bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival Results After Implantation of Intrapericardial Third‐Generation Centrifugal Assist Device: An INTERMACS‐Matched Comparison Analysis
Authors: Dell'Aquila Angelo M. , Schneider Stefan R.B. , Stypmann Jörg , Ellger Björn , Redwan Bassam , Schlarb Dominik , Martens Sven , Sindermann Jürgen R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractReports on third‐generation centrifugal intrapericardial pumps (HeartWare International, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) have shown better survival results than the previous‐generation devices. However, outcomes depending on the preoperative level of stability can substantially differ, resulting in a limited analysis of potentialities and drawbacks of a given device. In the present study we sought to compare in our single‐center experience the survival results of this third‐generation device with previous left ventricular systems taking into account the different preoperative Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) levels. Between February 1993 and March 2012, 287 patients underwent assist device implantation in our university hospital (INTERMACS Level 1‐2 = 158 patients; INTERMACS Level 3‐4‐5 = 129 patients). Assist devices implanted were: Group A (HVAD HeartWare, n = 52), group B (previous continuous‐flow ventricular assist device [VAD], InCor [Berlin Heart, Berlin, Germany], n = 37; VentrAssist [VentraCor, Inc., Chatswood, NSW, Australia], n = 7; DeBakey [MicroMed Cardiovascular, Inc., Houston, TX, USA], n = 32), and group C (pulsatile systems, n = 159). After cumulative support duration of 54 436 days and a mean follow‐up of 6.21 ± 7.46 months (range 0–45.21 months), log‐rank analysis revealed a survival for group A of 82.0%, 70.4%, and 70.4%; for group B of 84.0%, 48.2%, 33.7%; and for group C of 71.6%, 46.1%, 33.8%, at 1, 12, and 24 months respectively, with a significantly (P = 0.013) better outcome for group A. When stratifying the survival on the basis of INTERMACS level, no significant survival improvement was observed among all patients who underwent VAD implantation in INTERMACS 1‐2 (P = 0.47). However, among patients who underwent elective VAD implantation (INTERMACS 3‐4‐5), group A had a significantly better outcome (P = 0.005) compared with the other INTERMACS‐matched groups (B,C) with a survival rate of 88.8% in group A versus 34.2% in group B and 45.6% in group C at 24 months, respectively. Elective HVAD system implantation shows improved survival benefit over the other INTERMACS‐matched devices. Moreover, preoperative unstable hemodynamics resulted in a poor prognosis independently from the pump generation.
An Original Versatile Nonocclusive Pressure‐Regulated Blood Roller Pump for Extracorporeal Perfusion
Authors: Durandy Yves , Wang Shigang , Ündar Akif 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCurrently, only a small number of centrifugal pumps are being used for hemodynamic and/or respiratory support, but all of them have limitations. This article aims to present the Rhône‐Poulenc 06 nonocclusive pressure‐regulated blood pump. This pump was developed in France in the 1970s and used for decades in perfusion for cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, cardiac or lung assist as well as venovenous bypass during liver transplant. The intrinsic properties of this pump allowed us to describe a new technique for extracorporeal lung support in the 1980s, using a single cannula tidal flow venovenous bypass. This pump compared favorably with conventional pumps in terms of flow and pressure, hemolysis, pulsatility, safety, and cost‐effectiveness. We believe that this simple pump could be an alternative to more sophisticated and expensive devices.
Modeling Individual Specific Fish Length from Capture–Recapture Data Using the von Bertalanffy Growth Curve
Authors: Schofield Matthew R. , Barker Richard J. , Taylor Peter 
Published: October 2013

Summary
We use Bayesian methods to explore fitting the von Bertalanffy length model to tag-recapture data. We consider two popular parameterizations of the von Bertalanffy model. The first models the data relative to age at first capture; the second models in terms of length at first capture. Using data from a rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss study we explore the relationship between the assumptions and resulting inference using posterior predictive checking, cross validation and a simulation study. We find that untestable hierarchical assumptions placed on the nuisance parameters in each model can influence the resulting inference about parameters of interest. Researchers should carefully consider these assumptions when modeling growth from tag-recapture data.
