bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autophagy in airway diseases: a new frontier in human asthma?
Authors: Zeki A. A. , Yeganeh B. , Kenyon N. J. , Post M. , Ghavami S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe study of autophagy (‘self‐eating’), a fundamental cell fate pathway involved in physiological and pathological subcellular processes, opens a new frontier in the continuous search for novel therapies for human asthma. Asthma is a complex syndrome with different disease phenotypes. Autophagy plays a central role in cell physiology, energy and metabolism, and cell survival. Autophagy's hallmark is the formation of double‐membrane autophagic autophagosomes, and this process is operational in airway epithelial and mesenchymal cells in asthma. Genetic associations between autophagy genes and asthma have been observed including single nucleotide polymorphisms in Atg5 which correlate with reduced lung function. Immune mechanisms important in asthma such as Th2 cells and eosinophils also manifest autophagy. Lastly, we address the role of autophagy in extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis in asthmatic airways remodeling, a pathologic process still without effective therapy, and discuss potential pharmacologic inhibitors. We end by offering two opposing but plausible hypotheses as to how autophagy may be directly involved in airway fibrosis.
Experience of imaging following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Meredith Ineke , Lim Yu Kai , Wickremesekera Susrutha K. , Bann Simon 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to report our experience with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies and computed tomography (CT) swallow studies after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and comment on the merits of each modality.MethodRetrospective review of all patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in a New Zealand hospital between 2011 and 2014 was conducted. Over this time period, routine UGI was replaced by CT swallow studies. All medical records and radiology were reviewed and pertinent findings reported.ResultsSeventy‐nine patients underwent LSG over this time period and one patient had to be excluded; 48 (61.5%) had a UGI study and 30 patients (38.5%) had CT swallow. There were no leaks in this study and no leaks became clinically significant. Sixteen of 30 patients (53.3%) undergoing CT swallow had significant incidental findings demonstrated on axial imaging that required follow‐up.ConclusionCT swallow can provide the same information as a UGI but has a significant rate of incidental findings. The rate of incidental pathology on CT is higher than that quoted in the general population. In a bariatric population, this may allow early detection and treatment of co‐existent pathology.
Gabapentin, an Analgesic Used Against Cancer‐Associated Neuropathic Pain: Effects on Prostate Cancer Progression in an In Vivo Rat Model
Authors: Bugan Ilknur , Karagoz Zeynep , Altun Seyhan , Djamgoz Mustafa B. A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA major problem associated with clinical management of cancer is controlling the accompanying pain, and various analgesics are in common use for this purpose. Recent evidence suggests that some of the targets of analgesics, such as ion channels and receptors, may also be involved in the cancer process, thereby raising the possibility that such use of some analgesics may impact upon cancer itself. The main aim of this study was to determine whether gabapentin, a common adjuvant analgesic in current use against cancer‐associated neuropathic pain, would affect tumour development and progression in vivo. The Dunning rat model of prostate cancer was used. Strongly metastatic Mat‐LyLu cells were implanted subcutaneously into syngeneic Copenhagen rats which were then treated every other day with 4.6–16.8 μg/kg gabapentin by gavage. Primary tumourigenesis was monitored daily. Lung metastases were counted and measured after killing the rats 21 days later. Gabapentin had no effect on primary tumourigenesis but produced dose‐dependent effects on lung metastasis. Whilst 4.6 μg/kg had no effect, 9.1 μg/kg gabapentin decreased the number of lung metastases significantly by 64%. In contrast, 16.8 μg/kg gabapentin promoted metastasis significantly by 112% and showed a strong tendency to shorten mean survival time. It is concluded that gabapentin prescribed to cancer patients against pain could impact upon the cancer process itself.
