bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salvage treatment for local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after local ablation therapy
Authors: Imai Katsunori , Beppu Toru , Chikamoto Akira , Mima Kosuke , Okabe Hirohisa , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Nitta Hidetoshi , Ishiko Takatoshi , Baba Hideo 
Published: February 2014

AimLocal recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after local ablation therapy (LAT) is a serious problem; however, the optimal treatment strategy remains unclear.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted of 50 patients with local recurrence of HCC after LAT that underwent either salvage hepatectomy (n = 23) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA; n = 27). Their background characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative short‐ and long‐term outcome were analyzed.ResultsThe RFA group was found to be significantly associated with an impaired liver functional reserve, smaller number and size of tumors. The hepatectomy group showed a significantly longer operation time, greater intraoperative blood loss and more frequent red blood cell transfusion. In‐hospital stay mortality and morbidity rate did not significantly differ. The disease‐free and overall survival showed no significant difference between the groups. Although local recurrence after salvage treatment was found in zero (0%) for hepatectomy and in seven (25.9%) for RFA, that did not affect the overall survival. The tumor size at the prior LAT was identified as an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival and serum albumin for overall survival.ConclusionWhereas salvage hepatectomy for local recurrent HCC is recommended for selected patients in terms of its good local control effect, salvage RFA is also acceptable because it is less invasive and also has a reasonable long‐term outcome.
Dividend Policy Irrelevancy and the Construct of Earnings
Authors: Gao Zhan , Ohlson James A. , Ostaszewski Adam J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper analyzes the characteristics of earnings in valuation settings where the dividend policy is irrelevant to equity value. The paper first demonstrates an equivalent characterization of dividend policy irrelevancy (DPI) in a general linear dynamic. It then proceeds to show how DPI leads to ideal and practical constructs of earnings and examines their analytical properties. We further demonstrate that earnings properties can be used to deduce the core approach in practical equity valuation – namely, measures of growth in expected earnings explain the price to forward earnings ratio. However, unlike dividends, free cash flow cannot generally be claimed to be irrelevant to value.
Role of Aliskiren on Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Function in Patients With Primary Hypertension
Authors: Bonadei Ivano , Vizzardi Enrico , D'Aloia Antonio , Sciatti Edoardo , Raddino Riccardo , Metra Marco 
Published: February 2014

Arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are important determinants of cardiovascular events in patients with arterial hypertension. There are few data regarding the role of aliskiren on the central hemodynamics and endothelial function in patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess the addition of aliskiren to other antihypertensive drug treatment for arterial stiffness and endothelial function. Thirty uncontrolled hypertensive patients (mean age, 60.4±12.2 years), without any other cardiovascular risk factors, were enrolled. Augmentation index (AIx) and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) by applanation tonometry and reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH PAT)index using peripheral arterious tonometry at baseline and after 6 months of aliskiren titrated to 300 mg once a day was evaluated. The addition of aliskiren had no effect on values of centralAIx (33.26±10.74% vs 28.86±10.74%;P=.36) but did significantly improve values of cfPWV(9.36±2.65 m/s vs 8.72±2.48 m/s;P=.04) andRH PATindex (1.64±0.57 vs 1.75±0.45;P=.05). In addition to improving systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the addition of aliskiren to concomitant antihypertensive drugs in uncontrolled hypertensive patients may be effective in improving aortic stiffness and endothelial function. These results encourage further studies to evaluate the use of aliskiren for cardiovascular prevention.
