bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective evaluation of fluorescence-guided cystoscopy to detect bladder cancer in a high-risk population: results from the UroScreen-Study
Authors: Horstmann Marcus , Banek Severine , Gakis Georgios , Todenhöfer Tilman , Aufderklamm Stefan , Hennenlotter Joerg , Stenzl Arnulf , Schwentner Christian ,   the UroScreen study group
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Objective
To prospectively evaluate the role of fluorescence-guided cystoscopy in a high-risk bladder cancer population undergoing screening based on a multi-marker panel of urine-tests (UroScreen-study).

Patients and methods
UroScreen was conducted as a validation study for tumor markers within the frame of a health surveillance program of workers with occupational exposure to aromatic amines. Voluntary annual screens were done in 1,609 men. Cytology, quantitative NMP22® assay, and UroVysion (FISH) were applied to 7091 urine samples. Subjects with at least one positive urine-based tumor marker and/or persisting microscopic hematuria were offered fluorescence-guided (PDD) instead of white light cystoscopy. In case of suspicious findings histopathological evaluation by transurethral biopsy was performed. Data were statistically summarized and compared to tumors found by the standard algorithm of the screening study.

Results
Twenty-two subjects with a mean age of 58 years (39–72) underwent PDD cystoscopy. Of those 3 had positive NMP22 tests, 14 positive FISH tests and 9 suspicious cytologies. Two had persisting microscopic hematuria only. PDD cystoscopy revealed enhanced unifocal fluorescence in 14. All had subsequent transurethral biopsy or resection. In total, 1 urothelial carcinoma (pTaG1, low grade) was diagnosed. In the other participants urothelial cancer of the bladder was ruled out. Chronic cystitis was revealed in 8 of 14 biopsies. No higher detection rate was found using PDD than with the standard algorithm of the UroScreen study in which 17 tumors were detected by white light cystoscopy.

Conclusion
The use of PDD does not lead to a higher cancer detection rate in a high-risk screening population. Larger sample sizes may be needed to ultimately asses the value of PDD for bladder cancer screening.
Variation in ecosystem service values in response to land use changes in Zhifanggou watershed of Loess plateau: a comparative study
Authors: Si Jin , Nasiri Fuzhan , Han Peng , Li Tianhong 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Anthropological activities could lead to various land use changes. This subsequently exerts impacts on the Ecological status as the land is the carrier of Ecosystems and their services. Ecosystem Services Values (ESVs) are monetary assessment of ecosystems services. The choice of ecosystem services valuation methods highly depends on the type and conditions of the ecological environment.

Results
In this paper, Zhifangou watershed, a watershed with fragile environments in Loess Plateau, is analyzed in terms of the historical changes of land uses and their impact on Ecosystem Services Values (ESVs). The analysis presents that the watershed had seen a large cover of forest (689.8 hectare) and grassland (97.08 hectare) until 1938, which were substituted with a cropland of 663.56 hectare in the following years, and then a gradual recovery of natural land from 1978. During these years, the human activities have ranged from little disruption, to excessive cultivation, and finally to an integrated management of the watershed. The ESVs were highest at $121.77 × 104 in 1938, lowest at $43.75 × 104 in 1958, and then rebounded to $113.44 × 104 in 1999.

Conclusions
The analysis reveals that the values of soil formation and retention, biodiversity protection, and climate regulation have been associated with the largest share of the total ESVs. Among them, soil formation and retention was recognized as the most impacted service by land use changes.
Combination of thrombin-antithrombin complex, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and protein C activity for early identification of severe coagulopathy in initial phase of sepsis: a prospective observational study
Authors: Koyama Kansuke , Madoiwa Seiji , Nunomiya Shin , Koinuma Toshitaka , Wada Masahiko , Sakata Asuka , Ohmori Tsukasa , Mimuro Jun , Sakata Yoichi 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Current criteria for early diagnosis of coagulopathy in sepsis are limited. We postulated that coagulopathy is already complicated with sepsis in the initial phase, and severe coagulopathy or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) becomes overt after progressive consumption of platelet and coagulation factors. To determine early diagnostic markers for severe coagulopathy, we evaluated plasma biomarkers for association with subsequent development of overt DIC in patients with sepsis.

