bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of small hepatocellular carcinoma using gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI: Is the addition of diffusion‐weighted MRI at 3.0T beneficial?
Authors: Zhao Xiang Tian , Li Wei Xia , Chai Wei Min , Chen Ke Min 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo determine whether adding diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to gadoxetic acid‐enhanced 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can improve the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly for small lesions (≤2 cm) in patients with liver cirrhosis.MethodsData of patients diagnosed with focal liver lesions who had undergone gadoxetic acid‐enhanced 3.0T MRI and DWI were retrospectively reviewed. Two radiologists (the observers) reviewed independently MRI images in two reading sessions, that is, gadoxetic acid‐enhanced images alone and the combination of DWI (b values: 0 and 600 s/mm2) and gadoxetic acid‐enhanced images. They assigned to each lesion a confidence level based on a five‐point scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for the detection of HCC were calculated.ResultsBoth observers found the AUROC of the gadoxetic acid‐enhanced images was slightly higher than that of the combined DWI and gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI images in the detection of HCC (observer 1: 0.947 ± 0.030 vs 0.896 ± 0.042, Z = 1.478, P = 0.139; observer 2: 0.917 ± 0.038 vs 0.868 ± 0.048, Z = 1.296, P = 0.195). The sensitivity for the gadoxetic acid set alone was slightly higher than that for the combined set for observer 1 (97% vs 84%) and slightly lower for observer 2 (74% vs 82%). The PPVs were slightly higher for the gadoxetic acid set alone than for the combined set for both observers (observer 1, 89% vs 80%; observer 2, 93% vs 78%); however, none of the differences were statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionThere is no benefit in adding DWI to gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI for the detection of HCC at 3.0T.
Embryonic expression of the common progeroid lamin A splice mutation arrests postnatal skin development
Authors: McKenna Tomás , Rosengardten Ylva , Viceconte Nikenza , Baek Jean‐Ha , Grochová Diana , Eriksson Maria 
Published: December 2013

SummaryHutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and restrictive dermopathy (RD) are two laminopathies caused by mutations leading to cellular accumulation of prelamin A or one of its truncated forms, progerin. One proposed mechanism for the more severe symptoms in patients with RD compared with HGPS is that higher levels of farnesylated lamin A are produced in RD. Here, we show evidence in support of that hypothesis. Overexpression of the most common progeroid lamin A mutation (LMNA c.1824C>T, p.G608G) during skin development results in a severe phenotype, characterized by dry scaly skin. At postnatal day 5 (PD5), progeroid animals showed a hyperplastic epidermis, disorganized sebaceous glands and an acute inflammatory dermal response, also involving the hypodermal fat layer. PD5 animals also showed an upregulation of multiple inflammatory response genes and an activated NF‐kB target pathway. Careful analysis of the interfollicular epidermis showed aberrant expression of the lamin B receptor (LBR) in the suprabasal layer. Prolonged expression of LBR, in 14.06% of the cells, likely contributes to the observed arrest of skin development, clearly evident at PD4 when the skin had developed into single‐layer epithelium in the wild‐type animals while progeroid animals still had the multilayered appearance typical for skin at PD3. Suprabasal cells expressing LBR showed altered DNA distribution, suggesting the induction of gene expression changes. Despite the formation of a functional epidermal barrier and proven functionality of the gap junctions, progeroid animals displayed a greater rate of water loss as compared with wild‐type littermates and died within the first two postnatal weeks.
