bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Could Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness by Echocardiography Be Correlated with Acute Coronary Syndrome Risk Scores
Authors: Altun Burak , Colkesen Yucel , Gazi Emine , Tasolar Hakan , Temiz Ahmet , Simsek Hicran Yildiz , Barutcu Ahmet , Gungor Omer , Kirilmaz Bahadir , Ceyhan Koksal 
Published: July 2013

AimThe aim of our study was, echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness could show the severity and the prognosis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).Methods and ResultsSixty‐five ACS patients (mean age 57.4 ± 12.2 years) who underwent coronary angiography were studied. EAT thickness on the free wall of right ventricle was measured at end‐diastole from the parasternal long‐axis views of 3 cardiac cycles. SYNTAX and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scoring considered for severity and the prognosis of ACS. The mean value of the EAT thickness were 5.5 ± 0.5 mm (range 1–12 mm). EAT thickness had a positive correlation with high sensitive troponin T (r = 0.712, P < 0.001) and body mass index (r = 0.522, P < 0.001.) EAT thickness was significantly correlated patients with high SYNTAX score (r = 0.690, P < 0.001), but not correlated with GRACE score (r = 0.224, P = 0.072).ConclusionEpicardial adipose tissue thickness was correlated with angiographic severity of ACS, but not correlated with clinical prognosis risk score.
Response of an old‐growth tropical rainforest to transient high temperature and drought
Authors: Silva Carlos E. , Kellner James R. , Clark David B. , Clark Deborah A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTropical rainforests have experienced episodes of severe heat and drought in recent decades, and climate models project a warmer and potentially drier tropical climate over this century. However, likely responses of tropical rainforests are poorly understood due to a lack of frequent long‐term measurements of forest structure and dynamics. We analyzed a 12‐year record (1999–2010) of 47 817 annual measurements of canopy height to characterize the response of an old‐growth Neotropical rainforest to the severe heat and drought associated with the 1997–1998 El Niño. Well‐drained soils on slopes and plateaus experienced a threefold increase in the fraction of the landscape in gaps (≤2 m) and a reduction in the fraction in high canopy (>15 m) causing distributions of canopy height to depart from equilibrium for a period of 2–3 years. In contrast, forests on low‐lying alluvial terraces remained in equilibrium and were nearly half as likely to experience upper canopy (>15 m) disturbance over the 12 years of observation. Variation in forest response across topographic positions suggests that tropical rainforests are more sensitive to moisture deficits than high temperature and that topography likely structures landscape‐level variation in the severity of drought impacts.
Accelerating type‐specific ovarian carcinoma research: Calculator for Ovarian Subtype Prediction (COSP) is a reliable high‐throughput tool for case review
Authors: Kommoss Stefan , Gilks Cyril Blake , Kommoss Friedrich , Chow Christine , Hilpert Felix , du Bois Andreas , Köbel Martin , Huntsman David G , Anglesio Michael , Kalloger Steve E , Pfisterer Jacobus 
Published: July 2013

AimsThe recent recognition that ovarian carcinoma is composed of five distinct disease entities has served to increase the value of accurate histotyping. Reliable identification of histotypes is essential for the success of studies testing novel therapies, as well as for biomarker discovery research. The aim of this study was to examine the utility of a nine‐marker immunohistochemical (IHC) panel, designated the Calculator for Ovarian Subtype Prediction (COSP), to reliably reproduce the consensus diagnosis of two expert gynaecological pathologists.Methods and resultsA total of 423 cases from the AGO‐OVAR11 trial were evaluated using the COSP IHC panel, and compared to original diagnoses from >100 local contributing pathologists and independent expert gynaecopathology review. The overall concordance between COSP and expert review was 89%; in cases where a local pathologist's diagnosis was confirmed by COSP, the expert gynaecopathologist also agreed in 97.5% of cases.ConclusionsThe incorporation of COSP into a high‐throughput diagnostic review algorithm will decrease the need for expert review by identifying a small number of difficult cases that truly require expert review. This modification will serve to increase the efficiency of the diagnostic review process, which will probably serve to reduce operational costs and expedite translational studies on ovarian carcinoma.
