bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrimination of fibrotic staging of chronic hepatitis C using multiple fibrotic markers
Authors: Ikeda Kenji , Izumi Namiki , Tanaka Eiji , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Takahashi Yoshihisa , Fukushima Junichi , Kondo Fukuo , Fukusato Toshio , Koike Kazuhiko , Hayashi Norio , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: August 2013

AimIn order to evaluate and judge a fibrotic stage of patients with chronic hepatitis C, multivariate regression analysis was performed using multiple fibrotic markers.MethodsA total of 581 patients from eight hepatology units and institutes were diagnosed by needle biopsy as having chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus. Twenty‐three variables and their natural logarithmic transformation were employed in the multivariate analysis.ResultsMultivariate regression analysis finally obtained the following function: z = 2.89 × ln (type IV collagen 7S) (ng/mL) − 0.011 × (platelet count) (×103/mm3) + 0.79 × ln (total bilirubin) (mg/dL) + 0.39 × ln (hyaluronic acid) (μg/L) − 1.87. Median values of the fibrotic score of F1 (n = 172), F2 (n = 80), F3 (n = 37) and F4 (n = 16) were calculated as 1.00, 1.45, 2.82 and 3.83, respectively. Multiple regression coefficient and coefficient of determination were 0.56 and 0.320, respectively. Validation with patient data from other institutions demonstrated good reproducibility of the fibrotic score for hepatitis C (FSC), showing 1.10 in F1 (n = 156), 2.35 in F2 (n = 73), 3.16 in F3 (n = 36) and 3.58 in F4 (n = 11).ConclusionA concise multiple regression function using four laboratory parameters successfully predicted pathological fibrotic stage of patients with hepatitis C virus infection.
Concurrent partial splenic embolization with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma can maintain hepatic functional reserve
Authors: Ishikawa Toru , Kubota Tomoyuki , Horigome Ryoko , Kimura Naruhiro , Honda Hiroki , Iwanaga Akito , Seki Keiichi , Honma Terasu , Yoshida Toshiaki 
Published: August 2013

AimHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently complicated with cirrhosis, and it is not unusual for treatment options to be limited as a result of pancytopenia due to hypersplenism. Partial splenic embolization (PSE) has been performed for thrombocytopenia resulting from hypersplenism. We studied the efficacy in terms of hepatic functional reserve and safety in patients who underwent concurrent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with PSE for HCC.MethodsThe study population consisted of 101 HCC patients with thrombocytopenia. Fifty‐three patients were treated with concurrent TACE/PSE (PSE group), and the remaining 48 TACE patients without PSE (non‐PSE group) were investigated hepatic functional reserve.ResultsPlatelet counts were significantly higher in the PSE group after 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months after TACE than the non‐PSE group. Child–Pugh score significantly deteriorated from 7.13 ± 1.16 to 7.60 ± 1.20 at 2 weeks, to 7.71 ± 1.25 at 2 months, and 7.71 ± 1.35 at 6 weeks after TACE in the non‐PSE group. Hence, it worsened from 7.04 ± 1.05 to 7.21 ± 0.99 at 2 weeks temporally, but improved to 7.00 ± 1.17 after 2 months and 6.70 ± 1.16 at 6 weeks after TACE in the PSE group.ConclusionThrombocytopenia has been improved and treatment continued using concurrent PSE. In addition, hepatic functional reserve could be maintained even after treatment for HCC. Concurrent TACE and PSE for HCC with thrombocytopenia can be expected to help maintain hepatic reserve, and may contribute to improving the prognosis of HCC.
Poor Laws: A Historiography of Vagrancy in Australia
Authors: Kimber Julie 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe study of vagrancy forms part of a larger investigation into the social origins of law, the structures of inequality and the gendered and racially discriminatory aspects of societies. A full analysis of vagrancy in Australia must necessarily begin with the inherited traditions of its colonial master, its convict origins and the defensive nature of European settlement. While the former provided the moral and legal framework, the latter played a longer and more influential role in establishing the interventionist nature of government in Australia. Despite sharing significant commonalities with the British, Australia's vagrancy laws differed in their application in important ways. As with other colonial regimes, most notably the United States and South Africa, vagrancy laws provided authorities with broad powers, which enabled them to punish vice and to impose social order on the structures of inequality in class, race and gender.
