 patients (114 in the CSBI group and 113 in MMC group) remained for analysis after exclusion criteria had been applied. The median follow‐up period was 37 months. No significant differences in patient characteristics were observed between the groups. The 5‐year recurrence‐free rates for CSBI and MMC were 62.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.73) and 70.4% (95% CI 0.59–0.78), respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis of recurrence‐free survival did not show any significant differences between the groups (log‐rank test P = 0.53). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of tumour progression rate and the median time to first recurrence. The incidence of adverse events was significantly lower in the CSBI group.ConclusionsThe results show that CSBI after TURBT may be a treatment option for patients with low‐ to intermediate‐risk NMIBC in terms of its prophylactic effect and safety.
Sunbird hovering behavior is determined by both the forager and resource plant
Authors: Padyšáková Eliška , Janeček Štěpán 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe long‐standing paradigm that pollination systems adapted to hovering birds evolved only in the New World was recently challenged by the discovery of hovering pollination by Old World specialized passerine pollinators. This raises the possibility that hovering pollination may evolve more easily than previously believed, given sufficient selective pressure on plant traits, on nectarivory, or both. We observed foraging behavior by the sunbird Cyanomitra oritis at flowers of the native Old World plant Impatiens sakeriana. We measured the length of pedicels and peduncles (PedPed length), which can make the flowers difficult to reach while the bird perches on the stem, and determined if it influenced sunbird hovering or perching at a flower. Detailed analyses of video recordings showed that sunbirds only hovered at flowers with a long PedPed, whereas they employed both foraging modes when an adequate perch was available. A hovering sunbird could deplete nectar in a shorter time than a perching one. The frequency of visits was not greater at flowers with longer PedPed or with more open I. sakeriana flowers in the vicinity. Our study provides evidence that sunbird behavior does not follow simple energetic models, and that some sunbird pollination systems in the Old World resemble highly specialized hummingbird systems in the New World much more than expected, especially the overall adaptation of the system to bird hovering.
Clinical outcome of norovirus infection in renal transplant patients
Authors: Brakemeier Susanne , Taxeidi Styliani I. , Dürr Michael , Hofmann Jörg , Schmidt Danilo , Bachmann Friederike , Gaedeke Jens , Budde Klemens 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTransplant patients are at increased risk for developing severe norovirus (NoV) infections with secondary complications such as rejection episodes and acute transplant failure.This single‐center retrospective study included all kidney transplant patients tested positive for NoV RNA between January 2007 and December 2011. Data were compared to a control group of 528 kidney transplant patients without NoV infection.Sixty‐five kidney transplant patients were recorded NoV RNA positive. Of these, 26 patients (40%) presented with acute transplant failure (AKI). In 43 patients (66.2%), dose reduction in immunosuppression was performed, and of 22 patients receiving tacrolimus, four patients (18.2%) showed toxic trough levels above 15 ng/mL at time of diagnosis. In three patients (4.6%), indicated therapeutic procedures had to be postponed due to prolonged severe diarrhea. Ten patients (15.4%) developed chronic NoV infection. One‐year patient and graft survival in NoV patients and controls was 92.3% and 96.4%, respectively (n.s.).Compared to controls, eGFR was already significantly lower before NoV infection and loss of eGFR relative to baseline over 12 and 36 months was significantly higher in NoV‐infected patients. In particular, patients initially presenting with AKI experienced a long‐term loss of transplant function. Risk factors for NoV infection were immunosuppression containing steroids and antirejection therapy.
Lung transplantation following death by drowning: a review of the current literature
Authors: Pasupneti Shravani , Patel Kapil , Mooney Joshua J. , Chhatwani Laveena , Dhillon Gundeep , Weill David 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWhile multiple donor characteristics have been cited as ideal for lung transplantation, there are minimal widely accepted exclusion criteria. One criterion that many centers view with hesitation is death by drowning. However, recent literature suggests such donors may result in acceptable outcomes following transplantation. This review highlights a case of a patient who underwent a successful bilateral lung transplant from a donor following a drowning event. A review of the current literature is presented, concluding with a new proposed set of favorable donor criteria following death by drowning.
