bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simeprevir, daclatasvir and sofosbuvir for hepatitis C virus‐infected patients with decompensated liver disease
Authors: Lawitz E. , Poordad F. , Gutierrez J. A. , Kakuda T. N. , Picchio G. , Beets G. , Vandevoorde A. , Van Remoortere P. , Jacquemyn B. , Luo D. , Ouwerkerk‐Mahadevan S. , Vijgen L. , Van Eygen V. , Beumont M. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryApproximately three million individuals in the United States are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic HCV infection may lead to the development of compensated as well as decompensated liver cirrhosis. The Phase II IMPACT study was conducted in HCV genotype 1‐ or 4‐infected cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension or decompensated liver disease and assessed for the first time the combination of the three direct‐acting antivirals simeprevir, daclatasvir and sofosbuvir. Treatment‐naïve or treatment‐experienced adults with Child‐Pugh (CP) score <7 (CP A) and evidence of portal hypertension, or CP score 7–9 (CP B), received 12 weeks of simeprevir 150 mg, daclatasvir 60 mg and sofosbuvir 400 mg, once daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR12). Pharmacokinetics and safety were also assessed. Overall, 40 patients were enrolled (CP A: 19; CP B: 21). All 40 patients achieved SVR12. At week 8, the mean pharmacokinetic exposure to simeprevir, sofosbuvir, daclatasvir and GS‐331007 (sofosbuvir metabolite) was 2.2‐, 1.5‐, 1.2‐ and 1.2‐fold higher in patients with CP B than CP A, respectively. Grade 1/2 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 26 of 40 (65%) patients. One CP B patient had a Grade 3 AE (gastrointestinal haemorrhage), which was reported as a serious AE but not considered related to study drugs. Treatment for 12 weeks with simeprevir, daclatasvir and sofosbuvir was generally safe and well tolerated, and resulted in 100% of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension or decompensated liver disease achieving SVR12.
Alien plant species that invade high elevations are generalists: support for the directional ecological filtering hypothesis
Authors: Steyn Christien , Greve Michelle , Robertson Mark P. , Kalwij Jesse M. , le Roux Peter C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractQuestionsThe richness of invasive alien plant species tends to decrease with increasing elevation. This pattern may be due to alien plant species requiring traits allowing survival at high elevations (the Abiotic Limitation Hypothesis; ALH). In contrast, the more recent Directional Ecological Filtering Hypothesis (DEFH) suggests that only species with broad environmental tolerances will successfully spread from lowlands (where most introductions occur) to high elevations. Here we test support for the DEFH and ALH along an elevational gradient by asking: (1) are alien species that occur at higher elevations generalists; and (2) do alien species occurring at higher elevations exhibit traits that distinguishes them from lowland alien species?LocationSani Pass, Maloti‐Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area, South Africa.MethodsA nestedness analysis was conducted to test whether alien species were nested along the elevational gradient, and ANOVA and Chi2 tests (supplemented by resampling procedures) were used to determine if functional traits differed between high‐ and low‐elevation alien species.ResultsSignificant nestedness of the alien flora indicates that alien species occurring at high elevations are generalists, being widespread across the elevational gradient. Compared to low‐elevation aliens, plant height was lower and cold tolerance weaker for high‐elevation species.ConclusionWe found support for the DEFH, with the majority of high‐elevation aliens being widespread generalists. Overall only two of the 11 functional traits differed between high‐ and low‐elevation alien species, with only one trait supporting the ALH: shorter plant stature at higher elevations. Therefore, complementing nestedness analyses with trait data provides a more nuanced insight into the determinants of alien richness patterns along elevational gradients, and highlights how the two contemporary hypotheses might not be mutually exclusive.
