bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review article: liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma – a critical appraisal of the current worldwide listing criteria
Authors: Menon K. V. , Hakeem A. R. , Heaton N. D 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundLiver transplantation (LT) plays an important role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although early results following LT for HCC were poor, since the introduction of the Milan criteria in 1996 morphological criteria have since been well established. Thereafter, various expansions of the Milan criteria were introduced worldwide. Listing criteria for LT for HCC in the United Kingdom (UK) initially conformed to the Milan criteria but were re‐defined in 2009 by expansion of the Milan criteria.AimsTo look at the evidence in literature on listing criteria and management of HCC worldwide in comparison with the UK. Secondly, we aim to review worldwide vs. UK literature on prioritisation models, loco‐regional therapy protocols and role of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in LT for HCC.MethodsAn electronic literature search with Medline was carried out to identify articles related to LT for HCC.ResultsAlthough various expansions of the Milan criteria have been described, they remain the gold standard against which other criteria are measured. The UK criteria are an expansion of the Milan criteria that go beyond Milan and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. The current UK listing criteria for LT for HCC when compared to the worldwide criteria have a worse survival benefit (projected 5‐year survival between 35‐50%) when plotted on the metroticket calculator.ConclusionsIn keeping with most transplant centres worldwide, the UK have adopted expansions to Milan to allow more patients to benefit from LT. However, currently, as it stands the UK criteria when plotted in the modification of the Metroticket model project worse survival that would seem unjustified.
Safety and efficacy of thrombopoietin‐receptor agonists in myelodysplastic syndromes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Prica Anca , Sholzberg Michelle , Buckstein Rena 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThrombocytopenia is common (40–65%) and potentially serious in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A systematic review was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of adding a thrombopoietin‐receptor (THPO‐R) agonist to standard MDS treatment. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched. We included randomized controlled trials comparing a THPO‐R agonist to placebo. A meta‐analysis of the effects was performed. Endpoints included bleeding and platelet transfusion rates, risk of progression to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and mortality. Three hundred and eighty four patients from five trials were included, four using romiplostim and one using eltrombopag. Overall, the relative risk (RR) of bleeding with romiplostim versus placebo was 0·84 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·57–1·24]. However, compared to placebo, romiplostim significantly decreased the exposure‐adjusted bleeding rate (RR 0·92; 95% CI: 0·86–0·99), as well as the exposure‐adjusted platelet transfusion rate (RR 0·69; 95% CI: 0·53–0·88). The RR of AML progression with romiplostim was 1·36 (95% CI: 0·54–3·40), however the outcome data were judged as higher risk of bias. Romiplostim is promising in its ability to decrease patient‐important outcomes: bleeding and platelet transfusion need. Although the risk of AML progression was not increased, due to unclear risk of bias in the data, this safety concern is difficult to assess. Therefore, romiplostim cannot yet be routinely recommended. Early eltrombopag data is promising.
Prognostic factors of early death in a cohort of 162 adult haemophagocytic syndrome: impact of triggering disease and early treatment with etoposide
Authors: Arca Marc , Fardet Laurence , Galicier Lionel , Rivière Sébastien , Marzac Christophe , Aumont Cédric , Lambotte Olivier , Coppo Paul 
Published: August 2014

SummaryReactive haemophagocytic syndrome is a life‐threatening disease for which factors influencing the outcome remain unclear. We sought to identify determinants of early mortality in patients with reactive haemophagocytic syndrome by conducting a non‐interventional retrospective multicentre study in three tertiary care teaching hospitals over a 6‐year period. The medical files of 162 patients fulfilling our diagnostic criteria of haemophagocytic syndrome were reviewed. Patients were classified according to 30‐d outcome following diagnosis. Thirty‐three patients (20·4%) died within 30 d. Clinical features at diagnosis associated with 30‐d death in univariate analysis were older age (P = 0·004), underlying lymphoma (P = 0·04), lower platelet count (P = 0·001) and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0·04 both). The use of etoposide as a first‐line treatment tended to be associated with a better outcome (P = 0·079). In multivariate analyses, increasing age, decreasing platelet count, underlying lymphoma and no etoposide in the management were associated with a poorer prognosis (P = 0·03, 0·01, 0·003 and 0·04, respectively). These prognostic factors could help to identify those patients more severely affected by reactive haemophagocytic syndrome, who should benefit from aggressive supportive care, combined with specific treatment of the precipitating factor.
Inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway can induce upregulation of human leukocyte antigen class I without PD‐L1‐upregulation in contrast to interferon‐γ treatment
Authors: Mimura Kousaku , Kua Ley‐Fang , Shiraishi Kensuke , Kee Siang Lim , Shabbir Asim , Komachi Mayumi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Nakano Takashi , Yong Wei‐Peng , So Jimmy , Kono Koji 
Published: August 2014

Recently, we reported that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression is predominantly regulated by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as one of the oncogenic regulations of HLA class I expression. In the present study, we examined mechanisms of how HLA class I and PD‐L1 are regulated by MAPK inhibitors and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of major signal transduction molecules by Western blot and anti‐tumor CTL activity by a cytotoxic assay when HLA class I and PD‐L1 were modulated by MAPK inhibitors and/or IFN‐γ. As a result, we confirmed, as a more general phenomenon, that the inhibition of MAPK could upregulate HLA class I expression in a panel of human solid tumors (n = 26). Of note, we showed that MAPK inhibitors act on the upregulation of HLA class I expression through a different pathway from IFN‐γ; there was an additive effect in the upregulation of HLA class I when treated with the combination of MAPK inhibitors and IFN‐γ, and there was no overlapping activation of JAK2/STAT1 and Erk1/2 molecules when treated with either IFN‐γ or MAPK inhibitors. Furthermore, we showed that IFN‐γ–treatment impaired the tumor‐specific CTL activity due to the upregulation of PD‐L1 in spite of the upregulation of HLA class I, while MAPK inhibitors can augment the tumor‐specific CTL activity due to the upregulated HLA class I without PD‐L1 alterations. In conclusion, in addition to the original anti‐proliferative activity, MAPK inhibitors may work toward the enhancement of T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immunity through the upregulation of HLA class I without the upregulation of PD‐L1.
Zirconia with laser‐modified microgrooved surface vs. titanium implants covered with melatonin stimulates bone formation. Experimental study in tibia rabbits
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Aguilar Salvatierra Antonio , Gargallo‐Albiol Jordi , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Maté Sanchez Jose Eduardo , Satorres‐Nieto Marta 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate if zirconia implants with micro‐grooved surfaces supplemented with melatonin enhance the bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) vs. titanium implants with the same coating.Materials and methodsEighty implants divided in four groups were inserted in the tibia of 20 New Zealand rabbits as follows: (group A) 20 titanium implants; (group B) 20 micro‐grooved zirconia implants; (group C) 20 titanium implants supplemented with melatonin and (group D) 20 micro‐grooved zirconia implants supplemented with melatonin. Histometric and SEM evaluation of BIC were evaluated after 1 and 4 weeks.ResultsAt 1 week, group C (29.7 ± 2.4%) and group D (28.9 ± 1.3%) implants showed higher BIC% compared with group A and B (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks, group D showed higher BIC compared with all the groups (47.5 ± 2.2%) (P < 0.05). Also Connective tissue was higher in groups B (78.9 ± 2.1%) and D (88.7 ± 1.2%) related to titanium and zirconia melatonin untreated at 4 weeks (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this pilot study in rabbits, we can conclude that the local application of melatonin increases the BIC values in titanium and in zirconia implants at 1 week.