One stop nurse‐led macroscopic haematuria clinic: waiting times and patient satisfaction
Authors: Osborne Sue , Koya Madhusudan 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn 2011, a large District Health Board Hospital in New Zealand established a nurse practitioner‐led, one stop macroscopic haematuria clinic (OSMC) in an effort to improve the timeliness and quality of the investigative process offered to individuals referred with macroscopic haematuria. Patients were identified during the referrals triage process and graded to be seen at OSMC within 30 d. The OSMC process allows for completion of all basic investigations (urine microscopy and culture, urine cytology, renal tract ultrasound and flexible cystoscopy) by the end of the single clinic visit. This report outlines the OSMC process and reports on adherence to the 30‐d timeframe for the first 100 patients, along with patient satisfaction data from patients 51 to 100. The dates of referral and OSMC visits were recorded prospectively for 100 patients and analysed to determine compliance with the 30‐d timeframe. For patients 51–100, an anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire was utilized to evaluate satisfaction with pre‐appointment information, waiting times, interactions with clinicians and education. Of the first 100 patients at OSMC, 81% were seen within 30 d, with all patients rating the clinic timeframes, processes and personnel highly. While the reliability of the Haematuria Clinic Questionnaire results could have been influenced by multiple factors, the OSMC appears to offer service users timely access to diagnostic investigations with clinics timeframes, processes and personnel they rate highly. While 81% of patients were seen within 30 d, work is needed to increase compliance to 100%. This model of care could be adopted at other public hospitals.
Recurrent hospitalisation with pneumonia is associated with higher 1‐year mortality in frail older people
Authors: Ma H. M. , Yu R. H. Y. , Woo J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies persistently showed that functional dependence was associated with higher long‐term (≥1 year) mortality of older patients hospitalised with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). The importance of other factors was, however, not well reported.AimThis study aimed to investigate the relative contributions of comorbidity, nutritional status and frailty to 1‐year mortality.MethodsWe prospectively recruited older patients, aged ≥65 years, hospitalised with CAP from October 2009 to September 2010 at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong. Demographics, Charlson's Comorbidity Index, mid‐arm circumference (MAC) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) were recorded as baseline characteristics. The severity of pneumonia was evaluated by the CURB score (confusion, blood urea nitrogen, respiratory rate and low blood pressure). The surviving patients were followed for 1 year since discharge to monitor readmission for CAP and all‐cause mortality. We entered the following variables into the multivariate Cox regression model to identify independent predictors of 1‐year all‐cause mortality: age, sex, residential status, MAC, Charlson's Comorbidity Index, CFS and readmission for CAP.ResultsThe final cohort consisted of 428 patients who were discharged from hospital. Within 1 year after hospital discharge, all‐cause mortality and readmission for CAP were 22.4% and 32.0% respectively. Independent predictors of 1‐year mortality were male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–2.48), severe under‐nutrition (MAC ≤21 cm) (HR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.66–8.46), frailty (CFS ≥5) (HR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.29–4.27) and readmission for CAP (HR = 4.50, 95% CI = 2.82–7.17).ConclusionsRecurrent pneumonia may be a terminal life event of frail older people so that advance care planning should be considered in those with recurrent admission for pneumonia.
