bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR): a novel imaging score for prognostication in cirrhosis
Authors: Cross T. J. S. , Joseph M. , Fernando R. A. M. , Farrell C. , Mitchell J. D. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundAnecdotally, liver size is important in determining prognosis in patients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD).AimsTo assess if a ratio of liver area and abdominal area on cross‐sectional imaging could accurately predict mortality in ESLD.MethodsA retrospective–prospective cohort study was performed on patients with ESLD in a training set. The censor point used was date of patient death or liver transplant (LT). The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR) was calculated using the formula {LAAR = [liver area (cm2)/abdominal area (cm2)] × 100}. A validation set was collected from a different institution.ResultsThree hundred and sixteen patients were identified. Complete imaging and survival data were available in 158 subjects, 100 male (63%). The LAAR score detected progression to death/LT in our cohort (P < 0.003). Its prognostic accuracy at 90, 360 and 720 days, using the optimal cut‐off (32.1), from baseline CT date to death/LT using the log‐rank test was P = 0.28, P = 0.06 (OR 1.347, 95% CI 0.94–1.94) and P < 0.0001 (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25–2.85) respectively. On multivariate analysis, LAAR (P = 0.008), MELD (P = 0.004) and MELD‐Na (P = 0.03) were independently associated with the primary study outcome measurement at 720 days. The validation set of 52 patients confirmed the utility of the LAAR to determine risk of death or need for LT, AUROC 0.89 (0.78–0.97), and P < 0.0001.ConclusionsThe liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR) score offers a new paradigm in disease modelling in end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) and offers prognostic accuracy at 2 years from computer tomography (CT) imaging.
Plerixafor on‐demand combined with chemotherapy and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor: significant improvement in peripheral blood stem cells mobilization and harvest with no increase in costs
Authors: Milone Giuseppe , Martino Massimo , Spadaro Andrea , Leotta Salvatore , Di Marco Annalia , Scalzulli Potito , Cupri Alessandra , Di Martina Valentina , Schinocca Elena , Spina Eleonora , Tripepi Giovanni 
Published: October 2013

SummaryTo date, no prospective study on Plerixafor ‘on‐demand’ in combination with chemotherapy and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) has been reported. We present an interim analysis of the first prospective study in which Plerixafor was administered on‐demand in patients affected by multiple myeloma and lymphoma who received high dose cyclophosphamide or DHAP (dexamethasone, cytarabine, cisplatin) plus G‐CSF to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). One hundred and two patients were evaluable for response. A cohort of 240 patients receiving the same mobilizing chemotherapy was retrospectively studied. Failure to mobilize CD34+ cells in peripheral blood was reduced by ‘on‐demand’ strategy compared to conventional mobilization; from 13·0 to 3·0% (P = 0·004). Failure to harvest CD34+ cells 2 × 106/kg decreased from 20·9 to 4·0% (P = 0·0001). The on‐demand Plerixafor strategy also resulted in a lower rate of mobilization failure (P = 0·03) and harvest failure (P = 0·0008) when compared to a ‘bias‐adjusted set of controls’. Evaluation of economic costs of the two strategies showed that the overall cost of the two treatments were comparable when salvage mobilizations were taken into account. When in combination with cyclophosphamide or DHAP plus G‐CSF, the ‘on‐demand’ use of Plerixafor showed, in comparison to conventionally treated patients, a significant improvement in mobilization of PBSC with no increase in overall cost.