Methods
A single-center, prospective observational study was conducted in an adult ICU at a university hospital. Plasma samples were obtained from patients with sepsis at ICU admission. Fourteen biomarkers including global markers (platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen and fibrin degradation product (FDP)); markers of thrombin generation (thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and soluble fibrin); markers of anticoagulants (protein C (PC) and antithrombin); markers of fibrinolysis (plasminogen, α2-plasmin inhibitor (PI), plasmin-α2-PI complex, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1); and a marker of endothelial activation (soluble E-selectin) were assayed. Patients who had overt DIC at baseline were excluded, and the remaining patients were followed for development of overt DIC in 5 days, and for mortality in 28 days.

Results
A total of 77 patients were enrolled, and 37 developed overt DIC within the following 5 days. Most patients demonstrated hemostatic abnormalities at baseline with 98.7% TAT, 97.4% FDP and 88.3% PC. Most hemostatic biomarkers at baseline were significantly associated with subsequent development of overt DIC. Notably, TAT, PAI-1 and PC discriminated well between patients with and without developing overt DIC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.64 to 0.86); 0.87 (0.78 to 0.92); 0.85 (0.76 to 0.91), respectively), and using the three together, significantly improved the AUROC up to 0.95 (vs. TAT, PAI-1, and PC). Among the significant diagnostic markers for overt DIC, TAT and PAI-1 were also good predictors of 28-day mortality (AUROC, 0.77 and 0.81, respectively).

Conclusions
Severe coagulation and fibrinolytic abnormalities on ICU admission were associated with subsequent development of overt DIC. A single measurement of TAT, PAI-1, and PC activity could identify patients with ongoing severe coagulopathy, early in the course of sepsis.
Characterization and profiling of immunomodulatory genes of equine mesenchymal stromal cells from non-invasive sources
Authors: De Schauwer Catharina , Goossens Karen , Piepers Sofie , Hoogewijs Maarten K , Govaere Jan LJ , Smits Katrien , Meyer Evelyne , Van Soom Ann , Van de Walle Gerlinde R 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied for their promising capabilities in regenerative medicine. Although bone marrow is the best-known source for isolating equine MSCs, non-invasive alternative sources such as umbilical cord blood (UCB), umbilical cord matrix (UCM), and peripheral blood (PB) have also been reported.

Methods
Equine MSCs from three non-invasive alternative sources were isolated from six individual mares (PB) and their foals (UCB and UCM) at parturition. To minimize inter-horse variability, the samples from the three sources were matched within the same mare and for UCB and UCM even within the same foal from that specific mare. The following parameters were analyzed: (i) success rate of isolation, (ii) proliferation capacity, (iii) tri-lineage differentiation ability, (iv) immunophenotypical protein, and (v) immunomodulatory mRNA profiles. Linear regression models were fit to determine the association between the source of MSCs (UCB, UCM, PB) and (i) the moment of first observation, (ii) the moment of first passage, (iii) cell proliferation data, (iv) the expression of markers related to cell immunogenicity, and (v) the mRNA profile of immunomodulatory factors, except for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as no normal distribution could be obtained for the latter variable. To evaluate the association between the source of MSCs and the mRNA expression of HGF, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was performed instead.

Results
While equine MSCs could be isolated from all the UCB and PB samples, isolation from UCM was successful in only two samples because of contamination issues. Proliferation data showed that equine MSCs from all three sources could be easily expanded, although UCB-derived MSCs appeared significantly faster in culture than PB- or UCM-derived MSCs. Equine MSCs from both UCB and PB could be differentiated toward the osteo-, chondro-, and adipogenic lineage, in contrast to UCM-derived MSCs in which only chondro- and adipogenic differentiation could be confirmed. Regardless of the source, equine MSCs expressed the immunomodulatory genes CD40, CD80, HGF, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ). In contrast, no mRNA expression was found for CD86, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα).

