bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of epoetin beta and darbepoetin alfa treatment for chemotherapy‐induced anemia and mortality: Individual patient data from Japanese randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Ohashi Yasuo , Uemura Yukari , Fujisaka Yasuhito , Sugiyama Toru , Ohmatsu Hironobu , Katsumata Noriyuki , Okamoto Rumiko , Saijo Nagahiro , Hotta Tomomitsu 
Published: January 2013

Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) reduce the need for transfusions and improve the quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy, but several clinical trials have suggested that ESA might have a negative impact on survival. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESA, epoetin beta and darbepoetin alfa, including their impact on overall survival and thromboembolic events, we conducted an individual data‐based meta‐analysis of three randomized, placebo‐controlled trials studying Japanese patients with chemotherapy‐induced anemia. All trials were conducted in compliance with Good Clinical Practice. A total of 511 patients with solid tumor or lymphoma (epoetin beta or darbepoetin alfa, n = 273; placebo, n = 238) were included. The ESA significantly reduced the risk of transfusion (relative risk, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.76). No significant effect of the ESA on overall survival was observed (unadjusted hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–1.34). A prespecified subgroup analysis showed no strong interaction between the baseline hemoglobin concentration and the effect of ESA on overall survival. Among the ESA‐treated patients, the highest hemoglobin achieved during the treatment period in each patient had no impact on mortality. No increase in thromboembolic events was observed in the ESA‐treated patients (0.7% vs 1.7% placebo). The ESA reduced the risk of transfusion without a negative impact on the survival of patients with chemotherapy‐induced anemia.
Development of an evidence‐informed in‐home family services model for families and children at risk of abuse and neglect
Authors: Ingram Stephanie D. , Cash Scottye J. , Oats Robert G. , Simpson Amy , Thompson Ronald W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper describes the components of a programme designed to prevent child maltreatment which includes the promising practices of a continuous engagement process, cognitive‐behavioural parent and skill teaching, and development of formal and informal supports for families. The programme was also designed to be implemented wide scale. Methods for assessment of strengths and needs, individualization of goals and intervention strategies, and assessment of goal achievement are also described. Finally, preliminary results of a programme implementation fidelity and outcome evaluation are summarized. The authors conclude that this programme is ready for a more rigorous efficacy trial to continue to build the evidence base for this promising intervention addressing a prevalent social problem.
Associations of Grassland Bird Communities with Black‐Tailed Prairie Dogs in the North American Great Plains
Authors: AUGUSTINE DAVID J. , BAKER BRUCE W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractColonial burrowing herbivores can modify vegetation structure, create belowground refugia, and generate landscape heterogeneity, thereby affecting the distribution and abundance of associated species. Black‐tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are such a species, and they may strongly affect the abundance and composition of grassland bird communities. We examined how prairie dog colonies in the North American Great Plains affect bird species and community composition. Areas occupied by prairie dogs, characterized by low percent cover of grass, high percent cover of bare soil, and low vegetation height and density, supported a breeding bird community that differed substantially from surrounding areas that lacked prairie dogs. Bird communities on colony sites had significantly greater densities of large‐bodied carnivores (Burrowing Owls [Athene cunicularia], Mountain Plovers, [Charadrius montanus], and Killdeer [Charadrius vociferus]) and omnivores consisting of Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) and McCown's Longspurs (Rhynchophanes mccownii) than bird communities off colony sites. Bird communities off colony sites were dominated by small‐bodied insectivorous sparrows (Ammodramus spp.) and omnivorous Lark Buntings (Calamospiza melanocorys), Vesper Sparrows (Pooecetes gramineus), and Lark Sparrows (Chondestes grammacus). Densities of 3 species of conservation concern and 1 game species were significantly higher on colony sites than off colony sites, and the strength of prairie dog effects was consistent across the northern Great Plains. Vegetation modification by prairie dogs sustains a diverse suite of bird species in these grasslands. Collectively, our findings and those from previous studies show that areas in the North American Great Plains with prairie dog colonies support higher densities of at least 9 vertebrate species than sites without colonies. Prairie dogs affect habitat for these species through multiple pathways, including creation of belowground refugia, supply of prey for specialized predators, modification of vegetation structure within colonies, and increased landscape heterogeneity.Asociaciones de Comunidades de Aves de Pastizales con Perros de la Pradera en la Gran Llanura de Norte América
The transcription factor activating enhancer‐binding protein epsilon (AP–2ε) regulates the core promoter of type II collagen (COL2A1)
Authors: Niebler Stephan , Bosserhoff Anja K. 
