bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of inflammation or granuloma after intravesival BCG in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Jallad Samer , Goubet Stephanie , Symes Andrew , Larner Timothy , Thomas Philip 
Published: December 2013

Objective
To evaluate the prognostic value of inflammation or granuloma after intravesical bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) treatment in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
Materials and Methods
Patients with NMIBC treated with intravesical BCG over a 5‐year period were identified.
The correlations between histopathological results and disease recurrence and progression were assessed, with survival analysis performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Other relevant variables were also evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis.
A log‐rank test was performed to compare time‐to‐event between groups.
Results
A total of 215 patients were treated with BCG for NMIBC and the median follow‐up was 32 months.
Granuloma was identified in 60 patients and inflammation in 125 patients. In 18 patients there was no evidence of either (normal histology group). A total of 12 patients did not have biopsies and were subsequently excluded. The mean recurrence‐free survival rate was significantly higher in the granuloma and inflammation groups (65 months [95% CI: 58–72] and 56 months [95% CI: 49–63], respectively) than in the normal histology group (20 months [95% CI: 6–34]; log‐rank P < 0.001).
On the multivariate analysis, the absence of inflammation/granuloma was significantly associated with recurrence (log‐rank P < 0.001).
The progression‐free survival rate was higher in the granuloma and inflammation groups (75 months [95% CI: 71–79] and 82 months [95% CI: 78–86], respectively) compared with the normal histology group (33 months [95% CI: 17–48]; log‐rank P < 0.001).
On multivariate analysis, the absence of inflammation/granuloma was significantly associated with recurrence (log‐rank P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Inflammation or granuloma in histology samples after intravesical BCG treatment for NMIBC are positive markers of response and their absence increases the risk of recurrence and progression.
Management of disease-modifying treatments in neurological autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system
Authors: Salmen A , Gold R , Chan A 
Published: December 2013

Summary
The therapeutic armamentarium for autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system, specifically multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, is steadily increasing, with a large spectrum of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents targeting different mechanisms of the immune system. However, increasingly efficacious treatment options also entail higher potential for severe adverse drug reactions. Especially in cases failing first-line treatment, thorough evaluation of the risk–benefit profile of treatment alternatives is necessary. This argues for the need of algorithms to identify patients more likely to benefit from a specific treatment. Moreover, paradigms to stratify the risk for severe adverse drug reactions need to be established. In addition to clinical/paraclinical measures, biomarkers may aid in individualized risk–benefit assessment. A recent example is the routine testing for anti-John Cunningham virus antibodies in natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis patients to assess the risk for the development of progressive multi-focal leucoencephalopathy. Refined algorithms for individualized risk assessment may also facilitate early initiation of induction treatment schemes in patient groups with high disease activity rather than classical escalation concepts. In this review, we will discuss approaches for individiualized risk–benefit assessment both for newly introduced agents as well as medications with established side-effect profiles. In addition to clinical parameters, we will also focus on biomarkers that may assist in patient selection.
Role of fibroblast growth factors in elicitation of cell responses
Authors: Laestander C. , Engström W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are signalling peptides that control important cell processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion and survival. Through binding to different types of receptor on the cell surface, these peptides can have different effects on a target cell, the effect achieved depending on many features. Thus, each of the known FGFs elicits specific biological responses. FGF receptors (FGFR 1–5) initiate diverse intracellular pathways, which in turn lead to a variety of results. FGFs also bind the range of FGFRs with a series of affinities and each type of cells expresses FGFRs in different qualitative and quantitative patterns, which also affect responses. To summarize, cell response to binding of an FGF ligand depends on type of FGF, FGF receptor and target cell, all interacting in concert. This review aims to examine properties of the FGF family and its members receptors. It also aims to summarize features of intracellular signalling and highlight differential effects of the various FGFs in different circumstances.