Conclusions
Whereas UCM seems less feasible because of the high contamination risks and low isolation success rates, UCB seems a promising alternative MSC source, especially when considering allogeneic MSC use.
Formation of 0.84 Nm Hydrated Kaolinite as an Environmentally Friendly Precursor of a Kaolinite Intercalation Compound
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zheng Wan , Xu Jianfeng , Chen Likun , Zhang Zhongfei , Li Yong , Ma Ning , Du Piyi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCreating an environmentally friendly precursor to form a kaolinite intercalation compound is important for promoting the applications of nanohybrid kaolinite in electrochemical sensors, low- or zero-toxicity drug carriers, and clay-polymer nanocompounds. In the present study, a stable hydrated kaolinite pre-cursor with d001= 0.84 nm was prepared successfully by heating the transition phase, the as-prepared kaolinite-hydrazine intercalate, at temperatures between 40 and 70ºC. The structure of the hydrated kaolinite was characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the hydrated hydrazine of the transition phase was easy to decompose to hydrazines and water molecules in the interlayer at 40-70ºC. Hydrazine molecules de-intercalated gradually, and water molecules remained in the ditrigonal holes of the silicate layer with sufficient stability, finally forming the stable 0.84 nm hydrated kaolinite in the system with a success rate of 80–90%. The 0.84 nm hydrated kaolinite may become an excellent precursor for the preparation of other kaolinite intercalates. A degree of intercalation of ~100% was obtained for the kaolinite-ethylene glycol intercalate, and a degree of intercalation of ~80% was obtained for the kaolinite-glycine intercalate from the 0.84 nm hydrated kaolinite precursor.
Causal Inference for a Population of Causally Connected Units
Authors: van der Laan Mark J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSuppose that we observe a population of causally connected units. On each unit at each time-point on a grid we observe a set of other units the unit is potentially connected with, and a unit-specific longitudinal data structure consisting of baseline and time-dependent covariates, a time-dependent treatment, and a final outcome of interest. The target quantity of interest is defined as the mean outcome for this group of units if the exposures of the units would be probabilistically assigned according to a known specified mechanism, where the latter is called a stochastic intervention. Causal effects of interest are defined as contrasts of the mean of the unit-specific outcomes under different stochastic interventions one wishes to evaluate. This covers a large range of estimation problems from independent units, independent clusters of units, and a single cluster of units in which each unit has a limited number of connections to other units. The allowed dependence includes treatment allocation in response to data on multiple units and so called causal interference as special cases. We present a few motivating classes of examples, propose a structural causal model, define the desired causal quantities, address the identification of these quantities from the observed data, and define maximum likelihood based estimators based on cross-validation. In particular, we present maximum likelihood based super-learning for this network data. Nonetheless, such smoothed/regularized maximum likelihood estimators are not targeted and will thereby be overly bias w.r.t. the target parameter, and, as a consequence, generally not result in asymptotically normally distributed estimators of the statistical target parameter.To formally develop estimation theory, we focus on the simpler case in which the longitudinal data structure is a point-treatment data structure. We formulate a novel targeted maximum likelihood estimator of this estimand and show that the double robustness of the efficient influence curve implies that the bias of the targeted minimum loss-based estimation (TMLE) will be a second-order term involving squared differences of two nuisance parameters. In particular, the TMLE will be consistent if either one of these nuisance parameters is consistently estimated. Due to the causal dependencies between units, the data set may correspond with the realization of a single experiment, so that establishing a (e.g. normal) limit distribution for the targeted maximum likelihood estimators, and corresponding statistical inference, is a challenging topic. We prove two formal theorems establishing the asymptotic normality using advances in weak-convergence theory. We conclude with a discussion and refer to an accompanying technical report for extensions to general longitudinal data structures.
Fetal hydronephrosis: natural history and risk factors for postnatal surgery
Authors: Plevani Cristina , Locatelli Anna , Paterlini Giuseppe , Ghidini Alessandro , Tagliabue Paolo , Pezzullo John C. , Vergani Patrizia 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the ability of prenatal ultrasound to predict an unfavorable outcome and the need for postnatal surgery in cases of fetal hydronephrosis (HY).

