bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image‐guided IMRT with simultaneous integrated boost as per RTOG 0529 for the treatment of anal cancer
Authors: Arcadipane Francesca , Franco Pierfrancesco , Ceccarelli Manuela , Furfaro Gabriella , Rondi Nadia , Trino Elisabetta , Martini Stefania , Iorio Giuseppe Carlo , Mistrangelo Massimiliano , Cassoni Paola , Racca Patrizia , Morino Mario , Ricardi Umberto 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTo report on clinical outcomes of simultaneous integrated boost intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy as per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0529 protocol in anal cancer patients.MethodsClinical stage T1–T4 N0–N3 anal cancer patients were submitted to concomitant chemoradiation. Patients with cT2N0 disease were prescribed 50.4 Gy/28 fractions to the gross tumor planning target volume (PTV) and 42 Gy/28 fractions to the elective nodal PTV. Patients staged as cT3–T4/N0–N3 were given 54 Gy/30 fractions to the macroscopic anal PTV, while clinical nodes were prescribed 50.4 Gy/30 fractions if <3 cm or 54 Gy/30 fractions if ≥3 cm; elective nodal PTV was prescribed 45 Gy/30 fractions. Two cycles of concomitant 5‐fluorouracil and mitomycin C were planned for all patients. Oncological outcomes, acute and late toxicity profiles and pattern of failure were reported.ResultsThe 3‐year colostomy‐free survival rate was 64% (95% CI 0.52–0.75). The 3‐year local control, disease‐free and overall survival rates were 69% (95% CI 0.57–0.79), 71% (95% CI 0.59–0.80) and 79% (95% CI 0.66–0.87), respectively. The cumulative incidence of colostomies was 15.1% (95% CI 8.15–23.88) at 24 months. The cumulative incidence of cancer‐specific deaths was 16.4% (95% CI 8.60–26.47) at 36 months. Major acute toxicity consisted of hematological (G3–G4: 26%) and cutaneous (G3–G4: 16%) events. Only one case of ≥G3 late toxicity was documented.ConclusionsSimultaneous integrated boost IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy as per RTOG 0529 protocol seems to be safe and feasible with consistent oncological outcomes and a mild acute and late toxicity profile in anal cancer patients.
CCL19/CCR7 contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis via PI3K/Akt pathway by regulating the proliferation and invasion of ESCs
Authors: Diao Ruiying , Wei Weixia , Zhao Jinghui , Tian Fuying , Cai Xueyong , Duan Yong‐Gang 
Published: August 2017

ProblemThe level of CCL19 increased in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis, but the precise mechanism of CCL19/CCR7 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unknown.MethodsELISA and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyze CCL19/CCR7 expressions in peritoneal fluid and endometrium from women with endometriosis (n = 38) and controls (n = 32). Cell proliferation and transwell invasion assays were applied to detect proliferation and invasion of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Expressions of Bcl2, MMP2, MMP9, and p‐AKT/AKT were analyzed by Western blot.ResultsPeritoneal fluid concentration of CCL19 in patients with endometriosis was higher than that in controls. Those patients with moderate/severe endometriosis had significantly higher peritoneal fluid concentrations of CCL19 compared to those with minimal/mild endometriosis. Higher CCL19 and CCR7 were found in the endometrium with endometriosis compared to control. CCL19 significantly enhanced ESC proliferation and invasion through CCR7 via activating PI3K/Akt signal pathways. CCL19/CCR7 interaction significantly enhanced phosphorylation of Akt, Bcl2, MMP2, and MMP9 in ESCs.ConclusionThese data indicate CCL19/CCR7 contributes to proliferation and invasion of ESCs, which are conducive to the pathogenesis of endometriosis through activating PI3K/Akt pathway.
