bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of spur cells as a highly predictive factor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Alexopoulou Alexandra , Vasilieva Larisa , Kanellopoulou Theoni , Pouriki Sophia , Soultati Aspasia , Dourakis Spyridon P 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe presence of spur‐cell anemia (SCA) is due to lipid disturbances of the erythrocyte membrane and may develop in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. The accurate predicting value of SC for survival has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate SCA as a prognostic indicator in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated clinical, laboratory parameters, and survival in patients with cirrhosis, with or without SCA, during the period 2008–2011. Patients who had at admission renal failure, other causes of hemolytic anemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, sepsis, and/or active bleeding, were excluded. One hundred sixteen patients with cirrhosis were included. The presence of SCA (SC rate higher or equal to 5% [≥ 5%]) was diagnosed in 36 (31%) patients.ResultsPatients with SCA compared to those without had more advanced liver disease (higher Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD], P < 0.001), higher total bilirubin (P < 0.001), and International Normalized Ratio (P < 0.001). Patients with SCA had worse survival (log rank P < 0.001). Survival of patients with SCA at the first, second, and third month of follow‐up was 77%, 45%, and 33%, respectively. In multivariate Cox's regression analysis, the presence of SCA was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio = 3.17 [95% CI 1.55–6.48]).ConclusionsThe presence of spur‐cell anemia is not uncommon in cirrhosis and seems to be strongly associated with mortality. SCA can be used in combination with MELD as an additional predictor of early mortality.
Changes of HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients after 5 years of entecavir treatment
Authors: Seto Wai‐Kay , Lam Yuk‐Fai , Fung James , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Huang Fung‐Yu , Hung Ivan Fan‐Ngai , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimHepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kinetics during long‐term entecavir therapy has not been well investigated.MethodsWe described the cumulative serologic, virologic, and biochemical outcomes and the occurrence of signature entecavir mutations among 222 Chinese treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving entecavir for up to 5 years.ResultsThe median rate of HBsAg reduction over 5 years was 0.125 log IU/mL/year. Patients with high baseline HBV DNA levels (≥ 8 log copies/mL or ≥ 7.3 log IU/mL), when compared with those with baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA < 7.3 log IU/mL, had a significantly greater median rate of HBsAg reduction (0.178 and 0.102 log IU/mL/year, respectively, P < 0.001). The difference in HBsAg decline was most prominent in the first year (0.324 and 0.062 log IU/mL/year, respectively, P < 0.001). Greater median rates of HBsAg reduction were also found in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients when compared with HBeAg‐negative patients (0.144 and 0.098 log IU/mL/year, P = 0.015), and in patients with high baseline HBsAg levels (≥ 3 log IU/mL), when compared with patients with low baseline HBsAg < 3 log IU/mL (0.131 and 0.045 log IU/mL/year, respectively, P = 0.001). The 5‐year cumulative rate of HBV DNA undetectability (< 20 IU/mL) was 97.1%. There were two cases of entecavir resistance, resulting in a 5‐year cumulative resistance rate of 1.2%.ConclusionIn contrast to the profound HBV DNA suppression, long‐term entecavir treatment achieved only a slow decline in serum HBsAg. Although certain patient subgroups exhibit a more rapid HBsAg reduction, additional therapeutic agents are needed to increase the chance of HBsAg seroclearance in CHB.
Long‐term outcomes of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the era of antiviral therapy in Korea
Authors: Park Yoon Hea , Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Ja Kyung , Kim Hyeon Chang , Kim Do Young , Park Jun Yong , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Kim Seung Up , Shin Seung Hwan , Hahn Kyu Yeon , Ahn Sang Hoon 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsChronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and ultimately liver‐related deaths. Recently, owing to potent antiviral therapy with minimal side‐effects, sustained suppression of hepatitis B virus replication can be achieved, thereby preventing such complications. We aimed to reappraise clinical courses regarding disease progression in the era of antiviral therapy.MethodsBetween 2001 and 2005, treatment‐naïve Korean CHB patients without cirrhosis were enrolled and followed up for at least 5 years. During follow up, antiviral therapy was commenced according to Korean Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines, if eligible, and ultrasonography and laboratory and clinical assessment were performed regularly. Primary end‐points were development of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, HCC, or liver‐related deaths.ResultsOf 360 patients, 323 (89.7%) received antiviral therapy such as lamivudine (70.6%), entecavir (8.7%), or telbivudine (6.5%). During follow up, cirrhosis developed in 29 (8.1%), hepatic decompensation in 4 (1.1%), and HCC in 15 (4.2%) patients. Annual incidences of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC were 1.05%, 0.14%, and 0.53% per person‐year, respectively. Age was an independent predictor for developing cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.075, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.037–1.116; P < 0.001), whereas age (HR 1.060, 95% CI 1.012–1.111; P = 0.014) and cirrhosis (HR 17.470, 95% CI 5.081–60.063; P < 0.001) were those for developing HCC.ConclusionsIn the era of antiviral therapy, overall clinical courses have been much improved since introduction of lamivudine in 1999. However, patients with older age or cirrhosis are still subject to HCC development despite appropriate antiviral therapy, necessitating cautious surveillance.
High sensitivity of quick view capsule endoscopy for detection of small bowel Crohn's disease
Authors: Halling Morten Lee , Nathan Torben , Kjeldsen Jens , Jensen Michael Dam 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimCapsule endoscopy (CE) has a high sensitivity for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's disease, but video analysis is time‐consuming. The quick view (qv) function is an effective tool to reduce time consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of missed small bowel ulcerations with qv‐CE compared with standard view and the diagnostic accuracy of qv‐CE in suspected Crohn's disease.MethodsThis study consisted of two parts: (i) 12 small bowel segments with Crohn's disease of varying severity were selected for a detailed analysis of the number and type of lesions visualized with CE and qv‐CE, and (ii) a blinded study of the diagnostic accuracy of qv‐CE including 40 patients with suspected Crohn's disease. Ileocolonoscopy and CE served as gold standard.ResultsPart 1: CE visualized 171 ulcerations compared with 102 detected with qv‐CE (miss rate 40%, P = 0.02). Part 2: qv‐CE identified 15 of 16 patients with small bowel Crohn's disease corresponding to a 94% sensitivity, and overall, 39 out of 40 patients were classified correct (diagnostic accuracy 98%). Qv‐CE was false negative in one patient because of a leap of 3 min and 20 s in the terminal ileum. Reading times varied from 5 to 18 min (median 10).ConclusionDespite a significant number of missed lesions, qv‐CE is a safe and time‐reducing method for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's disease. To avoid false negative cases, we recommend viewing the terminal ileum in standard view.
The Visual Spatial Learning Test: Differential impairment during the premanifest and manifest stages of Huntington's disease
Authors: Pirogovsky Eva , Nicoll Diane R. , Challener Dillon M. , Breen Elizabeth , Gluhm Shea , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Gilbert Paul E. 
Published: December 2013

