bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do different lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B genotypes carry the same risk of entecavir resistance?
Authors: Lee Guan Huei , Aung Myat Oo , Dan Yock Young , Lee Yin Mei , Mak Belinda , Low How Cheng , Lim Kieron , Thwin Maung Aye , Tan Poh Seng , Lim Seng Gee 
Published: September 2012

AbstractEntecavir switch is one of the treatment options for lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B (HBV) patients in Asia. This study examined the outcome of patients with different baseline resistance genotypes in a cohort study. In this study, 14 patients with chronic HBV were treated with entecavir 1 mg/day for 5 years. Enrolment criteria include: documented lamivudine resistant mutations, treatment with adefovir 10 mg/day for at least 24 weeks, and Child‐Pugh score <7. Most had previous failed adefovir therapy and compensated cirrhosis of the liver. Clinical outcomes, liver biochemistries, and HBV DNA were monitored regularly. Patients with virologic breakthrough were rescued with add‐on adefovir. At the end of the treatment period, the mean HBV DNA fell from 5.92 × 106 (baseline) to 3.67 × 101 IU/ml. The presence of a HBV polymerase rtM204V mutation at the baseline was found to be the major risk factor for adverse outcomes. Compared to the patients with the rtM204I mutant, patients with the rtM204V mutant had increased risk of virologic breakthrough (80% vs. 0%, P = 0.010) requiring add‐on adefovir, slower virologic responses (log rank test, P = 0.0011), failure to reach undetectable HBV DNA levels (60% vs. 0%, P = 0.045), and higher risk of entecavir‐resistance (60% vs. 0%, P = 0.045). All the patients with rtM204I and rtA181 mutants had undetectable HBV DNA from 18th month. In summary, lamivudine‐resistant HBV patients with the rtM204V mutation have the highest risk of developing entecavir resistance, and entecavir monotherapy should be avoided. Those with the rtM204I and rtA181V mutations may have lower risks, but regular surveillance for viral breakthrough is required. J. Med. Virol. 85:26–33, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gastroesophageal reflux evaluation in patients affected by chronic cough: Restech versus multichannel intraluminal impedance/pH metry
Authors: Ummarino Dario , Vandermeulen Liv , Roosens Bart , Urbain Daniel , Hauser Bruno , Vandenplas Yvan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Oropharyngeal (OP) pH monitoring has been developed to detect supra‐esophageal gastric reflux (SEGR). The results obtained with OP pH‐metry and multichannel intraluminal impedance/pH monitoring (MII/pH) were compared.Study Design:Diagnostic study.Methods:Ten patients (age 46.33 ± 9.86 years) presenting with chronic coughing underwent simultaneous OP and MII/pH recording. A 2‐minute interval was allowed between events detected with both techniques to be considered simultaneous.Results:A total of 515 reflux episodes were recorded with MII/pH (acid: 181; weakly acid: 310; weakly alkaline: 24); 180 (35%) reached the highest impedance channel (hypo‐pharynx); 74/180 (41%) were not related to a change in pH, according to the antimony electrode of the MII/pH catheter located at the upper esophageal sphincter. The OP monitoring measured 39 acid events; 17 (43.6%) were swallows according to MII, and 15 (38.5%) were not associated with MII or pH change. Only seven episodes were detected simultaneously with both techniques (1.3% for MII vs. 18% for OP; P = 0.0002). We found 49 pH‐only refluxes at the pH sensor in the hypo‐pharynx with MII/pH; only three (6.1%) correlated with OP reflux. Correlation in time between cough and reflux events was positive in 5/10 patients for MII (symptom index 5/10, symptom association probability 4/10), but in 0/10 patients according to OP pH metry.Conclusion:OP pH metry detected less reflux episodes than MII/pH; 35% of the OP events were swallows according to impedance. Time correlation between cough and reflux could not be demonstrated with OP pH metry.
Evaluating the utility of non–echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted imaging in the preoperative evaluation of cholesteatoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Peter M. M. C. , Linos Eleni , Gurgel Richard K. , Fischbein Nancy J. , Blevins Nikolas H. 