Doubly-Robust Estimators of Treatment-Specific Survival Distributions in Observational Studies with Stratified Sampling
Authors: Bai Xiaofei , Tsiatis Anastasios A. , O'Brien Sean M. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
Observational studies are frequently conducted to compare the effects of two treatments on survival. For such studies we must be concerned about confounding; that is, there are covariates that affect both the treatment assignment and the survival distribution. With confounding the usual treatment-specific Kaplan–Meier estimator might be a biased estimator of the underlying treatment-specific survival distribution. This article has two aims. In the first aim we use semiparametric theory to derive a doubly robust estimator of the treatment-specific survival distribution in cases where it is believed that all the potential confounders are captured. In cases where not all potential confounders have been captured one may conduct a substudy using a stratified sampling scheme to capture additional covariates that may account for confounding. The second aim is to derive a doubly-robust estimator for the treatment-specific survival distributions and its variance estimator with such a stratified sampling scheme. Simulation studies are conducted to show consistency and double robustness. These estimators are then applied to the data from the ASCERT study that motivated this research.
Multiple Self-Controlled Case Series for Large-Scale Longitudinal Observational Databases
Authors: Simpson Shawn E. , Madigan David , Zorych Ivan , Schuemie Martijn J. , Ryan Patrick B. , Suchard Marc A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryCharacterization of relationships between time-varying drug exposures and adverse events (AEs) related to health outcomes represents the primary objective in postmarketing drug safety surveillance. Such surveillance increasingly utilizes large-scale longitudinal observational databases (LODs), containing time-stamped patient-level medical information including periods of drug exposure and dates of diagnoses for millions of patients. Statistical methods for LODs must confront computational challenges related to the scale of the data, and must also address confounding and other biases that can undermine efforts to estimate effect sizes. Methods that compare on-drug with off-drug periods within patient offer specific advantages over between patient analysis on both counts. To accomplish these aims, we extend the self-controlled case series (SCCS) for LODs. SCCS implicitly controls for fixed multiplicative baseline covariates since each individual acts as their own control. In addition, only exposed cases are required for the analysis, which is computationally advantageous. The standard SCCS approach is usually used to assess single drugs and therefore estimates marginal associations between individual drugs and particular AEs. Such analyses ignore confounding drugs and interactions and have the potential to give misleading results. In order to avoid these difficulties, we propose a regularized multiple SCCS approach that incorporates potentially thousands or more of time-varying confounders such as other drugs. The approach successfully handles the high dimensionality and can provide a sparse solution via an regularizer. We present details of the model and the associated optimization procedure, as well as results of empirical investigations.
Nail Assessment in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (NAPPA): development and validation of a tool for assessment of nail psoriasis outcomes
Authors: Augustin M. , Blome C. , Costanzo A. , Dauden E. , Ferrandiz C. , Girolomoni G. , Gniadecki R. , Iversen L. , Menter A. , Michaelis-Wittern K. , Morita A. , Nakagawa H. , Reich K. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundExisting tools for nail psoriasis are complex and may not adequately measure outcomes that are important to patients.ObjectivesWe have developed and validated a new tool, the Nail Assessment in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (NAPPA), with three components: a questionnaire assessing quality of life (NAPPA-QoL), a two-part questionnaire assessing patient-relevant treatment benefits (the Patient Benefit Index, NAPPA-PBI) and a psoriasis Clinical Assessment of Severity (NAPPA-CLIN).MethodsDevelopment of the questionnaires involved multiple steps: (i) collection of items about nail psoriasis-related impairments and treatment goals; (ii) selection of 48 items by an expert panel, including patients; (iii) translation into eight languages; (iv) feasibility testing and (v) longitudinal validation in six countries.ResultsPatients found the questionnaires clear (84%) and comprehensible (95%). NAPPA-QoL and NAPPA-PBI scores correlated moderately with clinical outcomes [e.g. Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI)] and markedly with other quality-of-life questionnaires (e.g. EQ-5D™). Both questionnaires were sensitive to change. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach α ≥ 0·88 for all scales). The NAPPA-CLIN, a brief version of NAPSI that involves assessment of only four digits rather than all 20, was found to correlate highly with total NAPSI score (r =0·97, P &lt;0·001).ConclusionsOverall, the three-component NAPPA tool is a valid, reliable and practical instrument to assess patient-relevant nail psoriasis outcomes.
