bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenging historical perspectives of the 24‐h chemotherapy day: Flexible chemotherapy dose‐timing guidelines
Authors: Alexander Marliese , Coenders Frank , Murray Danielle , Kirsa Sue , Seymour John 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimVariation in dose‐timing within multiday chemotherapy regimens is largely unknown with convention being to administer subsequent days of treatment at 24‐h intervals. However, in reality there are many occasions where doses are given either earlier or later to accommodate a variety of clinical and operational priorities. This project aimed to evaluate the degree of existing variation in chemotherapy dose‐timing and to investigate whether deliberate variation could improve quality and efficiency outcomes such as reduction of after hours chemotherapy administration or reduced inpatient length of stay.MethodChemotherapy charts and hospital admission datasets (n = 112) from sarcoma and hematology inpatient regimens were retrospectively audited to ascertain existing variation in dose‐timing and overall length of stay. Clinical practice guidelines enabling a safe degree of dose‐timing variation for individual chemotherapy regimens were developed, implemented over a 3‐month period, and evaluated against safety, efficiency and economic outcomes.ResultsBaseline dose‐timing variation was common with administration occurring up to 8 h early and 7 h later than conventional 24‐h dosing intervals. Following implementation of clinical practice guidelines, there was a 10% reduction in chemotherapy finishing after hours and a significant reduction in length of stay for two sarcoma regimens, projected to save 24 inpatient bed days (over $20,000) across more than forty inpatient episodes annually.ConclusionDeviation from the standard 24‐h chemotherapy day (deliberately or inadvertently) was a common yet unstandardized practice. Clinical practice guidelines enabling flexible dose‐timing of chemotherapy provided an opportunity to improve chemotherapy administration safety measures, tailor chemotherapy delivery to ward and patient needs, and in some instances reduce non‐value‐added length of stay.
Systemic therapy for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Simon D. , Bieber T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSystemic therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD) is indicated in patients with severe disease refractory to adequate topical treatment. Currently available drugs aim to decrease inflammation by suppressing and/or modulating immune responses and thus may indirectly improve skin barrier function, resulting in a decrease in clinical signs and symptoms in particular pruritus. Before considering systemic treatment, patient adherence to topical treatment including skin care has to be ensured. The selection of the drug depends on the disease severity, localization, complications, concomitant diseases, and age of the patient, but also on their availability and costs as well as the doctor's experience. Bearing in mind the potential risk of resistance, systemic therapy with antibiotics should be exclusively considered in clinically manifest infections such as in children. Here, we review recently published clinical trials and case reports on systemic therapy of pediatric and adult patients with AD to draw conclusions for clinical practice. Although AD is a common disease, controlled clinical studies investigating the efficacy of systemic drugs are scarce, except for cyclosporine, which has been approved for the therapy of severe AD.
Glucose‐induced inhibition of insulin secretion
Authors: Hellman B. , Grapengiesser E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIncrease in glucose is known to elevate the concentration of cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in pancreatic β‐cells and stimulate insulin secretion. However, rise of glucose can also lower [Ca2+]i and inhibit insulin release. In the present review, we examine the mechanisms for this inhibition and highlight its importance for the healthy β‐cell and the development of diabetes. It is possible to distinguish between 60 and 90 s of prompt inhibition and the late inhibition seen after the first‐phase peak of insulin release. The introductory inhibition is characteristic of the healthy β‐cell and mediated by sequestration of [Ca2+]i in the endoplasmic reticulum. This inhibition is easily seen in studies of isolated islets but too brief to be detected in a conventional intravenous glucose tolerance test. Coupled to simultaneous rise of glucagon, the introductory suppression of insulin release is the starting point for the antiphase relation between the subsequent insulin and glucagon pulses. Another effect of the initial suppression is to increase the pool of readily releasable granules responsible for the first‐phase release of insulin. The presence of late inhibition of insulin release is an indicator of β‐cell dysfunction. Patients with type 2 diabetes often respond to intravenous bolus injection of glucose with 5–10 min of late suppression of circulating insulin.
