bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes after hospitalization with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Lim Kok Haw Jonathan , Potts Jonathan R , Chetwood John , Goubet Stephanie , Verma Sumita 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the determinants of long‐term outcome in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).MethodsThis study was conducted retrospectively. Kaplan–Meier (KM) and Cox proportional hazards survival analyses were performed.ResultsAltogether, 93 patients with SBP were identified, with their mean age of 57.9 ± 12.9 years, Child–Pugh score 10.4 ± 1.9 and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score 20.2 ± 6.8. The etiology of chronic liver disease (CLD) was alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD) (n = 58) and viral hepatitis/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (n = 28). SBP was the index presentation of cirrhosis in 26 (28.0%) patients. Overall mortality was 80.6%; among them 81.3% were liver‐related, and 33 (35.5%) died during index hospitalization. In total, 70.0% of patients who survived index hospitalization died during follow‐up, with a median survival of 12.5 months. Estimated survival at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years was 54.8%, 34.4% and 15.2%, respectively. Non‐ARLD etiology for CLD was an independent predictor of overall mortality (HR 3.484, 95% CI 1.802–6.757, P < 0.001) and mortality in those surviving hospitalization (HR 2.319, 95% CI 1.210–4.444, P = 0.011). Hepatorenal syndrome did not predict outcomes. Two (3.3%) patients surviving hospitalization underwent liver transplantation (LT).ConclusionsOne‐year survival after hospitalization with SBP remains poor (34.4%) with unacceptably low LT rates. Non‐ARLD etiology for CLD is an independent predictor of both overall mortality and mortality after discharge. In view of the projected increase in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐related CLD, screening strategies for timely CLD diagnosis are warranted.
Specialist‐led diabetes registries and predictors of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: Insights into the functionally refractory patient from the LMC Diabetes Registry database
Authors: Aronson Ronnie , Orzech Naomi , Ye Chenglin , Goldenberg Ronald , Brown Vivien 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to explore features associated with glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients undergoing care by specialist clinics.MethodsLiterature searches identified diabetes registries whose databases recorded outcomes of specialist care. The LMC Diabetes Registry database (n = 58 280; LMC) was queried to identify patients with T2D who had been seen in a defined 14‐month period. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify predictors of glycemic control in these patients. Poor glycemic control was defined as HbA1c ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol) despite specialist care for ≥1 year.ResultsFew published registry‐based studies have discussed glycemic control and outcomes of specialist care for T2D. Among 10 590 LMC patients with T2D, mean HbA1c was 7.6% (60 mmol/mol), with 38% of patients meeting the Canadian Diabetes Association target of ≤7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Overall, 15% showed poor glycemic control with persistent HbA1c ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol); among insulin‐treated patients (n = 3856), 28% met this criterion. Patient characteristics independently associated with poor glycemic control included early age of onset, the number of diabetes education program visits, the number of oral therapies, and insulin use.ConclusionsType 2 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control are found disproportionately in referral specialist care clinics. These functionally refractory patients demonstrate features that may assist in predicting their potential outcome, and may represent a group with specific barriers to care. Specialist patient registries, such as the LMC Diabetes Registry, may provide critical information regarding this cohort.