Contemporary radical cystectomy outcomes in patients with invasive bladder cancer: a population‐based study
Authors: Patel Manish I. , Bang Albert , Gillatt David , Smith David P. 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the contemporary survival outcomes from a whole population and identify significant predictors of survival, as contemporary population‐based survival outcomes after radical cystectomy (RC) for the treatment of bladder cancer (BC) are sparse. Reports suggest a large disparity between population outcomes and those of centres of excellence.Patients and MethodsAll invasive BC cases diagnosed between 2001 and 2007 in New South Wales, Australia, were identified from the Central Cancer Registry. Records of treatment and death were electronically linked. All patients who underwent RC between 2001 and 2009 were selected for this study (804 patients). Follow‐up was to the end of 2009. Outcomes assessed were disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariable Cox regression and log‐rank analysis were used to model and compare survival within groups.ResultsOf 804 patients diagnosed during the study period 420 (52.2%) died during follow‐up. The 5‐year DSS and OS for all patients was 59.6% and 53.2%, respectively. The 5‐year DSS for patients with localised, regional and distant disease, undergoing RC was 72%, 51% and 10%, respectively. Age (P < 0.001) and stage (P < 0.001) were associated with 5‐year DSS and OS after adjusting for all other variables. High‐volume centres had significantly better 5‐year DSS compared with low‐volume centres (P < 0.05). The 30‐day mortality for high‐ vs low‐volume centres was 1.8% and 3.6%, respectively. Perioperative mortality improved over time for high‐ and moderate‐volume centres but not for low‐volume centres.ConclusionContemporary survival outcomes after RC are much improved compared with older studies and appear close to results from academic centres of excellence. High‐volume centres report better 5‐year DSS outcomes than lower volume centres.
The role of cystectomy in elderly patients – a multicentre analysis
Authors: Izquierdo Laura , Peri Lluis , Leon Priscila , Ramírez‐Backhaus Miguel , Manning Thomas , Alcaraz Antonio , Roupret Morgan , Solsona Eduardo , Rubio Jose , Sengupta Shomik , Chan Yee , Liodakis Peter , Gyomber Dennis , Bolton Damien , Lawrentschuk Nathan 
Published: September 2015

IntroductionLife expectancy in developed countries is continuously increasing. Hence elderly patients are becoming more common in our clinical practice. Currently, one of the greatest challenges of medicine is balancing the life expectancy of elderly patients against aggressive treatments that carry significant risks.ObjectiveTo outline the complications and survival in surgical patients 80 years and over undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.Patients and MethodsA review of a radical cystectomy in elderly recorded in four different institutional prospective databases during the period between 1991 and 2014. Clinical and pathologic features, complications and survival were evaluated.ResultsA total of 111 patients were available. Median (range) age 82.2 (80–89) years. Seventeen women and 94 men. Regarding the ASA score, 6 patients were ASA I, 47 patients were ASA II, 49 patients ASA III and 9 ASA IV. Prior to surgery, 48 patients had hydronephrosis. The median (range) creatinine series was 1.1 (0.71–11.1) ng/dL. In 88 cases an ileal conduit was performed, 17 a cutaneous ureterostomy diversion, 5 neobladders and 1 ureterosigmoidostomy case. The median (range) operative time was 230 (120–420) min and a total of 97 patients required blood transfusion. The median (range) hospital stay was 14 (7–126) days. The early and late complication rates were 50.4% and 32%, respectively. A total of 14 patients (12.6%) required surgical reintervention. Eight patients (7.2%) died in the immediate postoperative period. The readmission rate of the series was 27.2%. The mean follow‐up of the series was 18 (0.27–134.73) months. During this period 66 patients died, 52 of them due to the tumor. Twelve month tumour progression free survival was 83.9% for ≤pT1, 70.2% for pT2 and 36% for ≥pT3, respectively. Twelve month cancer specific survival was 85.6% for ≤pT1, 75.1% for pT2 and 42.5% for ≥pT3, respectively.ConclusionRadical cystectomy in elderly population is an aggressive surgical treatment with a significant complication rate, hospital readmission and perioperative mortality rate. Careful selection of patients is essential in order to minimize the complications of this surgery and balance benefits against risks in the elderly population. Tumour progression and cancer specific survival are poor for patients with ≥pT3 disease. Alternatives such as tri‐modality therapy need to be considered within a multi‐disciplinary approach. More data is required to determine which sub‐groups of elderly patients would benefit from a complication, survival and quality of life perspective.