Snus (Swedish smokeless tobacco) use and risk of stroke: pooled analyses of incidence and survival
Authors: Hansson J. , Galanti M. R. , Hergens M.‐P. , Fredlund P. , Ahlbom A. , Alfredsson L. , Bellocco R. , Engström G. , Eriksson M. , Hallqvist J. , Hedblad B. , Jansson J.‐H. , Pedersen N. L. , Trolle Lagerros Y. , Östergren P.‐O. , Magnusson C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundSnus is a moist smokeless tobacco product with high nicotine content. Its use has a short‐term effect on the cardiovascular system, but the relationship between snus use and stroke is unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the associations between use of snus and incidence of and survival after stroke, both overall and according to subtypes.MethodsPooled analyses of eight Swedish prospective cohort studies were conducted, including 130 485 men who never smoked. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incidence and death after diagnosis using Cox proportional hazard regression models and case fatality and survival using logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier methods, respectively.ResultsNo associations were observed between the use of snus and the risk of overall stroke (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.92–1.17) or of any of the stroke subtypes. The odds ratio (OR) of 28‐day case fatality was 1.42 (95% CI 0.99–2.04) amongst users of snus who had experienced a stroke, and the HR of death during the follow‐up period was 1.32 (95% CI 1.08–1.61).ConclusionUse of snus was not associated with the risk of stroke. Hence, nicotine is unlikely to contribute importantly to the pathophysiology of stroke. However, case fatality was increased in snus users, compared with nonusers, but further studies are needed to determine any possible causal mechanisms.
Low testosterone in a male adolescent bodybuilder: Which diagnosis holds more weight?
Authors: Woodhill Ineke , Cooper Chris , Zacharin Margaret , Cukier Kimberly , Vuillermin Peter 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe present the case of a 16‐year‐old male who presented reporting a 6‐month history of lowered mood, fatigue, anhedonia, disturbed sleep and heightened anxiety. On further questioning he reported restricted eating and weightlifting for at least 1 h on a daily basis. Investigations revealed findings compatible with secondary hypogonadism. The potential causes of secondary hypogonadism including structural lesions, muscle dysmorphia and use of illicit anabolic steroids are discussed.
Acceptability and psychometric properties of Brøset Violence Checklist in psychiatric care settings in China
Authors: Yao X. , Li Z. , Arthur D. , Hu L. , An F‐R. , Cheng G. 
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary
Short‐term risk assessment instrument owns great importance for psychiatric nurses in China; however, the lack of a standardized violence risk assessment instrument has disadvantaged them in clinical practice.
The Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC), a behavioural observation tool, is the most frequently cited instrument available for evaluating violence risk in psychiatric inpatients, then worth to be tested in Chinese culture.
This study, conducted in two closed wards in a psychiatric hospital in Beijing, revealed that the instrument has favourable reliability, validity and predictive accuracy in Chinese population.
BVC provides nurses with a quick and easily administered method to screening out patients with violence potential, thus allowing for early intervention. Feedback from the nurses was quite encouraging and the further use of BVC seems promising.
AbstractThe lack of standardized violence risk assessment instrument has disadvantaged nurses in clinical practice in China, where violent behaviour is an increasing problem. This study conducted a validation of the Brøset Violence Checklist that has proven effective in violence risk prediction in other countries. A sample of 296 patients consecutively admitted to two wards of a psychiatric hospital in Beijing was recruited. These patients were assessed on day shift and evening shift for the first seven days of hospitalization. Violence data and preventive measures were concurrently collected from nursing records and case reports. A total of 3707 assessments for 281 patients were collected revealing 93 episodes of violence among 55 patients. Receiver operating characteristics yielded an area under the curve of 0.85. At the cut‐off point of one, its sensitivity/specificity was 78.5%/88.2% and the corresponding positive/negative predictive value was 14.6%/99.4%. In some false positive cases, intense preventive measures had been implemented. Positive feedback from the nurses was gained. The Brøset Violence Checklist was proved as an easy‐to‐use and time‐saving instrument, therefore, regarded as a promising tool to determine if the psychiatric users are potentially violent in the short term.
