bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of olfactory function for quality of life recovery
Authors: Katotomichelakis Michael , Simopoulos Efthimios , Tripsianis Gregory , Prokopakis Emmanuel , Danielides Gerasimos , Velegrakis Stelios George , Livaditis Miltos , Danielides Vassilios 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo explore quality of life (QoL) improvement after treatment of patients with chronic olfactory disorders; and to correlate QoL with olfactory rehabilitation and evaluate olfactory improvement values over which QoL outcomes are significantly recovered.Study DesignProspective clinical study.MethodsEighty‐nine patients following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis (AR) were studied. Olfactory function was evaluated using Sniffin' Sticks test pre‐and 12 months after treatment. All patients completed six validated QoL questionnaires either specific for olfaction (Questionnaire of Olfactory Deficits‐QOD) and for assessing mental health (Zung Anxiety Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Zung Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory), or generic one (Short Form‐36).ResultsSignificant improvement (all P < 0.001) of olfactory function by 27.4% in total cohort (AR: 10.4%, P = 0.004; CRS: 39.9%, P < 0.001), expressed by the combined Threshold‐Discrimination‐Identification (TDI) score‐and of all QoL questionnaires scores (all P < 0.01) as well, was observed after treatment. There was a positive correlation between olfactory recovery and improvement of patients' QoL. ROC analysis revealed that an increase in the TDI score by 3.50 points in AR and 4.75 points in CRS was necessary for a clinically significant improvement in all QoL questionnaires results.ConclusionsQoL and mental health of patients suffering from chronic sinonasal diseases are totally recovered after treatment, presenting a direct positive relationship with smell improvement. An increase of olfactory function by 3.50 points for AR and 4.75 points for CRS might be considered the cutoff point for patients' QoL significant recovery.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:E10–E16, 2013
Level IIB lymph node metastasis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gross Brian C. , Olsen Steven M. , Lewis Jean E. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Moore Eric J. , Olsen Kerry D. , Price Daniel L. 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the incidence of level IIB lymph node metastasis in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and to evaluate the necessity of level IIB dissection for elective and therapeutic neck dissections.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsPatients with OPSCC (N = 348) were surgically managed at our institution from 2004 through 2010. Neck dissection specimens were reviewed by a pathologist, and level IIB metastases were analyzed with respect to clinical and pathologic data.ResultsLevel IIB lymph node metastases were present in 2.5% and 25% of elective and therapeutic neck dissections, respectively. Level IIA metastasis, clinical tumor stage, clinical nodal stage, extracapsular spread, and primary tumor location in the tonsil were significantly associated with level IIB metastasis.ConclusionsThis study uniquely demonstrated a statistically significant association between clinical tumor stage and tonsil subsite with level IIB metastasis in OPSCC. Considering the predicted incidence of nodal metastasis, we conclude that level IIB neck dissection can be omitted in early stage (T1 or T2) clinically node negative (cN0) OPSCC. In patients with a cN0 neck and advanced OPSCC (T3 or T4), primary tumor in the tonsil, or ipsilateral clinically node positive (cN+) and contralateral cN0 neck, level IIB dissection should be considered. Level IIB dissection should be performed routinely in patients with cN+ OPSCC.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:2700–2705, 2013
Is there a role for elective neck dissection with salvage laryngectomy? A decision‐analysis model
Authors: Hilly Ohad , Stern Sagit , Horowitz Einav , Leshno Moshe , Feinmesser Raphael 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisElective neck dissection for the clinically negative neck is often a matter of debate. A decision‐analysis model that was published in 1994 established the widely accepted principle that neck dissection is warranted when the risk for occult metastases is higher than 20%. The aim of the present study was to build a specific and up‐to‐date decision‐analysis model to determine the need for elective neck dissection during salvage laryngectomy after chemoradiation failure and to identify the variables that effect the decision.Study DesignDecision‐analysis model.MethodsA decision‐analysis model was performed to compare the outcome of patients after salvage total laryngectomy with and without an elective neck dissection. Probabilities and expected utilities were derived from available literature to construct the model. Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis were used to calculate our models' outcomes and to identify the variables that influence the model most, respectively.ResultsWhen calculating our model results with published data, we found that elective neck dissection is not warranted during salvage total laryngectomy. Optimal decision was found to be sensitive by two variables: 1) the probability for cure with neck dissection, and 2) the probability for regional‐only recurrence after salvage laryngectomy without neck dissection. In multiway sensitivity analysis, only when cure rate with neck dissection exceeded 82%, adding neck dissection was the preferred decision. In practice, cure rates for patients after salvage total laryngectomy are around 50% to 65%.ConclusionsBased on our decision‐analysis model, we do not recommend routine elective neck dissection during salvage total laryngectomy after failure of chemoradiation.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 123:2706–2711, 2013
Anionic Polysaccharides as Templates for the Synthesis of Conducting Polyaniline and as Structural Matrix for Conducting Biocomposites
Authors: Leppänen Ann‐Sofie , Xu Chunlin , Liu Jun , Wang Xiaoju , Pesonen Markus , Willför Stefan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA green chemoenzymatic pathway for the synthesis of conducting polyaniline (PANI) composites is presented. Laccase‐catalyzed polymerization in combination with anionic polysaccharides is used to produce polysaccharide/PANI composites, which can be processed into flexible films or coated onto cellulose surfaces. Different polysaccharide templates are assessed, including κ‐carrageenan, native spruce O‐acetyl galactoglucomannan (GGM), and TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose and GGM. The resulted conducting biocomposites derived from natural materials provide a broad range of potential applications, such as in biosensors, electronic devices, and tissue engineering.magnified image
Identification and Characterisation of Phenolics in Polygonum capitatum by Ultrahigh‐Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection and Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liao Shang‐Gao , Zhang Li‐Juan , Sun Fa , Wang Zhen , He Xun , Wang Ai‐Min , Li Yong‐Jun , Huang Yong , Lan Yan‐Yu , Zhang Bo‐Li , Wang Yong‐Lin 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionPolygonum capitatum is a well‐known Chinese medicinal plant widely used by the Miao people for the treatment of various urologic disorders. Previous investigations have shown the presence of various types of phenolics. Our ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry (UPLC–PDA–MS) analysis indicated that flavonoid glycosides and polyphenolic glycosides were its major constituents and quite a number of phenolic compounds have not yet been identified. Identification or characterisation of the major compounds of this plant will contribute to the scientific understanding of the medicinal plant and the authentication of the plant material and its pharmaceutical preparations.ObjectiveTo develop an efficient method for the identification and structural characterisation of the major compounds present in P. capitatum.MethodsElution of the 70% ethanol extract of P. capitatum by 80% ethanol on a D101 macroporous resin column afforded a phenolics‐enriched fraction, separation of which by Sephadex LH‐20 column chromatography eluted with absolute ethanol gave a tannin‐free phenolic fraction (TFPF). Compounds present in TFPF were identified and structurally characterised by UPLC–PDA–ESI–MS/MS.ResultsAn amino acid and 40 phenolics including a number of flavonoid glycosides and polyphenolic glycosides were identified or structurally characterised in TFPF. Among these compounds, four were new and 19 were described in the plant for the first time.ConclusionThe study showed that TFPF of P. capitatum contained flavonoid glycosides and polyphenolic glycosides as its major principles. Polyphenolic glycosides were perhaps the most typical chemical markers of P. capitatum. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can physician's self‐estimates be used as a valid instrument to determine prescription frequencies of anti‐psoriatic drugs? Comparison of the results of a cross‐sectional study using self‐estimates with actual prescription behavior documented in a cohort study