Methods: Antenatal HY was classified according to the renal pelvis anteroposterior (AP) diameter in the third trimester. Postnatal outcome was considered favorable in the presence of spontaneous resolution or postnatal diagnosis of HY <20 mm, and unfavorable in the presence of postnatal diagnosis of >20 mm HY or urinary tract pathologies.

Results: Prenatal diagnosis of HY was made in 120 fetuses (for a total of 161 abnormal renal units). The rates of postnatal urinary tract pathology were 14, 27 and 53% for antenatal HY of ≤7, 8–15 and >15 mm, respectively. An AP diameter ≥7 mm in the third trimester had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 23% to predict unfavorable outcome. A formula inclusive of AP diameter and presence or absence of urinary tract anomalies can predict the need for postnatal surgery.

Conclusions: The majority of infants with congenital HY have a favorable postnatal outcome. Risk of unfavorable outcome increases with the degree of dilatation of the renal pelvis and the presence of urinary tract anomalies. An AP diameter ≥7 mm in the third trimester warrants postnatal follow-up.
Impact of the nitric oxide-donor pentaerythrityl-tetranitrate on perinatal outcome in risk pregnancies: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial
Authors: Schleussner Ekkehard , Lehmann Thomas , Kähler Christiane , Schneider Uwe , Schlembach Dietmar , Groten Tanja 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with impaired placentation. Patients who are at risk of developing both these disorders can be identified by abnormal uterine artery Doppler at mid-trimester pregnancy. Nitric oxide (NO)-donors like pentaerithrityl-tetranitrate (PETN) reduce the impedance in the uteroplacental vessels and possess protecting effects on the endothelium. We tested the effectiveness of the NO-donor PETN for secondary prevention of IUGR, PE, and preterm birth in pregnancies at risk. Some 111 women who presented with abnormal placental perfusion at 19–24 weeks of gestation (w.o.g.) were included into a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. The primary endpoint was IUGR and/or perinatal death. Secondary endpoints were preterm birth, PE, and placental abruption. Pentaerithrityl-tetranitrate significantly decreased the risk for IUGR and/or perinatal death [adjusted relative risk (RR) 0.410; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.184–0.914] and for IUGR (adjusted RR 0.436; 95% CI 0.196–0.970). Preterm birth before 32 w.o.g. (adjusted RR 0.204; 95% CI 0.052–0.801) was reduced, but not the risk for PE. No placental abruption occurred in the PETN, but five occurred in the placebo group. These results suggest that secondary prophylaxis of adverse pregnancy outcome might be feasible in pregnancies exhibiting abnormal placentation using PETN.
The relationship of praise/criticism to learning during obstetrical simulation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Saraf Sumit , Bayya Jyothshna , Weedon Jeremy , Minkoff Howard , Fisher Nelli 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Aims: The effect of positive vs. negative comments (praise vs. criticism) on trainees’ subsequent cognitive and technical performance is unknown, but of potential importance. We performed a randomized trial of giving either praise or criticism during simulated normal vaginal deliveries (using a high-fidelity birthing simulator) to assess the differential effect of these types of comments on students’ cognitive and technical performance, and perceived confidence after their learning experience.

Methods: Medical and nursing students underwent stratified randomization to praise or criticism. Students (n=59) initially participated in a teaching demonstration and practiced normal spontaneous vaginal delivery using a birthing simulator. A baseline assessment of cognitive and technical skills, and of self-confidence, was followed by a second simulation during which positive or negative comments were given using standardized scripts. Cognitive performance, technical performance and confidence measures were then scored again.

