bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical use of new oral anticoagulant drugs: dabigatran and rivaroxaban
Authors: Baglin Trevor 
Published: August 2013

SummaryOrally active small molecules that selectively and specifically inhibit coagulation serine proteases have been developed for clinical use. For some patients these oral direct inhibitors (ODIs) offer substantial benefits over oral vitamin K antagonists (VKA). However, for the majority of patients with good anticoagulant control with VKAs the advantages of the ODIs are primarily convenience and few drug interactions. The drugs are prescribed at fixed dose without the need for monitoring or dose adjustment in the majority of patients and the rapid onset of anticoagulation and short half‐life make initiation and interruption of anticoagulation considerably easier than with VKAs. As yet, specific antidotes to ODIs are not available for clinical use but these are in development as rapid reversal agents. As with all anticoagulants produced so far, there is a correlation between intensity of anticoagulation and bleeding. Consequently, the need to consider the balance of benefit and risk in each individual patient is no less important than with VKA therapy. Dabigatran and rivaroxaban have been chosen for this review as examples of a thrombin inhibitor and an inhibitor of factor Xa respectively. The clinical application of these drugs is the focus of the review.
Clofarabine in combination with pegylated asparaginase in the frontline treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a feasibility report from the CoALL 08‐09 trial
Authors: Escherich Gabriele , zur Stadt Udo , Zimmermann Martin , Horstmann Martin A. ,   CoALL study group
Published: August 2013

SummaryClofarabine was the latest new drug to be approved, in 2004, for relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). To investigate its value in the frontline treatment of ALL we applied clofarabine 5 × 40 mg/m2 in combination with pegylated asparaginase (PEG‐ASP) 1 × 2500 iu/m2 in high risk ALL patients as a novel post‐induction element in the German Co‐operative Study Group for treatment of ALL (CoALL) trial 08‐09. Newly diagnosed ALL patients, defined by a significant minimal residual disease (MRD) load at the end of induction (B‐progenitor ALL at day 29 ≥ 10−4 and T‐ALL at day 43 ≥ 10−3) were eligible for this phase II trial. All other patients received the standard treatment consisting of high‐dose cytarabine (HIDAC) 4 × 3 g/m² in combination with Peg‐ASP 2500 iu/m². Forty‐two patients (39 B‐progenitor; 3 T‐ALL) fulfilled the criteria, were stratified and received the clofarabine/PEG‐ASP treatment resulting in 24/39 (61%) MRD‐negative B‐progenitor patients compared to 18/39 (46%) after HIDAC/PEG‐ASP in CoALL 07‐03. Overall, the toxicity profile of clofarabine/PEG‐ASP was similar to HIDAC/PEG‐ASP without unexpected severe side effects. Clofarabine combined with PEG‐ASP is safe and effective in the frontline treatment of ALL. A prospective, randomized trial is warranted to evaluate the antileukaemic efficacy of clofarabine versus HIDAC combined with PEG‐ASP.
Impact of smoking status and cumulative exposure on intravesical recurrence of upper tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Xylinas Evanguelos , Kluth Luis A. , Rieken Malte , Lee Richard K. , Elghouayel Maya , Ficarra Vicenzo , Margulis Vitaly , Lotan Yair , Rouprêt Morgan , Martinez‐Salamanca Juan I. , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Seitz Christian , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Zerbib Marc , Scherr Douglas S. , Shariat Shahrokh F. ,   UTUC Collaboration
Published: August 2013

Objective
To assess the impact of cigarette smoking status, cumulative smoking exposure, and time from cessation on intravesical recurrence (IVR) outcomes in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).
Patients and Methods
In all, 519 patients underwent RNU at five institutions. Smoking history included smoking status, quantity of cigarettes smoked per day (cpd), duration, and time from cessation.
The cumulative smoking exposure was categorised as light‐short‐term (≤19 cpd and ≤19.9 years), moderate (all combinations except light‐short‐term and heavy‐long‐term), and heavy‐long‐term (≥20 cpd and ≥20 years).
Univariable/multivariable cox regression analyses assessed the effects of smoking on IVR.
Results
In all, 190 patients (36%) never smoked; 205 (40%) and 125 (24%) were former and current smokers, respectively. Among smokers, 42 (8%), 185 (36%), and 102 (20%) patients were light‐short‐term, moderate, and heavy‐long‐term smokers, respectively.
Within a median follow‐up of 37 months, 152 patients (29%) had IVR. Actuarial IVR‐free‐survival estimates (standard error) at 2, 5, and 10 years were 72 (2)%, 58 (3)%, and 51 (4)%, respectively.
In multivariable analyses, current smoking status, smoking intensity (≥20 cpd), smoking duration (≥20 years), and heavy‐long‐term smoking were associated with higher risk of IVR (all P ≤ 0.01).
Patients who quit smoking ≥10 years before RNU had better IVR outcomes than current smokers and those patients who quit smoking <10 years before RNU.
Conclusions
Cigarette smoking is significantly associated with IVR in patients treated with RNU for UTUC.
Current and heavy‐long‐term smokers have the highest risk of IVR.
Smoking cessation for >10 years before RNU seems to mitigate these detrimental effects.
Male circumcision wound healing in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative and HIV‐positive men in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Kigozi Godfrey , Musoke Richard , Kighoma Nehemiah , Watya Stephen , Serwadda David , Nalugoda Fred , Kiwanuka Noah , Nkale James , Wabwire‐Mangen Fred , Makumbi Frederick , Sewankambo Nelson K. , Gray Ronald H. , Wawer Maria J. 
Published: August 2013

