bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of non‐invasive mechanical ventilation in the general ward in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted for hypercapnic acute respiratory failure and pH < 7.35: a feasibility pilot study
Authors: Fiorino S. , Bacchi‐Reggiani L. , Detotto E. , Battilana M. , Borghi E. , Denitto C. , Dickmans C. , Facchini B. , Moretti R. , Parini S. , Testi M. , Zamboni A. , Cuppini A. , Pisani L. , Nava S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo date non‐invasive (NIV) mechanical ventilation use is not recommended in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and pH < 7.30 outside a ‘protected environment’. We assessed NIV efficacy and feasibility in improving arterial blood gases (ABG) and in‐hospital outcome in patients with ARF and severe respiratory acidosis (RA) admitted to an experienced rural medical ward.MethodsThis paper is a prospective pilot cohort study conducted in the General Medicine Ward of Budrio's District Hospital. Two hundred and seventy‐two patients with ARF were admitted to our Department, 112, meeting predefined inclusion criteria (pH < 7.35, PaCO2 > 45 mmHg). Patients were divided according to the severity of acidosis into: group A (pH < 7.26), group B (7.26 ≤ pH < 7.30) and group C (7.30 ≤ pH < 7.35). ABG were assessed at admission, at 2–6 h, 24 h, 48 h and at discharge.ResultsGroup A included 55 patients (24 men, mean age: 80.8 ± 8.3 years), group B 31 (12 men, mean age: 80.3 ± 9.4 years) and group C 26 (15 men, mean age: 78.6 ± 9.9 years). ABG improved within the first hours in 92/112 (82%) patients, who were all successfully discharged. Eighteen per cent (20/112) of the patients died during the hospital stay, no significant difference emerged in mortality rate (MR) within the groups (23%, 16% and 8%, for groups A, B and C, respectively) and between patients with or without pneumonia: 8/29 (27%) versus 12/83 (14%). On multivariable analysis, only age and Glasgow Coma Scale had an impact on the clinical outcome.ConclusionIn a non‐‘highly protected’ environment such as an experienced medical ward of a rural hospital, NIV is effective not only in patients with mild, but also with severe forms of RA. MR did not vary according to the level of initial pH.
Analysts' Cash Flow Forecasts, Audit Effort, and Audit Opinions on Internal Control
Authors: Mao Mike Qinghao , Yu Yangxin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe examine the economic impact of analysts’ cash flow forecasts by looking at how external auditors respond to financial analysts’ issuance of cash flow forecasts. Using a differences‐in‐differences approach, we find that financial analysts’ initiation of cash flow forecasts leads to reduced auditor fees and audit report lags. Moreover, after cash flow forecast initiation, firms report fewer Section 404(b) internal control weakness disclosures. These findings suggest that cash flow forecasts constrain earnings manipulation and improve management accounting behavior, thereby reducing inherent and control risk and strengthening firms’ internal control over financial reporting.
The Association of Serum Galectin‐3 Levels with Atrial Electrical and Structural Remodeling
Authors: YALCIN MUHAMMED U. , GURSES KADRI M. , KOCYIGIT DUYGU , CANPINAR HANDE , CANPOLAT UGUR , EVRANOS BANU , YORGUN HIKMET , SAHINER MEHMET L. , KAYA ERGUN B. , HAZIROLAN TUNCAY , TOKGOZOGLU LALE , OTO MEHMET A. , OZER NECLA , GUC DICLE , AYTEMIR KUDRET 
Published: February 2015

Galectin‐3 and Left Atrial Remodeling in AFIntroductionLeft atrial (LA) interstitial fibrosis is known to have a role in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). The role of galectin‐3 in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis has been demonstrated in previous studies. We aimed to determine whether serum galectin‐3 level is associated with markers of atrial remodeling, including the extent of LA fibrosis detected by delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) and atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) in paroxysmal AF patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) functions.Methods and ResultsThirty‐three patients (58 [28–74] years, 51.5% male) with paroxysmal AF who underwent DE‐MRI prior to cryoballoon‐based AF ablation were included in the study. Serum galectin‐3 levels were measured with ELISA. LA volume index (B ± SE: 0.424 ± 0.504, 95% CI: 0.560–2.627, P = 0.004) and serum galectin‐3 levels (B ± SE: 0.549 ± 7.745, 95% CI: 16.874–47.550, P < 0.001) were found to be independently correlated with extent of LA fibrosis detected with DE‐MRI in paroxysmal AF patients with preserved LV function. Correlation analysis between AEMD parameters and baseline characteristics showed that galectin‐3 was significantly correlated with intra‐left (ρ = 0.432, P = 0.012) and inter‐AEMD (ρ = 0.395, P = 0.023). Duration of AF, LAD, and extent of LA fibrosis were also found to be significantly correlated with AEMD parameters.ConclusionThis is a hypothesis‐generating study pointing out that serum galectin‐3 level is significantly associated with atrial remodeling in paroxysmal AF patients with preserved LV function. Further studies are necessary to provide exact pathophysiological mechanisms.