Published: January 2013

The transcription factor activating enhancer‐binding protein epsilon (AP–2ε) was recently shown to be expressed during late chondrocyte differentiation, especially in hypertrophic chondrocytes. In this study, we were able to reveal that the promoter of the type II collagen (COL2A1) gene, encoding the extracellular matrix protein type II collagen, is specifically regulated by AP–2ε. Expression of COL2A1 is downregulated at the transition of chondroblasts into hypertrophic chondrocytes and our data provide evidence that AP–2ε is involved in this process. In reporter gene assays, overexpression of AP–2ε in cartilaginous cell lines resulted in a significant reduction in COL2A1 core promoter activity of ~ 45%. Furthermore, we found that this process is dose‐dependent and highly specific for the epsilon isoform. Computational analysis offered only a single putative AP–2‐binding motif within the chosen promoter fragment but site‐directed mutagenesis revealed this motif to be regulatory inactive. After expanding our screening to motifs containing minor differences from the classical AP–2 consensus sequence (5′–GCCN3GGC–3′), we determined the sequence 5′–GCCCAGGC–3′ ranging from position −128 to −135 bp as an important regulatory site and responsible for COL2A1 downregulation through AP–2ε. Interaction of AP–2ε with the COL2A1 promoter at this site was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and electromobility shift assay. Further, our experiments suggest that at least one additional factor is involved in this process. This is the first study to prove regulation of COL2A1 by AP–2ε highlighting the role of the transcription factor as a modulator of cartilage development.
Preliminary assessment of the environmental and selective effects of a captive breeding and rearing programme for endangered Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar
Authors: de Mestral L. G. , O'Reilly P. T. , Jones R. , Flanagan J. , Herbinger C. M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe selective and environmental effects of captivity on several fitness‐correlated traits were assessed in smolts of endangered Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., from the inner Bay of Fundy, produced via artificial spawning and released into the wild as juveniles. Smolts were sampled as they migrated downstream and identified through microsatellite‐based parentage analysis as offspring of either wild‐spawning adults or adults that were spawned in captivity. Overall, captive‐origin smolts exhibited a significantly later run timing and smaller body size than wild smolts. Significant differences in run timing and body size were also found between captive‐origin smolts that had experienced rearing environments that differed in duration of captivity and thermal regime. Significant differences in run timing, fork length and weight were found between first and second generation captive‐origin smolts, although the expression of these differences depended on the rearing environment experienced, suggesting a possible genotype by environment effect. The ratio of effective‐to‐census number of breeders that produced the captive‐origin smolts was higher than that of the wild‐origin smolts due to successful captive breeding management practices. These results have direct implications for captive breeding and rearing programmes for salmonids and wider implications for understanding the rates of evolutionary and environmentally induced change that can occur in captivity.
Selective use of the insulin tolerance test to diagnose hypopituitarism
Authors: Sarlos S. , Inder W. J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe insulin tolerance test is considered the gold standard for assessing the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal and growth hormone (GH) axes, but its use varies considerably among different endocrine units. We recommend using the insulin tolerance test to assess the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis within 3 months of pituitary surgery, where adrenocorticotropic hormone 1–24 testing is equivocal, and to assess for GH deficiency where the patient is being considered for GH replacement therapy. We also discuss safety issues, how to ensure adequate hypoglycaemia and possible alternative tests, such as the overnight metyrapone test and glucagon test.
Junior doctor training in pleural procedures: a quality survey
Authors: Aiyappan V. , Munawar A. , Thien F. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPleural effusion is a common medical condition encountered by doctors. This study was conducted to ascertain the level of junior doctor (physician‐in‐training) training, knowledge and supervision in the management of pleural effusion. The information was collected with the help of a proforma, from 49 junior medical doctors working in a metropolitan health service. All the doctors who participated in the survey had come across pleural effusion in their practice, but only 67% of doctors had any experience with the procedure of diagnostic thoracentesis. Sixty‐seven percent of doctors conveyed that they will refer the majority of cases (75–100%) for radiological‐guided thoracentesis. The main reasons for referral for radiologically guided procedure were lack of experience (65%), fear of complications (61%), lack of supervision and guidance (49%), and lack of time (38%). A significant proportion of doctors interviewed (47%) was unaware of the major indications for intercostal tube drainage of parapneumonic effusions. This survey highlights deficiencies in junior doctor knowledge and procedural skills. Junior doctor training should be tailored to increase the ‘hands‐on’ training time and increased patient contact. Senior clinicians should be given sufficient ‘protected time’ for teaching and training.
Two cases of meningococcal purpura fulminans: the ‘less is more’ approach
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan , Jordan Robert , Das‐Gupta Rana , Srivastava Shekhar 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study presents a case series of patients with meningococcal purpura fulminans who were treated at a tertiary referral centre within a few days of each other. Presenting with signs and symptoms of florid meningococcal sepsis, they were managed initially by physicians and intensivists, whereas the development of large purpuric areas and tissue necrosis was managed expectantly by plastic surgeons. When the patients were deemed to have recovered clinically and the necrosis delineated, surgical management was implemented with subsequent involvement of various rehabilitation services. This article highlights the cases of two patients, and their clinical presentation, management and rehabilitation together with a current literature review on this area.