Comparing two psychological interventions in reducing impulsive processes of eating behaviour: Effects on self‐selected portion size
Authors: van Koningsbruggen Guido M. , Veling Harm , Stroebe Wolfgang , Aarts Henk 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivePalatable food, such as sweets, contains properties that automatically trigger the impulse to consume it even when people have goals or intentions to refrain from consuming such food. We compared the effectiveness of two interventions in reducing the portion size of palatable food that people select for themselves. Specifically, the use of dieting implementation intentions that reduce behaviour towards palatable food via top‐down implementation of a dieting goal was pitted against a stop‐signal training that changes the impulse‐evoking quality of palatable food from bottom‐up.DesignWe compared the two interventions using a 2 × 2 factorial design.MethodsParticipants completed a stop‐signal training in which they learned to withhold a behavioural response upon presentation of tempting sweets (vs. control condition) and formed implementation intentions to diet (vs. control condition). Selected portion size was measured in a sweet‐shop‐like environment (Experiment 1) and through a computerized snack dispenser (Experiment 2).ResultsBoth interventions reduced the amount of sweets selected in the sweet shop environment (Experiment 1) and the snack dispenser (Experiment 2). On average, participants receiving an intervention selected 36% (Experiment 1) and 51% (Experiment 2) fewer sweets than control participants. In both studies, combining the interventions did not lead to additive effects: Employing one of the interventions appears to successfully eliminate instrumental behaviour towards tempting food, making the other intervention redundant.ConclusionsBoth interventions reduce self‐selected portion size, which is considered a major contributor to the current obesity epidemic.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Exposure to temptations, such as unhealthy palatable food, often frustrates people's attainment of long‐term health goals. Current approaches to self‐control suggest that this is partly because temptations automatically trigger impulsive or hedonic processes that override the influence of more deliberate processes on behaviour. This perspective has stimulated the development of new interventions – which have so far been studied in isolation – aimed at decreasing the influence of impulsive or hedonic processes to decrease unhealthy eating behaviour.

What does this study add?

Linking sweets to stop signals and diet‐prime implementation intentions both reduce self‐selected portion size.

Combining the interventions does not lead to additive effects.

Each intervention reduces self‐selected portion size of sweets, making the other redundant.
Histological and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Zirconia Dental Implants Modified by Femtosecond Laser versus Titanium Implants: An Experimental Study in Fox Hound Dogs
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Negri Bruno , Fernández María Piedad Ramírez , Maté Sánchez de Val José Eduardo , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Romanos Georgios E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurposeThis study applied femtosecond laser technology to zirconia dental implants (Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Senden, Germany) to generate a surface texture of microgrooves over the entire intraosseous surface, analyzing its behavior in an in vivo model in comparison with titanium implants with sandblasted and acid‐etched surfaces.Materials and MethodsThe study used six American Fox Hound dogs. Each received four implants per hemi‐mandible, making a total of eight implants per animal. The 48 immediate loaded implants were divided into two groups of 24 titanium implants (control group) and 24 zirconia implants (study/test group), distributed randomly. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) values and crestal resorption were determined at 1 and 3 months, also measuring calcium, phosphorous, and carbon concentrations by means of energy dispersive x‐ray.ResultsBIC percentages after 30 days were 51.36% for titanium implants and 44.68% for zirconia implants. After 90 days, values increased to 61.73% in titanium and 47.94% in zirconia implants. After 30 days, there was more crestal bone lost in the titanium group (0.77 mm) compared with the zirconia group (0.01 mm). After 90 days, zirconia implants showed greater marginal bone resorption (1.25 mm) compared with the titanium group (0.37 mm).ConclusionsThe present study shows that zirconia implants with modified surfaces can produce good osseointegration values when compared with titanium implants in terms of BIC and crestal bone resorption at 1 and 3 months.