Fly Thru imaging: Feasibility study and comparison with outpatient hysteroscopy
Authors: Rajendran Sumathi , Mogra Ritu , Li Ying , de Vries Bradley , Hyett Jon 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundIn the investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding, hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy is considered the gold standard. Fly Thru™ imaging is a new application used to generate virtual hysteroscopy clips.AimsWe aimed to investigate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of sonohysterogram with virtual hysteroscopy as an alternative to outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy.Materials and MethodsTwo separate cohorts of women were recruited. The first cohort was to assess feasibility of the application. The second cohort included women recruited to undergo a sonohysterogram, with virtual hysteroscopy, prior to their scheduled outpatient hysteroscopy. Pain scores were recorded after each procedure.ResultsSixteen women were recruited to the feasibility cohort and virtual hysteroscopy post‐processing was successfully applied in 14/16 (88%). Clips were produced in less than one minute in 12/16 (75%). Both tubal ostia were identified in 12/16 (75%). Twenty‐nine women were enrolled in the correlation cohort with two women excluded as they did not proceed to hysteroscopy according to study protocol. Virtual hysteroscopy, successfully generated in 23/27 women (85%), detected all intra‐cavitary pathologies (9/27) detected on outpatient hysteroscopy. Tubal ostia were visualised less often with virtual hysteroscopy (37%) when compared with outpatient hysteroscopy (74%). Sonohysterogram with virtual hysteroscopy was associated with less pain with a median difference in pain score of 2 (interquartile range 1.0–4.0, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsSonohysterogram with virtual hysteroscopy is feasible; however, the addition of virtual hysteroscopy to sonohysterogram alone has limited value. Larger studies are required to determine whether it can be used as a diagnostic alternative to outpatient hysteroscopy.
The future of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic gynaecologic surgery in Australia – A time and a place for everything
Authors: Nicklin James 
Published: August 2017

There has been a significant increase in minimally invasive surgery in gynaecology over the last 15 years, with approximately only one‐third of hysterectomies for benign disease now performed via laparotomy. While robotic surgery offers considerable technical advantages over conventional laparoscopy and is associated with only a modest learning curve, the improvement in clinical outcomes is marginal and there are several disadvantages. There are increased set‐up and operating times, the need to accommodate and maintain large sophisticated equipment, and the requirement for additional training. The preeminent issue regarding the place of robotic gynaecological surgery is cost. How this is addressed and contained will ultimately determine uptake in Australia. From the published literature to date, robotic surgery compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery is associated with marginal improvements in clinical outcomes for benign hysterectomy and endometrial cancer surgery, but little improvement for other benign gynaecological surgery or for cervical cancer surgery. Robotic surgery probably does improve clinical outcomes in obese and morbidly obese patients and is associated with improved ergonomics for the surgeon. It is likely that there will be continued substantial improvements in robotic surgical platforms into the foreseeable future and that robotic surgery will play an increasingly important role in gynaecological surgery in Australia.
5‐/12‐Lipoxygenase‐linked cascade contributes to the IL‐33‐induced synthesis of IL‐13 in mast cells, thus promoting asthma development
Authors: Ro MyungJa , Lee A‐Jin , Kim Jae‐Hong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundAs asthma progresses, the levels of IL‐33 in serum are markedly increased and contribute to asthmatic development and exacerbation. Mast cells, one of the principal effector cells in the pathogenesis of asthma, express high levels of the IL‐33 receptor ST2 and have been shown to be activated by IL‐33. Thus, IL‐33 stimulates mast cells to produce Th2‐type cytokines such as IL‐13, thus contributing to asthmatic development. However, the signaling mechanism for IL‐33‐induced synthesis of Th2 cytokines, particularly IL‐13, has not been fully elucidated in mast cells.MethodsThe role of 5‐ or 12‐LO in the IL‐33‐induced synthesis of IL‐13 was investigated using knockdown or pharmacological inhibitors in bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMCs) and animal model.ResultsBlockade of 5‐ or 12‐LO significantly suppressed IL‐33‐induced synthesis of IL‐13 in BMMCs. The subsequent action of 5‐ and 12‐LO metabolites through their specific receptor, BLT2, was also critical for IL‐33‐induced synthesis of IL‐13. We also demonstrated that the MyD88‐p38 kinase cascade lies upstream of 5‐/12‐LO and that NF‐κB lies downstream of 5‐/12‐LO to mediate the IL‐33‐induced synthesis of IL‐13 in mast cells. Consistent with these findings, we observed that in an IL‐33‐administered asthmatic airway inflammation model, IL‐13 levels were markedly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, but its levels were markedly suppressed by treatment with inhibitors of 5‐LO, 12‐LO or BLT2, further suggesting roles of 5‐/12‐LO in IL‐33‐induced IL‐13 production.ConclusionOur results suggest that “MyD88‐5‐/12‐LO‐BLT2‐NF‐κB” cascade significantly contributes to the IL‐33‐induced synthesis of IL‐13 in mast cells, thus potentially contributing to asthmatic development and exacerbation.