Vasculitis in childhood – a dermatological approach
Authors: Sandrine Benoit , Goebeler Matthias 
Published: December 2013

SummaryVasculitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels, may be restricted to a single organ or involve several organ systems. The size of the involved vessels is an important criterion for categorization of vasculitides, which is a prerequisite for rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment. In pediatric patients, this particularly applies to Kawasaki disease. However, making the diagnosis can be challenging for dermatologists as skin involvement may be variable and non‐specific. In contrast, Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis) presents with the classic picture of palpable purpura. It predominantly affects postcapillary venules frequently following upper respiratory tract infections. Severe organ involvement is relatively rare in children and the prognosis is good. As renal involvement may occur during the course of disease, continuous monitoring is required. Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is considered as a distinct type of immune complex vasculitis and is characterized by a triad of fever, edema and rosette‐shaped purpura. The clinical course of this rare disease is usually benign and self‐limited. Due to the variability of clinical symptoms and manifestations, management of childhood vasculitides represents a special challenge requiring interdisciplinary collaboration. Dermatologists should be aware of their important role especially for making an early diagnosis.
Echocardiographic Particle Image Velocimetry for the Evaluation of Diastolic Function in Hypertrophic Nonobstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Prinz Christian , Lehmann Roman , Brandao da Silva Douglas , Jurczak Barbara , Bitter Thomas , Faber Lothar , Horstkotte Dieter 
Published: December 2013

AimsTo use particle image velocimetry (PIV) echocardiography for the evaluation of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in patients with hypertrophic nonobstructive cardiomyopathy (HNCM).MethodsThis study included 50 individuals, thereof 30 patients with DD due to HNCM and 20 healthy individuals who served as controls. HNCM patients were divided into 3 groups according to DD severity. All subjects underwent clinical assessment, exercise testing, and standard as well as PIV echocardiography.ResultsEnergy dissipation was higher in DD patients than in the control group. The severity of flow pattern disturbance corresponded to the degree of DD. In a subgroup of 20 HNCM patients we found significant correlations between invasive measured left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure and noninvasive PIV parameters for intraventricular pressure differences and filling. Inter‐observer variability (mean difference ± 1.96 SD) for all tested PIV measurements was good.ConclusionAccording to DD severity, patients with HNCM have disturbed intraventricular flow and reduced intraventricular pressure differences, consistent with a reduced intraventricular suction. PIV echocardiography appears to be feasible for detailed analysis of ventricular vortex flow in DD conditions. Further research using PIV echocardiography in different cardiac pathologies seems warranted.
Knockdown of tropomyosin‐related kinase B receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens shell prevents intermittent social defeat stress‐induced cross‐sensitization to amphetamine in rats
Authors: Wang Junshi , Bina Robert W. , Wingard Jeffrey C. , Terwilliger Ernest F. , Hammer Ronald P. , Nikulina Ella M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a critical brain region for the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can facilitate stress‐ and drug‐induced neuroadaptation in the mesocorticolimbic system. BDNF‐containing projections to the NAc originate from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the prefrontal cortex, and BDNF release activates tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB). In this study, we examined the necessity for BDNF‐TrkB signaling in the NAc shell during social defeat stress‐induced cross‐sensitization to amphetamine. Adeno‐associated virus expressing short hairpin RNA directed against TrkB (AAV‐shTrkB) was infused bilaterally into the NAc shell to knock down TrkB, whereas AAV‐GFP (green fluorescent protein) was used as the control virus. Rats were exposed to intermittent social defeat stress or handling procedures; amphetamine challenge was given at 10 days after the last defeat and locomotor activity was measured. Stressed rats that received the control virus showed cross‐sensitization to amphetamine compared with the handled rats. In contrast, NAc TrkB knockdown prevented social defeat stress‐induced cross‐sensitization. TrkB knockdown in the NAc was found to reduce the level of phospho‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 in this region. NAc TrkB knockdown also prevented stress‐induced elevation of BDNF and the glutamate receptor type 1 (GluA1) subunit of AMPA receptor in the VTA, as well as ΔFosB expression in the NAc. These findings indicated that BDNF‐TrkB signaling in the NAc shell was required for social defeat stress‐induced cross‐sensitization. NAc TrkB‐BDNF signaling also appeared to be involved in the regulation of GluA1 in the VTA, as well as in the NAc ΔFosB accumulation that could trigger cross‐sensitization after social defeat stress.