Objective
To assess completed wound healing after medical male circumcision (MMC) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative and HIV‐positive men with cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) counts of <350 and ≥350 cells/mm3, as minimal data are available on the safety of MMC among HIV‐positive men with low CD4 counts.
Patients and Methods
In all, 262 HIV‐negative and 177 HIV‐positive consenting males aged ≥12 years accepted MMC using the dorsal slit procedure and were enrolled in the study.
Socio‐demographic and behavioural data and blood for HIV testing and CD4 counts were collected at baseline.
Participants were followed weekly to collect information on resumption of sex, condom use and both self‐reported and clinically assessed wound healing.
The proportions healed among HIV‐positive men were compared with HIV‐negative men. Time to complete wound healing was assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of men healed by HIV status.
At 4 weeks, the proportions healed were 85.9% in HIV‐negative men, 77.4% in HIV‐positive men with a CD4 count of ≥350 cells/mm3 and 87.1% in HIV‐positive men with a CD4 count of <350 cells/mm3.
The median time to healing was 4 weeks and did not vary by HIV or CD4 status.
All men had certified complete wound healing at 6 weeks after MMC. In all, 1.4% of HIV‐positive men with a CD4 count of <350 cells/mm3 resumed sex before healing, compared with 8.5% among HIV‐positive men with a CD4 count of ≥350 cells/mm3 (P = 0.052) and 7.8% (P = 0.081) among HIV‐negative men.
Conclusion
Inclusion of HIV‐positive men with low CD4 counts in MMC services is not deleterious to postoperative wound healing.
Training of European urology residents in laparoscopy: results of a pan‐European survey
Authors: Furriel Frederico T.G. , Laguna Maria P. , Figueiredo Arnaldo J.C. , Nunes Pedro T.C. , Rassweiler Jens J. 
Published: August 2013

Objective
To assess the participation of European urology residents in urological laparoscopy, their training patterns and facilities available in European Urology Departments.
Materials and Methods
A survey, consisting of 23 questions concerning laparoscopic training, was published online as well as distributed on paper, during the Annual European Association of Urology Congress in 2012.
Exposure to laparoscopic procedures, acquired laparoscopic experience, training patterns, training facilities and motivation were evaluated.
Data was analysed with descriptive statistics.
Results
In all, 219 European urology residents answered the survey.
Conventional laparoscopy was available in 74% of the respondents' departments, while robotic surgery was available in 17% of the departments.
Of the respondents, 27% were first surgeons and 43% were assistants in conventional laparoscopic procedures. Only 23% of the residents rated their laparoscopic experience as at least ‘satisfactory’; 32% of the residents did not attend any course or fellowship on laparoscopy.
Dry laboratory was the most frequent setting for training (33%), although 42% of the respondents did not have access to any type of laparoscopic laboratory.
The motivation to perform laparoscopy was rated as ‘high’ or ‘very high’ by 77% of the respondents, and 81% considered a post‐residency fellowship in laparoscopy.
Conclusions
Urological laparoscopy is available in most European training institutions, with residents playing an active role in the procedure. However, most of them consider their laparoscopic experience to be poor.
Moreover, the availability of training facilities and participation in laparoscopy courses and fellowships are low and should be encouraged.
Dynamics of Polycomb chromatin domains under conditions of increased molecular crowding
Authors: Šmigová Jana , Juda Pavel , Bártová Eva , Raška Ivan 
Published: August 2013