Capability of new bone formation with a mixture of hydroxyapatite and beta‐tricalcium phosphate granules
Authors: Sanda Minoru , Shiota Makoto , Fujii Masaki , Kon Kazuhiro , Fujimori Tatsuya , Kasugai Shohei 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this experimental study was to test a mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (beta‐TCP) granules inserted in cranial defects in rabbits, by the evaluation of the hard tissues volume, new bone formation, and residual graft after 4 and 8 weeks.Material and methodsTwo defects of 8 mm diameter were created at the calvarial bone of 24 Japanese white rabbits for a total of 48 defects. Four groups were created: defects filled with a mixture of HA and beta‐TCP granules (test A), defects filled with HA alone (test B), defects filled with beta‐TCP (test C), and empty defects (control). Hard tissues volume (remaining graft + new bone) was evaluated by μ‐CT and new bone (NB) and remaining graft (RG) percentages were evaluated by histomorphometry. The animals were sacrificed at 4 or 8 weeks postoperatively.ResultsThe test groups A, B, and C showed a significant higher total volume compared with controls at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Regarding the percentages of NB and RG at 4 and 8 weeks, no significant differences were detected (P > 0.05). When comparing 4 and 8 weeks, test group A showed a significant increase in new bone formation. At both 4 and 8 weeks, no group showed significant differences in NB (P > 0.05). At 8 weeks, test group B had more RG than test group A.ConclusionsThe novel mixture could maintain the volume of the grafted area compared with that with intervention, and in a similar way compared with HA.
Identifying impediments to long‐distance mammal migrations
Authors: Seidler Renee G. , Long Ryan A. , Berger Joel , Bergen Scott , Beckmann Jon P. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn much of the world, the persistence of long‐distance migrations by mammals is threatened by development. Even where human population density is relatively low, there are roads, fencing, and energy development that present barriers to animal movement. If we are to conserve species that rely on long‐distance migration, then it is critical that we identify existing migration impediments. To delineate stopover sites associated with anthropogenic development, we applied Brownian bridge movement models to high‐frequency locations of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We then used resource utilization functions to assess the threats to long‐distance migration of pronghorn that were due to fences and highways. Migrating pronghorn avoided dense developments of natural gas fields. Highways with relatively high volumes of traffic and woven‐wire sheep fence acted as complete barriers. At crossings with known migration bottlenecks, use of high‑quality forage and shrub habitat by pronghorn as they approached the highway was lower than expected based on availability of those resources. In contrast, pronghorn consistently utilized high‑quality forage close to the highway at crossings with no known migration bottlenecks. Our findings demonstrate the importance of minimizing development in migration corridors in the future and of mitigating existing pressure on migratory animals by removing barriers, reducing the development footprint, or installing crossing structures.Identificación de los Impedimentos para las Migraciones de Larga Distancia de Mamíferos
Estimating the normal background rate of species extinction
Authors: De Vos Jurriaan M. , Joppa Lucas N. , Gittleman John L. , Stephens Patrick R. , Pimm Stuart L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA key measure of humanity's global impact is by how much it has increased species extinction rates. Familiar statements are that these are 100–1000 times pre‐human or background extinction levels. Estimating recent rates is straightforward, but establishing a background rate for comparison is not. Previous researchers chose an approximate benchmark of 1 extinction per million species per year (E/MSY). We explored disparate lines of evidence that suggest a substantially lower estimate. Fossil data yield direct estimates of extinction rates, but they are temporally coarse, mostly limited to marine hard‐bodied taxa, and generally involve genera not species. Based on these data, typical background loss is 0.01 genera per million genera per year. Molecular