Prevalence and risk factors of cataract after chemotherapy with or without central nervous system irradiation for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: an LEA study
Authors: Alloin Anne‐Lise , Barlogis Vincent , Auquier Pascal , Contet Audrey , Poiree Maryline , Demeocq François , Herrmann Iris , Villes Virginie , Bertrand Yves , Plantaz Dominique , Kanold Justyna , Chastagner Pascal , Chambost Hervé , Sirvent Nicolas , Michel Gérard 
Published: October 2013

SummaryCorticosteroid and central nervous system (CNS) irradiation can induce cataract in childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia survivors. Few prospective studies with systematic ophthalmological evaluation have been published. Cataract was prospectively assessed by serial slip lamp tests in 517 patients. All had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, all had been treated by chemotherapy with or without CNS irradiation, and none had received haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Median ages at last evaluation and follow‐up duration from leukaemia diagnosis were 16·8 and 10·9 years, respectively. Cataract was observed in 21/517 patients (4·1%). Cumulative incidence was 4·5 ± 1·2% at 15 years and reached 26 ± 8·1% at 25 years. CNS irradiation was the only risk factor: prevalence was 11·1% in patients who had received irradiation and 2·8% in those who did not. We did not detect any steroid dose effect: cumulative dose was 5133 and 5190 mg/m2 in patients with and without cataract, respectively. Cataract occurrence did not significantly impact quality of life. We conclude that, in the range of steroid dose reported here, the cataract risk proves very low 15 years after treatment without CNS irradiation but an even more prolonged follow‐up is required because of potential very late occurrence.
Unionization, Inequality and Redistribution
Authors: Pontusson Jonas 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article explores the implications of the OECD‐wide decline of union density for earnings inequality and income redistribution by looking at aggregate (country‐level) data. Over the period 1975–95, countries that experienced relatively large declines in union density also experienced relatively large increases in earnings inequality. In addition, governments apparently became less willing to engage in ‘compensatory redistribution’ in these countries. Since the early 1990s, however, union decline has become less closely associated with rising earnings inequality and redistributive policy changes. I argue that the declining relevance of unionization has to do with changes in the position of union members in the income distribution. In most OECD countries, the average union member has become relatively better off as union density has declined and union members have probably become less supportive of wage solidarity and redistributive government policies.
Small renal mass biopsy – how, what and when: report from an international consensus panel
Authors: Tsivian Matvey , Rampersaud Edward N. , del Pilar Laguna Pes Maria , Joniau Steven , Leveillee Raymond J. , Shingleton William B. , Aron Monish , Kim Charles Y. , DeMarzo Angelo M. , Desai Mihir M. , Meler James D. , Donovan James F. , Klingler Hans Christoph , Sopko David R. , Madden John F. , Marberger Michael , Ferrandino Michael N. , Polascik Thomas J. 
Published: October 2013

To discuss the use of renal mass biopsy (RMB) for small renal masses (SRMs), formulate technical aspects, outline potential pitfalls and provide recommendations for the practicing clinician.
The meeting was conducted as an informal consensus process and no scoring system was used to measure the levels of agreement on the different topics.
A moderated general discussion was used as the basis for consensus and arising issues were resolved at this point.
A consensus was established and lack of agreement to topics or specific items was noted at this point.
Recommended biopsy technique: at least two cores, sampling different tumour regions with ultrasonography being the preferred method of image guidance.
Pathological interpretation: ‘non‐diagnostic samples’ should refer to insufficient material, inconclusive and normal renal parenchyma. For non‐diagnostic samples, a repeat biopsy is recommended. Fine‐needle aspiration may provide additional information but cannot substitute for core biopsy.
Indications for RMB: biopsy is recommended in most cases except in patients with imaging or clinical characteristics indicative of pathology (syndromes, imaging characteristics) and cases whereby conservative management is not contemplated. RMB is recommended for active surveillance but not for watchful‐waiting candidates.
We report the results of an international consensus meeting on the use of RMB for SRMs, defining the technique, pathological interpretation and indications.
Aquaporin‐4 Antibodies (NMO‐IgG) as a Serological Marker of Neuromyelitis Optica: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Jarius Sven , Wildemann Brigitte 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAntibodies to aquaporin‐4 (called NMO‐IgG or AQP4‐Ab) constitute a sensitive and highly specific serum marker of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) that can facilitate the differential diagnosis of NMO and classic multiple sclerosis. NMO‐IgG/AQP4‐Ab seropositive status has also important prognostic and therapeutic implications in patients with isolated longitudinally extensive myelitis (LETM) or optic neuritis (ON). In this article, we comprehensively review and critically appraise the existing literature on NMO‐IgG/AQP4‐Ab testing. All available immunoassays—including tissue‐based (IHC), cell‐based (ICC, FACS) and protein‐based (RIPA, FIPA, ELISA, Western blotting) assays—and their differential advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Estimates for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios are calculated for all published studies and accuracies of the various immunoassay techniques compared. Subgroup analyses are provided for NMO, LETM and ON, for relapsing vs. monophasic disease, and for various control groups (eg, MS vs. other controls). Numerous aspects of NMO‐IgG/AQP4‐Ab testing relevant for clinicians (eg, impact of antibody titers and longitudinal testing, indications for repeat testing, relevance of CSF testing and subclass analysis, NMO‐IgG/AQP4‐Ab in patients with rheumatic diseases) as well as technical aspects (eg, AQP4‐M1 vs. AQP4‐M23‐based assays, intact AQP4 vs. peptide substrates, effect of storage conditions and freeze/thaw cycles) and pitfalls are discussed. Finally, recommendations for the clinical application of NMO‐IgG/AQP4‐Ab serology are given.