Does subjective evaluation of the frequency of salty food intake predict the risk of incident hypertension? A 4‐year follow‐up study in a middle‐aged population
Authors: Otsuka T. , Kato K. , Ibuki C. , Kodani E. , Kusama Y. , Kawada T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundExcess salt intake increases blood pressure (BP). Identifying individuals with excess salt intake is, therefore, important for the prevention of hypertension.AimTo examine the predictive value of subjective evaluation of salty foods intake for the risk of incident hypertension in a middle‐aged population.MethodsA total of 970 non‐hypertensive workers (mean age, 44 ± 6 years) was followed for a maximum period of 4 years, and their BP was measured annually. At baseline, all participants were asked about their subjective frequency of salty foods intake (seldom, sometimes or always), and they were divided into three groups according to their answers. Hypertension was defined as systolic/diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medications.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the 4‐year cumulative incident rate of hypertension among the ‘seldom’, ‘sometimes’ and ‘always’ groups (15.8%, 14.3% and 10.3%, respectively, log–rank test P = 0.44). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, age, body mass index and the baseline BP category were independent predictors for developing hypertension, whereas the frequency of salty foods intake was not a predictor (adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval), 0.99 (0.64–1.54) in the ‘sometimes’ group and 0.64 (0.33–1.28) in the ‘always’ group as compared with the ‘seldom’ group).ConclusionThe subjective evaluation of salty foods intake did not predict the 4‐year risk of incident hypertension in this study population. Further investigations with a longer follow‐up period are needed to clarify whether the present insignificant results are maintained for more than 4 years.
THE SAFER CLINICAL SYSTEMS PROJECT IN RENAL CARE
Authors: Weale Andy R. ,   on behalf of the study team (Rommel Ravannan, Maria Pippias, Paul Bevis, Arlene Hill, James Bushnell, James Bayliss, Tom Jorna, Pete Hayes)
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundCurrent systems in place in healthcare are designed to detect harm after it has happened (e.g critical incident reports) and make recommendations based on an assessment of that event. Safer Clinical Systems, a Health Foundation funded project, is designed to proactively search for risk within systems, rather than being reactive to harm.ObjectivesThe aim of the Safer Clinical Systems project in Renal Care was to reduce the risks associated with shared care for patients who are undergoing surgery but are looked after peri‐operatively by nephrology teams on nephrology wards. This report details our findings of the diagnostic phase of Safer Clinical Systems: the proactive search for risk.MethodsWe have evaluated the current system of care using a set of risk evaluation and process mapping tools (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hierarchical Task Analysis HTA).ResultsWe have engaged staff with the process mapping and risk assessment tools. We now understand our system and understand where the highest risk tasks are undertaken during a renal in‐patient stay during which a patient has an operation. These key tasks occur across the perioperaive period and are not confined to one aspect of care. A measurement strategy and intervention plan have been designed around these tasks.ConclusionSafer Clinical Systems has identified high risk, low reliability tasks in our system. We look forward to fully reporting these data in 2014.
Ultrasonography is not more reliable than anthropometry for assessing visceral fat in obese children
Authors: Koot B. G. P. , Westerhout R. , Bohte A. E. , Vinke S. , Pels Rijcken T. H. , Nederveen A. J. , Caan M. W. A. , van der Baan‐Slootweg O. H. , Merkus M. P. , Stoker J. , Benninga M. A. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
Visceral fat accumulation is a risk factor for obesity‐related complications.
Waist circumference is used in clinical practice to assess visceral adiposity.
What this study adds
Ultrasound is not superior to waist circumference for assessing visceral obesity in obese children.
The optimal site for measuring waist circumference in obese children is at the smallest body circumference between xiphisternum and umbilicus.
ObjectiveVisceral fat accumulation is a well‐established risk factor for obesity‐related complications. In children, it has not been determined whether ultrasonography is superior to waist measurement for assessing visceral fat. Moreover, the optimal site for waist measurement has not been determined.DesignIn a prospective cohort of 92 severely obese children and adolescents (age 13.9 ± 2.2 years, body mass index z‐score 3.29 ± 0.33), we evaluated the performance of ultrasonography and two different methods of waist circumference measurement, using magnetic resonance imaging as the reference standard.ResultsWaist circumference, defined as the smallest body circumference between xiphisternum and umbilicus had the strongest correlation with visceral fat quantity (r = 0.69 all, r = 0.68 girls, r = 0.64 boys). It was not outperformed by ultrasonography (r = 0.60 all, r = 0.62 girls, r = 0.50 boys) and correlated significantly better than the World Health Organization standard for waist measurement, midway between lower margin of the last rib and the crest of the ilium, (r = 0.51 all, r = 0.39 girls, r = 0.46 boys).ConclusionsWaist circumference measurement, defined as the smallest body circumference between xiphisternum and umbilicus, is the preferred non‐invasive technique for daily clinical practice to assess visceral fat accumulation in severely obese children and adolescents. There is no place for ultrasonography for the quantification of visceral fat in this group.