Intravitreal gas for symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion: a synthesis of the literature
Authors: Neffendorf James E. , Simpson Andrew R.H. , Steel David H.W. , Desai Riti , McHugh Dominic A. , Pringle Edward , Jackson Timothy L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSymptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (sVMA) is defined as visual loss secondary to foveal damage from vitreomacular traction (VMT) and includes isolated VMT, impending macular hole (MH), and full‐thickness MH with persisting vitreous attachment. Management options include pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), intravitreal ocriplasmin, intravitreal gas injection or observation. This synthesis of the literature aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravitreal gas for sVMA. Articles describing patients with VMT or MH treated with intravitreal expansile gas were selected by systematic literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to September 2016. The main outcomes at 1 month and final review were logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (VA), anatomical success (absence of both VMT and MH, without PPV) and adverse events (AEs). The intended comparator was observation. Nine of 106 identified articles were eligible, and none were randomized controlled trials. The mean VA of 91 eyes improved from 0.55 (Snellen equivalent 6/21) to 0.48 (6/18) logMAR at 1 month and to 0.35 (6/13) logMAR at final review. The mean VA at final review, prior to a vitrectomy, was 0.42 (6/16). Anatomic success was 48% at 1 month and 57% at final review. The reported AEs comprised retinal detachment in two highly myopic eyes. Intravitreal gas injection can relieve sVMA. Larger controlled studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy relative to observation, ocriplasmin, or vitrectomy.
Pfannenstiel laparoendoscopic reduced‐port bilateral radical nephrectomy for a patient with renal cell carcinoma undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Nomura Takeo , Yamasaki Mutsushi , Takei Kohei , Sato Fuminori , Terachi Toshiro , Mimata Hiromitsu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe performed Pfannenstiel laparoendoscopic reduced‐port bilateral radical nephrectomy on a patient with renal cell carcinoma undergoing hemodialysis. A 4‐cm Pfannenstiel incision was made, and a GelPOINT access was inserted. Three trocars were placed through the access platform, and additional 5‐ and 3‐mm trocars were inserted in the umbilicus and paraumbilical area, respectively. After left nephrectomy, right nephrectomy was successfully completed in 401 min, with an estimated blood loss of 70 mL. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged 10 days postoperatively. The umbilical scar was concealed within the umbilical fold, and the scar from the 3‐mm trocar was almost invisible. The Pfannenstiel scar was minimal and concealed by the patient's underwear. Pfannenstiel laparoendoscopic reduced‐port simultaneous bilateral radical nephrectomy is a safe and technically feasible procedure that offers great cosmesis for patients with bilateral renal tumors and end‐stage renal disease.
Meat and nutritional quality comparison of purebred and crossbred pigs
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chai Jie , Luo Zonggang , He Hang , Chen Lei , Liu Xueqin , Zhou Qinfei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCrossbreeding is an effective method of improving the efficiency and profit of production in commercial pig operations. To understand the effect of crossbreeding on meat and nutrient quality, a combination including three purebred (Duroc, D; Landrace, L; Yorkshire, Y) and two crossbred pig lines (Landrace × Yorkshire, LY; Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), DLY) frequently used internationally were studied. The results showed that meat from the LY and DLY crosses had lower values for lightness , shear force and epinephrine and higher values for drip loss, C18:1, insulin, glucagon and monounsaturated fatty acids than D, L and Y pigs. Moreover, LY had higher values for post mortem pH and lower values for a* and b* than the purebreds. In contrast, DLY had lower values for pH and higher values for a* and b* than the purebreds. Meat quality‐related gene analysis showed that the CAST, IGF2 and MC4R gene expression levels in the LY and DLY pigs were significantly higher than those in the D, L and Y pigs. These results indicate that crossbreeding can alter the meat quality, nutritive value, energy metabolism and gene expression of pigs. Future research should focus on microRNA expression and DNA methylation that regulate gene expression and thus affect the meat quality.