Experimental evidence for ecological selection on genome variation in the wild
Authors: Gompert Zachariah , Comeault Aaron A. , Farkas Timothy E. , Feder Jeffrey L. , Parchman Thomas L. , Buerkle C. Alex , Nosil Patrik 
Published: December 2013

AbstractUnderstanding natural selection's effect on genetic variation is a major goal in biology, but the genome‐scale consequences of contemporary selection are not well known. In a release and recapture field experiment we transplanted stick insects to native and novel host plants and directly measured allele frequency changes within a generation at 186 576 genetic loci. We observed substantial, genome‐wide allele frequency changes during the experiment, most of which could be attributed to random mortality (genetic drift). However, we also documented that selection affected multiple genetic loci distributed across the genome, particularly in transplants to the novel host. Host‐associated selection affecting the genome acted on both a known colour‐pattern trait as well as other (unmeasured) phenotypes. We also found evidence that selection associated with elevation affected genome variation, although our experiment was not designed to test this. Our results illustrate how genomic data can identify previously underappreciated ecological sources and phenotypic targets of selection.
Land‐use conversion and changing soil carbon stocks in China's ‘Grain‐for‐Green’ Program: a synthesis
Authors: Deng Lei , Liu Guo‐bin , Shangguan Zhou‐ping 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe establishment of either forest or grassland on degraded cropland has been proposed as an effective method for climate change mitigation because these land use types can increase soil carbon (C) stocks. This paper synthesized 135 recent publications (844 observations at 181 sites) focused on the conversion from cropland to grassland, shrubland or forest in China, better known as the ‘Grain‐for‐Green’ Program to determine which factors were driving changes to soil organic carbon (SOC). The results strongly indicate a positive impact of cropland conversion on soil C stocks. The temporal pattern for soil C stock changes in the 0–100 cm soil layer showed an initial decrease in soil C during the early stage (<5 years), and then an increase to net C gains (>5 years) coincident with vegetation restoration. The rates of soil C change were higher in the surface profile (0–20 cm) than in deeper soil (20–100 cm). Cropland converted to forest (arbor) had the additional benefit of a slower but more persistent C sequestration capacity than shrubland or grassland. Tree species played a significant role in determining the rate of change in soil C stocks (conifer < broadleaf, evergreen < deciduous forests). Restoration age was the main factor, not temperature and precipitation, affecting soil C stock change after cropland conversion with higher initial soil C stock sites having a negative effect on soil C accumulation. Soil C sequestration significantly increased with restoration age over the long‐term, and therefore, the large scale of land‐use change under the ‘Grain‐for‐Green’ Program will significantly increase China's C stocks.
Scale decisions can reverse conclusions on community assembly processes
Authors: Münkemüller Tamara , Gallien Laure , Lavergne Sébastien , Renaud Julien , Roquet Cristina , Abdulhak Sylvain , Dullinger Stefan , Garraud Luc , Guisan Antoine , Lenoir Jonathan , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Van Es Jérémie , Vittoz Pascal , Willner Wolfgang , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimPhylogenetic diversity patterns are increasingly being used to better understand the role of ecological and evolutionary processes in community assembly. Here, we quantify how these patterns are influenced by scale choices in terms of spatial and environmental extent and organismic scales.LocationEuropean Alps.MethodsWe applied 42 sampling strategies differing in their combination of focal scales. For each resulting sub‐dataset, we estimated the phylogenetic diversity of the species pools, phylogenetic α‐diversities of local communities, and statistics commonly used together with null models in order to infer non‐random diversity patterns (i.e. phylogenetic clustering versus over‐dispersion). Finally, we studied the effects of scale choices on these measures using regression analyses.ResultsScale choices were decisive for revealing signals in diversity patterns. Notably, changes in focal scales sometimes reversed a pattern of over‐dispersion into clustering. Organismic scale had a stronger effect than spatial and environmental extent. However, we did not find general rules for the direction of change from over‐dispersion to clustering with changing scales. Importantly, these scale issues had only a weak influence when focusing on regional diversity patterns that change along abiotic gradients.Main conclusionsOur results call for caution when combining phylogenetic data with distributional data to study how and why communities differ from random expectations of phylogenetic relatedness. These analyses seem to be robust when the focus is on relating community diversity patterns to variation in habitat conditions, such as abiotic gradients. However, if the focus is on identifying relevant assembly rules for local communities, the uncertainty arising from a certain scale choice can be immense. In the latter case, it becomes necessary to test whether emerging patterns are robust to alternative scale choices.
