bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: New proposal for the serum ascites albumin gradient cut-off value in Chinese ascitic patients
Authors: Jiang Cai-feng , Shi Bin , Shi Jian , Yuan Zong-li , Xie Wei-fen 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) has been recognized as a reliable marker in the differential diagnosis of ascites. The etiological background of cirrhosis is rather different between western countries and eastern countries. The threshold of SAAG in Chinese ascitic patients has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to define a new reasonable threshold of SAAG in Chinese ascitic patients.

Methods
Adult patients with ascites admitted to the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from Jan 2004 to Jun 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic criteria for cirrhotic ascites are clinical manifestations, radiological features and esophageal-gastric varicosis, or histopathology. Serum was detected by chemical method using a commercial kit. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to achieve maximal sensitivity and specificity of SAAG.

Results
The mean value of SAAG in portal-hypertension-related ascites was significantly higher than that in the non-portal-hypertension-related ascites (21.15 ± 4.38 g/L vs 7.48 ± 3.64 g/L, P = 0.002). The SAAG cut-off value under 12.50 g/L predicted portal hypertension ascites with the sensitivity of 99.20%, specificity of 95.10% and accuracy of 97.65%.

Conclusions
SAAG is useful to distinguish portal-hypertension-related ascites and non-portal-hypertension-related ascites, and 12.50 g/L might present as a more reasonable threshold in Chinese ascitic patients.

Virtual slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1602582638991860
Barriers and facilitators to implement shared decision making in multidisciplinary sciatica care: a qualitative study
Authors: Hofstede Stefanie N , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J , Wentink Manon M , Stiggelbout Anne M , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen LA , Vliet Vlieland Thea PM , van Bodegom-Vos Leti ,   for the DISC study group
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The Dutch multidisciplinary sciatica guideline recommends that the team of professionals involved in sciatica care and the patient together decide on surgical or prolonged conservative treatment (shared decision making [SDM]). Despite this recommendation, SDM is not yet integrated in sciatica care. Existing literature concerning barriers and facilitators to SDM implementation mainly focuses on one discipline only, whereas multidisciplinary care may involve other barriers and facilitators, or make these more complex for both professionals and patients. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to identify barriers and facilitators perceived by patients and professionals for SDM implementation in multidisciplinary sciatica care.

Methods
We conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in sciatica care (general practitioners, physical therapists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic surgeons) and three focus groups among patients (six to eight per group). The interviews and focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed in full. Reported barriers and facilitators were classified according to the framework of Grol and Wensing. The software package Atlas.ti 7.0 was used for analysis.

Results
Professionals reported 53 barriers and 5 facilitators, and patients 35 barriers and 18 facilitators for SDM in sciatica care. Professionals perceived most barriers at the level of the organizational context, and facilitators at the level of the individual professional. Patients reported most barriers and facilitators at the level of the individual professional. Several barriers and facilitators correspond with barriers and facilitators found in the literature (e.g., lack of time, motivation) but also new barriers and facilitators were identified. Many of these new barriers mentioned by both professionals and patients were related to the multidisciplinary setting, such as lack of visibility, lack of trust in expertise of other disciplines, and lack of communication between disciplines.

Conclusions
This study identified barriers and facilitators for SDM in the multidisciplinary sciatica setting, by both professionals and patients. It is clear that more barriers than facilitators are perceived for implementation of SDM in sciatica care. Newly identified barriers and facilitators are related to the multidisciplinary care setting. Therefore, an effective implementation strategy of SDM in a multidisciplinary setting such as in sciatica care should focus on these barriers and facilitators.
Chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis 1: a 10-year institutional review
Authors: Zehou Ouidad , Fabre Elizabeth , Zelek Laurent , Sbidian Emilie , Ortonne Nicolas , Banu Eugeniu , Wolkenstein Pierre , Valeyrie-Allanore Laurence 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is the most common autosomal dominant disorder, with an incidence of 1 in 2,500-3,300 live births. NF1 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality because of complications, especially malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which mainly develop during adulthood. We evaluated our experience with management of NF1 with MPNSTs by standard chemotherapy with anthracycline and/or ifosfamide in terms of time to treatment failure and overall survival.

Methods
We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with NF1 and a diagnosis of MPNSTs between 1993 and 2003 in our referral center for NF1. Prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate analysis.

Results
We evaluated data for 21 patients with grade 1 (n=1), grade 2 (n=8) and grade 3 (n=12) MPNST; 16 presented localized disease and underwent surgery: margins for 6 were tumor-free (including 3 patients with amputation), 2 showed microscopic residual disease and 8 showed macroscopic residual disease. All patients received chemotherapy and 9 radiotherapy. Median time to treatment failure and overall survival were 7.8 and 17 months, respectively. Two patients were still alive at 138 and 167 months. We found no significant relationship between type of chemotherapy and time to treatment failure or overall survival.