Results: Cognitive and technical performance scores in the “praise” group improved significantly by 2.5 (P=0.007) and 1.8 (P=0.032), respectively, while those in the “criticism” group remained unchanged. The self-reported confidence scores did not show any significant change from baseline in either group.

Conclusions: Praise strengthens students’ cognitive and technical performances, while criticism does not.
Salivary Cytokines and the Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Periodontal Disease
Authors: Nizam Nejat , Basoglu Ozen K. , Tasbakan Mehmet S. , Nalbantsoy Ayşe , Buduneli Nurcan 
Published: January 2014

Background: A higher prevalence of periodontal disease has been reported in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and these two chronic conditions may be linked via inflammatory pathways. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the salivary interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐21, IL‐33, and pentraxin‐3 (PTX3) concentrations in patients with and without OSAS.Methods: A total of 52 patients were included in the study. Thirteen individuals were in the control (non‐OSAS) group, 17 were in the mild/moderate OSAS group, and 22 were in the severe OSAS group. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded, and saliva samples were obtained before initiation of periodontal intervention. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine salivary cytokine concentrations. Data were statistically analyzed using D'Agostino‐Pearson omnibus normality, Spearman ρ rank, Kruskal‐Wallis, and Dunn tests.Results: Salivary IL‐6 and IL‐33 concentrations were similar in the two OSAS groups (P >0.05), which were statistically higher than the control group (P <0.05). IL‐1β, IL‐21, and PTX3 concentrations were similar in the study groups. The only significant correlation between clinical periodontal parameters and salivary cytokines was found between clinical attachment level (CAL) and IL‐21 (P = 0.02). Highly significant correlations were found between probing depth, CAL measures, and indicators of OSAS severity (P <0.01).Conclusions: The present findings suggest that OSAS may have an increasing effect on salivary IL‐6 and IL‐33 concentrations regardless of OSAS severity. Additional investigation is required to elucidate a potential bidirectional relationship between OSAS and periodontal disease.
Changes in Concentrations of Monovalent Basic Cations in the Water of the Čaradice Stream / Zmeny Koncentrácií Jednomocných Bázických Katiónov vo vode Vodného toku Čaradický Potok
Authors: Noskovič Jaroslav , Candráková Eva , Babošová Mária , Porhajašová Jana 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In the years 2005-2010, the changes in concentrations of monovalent basic cations in the Čaradice Stream were evaluated depending on the time and place of sampling in its longitudinal profile. Results show that the average concentration of Na+ in the whole period was 14.75 mg. dm-3. Its share in the total amount of monovalent basic cations of Na+ and K+ in the whole reference period was 76.32%. The mass ratio of Na+ : K+ in the whole period was 3.34 : 1. Depending on the time of sampling, the lowest average sodium concentrations of the whole period were recorded in the spring season with the minimum average in March. The highest average concentration of the whole reference period was recorded in September. Depending on the sampling site, the minimum average concentration was recorded in a forest ecosystem and an ecosystem of permanent grassland, and the maximum average concentration in the village Kozarovce. Using the analysis of variance, we detected a statistically significant effect of all three qualitative factors (year, month and place of sampling) on the change of concentration. According to the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll., the 90th percentile values of this indicator are lower than the recommended value. The average concentration of potassium in the whole reference period was 4.54 mg. dm-3. The share of K+ in the total amount of monovalent basic cations in the whole period reached 23.68%. The lowest average concentrations of the whole period were usually found in the spring season, with the minimum value in March. The maximum average concentration of the whole reference period was recorded in July. Similarly to Na+, the lowest average concentration of K+ was detected in a forest ecosystem and the highest one in the village Kozarovce. The effect of seasonality on the dynamics of Na+ and K+ concentrations during the period was not detected. Using the analysis of variance, we found a statistically significant effect of all three qualitative factors (year, month and place of sampling) on the change of concentration. In the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll., the recommended value for potassium is not specified. The discharge rate significantly affected the changes in concentrations of Na+ and K+ in the stream.