The outcome of oral implants placed in bone with limited bucco‐oral dimensions: a 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Temmerman Andy , Keestra Johan A. J. , Coucke Wim , Teughels Wim , Quirynen Marc 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThe dimension of the alveolar bone reduces significantly after tooth loss. Clinicians consider a 1–2 mm buccal and lingual bone width mandatory around the implant at placement. This prospective study analysed the outcome of implants inserted in jaws with narrow (≤4.5 mm) buccal bone dimensions.Material and methodsTwenty‐eight patients (mean age 63, 89% female) with a narrow alveolar crest (≤4.5 mm in width on CBCT) received 100 implants (3.5 mm) via a two‐stage procedure. Intra‐oral radiographs were taken at placement, functional loading and after 1, 2 and 3‐years of follow‐up. Peri‐implant bone level alterations were recorded by two calibrated, periodontologists.ResultsAll implants integrated and the cumulative survival rate after 3 years was 100%. The implants were inserted 0.81 mm ± 0.83 subcrestal. At functional loading the bone was located 0.65 mm ± 0.6 apical of the implant shoulder. During 3 years of loading the amount of annual marginal bone loss was 0.17 ± 0.4, 0.05 ± 0.4 and ‐ 0.06 ± 0.1 mm, respectively.ConclusionBased on these data and within the limitations of this study it became clear that implants, placed in sites with limited dimensions (≤4.5 mm width), showed minimal amounts of marginal bone loss during the first 3 years of functional loading.
Sympatric divergence and clinal variation in multiple coloration traits ofFicedulaflycatchers
Authors: Laaksonen T. , Sirkiä P. M. , Calhim S. , Brommer J. E. , Leskinen P. K. , Primmer C. R. , Adamík P. , Artemyev A. V. , Belskii E. , Both C. , Bureš S. , Burgess M. D. , Doligez B. , Forsman J. T. , Grinkov V. , Hoffmann U. , Ivankina E. , Král M. , Krams I. , Lampe H. M. , Moreno J. , Mägi M. , Nord A. , Potti J. , Ravussin P.‐A. , Sokolov L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractGeographic variation in phenotypes plays a key role in fundamental evolutionary processes such as local adaptation, population differentiation and speciation, but the selective forces behind it are rarely known. We found support for the hypothesis that geographic variation in plumage traits of the pied flycatcherFicedula hypoleucais explained by character displacement with the collared flycatcherFicedula albicollisin the contact zone. The plumage traits of the pied flycatcher differed strongly from the more conspicuous collared flycatcher in a sympatric area but increased in conspicuousness with increasing distance to there. Phenotypic differentiation (PST) was higher than that in neutral genetic markers (FST), and the effect of geographic distance remained when statistically controlling for neutral genetic differentiation. This suggests that a cline created by character displacement and gene flow explains phenotypic variation across the distribution of this species. The different plumage traits of the pied flycatcher are strongly to moderately correlated, indicating that they evolve non‐independently from each other. The flycatchers provide an example of plumage patterns diverging in two species that differ in several aspects of appearance. The divergence in sympatry and convergence in allopatry in these birds provide a possibility to study the evolutionary mechanisms behind the highly divergent avian plumage patterns.
Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided sampling using core biopsy needle as a percutaneous biopsy rescue for diagnosis of solid liver mass: Combined histological‐cytological analysis
Authors: Lee Yun Nah , Moon Jong Ho , Kim Hee Kyung , Choi Hyun Jong , Choi Moon Han , Kim Dong Choon , Lee Tae Hee , Lee Tae Hoon , Cha Sang‐Woo , Kim Sang Gyune , Kim Young Seok 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and Study AimsEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is one of the alternative methods for tissue sampling of liver solid mass. However, the diagnostic efficacy using cytology alone was limited. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐guided fine needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) as a percutaneous biopsy rescue for liver solid mass.Patients and MethodsThe EUS‐FNB using core biopsy needle for liver solid mass was performed prospectively for patients who were failure to acquire a tissue or achieve a diagnosis using percutaneous liver biopsy. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐FNB for malignancy and specific tumor type. The secondary outcomes were the median numbers of passes required to establish a diagnosis, the proportions of patients in whom immunohistochemical (IHC) stain was possible and obtained adequate specimen, and safety of EUS‐FNB.ResultsTwenty‐one patients (12 women; mean age, 63 years [range, 37–81]) underwent EUS‐FNB for solid liver masses. The median number of needle passes was 2.0 (range, 1–5). On‐site cytology and cytology with Papanicolaou stain showed malignancy in 16 patients (76.2%) and 17 patients (81.0%), respectively. In histology with HE stain, 19 patients (90.5%) were diagnosed malignancy and optimal to IHC stain. The overall diagnostic accuracy for malignancy and specific tumor type were 90.5% and 85.7%, respectively. No complications were seen.ConclusionsEUS‐FNB with core biopsy needle for solid liver mass may be helpful in the management of patients who are unable to diagnose using percutaneous liver biopsy.
Mediator subunit 23 overexpression as a novel target for suppressing proliferation and tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Jing , Li Hua , Liu Wei , Chen Dong , Zhao Kun , Liang Xinjun , Zhang Qi , Yang Yang , Chen Guihua 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and AimHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent cancer in the world. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in HCC are still poorly understood. Here, we study the role of mediator subunit 23 (MED23), a component of the Mediator complex, in hepatocarcinogenesis.MethodsWe detected MED23 expression in HCC samples by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry analysis. We also knocked down and overexpressed MED23 to explore its functional role in hepatoma cell growth. The cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry analysis, and protein expression was examined by Western blot. A xenograft mouse model was used to determine whether MED23 is involved in tumorigenesis.ResultsMED23 was frequently upregulated in human HCC tissues compared with paired adjacent non‐tumorous liver tissues. The hepatoma cells also showed increased MED23 expression. MED23 knockdown inhibited hepatoma cell growth, whereas overexpression of MED23 promoted cell growth. Knockdown of MED23 induced a G1 to S phase arrest. Moreover, MED23 regulated the expression of p16INK4a (p16) and the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb). p16 was transcriptionally upregulated, and its promoter was demethylated. The G1 to S phase arrest induced by MED23 knockdown was aborted after p16 was silenced. Furthermore, MED23 knockdown suppressed tumorigenesis and regulated p16/Rb signaling in vivo.ConclusionsTaken together, our study suggests that MED23 plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis, and it may be a novel target for HCC therapy.