Long‐standing prophylactic therapy vs. episodic treatment in young people with severe haemophilia: a comparison of age‐matched Danish and Russian patients
Authors: Ingerslev J. , Lethagen S. , Hvitfeldt Poulsen L. , Sørensen B. , Lopatina E. , Tentsova I. , Yastrubinetskaya O. , Plyushch O. P. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryTwo distinctly different substitution principles are commonly used in haemophilia: treatment at bleeding episodes only referred to as on‐demand treatment, and prophylactic factor administration. The aim of the cross‐sectional study which was undertaken in young patients suffering severe haemophilia A was to challenge our hypothesis that on‐demand treatment is inferior to prophylactic substitution in prevention of chronic joint disease at young age. The method involved an investigation of 40 patients from Russia (n = 27) and Denmark (n = 13) born between 1975 and 1990 with no history of inhibitors; Russian patients had exclusively received factor VIII on demand, while Danish patients were managed with prophylactic treatment during a mean period of 16 years since median age of 5 years. The study endpoints were clinical joint scores, Quality of Life scores and functional independence scores. Matched by identical age (±1 year) 13 Danish and 13 Russian patients were compared, while 14 age similar Russian patients served as controls. Demographic data among all groups were quite comparable. The results are that Russian patients presented with clinical joint scores at 27 ± 8.5 (mean ± SD) while matched Danish counterparts scored 3.8 ± 5.3 (mean ± SD), differences being highly significant. The number of joint bleeds in recent 5 years were 199.5 ± 135 (mean ± SD) vs. 8.1 ± 8.7 (mean ± SD). Likewise, Quality of Life and functional independence scores were significantly higher in patients on prophylaxis as compared to on‐demand treatment. In conclusion, the study outcomes confirmed our hypothesis. Longer term prophylactic factor administration during childhood and adolescence prevents joint destruction.
L'emploi informel dans les économies développées et en développement: quelles perspectives, quelles interventions?
Authors: WILLIAMS Colin C. , LANSKY Mark A. 
Published: December 2013

Résumé.L'objet de cet article introductif est de proposer un panorama des définitions et modes de quantification de l'activité informelle, de présenter quelques résultats sur son étendue et ses caractéristiques, ainsi que d'exposer les thèses en présence sur son rôle dans les économies contemporaines et la façon de l'aborder. Cela donne une série de cadres conceptuels permettant de mieux appréhender la littérature foisonnante sur l'emploi informel, et aussi de mieux comprendre l'apport de chacune des contributions de ce numéro spécial au progrès des connaissances sur ce phénomène.
Violations de la législation du travail au Chili
Authors: KANBUR Ravi , RONCONI Lucas , WEDENOJA Leigh 
Published: December 2013

Résumé.Les auteurs quantifient les violations du droit du travail au Chili en matière de salaire minimum, de limitation du temps de travail, de contrat écrit et de cotisations au régime de retraite. Un tiers des travailleurs a vu bafouer au moins l'un de ces droits, avec d'importantes variations des violations selon la période, la disposition législative et les caractéristiques des travailleurs et des entreprises. On observe un moindre respect des droits des femmes, des travailleurs d'origine étrangère, de la population indigène et des travailleurs les moins instruits, ainsi que dans les petites entreprises et les régions agricoles. Les auteurs en appellent à des recherches complémentaires pour renforcer l'application du droit.