A novel tool to assess the risk of urinary incontinence after nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Abdollah Firas , Sun Maxine , Suardi Nazareno , Gallina Andrea , Tutolo Manuela , Passoni Niccolò , Bianchi Marco , Salonia Andrea , Colombo Renzo , Rigatti Patrizio , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto 
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Urinary incontinence is one of the most important morbidities after radical prostatectomy that has detrimental effect on the postoperative quality of life.
The present study provides an accurate and dynamic multivariable risk stratification tool that predicts the postoperative urinary incontinence risk after radical prostatectomy based on patient‐related as well as surgeon‐related variables.
Objective
To develop a multivariable risk classification tool to estimate postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) risk as UI represents one of the most disabling surgical sequelae after radical prostatectomy (RP).
Patients and Methods
We evaluated 1311 patients treated with nerve‐sparing RP between 2006 and 2010 at our institution.
Regression tree analysis was used to stratify patients according to their postoperative UI risk. Kaplan–Meier curve estimates were used to assess the UI rate in the novel UI‐risk groups. The discrimination of the novel tool was measured with the area under the curve method.
Results
At 3, 6 and 12 months, the UI rates were 44%, 26% and 12%, respectively.
Regression tree analysis stratified patients into high risk (International Index of Erectile Function – Erectile Function domain [IIEF‐EF] = 1–10), intermediate risk (IIEF‐EF > 10 and age ≥ 65 years), low risk (IIEF‐EF > 10, age < 65 years and body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) and very low risk (IIEF‐EF > 10, age < 65 years and BMI < 25 kg/m2) groups.
The 3‐month UI rates in these groups were 37%, 43%, 45% and 48%, respectively. The 6‐month UI rates were 19%, 23%, 29% and 34%, respectively. The 12‐month UI rates were 7%, 13%, 14% and 15%, respectively (log‐rank P < 0.001).
The area under the curve was 71%, 70% and 68% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively.
Conclusions
We developed the first risk classification tool that predicts patients at high risk of UI after RP. These consisted mainly of individuals who were impotent before RP, elderly and/or overweight.
This tool can be used for patient counselling.
Differing risk of cancer death among patients with lymph node metastasis after radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection: identification of risk categories according to number of positive nodes and Gleason score
Authors: Schiavina Riccardo , Borghesi Marco , Brunocilla Eugenio , Manferrari Fabio , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Vagnoni Valerio , Baccos Alessandro , Pultrone Cristian Vincenzo , Rocca Giovanni Christian , Rizzi Simona , Martorana Giuseppe 
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Lymph node (LN) status is one of the most important prognostic variables in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, but not all patients with node‐positive PCa are at the same risk of recurrence and cancer‐specific death.
In this study we evaluated the role of pathological variables in stratifying the risk of cancer death in patients with prostate cancer. Patients with 1–3 positive LNs and Gleason score (GS) ≤7 experienced better CSS and OS than those with >3 metastatic LNs and/or GS >7. This evidence could allow urologists to better predict oncological outcomes of patients and select more appropriate therapeutic management.
Objectives
To evaluate the outcomes in patients with node‐positive prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) according to the number of positive lymph nodes (LNs).
To identify different risk groups among patients with node‐positive PCa.
Patients and Methods
We evaluated 98 consecutive patients with pN1M0 PCa who underwent RP between November 1995 and May 2011.
Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional univariable and multivariable regression models were used to analyse the survival rates.
Patients were divided into two groups according to number of positive LNs using the most informative positive LN theshold for predicting survival, then into three different risk groups according to number of positive LNs and pathological Gleason score (GS).
Results
Mean (range) follow‐up was 68.4 (10–192) months.
Patients with 1–3 positive LNs (n = 75; 76.5%) had significantly better cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) compared with those with >3 positive nodes (n = 23; 23.4%; P < 0.01).
Patients with 1–3 positive LNs and pathological GS ≤7 (Group 1) had significantly better CSS than those with >3 positive LNs or GS 8–10 (Group 2 [P = 0.015]). Group 2 patients, moreover, had significantly better CSS (P = 0.019) and OS (P = 0.021) than those with >3 positive LNs and GS 8–10 (Group 3).
Conclusions
Patients with 1–3 positive LNs have higher CSS and OS rates than those with >3 metastatic LNs.
Taking into account the pathological GS, as well as the number of positive nodes, three risk group categories with considerable differences in terms of survival can be found. Patients with LN‐positive PCa should be stratified into different groups according to these two measures, to obtain a better prediction of oncological outcomes.