Published: September 2012

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe the accuracy of non–echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) in identifying middle ear cholesteatoma.Study DesignA meta‐analysis of the published literature.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies in which patients suspected of having middle ear cholesteatoma underwent DW MRI scans prior to surgery. A meta‐analysis of the included studies was performed.ResultsTen published articles (342 patients) met inclusion criteria. Cholesteatoma was confirmed in 234 patients, of which 204 were detected by DW MRI (true positives) and 30 were not (false negatives). One hundred eight patients did not have cholesteatoma on surgical examination, and of these 100 were correctly identified by MRI (true negatives) whereas eight were not (false positives). The overall sensitivity of DW MRI in detecting cholesteatoma was 0.94 (confidence interval, 0.80–0.98) and specificity 0.94 (confidence interval, 0.85–0.98). DW MRI sequences could not reliably detect cholesteatomas under 3 mm in size.ConclusionsNon–echo‐planar DW MRI is highly sensitive and specific in identifying middle ear cholesteatoma. DW MRI may help to stratify patients into groups of who would benefit from early second‐look surgery and those who could be closely observed.Level of Evidence2a.
Synthesis and Fluorescence Properties of Chiral Near‐Infrared Emissive Polymers Incorporating BODIPY Derivatives and (S)‐Binaphthyl
Authors: Wu Yuanzhao , Mao Xuerong , Ma Xiao , Huang Xiaobo , Cheng Yixiang , Zhu Chengjian 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA new series of π‐conjugated chiroptical polymers consisting of styryl BODIPYs moieties and (S)‐binaphthyl units has been firstly synthesized via Sonogashira polymerization. The resulting polymers were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), circular dichroism (CD), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The chiral polymers have moderate molecular weights, high solubility in commonly solvents and stable chiroptical conformation. And more importantly, the four chiral polymers can exhibit near‐infrared (NIR) emissive and good anisotropic fluorescence. We anticipate these chiral NIR polymers will be useful in biological measurements and cellular imaging where NIR emission is beneficial.
Facile Soap‐Free Miniemulsion Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate via Reverse Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Zhu Gaohua , Zhang Lifen , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhang Wei , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA facile soap‐free miniemulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was successfully carried out via a reverse ATRP technique, using a water‐soluble potassium persulfate (KPS) or 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (V‐50) both as the initiator and the stabilizer, and using an oil‐soluble N,N‐n‐butyldithiocarbamate copper (Cu(S2CN(C4H9)2)2) as the catalyst without adding any additional ligand. Polymerization results demonstrated the “living”/controlled characteristics of ATRP and the resultant latexes showed good colloidal stability with average particle size around 300–700 nm in diameter. The monomer droplet nucleation mechanism was proposed. NMR spectroscopy and chain‐extension experiments under UV light irradiation confirmed the attachment and livingness of UV light sensitive SC(S)N(C4H9)2 group in the chain end.
New Design of Thiol‐Responsive Degradable Polylactide‐Based Block Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Cunningham Alexander , Oh Jung Kwon 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA new design to synthesize thiol‐responsive degradable polylactide (PLA)‐based micelles having a disulfide linkage in the middle of triblock copolymers is reported. They were synthesized by a new method that centers on the use of a disulfide‐labeled diol as an initiator for ring‐opening polymerization, followed by controlled radical polymerization. These well‐controlled copolymers with monomodal and narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn < 1.15) self‐assembled to form aqueous micellar aggregates with disulfide‐containing PLA cores, which is not toxic to cells. Central disulfide linkages were cleaved in response to thiols; such thiol‐triggered degradation enhanced the release of encapsulated anticancer drugs.