Community aggregated traits disclose functional responses to seasonal resource fluctuations and spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Ospina Sonia , Rusch Graciela M. , Easdale Tomás A. , Finegan Bryan , Casanoves Fernando , Ibrahim Muhammad 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate changes in community‐level functional responses to rainfall seasonality in Neotropical grasslands through the analysis of community aggregated traits.LocationSemi‐natural grasslands in the Río Grande de Matagalpa watershed, Nicaragua.MethodsWe measured 14 functional response traits that are indicators of plant resource‐use strategies, across 32 herbaceous and four woody species in eight permanent plots: leaf size, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf lifespan, foliar concentrations of P, N, Ca, K and Mg, plant height, lateral spread by clonal growth, root depth, start of flowering period and length of the period from flowering to seed shed. We calculated the community‐weighted means (CWM) with trait values weighted by species cover for five different paddocks 11 times (between 2 Jul 2007 and 26 May 2008), and grouped them into four periods according to rainfall seasonality: early rainy season, late rainy season, early dry season and late dry season.ResultsCommunity aggregated values of specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf lifespan, foliar concentrations of P, N, Ca, K and Mg, length of the period from flowering to seed shed, and to a lesser extent lateral spread by clonal growth responded to temporal variations in rainfall, and corresponded to a considerable extent to expectations based on plant resource‐use strategies along resource supply gradients. Community aggregated values of specific leaf area and foliar nutrient concentration were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season, while we observed an opposite trend with leaf dry matter content and leaf lifespan.ConclusionsSemi‐natural grasslands of central Nicaragua experience shifts in plant trait dominance that correspond with changes in resource supply given by rainfall seasonality, indicating that the stabilizing function of net primary productivity found in earlier studies can in part be a consequence of temporal differentiation in functional responses.
Efficacy and safety of amphotericin B lipid‐based formulations—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Steimbach Laiza M. , Tonin Fernanda S. , Virtuoso Suzane , Borba Helena H. L. , Sanches Andréia C. C. , Wiens Astrid , Fernandez‐Llimós Fernando , Pontarolo Roberto 
Published: November 2016

SummaryInvasive fungal infections, an important cause of mortality, are primarily treated using amphotericin B, which is available in different formulations, both conventional and lipid‐based (liposomal, lipid complex, colloidal dispersion and Intralipid® infusion). The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy and safety of conventional amphotericin B vs its lipid‐based formulations. A systematic review followed by pairwise meta‐analysis was performed, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of lipid‐based amphotericin B in patients with any degree of immunosuppression and susceptibility to invasive fungal infection. An electronic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Scielo databases. Extracted outcomes were related to efficacy (cure) and safety (incidence of adverse events). Results were evaluated and meta‐analyses were performed. Twenty‐three RCTs were identified (n=2677 participants) for meta‐analysis. No significant differences between conventional amphotericin B and any of the five formulations evaluated were observed, with regard to the efficacy analysis. With respect to the adverse events of nephrotoxicity, fever, chills and vomiting, all lipid formulations presented better profiles than the conventional formulation. The present systematic review and meta‐analysis showed that conventional amphotericin B presents the same efficacy profile as lipid‐based formulations, although the latter were associated with a safer profile.
Metastatic paraganglioma presenting in the oral cavity as the initial manifestation
Authors: Ekanayake K. , Ekanayake M. , Tilakaratne W.M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractParagangliomas are tumours arising from pheochromocytes. Malignant variants are rare. We report of a rare metastasis to mandible of a paraganglioma. This patient also had evidence of metastases to the skull, clavicle, scapula and neck. The diagnosis was based on the histopathology of the oral lesion and a neck node. The disease progressed rapidly and the patient died within a few months from initial presentation. We believe that this is only the third time the metastasis of a paraganglioma to the mandible has been reported.
Schistosoma haematobium infection is associated with increased urine foam
Authors: Sheele Johnathan M , Baddorf Sarah , Kihara Jimmy H 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe compared urine microscopy and dipstick results for urine foam from 59 children in a Schistosoma haematobium‐endemic area in a blinded manner. The sensitivity and specificity, respectively, for diagnosing S. haematobium compared with microscopy was: 74% and 72% for the shake test; 61% and 97% for microscopic hematuria; and 43% and 83% for proteinuria. When >17 eggs/10 mL urine was detected on microscopy, the sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were: 100% and 72% for the shake test; 90% and 97% for microscopic hematuria; and 80% and 83% for proteinuria. Urine foam height >34 mL was significantly more likely to have S. haematobium eggs detected on microscopy (P = 0.001) than urine foam ≤34 mL, indicating that S. haematobium‐infected urine is associated with increased urine foam.