A bodyguard or a tastier meal? Dying caterpillar indirectly protects parasitoid cocoons by offering alternate prey to a generalist predator
Authors: Harvey Jeffrey A. , Weber Daniela , De Clercq Patrick , Gols Rieta 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn some parasitic Hymenoptera the dying caterpillars remain attached or close to the parasitoid cocoons. It has been suggested that the caterpillars act as ‘bodyguards’ for the vulnerable cocoons and therefore protect them against predators and/or hyperparasitoids (the ‘usurpation hypothesis’). This hypothesis has been demonstrated in associations where the caterpillars remain active and/or aggressive after parasitism. However, in other associations the caterpillars are so physiologically depleted after parasitism that they are unable to physically defend the cocoons and instead sit atop them in a moribund state. In this study a generalist predator, the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris Say (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), was provided with cocoons of the gregarious endoparasitoid Cotesia glomerata L. and the solitary endoparasitoid Microplitis mediator Haliday (both Hymenoptera: Braconidae), in turn attended by their hosts, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), respectively. Cotesia glomerata produces broods of up to 40 cocoons and the dying caterpillars sit atop the cocoons where they exhibit little response to physical stimuli. Previous studies reported that dying P. brassicae caterpillars were ineffective bodyguards against two species of hyperparasitoids. In both associations, the dying host caterpillars were significantly preferred as food by P. maculiventris over the parasitoid cocoons. However, in absence of caterpillars, the bugs readily attacked the C. glomerata cocoons. Alternatively, the survival of M. mediator was very low, irrespective of whether a caterpillar was present or not. Caterpillars attacked by M. mediator are several times smaller than those attacked by C. glomerata. Consequently, the predators ran out of food much more quickly in the former and switched from one prey to the other. We show that in some host–parasitoid associations the dying caterpillars provide more visually apparent or nutritionally superior prey, rather than acting as bodyguards.
Chemical egg defence in the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, derives from maternal but not paternal diet
Authors: Newcombe Devi , Blount Jonathan D. , Mitchell Christopher , Moore Allen J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMany herbivorous insects sequester defensive compounds from their host‐plants and incorporate them into their eggs to protect them against predation. Here, we investigate whether transmission of cardenolides from the host‐diet to the eggs is maternal, paternal, or biparental in the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae). We reared individual bugs on either milkweed seeds [MW; Asclepias syriaca L. (Apocynaceae)] that contain cardenolides, or on sunflower seeds [SF; Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae)] that do not contain cardenolides. We mated females and males so that all four maternal/paternal diet combinations were represented: MW/MW, MW/SF, SF/MW, and SF/SF. Using larvae of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla (Chrysopa) carnea (Stevens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), we conducted two‐choice predation trials to assess whether maternal, paternal, or biparental transmission of cardenolides into the eggs of O. fasciatus increased protection against predation. Furthermore, we used high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess putative cardenolide content of eggs from the various parental diet treatment groups. The predation trials suggested that regardless of male diet, eggs were afforded better protection when females had been raised on milkweed. However, many eggs were at least partially consumed. This suggests that although chemical defence of eggs does not guarantee protection to eggs on an individual basis, they may increase the probability that some eggs in a clutch are left intact thereby potentially conferring a fitness advantage to more offspring than if eggs are left unprotected. Based on HPLC analysis we found that maternal contribution of cardenolides was significantly greater than paternal contribution of cardenolides to the eggs, supporting the results of our predation trials that a maternal diet of milkweed makes eggs more distasteful than a paternal diet of milkweed.
Clonal evolution in CLL patients as detected by FISH versus chromosome banding analysis, and its clinical significance
Authors: Wawrzyniak Ewa , Kotkowska Aleksandra , Blonski Jerzy Z. , Siemieniuk‐Rys Monika , Ziolkowska Ewelina , Giannopoulos Krzysztof , Robak Tadeusz , Korycka‐Wolowiec Anna 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe acquisition of new aberrations during the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) named clonal evolution (CE) is usually detected by one of the two methods: chromosome banding analysis (CBA) and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I‐FISH). The purpose of this study was to compare the usefulness of FISH and CBA for detecting CE and to evaluate its influence on clinical outcome. FISH and CBA were performed at two time points: baseline and follow‐up. Thirty‐eight previously untreated patients with CLL were included in this study. CBA and I‐FISH revealed CE in 15 (39.5%) and 10 (26.3%) patients, respectively. High‐risk CE was detected in six cases by CBA and in five cases by I‐FISH. In four cases with CE‐dependent 17p abnormalities detected by CBA, metaphase FISH was needed for the confirmation of 17p13.1 deletion. Time from first‐line to second‐line treatment (TTST) and overall survival (OS) did not differ between patients with and without CE, irrespective of the CE‐detecting method used. However, shorter OS (P = 0.043) and TTST (P = 0.006) were observed for the patients with potentially relevant CE (rCE) detected by CBA, in which acquired aberrations were present in at least 20% of undivided cells and/or changed baseline karyotype to abnormal or complex and were not resulting from 13q deletion.Our results suggest that some, but not all, CE‐dependent aberrations detected by CBA influence clinical outcome. Moreover, I‐FISH, which was aimed at detecting aberrations of prognostic significance, was found to be more precise than CBA in their detection, especially TP53 deletion.