Toward a Universal Behavior of Linear Athermal Model Chains in the Limit of Infinite Chain‐length
Authors: Olaj Oskar Friedrich , Zifferer Gerhard 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAthermal chains of various stiffness embedded in several types of lattices were analyzed with respect to their pair distribution function G(R). Extrapolation to infinite chain‐length on a reduced distance scale made all the G(R) data coincide within extremely narrow limits, thus suggesting the existence of a universal pair distribution function for polymers in good solvents in the long‐chain limit. The ratio –ln(G(R))/Z(R) with Z(R) being the reduced distribution of overlaps is also universal in type and varies only little with distance R. Further, a likewise universal function could be established that allows the construction of Z(R) from the Flory–Krigbaum expression taking into account not only the deviations from Gaussian behavior but also the effect of intramolecular repulsion present in athermal chains. magnified image
MRI biosensor for protein kinase A encoded by a single synthetic gene
Authors: Airan Raag D. , Bar‐Shir Amnon , Liu Guanshu , Pelled Galit , McMahon Michael T. , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Bulte Jeff W. M. , Gilad Assaf A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose:Protein kinases including protein kinase A (PKA) underlie myriad important signaling pathways. The ability to monitor kinase activity in vivo and in real‐time with high spatial resolution in genetically specified cellular populations is a yet unmet need, crucial for understanding complex biological systems as well as for preclinical development and screening of novel therapeutics.Methods:Using the hypothesis that the natural recognition sequences of protein kinases may be detected using chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging, we designed a genetically encoded biosensor composed of eight tandem repeats of the peptide LRRASLG, a natural target of PKA.Results:This sensor displays a measurable change in chemical exchange saturation transfer signal following phosphorylation by PKA. The natural PKA substrate LRRASLG exhibits a chemical exchange saturation transfer‐magnetic resonance imaging contrast at +1.8 and +3.6 ppm, with a >50% change after phosphorylation with minutes‐scale temporal resolution. Expression of a synthetic gene encoding eight monomers of LRRASLG yielded two peaks at these chemical exchange saturation transfer frequencies.Conclusion:Taken together, these results suggest that this gene may be used to assay PKA levels in a biologically relevant system. Importantly, the design strategy used for this specific sensor may be adapted for a host of clinically interesting protein kinases. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is there correlation between electromyography and digital palpation as means of measuring pelvic floor muscle contractility in nulliparous, pregnant, and postpartum women?
Authors: Botelho Simone , Pereira Larissa Carvalho , Marques Joseane , Lanza Ana Helena , Amorim Cesar Ferreira , Palma Paulo , Riccetto Cassio 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsThe continence mechanisms depend on the integrity of the pelvic floor muscles. It is therefore important to find simple, reliable, and safe methods to assess its contractility in a clinical setting. This study aims to investigate if digital palpation of the pelvic floor muscles presents correlation with its electromyographic activity.MethodsThe sample consisted of 307 women with mean age of 23.93 years, including 39 nulliparous, 117 primigravid pregnant, 64 primiparous, in post‐vaginal delivery, and 87 primiparous women, in post‐cesarean section delivery. The assessment consisted of both digital palpation and surface electromyography. One, and the same, highly skilled and experienced physiotherapist, who was able to classify the different grades of contractility accurately, performed digital palpation using the Modified Oxford Grading Scale. Surface electromyography was performed using an intravaginal probe. For electromyography evaluation, three contractions of 5 sec each were recorded, and an average of three Root Mean squares was considered for analysis. Spearman's Coefficient, Jonckheere–Terpstra Test, Kruskal–Wallis as well as Dunn Test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe strong correlation found between the two methods (P < 0.001) indicates that both digital palpation and electromyography can be used in everyday practice, both for clinical use and scientific research, although both have their specific limitations and requirements to avoid the risk of biases.ConclusionThere was a correlation between pelvic floor muscle contractility measured by surface electromyography and by digital palpation. Both methods can be used to validate data in research and clinical setting. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 420–423, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of a new disposable “tampon like” electrostimulation technology (Pelviva®) for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women: A 12‐week single blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oldham Jackie , Herbert Julia , McBride Kathryn 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo test the null hypothesis that a novel disposable “tampon like” electrostimulation device (Pelviva®) is no better than unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise for treatment of urinary incontinence in women.MethodsPre/post‐intervention assessor blinded, single center RCT. A total of 123 community dwelling self referred women with symptoms of stress, urge, or mixed incontinence were randomly assigned to one of two 12‐week duration treatments: Pelviva® used for 30 min a day plus unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise or unsupervised exercises alone. Outcome measures included ICIQ‐UI (primary), ICIQ FLUTSex and global impression of severity and improvement (secondary) completed at recruitment, after 4 weeks of unsupervised exercise and immediately post‐treatment. Diary of exercise frequency/type, overall impression, and usage of device was completed mid‐ and post‐treatment.ResultsPelviva® plus exercise produced significantly better outcome than unsupervised exercise alone: 5 points (45%) versus 1 point (10%) for ICIQ‐UI (P = 0.014); 67% versus 33% for leak frequency (P = 0.005); 40% versus 20% for leak interference with life (P = 0.018). Incontinence was less bothersome during sex to a greater extent in the Pelviva® group (P = 0.026). Women were enthusiastic about the device, found it comfortable/easy to use and experienced no adverse events.ConclusionsThe Pelviva® device plus unsupervised exercise is more successful than unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise alone in treating urinary incontinence. The device is easy/comfortable to use, there are no apparent adverse incidents, and women can manage their incontinence in the privacy of their own home. The product will be launched 2013. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 460–466, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Urinary incontinence after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Lensen Ellen J.M. , Withagen Mariella I.J. , Kluivers Kirsten B. , Milani Alfredo L. , Vierhout Mark E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsThis study focused on the changes in urinary incontinence (UI) rates pre‐ and postoperatively and identified risk factors which predict the presence of symptoms of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) without concomitant or previous anti‐incontinence surgery.MethodsAll consecutive women who underwent POP surgery without concomitant or previous anti‐incontinence surgery in the years 2004–2010 were included. Assessments were performed preoperatively and at 1‐year follow‐up, including pelvic organ prolapse quantification score and a standardized urogynecological questionnaire (Urogenital Distress Inventory, UDI). Primary outcome of this study was stress and/or urgency UI postoperatively. Furthermore, this study measured the improvement or worsening of UI following surgery using the UDI. Univariable‐ and multivariable logistic regression with forward selection procedure was used to identify the risk factors.ResultsNine hundred seven patients were included. De novo SUI appeared in 22% and de novo UUI occurred in 21% of the women. At 1‐year 42% were cured for UUI and 39% were recovered from SUI by POP surgery alone. The best predictor for the occurrence of postoperative SUI or UUI was the presence of preoperative SUI or UUI. BMI and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative SUI. A recurrence in the anterior compartment protected against SUI postoperatively.ConclusionsPreoperative SUI or UUI is the most important predictor of SUI and UUI postoperatively. BMI and COPD were identified as important risk factors for SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 455–459, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intensity modulated radiation therapy provides excellent local control in high‐risk abdominal neuroblastoma
Authors: Pai Panandiker Atmaram S. , Beltran Chris , Billups Catherine A. , McGregor Lisa M. , Furman Wayne L. , Davidoff Andrew M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundLocoregional failure is a significant concern in patients with high‐risk abdominal neuroblastoma (NB) receiving radiotherapy. Locoregional control outcomes were studied in children with NB receiving intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).ProcedureTwenty children (11 females, 9 males) with NB (median age at diagnosis 3.4 years) receiving IMRT were analyzed for locoregional failure, outcomes, and toxicities. IMRT doses were 23.4 Gy (n = 12), 30 Gy (n = 1), 30.6 Gy (n = 5), and 36.0 Gy (n = 2) based on extent of resection. Five patients had tumors with MYCN amplification, and 19 had metastatic disease. All patients were treated consistently using reproducible immobilization techniques; physiological motion was assessed by 4D‐CT, and target localization by cone‐beam computed tomography. ICRU 62 volumetric conventions were employed based on institutional data for pediatric target volume and organ motion.ResultsNo patient developed primary site infield or locoregional failure at a median follow‐up of 2.2 years. Distant failure (median time to distant failure 1.6 years) occurred in the brain, lungs, or skeletal sites in eight patients, five of whom died. The 2‐year event‐free survival was 58.5 ± 13.3% and cumulative incidence of local and distant failures was 0% and 41.5 ± 11.9%, respectively. Asymptomatic loose stool during RT occurred in nearly all patients, but required no intervention.ConclusionsIMRT is feasible, safe in the short term, and yields excellent locoregional control. Despite subtotal resection in some cases, locoregional control appeared to be increased by conformal radiotherapy with ICRU 62‐compliant volumes. Dose escalation beyond 30.6 Gy may be unnecessary with improved target volume coverage. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 761–765. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The thirteenth international childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia workshop report: La Jolla, CA, USA, December 7–9, 2011
Authors: Hunger Stephen P. , Baruchel Andre , Biondi Andrea , Evans William E. , Jeha Sima , Loh Mignon , Moericke Anja , Pieters Rob , Relling Mary V. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Schrappe Martin , Silverman Lewis B. , Stanulla Martin , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Vora Ajay , Pui Ching‐Hon 
Published: September 2012

AbstractXXX. Pediatr Blood Cancer
Intra‐arterial chemotherapy is more effective than sequential periocular and intravenous chemotherapy as salvage treatment for relapsed retinoblastoma
Authors: Schaiquevich Paula , Ceciliano Alejandro , Millan Natalia , Taich Paula , Villasante Francisco , Fandino Adriana C. , Dominguez Julieta , Chantada Guillermo L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of eyes with retinoblastoma failing systemic chemoreduction and external beam radiotherapy is seldom efficacious. This study compares the efficacy and toxicity of intra‐arterial ophthalmic artery chemotherapy (IAO) to our historical cohort of sequential periocular and systemic chemotherapy in such patients.Patients and MethodsEighteen eyes (15 consecutive patients) were retrospectively evaluated. Eight eyes received IAO for a median of four cycles (range: 2–9) including melphalan alone (n = 3) or after topotecan and carboplatin (n = 4) or topotecan and carboplatin without melphalan (n = 1). Ten eyes received a median of two cycles (range: 1–3) of periocular topotecan (n = 9) or carboplatin (n = 1) followed by intravenous topotecan and cyclophosphamide in three patients if at least stable disease was achieved. Both groups were comparable for disease extension and prior therapy.ResultsNo extraocular dissemination or second malignancy occurred and all patients are alive. The probability of enucleation‐free eye survival at 12 months was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.42–0.97) for the IAO group, compared to 0.1 (95% CI: 0.06–0.35) for the periocular group (P < 0.01). Ocular toxicity was mild and similar in both groups (mostly mild orbital edema). Systemic toxicity was low for IAO and periocular injection, but children who received sequentially intravenous chemotherapy (n = 12 cycles) had five episodes of grade 4 neutropenia, three of which resulted in hospitalizations. No case in the IAO group presented these complications.ConclusionsIAO is significantly superior to sequential periocular‐intravenous topotecan‐containing regimens in eyes with relapsed intraocular retinoblastoma with a more favorable toxicity profile. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 766–770. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Race matters: Perceptions of race and racism in a sickle cell center
Authors: Nelson Stephen C. , Hackman Heather W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundHealth care disparities based on race have been reported in the management of many diseases. Our goal was to identify perceptions of race and racism among both staff and patients/families with particular attention to provider attitudes as a potential contributor to racial healthcare disparities.ProcedureA confidential survey addressing issues of race and health care was given to all patients with sickle cell disease and their families upon arrival to clinic. The survey was made available online to all staff in the hematology/oncology program. Free text comments were obtained.ResultsWe received completed surveys from 112 patients/families. Surveys were completed by 135 of 158 staff members (85% return rate). The majority (92.6%) of patients/families identified as black, while 94.1% of staff identified as white (P < 0.001). More patients/families felt that race affects the quality of health care for sickle cell patients (50% vs. 31.6%, P = 0.003). More staff perceived unequal treatment of patients, especially in the inpatient setting (20.9% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.03).ConclusionsProvider attitudes contribute to continued racial health care disparities. We propose training health care providers on issues of race and racism. Training should provide critical thinking tools for improving medical providers' comfort and skills in caring for patients who are of a different race than their own. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 451–454. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.