phylogenies are available for more taxa and ecosystems, but it is debated whether they can be used to estimate separately speciation and extinction rates. We selected data to address known concerns and used them to determine median extinction estimates from statistical distributions of probable values for terrestrial plants and animals. We then created simulations to explore effects of violating model assumptions. Finally, we compiled estimates of diversification—the difference between speciation and extinction rates for different taxa. Median estimates of extinction rates ranged from 0.023 to 0.135 E/MSY. Simulation results suggested over‐ and under‐estimation of extinction from individual phylogenies partially canceled each other out when large sets of phylogenies were analyzed. There was no evidence for recent and widespread pre‐human overall declines in diversity. This implies that average extinction rates are less than average diversification rates. Median diversification rates were 0.05–0.2 new species per million species per year. On the basis of these results, we concluded that typical rates of background extinction may be closer to 0.1 E/MSY. Thus, current extinction rates are 1,000 times higher than natural background rates of extinction and future rates are likely to be 10,000 times higher.Estimación de la Tasa Normal de Extinción de Especies
Pre‐transplant predictors of one yr weight gain after kidney transplantation
Authors: Cashion A. K. , Hathaway D. K. , Stanfill A. , Thomas F. , Ziebarth J. D. , Cui Y. , Cowan P. A. , Eason J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractClinically useful predictors of weight gain could be used to reduce the epidemic of post‐kidney transplant obesity and resulting co‐morbidities. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of weight gain at 12 months following kidney transplant in a cohort of 96 recipients. Demographic, clinical, and environmental data were obtained at transplant and 12 months. Descriptive, correlational, and Bayesian network analysis were used to identify predictors. For the 52 (55.9%) recipients who gained weight, the average amount gained was 9.18 ± 6.59 kg. From the 15 baseline factors that met inclusion criteria, Bayesian network modeling identified four baseline predictors for weight gain: younger age, higher carbohydrate consumption, higher trunk fat percentage, and higher perception of mental health quality of life. Three are modifiable through either pre‐ or immediate post‐transplant clinical intervention programs.
Predominant endothelial vasomotor activity during human sleep: a near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Zhang Zhongxing , Khatami Ramin 
Published: August 2014

AbstractVasomotion is important in the study of vascular disorders, including stroke. Spontaneous low and very low hemodynamic oscillations (3–150 mHz) measured with near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) reflect the endothelial (3–20 mHz), neurogenic (20–40 mHz) and myogenic (40–150 mHz) components of vasomotion. We investigated sleep‐specific patterns of vasomotion by characterizing hemodynamic oscillations with NIRS in healthy subjects, and tested the feasibility of NIRS as a bedside tool for monitoring vasomotion during whole‐night sleep. To characterize local cerebral vasomotion, we compared cerebral NIRS measurements with muscular NIRS measurements and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) during different sleep stages in 14 healthy volunteers. Spectral powers of hemodynamic oscillations in the frequency range of endothelial vasomotion were systemically predominant in every sleep stage, and the powers of endothelial and neurogenic vasomotion decreased in deep sleep as compared with light sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in brain, muscle, and SpO2. The decrease in the powers of myogenic vasomotion in deep sleep only occurred in brain, and not in muscle. These results point to a predominant role of endothelial function in regulating vasomotion during sleep. The decline in cerebral endothelial and neurogenic vasomotion during progression to deeper non‐REM sleep suggests that deep sleep may play a protective role for vascular function. NIRS can be used to monitor endothelial control of vasomotion during nocturnal sleep, thus providing a promising non‐invasive bedside tool with which to study the sleep‐relevant pathological mechanisms in vascular diseases and stroke.