Protein expression and methylation of DNA repair genes hMLH1, hMSH2, MGMT and BRCA1 and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in basal‐like breast cancer
Authors: Alkam Yimit , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Nakai Katsuya , Himuro Takanori , Saito Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Michiko , Arakawa Atsushi , Yao Takashi , Saito Mitsue 
Published: July 2013

AimsBasal‐like breast cancer (BLBC) is characterized by aggressive behaviour; its genesis is the perturbation of DNA repair as a consequence of BRCA1 methylation or mutation. We comparatively evaluated alterations of DNA repair proteins and p53 between BLBC and non‐BLBC cases.Methods and resultsTumour sections from 104 BLBC and 89 non‐BLBC patients were immunostained for hMLH1, hMSH2, MGMT, BRCA1 and p53. Methylation status of DNA repair genes was analysed by methylation‐specific PCR, and p53 mutation was examined by direct sequencing. Immunoreactive levels of hMLH1 and MGMT were lower in BLBC, whereas the levels of hMSH2 and p53 were higher, compared to non‐BLBC (P ≤ 0.014). Reduced expression of hMLH1 [hazard ratio (HR) 5.26, P = 0.001] and preserved expression of MGMT (HR 2.58, P = 0.039) proved to be independent predictors of poor survival in BLBC patients. DNA repair genes were methylated in approximately 20–40% of BLBCs without a significant relationship between their methylation and p53 mutation. BRCA1 methylation was associated with the loss of its protein expression (P = 0.004). MGMT methylation was linked to larger tumour size (P < 0.001).ConclusionsPerturbations of the DNA repair system might be different between BLBC and non‐BLBC. Alterations of hMLH1 and MGMT appear important for tumour progression and survival in BLBC patients.
Fibre post adaptation and bond strength in oval canals
Authors: Scotti N. , Forniglia A. , Bergantin E. , Paolino D. S. , Pasqualini D. , Berutti E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate ex vivo the bond strength and adaptation of fibre posts with oval and circular cross sections luted in oval canals with post spaces prepared using dedicated drills or ultrasonic tips.MethodologyForty extracted premolars with oval canals were root filled, then randomly divided into four groups according to the post space preparation device and the shape of the luted fibre post: dedicated drill + round post, dedicated drill + oval post, ultrasonic tip + round post and ultrasonic tip + oval post. Posts were cemented with a self‐adhesive cement (RelyX Unicem 2; 3M ESPE). Samples were sectioned in 1‐mm‐thick slices and observed under a microscope, and the area occupied by the post within the post space area was calculated. Bond strength was then measured using a push‐out test, and the failure modes were evaluated with a stereomicroscope at 40× magnification. Fibre post adaptation and push‐out test results were evaluated by analysis of variance (P < 0.05).ResultsFibre posts, both round and oval, were better adapted to the apical region of the post space (P = 0.001). In oval canals, the bond strength was significantly higher in coronal regions, when the post space was prepared with a dedicated drill and an oval post was luted (P < 0.0001). Adhesive failures between cement and post were the most frequent type of failure in all groups.ConclusionsCircular and oval posts achieved similar adaptation to oval canals, but the use of ultrasonic tips and round posts resulted in reduced bond strength values.