Congenital nephrotic syndrome with a novel NPHS1 mutation
Authors: Yoshizawa Chikage , Kobayashi Yasuko , Ikeuchi Yuka , Tashiro Masahiko , Kakegawa Satoko , Watanabe Toshio , Goto Yoshimitsu , Nakanishi Koichi , Yoshikawa Norishige , Arakawa Hirokazu 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCongenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. The incidence of CNF is relatively high in Finland but considerably lower in other countries. We encountered a male newborn with CNF, associated with compound heterozygous mutations in nephrosis 1, congenital, Finnish type (NPHS1). The patient was admitted to hospital as a preterm infant. Physical and laboratory findings fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of nephrotic syndrome, and were compatible with a diagnosis of CNF, but there was no family history of the disease. On genetic analysis of NPHS1 a paternally derived heterozygous frame‐shift mutation caused by an 8 bp deletion, resulting in a stop codon in exon 16 (c.2156‐2163 delTGCACTGC causing p.L719DfsX4), and a novel, maternally derived nonsense mutation in exon 15 (c.1978G>T causing p.E660X) were identified. Early genetic diagnosis of CNF is important for proper clinical management and appropriate genetic counseling.
Familial acute necrotizing encephalopathy without RANBP2 mutation: Poor outcome
Authors: Nishimura Naoko , Higuchi Yoshihisa , Kimura Nobusuke , Nozaki Fumihito , Kumada Tomohiro , Hoshino Ai , Saitoh Makiko , Mizuguchi Masashi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMost childhood cases of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) involve neither family history nor recurrence. ANE occasionally occurs, however, as a familial disorder or recurs in Caucasian patients. A mutation of RAN‐binding protein 2 (RANBP2) has been discovered in more than one half of familial or recurrent ANE patients. In contrast, there has been no report of this mutation in East Asia. Here, we report the first sibling cases of typical ANE in Japan, with poor outcome. DNA analysis of genes associated with ANE or other encephalopathies, including RANBP2 and carnitine palmitoyl transferase II (CPT2), indicated neither mutations nor disease‐related polymorphisms. On literature review, recurrent or familial ANE without the RANBP2 mutation has a more severe outcome and greater predilection for male sex than that with the RANBP2 mutation. This suggests that there are unknown gene mutations linked to ANE.
Novel mutations in SH3TC2 in a young Japanese girl with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 4C
Authors: Ichikawa Kazushi , Numasawa Keita , Takeshita Saoko , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Takashima Hiroshi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCharcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 4C (CMT4C) is an autosomal recessive demyelinating form of CMT characterized clinically by early onset and severe spinal deformities, and is caused by mutations in SH3TC2. We describe the case of a 10‐year‐old Japanese girl diagnosed with CMT4C. The patient developed progressive foot deformities such as marked pes cavus and ankle contracture, with mild muscle weakness in both legs, and generalized areflexia. On electrophysiological studies, motor nerve conduction velocity ranged from 22.3 m/s in the tibial nerve to 48.2 m/s in the median nerve. Sensory nerve conduction velocity ranged from 30.3 m/s in the sural nerve to 52.8 m/s in the median nerve. Sequence analysis of candidate genes identified two novel heterozygous mutations, c.229C>T and c.2775G>A, in SH3TC2. The patient was diagnosed as having CMT4C with novel mutations, making this the first documented Japanese pediatric case.