The midkine family of growth factors: diverse roles in nervous system formation and maintenance
Authors: Winkler C , Yao S 
Published: October 2013

Midkines are heparin‐binding growth factors involved in a wide range of biological processes. Originally identified as retinoic acid inducible genes, midkines are widely expressed during embryogenesis with particularly high levels in the developing nervous system. During postnatal stages, midkine expression generally ceases but is often up‐regulated under disease conditions, most notably those affecting the nervous system. Midkines are known as neurotrophic factors, as they promote neurite outgrowth and neuron survival in cell culture. Surprisingly, however, mouse embryos deficient for midkine (knockout mice) are phenotypically normal, which suggests functional redundancy by related growth factors. During adult stages, on the other hand, midkine knockout mice develop striking deficits in neuroprotection and regeneration after drug‐induced neurotoxicity and injury. The detailed mechanisms by which midkine controls neuron formation, differentiation and maintenance remain unclear. Recent studies in zebrafish and chick have provided important insight into the role of midkine and its putative receptor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, in cell cycle control in the central and peripheral nervous systems. A recent structural analysis of zebrafish midkine furthermore revealed essential protein domains required for biological activity that serve as promising novel targets for future drug designs. This review will summarize latest findings in the field that help to better understand the diverse roles of midkine in nervous system formation and maintenance.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Andrographolide suppresses RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and prevents inflammatory bone loss in vivo
Authors: Zhai Z J , Li H W , Liu G W , Qu X H , Tian B , Yan W , Lin Z , Tang T T , Qin A , Dai K R 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeOsteoclasts play a pivotal role in diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and tumour bone metastasis. Thus, searching for natural compounds that may suppress osteoclast formation and/or function is promising for the treatment of osteoclast‐related diseases. Here, we examined changes in osteoclastogenesis and LPS‐induced osteolysis in response to andrographolide (AP), a diterpenoid lactone isolated from the traditional Chinese and Indian medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata.Experimental ApproachEffects of AP on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption were measured in vitro. Western blots and RT‐PCR techniques were used to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms. The bone protective activity of AP in vivo was assessed in a mouse model of osteolysis.Key ResultsAP concentration‐dependently suppressed RANKL‐mediated osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro and reduced the expression of osteoclast‐specific markers, including tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, calcitonin receptors and cathepsin K. Further molecular analysis revealed that AP impaired RANKL‐induced NF‐κB signalling by inhibiting the phosphorylation of TGF‐β‐activated kinase 1, suppressing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, and subsequently preventing the nuclear translocation of the NF‐κB p65 subunit. AP also inhibited the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway without affecting p38 or JNK signalling.Conclusions and ImplicationsAP suppressed RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis through attenuating NF‐κB and ERK/MAPK signalling pathways in vitro, thus preventing bone loss in vivo. These data indicated that AP is a promising natural compound for the treatment of osteoclast‐related bone diseases.
Oral health‐related quality of life and traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Bendo Cristiane B. , Paiva Saul M. , Varni James W. , Vale Miriam P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Brazilian adolescents.MethodsA population‐based case–control study was carried out, which was nested to a cross‐sectional study with a sample of 1215 adolescents aged 11–14 years from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14) – Impact Short Form (ISF:16). Two‐step cluster analysis was performed to define cases and controls based on CPQ11–14‐ISF:16 scores. This method considers the pattern of responses for each item separately and how important each item is to the formation of clusters. The case group included those adolescents who presented higher negative impact on OHRQoL (n = 405), while the control group included those with lower negative impact (n = 810). Two controls for each case were individually matched from the same school and gender. The main independent variable was TDI, diagnosed by the Andreasen's classification. Untreated dental caries, malocclusion, and age were confounding variables. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed with the significance level set at 5%.ResultsA multiple conditional logistic regression model demonstrates that adolescents diagnosed with fracture involving dentin and/or pulp had a 2.40‐fold greater chance of presenting high negative impact on QHRQoL [95% CI = 1.26–4.58; P = 0.008] than those without evidence of fractures. Enamel fracture only [P = 0.065] and restored fractures [P = 0.072] were not statistically associated with OHRQoL.ConclusionsAdolescents with more severe untreated TDI, such as fractures involving dentin and/or pulp, were more likely to self‐report a higher negative impact on their OHRQoL than those without TDI.