An economic analysis of sweet sorghum cultivation for ethanol production in North China
Authors: Liu Huihui , Ren Lantian , Spiertz Huub , Zhu Yongbin , Xie Guang Hui 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a promising non‐food energy crop. The objective of this study was to determine the economic costs and input sensitivity of sweet sorghum compared to cotton, maize, and sunflower, at two saline‐alkali sites in Shandong (Wudi County) and Inner Mongolia (Wuyuan County) provinces of China. The data were collected quantitatively based on a face‐to‐face interview with 100 and 67 sweet sorghum growers at the two sites, respectively. The sweet sorghum grown at Wudi had lower external input (5469 CNY ha−1), higher net return (7305 CNY ha−1) and benefit‐cost ratio (2.36) than its reference crop, cotton (18 454 CNY ha−1; 3615 CNY ha−1; 1.24). At Wuyuan, the sweet sorghum showed contrasting economic performance (19 541 CNY ha−1; −3438 CNY ha−1; 0.91), which was largely because of the higher labor costs compared to sunflower (10 896 CNY ha−1; 15 133 CNY ha−1; 2.49); and maize (9108 CNY ha−1; 14 760 CNY ha−1; 2.76). The productivity of sweet sorghum per unit of external input costs (kg CNY−1) was 13.12 for Wudi and only 3.26 for Wuyuan. Based on the Cobb‐Douglas production function, the external inputs of diesel and seed had a significantly positive impact on the profitability of sweet sorghum at Wudi but not at Wuyuan. However, the costs of irrigation and film cover were significantly negative. The energy crop, sweet sorghum, showed a better return to scale on investment than cotton and sunflower.
Association of urinary incontinence with impaired functional status among older people living in a long‐term care setting
Authors: Chiu Aih‐Fung , Huang Mei‐Huang , Hsu Mei‐Hsiu , Liu Ju‐Ling , Chiu Jui‐Fang 
Published: August 2014

AimTo examine the association between functional status and urinary incontinence.MethodsA total of 27 participants with urinary incontinence and 50 participants without urinary incontinence were analyzed at a long‐term care setting in Pingtung County, Taiwan, in 2011. The recruitment criteria were age older than 65 years, ability to communicate with the researcher, agreement to participate in the present study and potential ability to complete at least one measurement of functional status. Urinary incontinence was defined as urine leakage at least once a week during the past 4 weeks, whereas functional status was assessed by the body composition (body mass index and waist circumference), upper body strength (grasp test), lower body strength (30‐s and 5‐times chair stand test), upper body flexibility (back scratch test), lower body flexibility (chair sit‐and‐reach test) and agility/dynamic balance (8‐ft up‐and‐go test).ResultsIn univariate analyses, performances on the tests of 5‐time chair stand, 30‐s chair stand, 8‐ft up‐and‐go, chair sit‐and‐reach, and grasp were significantly different between the participants with and without urinary incontinence (all P < 0.05). However, after multiple logistical regression adjusting sex, age and chronic illnesses, just two tests, 8‐ft up‐and‐go and chair sit‐and‐reach, were independent predictors of urinary incontinence.ConclusionPoor performance on the tests of 8‐ft up‐and‐go and chair sit‐and‐reach were the predominated risk factors of urinary incontinence. Further studies regarding how to improve the functional status, especially focusing on the function of the lower body, might be required in order to enhance continence care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 296–301.
Differential impact of some risk factors on trochanteric and cervical hip fractures
Authors: Tal Sari , Gurevich Alexander , Sagiv Shaul , Guller Vladimir 
Published: August 2014

AimTo investigate the potential distinct risk factors associated with trochanteric and cervical hip fractures.MethodsElderly patients aged 65 years and older (n = 1161) were admitted to the orthopedic department with hip fractures during the years 2006–2011. Demographic and clinical data, as well as routine blood tests, were retrieved from the patient electronic medical records.ResultsApproximately 58% of patients had trochanteric fractures and 42% had cervical fractures. Women were more likely to have trochanteric fractures than men (P = 0.002). Female sex, frailty, falls, diabetes and subnormal calcium, as well as subnormal hemoglobin levels, were significant risk factors for trochanteric fractures (OR 1.39, P = 0.0202, OR 1.36, P = 0.0166, OR 1.49, P = 0.0015, OR 1.33, P = 0.0343, OR 0.68, P = 0.0054, OR 0.70, P = 0.0036, respectively). Patients with Parkinson's disease were at a lower risk for trochanteric fractures (OR 0.6, P = 0.007).ConclusionAs there are some differences between risk factors for trochanteric and cervical hip fractures, there is a need for further studies in order to understand the etiology of fractures and to be able to carry out effective preventive efforts. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 443–448.