The occurrence of Tubakia dryina in Poland – new hosts and ITS variation
Authors: Boroń P. , Grad B. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThis study describes a preliminary investigation of the occurrence of Tubakia dryina in Poland, based on fungal isolations from symptomless leaves and from necrotic areas of leaf blades of Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica and Tilia cordata. Occurrence of T. dryina on leaves of the two latter species is reported for the first time. Frequency of incidence on different hosts varied between tree species, with the highest rate on oaks and the lowest on linden. The results also suggest the ubiquitous occurrence of T. dryina on oaks in Poland. This situation is in contrast to previous observations showing much lower frequency of this fungus in the past. A preliminary, ITS‐based, analysis of genetic diversity among Polish isolates of T. dryina revealed the presence of two distinct haplotypes, both of which are widespread in Poland and occur on the same trees in most locations. No further genetic diversity was observed within either detected lineages using ITS analyses.
Rapid diagnosis of pathogenic Phytophthora species in soil by real‐time PCR
Authors: Nowakowska J. A. , Malewski T. , Tereba A. , Oszako T. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryReal‐time PCR assays based on the TaqMan system and using ITS sequences were developed for the identification of Phytophthora species, including P. cactorum, P. megasperma, P. plurivora, P. pseudosyringae and P. quercina, all of which are currently causing significant damage to roots of forest trees in both managed stands and natural ecosystems. Total genomic DNA was extracted from mycelia of aforementioned Phytophthora isolates. Species‐specific primers for P. cactorum, P. megasperma, P. plurivora, P. pseudosyringae and P. quercina were designed based on ITS sequences of rDNA. The amplification efficiency of target DNA varied from 93.1% (P. pseudosyringae) to 106.8% (P. quercina). The limit of the detection was calculated as 100 – 1,000 fg DNA, depending on the Phytophthora species. In mixed soil samples, all Phytophthora species were detected for Ct values shifted by 0.7 – 2.1 cycles. Based on these real‐time PCR assays we were able to identify the five Phytophthora species. These techniques will be of value in the identification of these pathogens, which may cause up to 80 – 90% fine root loss in oak stands.
Systematic review of the Kihon Checklist: Is it a reliable assessment of frailty?
Authors: Sewo Sampaio Priscila Yukari , Sampaio Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho , Yamada Minoru , Arai Hidenori 
Published: July 2016

AimTo investigate whether the Kihon Checklist (KCL) can predict frailty and disability.MethodsThe studies analyzed for the present review were retrieved by searching electronic databases and other sources using the keywords “Kihon Checklist” and “Basic Checklist.” The articles were restricted to those written in English and published in health sciences journals from the year 2006 until the end of April 2015. To be included in the full analysis, the study had to be primary research and use the KCL as a dependent or independent variable.ResultsA total of 62 articles were identified in the initial search, and after screening, 13 articles were included in this review. The KCL was found to be closely correlated with validated assessments of frailty phenotypes. The complete version of the KCL and specific domains have been used as research outcomes to verify frailty in cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies. KCL domains were applied to evaluate different outcomes, such as depressive mood, functional disability and instrumental activities of daily living limitations.ConclusionsThe KCL is a reliable tool for predicting general frailty and frailty aspects in older adults. The KCL was shown to be adequate for cross‐cultural studies and to be suitable for addressing frailty demands among elderly in multiple cohorts. The KCL is a short questionnaire, which makes its administration by health promoters easy; thus, it has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of frailty interventions. We strongly recommend use of the KCL in community and clinical practice to assess frailty status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 893‐902.
Identification and functional characterisation of bioactive peptides in rice bran albumin hydrolysates
Authors: Uraipong Chatchaporn , Zhao Jian 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe potential heath‐benefitting bioactivities of rice bran albumin hydrolysates were investigated. The antioxidant and α‐glucosidase‐ and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activities of the crude hydrolysates and their fractions were determined. The fractions with the highest bioactivities were analysed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry to identify the active peptide sequences. Hydrolysates produced by commercial proteases Alcalase and Protamax exhibited the highest α‐glucosidase‐ and ACE‐inhibitory activities, resulting in 43.1 ± 2.1% and 54.4 ± 5.1% inhibition of the enzymes, respectively. Inhibitory activities against both enzymes were highest in the MW<3‐kDa fractions that were eluted under alkaline conditions. A number of peptide sequences were identified in the fractions, which contained several sequences with reported α‐glucosidase‐ or ACE‐inhibitory activities. This is the first time that such activities are reported for rice bran albumin hydrolysate, and it demonstrated that the hydrolysates may be developed into nutraceuticals useful in managing diabetics and hypertension.