Role of serum toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis
Authors: Cengiz Mustafa , Ozenirler Seren , Elbeg Sehri 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common cause of chronic liver disease, including non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to investigate whether serum toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) levels are correlated with NASH and able to predict liver fibrosis, as well as to compare these markers with other non‐invasive fibrosis scores (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] to alanine aminotransferase ratio, AST to platelet ratio index, fibrosis index, fibrosis 4, and fibrosis cirrhosis index).MethodsSerum samples were obtained from consecutive biopsy proven NASH patients and healthy controls. Serum TLR2 and TLR4 were measured using ELISA. Stage of fibrosis was evaluated using the Brunt Criteria. The different non‐invasive fibrosis scores were compared using areas under the curve.ResultsFifty‐seven patients with NASH and 57 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Serum TLR2 levels were not significantly different between the healthy controls and NASH patients. The medians were 3.88 ng/mL ± 0.29 versus 3.81 ng/mL ± 0.32, respectively (P = 0.587). In comparing the levels of TLR4 between groups, the medians were 1.05 ng/mL ± 0.13 versus 1.46 ng/mL ± 0.27, respectively (P < 0.001). In NASH patients, the levels of serum TLR4 increased with the stage of fibrosis: TLR4 medians were F0:1.01, F1:1.46, F2:2.14, F3:3.74, F4:5.83 (P < 0.001). TLR4 produced AUCs for ≥ F1, ≥ F2, and ≥ F3 of 0.862, 0.810, and 0.905, respectively (P < 0.001). TLR4 levels were more predictive than other non‐invasive fibrosis scores in liver fibrosis.ConclusionSerum TLR4 levels but not TLR2 were elevated in NASH patients in comparison with healthy controls. And in NASH patients, serum TLR4 levels both correlated with and were able to predict liver fibrosis.
Sustained virologic response achieved after curative treatment of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma as an independent prognostic factor
Authors: Kanogawa Naoya , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Saito Tomoko , Motoyama Tenyu , Suzuki Eiichiro , Ooka Yoshihiko , Tawada Akinobu , Kanda Tatsuo , Mikami Shigeru , Azemoto Ryosaku , Kaiho Takashi , Shinozaki Masami , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Miyazaki Masaru , Yokosuka Osamu 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and AimWhether an antiviral interferon (IFN)‐based therapy (IBT) after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves the prognosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related HCC remains to be elucidated.MethodsA total of 178 patients within the Milan criteria underwent curative treatment for HCV‐related HCC. Both the time to beyond the Milan criteria (TTBMC) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the sustained virologic response (SVR) (IFN with SVR, n = 22), non‐SVR (IFN without SVR, n = 19), and non‐IBT (control, n = 82) groups using propensity score matching analysis. Prognostic factors to predict survival were also determined by the Cox proportional‐hazards model.ResultsTTBMC in the IFN with SVR group was significantly longer than those in the control and IFN without SVR groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively), although no significant difference existed between the IFN without SVR and control groups. Similarly, OS of the IFN with SVR group was significantly longer than that of the control and IFN without SVR groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively), although no significant difference existed between the IFN without SVR and control groups. The Cox proportional‐hazards model identified SVR as an independent prognostic factor in these patients. The IFN with SVR group showed a 0.096‐fold decrease in mortality risk compared with the control group (95% confidence intervals = 0.023–0.405; P = 0.001).ConclusionElimination of HCV after curative treatment of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria inhibits recurrence and contributes to a preferential prognosis.
Risk of infections during interferon‐based treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and advanced hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Maan Raoel , van der Meer Adriaan J , Hansen Bettina E , Feld Jordan J , Wedemeyer Heiner , Dufour Jean‐François , Lammert Frank , Manns Michael P , Zeuzem Stefan , Janssen Harry L A , de Knegt Robert J , Veldt Bart J 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground & AimPegylated interferon‐based treatment is still the backbone of current hepatitis C therapy and is associated with bone marrow suppression and an increased risk of infections. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the risk of infections during interferon‐based treatment among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and advanced hepatic fibrosis and its relation to treatment‐induced neutropenia.MethodsThis cohort study included all consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection and biopsy‐proven bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis (Ishak 4–6) who started treatment between 1990 and 2003 in five large hepatology units in Europe and Canada. Neutrophil counts between 500–749/μL and below 500/μL were considered as moderate and severe neutropenia, respectively.ResultsThis study included 723 interferon‐based treatments, administered to 490 patients. In total, 113 infections were reported during 88 (12%) treatments, of which 24 (21%) were considered severe. Only one patient was found to have moderate neutropenia and three patients were found to have severe neutropenia at the visit before the infection. Three hundred and twelve (99.7%) visits with moderate neutropenia and 44 (93.6%) visits with severe neutropenia were not followed by an infection. Multivariable analysis showed that cirrhosis (odds ratio [OR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38–5.90, P = 0.005) and severe neutropenia at the previous visit (OR 5.42, 95% CI 1.34–22.0, P = 0.018) were associated with the occurrence of infection, while moderate neutropenia was not. Among a subgroup of patients treated with pegylated interferon, severe neutropenia was not significantly associated (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.19–14.2, P = 0.660).ConclusionsIn this large cohort of patients with bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis, infections during interferon‐based therapy were generally mild. Severe interferon‐induced neutropenia rarely occurred, but was associated with on‐treatment infection. Moderate neutropenia was not associated with infection, suggesting that current dose reduction guidelines might be too strict.