Gender, diabetes education, and psychosocial factors are associated with persistent poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) program
Authors: Yin Junmei , Yeung Roseanne , Luk Andrea , Tutino Greg , Zhang Yuying , Kong Alice , Chung Harriet , Wong Rebecca , Ozaki Risa , Ma Ronald , Tsang Chiu‐Chi , Tong Peter , So Wingyee , Chan Juliana 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundFactors associated with persistent poor glycemic control were explored in patients with type 2 diabetes under the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) program.MethodsChinese adults enrolled in JADE with HbA1c ≥8% at initial comprehensive assessment (CA1) and repeat assessment were analyzed. The improved group was defined as those with a ≥1% absolute reduction in HbA1c, and the unimproved group was those with <1% reduction at the repeat CA (CA2).ResultsOf 4458 enrolled patients with HbA1c ≥8% at baseline, 1450 underwent repeat CA. After a median interval of 1.7 years (interquartile range[IQR] 1.1−2.2) between CA1 and CA2, the unimproved group (n = 677) had a mean 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3%, 0.5%) increase in HbA1c compared with a mean 2.8% reduction (95% CI −2.9, −2.6%) in the improved group (n = 773). The unimproved group had a female preponderance with lower education level, and was more likely to be insulin treated. Patients in the improved group received more diabetes education between CAs with improved self‐care behaviors, whereas the unimproved group had worsening of health‐related quality of life at CA2. Apart from female gender, long disease duration, low educational level, obesity, retinopathy, history of hypoglycemia, and insulin use, lack of education from diabetes nurses between CAs had the strongest association for persistent poor glycemic control.ConclusionsThese results highlight the multidimensional nature of glycemic control, and the importance of diabetes education and optimizing diabetes care by considering psychosocial factors.
Regulation of B lymphocyte responses to Toll‐like receptor ligand binding during diabetes prevention in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice
Authors: Wilson Christopher S. , Elizer Sydney K. , Marshall Andrew F. , Stocks Blair T. , Moore Daniel J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundInteractions between genetic risk factors and the environment drive type 1 diabetes (T1D). The system of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) detects these environmental triggers; however, the target cell that intermediates these interactions to drive T1D remains unknown.MethodsWe investigated the effect of TLR pathway activation (myeloid differentiation primary response 88 [MyD88] vs TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β [TRIF]) on B cell subsets via flow cytometry, including their activation, survival, proliferation, and cytoskeletal mobilization. The effect of polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) on diabetes development was addressed, including the B cell‐dependent activation of diabetes‐protective DX5+ cells, using genetic models and adoptive transfer.ResultsB lymphocytes from non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice expressed enhanced levels of TLR‐responsive proteins. Ex vivo analysis of B lymphocyte subsets demonstrated that TLR3 stimulation via TRIF deletes cells exhibiting a marginal zone phenotype, whereas MyD88‐dependent ligands enhance their survival. In vivo, marginal zone B cells were activated by poly(I:C) and were unexpectedly retained in the spleen of NOD mice, in contrast with the mobilization of these cells in non‐autoimmune mice, a phenotype we traced to defective actin cytoskeletal dynamics. These activated B cells mediated TLR3‐induced diabetes protection.ConclusionsImmunotherapies must account for both B cell location and activation, and these properties may differ in autoimmune and healthy settings.
Sensitivity of patients with familial cerebral cavernous malformations to therapeutic radiation
Authors: Golden Michael , Saeidi Saba , Liem Benny , Marchand Eric , Morrison Leslie , Hart Blaine 
Published: January 2015

SummaryFamilial cerebral cavernous malformations are autosomal dominant conditions that can result in significant morbidity. A two‐hit mechanism is accepted as likely responsible for formation of these malformations. We present two patients with this disease who received therapeutic radiation and developed very high numbers of malformations within the radiation ports, supporting radiation as an accelerator of lesion formation and suggesting implications for risks of radiation in this disease.
The diagnostic value of diffusion‐weighted imaging and the apparent diffusion coefficient values in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions
Authors: Çabuk Gonca , Nass Duce Meltem , Özgür Anıl , Apaydın Feramuz Demir , Polat Ayşe , Orekici Gülhan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe goal of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions.MethodsBetween June 2012 and March 2013, 60 patients with 63 lesions (age range 29–70 years, mean age 48.6 years) were included in our study. All lesions, except complicated cysts and intra‐mammary lymph nodes, were confirmed histopathologically. The patients were evaluated with a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner using dedicated bilateral breast coil. DWI images were obtained by echo planar imaging sequence and ‘b’ values were selected as 200, 600 and 1000 s/mm2. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of both breast lesions and the normal fibroglandular tissue of the contralateral breast were calculated and statistically compared using Shapiro–Wilk test, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square test and the receiver operating curve.ResultsOf 63 lesions, 22 were malignant and 41 were benign. In malignant lesions, the mean ADC values were 1.40 ± 0.41 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 200, 1.05 ± 0.28 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 600 and 0.91 ± 0.20 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 1000 and in benign lesions, the mean ADC values were 2.13 ± 0.85 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 200, 1.64 ± 0.47 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 600 and 1.40 ± 0.43 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 1000. The success of ADC values in differentiation of benign and malignant lesions was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The threshold values were determined to be 1.50 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 200, 1.22 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 600 and 0.98 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 1000 (P < 0.05).ConclusionDWI can be an effective radiological method in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions.