An International prevalence measurement of care problems: study protocol
Authors: van Nie‐Visser Noémi C. , Schols Jos M.G.A. , Meesterberends Esther , Lohrmann Christa , Meijers Judith M.M. , Halfens Ruud J.G. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this article was to describe the design of an international audit of the prevalence of care problems in different healthcare sectors using identical methodologies.BackgroundAudits, defined as a monitor of quality of health care, are increasingly applied in many countries as a strategy to improve professional practice and quality and safety of care. A prerequisite to enable a reliable comparison of quality of care audits is the use of identical instruments and methodology.DesignAnnual cross‐sectional multi‐centre point prevalence survey.MethodThis international prevalence measurement of care problems in hospitals, care homes and home care is performed in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and New Zealand. This study is based on a prevalence measurement of care problems originally performed in the Netherlands. For each care problem (pressure ulcer, incontinence, malnutrition, falls and restraints) at patient level, next to patient characteristics, data are gathered about the prevalence, prevention and treatment of each care problem. In addition, at ward/department and institution level, specific quality indicators are measured related to the care problems. After the measurement, institutions enter their data into a web‐based data‐entry program. Institutions receive an overview of their own results and results at national level to enable a process of benchmarking.DiscussionA uniform way of measuring the prevalence of care problems internationally is a significant step forward in gaining insight into the quality of basic care in different healthcare settings in different countries and may lead to more awareness and improvement programmes.
‘Radical Interpretation’ and the Assessment of Decision‐Making Capacity
Authors: Banner Natalie F. , Szmukler George 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe assessment of patients' decision‐making capacity (DMC) has become an important area of clinical practice, and since it provides the gateway for a consideration of non‐consensual treatment, has major ethical implications. Tests of DMC such as under the Mental Capacity Act (2005) for England and Wales aim at supporting autonomy and reducing unwarranted paternalism by being ‘procedural’, focusing on how the person arrived at a treatment decision. In practice, it is difficult, especially in problematic or borderline cases, to avoid a consideration of beliefs and values; that is, of the substantive content of ideas rather than simple ‘cognitive’ or procedural abilities.However, little attention has been paid to how beliefs and values might be assessed in the clinical context and what kind of ‘objectivity’ is possible. We argue that key aspects of Donald Davidson's ideas of ‘Radical Interpretation’ and the ‘Principle of Charity’ provide useful guidance as to how clinicians might approach the question of whether an apparent disturbance in a person's thinking about beliefs or values undermines their DMC. A case example is provided, and a number of implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Application of relative real‐time PCR to detect differential expression of virulence genes in Vibrio anguillarum under standard and stressed growth conditions
Authors: Crisafi F , Denaro R , Genovese M , Yakimov M , Genovese L 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to understand whether abiotic factors affect the expression of virulence genes in Vibrio anguillarum. We observed the in vitro responses of two Mediterranean strains of V. anguillarum to temperature, NaCl and iron concentration changes. We monitored growth performance and gene transcription levels by comparing the results obtained under stressed conditions (temperatures of 5 °C, 15 °C and 37 °C; NaCl concentrations of 3% and 5%; and iron depletion and excess) with those obtained under standard growth conditions (25 °C, 1.5% NaCl and 0.6 μm of iron). The results showed that the strains respond differently. The strain 975/I was most strongly affected by conditions of 15 °C and iron depletion; these conditions induced increased transcription levels of empA, angR and fatA. Growth of the strain 17/I was inhibited at 15 °C and in iron depletion conditions; this strain also showed dramatic changes in the transcription levels of toxR and tonB2 under increased NaCl concentrations. These results demonstrate that environmental stress affects the expression of virulence genes in V. anguillarum that have implications for the competitiveness, stress tolerance and the ability of V. anguillarum to cause infection.