Do Canadian university students in Political Science and Public Administration learn to perform critical appraisal?
Authors: Lapointe Luc , Ouimet Mathieu , Charbonneau Marissa , Beorofei Émilie T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe ability to critically appraise empirical studies of any type is a prerequisite to evidence‐informed policy making. We scanned the syllabi of all Canadian university undergraduate and graduate programs in public affairs, public administration, public policy and political science. Our findings suggest that evidence‐informed policy is not yet institutionalized in most public administration and political science training curricula. We conducted a systematic review of prospective experimental and quasi‐experimental studies examining the effect of university courses aimed at training social sciences students in critical appraisal, but did not find such a study.
The Brain Connectivity Basis of Semantic Dementia: A Selective Review
Authors: Yang Qing , Guo Qi‐Hao , Bi Yan‐Chao 
Published: September 2015

SummarySemantic dementia (SD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of semantic memory and conceptual knowledge, coupled with asymmetric local brain atrophy concentrated in the anterior temporal lobe. Recent developments in neuroimaging techniques, especially the emergence of the “human connectomics,” have made possible the study of the brain's functional and structural connections and the topological properties of the brain networks. Recent studies applying these techniques have shown that SD manifests extensive structural and functional connectivity alterations, providing important insights into the pathogenesis of SD and the neural basis of semantic memory in general. In this review, we present and discuss the existing findings about the brain connectivity changes in SD and how they might be related to the various behavioral deficits associated with this disorder and propose important unanswered questions that warrant further investigation.
Anterior vertical mini‐incision vs. retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy in living kidney donation: a prospective study on donors' quality of life and clinical outcome
Authors: Kroencke Sylvia , Schulz Karl‐Heinz , Nashan Björn , Koch Martina 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundA fundamental goal in living kidney donation (LKD) is to maximize donor safety while minimizing post‐operative impairments. We evaluated clinical outcome and health‐related quality of life (QOL) comparing anterior vertical mini‐incision donor nephrectomy (MIDN) and retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy (RPDN).MethodsThirty‐eight MIDN and 45 RPDN donors were analyzed. In a subsample (n = 18 MIDN; n = 32 RPDN), QOL was prospectively assessed with the WHOQOL‐Bref questionnaire before and three months after LKD.ResultsSkin‐to‐skin time (169 vs. 116 min, p < 0.001) and hospital stay (6.6 vs. 4.9 d, p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in RPDN. In total, 26% of MIDN patients and 13% of RPDN patients developed post‐operative complications (p = 0.14). While in MIDN the QOL domains physical health (p = 0.03) and psychological (p = 0.03) and the overall QOL facet (p = 0.003) were significantly lower three months post‐LKD compared to baseline, there were no significant QOL decreases in RPDN. However, no significant post‐operative QOL differences were found between groups. RPDN donors retrospectively reported significantly less post‐operative pain (p = 0.007) and physical strain (p = 0.05) caused by LKD than MIDN donors.ConclusionsIt may be possible to further reduce the surgical burden of LKD by introducing RPDN. Post‐operative QOL was not significantly different between groups, but the QOL decrease appeared to be less pronounced in RPDN.
