bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcomes of discharges against medical advice among hospitalised patients
Authors: Yong T. Y. , Fok J. S. , Hakendorf P. , Ben‐Tovim D. , Thompson C. H. , Li J. Y. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundDischarge against medical advice (DAMA) occurs when an in‐patient chooses to leave the hospital before discharge is recommended by the treating clinicians. The long‐term outcomes of patients who DAMA are not well documented.AimThe objective of this long‐term and hospital‐wide study is to examine characteristics of patients who DAMA, their rates of readmission and mortality after self‐discharge.MethodsAdministrative data of admissions to Flinders Medical Centre between July 2002 and June 2011 were used to compare readmissions and mortality among patients who DAMA with those who did not. The outcomes were adjusted for age, gender, emergency admission status, comorbidity, mental health diagnoses, and alcohol and substance abuse.ResultsIn the study period, 1562 episodes (1.3%) of 121 986 admissions to Flinders Medical Centre were DAMA. Compared with those who did not leave against medical advice, these patients were younger, more often male, more likely of indigenous ethnicity and had less physical comorbidity, but greater mental health comorbidity. Half of the DAMA group stayed less than 3 days. In multivariate analysis, the relative risk for 7‐day, 28‐day and 1‐year readmission in the DAMA group was 2.36 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.99–2.81; P < 0.001), 1.66 (95% CI, 1.44–1.92; P < 0.001) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.19–1.45; P < 0.001), respectively, compared with standard discharges. Furthermore, DAMA was associated with twofold (P = 0.02), 1.4‐fold (P = 0.025) and 1.2‐fold (P = 0.049) increase in 28‐day, 1‐year and up‐to‐9‐year mortality, respectively, compared with non‐DAMA.ConclusionsPatients who self‐discharged against medical advice carry a significant risk of readmission and mortality. Patients with characteristics of ‘at risk of DAMA’ should have greater attention paid to their care before and especially after any premature discharge.
Prognostic Gleason grade grouping: data based on the modified Gleason scoring system
Authors: Pierorazio Phillip M. , Walsh Patrick C. , Partin Alan W. , Epstein Jonathan I. 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
The Gleason scoring system is a well‐established predictor of pathological stage and oncological outcomes for men with prostate cancer. Modifications throughout the last few decades – most recently by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) in 2005 – have attempted to improve the correlation between biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason sum and better stratify patients to predict clinical outcomes.
Based on these clinical outcomes and the excellent prognosis for patients with low Gleason scores, we recommend Gleason grades incorporating a prognostic grade grouping which accurately reflect prognosis and are clearly understood by physicians and patients alike.
Objective
To investigate pathological and short‐term outcomes since the most recent Gleason system modifications by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) in an attempt to divide the current Gleason grading system into prognostically accurate Gleason grade groups.
Patients and Methods
We queried the Johns Hopkins Radical Prostatectomy Database (1982–2011), approved by the institutional review board, for men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) without a tertiary pattern since 2004 and identified 7869 men.
Multivariable models were created using preoperative and postoperative variables; prognostic grade group (Gleason grade ≤6; 3 + 4; 4 + 3; 8; 9–10) was among the strongest predictors of biochemical recurrence‐free (BFS) survival.
Results
Significant differences were noted among the Gleason grade groups at biopsy; differences were noted in the race, PSA level, clinical stage, number of positive cores at biopsy and the maximum percentage of positive cores among the Gleason grade groups at RP.
With a median (range) follow‐up of 2 (1–7) years, 5‐year BFS rates for men with Gleason grade ≤6, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, 8 and 9–10 tumours at biopsy were 94.6, 82.7, 65.1, 63.1 and 34.5%, respectively (P < 0.001 for trend); and 96.6, 88.1, 69.7, 63.7 and 34.5%, respectively (P < 0.001), based on RP pathology.
Conclusions
The 2005 ISUP modifications to the Gleason grading system for prostate carcinoma accurately categorize patients by pathological findings and short‐term biochemical outcomes but, while retaining the essence of the Gleason system, there is a need for a change in its reporting to more closely reflect tumour behaviour.