Conclusions
MPNSTs are highly aggressive in NF1. Conventional chemotherapy does not seem to reduce mortality, and its role must be questioned. Recent advances in the molecular biology of MPNSTs may provide new prognostic factors and targeted therapies.
Recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis in a 16-year-old boy in the course of primary antiphospholipid syndrome despite treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin: a case report
Authors: Biernacka-Zielinska Malgorzata , Lipinska Joanna , Szymanska-Kaluza Joanna , Stanczyk Jerzy , Smolewska Elzbieta 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. It can be a primary disease or secondary when associated with other autoimmune diseases.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 16-year-old Caucasian boy with a massive arterial and venous thrombosis in his lower limbs as well as in his central nervous system with clinical symptoms such as headaches and chorea. He did not present any clinical or laboratory signs of a systemic inflammatory connective tissue disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus. Based on the clinical picture and results of the diagnostic tests (positive antibodies against β2-glycoprotein and a high titre of anticardiolipin antibodies) we finally diagnosed primary antiphospholipid syndrome. During a 9-month follow up after the acute phase of the disease, he was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Neurological symptoms were relieved. Features of recanalization in the vessels of his lower limbs were observed. After a subsequent 6 months, because of the failure of preventive treatment – an incident of thrombosis of the vessels of his testis – treatment was modified and heparin was replaced with warfarin.

Conclusion
Although the preventive treatment with warfarin in our patient has continued for 1 year of follow up without new symptoms, further observation is needed.
Efficacy of an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against fleas, ticks and tick-borne pathogens in dogs
Authors: Dantas-Torres Filipe , Capelli Gioia , Giannelli Alessio , Ramos Rafael Antonio Nascimento , Lia Riccardo Paolo , Cantacessi Cinzia , de Caprariis Donato , De Tommasi Anna Sara , Latrofa Maria Stefania , Lacasella Vita , Tarallo Viviana Domenica , Di Paola Giancarlo , Qurollo Barbara , Breitschwerdt Edward , Stanneck Dorothee , Otranto Domenico 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTick-borne diseases comprise a group of maladies that are of substantial medical and veterinary significance. A range of tick-borne pathogens, including diverse species of bacteria and protozoa, can infect both dogs and humans. Hence, the control of tick infestations is pivotal to decrease or prevent tick-borne pathogen transmission. Therefore, different commercial products with insecticidal, repellent or both properties have been developed for use on dogs. Recently, a collar containing a combination of imidacloprid 10% and flumethrin 4.5% has proven effective to prevent tick and flea infestations in dogs under field conditions and the infection by some vector-borne pathogens they transmit under laboratory-controlled conditions.MethodsFrom March 2011 to April 2012, a field study was conducted in a private shelter in southern Italy to assess the efficacy of the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against tick and flea infestations and to determine if this strategy would decrease tick-borne pathogen transmission in young dogs. A total of 122 animals were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to group A (n = 64; collared) or group B (n = 58; untreated controls). Dogs were examined monthly for ticks and fleas and systematically tested for selected tick-borne pathogens.ResultsCompared to controls, the collar provided overall efficacies of 99.7% and 100% against tick and flea infestation, respectively. The overall efficacy for the prevention of tick-borne pathogens (i.e.,Anaplasma platysandBabesia vogeli) was 91.6%.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar is efficacious against flea and tick infestation as well as tick-borne pathogen transmission to dogs under field conditions.
Role of 5-aminolevulinic acid in the salinity stress response of the seeds and seedlings of the medicinal plant Cassia obtusifolia L.
Authors: Zhang Chun-Ping , Li Yi-Cun , Yuan Feng-Gang , Hu Shi-Jun , Liu Hai-Ying , He Ping 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Soil salinity, one of the major abiotic stresses affecting germination, crop growth, and productivity, is a common adverse environmental factor. The possibility of enhancing the salinity stress tolerance of Cassia obtusifolia L. seeds and seedlings by the exogenous application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was investigated.

Result
To improve the salinity tolerance of seeds, ALA was applied in various concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/L). To improve the salinity tolerance of seedlings, ALA was applied in various concentrations (10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L). After 10 mg/L ALA treatment, physiological indices of seed germination (i.e., germination vigor, germination rate, germination index, and vigor index) significantly improved. At 25 mg/L ALA, there was a significant protection against salinity stress compared with non-ALA-treated seedlings. Chlorophyll content, total soluble sugars, free proline, and soluble protein contents were significantly enhanced. Increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species and membrane permeability levels were also inhibited with the ALA treatment. With the treatments of ALA, the levels of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, i.e., the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F
v
/F
m), photochemical efficiency (F
v'/F
m'), PSII actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), and photochemical quench coefficient (qP), all significantly increased. In contrast, the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) decreased. ALA treatment also enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase in seedling leaves. The highest salinity tolerance was obtained at 25 mg/L ALA treatment.