Visual spatial memory was assessed using the Visual Spatial Learning Test (VSLT) in individuals with mild to moderate Huntington's disease (HD), pre‐manifest gene carriers for HD, and demographically similar controls. The VSLT has been demonstrated to be a valid, normed measure of non‐verbal memory involving minimal motoric responses. The VSLT assesses immediate and delayed memory for designs, positions of the designs, and design/position associations. The HD group was significantly impaired (p < .05) relative to both the control and Pre‐HD groups on immediate and delayed memory for the designs, positions, and design/position associations. Although there were no differences between the Pre‐HD and control groups on immediate or delayed memory for designs or positions, the Pre‐HD group was significantly impaired (p < .05) relative to the control group on immediate and delayed memory for design/position associations. The results offer novel insight into a relatively unexamined memory deficit that may occur in gene carriers for HD prior to phenoconversion. The data indicate that the VSLT may be a useful measure of visuospatial memory during the premanifest and manifest stages of HD.
Allometry of left ventricular myocardial innervation
Authors: Schipke Julia , Mayhew Terry M. , Mühlfeld Christian 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBody mass (BM) of terrestrial mammalian species ranges from a few grams in the case of the Etruscan shrew to a few tonnes for an elephant. The mass‐specific metabolic rate, as well as heart rate, decrease with increasing BM, whereas heart mass is proportional to BM. In the present study, we investigated the scaling behaviour of several compartments of the left ventricular myocardium, notably its innervation, capillaries and cardiomyocytes. Myocardial samples were taken from 10 mammalian species with BM between approximately 2 g and 900 kg. Samples were analysed by design‐based stereology and electron microscopy and the resulting data were subjected to linear regression and correlation analyses. The total length of nerve fibres (axons) in the left ventricle increased from 0.017 km (0.020 km) in the shrew to 7237 km (13 938 km) in the horse. The innervation density was similar among species but the mean number of axons per nerve fibre profile increased with rising BM. The total length of capillaries increased from 0.119 km (shrew) to 10 897 km (horse). The volume of cardiomyocytes was 0.017 cm3 in the shrew and 1818 cm3 in the horse. Scaling of the data against BM indicated a higher degree of complexity of the axon tree in larger animals and an allometric relationship between total length of nerve fibres/axons and BM. In contrast, the density of nerve fibres is independent of BM. It seems that the structural components of the autonomic nervous system in the heart are related to BM and heart mass rather than to functional parameters such as metabolic rate.
The building blocks of job insecurity: The impact of environmental and person‐related variables on job insecurity perceptions
Authors: Debus Maike E. , König Cornelius J. , Kleinmann Martin 
Published: December 2013