Background InformationA Polycomb (PcG) body is an orphan nuclear subcompartment characterised by accumulations of Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) proteins. However, seemingly contradictory reports have appeared that describe the PcG bodies either as protein‐based bodies in the interchromatin compartment or chromatin domains. In this respect, molecular crowding is an important factor for the assembly and stability of nuclear subcompartments. In order to settle this contradiction, crowding experiments, that represent a convenient model distinguishing between interchromatin and chromatin compartments, were carried out.ResultsIn sucrose‐hypertonically induced crowding, we observed in U‐2 OS cells that PcG bodies disappeared, but persisted as nuclear domains characterised by accumulations of DNA. This phenomenon was also observed in cells hypertonically treated with sorbitol and NaCl. Importantly, the observed changes were quickly reversible after re‐incubation of cells in normal medium. We found that the PcG foci disappearance and the dissociation of PRC1 proteins (BMI1 and RING1a proteins) from chromatin were associated with their hyper‐phosphorylation. In addition, under hyper‐ and hypotonic conditions, the behaviour of the PcG bodies differed from that of the typical nucleoplasmic body.ConclusionPRC1 proteins accumulations do not represent a genuine nuclear subcompartment. The PcG body is a chromosomal domain, rather than a nucleoplasmic body.
Sediment fluxes and buffering in the post‐glacial Indus Basin
Authors: Clift P. D. , Giosan L. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Indus drainage has experienced major variations in climate since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) that have affected the volumes and compositions of the sediment reaching the ocean since that time. We here present a comprehensive first‐order source‐to‐sink budget spanning the time since the LGM. We show that buffering of sediment in the floodplain accounts for ca. 20–25% of the mass flux. Sedimentation rates have varied greatly and must have been on average three times the recent, predamming rates. Much of the sediment was released by incision of fluvial terraces constructed behind landslide dams within the mountains, and especially along the major river valleys. New bedrock erosion is estimated to supply around 45% of the sedimentation. Around 50% of deposited sediment lies under the southern floodplains, with 50% offshore in large shelf clinoforms. Provenance indicators show a change of erosional focus during the Early Holocene, but no change in the Mid–Late Holocene because of further reworking from the floodplains. While suspended loads travel rapidly from source‐to‐sink, zircon grains in the bedload show travel times of 7–14 kyr. The largest lag times are anticipated in the Indus submarine fan where sedimentation lags erosion by at least 10 kyr.
Child‐led research in the context of Australian social welfare practice
Authors: Michail Samia , Kellett Mary 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis paper details the first child‐led research programme to be implemented in Australia in which children design and lead their own research about issues they identify. The programme was specifically adapted for children who were service users of a nongovernment organization that provides social welfare and support services to vulnerable children and their families, living in communities of the disadvantaged. The practitioner – researchers faced the expected challenges of power in child–adult relations pertinent to the status of children in a genuinely child‐led research endeavour. However, the paper details the additional challenges and responses required when conducting research in a practice environment and the successful adaptations that were used to meet these challenges. The positive findings of an independently commissioned programme evaluation raise important questions about the place and purpose of child‐led research within the field of children's social welfare practice.
Importance of the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska for Aquatic Birds
Authors: BART JONATHAN , PLATTE ROBERT M. , ANDRES BRAD , BROWN STEPHEN , JOHNSON JAMES A. , LARNED WILLIAM 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe used data from aerial surveys (1992–2010) of >100,000 km2 and ground surveys (1998–2004) of >150 km2 to estimate the density and abundance of birds on the North Slope of Alaska (U.S.A.). In the ground surveys, we used double sampling to estimate detection ratios. We used the aerial survey data to compare densities of birds and Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), the major nest predator of birds, on the North Slope, in Prudhoe Bay, and in nearby areas. We partitioned the Prudhoe Bay oil field into 2 × 2 km plots and determined the relation between density of aquatic birds and density of roads, buildings, and other infrastructure in these plots. Abundance and density (birds per square kilometer) of 3 groups of aquatic birds—waterfowl, loons, and grebes; shorebirds; and gulls, terns, and jaegers—were highest in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPRA) and lowest in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Six other major wetlands occur in the Arctic regions of Canada and Russia, but the largest population of aquatic birds was in the NPRA. Aquatic birds were concentrated in the northern part of the NPRA. For example, an area that covered 18% of the NPRA included 53% of its aquatic birds. The aerial surveys showed that bird density was not lower and fox density was not higher in Prudhoe Bay than in surrounding areas. Density of infrastructure did not significantly affect bird density for any group of species. Our results establish that the NPRA is one of the most important areas for aquatic birds in the Arctic. Our results and those of others also indicate that oil production, as practiced in Prudhoe Bay, does not necessarily lead to substantial declines in bird density or productivity in or near the developed areas.Prioridades para la Conservación de Aves en el Norte de Alaska
Cutaneous and systemic plasmocytosis
Authors: Wagner Gunnar , Rose Christian , Klapper Wolfram , Sachse Michael Max 
Published: August 2013

SummaryCutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis is a rare disorder observed mainly in Japanese that features an infiltration of mature plasma cells in various organ systems. In addition to the skin, lymph nodes and bone marrow are regularly affected. Laboratory tests show a polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. The cutaneous morphology is characterized by red to dark brown macules, papules and plaques a few centimeters in diameter, usually distributed symmetrically on the face, neck and back. Etiology and pathogenesis are not known. It is speculated that a reactive dysfunction of plasma cells may be triggered by various stimuli, such as interleukin 6. Treatment of cutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis is difficult. A standardized treatment concept does not yet exist. Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors are mainly used.
Efficacy and safety of initial combination of DPP‐IV inhibitors and metformin versus metformin monotherapy in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gao W. , Dong J. , Liu J. , Li Y. , Liu F. , Yang L. , Zhou X. , Liao L. 
Published: August 2013

AimsWe reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy and safety of initial dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitors and metformin combination therapy with equal‐dosage metformin monotherapy in type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of English articles using MEDLINE and EMBASE. Search terms included randomized controlled trial, controlled clinical trial, random allocation, sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin, linagliptin, duotogliptin and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor. Double‐blinded RCTs comparing DPP‐IV inhibitors initially combined with metformin and metformin monotherapy in non‐pregnant drug‐naive adults with type 2 diabetes were included for this study. Extraction of articles was performed by two authors using predefined data fields. Meta‐analysis was used when studies were homogeneous enough, and data were shown and not combined if no formal meta‐analysis was performed.ResultsFive RCTs met the inclusion criteria. By analysis of different outcomes, patients receiving initial combination of DPP‐IV inhibitors and metformin showed a greater reduction in haemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) from baseline [weighted mean difference (WMD), −0.55%; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.63 to −0.46%], a higher rate of achieving target of HbA1c < 7% [risk ratio (RR), 1.55; 95% CI, 1.43–1.67], a significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD, −0.97 mmol/l; 95% CI, −1.26 to −0.68 mmol/l),while the initial combination therapy and monotherapy did not show a significant difference in incidence of total adverse events (AEs, 51.8 vs. 53.7%, respectively; RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.91–1.02), gastrointestinal AEs (18.2 vs. 19.4%, respectively; RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.82–1.07), drug‐related AEs (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74–1.03) and discontinuation due to AEs (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.61–1.20). The following outcomes were not included for meta‐analysis: change from baseline in postprandial glycaemia, β‐cell function, insulin sensitivity and body weight as well as incidence of hypoglycaemia. The analyses of these trials revealed that the change from baseline of the postprandial glycaemia and index of β‐cell function were greater while the RRs for incidence of hypoglycaemia and body weight increase had no statistical significance.ConclusionsCompared with equal‐dosage metformin monotherapy, the initial combination of metformin and DPP‐IV inhibitors were more effective in glycaemic control without additional risk of AEs, therefore it can be considered as a beneficial therapeutic regimen for drug‐naive type 2 diabetes patients.
The importance of Anguillids: a cultural and historical perspective introducing papers from the World Fisheries Congress
Authors: Kuroki Mari , Righton David , M. Walker Alan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAnguillid eels have been observed, studied, fished, traded and consumed by humans for centuries. As a consequence, societies have developed various cultural phenomena regarding cuisine, folklore, art, literature, legend. In recent years, however, some populations of eels have been in sharp decline across the globe, some species are now considered to be endangered, and there is an ever increasing need to share knowledge amongst the scientific, management and conservation community to protect these enigmatic fish, to reverse declines and elsewhere to prevent their occurrence. To facilitate this knowledge exchange, a congress session focussed on anguillid eels was held at the sixth World Fisheries Congress in May 2012 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. This special issue of Ecology of Freshwater Fish contains a number of the papers presented at the congress session, each focussed on a particular scientific problem. While the scientific study of eels is required to understand and manage eel resources, and to which end the majority of this volume is related, it is also necessary to take the cultural and social aspects of eels into account when considering how to ensure that this fascinating family of fishes has a sustainable future.
Why is it Difficult to Grasp the Impacts of the Portuguese Quality Assurance System?
Authors: Veiga Amélia , Rosa Maria João , Dias Diana , Amaral Alberto 
Published: August 2013

This article analyses the impacts of the Portuguese quality assurance system on academic cultures, using the Cultural Theory proposed by Douglas (1970, 1982) and developed by Thompson, Ellis and Wildavsky (1990) as an explanatory framework for Portuguese academics' preference formation in relation to quality assessment.The Portuguese higher education system has been undergoing a change of paradigm by moving from traditional collegial system to a legal framework influenced by New Public Management. The former institutional context, where academic collegiality was the basis of democratic decision, promoted the egalitarian way of life, where the group dimension is stronger.However, recent legislation has promoted two different logics. On the one hand it has decreased the influence of the group dimension by favouring individualistic values and beliefs. On the other, it has reinforced the grid dimension through greater centralisation of power and separation of roles of universities and polytechnics, thus promoting the hierarchic way of life. The new legislation framework has produced changes that have strongly modified traditional governance structures and mechanisms and are likely to affect academics' perceptions of quality assurance processes and impacts as much as they influence the development of beliefs and values.