Comparative neurochemical features of the innervation patterns of the gut of the basal actinopterygian, Lepisosteus oculatus, and the euteleost, Clarias batrachus
Authors: Zaccone Giacomo , Lauriano Eugenia Rita , Silvestri Giuseppa , Kenaley Christopher , Icardo José M. , Pergolizzi Simona , Alesci Alessio , Sengar Manvendra , Kuciel Michal , Gopesh Anita 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe structure and physiology of enteric system are very similar in all classes of vertebrates, although they have been investigated only occasionally in non‐mammalian vertebrates. Very little is known about the distribution of the neurotransmitters in the gut of actinopterygian fishes. Anatomical and physiological studies of enteric nervous systems in the spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) and airbreathing catfish (Clarias batrachus), a non‐teleost and teleost actinopterygian, respectively, have not been undertaken. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the range of neurochemical coding in the enteric nervous system of these two species, including the chemical diversity of the mucosal endocrine cells in the pyloric stomach of Clarias. Autonomic innervation of the secretory glands is also described and reported herein for the first time for fishes. We also report splanchnic (spinal) innervation of the stomach, submucosal ganglia (that also colocalize with nNOS) and caudal intestine of Clarias. In both fish species, numerous 5HT, ChAT, nNOS and TH‐positive nerve fibres have been observed. These discoveries demonstrate that much more physiological and pharmacological data are needed before a comprehensive model of enteric nervous system control in vertebrates can be developed.
The role of facial microexpression state (FMES) change in the process of conceptual conflict
Authors: Chiu Mei‐Hung , Chou Chin‐Cheng , Wu Wen‐Lung , Liaw Hongming 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper explores whether facial microexpression state (FMES) changes can be used to identify moments of conceptual conflict, one of the pathways to conceptual change. It is known that when the preconditions of conceptual conflicts are met and conceptual conflicts are detected in students, it is then possible for conceptual change to take place. There were 102 university and high school students who were involved in this research, and about 80% of the participants held erroneous preconceptions on the scientific topic chosen. The results showed that FMES changes were detected in the majority of the students who made erroneous predictions as they underwent conceptual conflict. Furthermore, the lack of FMES change was shown to indicate a lowered likelihood of conceptual change, while the presence of FMES change doubled the likelihood of conceptual change. The results confirm that FMES can be useful in determining learners’ awareness of conflicting concepts and their progress towards scientific understanding. Educational implications are discussed.
Phospholipase A2, prostaglandin E2 and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolic abnormalities in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hon Gloudina M. , Erasmus Rajiv T. , Matsha Tandi E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimMetabolic abnormalities reported in patients with multiple sclerosis include a decrease in cell membrane fatty acid C20:4n‐6. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this decrease was associated with abnormalities in the prostaglandin E2 pathway in patients with multiple sclerosis.MethodsThe study population included 31 patients with multiple sclerosis and 30 healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell membrane fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography, secretory‐phospholipase A2, and prostaglandin E2 with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and C‐reactive protein with a Beckman auto‐analyser.ResultsProstaglandin E2 was increased in patients (545.5 pg/mL; quartile range 585.1 pg/mL) and controls (248.2 pg/mL; quartile range 183.6 pg/mL; P = 0.0018). Phospholipase A2 was inversely associated with C20:4n‐6 in patients and controls, respectively (P = 0.0398 and P = 0.0182). C‐reactive protein showed a positive association with phospholipase A2 in patients (P = 0.0006), and an inverse association with prostaglandin E2 in controls (P = 0.0006).ConclusionsThe increase in prostaglandin E2 concentration in plasma from patients with multiple sclerosis was possibly enhanced by the positive association between the C‐reactive protein and phospholipase A2 concentrations present in patients; that is, active stimulation of the prostaglandin E2 pathway, which can possibly explain decreases in membrane n‐6 fatty acid C20:4n‐6 reported in cell membranes from patients. It is not clear from the results of the present study whether this denotes chronic inflammation in patients, but could be expected to contribute to central nervous system damage reported in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Interleukin‐33/suppression of tumorigenicity 2 system: Can it be a future therapeutic target for neuroimmunological disorders?