Authors: Nast Alexander , Rosumeck Stefanie , Erdmann Ricardo , Werner Ricardo N. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPurposePhysicians' self‐estimates of their own prescription behavior can be used as a tool to gather information on prescription frequencies. Self‐estimates as a tool for health‐care research on prescription frequencies need to be validated as a suitable method before it can be used widely.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study inviting all dermatologists in Berlin and Brandenburg to give self‐estimates of their own prescription behavior of anti‐psoriatic drugs. The results were compared with the results from a consecutive 8‐months cohort study with the same participants documenting their actual treatment choices during every visit of a psoriasis patient on a standardized documentation sheet. Differences between self‐estimates and documented prescription patterns were analyzed with respect to systemic anti‐psoriatic drugs and UV treatment.ResultsFifty‐one dermatologists participated. They documented an average of 91 patient visits each. Absolute differences between the self‐estimates and the documented actual prescription behavior ranged from −2.5% to 1.4% for systemic treatments. For psoralen plus ultravioloet A (PUVA) treatment, the absolute difference was 3.3% and for ultraviolet B (UVB) 4.7%.ConclusionsSelf‐estimates were surprisingly exact. Self‐estimates may be suggested as one tool to assess prescription frequencies, but further studies are needed to confirm their validity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a nationwide real‐time 3‐D wind and reflectivity radar composite in France
Authors: Bousquet Olivier , Tabary Pierre 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe ability to perform multiple‐Doppler wind synthesis from operational weather radar systems on an operational basis has been investigated by the French Weather Service since 2006 using a (sub‐)network of six Doppler radars covering the Greater Paris area. This analysis has been recently extended to the entire French radar network so as to implement a nationwide, three‐dimensional reflectivity and wind field mosaic to be eventually delivered to forecasters and modellers, as well as automatic nowcasting systems for air traffic management purposes. In this composite analysis, data collected by all 24 radars of the French radar network are collected, pre‐processed and combined in real time at intervals of 15 minutes to retrieve the complete wind vector (u,v,w) and reflectivity fields at a horizontal resolution of 2.5 km within a domain of approximately 1000 × 1000 × 12 km3. In order to illustrate the performance of this new product, examples of 3‐D wind and reflectivity output produced during the passage of two significant weather events are presented: the extratropical storm Klaus, which struck France on 24 January 2009 with hurricane‐force gusts, and a typical orographic high‐impact precipitation event that developed on 21 October 2009. The evaluation of real‐time radar outputs against operational analyses attests to the consistency of the retrieved wind fields.
On collaborative anonymous communications in lossy networks
Authors: Rebollo‐Monedero David , Forné Jordi , Pallarès Esteve , Parra‐Arnau Javier , Tripp Carolina , Urquiza Luis , Aguilar Mónica 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMessage encryption does not prevent eavesdroppers from unveiling who is communicating with whom, when, or how frequently, a privacy risk wireless networks are particularly vulnerable to. The Crowds protocol, a well‐established anonymous communication system, capitalizes on user collaboration to enforce sender anonymity. This work formulates a mathematical model of a Crowd‐like protocol for anonymous communication in a lossy network, establishes quantifiable metrics of anonymity and quality of service (QoS), and theoretically characterizes the trade‐off between them. The anonymity metric chosen follows the principle of measuring privacy as an attacker's estimation error. By introducing losses, we extend the applicability of the protocol beyond its original proposal. We quantify the intuition that anonymity comes at the expense of both delay and end‐to‐end losses. Aside from introducing losses in our model, another main difference with respect to the traditional Crowds is the focus on networks with stringent QoS requirements, for best effort anonymity, and the consequent elimination of the initial forwarding step. Beyond the mathematical solution, we illustrate a systematic methodology in our analysis of the protocol. This methodology includes a series of formal steps, from the establishment of quantifiable metrics all the way to the theoretical study of the privacy QoS trade‐off. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted inhibition of Hsp90 by ganetespib is effective across a broad spectrum of breast cancer subtypes