Partial and radical nephrectomy provide comparable long‐term cancer control for T1b renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Meskawi Malek , Becker Andreas , Bianchi Marco , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Roghmann Florian , Tian Zhe , Graefen Markus , Perrotte Paul , Karakiewicz Pierre I , Sun Maxine 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesTo examine utilization rates of partial nephrectomy relative to radical nephrectomy for T1b renal cell carcinoma in contemporary years, to identify sociodemographic and disease characteristics associated with partial nephrectomy use, and to compare effectiveness of partial versus radical nephrectomy with respect to cancer control.MethodsUsing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, 16 333 patients treated with partial or radical nephrectomy for T1bN0M0 renal cell carcinoma between 1988 and 2008 were identified. Logistic regression models were carried out to identify determinants of partial nephrectomy. Subsequently, cumulative incidence rates of cancer‐specific and other‐cause mortality between partial and radical nephrectomy were assessed, within the matched cohort. Furthermore, competing‐risks regression analyses were used for prediction of cancer‐specific mortality, after adjusting for other‐cause mortality, and vice versa.ResultsThe utilization rate of partial nephrectomy increased from 1.2% in 1988 to 15.9% in 2008 (P < 0.001). Younger individuals, smaller tumors, persons of black race, as well as men, were more likely to be treated with partial nephrectomy in the current cohort (all P ≤ 0.002). In the post‐propensity cohort, the 5‐ and 10‐year cancer‐specific mortality rates were 4.4 and 6.1% for partial versus 6.0 and 10.4% for radical nephrectomy, respectively (P = 0.03). Competing‐risks regression analyses showed that nephrectomy type was not statistically significantly associated with cancer‐specific mortality, even after adjusting for other‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.89, P = 0.5).ConclusionsDespite providing a comparable cancer control, the use of partial over radical nephrectomy for T1b renal cell carcinoma in USA has remained limited in recent years.
Discontinuation rates and inter‐injection interval for repeated intravesical botulinum toxin type A injections for detrusor overactivity
Authors: Veeratterapillay Rajan , Harding Chris , Teo Luke , Vasdev Nikhil , Abroaf Ahmed , Dorkin Trevor J , Pickard Robert S , Hasan Tahseen , Thorpe Andrew C 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo report discontinuation rates, inter‐injection interval and complication rates after repeated intravesical botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of detrusor overactivity.MethodPatients with urodyamically proven detrusor overactivity who had two or more botulinum toxin type A injections in the period 2004–2011 at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, were considered for the present study. Discontinuation rates, complication rates and interval between botulinum toxin type A treatments were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsOverall, 125 patients (median age 53 years, range 19–83 years) were included in the analysis. The female‐to‐male ratio was 2.4:1 and median follow up was 38 months. A total of 96 patients had idiopathic detrusor overactivity, whereas 29 had neurogenic detrusor overactivity. A total of 667 injections were carried out, with 125 patients receiving two injections, 60 receiving three injections, 28 receiving four injections, 14 receiving five injections, three receiving six injections, three receiving seven injections and two receiving eight injections. The mean interval (±standard deviation) between the first and second injection (n = 125) was 17.6 months (±10.4), between the second and third (n = 60) was 15.7 ± 7.4 months, between the third and fourth (n = 28) was 15.4 ± 8.6 months, and between the fourth and subsequent injections (n = 22) was 11.6 ± 4.5 months. A total of 26% required intermittent catheterization, and 18% developed recurrent urinary tract infections. There was a discontinuation rate of 25% at 60 months.ConclusionRepeated botulinum toxin type A injections represent a safe and effective method for managing patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity and neurogenic detrusor overactivity. We have shown that the inter‐injection interval remains unchanged up to five injections.
Mannitol has no impact on renal function after open partial nephrectomy in solitary kidneys
Authors: Omae Kenji , Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio , Iizuka Junpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMannitol has been administered during partial nephrectomy as a renal protective agent for ischemic damage. However, we do not have any high‐level clinical evidence of its effectiveness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of mannitol during open partial nephrectomy by comparing the postoperative renal function of patients who received it and those who did not. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 55 patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy for renal cancer in a solitary kidney from January 1990 to December 2012, and who were followed up postoperatively for at least 6 months. Of the 55 patients, mannitol was given to 20 patients (group M+) and not to the other 35 patients (group M−). We compared not only the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, but also its decrease rate and the incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis in the two groups. There were no significant differences in perioperative patient characteristics between the two groups. Mannitol made no significant difference in both the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate and its decrease rate at any point within 6 months of the postoperative period. The incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis was one (5.0%) in group M+ and two (5.7%) in group M−. These findings suggest that there might be no advantage from the administration of mannitol during open partial nephrectomy.