Sonic Hedgehog inhibition as a strategy to augment radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tsai Chiao‐Ling , Hsu Feng‐Ming , Tzen Kai‐Yuan , Liu Wei‐Lin , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Cheng Jason Chia‐Hsien 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and AimSonic Hedgehog (SHH) is a regulator in tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to determine whether radiation‐induced SHH signaling occurs in HCC and whether SHH inhibitor acts as a radiosensitizer.MethodsThe in vitro effects of combining SHH ligand (recombinant human SHH) or inhibitor (cyclopamine) with irradiation were evaluated in the human HCC cell lines, Huh‐7 and PLC/PRF/5, and murine cell line BNL. Cell survival and apoptosis were measured using a colony formation assay, annexin‐V staining, and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase activation. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect protein expression. The in vivo response to radiotherapy and/or cyclopamine was tested in BALB/c mice bearing an orthotopic allogeneic tumor.ResultsTreatment of HCC cells with irradiation and SHH ligand had a protective effect on clonogenic cell survival. Treatment with irradiation and cyclopamine was a more potent inhibitor of cell proliferation than either modality alone. The antiproliferative activity of cyclopamine was attributable to apoptosis induction. Radiation dose‐dependently upregulated the expression of Gli‐1 (a transcription factor induced by SHH), and this effect was observed mainly in the nucleus. When combined with cyclopamine, irradiation inhibited Gli‐1 and increased DNA double‐strand breakage. Radiotherapy increased SHH and Gli‐1 expression in allogeneic tumor. When compared with radiotherapy alone, cyclopamine with radiotherapy reduced the mean tumor size of orthotopic tumors by 67% (P < 0.05).ConclusionCombining an SHH inhibitor with radiotherapy may enhance HCC cell and orthotopic tumor radiosensitivity.
Syn‐metamorphic folding in the Tauern Window, Austria dated by Th–Pb ages from individual allanite porphyroblasts
Authors: Cliff R. A. , Oberli F. , Meier M. , Droop G. T. R. , Kelly M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHigh‐precision 232Th–208Pb dates have been obtained from allanite porphyroblasts that show unambiguous microstructural relationships to fabrics in a major syn‐metamorphic fold in the SE Tauern Window, Austria. Three porphyroblasts were analysed from a single garnet mica schist from the Peripheral Schieferhülle in the core of the Ankogel Synform, one of a series of folds which developed shortly before the thermal peak of Alpine epidote–amphibolite facies metamorphism: allanite grain 1 provided two analyses with a combined age of 27.7 ± 0.7 Ma; grain 2, which was slightly bent and fractured during crenulation, provided two analyses with a combined age of 27.7 ± 0.4 Ma; a single analysis from grain 3, which overgrew an already crenulated fabric, gave an age of 28.0 ± 1.4 Ma. The five 232Th–208Pb ages agree within error and define an isochron with an age of 27.71 ± 0.36 Ma (95% confidence level; MSWD = 0.46). The results imply that the crenulation event was in progress in a short interval (<1 Ma) c. 28 Ma, and that the Ankogel Synform was forming at this time. The thermal peak of regional metamorphism in the SE Tauern Window was probably attained shortly after 28 Ma, only c. 5 Ma after eclogite facies metamorphism in the central Tauern Window. Metasediment may contain allanite porphyroblasts with clear‐cut microstructural relationships to fabric development and metamorphic crystallization; for such rocks, 232Th–208Pb dating on microsamples offers a powerful geochronological tool.