Variation in mouthguard thickness according to heating conditions during fabrication Part 2: sheet shape and effect of thermal shrinkage
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Koide Kaoru 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the thermal shrinkage to thickness of the mouthguard with the heating method by the setting position of a sheet and the working model using an ethylene vinyl acetate sheet prepared by extrusion. Mouthguards were fabricated with EVA sheets (4.0 mm thick) using a vacuum‐forming machine. Two forming conditions were compared: the square sheet was pinched by the clamping frame attached to the forming machine (S); and the round sheet was pinched at the top and bottom and stabilized by the circle tray (R). The sheet was aligned to make the sheet's extrusion direction vertical (V) or parallel (P) to the midline of the working model. The following two heating conditions were compared: (i) the sheet was molded when it sagged 15 mm below the level of the sheet frame measured at the top of the post in condition S (S‐0), or that sagged 10 mm in condition R (R‐0) in the usual position; (ii) the sheet frame was lowered by 50 mm from the ordinary height (S‐50, R‐50). Postmolding thickness was determined using a measuring device. Measurement points were the incisal and molar portion. Differences in the change of thickness of mouthguards molded under different heating conditions and extrusion directions for each sheet shape were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance (anova). The results of this study showed that by lowering the height of the sheet frame, the difference of the sheet temperature of each part was reduced. Among all sheets, condition V produced under S‐50 and R‐50 had the largest thickness independently of shape sheet. Furthermore, thickness reduction is effectively suppressed by aligning the direction of the extruded sheet to be vertical to the midline of the model.
Brain regions with abnormal network properties in severe epilepsy of Lennox‐Gastaut phenotype: Multivariate analysis of task‐free fMRI
Authors: Pedersen Mangor , Curwood Evan K. , Archer John S. , Abbott David F. , Jackson Graeme D. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveLennox‐Gastaut syndrome, and the similar but less tightly defined Lennox‐Gastaut phenotype, describe patients with severe epilepsy, generalized epileptic discharges, and variable intellectual disability. Our previous functional neuroimaging studies suggest that abnormal diffuse association network activity underlies the epileptic discharges of this clinical phenotype. Herein we use a data‐driven multivariate approach to determine the spatial changes in local and global networks of patients with severe epilepsy of the Lennox‐Gastaut phenotype.MethodsWe studied 9 adult patients and 14 controls. In 20 min of task‐free blood oxygen level–dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging data, two metrics of functional connectivity were studied: Regional homogeneity or local connectivity, a measure of concordance between each voxel to a focal cluster of adjacent voxels; and eigenvector centrality, a global connectivity estimate designed to detect important neural hubs. Multivariate pattern analysis of these data in a machine‐learning framework was used to identify spatial features that classified disease subjects.ResultsMultivariate pattern analysis was 95.7% accurate in classifying subjects for both local and global connectivity measures (22/23 subjects correctly classified). Maximal discriminating features were the following: increased local connectivity in frontoinsular and intraparietal areas; increased global connectivity in posterior association areas; decreased local connectivity in sensory (visual and auditory) and medial frontal cortices; and decreased global connectivity in the cingulate cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and pons.SignificanceUsing a data‐driven analysis method in task‐free functional magnetic resonance imaging, we show increased connectivity in critical areas of association cortex and decreased connectivity in primary cortex. This supports previous findings of a critical role for these association cortical regions as a final common pathway in generating the Lennox‐Gastaut phenotype. Abnormal function of these areas is likely to be important in explaining the intellectual problems characteristic of this disorder.
In mixed biofilms Enterococcus faecalis benefits from a calcium hydroxide challenge and culturing
Authors: van der Waal S. V. , Connert T. , Crielaard W. , de Soet J. J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the fate of Enterococcus faecalis in dual‐species and multispecies biofilms after treatment with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).MethodologyBiofilms were cultured from laboratory strains of E. faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or from microbiota retrieved from primary root canal infections. The biofilms were then treated with Ca(OH)2. The proportion of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa and their susceptibility to disinfection were evaluated in a viability assay. In the mixed‐species assay, the presence and proportions of E. faecalis before and after Ca(OH)2 treatment were evaluated with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐test and Student's t‐tests. An α <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAfter Ca(OH)2 treatment in dual‐species biofilms, the proportion of E. faecalis had increased (P < 0.001), whereas the total number of CFUs per biofilm was equal. Enterococcus faecalis was equally susceptible to disinfection by sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or by chlorhexidine. Pseudomonas aeruginosa had become more susceptible to NaOCl disinfection. The root canal isolates contained no detectable amounts of E. faecalis. After biofilm culturing or Ca(OH)2 treatment, it appeared that E. faecalis must have been present in 5 of 6 (83%) root canal samples.ConclusionsCalcium hydroxide favours the population of E. faecalis in a dual‐species biofilm. Culturing multispecies root canal isolates makes E. faecalis detectable. E. faecalis was often present in primary endodontic infections, albeit in low numbers.