Toll‐like receptor 3 in viral pathogenesis: friend or foe?
Authors: Perales‐Linares Renzo , Navas‐Martin Sonia 
Published: July 2013

SummaryViral infections frequently induce acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, yet the contribution of the innate immune response to a detrimental host response remains poorly understood. In virus‐infected cells, double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is generated as an intermediate during viral replication. Cell necrosis (and the release of endogenous dsRNA) is a common event during both sterile and infectious inflammatory processes. The discovery of Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) as an interferon‐inducing dsRNA sensor led to the assumption that TLR3 was the master sentinel against viral infections. This simplistic view has been challenged by the discovery of at least three members of the DExd/H‐box helicase cytosolic sensors of dsRNA that share with TLR3 the Toll–interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR) ‐adapter molecule TIR domain‐containing adaptor protein interferon‐β (TRIF) for downstream type I interferon signalling. Data are conflicting on the role of TLR3 in protective immunity against viruses in the mouse model. Varying susceptibility to infection and disease outcomes have been reported in TLR3‐immunodeficient mice. Surprisingly, the susceptibility to develop herpes simplex virus‐1 encephalitis in humans with inborn defects of the TLR3 pathway varies, and TLR3‐deficient humans do not show increased susceptibility to other viral infections. Therefore, a current challenge is to understand the protective versus pathogenic contribution of TLR3 in viral infections. We review recent advances in the identification of TLR3‐signalling pathways, endogenous and virus‐induced negative regulators of the TLR3 cascade, and discuss the protective versus pathogenic role of TLR3 in viral pathogenesis.
Optimal business hours of the newsvendor problem for retailers
Authors: Hosseinipour Amirhossein , Sandoh Hiroaki 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper proposes a new model for the classical newsvendor problem (NVP), focusing on retailers to discuss an optimal number of business hours per day as well as an optimal stocking quantity. The proposed model assumes that customers’ residences are uniformly distributed over the Hotelling unit interval, and individual customers depart from their residences for the store at a finite velocity. Each individual customer can purchase a single product only if she arrives at the retailer's store during business hours and if there still remain products on her arrival. Under these circumstances, this study explores the existence of an optimal strategy for the retailer—an optimal stocking quantity along with an optimal number of business hours. Numerical examples are also provided to illustrate the theoretical underpinnings of the proposed model formulation.
The impact of organizational support and leader–member exchange on the work‐related behaviour of nursing professionals: the moderating effect of professional and organizational identification
Authors: Trybou Jeroen , Gemmel Paul , Pauwels Yarrid , Henninck Charlene , Clays Els 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to examine the relations between perceived organizational support, the quality of leader–member exchange, in‐role and extra‐role behaviour, professional identification and organizational identification among registered nurses and nurse assistants.BackgroundTheoretically, employees will reciprocate received beneficial treatment with positive attitudes and behaviour. Recently, it has been shown that this principle may be more complex than originally anticipated.DesignA quantitative, cross‐sectional survey design was used. The quality of social exchange and identification was scored by the involved registered nurses and nurse assistants; in‐role and extra‐role behaviour was rated by the head nurse.MethodsThe survey was administered to nurses and nurse assistants (n = 196) working in five Belgian nursing homes. Data were collected from February–March 2012. Pearson correlation analyses, t‐test analyses and hierarchical regression were used to analyse the data.ResultsOur results showed no relationship between perceived organizational support and leader–member exchange and in‐role behaviour. A positive relationship was found between perceived organizational support and extra‐role behaviour and a trend towards significance between leader–member exchange and extra‐role behaviour. Organizational and professional identification moderated the relationship between perceived organizational support and extra‐role behaviour.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the importance of social exchange to nurses and nurse assistants and therefore nursing administrators and leaders. When registered nurses and nurse assistants perceive high‐quality social exchange, they are more likely to go the extra mile on behalf of the organization. Fostering social identification could enhance this.