Survival and developmental competence of bovine embryos at different developmental stages and separated blastomeres after vitrification in different solutions
Authors: Juanpanich Theesit , Suttirojpattana Tayita , Takayama Mari , Liang Yuanyuan , Dochi Osamu , Parnpai Rangsun , Imai Kei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGenerating techniques to enhance the success of blastomere separation is important for bovine economy, because it increases the number of transferable embryos. This study aimed to identify the optimum cryoprotectants for the vitrification of bovine embryos and the separation of blastomeres at different stages. In experiment 1, expanded blastocysts were vitrified in two different vitrification solutions, either (1) ethylene glycol (EG) + propylene glycol (PG) or (2) EG. The survival rate of blastocysts in the EG + PG was higher than that of the EG. In experiment 2, intact two‐cell and eight‐cell stage embryos were vitrified in the same solutions used in experiment 1. The EG + PG produced more dead embryos than the EG (P < 0.05). In the EG, the rate of blastocyst formation was similar for the vitrified two‐ and eight‐cell embryos and the non‐vitrified ywo‐cell embryos. In experiment 3, separated blastomeres of two‐ and eight‐cell embryos were vitrified in EG. There was no difference in the rate of blastocyst formation and total number of cells between the two vitrified groups. In summary, at the blastocyst stage, EG + PG was superior, based on both survival rates and cell numbers; however, at the 2–8 cell stage, the use of EG alone was better than the other groups.
Effects of correcting missing daily feed intake values on the genetic parameters and estimated breeding values for feeding traits in pigs
Authors: Ito Tetsuya , Fukawa Kazuo , Kamikawa Mai , Nikaidou Satoshi , Taniguchi Masaaki , Arakawa Aisaku , Tanaka Genki , Mikawa Satoshi , Furukawa Tsutomu , Hirose Kensuke 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDaily feed intake (DFI) is an important consideration for improving feed efficiency, but measurements using electronic feeder systems contain many missing and incorrect values. Therefore, we evaluated three methods for correcting missing DFI data (quadratic, orthogonal polynomial, and locally weighted (Loess) regression equations) and assessed the effects of these missing values on the genetic parameters and the estimated breeding values (EBV) for feeding traits. DFI records were obtained from 1622 Duroc pigs, comprising 902 individuals without missing DFI and 720 individuals with missing DFI. The Loess equation was the most suitable method for correcting the missing DFI values in 5–50% randomly deleted datasets among the three equations. Both variance components and heritability for the average DFI (ADFI) did not change because of the missing DFI proportion and Loess correction. In terms of rank correlation and information criteria, Loess correction improved the accuracy of EBV for ADFI compared to randomly deleted cases. These findings indicate that the Loess equation is useful for correcting missing DFI values for individual pigs and that the correction of missing DFI values could be effective for the estimation of breeding values and genetic improvement using EBV for feeding traits.
The indispensability of labelled groups to vulnerability in bioethics
Authors: Kwek Adrian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRegarding the determination of vulnerability, the bioethics community has univocally jettisoned “labelled groups”, groups whose membership confers a context‐invariant “vulnerable” status to their members. While the usual reasons against the sole use of labelled groups to determine the vulnerability of individuals are sound, labelled groups as exemplars of vulnerability can play indispensable roles in bioethical reasoning. In this article, I argue against the wholesale jettisoning of labelled groups by showing how they can be useful.