Identification of a natural intergenotypic recombinant hepatitis delta virus genotype 1 and 2 in Vietnamese HBsAg‐positive patients
Authors: Sy B. T. , Nguyen H. M. , Toan N. L. , Song L. H. , Tong H. V. , Wolboldt C. , Binh V. Q. , Kremsner P. G. , Velavan T. P. , Bock C.‐T. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryHepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is acquired as a co‐ /superinfection of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can modulate the pathophysiology of chronic hepatitis B and related liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma. Among the eight distinct HDV genotypes reported, relatively few studies have attempted to investigate the prevalence of HDV mixed genotypes and RNA recombination of HDV. With a recorded prevalence of 10–20% HBV infection in Vietnam, this study investigated the HDV variability, HDV genotypes and HDV recombination among twenty‐one HDV isolates in Vietnamese HBsAg‐positive patients. HDV subgenomic and full‐length genome sequences were obtained using newly established HDV‐specific RT‐PCR techniques. The nucleotide homology was observed from 74.6% to 99.4% among the investigated full‐length genome of the HDV isolates. We observed HDV genotype 1 and HDV genotype 2 in the investigated Vietnamese patients. Although no HDV genotype mixtures were observed, we report here a newly identified recombinant of HDV genotypes (HDV 1 and HDV 2). The identified recombinant HDV isolate C03 revealed sequence homology to both HDV genotype 1 (nt1 to nt907) and HDV genotype 2 (nt908 to nt1675; HDAg coding region) with a breakpoint at nt908. Our findings demonstrate the prevalence of intergenotypic recombination between HDV genotypes 1 and 2 in a Vietnamese HBsAg‐positive patient. Extended investigation on the distribution and prevalence of HDV, HDV mixed genotypes and recombinant HDV genotypes in a larger Vietnamese population offers vital insights into understanding of the micro‐epidemiology of HDV and subsequent pathophysiology in chronic HBV‐ /HDV‐related liver diseases.
The School Food Plan: Putting food at the heart of the school day
Authors: Schabas L. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe School Food Plan, published in July 2013 by the Department for Education, is the latest chapter in England's school food reform drive over the past decade. In contrast to conventional independent reviews, which put forward recommendations for consideration, the School Food Plan lays out actions, which are currently being implemented.The plan sets out 16 actions across policy and industry, ranging from changes to the national curriculum and school food standards, to industry‐led taskforces. The implementation of the Plan is expected to run for two years, after which the actions will be fully embedded into everyday school food activity, with an expected enduring positive impact on health and attainment.This paper gives a brief overview of the School Food Plan, providing the background to the Plan along with a summary of its central principles. It also offers an update on the 16 actions, taking into account the Government's subsequent announcement that universal free school meals for Reception to Year 2 (pupils aged 4–7) will be provided by September 2014.
Tight junctions and IBS ‐ the link between epithelial permeability, low‐grade inflammation, and symptom generation?
Authors: Piche T. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Dr Ewa Wilcz‐Villega and colleagues report low expression of E‐cadherin, a tight junction protein involved in the regulation of paracellular permeability, in the colonic mucosa of patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with predominance of diarrhea (IBS‐D) or alternating symptoms (IBS‐A). These findings constitute an improvement in our knowledge of epithelial barrier disruption associated with IBS. There is mounting evidence to indicate that a compromised epithelial barrier is associated with low‐grade immune activation and intestinal dysfunction in at least a proportion of IBS patients. During the last 10 years of research, much interest has focused on the increase in the number of different types of immune cells in the gut mucosa of IBS patients including: mast cells, T lymphocytes, and other local cells such as enteroendocrine cells. The inflammatory mediators released by these cells or other luminal factors could be at the origin of altered epithelial barrier functions and enteric nervous system signaling, which lead to gut hypersensitivity. A current conceptual framework states that clinical symptoms of IBS could be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the mucosal barrier, highlighting the crucial importance of elucidating the contributory role of epithelial barrier defects in the pathogenesis of IBS. More importantly, disruption of the epithelial barrier could also participate in the generation of persistent abdominal pain and discomfort mimicking IBS in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases considered in remission. This mini review gives a brief summary of clinical and experimental evidence concerning the mechanisms underlying epithelial barrier defects in IBS.