Immunophenotypic and molecular features of ‘cuplike’ acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Carluccio Paola , Mestice Anna , Pastore Domenico , Delia Mario , Ricco Alessandra , Russo‐Rossi Antonella , Casieri Paola , Liso Arcangelo , Martelli Maria Paola , Albano Francesco , Specchia Giorgina 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNuclear invaginations, also referred to as fishmouth or cuplike nuclei, have long been identified in microgranular APL, myelomonocytic and monocytic AMLs. More recently, this typical morphological feature has been associated with NPM1 and FLT3 mutations, as well as with the lack of CD34 and HLA‐DR expression. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the morphologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and molecular features of 68 patients with AML. A cuplike nuclear invagination was detected in more than 10% of blast cells in 15 (22%) cases. Our data show that a cuplike morphology is associated with FLT3‐ITD positivity, as well as with the loss of CD34 and HLA‐DR expression. The results were not significantly modified when a higher cutoff of cuplike cells was used. Our results are not sufficient to suggest that cuplike AML could represent a distinct subtype, but further investigations could yield a better characterization of this feature in patients with AML.
Curcumin up‐regulates phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 through microRNA‐mediated control of DNA methylation – a novel mechanism suppressing liver fibrosis
Authors: Zheng Jianjian , Wu Cunzao , Lin Zhuo , Guo Yong , Shi Liang , Dong Peihong , Lu Zhongqiu , Gao Shenmeng , Liao Yi , Chen Bicheng , Yu Fujun 
Published: October 2013

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) has been reported to play a role in the suppression of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Moreover, it has been demonstrated that hypermethylation of the PTEN promoter is responsible for the loss of PTEN expression during HSC activation. Methylation is now established as a fundamental regulator of gene transcription. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which can control gene expression by binding to their target genes for degradation and/or translational repression, were found to be involved in liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism responsible for miRNA‐mediated epigenetic regulation in liver fibrosis still remained unclear. In the present study, curcumin treatment significantly resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and an increase in the apoptosis rate through the up‐regulation of PTEN associated with a decreased DNA methylation level. Only DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) was reduced in vivo and in vitro after curcumin treatment. Further studies were performed aiming to confirm that the knockdown of DNMT3b enhanced the loss of PTEN methylation by curcumin. In addition, miR‐29b was involved in the hypomethylation of PTEN by curcumin. MiR‐29b not only was increased by curcumin in activated HSCs, but also was confirmed to target DNMT3b by luciferase activity assays. Curcumin‐mediated PTEN up‐regulation, DNMT3b down‐regulation and PTEN hypomethylation were all attenuated by miR‐29b inhibitor. Collectively, it is demonstrated that curcumin can up‐regulate miR‐29b expression, resulting in DNMT3b down‐regulation in HSCs and epigenetically‐regulated PTEN involved in the suppression of activated HSCs. These results indicate that miRNA‐mediated epigenetic regulation may be a novel mechanism suppressing liver fibrosis.