Conclusion
The plant growth regulator ALA could be effectively used to protect C. obtusifolia seeds and seedlings from the damaging effects of salinity stress without adversely affecting plant growth.
Post-stroke depression and the aging brain
Authors: Cojocaru Gabriel R , Popa-Wagner Aurel , Stanciulescu Elena C , Babadan Loredana , Buga Ana-Maria 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Ageing is associated with changes in the function of various organ systems. Changes in the cardiovascular system affect both directly and indirectly the function in a variety of organs, including the brain, with consequent neurological (motor and sensory performance) and cognitive impairments, as well as leading to the development of various psychiatric diseases. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is among the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequences of cerebral ischemia. This review discusses several animal models used for the study of PSD and summarizes recent findings in the genomic profile of the ageing brain, which are associated with age-related disorders in the elderly. Since stroke and depression are diseases with increased incidence in the elderly, great clinical benefit may especially accrue from deciphering and targeting basic mechanisms underlying PSD. Finally, we discuss the relationship between ageing, circadian rhythmicity and PSD.
Daily physical activity in ankylosing spondylitis: validity and reliability of the IPAQ and SQUASH and the relation with clinical assessments
Authors: Arends Suzanne , Hofman Marianne , Kamsma Yvo PT , der Veer Eveline van , Houtman Pieternella M , Kallenberg Cees GM , Spoorenberg Anneke , Brouwer Elisabeth 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to investigate the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; long form) and the Short QUestionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) and to investigate the relation between daily physical activity and clinical assessments in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods
For validity, the self-report questionnaires IPAQ and SQUASH were compared with daily physical activity assessed with the ActiGraph accelerometer during 7 consecutive days in 63 AS outpatients. For reliability, the IPAQ and SQUASH were administered twice approximately 1 week apart in 52 AS outpatients. In all 115 patients, clinical assessments were performed at the outpatient clinic.

Results
IPAQ and SQUASH total scores correlated significantly with accelerometer outcome: ρ = 0.38 and r = 0.35, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients between first and second assessments of the IPAQ and SQUASH were 0.83 and 0.89, respectively. Bland-Altman analyses showed no systemic bias, but in particular for the IPAQ the 95% limits of agreement were wide. Daily physical activity assessed by accelerometer, IPAQ, and SQUASH correlated significantly with disease activity, physical activity, and quality of life. A relation with spinal mobility was found only for the accelerometer and SQUASH. The direction of these correlations indicates that higher daily physical activity is related to lower disease activity and better physical function, spinal mobility and quality of life.

Conclusions
Both physical activity questionnaires showed modest construct validity. The SQUASH showed good test-retest reliability, superior to the IPAQ. These results indicate that the SQUASH is more suitable than the IPAQ to assess daily physical activity in AS population studies. However, it is desirable to add questions on AS-specific physical activity. Further studies are needed to investigate the causality of the relation between daily physical activity and clinical assessments.
Sustained-input switches for transcription factors and microRNAs are central building blocks of eukaryotic gene circuits
Authors: Megraw Molly , Mukherjee Sayan , Ohler Uwe 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWaRSwap is a randomization algorithm that for the first time provides a practical network motif discovery method for large multi-layer networks, for example those that include transcription factors, microRNAs, and non-regulatory protein coding genes. The algorithm is applicable to systems with tens of thousands of genes, while accounting for critical aspects of biological networks, including self-loops, large hubs, and target rearrangements. We validate WaRSwap on a newly inferred regulatory network from Arabidopsis thaliana, and compare outcomes on published Drosophila and human networks. Specifically, sustained input switches are among the few over-represented circuits across this diverse set of eukaryotes.
BreakTrans: uncovering the genomic architecture of gene fusions
Authors: Chen Ken , Navin Nicholas E , Wang Yong , Schmidt Heather K , Wallis John W , Niu Beifang , Fan Xian , Zhao Hao , McLellan Michael D , Hoadley Katherine A , Mardis Elaine R , Ley Timothy J , Perou Charles M , Wilson Richard K , Ding Li 
Published: August 2013