Combined administration of testosterone plus an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor as a selective prostate‐sparing anabolic therapy
Authors: Jasuja Ravi , Costello James C. , Singh Rajan , Gupta Vandana , Spina Catherine S. , Toraldo Gianluca , Jang Hyeran , Li Hu , Serra Carlo , Guo Wen , Chauhan Pratibha , Narula Navjot S. , Guarneri Tyler , Ergun Ayla , Travison Thomas G. , Collins James J. , Bhasin Shalender 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBecause of its anabolic effects on muscle, testosterone is being explored as a function‐promoting anabolic therapy for functional limitations associated with aging; however, concerns about testosterone's adverse effects on prostate have inspired efforts to develop strategies that selectively increase muscle mass while sparing the prostate. Testosterone's promyogenic effects are mediated through upregulation of follistatin. We show here that the administration of recombinant follistatin (rFst) increased muscle mass in mice, but had no effect on prostate mass. Consistent with the results of rFst administration, follistatin transgenic mice with constitutively elevated follistatin levels displayed greater muscle mass than controls, but had similar prostate weights. To elucidate signaling pathways regulated differentially by testosterone and rFst in prostate and muscle, we performed microarray analysis of mRNAs from prostate and levator ani of castrated male mice treated with vehicle, testosterone, or rFst. Testosterone and rFst shared the regulation of many transcripts in levator ani; however, in prostate, 593 transcripts in several growth‐promoting pathways were differentially expressed after testosterone treatment, while rFst showed a negligible effect with only 9 transcripts differentially expressed. Among pathways that were differentially responsive to testosterone in prostate, we identified ornithine decarboxylase (Odc1), an enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, as a testosterone‐responsive gene that is unresponsive to rFst. Accordingly, we administered testosterone with and without α‐difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an Odc1 inhibitor, to castrated mice. DFMO selectively blocked testosterone's effects on prostate, but did not affect testosterone's anabolic effects on muscle. Co‐administration of testosterone and Odc1 inhibitor presents a novel therapeutic strategy for prostate‐sparing anabolic therapy.
Early Regenerative Response in the Intrathoracic Porcine Esophagus—The Impact of the Inflammation
Authors: Jönsson Linus , Friberg Lars‐Göran , Gatzinsky Vladimir , Jennische Eva , Sandin Anders , Abrahamsson Kate 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn order to improve the treatment of children born with long‐gap esophageal atresia, a porcine model was developed for studying esophageal regrowth using a bridging graft composed of a silicone stented Biodesign mesh. The aim of the study was to investigate how leakage and contact between the native muscle and Biodesign mesh affected the early healing response. Resection of 3 cm of intrathoracic esophagus was performed in 10 newly weaned piglets. They were fed through a gastrostomy 8–10 days prior to sacrifice. In order to achieve nonleaking anastomoses, the silicone stent and suturing technique had to be adjusted between the first four and second six piglets. The technical adjustment decreased leakage. A nonleaking anastomosis could not be achieved when the native muscle layers were sewn less central on the bridging graft compared with the mucosa. If there was leakage, the inflammatory response increased, with islets of perivascular T‐lymphocytes and infiltration of macrophages in the native muscle layers. In the bridging area, new vessels were seen in the submucosa in 9 of 10 piglets between 4 and 10 days after surgery. Smooth muscle cells also appeared to move from the cut muscle edges of both the muscularis mucosa and the lamina muscularis and were seen as a layer of several cells under newly formed mucosa. Double staining of the basal membrane of the ingrowing vessels and the pericytes showed that the basal membrane was thinner over some of the pericytes, but there was no accumulation of immature‐looking cells in the submucosa of the bridging area. In this porcine model, where esophageal regrowth was studied by using a bridging graft composed of a silicone stented Biodesign mesh, we can conclude that leakage increased the inflammatory response in early healing. Ingrowth of new vessels was seen in the bridging area and movement of smooth muscle cells was found under newly formed mucosa.