Braided thin‐walled biodegradable ureteral stent: Preliminary evaluation in a canine model
Authors: Zhang Ming Qing , Zou Ting , Huang Yi Chen , Shang Ya Feng , Yang Gang Gang , Wang Wen Zu , Zhou Jun Mei , Wang Lu , Chen Fang , Xie Hua 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate a novel designed degradable ureteral stent.MethodsA total of 24 male Beagles, each with bilateral stents implanted (a biodegradable ureteral 4.5‐Fr stent and a standard 4‐Fr biostable stent) were divided into four groups. Intravenous pyelography, B‐mode ultrasonography, and blood and urine tests were carried out before the procedure (0 weeks), and at 1‐, 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐week intervals. Meanwhile, the mechanical characteristics of stents were tested, and scanning electron microscopy images of the biodegradable braided stents were obtained at different time‐points postoperatively. In addition, histopathological changes were compared between the two different stents.ResultsAll biodegradable braided stents began degrading at 1 week, and had completely degraded by 4 weeks. Hydronephrosis was equivalent during the first 2 weeks, but less with the biodegradable stents than with the control biostable stents at 3 and 4 weeks. Preoperative and postoperative blood and urine results were similar. The mechanical properties of the biodegradable stents were better than conventional biostable stents. Scanning electron microscopy images obtained at different weekly intervals showed that stents degraded in a predictable fashion. Histological testing of the urinary tract showed that the stent‐related tissue reactivity of the two different stents were similar.ConclusionsOur novel braided thin‐walled biodegradable stents provide temporary renal drainage as good as commercially available biostable stents. They also have good biocompatibility and physical characteristics. Therefore, they might have clinical application.
Interprofessional team dynamics and information flow management in emergency departments
Authors: Gilardi Silvia , Guglielmetti Chiara , Pravettoni Gabriella 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimIn Emergency Departments, fragmentation and breakdown in information exchange can be important factors leading to adverse events. This article aims to consider the critical aspects of collaborative teamwork in Emergency Departments that may have an impact on the information flow.BackgroundOn the basis of Distributed Cognition Theory, we have assumed that cognitive outcomes in critical‐care settings are not confined to the thoughts of isolated individuals; rather, they are better understood as properties of a distributed cognitive system across the minds of the clinical team members and across the technological artefacts.DesignWe report on an exploratory ethnographic study of two Emergency Departments.MethodsData were collected over a period of four months in 2008 via observation and interviews.ResultsThe results highlight a specific distribution of cognitive work between physicians and nurses. The nurse's roles as information highlighter, memory keeper and process organizer helped to ensure the information flow and to overcome some of the problems identified with the computer‐assisted communication process. Such distribution of cognitive work improved care quality, but it crossed established professional boundaries.ConclusionAs cross‐boundary distribution of cognitive work in Emergency Departments can be perceived as role substitution, building an interprofessional working system is needed to avoid information breakdown in fast‐moving contexts. To realize an interprofessional working system, practice‐based training is required, aimed at developing a deep understanding of team cognition.
Chloride Released from Three Permeable Pavement Surfaces after Winter Salt Application
Authors: Borst Michael , Brown Robert A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFew studies exist on how chloride from chloride‐based deicers is transported in infiltration‐based stormwater control measures. In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) constructed a 0.4 ha parking lot in Edison, New Jersey, that was surfaced with permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP), pervious concrete (PC), and porous asphalt (PA). Each surface type has four equally sized, lined sections that direct all infiltrate to separate 5.7 m3 collection tanks. The USEPA acute criterion for aquatic life (860 mg/l) was exceeded in events immediately following a snow event. Concentrations of the infiltrate exceeded the detection limit (5 mg/l) year round but did not exceed the USEPA chronic toxicity (230 mg/l) after April. The chloride concentration decreased with cumulative rainfall since previous snow event, and a power regression described this relationship. In the power regression, the coefficient (b) described the initial concentration following a snow event, and the exponent (m) described the rate in which chloride was flushed through the system with infiltrating water. PC had the largest coefficient (5,664) and largest absolute exponent (−0.92), followed closely by PICP (b = 4,943 and m = −0.87), and distantly by PA (b = 2,907 and m = −0.67). The differences in release rate were proportional to the measured surface infiltration rates of 4,000; 2,400; and 200 cm/h for PC, PICP, and PA, respectively. These results will assist those who manage or regulate stormwater where receiving waters are chloride impaired.