Authors: Kanda Takashi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe interleukin‐33/suppression of tumorigenicity 2 system is now recognized to participate in the development of many autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis. Apart from a serum marker of disease activity, interleukin‐33/suppression of tumorigenicity 2 could provide a novel therapeutic regimen in various neuroimmunological disorders including multiple sclerosis.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of narrow‐ vs. regular‐diameter dental implants: a 3‐year follow‐up. A retrospective study
Authors: Zweers J. , van Doornik A. , Hogendorf E. A. H. , Quirynen M. , Van der Weijden G. A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesNarrow‐diameter implants (NDIs) are used in severely resorbed mandibles. The reduced implant diameter means a reduction in the total contact surface between the implant and bone. The question arises whether the implant can be sufficiently osseointegrated to withstand loading forces. If not, marginal bone loss can result from overload. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare clinical and radiographic measurements and patient satisfaction of NDIs with those of regular‐diameter implants (RDIs) placed in edentulous patients to support an overdenture via either a ball or a locator connection.Material and MethodsRetrospectively over a 7‐year period, a total 119 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for this study. The patients received two 3.3‐ or 4.1‐mm‐diameter standard titanium implants in the mandible to support an overdenture. At maintenance examinations after 1 and 3 years, clinical peri‐implant and prosthetic conditions, marginal bone (MB) and patient satisfaction were investigated.ResultsNone of the 238 implants were lost during the 3‐year follow‐up period. Overall MB loss was statistically higher in the NDI group when compared with the RDI group. At the site level, a greater MB loss was observed at the distal side of both implant types. Implants with a locator showed significantly greater MB loss (0.38 mm) compared with the implants with a ball attachment (0.14 mm) over the two‐year evaluation period (P = 0.006). Patient satisfaction significantly favoured the NDI (8.3) and the locator attachment (8.6).ConclusionsThe results suggest that during the first three years after implantation, NDIs were associated with more marginal bone loss compared with RDIs. Regardless of implant diameter, the locator attachment showed more marginal bone loss over time compared with the ball attachment.
Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric submucosal tumors, including esophagogastric junction tumors
Authors: Hoteya Shu , Haruta Shusuke , Shinohara Hisashi , Yamada Akihiro , Furuhata Tsukasa , Yamashita Satoshi , Kikuchi Daisuke , Mitani Toshifumi , Ogawa Osamu , Matsui Akira , Iizuka Toshiro , Udagawa Harushi , Kaise Mitsuru 
Published: December 2013

Background and AimRecently, the use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric submucosal tumor (gSMT) and the development of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) have enabled either preservation of the stomach or minimization of the extent of partial resection. In the present study, the outcomes following the recent introduction of LECS for gSMT are presented. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LECS for gSMT, including esophagogastric junction (EGJ) SMT.MethodsLECS is indicated for lesions that have an intragastric growth pattern, or for which fundusectomy can be avoided despite an extragastric growth pattern. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of LECS carried out in 25 patients including five EGJ SMT.ResultsSurgery was completed achieving an R0 resection rate of 100% with no postoperative complications. Mean tumor sizewas 32.3 ± 13.5 mm and mean resected specimen size was 37.6 ± 13.5 mm. Resection margins were tumor‐free in all cases, with adequate minimum surgical margins, and precise conclusive diagnosis was achieved with perfect operative specimens. Endoscopic confirmation of the EGJ enabled the extent of resection to be minimized and the stomach to be preserved, avoiding fundusectomy. Although there were significant differences in tumor size and resected specimen size between EGJ SMT and non‐EGJ SMT, there were no significant differences in outcomes of the LECS procedure.ConclusionLECS is feasible and safe for cases with gSMT including lesions adjacent to the EGJ.