Management and treatment of men affected by metastatic prostate cancer: evidence‐based recommendations for practice
Authors: Paterson Catherine , Alashkham Abduelmenem , Windsor Phyllis , Nabi Ghulam 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTCurrently, 250 000 men are affected by prostate cancer in the UK. Clinical guidance is crucial for nurses involved in the care delivery for men with advanced prostate cancer and for their families to maximize their quality and quantity of life. It is essential that nurses understand how prostate cancer is diagnosed, can recognize signs of disease progression, are familiar with disease management, and can educate patients and manage any symptoms appropriately and effectively. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review current evidence‐based guidelines in relation to care delivery for men with metastatic prostate cancer in order to optimize best supportive care. A literature review was conducted in a range of electronic databases (DARE, Cochrane, MEDLINE, BNI, PsychINFO, EMBASE and CIHAHL) to identify studies employing qualitative and/or quantitative methods. National (UK) and European clinical guidelines were also reviewed. Methodological evaluation was conducted and the evidence‐based recommendations were integrated in a narrative synthesis. Supportive care is a person‐centred approach to the provision of the necessary services for those living with or affected by cancer to meet their informational, spiritual, emotional, social or physical needs during diagnosis, treatment or follow‐up phases including issues of health promotion, survivorship, palliation and bereavement. A multidisciplinary and proactive approach to the management of men with metastatic prostate cancer ensures safe and effective supportive care delivery. Nurses involved in the care delivery for this patient group need to be aware of the complex physical and psychological supportive care needs, and evidence‐based management care plans to ensure a personalized and tailored support to optimize quality of life.
Ecdysone receptor isoform‐B mediates soluble trehalase expression to regulate growth and development in the mirid bug, Apolygus lucorum (Meyer‐Dür)
Authors: Tan Y.‐A. , Xiao L.‐B. , Zhao J. , Xiao Y.‐F. , Sun Y. , Bai L.‐X. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractEcdysone receptor (EcR) is the hormonal receptor of ecdysteroids and strictly regulates growth and development in insects. However, the action mechanism of EcR is not very clear. In this study, the cDNA of EcR isoform‐B was cloned from Apolygus lucorum (AlEcR‐B) and its expression profile was investigated. We reduced AlEcR‐B mRNA expression using systemic RNA interference in vivo, and obtained knockdown specimens. Examination of these specimens indicated that AlEcR‐B is required for nymphal survival, and that reduced expression is associated with longer development time and lower nymphal weight. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of the observed suppression effects, we selected trehalase for a detailed study. Transcript encoding soluble trehalase (AlTre‐1) was up‐regulated by 20‐hydroxyecdysone and in agreement with the mRNA expression of AlEcR‐B. The expression profile of AlTre‐1, soluble trehalase activity and translated protein level in the midgut of surviving nymphs were down‐regulated, compared with controls, after the knockdown expression of AlEcR‐B. By contrast, membrane‐bound trehalase activity, the related gene expression and translated protein level remained at their initial levels. However, trehalose content significantly increased and the glucose content significantly decreased under the same conditions. We propose that AlEcR‐B controls normal carbohydrate metabolism by mediating the expression of AlTre‐1 to regulate the growth and development in A. lucorum, which provide an extended information into the functions of AlEcR‐B.