Tenacity: The American Pursuit of Corporate Responsibility
Authors: Goodpaster Kenneth E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article attempts to answer the question, “What are the most important ideas from serving as Executive Editor of the five‐year history project that culminated in the book, Corporate Responsibility: The American Experience?” The ideas focus on (1) clarifying the phenomenon of tenacity; (2) looking at three foundations of our tenacity; and (3) asking “How fragile is our tenacity?” This article also presents three foundational principles that underlie the American experience of corporate responsibility. First, the Checks & Balances Principle tells us that there are checks and balances in democratic capitalism which give us confidence that the pursuit of economic goals will be moderated for the common good. Second, the Moral Projection Principle shows that there is good reason to consider the corporation not only as a legal person under corporate law but also as a moral person. And, last, the Moral Common Ground Principle reflects that there are shared moral values ascertainable by well‐developed consciences in individuals and in corporations. The article concludes with this argument: The tenacity regarding corporate responsibility that has been so characteristic of American capitalism is fragile—calling for serious vigilance if it is to endure.
Intervention: Critical physical geography
Authors: Lave Rebecca , Wilson Matthew W. , Barron Elizabeth S. , Biermann Christine , Carey Mark A. , Duvall Chris S. , Johnson Leigh , Lane K. Maria , McClintock Nathan , Munroe Darla , Pain Rachel , Proctor James , Rhoads Bruce L. , Robertson Morgan M. , Rossi Jairus , Sayre Nathan F. , Simon Gregory , Tadaki Marc , Van Dyke Christopher 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA recent opinion piece rekindled debate as to whether geography's current interdisciplinary make‐up is a historical relic or an actual and potential source of intellectual vitality. Taking the latter position, we argue here for the benefits of sustained integration of physical and critical human geography. For reasons both political and pragmatic, we term this area of intermingled research and practice critical physical geography (CPG). CPG combines critical attention to power relations with deep knowledge of biophysical science or technology in the service of social and environmental transformation. We argue that whether practiced by individuals or teams, CPG research can improve the intellectual quality and expand the political relevance of both physical and critical human geography because it is increasingly impractical to separate analysis of natural and social systems: socio‐biophysical landscapes are as much the product of unequal power relations, histories of colonialism, and racial and gender disparities as they are of hydrology, ecology, and climate change. Here, we review existing CPG work; discuss the primary benefits of critically engaged integrative research, teaching, and practice; and offer our collective thoughts on how to make CPG work.
The embeddedness of bank branch networks in immigrant gateways
Authors: Li Wei , Lo Lucia , Oberle Alex 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEmploying the concepts of embeddedness and ethnic assets, and using a mixed methods approach of in‐depth interviews and the mapping of spatial data, this article examines the role of branches of various types of banks in immigrant integration in Vancouver and San Francisco. We find that the mainstream banking sector is less territorially embedded and the ethnic banking sector is more socially embedded, especially in the deployment of ethnic assets. Many banks actively pursue business opportunities by designing products and services that cater to the needs of immigrants of high socioeconomic status. Few are active in engaging unbanked and under‐banked immigrants. Banks in Vancouver are more proactive in reaching out to their immigrant clientele, but those in San Francisco have begun to reach out to immigrants of lower socio‐economic status. Such findings suggest policy implications for differential embeddedness and the utility of ethnic assets as a conceptual notion in financial geography and immigration studies.
Toward cumulative effects assessment and management in the Athabasca watershed, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Noble Bram F. , Skwaruk Jesse S. , Patrick Robert J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article examines watershed cumulative effects assessment and management (CEAM) in the Athabasca watershed, Alberta, Canada. Using a focus group and semi‐structured interviews with 30 key informants from government, industry, NGOs, and First Nations, watershed CEAM was examined based on eight requisites to support CEAM: the presence of a lead agency; enabling legislation; financial and human resources; data management and coordination; multi‐scaled monitoring; CEAM baselines, indicators, and thresholds; multi‐stakeholder collaboration; and vertical and horizontal linkages. Results show that while there was broad agreement amongst participants concerning the necessity for these requisites, there was also considerable uncertainty respecting these requisite performances in this watershed. Several contributing factors may help explain this uncertainty. Participants noted a lack of willingness to share data to support CEAM, especially spatial data, as well as a lack of confidence in the integrity of water monitoring data. An absence of coordination and leadership for watershed CEAM has contributed to financial, human, and technical capacity limitations as well as power asymmetries respecting multi‐stakeholder engagement. Our results suggest that notwithstanding investment in cumulative effects science and monitoring in the Athabasca, advancing watershed CEAM requires much greater attention to the institutional requisites to implement and sustain CEAM programs.