We propose reporting Gleason grades, including prognostic grade groups which accurately reflect prognosis as follows: Gleason score ≤6 (prognostic grade group I); Gleason score 3+4=7 (prognostic grade group II); Gleason score 4+3=7 (prognostic grade group III); Gleason score 4+4=8 (prognostic grade group (IV); and Gleason score 9–10 (prognostic grade group (V).
Allergies in Germany – prevalence and perception by the public
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Franzke Nadine , Beikert Florian C. , Stadler Rudolf , Reusch Michael , Schmitt Jochen , Schäfer Ines 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundDuring the recent decades allergies have become more frequent all over the world. However, it is unclear how important the topic of allergies is for the general German population and how appropriately patients with allergies are treated.Patients and methodsA telephone survey was performed on a representative random sample of n = 1,004 adults in Germany. The survey was performed by the Forsa Institute for Social Research and Statistical Analysis, Berlin, Germany, in the period from 31 January to 2 February 2012.ResultsOf the interviewees 52% responded that the topic of allergies concerned them; in 33% actually an allergy had been diagnosed by a physician. The proportion of allergies in the population correlated with the level of school education and was higher among people with a higher educational status. No differences in allergy rates were found between Eastern and Western Germany. Among allergic persons, 53% reported to be burdened by their allergy, 48% suffered from impaired performance because of their allergic symptoms. Among people suffering from pollen allergy, only 28% received sublingual immune therapy, with which 70% were satisfied. While 58% practiced self‐medication, only 21% of the allergic persons were treated with anti‐allergic drugs during their allergy flares.ConclusionsAllergic diseases are a common, often burdensome problem in the German population, but nevertheless the medical treatment of people affected is still insufficient. The proportion of patients receiving sublingual immune therapy as causal treatment is comparatively low. Active steps are needed to improve the utilization behavior of patients, e. g. to take advice of an allergy specialist.
Reforming Marriage: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Shrage Laurie 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this article, I examine the case for privatising marriage and replacing civil marriage with inclusive civil union policies. I argue against this proposal because of its likely detrimental impact on the social standing of women and girls. In order to assess the importance of civil marriage historically and cross‐culturally, I examine a contemporary debate over marriage reform in some predominantly Islamic societies in regard to temporary marriage. I also propose a policy to protect the interests of children of both married and unmarried parents, so that this issue will be less of a stumbling block to proposals for inclusive civil marriage.
Comparison of cytokine gene polymorphism in drug‐induced maculopapular eruption, urticaria and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
Authors: Barbaud A. , Waton J. , Herbeth B. , Bursztejn A.C. , Bollaert M. , Schmutz J.L. , Guéant‐Rodriguez R.M. , Namour F. , Guéant J.L. , Aimone‐Gastin I. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundPolymorphisms of genes controlling cytokine production have not been studied in the genetic susceptibility to cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR).ObjectivesThe objective was to determine whether polymorphisms in nine cytokine genes were associated to the occurrence of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) compared to drug‐induced maculopapular eruption or urticaria and to controls without drug intolerance.MethodsResults from 118 patients with a well‐definedCADRwere compared to 236 controls without drug intolerance living in the same area of France. We assessed nine polymorphisms: interleukin (IL)1‐alpha‐889C>T (rs 1800587),IL1‐beta‐511C>T (rs 16944),IL1‐RNintron‐2‐VNTR(rs2234663),IL2‐330T>G (rs 2069762),IL4‐33C>T (rs 2070874),IL5‐745C>T (rs 2069812),IL10‐592C>A (rs 1800872),IL16‐295T>C (rs 4778889) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha‐308G>A (rs 1800629).ResultsThree polymorphisms exhibited a significant association withCADR(P < 0.05). The combination of theIL1‐RN‐A2 andIL1‐beta‐511C alleles was statistically different between cases and controls (P = 0.007) and the A2C haplotype was associated with susceptibility toCADR, particularly in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) patients (odds ratio = 3.22; 95% confidence interval = 1.23–8.41;P = 0.016). The frequency of theIL10‐592A allele was higher inDRESSpatients than in controls (dominant modelCCvs.CA + AA:P = 0.035). These abnormalities were not evident in maculopapular eruptions or urticaria.ConclusionsThis is the first study showing thatIL1‐cluster polymorphisms and haplotypes and theIL10‐592A allele (a lowIL10 producer) are associated withDRESS. These gene variants may decrease drug tolerance and promote herpes virus reactivation.