Authors: Friedland Julie C. , Smith Donald L. , Sang Jim , Acquaviva Jaime , He Suqin , Zhang Chaohua , Proia David A. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryHeat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone essential for the stability and function of multiple cellular client proteins, a number of which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Here we undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the activity of ganetespib, a selective Hsp90 inhibitor, in this malignancy. With low nanomolar potency, ganetespib reduced cell viability in a panel of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-overexpressing, triple-negative and inflammatory breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Ganetespib treatment induced a rapid and sustained destabilization of multiple client proteins and oncogenic signaling pathways and even brief exposure was sufficient to induce and maintain suppression of HER2 levels in cells driven by this receptor. Indeed, HER2-overexpressing BT-474 cells were comparatively more sensitive to ganetespib than the dual HER2/EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib in three-dimensional culture. Ganetespib exposure caused pleiotropic effects in the inflammatory breast cancer line SUM149, including receptor tyrosine kinases, MAPK, AKT and mTOR signaling, transcription factors and proteins involved in cell cycle, stress and apoptotic regulation, as well as providing combinatorial benefit with lapatinib in these cells. This multimodal activity translated to potent antitumor efficacy in vivo, suppressing tumor growth in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 xenografts and inducing tumor regression in the BT-474 model. Thus, ganetespib potently inhibits Hsp90 leading to the degradation of multiple clinically-validated oncogenic client proteins in breast cancer cells, encompassing the broad spectrum of molecularly-defined subtypes. This preclinical activity profile suggests that ganetespib may offer considerable promise as a new therapeutic candidate for patients with advanced breast cancers.
Fungus-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of antitumor activity
Authors: El-Sonbaty S. M. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biologically synthesized using aqueous extract of Agaricus bisporus fungi. Physicochemical analysis of silver nanoparticles revealed that they are of spherical shape ranged size of 8–20 nm, and their zeta potential equal −7.23 mV. Silver nanoparticles showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells with LD50 (50 μg/ml). Mice bearing Ehrlich solid tumor treated with AgNPs and exposed to gamma radiation significantly ameliorated superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and reduced glutathione with an increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels compared to tumor group. Gamma radiation with AgNPs induced apoptotic cell count in Ehrlich solid tumor cells from 68.3 (treated with AgNPs) to 98.1 % (treated with AgNPs with gamma radiation) via a mechanism involved caspase-3. Histological sections of tumor tissue of mice treated with AgNPs showed antiangiogenesis effect of AgNPs. The overall result indicates that AgNPs synergize with gamma radiation, promising a potential combined therapy of cancer.
Current status of cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillators and factors influencing its prognosis in Japan
Authors: Shimizu Akihiko , Mihashi Takeshi , Furushima Hiroshi , Sekiguchi Yukio , Manaka Tetsuyuki , Nishii Nobuhiro , Ueyama Takeshi , Yokoshiki Hisashi , Morita Norishige , Nitta Takashi , Okumura Ken 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to clarify the prognosis of cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillators (CRT‐Ds) in Japan.MethodsWe selected 384 patients implanted with a CRT‐D device from the observation database (n=1482) of the Japanese Cardiac Device Therapy Registry. We investigated the CRT criteria, including the presence of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, and QRS duration ≥120 ms. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the group fulfilling all of the 3 criteria (Group A, n=229) and the group not fulfilling the criteria (Group B, n=155). We compared mortality and appropriate shock rates between the 2 groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference in mortality (17.9% vs. 13.5%) or appropriate shock rates (32.5% vs. 31.6%) during the observation period of 29.0±15.7 months between the 2 groups. A logistic multivariate analysis showed that appropriate shocks (hazard ratio [HR]=1.85) and class III antiarrhythmic agents (HR=2.33) were independently associated with all‐cause death, and that age ≥70 years (HR=0.55), male gender (HR=2.07), and presence of a single‐chamber device (HR=1.78) were associated with appropriate shocks. The prognosis of Group A was better than that of the COMPANION trial.ConclusionsJapanese patients with CRT‐D devices had a better prognosis than did those in the COMPANION trial, but no significant differences were observed between patients fulfilling and those not fulfilling the above mentioned criteria.