Development of a risk‐based framework to integrate flood insurance
Authors: Tariq M.A.U.R. , Hoes O.A.C. , Van de Giesen N.C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAn appropriate distribution of flood losses over time span may dampen the degree of disruption. Flood insurance is one of the effective ways in order to cope with the aftermaths of flood events. In the absence of an acceptable risk‐based assessment framework, flood insurance and its extensive benefits are not fully achieved yet. Consequently, flood insurance is trivially practiced worldwide. To ensure the integration of flood insurance into regular flood management practices, its acceptability by floodplain inhabitants is a prerequisite. Therefore, an admissible insurance rate is a vital factor for the acceptability of insurance policy. This article introduces a risk‐based methodology to calculate insurance rate. Normally, insurance rates are based on historic flood events or on a specific design flood. Expected annual damages distribution map (EADDM) is developed to assess spatial distribution of risk. Distribution of flood losses against a specific flood is compared with EADDM. The impacts of both approaches on insurance provider and insured are studied. Single flood approach ignores the impacts because of other floods. Therefore, insurance rates based on single flood are not justifiable. The proposed framework not only facilitates risk‐based insurance rate calculation but also endorse flood insurance acceptability.
Evaluation of flash flood severity in Korea using the modified flash flood index (MFFI)
Authors: Kim B‐S. , Kim H‐S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper was initially motivated by a flash flood index (FFI) study performed by Bhaskar et al. and others that explained flash floods using a runoff perspective by extracting a rising curve gradient, the flood magnitude ratio, and flood response time variables from runoff hydrograph. However, the runoff data are not sufficient to estimate a robust flood magnitude ratio in Korea. In addition, the existing model is not able to consider high rainfall intensity, which is an important flash flood characteristic in Korea. Flood magnitude ratio variables, thus, were replaced by rainfall intensity variables. Then, the results were compared with the existing FFI. The spatial distribution of the flood event in the Han River basin that occurred in July 2006 showed that a modified FFI, which reflects rainfall characteristics, outperformed in representing damaged (flash flood occurrence) areas in the past. Furthermore, the FFI for three different time windows (early, middle, and late periods) for the Han River basin during the localised intensive rainfall in July 2006 were analysed. Analysis of spatiotemporal distribution showed that sudden intensity was pronounced in the Seoul area during the first 10 days of July. During the second 10 days of July, a probable high‐intensity flash flood appeared in the Gangwon‐do area. Meanwhile, an onsite survey of the Gangwon‐do area showed that the actual occurrences of a high‐intensity flash flood were largely in agreement with the predictions made by the model.
Experiences of Grandmothers Caring for Orphan Grandchildren in Botswana
Authors: Shaibu Sheila 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the study was to identify the experiences of the grandparents who were taking care of orphan grandchildren in Botswana.DesignA descriptive qualitative design was used to interview 12 grandmothers 60 years and older in a semi‐urban village in Botswana. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe ages of the grandmothers interviewed ranged from 60 to 80 years, while the number of orphans under their care ranged from 1 to 9 years. The themes that emerged included context of caregiving, acceptance of the caregiver role, consequences of caregiving, social support, and coping strategies. Although they accepted the caregiving role and appreciated the government assistance, it was fraught with difficulties. They reported very limited or no support from the extended family, and their health concerns compromised their financial circumstances.ConclusionsAlthough the grandmothers accepted this role, it was described as difficult, and had profound consequences for them. Recommendations include comprehensive support for grandmothers and orphans that include psychological support and health promotion.Clinical RelevanceGrandparents are an important support system of orphans in Botswana since there are very few orphanages. In order to support grandparents in this role, community health nurses need to provide comprehensive health promotion for grandmothers caring for orphans that includes support groups and multidisciplinary care teams to ensure that the grandmothers’ health is not neglected. Nurse educators should also include care of grandmothers caring for orphans in their curricula.