Outcomes for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diverse regimens
Authors: Huang Mei‐Chuan , Hung Chich‐Hsiu , Stocker Joel , Lin Li‐Chuan 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo compare the levels of self‐care behaviour, social support and quality of life among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who underwent three regimens: taking medicine, taking‐medicine‐while dieting and taking‐medicine‐while‐dieting‐with exercise.BackgroundDiabetes treatment is a critical concern worldwide. However, studies on self‐care behaviour, social support and quality of life based on diabetes patients' diverse regimens are few.DesignThis study was a cross‐sectional design.MethodsWe enroled 127 outpatients aged over 40 years who visited a metabolism clinic at a medical centre in Southern Taiwan. The Self‐care Behaviour Scale, Social Support Scale and Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data.ResultsThe results indicated that patients with a combined regimen of taking‐medicine‐while‐dieting‐with‐regular exercise had the highest score at the levels of social support, self‐care behaviour and quality of life.ConclusionThe study results could offer evidence‐based knowledge for healthcare professionals to guide and promote social support, self‐care behaviour and quality of life for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.Relevance to clinical practiceThese findings will help healthcare professionals to establish appropriate nursing strategies for type 2 diabetes patients who need to exercise regularly as part of their daily care to enhance their self‐care behaviour, social support and quality of life.
EXPERIMENTAL MARKETS WITH FRICTIONS
Authors: Camera Gabriele , Casari Marco , Bigoni Maria 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDecentralized and impersonal exchange is fundamental to contemporary economies, where many interactions take place among individuals with low levels of information about their counterpart. We review the experimental literature about markets with frictions, where strangers interact in pairs formed at random in economies of indefinite duration. We focus on the impact of communication on the efficiency of the outcome and report results of a new experiment.
Auxin and cytokinin relationships in 24 microalgal strains1
Authors: Stirk Wendy A. , Ördög Vince , Novák Ondřej , Rolčík Jakub , Strnad Miroslav , Bálint Péter , van Staden Johannes 
Published: March 2013

Endogenous auxins and cytokinins were quantitated in 24 axenic microalgal strains from the Chlorophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, Ulvophyceae, and Charophyceae. These strains were in an exponential growth phase, being harvested on day 4. Acutodesmus acuminatus Mosonmagyaróvár Algal Culture Collection‐41 (MACC) produced the highest biomass and Chlorococcum ellipsoideum MACC‐712 the lowest biomass. The auxins, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and indole‐3‐acetamide (IAM) were present in all microalgal strains. No other auxin conjugates were detected. IAA and IAM concentrations varied greatly, ranging from 0.50 to 71.49 nmol IAA · g−1 DW and 0.18 to 99.83 nmol IAM · g−1 DW, respectively. In 19 strains, IAA occurred in higher concentrations than IAM. Nineteen cytokinins were identified in the microalgal strains. Total cytokinin concentrations varied, ranging from 0.29 nmol · g−1 DW in Klebsormidium flaccidum MACC‐692 to 21.40 nmol · g−1 DW in Stigeoclonium nanum MACC‐790. The general trend was that cis‐zeatin types were the predominant cytokinins; isopentenyladenine‐type cytokinins were present in moderate concentrations, while low levels of trans‐zeatin‐type and very low levels of dihydrozeatin‐type cytokinins were detected. Ribotides were generally the main cytokinin conjugate forms present with the cytokinin free bases and ribosides present in similar but moderate levels. The levels of O‐glucosides were low. Only one N‐glucoside was detected, being present in nine strains in very low concentrations. In 15 strains, the auxin content was 2‐ to 4‐fold higher than the cytokinin content.