Globalised rebellion: the Darfur insurgents and the world
Authors: Jumbert Maria Gabrielsen , Lanz David 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis article is concerned with the rebellion in Darfur as a way to illustrate the politics of insurgency in the era of globalisation. We first show how the Darfur rebels have projected their struggle onto the world stage, before examining the effects that this has engendered. On the one hand, Darfur's global profile solidified the rebels' cause and co-opted international actors in support of it. This translated into real leverage for the rebels, and it constrained the Sudanese government by reducing its ability to use brute force. At the same time, internationalisation encouraged the Darfur rebels to make maximalist demands at the expense of articulating a broader political vision addressing the root causes of conflict. Moreover, the substitution of local legitimacy for international connections lowered the barriers of entry for new groups and thus promoted fragmentation. The combination of these effects makes for intractable conflict scenarios, the current situation in Darfur being a case in point.
An upper bound for the Lusternik–Schnirelmann category of the symplectic group
Authors: MACÍAS–VIRGÓS E. , PEREIRA–SÁEZ M. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe prove that the LS category of the symplectic group Sp(n) is bounded above by $(n+1 \choose 2)$. This is achieved by computing the number of critical levels of a height function.
Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring during catheter interventions in patients with cavopulmonary circulations
Authors: Noonan Patrick Michael Emmet , Viswanathan Sangeetha , Chambers Amy , Stumper Oliver 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroduction: Functionally univentricular hearts palliated with superior or total cavopulmonary connection result in circulations in series. The absence of a pre-pulmonary pump means that cardiac output is more difficult to adjust and control. Continuous monitoring of cardiac output is crucial during cardiac catheter interventions and can provide new insights into the complex physiology of these lesions. Materials and methods: The Icon® cardiac output monitor was used to study the changes in cardiac output during catheter interventions in 15 patients (median age: 6.1 years, range: 4.8–15.3 years; median weight: 18.5 kg, range: 15–63 kg) with cavopulmonary circulations. A total of 19 interventions were undertaken in these patients and the observed changes in cardiac output were recorded and analysed. Results: Cardiac output was increased with creation of stent fenestrations after total cavopulmonary connection (median increase of 22.2, range: 6.7%–28.6%) and also with drainage of significant pleural effusions (16.7% increase). Cardiac output was decreased with complete or partial occlusion of fenestrations (median decrease of 10.6, range: 7.1%–13.4%). There was a consistent increase in cardiac output with stenting of obstructive left pulmonary artery lesions (median increase of 7.7, range: 5%–14.3%, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Icon® provides a novel technique for the continuous, non-invasive monitoring of cardiac output. It provides a further adjunct for monitoring of physiologically complex patients during catheter interventions. These results are consistent with previously reported series involving manipulation of fenestrations. This is the first report identifying an increase in cardiac output with stenting of obstructive pulmonary arterial lesions.
Mortality and smoking prevalence: An empirical investigation in ten developed countries
Authors: Kleinow Torsten , Cairns Andrew J.G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe investigate the link between death rates and smoking prevalence in ten developed countries with the aim of using smoking prevalence data to explain differences in country-specific death rates. A particular problem in building a stochastic mortality model based on smoking prevalence is that there are in general no separate mortality data for smokers and non-smokers available. We show how we can estimate mortality rates for smokers and non-smokers using information about the smoking prevalence in a number of developed countries, and making an additional assumption about the death rates of smokers. We consider this empirical investigation to be the first step towards a consistent mortality model for multiple populations, which will require modelling of country specific differences in mortality, as well as non-smokers’ and smokers’ mortality rates.