AbstractProducing gene fusions through genomic structural rearrangements is a major mechanism for tumor evolution. Therefore, accurately detecting gene fusions and the originating rearrangements is of great importance for personalized cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy. We present a tool, BreakTrans, that systematically maps predicted gene fusions to structural rearrangements. Thus, BreakTrans not only validates both types of predictions, but also provides mechanistic interpretations. BreakTrans effectively validates known fusions and discovers novel events in a breast cancer cell line. Applying BreakTrans to 43 breast cancer samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas identifies 90 genomically validated gene fusions. BreakTrans is available at http://bioinformatics.mdanderson.org/main/BreakTrans
Pattern recognition analysis of anterior cingulate cortex blood flow to classify depression polarity
Authors: Almeida J. R. C. , Mourao-Miranda J. , Aizenstein H. J. , Versace A. , Kozel F. A. , Lu H. , Marquand A. , LaBarbara E. J. , Brammer M. , Trivedi M. , Kupfer D. J. , Phillips M. L. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryDifferentiating bipolar from recurrent unipolar depression is a major clinical challenge. In 18 healthy females and 36 females in a depressive episode – 18 with bipolar disorder type I, 18 with recurrent unipolar depression – we applied pattern recognition analysis using subdivisions of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) blood flow at rest, measured with arterial spin labelling. Subgenual ACC blood flow classified unipolarv. bipolar depression with 81% accuracy (83% sensitivity, 78% specificity).
Pre-school hyperactivity/attention problems and educational outcomes in adolescence: prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Washbrook Elizabeth , Propper Carol , Sayal Kapil 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundHigh levels of attentional and hyperactivity problems in school-aged children, even if subthreshold for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are associated with academic under-achievement. Few large-scale, community-based studies have investigated the relationship between pre-school and adolescence.AimsTo investigate whether pre-school hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems are independently associated with academic outcomes at age 16.MethodData from the prospective, population-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were used. After adjusting for a broad range of confounder variables, the associations between parent-rated hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems measured at age 3 and academic outcomes at age 16 (national General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination results) were investigated (n = 11640).ResultsBoth early hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems had negative effects on academic outcomes. In adjusted analyses, abnormal hyperactivity/inattention scores were associated with reductions of ten GCSE points in boys. Borderline and abnormal conduct problem scores were associated with reductions of 9–10 and 12–15 points respectively.ConclusionsPre-school hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems carry risk of worse academic outcomes at 16.
Avoiding and Nonexpressing: Coping Styles of Patients With Paragangliomas
Authors: van Hulsteijn L. T. , Kaptein A. A. , Louisse A. , Smit J. W. A. , Corssmit E. P. M. 
Published: August 2013

Context:
Paraganglioma (PGL) patients and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene mutation carriers at risk for PGLs have a decreased quality of life (QoL). QoL may be affected by the strategy an individual uses when dealing with a stressful situation, ie, specific coping styles. Understanding the various approaches to coping may allow the development of targeted interventions to improve patient QoL.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to assess coping styles in PGL patients and SDH mutation carriers.

Design:
This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting:
The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.

Patients and Methods:
Coping styles were assessed using the Utrecht Coping List. The results from the study cohort were compared with a control group and data derived from the literature. Potential differences in coping styles between the various SDH mutation carriers and PGL patients without an SDH mutation were explored.

Results:
Of the 174 patients who responded, 122 were SDHD, 25 SDHB, and 2 SDHC mutation carriers. An additional 25 patients lacked an SDH mutation. They recruited 100 peers as controls. Compared with the general population, the study cohort was more avoidant of problems (P &lt; .001) and reported less expression of emotion (P &lt; .01). Compared with patients with other conditions, they sought more social support (P &lt; .001). There were no significant differences in coping styles between the various categories of mutation carriers or PGL patients lacking a mutation.

Conclusions:
Coping styles of PGL patients and SDH mutation carriers differ from those of control and reference groups and include an avoidant coping style and a lack of emotional expression.
Nanometric Colloidal Sols of CeO2–ZrO2 Solid Solution as Catalyst Modifiers. II. TWC Performance
Authors: Tanimoto Kenji , Kato Hirokazu , Takeshita Shoya , Hidaka Miyuki , Hinokuma Satoshi , Machida Masato 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A stable colloidal sol consisting of CeO2–ZrO2 solid solution (CZ) was studied as an efficient modifier for supported Rh catalysts. After coating CZ sol onto Al2O3 by simple impregnation, the catalytic activity for CO–NO–C3H6–O2 reaction increased to a different extent depending on an air-to-fuel weight ratio (A/F). A significant effect on the activity arises largely from water-gas shift reaction and C3H6 steam-reforming in a rich region (A/F &lt; 14.6), and promoted C3H6–O2 reaction in a lean region (A/F &gt; 14.6). Moreover, CZ coating yielded an oxygen storage capacity (OSC), the effect of which could be highlighted in the catalytic reaction under a dynamic lean–rich perturbation.