A randomized controlled trial adding fluvastatin to peginterferon and ribavirin for naïve genotype 1 hepatitis C patients
Authors: Bader T. , Hughes L. D. , Fazili J. , Frost B. , Dunnam M. , Gonterman A. , Madhoun M. , Aston C. E. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryFluvastatin or simvastatin has demonstrable antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) as monotherapy. The safety and efficacy of adding fluvastatin or simvastatin to peginterferon/ribavirin for 48 weeks was tested in HCV genotype 1 naïve‐to‐treatment veterans. Thirty‐seven naïve‐to‐treatment genotype 1 HCV patients were randomized to either a control group (n = 20) to receive peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin or an experimental group (n = 18) to similarly receive peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin as well as fluvastatin 20 mg/day. In addition, seven patients who presented for HCV treatment already were on simvastatin and could not be withdrawn. These simvastatin users were not randomized but were entered into a concurrent prospective pilot arm. There were no unique safety issues with fluvastatin or simvastatin when these drugs were given with peginterferon/ribavirin for 48 weeks. Thirteen of 25 statin patients achieved sustained viral response (SVR), while 5 of 20 control patients achieved SVR. Analysis of SVR by intention‐to‐treat showed P = 0.078. In this phase 2 study, there were no safety issues with the addition of fluvastatin or simvastatin to peginterferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks. There was a trend towards improvement in SVR when fluvastatin or simvastatin was administered with peginterferon/ribavirin. The size of the groups did not reach the prestudy size thought needed to show significant difference (type II error). These results support the significant results of two other larger randomized controlled trials reported using the same dose of fluvastatin in naïve‐to‐treatment genotype 1 HCV patients.
Curcuminoids Limit Neutrophil‐Mediated Reperfusion Injury in Experimental Stroke by Targeting the Endothelium
Authors: Funk Janet L. , Frye Jennifer B. , Davis‐Gorman Grace , Spera Allison L. , Bernas Michael J. , Witte Marlys H. , Weinand Martin E. , Timmermann Barbaba N. , McDonagh Paul F. , Ritter Leslie 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to test the hypothesis that turmeric‐derived curcuminoids limit reperfusion brain injury in an experimental model of stroke via blockade of early microvascular inflammation during reperfusion.MethodsMale Sprague Dawley rats subjected to MCAO/R were treated with turmeric‐derived curcuminoids (vs. vehicle) 1 hour prior to reperfusion (300 mg/kg ip). Neutrophil adhesion to the cerebral microcirculation and measures of neutrophil and endothelial activation were assayed during early reperfusion (0–4 hours); cerebral infarct size, edema, and neurological function were assessed at 24 hours. Curcuminoid effects on TNFα‐stimulated human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMVEC) were assessed.ResultsEarly during reperfusion following MCAO, curcuminoid treatment decreased neutrophil rolling and adhesion to the cerebrovascular endothelium by 76% and 67% and prevented >50% of the fall in shear rate. The increased number and activation state (CD11b and ROS) of neutrophils were unchanged by curcuminoid treatment, while increased cerebral expression of TNFα and ICAM‐1, a marker of endothelial activation, were blocked by >30%. Curcuminoids inhibited NF‐κB activation and subsequent ICAM‐1 gene expression in HBMVEC.ConclusionTurmeric‐derived curcuminoids limit reperfusion injury in stroke by preventing neutrophil adhesion to the cerebrovascular microcirculation and improving shear rate by targeting the endothelium.
ISDra2 transposition in Deinococcus radiodurans is downregulated by TnpB
Authors: Pasternak Cécile , Dulermo Rémi , Ton‐Hoang Bao , Debuchy Robert , Siguier Patricia , Coste Geneviève , Chandler Michael , Sommer Suzanne 
Published: March 2013

SummaryTransposable elements belonging to the recently identified IS200/IS605 family radically differ from classical insertion sequences in their transposition mechanism by strictly requiring single‐stranded DNA substrates. This IS family includes elements encoding only the transposase (TnpA), and others, like ISDra2 from Deinococcus radiodurans, which contain a second gene, tnpB, dispensable for transposition and of unknown function to date. Here, we show that TnpB has an inhibitory effect on the excision and insertion steps of ISDra2 transposition. This inhibitory action of TnpB was maintained when ISDra2 transposition was induced by γ‐irradiation of the host cells and required the integrity of its putative zinc finger motif. We also demonstrate the negative role of TnpB when ISDra2 transposition was monitored in a heterologous Escherichia coli host, indicating that TnpB‐mediated inhibition does not involve Deinococcus‐specific factors. TnpB therefore appears to play a regulatory role in ISDra2 transposition.