Effect of a low‐flatulogenic diet in patients with flatulence and functional digestive symptoms
Authors: Azpiroz F. , Hernandez C. , Guyonnet D. , Accarino A. , Santos J. , Malagelada J.‐R. , Guarner F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundDiets rich in fermentable residues increase intestinal gas production. Our aim was to demonstrate the potential effects of diet on gas‐related symptoms.MethodsThe effect of a low‐flatulogenic test diet (restricted to foodstuffs low in fermentable residues; n = 15) was compared to that of a balanced control diet (Mediterranean type; n = 15) in 30 patients complaining of flatulence and other abdominal symptoms using a randomized parallel design. The following outcomes were measured daily: number of anal gas evacuations by an event marker, severity of gas‐related symptoms by 0–10 scales, and sensation of digestive comfort by a −5 (unpleasant) to +5 (pleasant) scale. Measurements were taken pretreatment for 3 days on their habitual diet and for 7 days during the treatment phase.Key ResultsNo pretreatment differences were detected between patients allocated to the control or test diets. The test diet significantly reduced the number of gas evacuations (by 54 ± 10%; p = 0.002 vs basal diet) whereas the control diet had a lesser effect (reduction by 28 ± 9%; p = 0.059 vs basal diet; p = 0.089 vs test diet). Compared to the control diet, the test diet significantly reduced flatulence (by 48 ± 7% vs 27 ± 8%, respectively; p = 0.018), abdominal distension (by 48 ± 4% vs 22 ± 12%, respectively; p = 0.038), and enhanced digestive well‐being (by 149 ± 18% vs 58 ± 22%, respectively; p = 0.006).Conclusions & InferencesIn patients with gas‐related symptoms, a low‐flatulogenic diet produces immediate beneficial effects with digestive, cognitive, and emotive dimensions. The number of gas evacuations is an objective biological marker of response to dietary treatment.
Chlamydomonas NZF1, a tandem‐repeated zinc finger factor involved in nitrate signalling by controlling the regulatory gene NIT2
Authors: HIGUERA JOSE JAVIER , FERNANDEZ EMILIO , GALVAN AURORA 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Chlamydomonas reinhardtii NIT2 gene plays a central role in nitrate assimilation, thus, nit2 mutants are not able to sense or to use nitrate for growth. NIT2 protein is an RWP‐RK‐type transcriptional factor related to nodule inception (Nin, NLP) proteins from plants. NIT2 expression is down‐regulated in ammonium and up‐regulated under nitrogen deprivation. However, intracellular nitrate is required to activate NIT2 for subsequent expression of NIA1 and other nitrate assimilation genes. In this work, mutants defective in nitrate sensing have been studied. The identification of genomic regions affected allows proposing putative loci/genes for nitrate signalling in the alga. Among them, a CrNZF1 (Nitrate Zinc Finger 1) that encodes a tandem zinc finger protein CCCH‐type. In the nzf1 mutant, the expression of the regulatory gene NIT2 is decreased and also that of nitrate assimilation genes. In this mutant, polyadenylated forms of NIT2 with different lengths could be detected, whereas in the wild type there appeared preferentially the longest forms. CrNZF1 is proposed to regulate NIT2 polyadenylation and thus nitrate signalling and nitrate‐dependent growth in the alga.
Pregnenolone treatment reduces severity of negative symptoms in recent‐onset schizophrenia: An 8‐week, double‐blind, randomized add‐on two‐center trial
Authors: Ritsner Michael S. , Bawakny Hisham , Kreinin Anatoly 
Published: February 2014

AimsManagement of recent‐onset schizophrenia (SZ) and schizoaffective disorder (SA) is challenging owing to frequent insufficient response to antipsychotic agents. This study aimed to test the efficacy and safety of the neurosteroid pregnenolone in patients with recent‐onset SZ/SA.MethodsSixty out‐ and inpatients who met DSM‐IV criteria for SZ/SA, with suboptimal response to antipsychotics were recruited for an 8‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, two‐center add‐on trial, that was conducted between 2008 and 2011. Participants were randomized to receive either pregnenolone (50 mg/day) or placebo added on to antipsychotic medications. The primary outcome measures were the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale and the Assessment of Negative Symptoms scores. Secondary outcomes included assessments of functioning, and side‐effects.ResultsAnalysis was by linear mixed model. Fifty‐two participants (86.7%) completed the trial. Compared to placebo, adjunctive pregnenolone significantly reduced Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale negative symptom scores with moderate effect sizes (d = 0.79). Significant improvement was observed in weeks 6 and 8 of pregnenolone therapy among patients who were not treated with concomitant mood stabilizers (arms × visit × mood stabilizers; P = 0.010). Likewise, pregnenolone significantly reduced Assessment of Negative Symptoms scores compared to placebo (d = 0.57), especially on blunted affect, avolition and anhedonia domain scores. Other symptoms, functioning, and side‐effects were not significantly affected by adjunctive pregnenolone. Antipsychotic agents, benzodiazepines and sex did not associate with pregnenolone augmentation. Pregnenolone was well tolerated.ConclusionsThus, add‐on pregnenolone reduces the severity of negative symptoms in recent‐onset schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, especially among patients who are not treated with concomitant mood stabilizers. Further studies are warranted.