The Effects of Exenatide Microsphere on Serum BGP and ALP Levels in ZDF Rats after Implantation
Authors: Zhou Wenjuan , Liu Zhonghao , Yao Jie , Chi Fei , Dong Kai , Yue Xilong , Teng Teng , Rausch Xiaohui 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this project is to investigate the impact of diabetes mellitus and different glycemic control times on early osseointegration of dental implants by expression and significance of serum bone Gla protein (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats after implantation.Materials and MethodsThe animals were divided into three groups, each group with 11 rats and each rat with two dental implants (33 rats and 66 implants in total): group A, diabetic rats with dental implants (controls); group B, diabetic rats treated with insulin and implants placed simultaneously; and group C, diabetic rats treated with insulin until serum glucose at a constant level and then implants be placed. Levels of BGP and ALP in the serum were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in each group. The software program SPSS (version 17.0 for Windows) was used to analyze all data; p < .05 was set as the level of statistical significance.ResultsAt the 7th day, serum levels of BGP in group B and C were lower than that in group A (p > 0.05). At the 14th day, serum levels of BGP in group C were significantly higher (p < 0.05). After 30 days, compared with group A, the serum levels of BGP in group B and C seems to be lower. Compared with group A, the serum levels of ALP in group B and C were significantly higher, whereas the serum levels of ALP in group C seems to be higher than B (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present results suggest that injection of delayed release microsphere of exenatide on ZDF rats can release exenatide at a steady rate and the blood glucose can be controlled at a constant level. Implant survival rates could be enhanced in DM subjects when blood plasma glucose level is under control; the serum levels of BGP in this study seems to have no relationship with local osseointegration, whereas the serum levels of ALP might offer insights into the activity of osseointegration around the implant surface.
The Effect of Implant Angulation on the Transfer Accuracy of External‐Connection Implants
Authors: Alikhasi Marzieh , Siadat Hakimeh , Rahimian Susan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundAccurate recording of implant location is required in every implant‐supported prostheses. Implant angulation, which is inevitable in various clinical situations, could affect the impression accuracy.PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the transfer accuracy of straight and tilted implants of All‐on‐4 protocol with implant or abutment level impression making and different techniques of direct and indirect.Materials and MethodsOne reference model of edentulous maxilla with four external connection implants (Brånemark) inserted according to All‐on‐4 protocol was made. Forty impressions of this model were made at implant (groups 1 and 2) or abutment (groups 3 and 4) levels with different techniques of direct or indirect, respectively. Impressions were poured with type IV dental stone. Coordinate measuring machine was used to record x, y, and z coordinates and also angular dislocation of implants. These measurements were compared with the equals calculated on the reference model. Data were analyzed with univariate analysis of variance and t‐test at α = 0.05.ResultsThe results showed that abutment level impression making (groups 3 and 4), either with direct or indirect technique, produced the same results for straight and tilted implants of Δr variable (p > .05), though in implant level groups (groups 1 and 2), it was statistically significant (p < .05). However, only implant level impression making with direct technique (group 1) had the same results of angular accuracy for straight and tilted implants.ConclusionImpression technique (direct or indirect) had significant effect on the impression accuracy of tilted implants, and direct technique produced less inaccuracy. Also, abutment level impressions showed more accuracy than implant level impressions.