Homologs ofFT,CENandFDrespond to developmental and environmental signals affecting growth and flowering in the perennial vine kiwifruit
Authors: Varkonyi‐Gasic Erika , Moss Sarah M. A. , Voogd Charlotte , Wang Tianchi , Putterill Joanna , Hellens Roger P. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryFLOWERING LOCUST(FT) andCENTRORADIALIS(CEN) homologs have been implicated in regulation of growth, determinacy and flowering.The roles of kiwifruitFTandCENwere explored using a combination of expression analysis, protein interactions, response to temperature in high‐chill and low‐chill kiwifruit cultivars and ectopic expression inArabidopsisandActinidia.The expression and activity ofFTwas opposite from that ofCENand incorporated an interaction with a FLOWERING LOCUS D (FD)‐likebZIPtranscription factor. Accumulation ofFTtranscript was associated with plant maturity and particular stages of leaf, flower and fruit development, but could be detected irrespective of the flowering process and failed to induce precocious flowering in transgenic kiwifruit. Instead, transgenic plants demonstrated reduced growth and survival rate. Accumulation ofFTtranscript was detected in dormant buds and stem in response to winter chilling. In contrast,FDin buds was reduced by exposure to cold.CENtranscript accumulated in developing latent buds, but declined before the onset of dormancy and delayed flowering when ectopically expressed in kiwifruit.Our results suggest roles forFT,CENandFDin integration of developmental and environmental cues that affect dormancy, budbreak and flowering in kiwifruit.
The family of ammonium transporters (AMT) in Sorghum bicolor: two AMT members are induced locally, but not systemically in roots colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Koegel Sally , Ait Lahmidi Nassima , Arnould Christine , Chatagnier Odile , Walder Florian , Ineichen Kurt , Boller Thomas , Wipf Daniel , Wiemken Andres , Courty Pierre‐Emmanuel 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi contribute to plant nitrogen (N) acquisition. Recent studies demonstrated the transport of N in the form of ammonium during AM symbiosis. Here, we hypothesize that induction of specific ammonium transporter (AMT) genes in Sorghum bicolor during AM colonization might play a key role in the functionality of the symbiosis.

For the first time, combining a split‐root experiment and microdissection technology, we were able to assess the precise expression pattern of two AM‐inducible AMTs, SbAMT3;1 and SbAMT4. Immunolocalization was used to localize the protein of SbAMT3;1.

The expression of SbAMT3;1 and SbAMT4 was greatly induced locally in root cells containing arbuscules and in adjacent cells. However, a split‐root experiment revealed that this induction was not systemic. By contrast, a strictly AM‐induced phosphate transporter (SbPt11) was expressed systemically in the split‐root experiment. However, a gradient of expression was apparent. Immunolocalization analyses demonstrated that SbAMT3;1 was present only in cells containing developing arbuscules.

Our results show that the SbAMT3;1 and SbAMT4 genes are expressed in root cortical cells, which makes them ready to accommodate arbuscules, a process of considerable importance in view of the short life span of arbuscules. Additionally, SbAMT3;1 might play an important role in N transfer during AM symbiosis.
Malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia in a well‐defined cohort of 144 patients
Authors: Brouns EREA , Baart JA , Karagozoglu KH , Aartman IHA , Bloemena E , van der Waal I 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesOral leukoplakia is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the factors that possibly predict malignant transformation in a well‐defined cohort of patients with a long‐term follow‐up. All leukoplakias were staged according to a clinicopathological classification and staging system. Furthermore, a certainty factor has been used with which the diagnosis has been established.Material and methodsThe group consisted of 144 patients. The size, presence and degree of epithelial dysplasia were incorporated into a clinicopathological classification and staging system. Initial management consisted of surgical excision, CO2 laser vaporisation or observation only. The mean follow‐up period was 51.2 months (s.d. = 39.33, range 12–179 months).ResultsIn 16 of 144 patients (11%), malignant transformation occurred between 20 and 94 months (mean 57.0 months) after the first visit, the annual malignant transformation rate being approximately 2.6%. A large size of the lesion (≥ 4 cm) showed to be the only statistically significant predictor of malignant transformation (P = 0.034).ConclusionA size of ≥ 4 cm showed to be the only significant predicting factor of malignant transformation in oral leukoplakia. No other epidemiological, aetiological, clinical or histopathological parameters were of statistical significance.