Rare plants in a Succulent – Nama Karoo ecotone in southern Africa
Authors: Burke Antje 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPhylogenetic patterns, adaptations and conservation status of the rare species flora of a winter–summer rainfall ecotone in southern Africa were investigated to shed light on the species' evolutionary history and conservation requirements. Some 11% (93 species) of the Greater Fish River Canyon Landscape in Namibia were classified as rare species, more than half currently not receiving formal protection in Namibia. The rare species flora does not present a subset of the overall species pool, but a unique assemblage of plant species, over‐represented by members of the family Mesembryanthemaceae, Crassulaceae, Asphodelaceae and Hyacinthaceae. Low growth forms (dwarf leaf‐succulent shrubs, dwarf stem succulents and dwarf deciduous shrubs) as well as bulbs are more common amongst rare species. Multiple factors and processes, likely interlinked, are believed to be responsible for determining the rare species flora, indicating that individual species respond differently to the challenges posed by this arid environment. Some plants are likely remnants of wetter conditions in the past, which have retained viable populations in the mountainous terrain of this landscape, others may have evolved in situ.
Decline of sable antelope in one of its key conservation areas: the greater Hwange ecosystem, Zimbabwe
Authors: Crosmary William‐Georges , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Mtare Godfrey , Fritz Hervé , Côté Steeve D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLand use has major effects on wildlife conservation. We studied variations of sable antelope Hippotragus niger densities between 1990 and 2001 in comparison with various land uses in and around Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Trends of other ungulates, including elephant Loxodonta africana, were examined simultaneously, because sable may be sensitive to forage and apparent competition and to high elephant densities. Sable densities declined in the whole region, very likely because of adverse rainfall conditions. Densities were constantly higher in the hunting areas and forestry lands than in the national park. Interestingly, elephant densities showed the opposite, with higher densities in the national park than in the adjacent areas. Whether these results reflect a negative effect of high elephant numbers on sable must still be tested directly. Likewise, while habitat characteristics and lion predation did not appear responsible for the higher sable densities outside the national park, they could not be discounted as an influence on the differing sable densities in different land‐use areas. It is clear, however, that high protection status is not always sufficient to ensure adequate conservation of flagship species. We therefore call for further investigations of ecological interactions within protected areas.
Earlier immunomodulatory treatment is associated with better visual outcomes in a subset of patients with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease
Authors: Urzua Cristhian A. , Velasquez Victor , Sabat Pablo , Berger Osvaldo , Ramirez Sebastian , Goecke Annelise , Vásquez Darío H. , Gatica Hector , Guerrero Julia 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate clinical outcomes of first‐line immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) and prednisone alone or late IMT in Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 152 patients with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease evaluated in a referral uveitis clinic in Chile from 1985 to 2011. Medical records of these patients were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical evaluation, type of treatment, functional outcomes, glucocorticoid (GC) dose and complications were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify prognostic factors of poor response to GC.ResultsThere were no significant differences between first‐line IMT group and prednisone alone/late IMT group in terms of visual acuity (VA) improvement, complications and GC sparing effect. There was a trend for a higher frequency of systemic adverse effects leading to discontinuation of treatment in patients receiving IMT than in those receiving prednisone (14.6% and 6.5%, respectively). The subgroup of patients with poor response to GC who showed functional improvement had a significantly earlier time to IMT initiation than the patients who had no improvement. We identified following prognostic factors of poor response to GC: VA ≤20/200, fundus depigmentation, chronic disease and tinnitus at diagnosis. Patients with a prognostic factor (excluding tinnitus) and VA improvement had an earlier IMT initiation than those who had worse functional outcome.ConclusionThere were no differences in outcomes between first‐line IMT and prednisone alone/late IMT in the entire VKH group. However, in a subset of patients, there was a significant better functional outcome with earlier IMT initiation.