Laminated tufa sediments formed from overflow karst springs: Controls on their deposition and carbon–oxygen isotope records
Authors: Domínguez‐Villar David , Vázquez‐Navarro Juan A. , Krklec Kristina , Lojen Sonja , Fairchild Ian J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTufa sediments are freshwater carbonates that precipitate in karst regions after degassing of carbon dioxide from groundwater in contact with the atmosphere. When laminated, these carbonates can provide high‐resolution records for the study of climate, hydrological and environmental conditions at the time of their precipitation. The formation of these carbonates directly depends on the hydrological regime, and in karst regions discontinuous discharges are often recorded. This study investigates the record of recent laminated tufa sediments precipitated downstream overflow springs in Trabaque Canyon (central Spain). The hydrological dynamics of the karst system were monitored for over three years and a stable isotope record was obtained from laminated tufa carbonates precipitated from an overflow spring. Additionally, a hydrological model of overflow springs was generated and a tufa δ18O record under constrained parameters was simulated. Temperature is the dominant control of the variation in tufa δ13C and δ18O values within each lamina, although when comparing different laminae, δ13CDIC and δ18O of river water are also major controls. The positive correlation between tufa δ13C values and water temperature is caused by the fractionation occurred by carbon dioxide degassing due to the thermal dependence of carbon dioxide solubility. Additionally, the system recorded a temperature‐independent degassing process caused by the large gradient between groundwater and atmospheric carbon dioxide that is limited to the proximity of the spring. This study cautions on the risk of assuming continuous deposition when studying laminated tufa sediments and highlights the potential of their stable isotope records to provide hydrological information of their aquifers during the past.
Perioperative blood transfusion: does it influence survival and cancer progression in metastatic spine tumor surgery?
Authors: Zaw Aye Sandar , Kantharajanna Shashidhar B. , Maharajan Karthikeyan , Tan Barry , Vellayappan Balamurugan , Kumar Naresh 
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUNDDespite advances in surgical techniques for spinal metastases, there is often substantial blood loss, resulting in patients requiring blood transfusion during the perioperative period. Allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) has been the main replenishment method for lost blood. However, the impact of ABT on cancer‐related outcomes has been controversial in various studies. We aimed to evaluate the influence of perioperative ABT on disease progression and survival in patients undergoing metastatic spinal tumor surgery (MSTS).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe conducted a retrospective study that included 247 patients who underwent MSTS at a single tertiary institution between 2005 and 2014. The impact of using perioperative ABT (either exposure to or quantities of transfusion) on disease progression and survival was assessed using Cox regression analyses while adjusting for potential confounding variables.RESULTSOf 247 patients, 133 (54%) received ABT. The overall median number of blood units transfused was 2 (range, 0‐10 units). Neither blood transfusion exposure nor quantities of transfusion were associated with overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.15 [p = 0.35] and 1.10 [p = 0.11], respectively) and progression‐free survival (HR, 0.87 [p = 0.18] and 0.98 [p = 0.11], respectively). The factors that influenced overall survival were primary tumor type and preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, whereas primary tumor type was the only factor that had an impact on progression‐free survival.CONCLUSIONSThis is the first study providing evidence that disease progression and survival in patients who undergo MSTS are less likely to be influenced by perioperative ABT. The worst oncologic outcomes are more likely to be caused by the clinical circumstances necessitating blood transfusion, but not transfusion itself. However, because ABT can have a propensity toward developing postoperative infections, including surgical site infection, the use of patient blood management interventions would be worthwhile rather than relying solely on ABTs for these patients, if and whenever possible.
Wide variations in blood product transfusion practices among providers who care for patients with acute leukemia in the United States
Authors: Pine Alexander B. , Lee Eun‐Ju , Sekeres Mikkael , Steensma David P. , Zelterman Daniel , Prebet Thomas , DeZern Amy , Komrokji Rami , Litzow Mark , Luger Selina , Stone Richard , Erba Harry P. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Lee Alfred I. , Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Barbarotta Lisa , Kasberg Stephanie , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Gore Steven D. , Zeidan Amer M. 