Phylogeny and Classification of Prunus sensu lato (Rosaceae)
Authors: Shi Shuo , Li Jinlu , Sun Jiahui , Yu Jing , Zhou Shiliang 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe classification of the economically important genus Prunus L. sensu lato (s.l.) is controversial due to the high levels of convergent or the parallel evolution of morphological characters. In the present study, phylogenetic analyses of fifteen main segregates of Prunus s.l. represented by eighty‐four species were conducted with maximum parsimony and Bayesian approaches using twelve chloroplast regions (atpB‐rbcL, matK, ndhF, psbA‐trnH, rbcL, rpL16, rpoC1, rps16, trnS‐G, trnL, trnL‐F and ycf1) and three nuclear genes (ITS, s6pdh and SbeI) to explore their infrageneric relationships. The results of these analyses were used to develop a new, phylogeny‐based classification of Prunus s.l. Our phylogenetic reconstructions resolved three main clades of Prunus s.l. with strong supports. We adopted a broad‐sensed genus, Prunus, and recognised three subgenera corresponding to the three main clades: subgenus Padus, subgenus Cerasus and subgenus Prunus. Seven sections of subgenus Prunus were recognised. The dwarf cherries, which were previously assigned to subgenus Cerasus, were included in this subgenus Prunus. One new section name, Prunus L. subgenus Prunus section Persicae (T. T. Yü & L. T. Lu) S. L. Zhou and one new species name, Prunus tianshanica (Pojarkov) S. Shi, were proposed.
Phosphorylation‐dependent Trafficking of Plasma Membrane Proteins in Animal and Plant Cells
Authors: Offringa Remko , Huang Fang 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn both unicellular and multicellular organisms, transmembrane (TM) proteins are sorted to and retained at specific membrane domains by endomembrane trafficking mechanisms that recognize sorting signals in the these proteins. The trafficking and distribution of plasma membrane (PM)‐localized TM proteins (PM proteins), especially of those PM proteins that show an asymmetric distribution over the PM, has received much attention, as their proper PM localization is crucial for elementary signaling and transport processes, and defects in their localization often lead to severe disease symptoms or developmental defects. The subcellular localization of PM proteins is dynamically regulated by post‐translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. These modificaitons mostly occur on sorting signals that are located in the larger cytosolic domains of the cargo proteins. Here we review the effects of phosphorylation of PM proteins on their trafficking, and present the key examples from the animal field that have been subject to studies for already several decades, such as that of aquaporin 2 and the epidermal growth factor receptor. Our knowledge on cargo trafficking in plants is largely based on studies of the family of PIN FORMED (PIN) carriers that mediate the efflux of the plant hormone auxin. We will review what is known on the subcellular distribution and trafficking of PIN proteins, with a focus on how this is modulated by phosphorylation, and identify and discuss analogies and differences in trafficking with the well‐studied animal examples.imageRemko Offringa(Corresponding author)
Epidermal Patterning Genes Impose Non‐cell Autonomous Cell Size Determination and have Additional Roles in Root Meristem Size Control
Authors: Löfke Christian , Dünser Kai , Kleine‐Vehn Jürgen 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe regulation of cellular growth is of vital importance for embryonic and postembryonic patterning. Growth regulation in the epidermis has importance for organ growth rates in roots and shoots, proposing epidermal cells as an interesting model for cellular growth regulation. Here we assessed whether the root epidermis is a suitable model system to address cell size determination. In Arabidopsis thaliana L., root epidermal cells are regularly spaced in neighbouring tricho‐ (root hair) and atrichoblast (non‐hair) cells, showing already distinct cell size regulation in the root meristem. We determined cell sizes in the root meristem and at the onset of cellular elongation, revealing that not only division rates but also cellular shape is distinct in tricho‐ and atrichoblasts. Intriguingly, epidermal‐patterning mutants, failing to define differential vacuolization in neighbouring epidermal cell files, also display non‐differential growth. Using these epidermal‐patterning mutants, we show that polarized growth behaviour of epidermal tricho‐ and atrichoblast is interdependent, suggesting non‐cell autonomous signals to integrate tissue expansion. Besides the interweaved cell‐type‐dependent growth mechanism, we reveal an additional role for epidermal patterning genes in root meristem size and organ growth regulation. We conclude that epidermal cells represent a suitable model system to study cell size determination and interdependent tissue growth.