Reconsidering paternalism in clinical research
Authors: Jansen Lynn A. , Wall Steven 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe ethical standards that regulate clinical research have multiple rationales. Among them is the need to protect potential subjects from making imprudent decisions, which extends beyond the soft paternalistic concern to protect people from making uninformed decisions to participate in trials. This article argues that a plausible risk/benefit restriction on clinical trials is presumptively justified by hard paternalism, which in turn is supported by a deeper fairness‐based rationale. This presumptive case for hard paternalism in research is not defeated by the alleged right to participate in clinical trials, by concerns about insult or status, by the need to conduct early phase trials that promise little to no benefit to participants, or by the recognition that some potential subjects are altruistically motivated.
Sources of influence on pregnant women's preferred mode of delivery in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Amyx Melissa , Gibbons Luz , Xiong Xu , Mazzoni Agustina , Althabe Fernando , Buekens Pierre , Belizán José M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding influences on women's preferred delivery mode is vital for planning interventions to reduce cesarean rates and for ensuring that women receive correct information. Our objectives were to: determine if sources of information influencing a pregnant woman's preferred delivery mode and knowledge of cesarean indications differ by sociodemographic characteristics; to conduct a factor analysis of items related to information sources influencing this preference; and to determine if knowledge differs by information sources influencing this preference or their underlying latent constructs.MethodsData from a prospective cohort study conducted in Buenos Aires was analyzed. Healthy nulliparous women aged 18‐35, at >32 weeks of gestation and with live, singleton pregnancies participated. The primary research questions were evaluated using Chi‐square tests, factor analysis, logistic regression, and generalized estimating equations.ResultsA total of 382 women participated in the study. Women of lower socioeconomic status were more influenced by people, magazines and TV/movies in their mode of delivery preferences, and had poorer knowledge of cesarean indications. Sources of influence for preferred delivery mode and factors derived in factor analysis were not associated with knowledge level when considered individually or together, or when adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, or when accounting for clustering by the hospital sector (public or private).ConclusionsHigher socioeconomic status is associated with being less influenced by people and with better knowledge of indications for cesarean delivery. Knowledge of cesarean indications was not associated with the source of information about mode of delivery preferences.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for clinically distressed health care workers: Waitlist‐controlled evaluation of an ACT workshop in a routine practice setting
Authors: Waters Cerith S. , Frude Neil , Flaxman Paul E. , Boyd Jane 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of a 1‐day acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) workshop on the mental health of clinically distressed health care employees, and to explore ACT's processes of change in a routine practice setting.DesignA quasi‐controlled design, with participants block allocated to an ACT intervention or waiting list control group based on self‐referral date.MethodsParticipants were 35 health care workers who had self‐referred for the ACT workshop via a clinical support service for staff. Measures were completed by ACT and control group participants at pre‐intervention and 3 months post‐intervention. Participants allocated to the waitlist condition went on to receive the ACT intervention and were also assessed 3 months later.ResultsAt 3 months post‐intervention, participants in the ACT group reported a significantly lower level of psychological distress compared to the control group (d = 1.41). Across the 3‐month evaluation period, clinically significant change was exhibited by 50% of ACT participants, compared to 0% in the control group. When the control group received the same ACT intervention, 69% went on to exhibit clinically significant change. The ACT intervention also resulted in significant improvements in psychological flexibility, defusion, and mindfulness skills, but did not significantly reduce the frequency of negative cognitions. Bootstrapped mediation analyses indicated that the reduction in distress in the ACT condition was primarily associated with an increase in mindfulness skills, especially observing and non‐reactivity.ConclusionsThese findings provide preliminary support for providing brief ACT interventions as part of routine clinical support services for distressed workers.Practitioner points

A 1‐day ACT workshop delivered in the context of a routine staff support service was effective for reducing psychological distress among health care workers.

The brief nature of this group intervention means it may be particularly suitable for staff support and primary care mental health service settings.

The findings indicate that the beneficial effects of an ACT workshop on distressed employees' mental health were linked to improvements in specific mindfulness skills.

Study limitations include non‐random allocation of participants to the ACT and control groups, and measurement of mediators and outcome at the same time point (3 months post‐intervention).