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUNDTransfusion of blood products is a key component of the supportive management in patients with acute leukemia (AL). However high‐quality trial evidence and clinical outcome data to support specific transfusion goals for blood products for patients with AL remain limited leading to diverse transfusion practices. The primary objective of this study was to determine the spectrum of transfusion patterns in a variety of care settings among providers who treat AL patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA 31‐question survey queried providers caring for AL patients about the existence of institutional guidelines for transfusion of blood products, transfusion triggers for hemoglobin (Hb), platelets (PLTs), and fibrinogen in various settings including inpatient and outpatient and before procedures.RESULTSWe analyzed 130 responses and identified divergent transfusion Hb goals in hospitalized and ambulatory patients, fibrinogen goals for cryoprecipitate transfusions, and variation in practice for use of certain PLTs and red blood cell products. The least variable transfusion patterns were reported for PLT goals in thrombocytopenia and in the setting of invasive procedures such as bone marrow biopsy and lumbar punctures.CONCLUSIONSThis survey confirmed wide variations in blood product transfusion practices across several clinical scenarios in patients with AL. The findings emphasized the need for large prospective randomized trials to develop standardized evidence‐based guidelines for blood product transfusions in patients with AL with the goal of limiting unnecessary transfusions without compromising outcomes.
Molecular polymorphism of the ABO system in Moroccan blood donors suggesting an A2 allele depression by B allele
Authors: Zarati F. , Achtak H. , Talbi J. , Tissent A. , Mifdal H. , Khajij T. , Nourichafi N. , Bouisk K. , Habti N. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundSeveral previous studies have determined the phenotypic and genetic frequencies of ABO blood groups as well as their distributions in different regions of Morocco. However, there are no detailed published data concerning ABO genetic polymorphism up to date. Regarding the ABO system importance in transfusion medicine and anthropology. Our aim is to determine the ABO phenotypic and genetic polymorphism within Moroccan blood donors.Subjects and MethodsThe ABO phenotype was determined using Olympus PK 7300 Automate and two lots of reagents. Genotyping of 120 subjects taken randomly and of 60 subjects with AB blood groups was performed by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) technique. The direct sequencing concerned five DNA of individuals whose genotypes were undetermined by AS‐PCR.ResultsThe ABO allelic frequencies found among 9271 blood donors are 0·681, 0·205 and 0·114 for O, A and B alleles respectively. A total of 10 alleles and 20 genotypes have been revealed in 120 blood donors. The ABO genetic frequencies of which are 0·346, 0·233, 0·121, 0·113, 0·058, 0·021, 0·0125, 0·0042, 0·0042 and 0·0042 for ABO*O02, ABO*O01, ABO*B101, ABO*A101, ABO*A201, ABO*A102, ABO*O03, ABO*O306, ABO*O107 and ABO*Onv alleles respectively. Furthermore, our results suggested the existence of A2 allele depression by B allele among 16·18% of AB subjects. This depression concerns 96·66% among A201/B101 and 3·34% among A206/B101 subjects.ConclusionThis study is the first in Morocco concerning the ABO genetic polymorphism. The direct sequencing of ABO gene taking into account a large population lets us precise the genetic diversity and consolidate the hypothesis of the existence of the A2 allele depression by B allele within the Moroccan population.
Assumed Voices of Samoa
Authors: Faletolu Tautalamaleavailumaotamalii (Tala) Anastasia 
Published: November 2016

"I know who I am however (at times) it can be frustrating and difficult when explaining to others and I don’t mind that (so much) ... what I don’t like is when people assume that they know who I am and proceed to relate to me with their assured understanding and ignorance" (Anonymous). In this article I will be giving you an overview of the research that I undertook titled ‘The Assumed Voices of Samoa’, and the founding conclusions that I made in answer to the research question of ‘What are some appropriate ways of working social work with Samoan people from a Samoan client’s perspective?’ Accounts from participants will be shared to highlight the importance of understanding cultures to avoid miscommunication, disempowerment and disrespect. Finally the ‘So’otaga Model’ will be explained to show required skills, knowledge, resources and supports when working with Samoan families.