Left Ventricular Endocardial Dysfunction in Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction after Receiving Anthracycline
Authors: Miyoshi Tatsuya , Tanaka Hidekazu , Kaneko Akihiro , Tatsumi Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Kensuke , Minami Hironobu , Kawai Hiroya , Hirata Ken‐ichi 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundAnthracycline chemotherapy generates progressive dose‐dependent left ventricular (LV) dysfunction associated with a poor prognosis. Early detection of minor LV myocardial dysfunction caused by the cardiotoxicity of anthracycline is thus important for predicting global LV dysfunction.MethodsFifty patients with preserved ejection fraction (all ≥55%) after receiving anthracycline chemotherapy were recruited for this study. Two‐dimensional speckle tracking was used to assess global radial and circumferential strains from mid‐LV short‐axis views and global longitudinal strain from the apical four‐ and two‐chamber view as peak global strain curves. Three‐dimensional (3D) radial, circumferential, and longitudinal myocardial function was quantified as a peak global strain curve using 3D speckle tracking from all 16 LV segments. 3D speckle tracking imaging was used to evaluate LV endocardial area change ratio (area strain) quantified as peak global area strain curve (3D‐GAS) to determine LV endocardial function. Twenty age‐, gender‐, and EF‐matched normal volunteers were studied for comparisons.ResultsOnly 3D‐GAS and peak 3D global circumferential strains of the anthracycline group were significantly worse than those of the control group (−43.3 ± 3.1 vs. −45.8 ± 4.3% and −31.6 ± 3.5% vs. −34.4 ± 4.2%, respectively; P = 0.008, P = 0.004) even though global LV systolic and diastolic functions were similar. 3D‐GAS correlated significantly with the cumulative doxorubicin dose (r = 0.316, P = 0.026). It was noteworthy that multivariate analysis showed only 3D‐GAS (β = 0.323, P = 0.025) was independently associated with cumulative doxorubicin dose.ConclusionsThree‐dimensional speckle tracking area strain was found useful for early detection of minor LV endocardial dysfunction associated with the use of anthracycline, and may thus prove to be clinically useful for predicting global LV dysfunction.
Delayed Blood Pressure Recovery Ratio and Its Relation to Endothelial Function and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Prediabetics
Authors: Mahfouz Ragab A. , Dewedar Ashraf , Elawady Waleed , Salem Abdelhakem , Goda Mohamed 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundEndothelial function plays a key role in determining the clinical manifestations of established atherosclerotic lesions and has shown to be associated with suppressed sympathetic tone. Abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) response during recovery has been found to have diagnostic role for detecting cardiovascular risk.AimTo investigate whether with abnormal HRR and delayed SBP recovery ratio after exercise could predict endothelial dysfunction in prediabetic subjects.MethodsNinety‐two prediabetic patients underwent brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) test and a maximal exercise stress test. Seventy‐eight healthy subjects served as a control group. HRR at 1 minute (HRR1) and SBP recovery ratio (SBPRR3) was defined as the SBP at minute 3 of recovery divided by SBP at peak exercise. Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed utilizing both conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography.ResultsFlow‐mediated dilatation was significantly decreased in prediabetics versus controls (P < 0.0001). Isovolumetric relaxation time and E/E′ were significantly increased in prediabetics (P < 0.01 and <0.001). Delayed SBPRR3 was significantly correlated with impaired endothelial function and (E/E′) in prediabetics (r = 0.62, P < 0.001 and r = 0.56, P < 0.001, respectively). Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that HRR1 and SBPRR3 were significant predictors of endothelial dysfunction (r = 0.61, r2 = 0.37, P < 0.01 and r = 0.51; r2 = 27; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsAbnormal HRR1 and delayed SBP response detected during recovery imply a significant correlation with impaired endothelial function and diastolic dysfunction in prediabetics.