The identification of a volume‐regulated anion channel: an amazing Odyssey
Authors: Pedersen S. F. , Klausen T. K. , Nilius B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe volume‐regulated anion channel (VRAC) plays a pivotal role in cell volume regulation in essentially all cell types studied. Additionally, VRAC appears to contribute importantly to a wide range of other cellular functions and pathological events, including cell motility, cell proliferation, apoptosis and excitotoxic glutamate release in stroke. Although biophysically, pharmacologically and functionally thoroughly described, VRAC has until very recently remained a genetic orphan. The search for the molecular identity of VRAC has been long and has yielded multiple potential candidates, all of which eventually turned out to have properties not fully compatible with those of VRAC. Recently, two groups have independently identified the protein leucine‐rich repeats containing 8A (LRRC8A), belonging to family of proteins (LRRC8A–E) distantly related to pannexins, as the likely pore‐forming subunit of VRAC. In this brief review, we summarize the history of the discovery of VRAC, outline its basic biophysical and pharmacological properties, link these to several cellular functions in which VRAC appears to play important roles, and sketch the amazing search for the molecular identity of this channel. Finally, we describe properties of the LRRC8 proteins, highlight some features of the LRRC8A knockout mouse and discuss the impact of the discovery of LRRC8 as VRAC on future research.
The nucleobase adenine as a signalling molecule in the kidney
Authors: Thimm D. , Schiedel A. C. , Peti‐Peterdi J. , Kishore B. K. , Müller C. E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn 2002, the first receptor activated by the nucleobase adenine was discovered in rats. In the past years, two adenine receptors (AdeRs) in mice and one in Chinese hamsters, all of which belong to the family of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), were cloned and pharmacologically characterized. Based on the nomenclature for other purinergic receptor families (P1 for adenosine receptors and P2 for nucleotide, e.g. ATP, receptors), AdeRs were designated P0 receptors. Pharmacological data indicate the existence of G protein‐coupled AdeRs in pigs and humans as well; however, those have not been cloned so far. Current data suggest a role for adenine and AdeRs in renal proximal tubules. Furthermore, AdeRs are suggested to be functional counterplayers of vasopressin in the collecting duct system, thus exerting diuretic effects. We are only at the beginning of understanding the significance of this new class of purinergic receptors, which might become future drug targets.