Le choix de l'informalité: pourquoi les PME d'Afrique du Sud restreignent délibérément leur croissance
Authors: BISCHOFF Christine , WOOD Geoffrey 
Published: December 2013

Résumé.A partir d'entretiens, les auteurs analysent les raisons pour lesquelles de nombreuses petites entreprises d'Afrique du Sud respectent partiellement le droit du travail: elles observent plus la législation du travail que les ententes sectorielles conclues par les conseils de négociation, organes établis en vertu de la loi. Les auteurs attribuent cette sélectivité à l'attitude antisyndicale des employeurs durant la période qui a suivi l'abolition de l'apartheid. Ces conseils ciblant davantage les entreprises qui comptent de nombreux travailleurs, les PME sont réticentes à se développer et préfèrent recourir à la sous‐traitance. La taille même de l'entreprise devient dès lors une variable de flexibilité.
Comparison of two laboratory extraction techniques for the detection of Epstein–Barr virus in the saliva of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Shan Junwen , Pow Edmond H.N. , Tsang Peter C.S. , Perera Ranawaka A.P.M. , Kwong Dora L.W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of DNA extraction using an extraction kit against the standard boiling technique for the detection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.MethodsStimulated whole saliva samples from newly‐diagnosed NPC patients were collected. EBV DNA was extracted by both techniques (n = 23) followed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the primer/probe set for BALF5.ResultsThe results of the quantitative real‐time PCR were reproducible in both groups. The two techniques were moderately correlated (r = 0.67, P < 0.05), and the degree of agreement was good. However, the mean EBV DNA level in the boiling group (3.02 ± 8.67 × 106 copies/μL) was significantly higher than the extraction kit group (1.15 ± 2.66 × 106 copies/μL) (P < 0.05). The EBV DNA level was higher in patients at an advanced overall stage (P = 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that the performance of the extraction kit was not superior to the simple boiling technique for the detection of salivary EBV DNA in NPC patients using real‐time PCR. The salivary EBV DNA level in patients at an advanced overall stage appeared to be higher than in patients at an early stage.
The efficacy of a self‐management programme for people with diabetes, after a special training programme for healthcare workers in Taiwan: a quasi‐experimental design
Authors: Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Liang Shu‐Yuan , Lee Mei‐Chen , Yu Neng‐Chun , Kao Mu‐Jung 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectiviesTo analyse the efficacy of improving disease management after implementing a self‐management programme for people with type 2 diabetes administered by healthcare workers who have received special training.BackgroundThe needs for diabetic care include increased training for healthcare providers to enhance their confidence and skills in managing patients, both physically and mentally.DesignQuasi‐experimental design.MethodsThis study recruited participants from outpatient clinics in 10 hospitals in Taiwan. In 2010, purposive sampling was used to recruit 228 participants from two medical centres, five regional hospitals and three district hospitals. Participants were enrolled in a ‘diabetes self‐management programme’ (watching patient videos, reading a diabetes self‐care handbook, participating in four consultation courses of diabetes self‐efficacy improvement, telephone follow‐up and positive reinforcement). Efficacy analysis of post‐test diabetes outcome variables of the experimental group was carried out. Sex, age and pretest score were used as the control variables for ancova test.ResultsPatients in the experimental group had significant improvement in body mass index (p < 0·01), waistline circumference (p < 0·001), haemoglobin A1C levels (p < 0·001), degrees of anxiety and depression (p < 0·001), self‐efficacy (p < 0·001) and levels of self‐care (p < 0·001).ConclusionSelf‐efficacy of people with diabetes can be effectively improved by planned implementation of a ‘diabetes self‐management programme’ by trained healthcare workers.Relevance to clinical practiceThe diabetes care professionals are provided the self‐management programme to strengthen the awareness and importance of self‐management in diabetes care.