Impact of left ventricular geometry on long‐term survival in elderly men and women
Authors: Selmeryd Jonas , Sundstedt Milena , Nilsson Göran , Henriksen Egil , Hedberg Pär 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBackgroundAdverse loading conditions and cardiac injury lead to remodelling of the heart into different patterns of left ventricular (LV) geometry. Geometry can be classified into LV hypertrophy (LVH), concentric remodelling (CR) or normal geometry (NG). The prognostic implications of the different geometric patterns have been extensively studied in middle‐aged subjects, but data are scarcer for elderly populations.MethodsFrom a community‐based random sample of 75‐year‐old men and women, subjects with normal LVEF were selected (n = 303). All‐cause and cardiovascular mortality was analysed by LV geometry with Cox regression (unadjusted and adjusted for sex, prevalent hypertension, smoking, diabetes and prevalent ischaemic heart disease). Median follow‐up time was 9·9 years.ResultsPrevalence of CR and LVH was 19% and 17%, respectively. Hazard ratios (HRs) for CR were 0·93 (95% CI 0·54–1·58) for all‐cause and 1·13 (0·48–2·65) for cardiovascular mortality. HRs for LVH were 2·01 (1·30–3·10) for all‐cause and 3·55 (1·89–6·67) for cardiovascular mortality. As non‐proportionality was present in the form of an increasing hazard for LVH, we partitioned the follow‐up time at the median event time (approximately 7 years) and performed Cox regression separately within each time period. HRs for LVH during the first period were 1·23 (0·63–2·42) for all‐cause and 1·79 (0·69–4·65) for cardiovascular mortality, while HRs for the second period were 3·06 (1·73–5·41) for all‐cause and 6·60 (2·82–15·39) for cardiovascular mortality.ConclusionIn this community‐based sample of 75‐year‐old men and women with normal LVEF, LVH was associated with an adverse prognosis during long‐term follow‐up, whereas CR was not.
Outcome of tonsillectomy for recurrent IgA nephropathy after kidney transplantation
Authors: Koshino Katsuhiro , Ushigome Hidetaka , Sakai Kazuki , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Nobori Syuji , Okajima Hideaki , Masuzawa Naoko , Yoshimura Norio 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSince 2007, we have performed tonsillectomies for patients with recurrent immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) after kidney transplantation. Seven patients with primary IgAN showed biopsy‐proven recurrent IgAN after living‐donor kidney transplantation. They had persistent proteinuria or hematuria for an average of 40.3 months, and tonsillectomy was performed, on average, 75.6 months after kidney transplantation. In six patients with observation periods of more than one yr, good remission of urinary findings was observed after tonsillectomy. We classified the seven patients into three types of renal injury based on histological findings: severe, moderate, and mild. Two patients classified with severe renal injury at the time of tonsillectomy had other problems, such as refractory hypertension and bilateral sinusitis. They followed a rapidly progressive clinical course. One case already had moderate histological renal injury. He demonstrated prompt amelioration of urinary findings after tonsillectomy but immediate deviation from remission of proteinuria and hematuria. In the four cases presenting mild renal injury at tonsillectomy, the improved urinary findings and serum creatinine value after tonsillectomy have persisted. In conclusion, tonsillectomy may be a favorable treatment for cases of mild‐grade IgAN. However, other treatments such as antihypertensive agents and diet therapy may be necessary in other grades.
Desensitization for prevention of chronic antibody‐mediated rejection after kidney transplantation
Authors: Tanabe Kazunari , Inui Masashi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractChronic antibody‐mediated rejection (C‐AMR) is the most important and leading cause of graft loss after kidney transplantation. Although it is well known that chronic renal allograft dysfunction or failure is caused by various immunological or non‐immunological factors, donor‐specific anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies (DSAs) are considered to be the most detrimental to graft survival and could cause C‐AMR. Despite the use of intensive treatment for C‐AMR, outcomes have not always been promising. Recently, prevention, rather than treatment, of C‐AMR has been attempted, and this approach appears to be a more effective option for reducing the incidence of C‐AMR and, ultimately, improving long‐term survival. To prevent C‐AMR, removal of antibodies, inactivation of antibodies, and prevention of antibody production after kidney transplantation are essential. Preconditioning treatment including plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab injection seems the most effective of current desensitization protocols. In this minireview, we will focus on the prevention of C‐AMR through desensitization and improving long‐term graft survival.