Neonatal case of classic maple syrup urine disease: Usefulness of 1H‐MRS in early diagnosis
Authors: Sato Takeshi , Muroya Koji , Hanakawa Junko , Asakura Yumi , Aida Noriko , Tomiyasu Moyoko , Tajima Go , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Adachi Masanori 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe describe a male neonate with classic maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) in metabolic crisis. On day 7 of life, he was referred to hospital because of coma and metabolic acidosis with maple syrup odor. On day 4 after admission, brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with encephalopathy due to MSUD. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) showed a large methyl resonance peak at 0.9 p.p.m. The diagnosis of MSUD was confirmed on low branched‐chain α‐keto acid dehydrogenase complex activity in lymphocyte. 1H‐MR spectra were obtained in 10 min, while it took at least several days to obtain the results of other diagnostic examinations. In convalescence, the peak at 0.9 p.p.m. decreased. The large methyl resonance peak at 0.9 p.p.m. in brain 1H‐MRS would be one of the earliest clues to the diagnosis of classic MSUD in the neonatal period, especially in metabolic crisis.
Two children with obesity‐related glomerulopathy identified in a school urinary screening program
Authors: Kawasaki Yukihiko , Isome Masato , Ono Atsushi , Suzuki Yuichi , Takano Kei , Suyama Kazuhide , Hosoya Mitsuaki 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe incidence of obesity‐related glomerulopathy (ORG) has increased over the last decade, but there have been few reports on ORG in Japanese children. Reported herein are two children with ORG identified on school urinary screening (SUS). Patient 1 was a 12‐year‐old boy in whom proteinuria was first detected on SUS. His body mass index (BMI) was 33.8 kg/m2 and he had hypertension and hyperuricemia. Patient 2, a 10‐year‐old boy, also had proteinuria identified on SUS. His BMI was 34.8 kg/m2, and he had fatty liver, hyperuricemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Both were diagnosed with ORG based on obesity, proteinuria, and renal pathological findings. After treatment, including candesartan, food restriction and physical exercise, urinary protein excretion was decreased in both cases. We believe that such school urinary screening programs may be effective for the early identification and treatment of children with ORG.
Development of a Causal Model for Elder Mistreatment
Authors: Ziminski Pickering Carolyn E. , Phillips Linda R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractElder mistreatment (EM) is an act committed by a person in a trusted relationship with an elderly person. Through the process of theory synthesis, a new model was developed, which explains the development of aggression (physical and verbal) toward elders by adult children inEM. The proposed model is set within the context of intimate partner violence and emphasizes that rather than arising in caregiving, aggression may be evident in the pre‐caregiving relationship and continue into caregiving situations. An understanding of the causal origins ofEMis essential in designing intervention to help families have healthy relationships.
Risk‐Reduction Strategies to Expand Radon Care Planning with Vulnerable Groups
Authors: Larsson Laura S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesRadon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Residential radon is the cause of approximately 21,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths each year. Dangerous levels of radon are just as likely to be found in low‐rise apartments and townhomes as single‐family homes in the same area. The preferred radon mitigation strategy can be expensive and requires structural modifications to the home. The public health nurse (PHN) needs a collection of low‐cost alternatives when working with low‐income families or families who rent their homes.MethodA review of the literature was performed to identify evidence‐based methods to reduce radon risk with vulnerable populations.ResultsFourteen recommendations for radon risk reduction were categorized into four strategies. Nine additional activities for raising awareness and increasing testing were also included.DiscussionThe results pair the PHN with practical interventions and the underlying rationale to develop radon careplans with vulnerable families across housing types. The PHN has both the competence and the access to help families reduce their exposure to this potent carcinogen.