Fracture after androgen deprivation therapy among men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications
Authors: Shao Yu‐Hsuan , Moore Dirk F. , Shih Weichung , Lin Yong , Jang Thomas L. , Lu‐Yao Grace L. 
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Receipt of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been associated with an increased risk of skeletal‐associated complications, such as a decrease in bone mineral density and an increase in fracture risk. Many men with pre‐existing health conditions receive ADT as their primary treatment because they are considered to be inappropriate candidates for attempted curative treatments. However, several chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid disease and chronic liver disease, are strong predictors for osteoporosis and fractures.
We undertook the present study aiming to quantify the impact of treating men with ADT who carry known risk factors for skeletal complications. Among these high‐risk men, more than 58% develop at least one fracture after ADT within the 12 years of follow‐up. Men who sustained a fracture within 48 months experienced an almost 40% higher risk of mortality than those who did not. Our findings suggest that treating men with a high fracture risk at baseline with long‐term ADT may have serious adverse consequences.
Objective
To quantify the impact of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications and evaluate the risk of mortality after a fracture.
Patients and Methods
We studied 75 994 men, aged ≥66 years, with localized prostate cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results–Medicare linked data.
Cox proportional hazard models were employed to evaluate the risk.
Results
Men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications have a higher probability of receiving ADT than those with a low risk (52.1% vs 38.2%, P < 0.001).
During the 12‐year follow‐up, more than 58% of men with a high risk and 38% of men with a low risk developed at least one fracture after ADT.
The dose effect of ADT is stronger among men who received ADT only compared to those who received ADT with other treatments.
In the high‐risk group, the fracture rate increased by 19.9 per 1000 person‐years (from 52.9 to 73.0 person‐years) for men who did not receive ADT compared to those who received 18 or more doses of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist among men who received ADT only, and by 14.2 per 1000 person‐years (from 45.2 to 59.4 person‐years) among men who received ADT and other treatments.
Men experiencing a fracture had a 1.38‐fold higher overall mortality risk than those who did not (95% CI, 1.34–1.43).
Conclusions
Men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications developed more fractures after ADT.
The mortality risk is 40% higher after experiencing a fracture.
Consideration of patient risk before prescribing ADT for long‐term use may reduce both fracture risk and fracture‐associated mortality.
Factor Selection and Structural Identification in the Interaction ANOVA Model
Authors: Post Justin B. , Bondell Howard D. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryWhen faced with categorical predictors and a continuous response, the objective of an analysis often consists of two tasks: finding which factors are important and determining which levels of the factors differ significantly from one another. Often times, these tasks are done separately using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by a post hoc hypothesis testing procedure such as Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test. When interactions between factors are included in the model the collapsing of levels of a factor becomes a more difficult problem. When testing for differences between two levels of a factor, claiming no difference would refer not only to equality of main effects, but also to equality of each interaction involving those levels. This structure between the main effects and interactions in a model is similar to the idea of heredity used in regression models. This article introduces a new method for accomplishing both of the common analysis tasks simultaneously in an interaction model while also adhering to the heredity‐type constraint on the model. An appropriate penalization is constructed that encourages levels of factors to collapse and entire factors to be set to zero. It is shown that the procedure has the oracle property implying that asymptotically it performs as well as if the exact structure were known beforehand. We also discuss the application to estimating interactions in the unreplicated case. Simulation studies show the procedure outperforms post hoc hypothesis testing procedures as well as similar methods that do not include a structural constraint. The method is also illustrated using a real data example.
Are Offshore RMB Arrangements the Basis for a Long‐term Exchange Rate System without Convertibility?
Authors: Whalley John , Chen Hejing 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper discusses China's relatively new structure of dual onshore and offshore RMB markets. Its distinguishing feature is both offshore trading at exchange rates that are market determined and onshore trading at exchange rates anchored at the official spot rate with capital account inconvertibility. We note that thus far the CNH and CNY spot rates have largely tracked each other, suggesting that the shadow price on the convertibility constraint onshore and also the offshore diversification benefit is close to zero. However, this could change in the future. We discuss the potential for the offshore RMB market to grow with trade settlement and bilateral swap arrangements in RMB, which would provide a big enough pool of liquidity for the RMB to become a vehicle currency and reserve currency. These potential developments will be restrained by onshore inconvertibility, but moving to convertibility seemingly implies major change in China's financial structure and the offshore RMB arrangements are only a small first step along this path. Crucial in this evolution of arrangements will be future Chinese growth performance and the relative attractiveness of onshore inconvertible but offshore marketable RMB relative to the debt laden and slow growth currencies of the USA, the EU and Japan.