Novel, high‐definition 3‐D endoscopy system with real‐time compression communication system to aid diagnoses and treatment between hospitals in Thailand
Authors: Uemura Munenori , Kenmotsu Hajime , Tomikawa Morimasa , Kumashiro Ryuichi , Yamashita Makoto , Ikeda Testuo , Yamashita Hiromasa , Chiba Toshio , Hayashi Koichi , Sakae Eiji , Eguchi Mitsuo , Fukuyo Tsuneo , Chittmittrapap Soottiporn , Navicharern Patpong , Chotiwan Pornarong , Pattana‐arum Jirawat , Hashizume Makoto 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntroductionTraditionally, laparoscopy has been based on 2‐D imaging, which represents a considerable challenge. As a result, 3‐D visualization technology has been proposed as a way to better facilitate laparoscopy. We compared the latest 3‐D systems with high‐end 2‐D monitors to validate the usefulness of new systems for endoscopic diagnoses and treatment in Thailand.MethodsWe compared the abilities of our high‐definition 3‐D endoscopy system with real‐time compression communication system with a conventional high‐definition (2‐D) endoscopy system by asking health‐care staff to complete tasks. Participants answered questionnaires and whether procedures were easier using our system or the 2‐D endoscopy system.ResultsParticipants were significantly faster at suture insertion with our system (34.44 ± 15.91 s) than with the 2‐D system (52.56 ± 37.51 s) (P < 0.01). Most surgeons thought that the 3‐D system was good in terms of contrast, brightness, perception of the anteroposterior position of the needle, needle grasping, inserting the needle as planned, and needle adjustment during laparoscopic surgery. Several surgeons highlighted the usefulness of exposing and clipping the bile duct and gallbladder artery, as well as dissection from the liver bed during laparoscopic surgery. In an image‐transfer experiment with RePure‐L®, participants at Rajavithi Hospital could obtain reconstructed 3‐D images that were non‐inferior to conventional images from Chulalongkorn University Hospital (10 km away).ConclusionThese data suggest that our newly developed system could be of considerable benefit to the health‐care system in Thailand. Transmission of moving endoscopic images from a center of excellence to a rural hospital could help in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Prognostic significance of hyoid bone invasion in advanced base of tongue carcinoma treated by chemoradiation
Authors: Heaton C.M. , Al‐Shwaiheen F. , Liu C.‐S.J. , Yom S.S. , Ryan W.R. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the prognostic influence of hyoid bone invasion in advanced base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed pre‐treatment imaging (CT/MRI) for the presence or absence of hyoid bone invasion in patients with advanced (clinical T3 or T4a stage) base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiation from January 2001 to January 2011. We compared patients with hyoid bone invasion to those without based on the following metrics: 1‐, 2‐ and 5‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival, disease‐free survival, disease‐specific survival and overall survival.ResultsEleven of thirty‐seven patients had hyoid invasion present on pre‐treatment imaging. Average follow‐up was 45 months.Patients with hyoid bone invasion were found to have lower percentages in all survival metrics measured compared to patients without, respectively, with statistical significance achieved in the following: 2‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival: 36.4% versus 86.4% (P = 0.006), 5‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival: 12.5% versus 63.6% (P = 0.05), 2‐year disease‐free survival: 36.4% versus 77.3% (P = 0.05), 5‐year disease‐free survival: 12.5% versus 63.3% (P = 0.05) and the Kaplan–Meier curve for locoregional recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.0075).ConclusionsHyoid bone invasion by base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma may indicate a poorer prognosis despite treatment. Hyoid bone invasion may be a possible indication for intensification of treatment and/or may indicate a necessity for increasing the degree of post‐treatment surveillance monitoring and imaging.
Decrease in water clarity of the southern and central North Sea during the 20th century
Authors: Capuzzo Elisa , Stephens David , Silva Tiago , Barry Jon , Forster Rodney M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLight in the marine environment is a key environmental variable coupling physics to marine biogeochemistry and ecology. Weak light penetration reduces light available for photosynthesis, changing energy fluxes through the marine food web. Based on published and unpublished data, this study shows that the central and southern North Sea has become significantly less clear over the second half of the 20th century. In particular, in the different regions and seasons investigated, the average Secchi depth pre‐1950 decreased between 25% and 75% compared to the average Secchi depth post‐1950. Consequently, in summer pre‐1950, most (74%) of the sea floor in the permanently mixed area off East Anglia was within the photic zone. For the last 25+ years, changes in water clarity were more likely driven by an increase in the concentration of suspended sediments, rather than phytoplankton. We suggest that a combination of causes have contributed to this increase in suspended sediments such as changes in sea‐bed communities and in weather patterns, decreased sink of sediments in estuaries, and increased coastal erosion. A predicted future increase in storminess (Beniston et al., 2007; Kovats et al., 2014) could enhance the concentration of suspended sediments in the water column and consequently lead to a further decrease in clarity, with potential impacts on phytoplankton production, CO2 fluxes, and fishery production.