Noninvasive Assessment of Left Atrial Phasic Function in Patients with Hypertension and Diabetes Using Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking and Volumetric Parameters
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Ke , Su Dechun , Cong Tao , Cheng Yunpeng , Zhang Ying , Wu Jian , Sun Yinghui , Shang Zhijuan , Liu Jinqiu , Zhong Lei , Zou Lu , Chitian Changyue , Zhang Xiuyu , Jiang Yinong 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the left atrial phasic function of hypertensive patients with or without coexisting diabetes using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE)‐based strain and strain rate imaging and volumetric parameters.MethodsThe study included an isolated hypertension group (HT group) comprising 99 patients, a hypertension and diabetes group (HT + DM group) comprising 65 patients, and 26 age‐matched healthy controls. The 2DSTE‐based strain and strain rate images were studied, and the following parameters were measured: peak left atrial longitudinal strain (LAS‐S), early diastolic (LAS‐E) and late diastolic (LAS‐A) atrial longitudinal strains, and systolic (LASR‐S), early diastolic (LASR‐E) and late diastolic (LASR‐A) strain rates.ResultsThe LAS‐S and LASR‐S were lower in the HT group and the HT + DM group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The LAS‐E and LASR‐E were lower in the HT group (14.9 ± 5.5% and −1.1 ± 0.4/sec, respectively) than in the control group (22.1 ± 8.3% and −1.7 ± 0.6/sec, respectively) (P < 0.001), and they were further depressed in the HT + DM group (12.3 ± 6.3% and −1.0 ± 0.4/sec, respectively) (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in LAS‐A or LASR‐A among the 3 groups (P > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that HT and DM were independently related to LAS‐E and LASR‐E.ConclusionsHypertension can lead to abnormal left atrial reservoir and conduit functions, and coexisting diabetes can further impair conduit function. 2DSTE‐derived strain and strain rate imaging are sensitive methods for evaluating left atrial phasic function.
Immunoglobulin D myeloma: clinical features and outcome in the era of novel agents
Authors: Zagouri Flora , Kastritis Efstathios , Symeonidis Argiris S. , Giannakoulas Nikolaos , Katodritou Eirini , Delimpasi Sosana , Repousis Panagiotis , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A. ,   The Greek Myeloma Study Group
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesImmunoglobulin D (IgD) multiple myeloma is an uncommon variant of the disease probably associated with poorer prognosis. However, data on IgD myeloma patients treated in the novel agent era are lacking.MethodsTo assess the frequency and the specific characteristics and evaluate the outcome of patients with IgD myeloma, we analyzed the database of the Greek Myeloma Study Group.ResultsBetween January 2000 and December 2012, among the 1239 patients with symptomatic myeloma, 31 (2.5%) were diagnosed with IgD myeloma. The median age of patients with IgD myeloma was 65 yr (range 26–80 yr) versus 68 yr (range 23–96 yr) of all others, and 84% had lambda light chain (vs. 38% of the patients with other subtypes). Patients with IgD myeloma presented more often with features of high‐risk disease, that is, with advanced ISS, high LDH, significant renal dysfunction, and large amounts of Bence Jones proteinuria. Response to primary therapy was similar to other patients, although there was a trend for better quality of responses in patients with IgD myeloma. The median survival of these patients was 51.5 months versus 50.7 months for patients of other subtypes. In a multivariate model to adjust for differences in prognostic features, IgD myeloma was not associated with a different prognosis.ConclusionThe incidence of IgD myeloma is 2.5%. Although patients with IgD myeloma present more often with high‐risk features, their outcome in the era of novel agents is similar to that of patients with other myeloma subtypes.
Body size distributions at community, regional or taxonomic scales do not predict the direction of trait‐driven diversification in snakes in the United States
Authors: Burbrink Frank T. , Myers Edward A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimWe determine whether trait‐driven diversification yields similar body size distributions for snakes in local, regional and phylogenetic assemblages.LocationUnited States, North America.MethodsUsing total length and mass, we examine body size frequency distributions (BSFD) across 79 sites and respective biomes to determine if these areas represent random subsamples from the source pools of taxon body sizes. Using QuaSSE, we determine if the most probable model of trait‐driven diversification in the three most common groups of snakes in North America, the ratsnakes, pitvipers and watersnakes, is similar to the predicted regional BSFD.ResultsBSFD of snakes at the community, biome, regional and clade scales show symmetric distributions of body size. These patterns may simply be generated from random statistical subsampling. Speciation rates are not highest at or near the modal body size and simulations show that linear trait‐driven models can still yield highly symmetric distributions of body size.Main conclusionsIn this study region, processes such as competition due to size do not alter BSFD from one scale to the other. It is likely that rates of speciation are not highest at the mode in snakes and trait‐driven diversification is not likely to account for a regional pool of body sizes from which local communities are drawn, although persistence of modal body sizes through time could yield regional BSFD.