This study unites two perspectives concerning the determinants of job insecurity perceptions that exist in the literature and that resemble the classical nature–nurture debate. On the ‘nurture’ side, we investigated the company performance and type of contract, while we focused on negative affectivity and locus of control on the ‘nature’ side. In addition to demonstrating the known main effects of the respective predictors, we examined the proportional reduction in prediction error for both predictor types. Based on Lazarus’ stress model, we also hypothesized interactive effects between the environmental and person‐related predictors. Multilevel analyses of 640 employees from 50 companies revealed that all four variables significantly and incrementally predicted job insecurity in the hypothesized direction. Interestingly, the person‐related variables contributed more than twice as much to the reduction in prediction error in job insecurity perceptions when compared with the environmental variables. Among the hypothesized interaction effects, only locus of control significantly interacted with type of contract in predicting job insecurity perceptions (employees on a temporary contract experienced a steeper incline in job insecurity perceptions with increasing levels of external locus of control relative to employees on a permanent contract). We discuss implications for the conceptualization of job insecurity as well as practical implications.Practitioner points

The study shows that the person‐related variables negative affectivity and locus of control weigh more heavily in the reduction in prediction error in job insecurity perceptions compared with the environmental variables company performance and type of contract. Above this, external locus of control was more strongly related to job insecurity perceptions among employees on a temporary contract, compared with employees on a permanent contract.

To reduce job insecurity perceptions, managers should try to decrease temporary contract arrangements and take employees’ personality dispositions into account (e.g., when assigning employees to work teams). By doing so, employees with extremely high negative affectivity and a strong external locus of control might be ‘positively’ affected by other team members (with less severe levels on these traits).

Moreover, managers should try to reduce any negative cues about future employment prospects that employees could interpret the wrong way. Instead, managers should try to give positive feedback concerning employment (if this fits the situation at hand) and/or verbalize negative messages with an unambiguous interpretation.
Seroprevalence of herpes virus associated with the presence and severity of oral mucositis in children diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia
Authors: Santos de Faria Andreza Barkokebas , Silva Igor Henrique Moraes , de Godoy Almeida Roberta , Silva Sirleide Pereira da , Carvalho Alessandra Tavares , Leão Jair Carneiro 
Published: December 2013

IntroductionAcute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the hematologic neoplasia most commonly diagnosed in children. Among the secondary side effects of chemotherapy, mucositis is the most frequent complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of herpes viruses HSV‐1, EBV, and CMV and the presence and severity of oral mucositis in children and adolescents diagnosed with ALL.MethodologyNinety‐two patients diagnosed with ALL were evaluated. Serum samples were collected before chemotherapy and tested by ELISA method. Presence of mucositis was observed on the first day before antineoplastic therapy (D0) and on 7th day post‐therapy (D7). Classification of mucositis intensity was performed according to toxicity criteria established by the National Cancer Institute.Results70.7% of the patients presented mucositis on the D7, and of these, 60% were classified as Grade I and 40% as Grade II; of the 92 individuals tested, 59 (64.1%) presented antibodies for HSV‐1, 57 (62%) for EBV, 75 (81.5%) for CMV_IgG, and 21 (22.8%) for CMV_IgM. Using a logistic regression model, the presence of HSV‐1 was observed to be 4.10 times greater in Grade II mucositis severity than in Grade I (P = 0.03).ConclusionBased on the findings of this study, it was possible to conclude that infection by the herpes viruses HSV‐1, EBV, and CMV is ubiquitous in the studied population and that HSV‐1 may be a risk factor for aggravating the severity of mucositis.
A low dicer expression is associated with resistance to 5‐FU‐based chemoradiotherapy and a shorter overall survival in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kawahara Kenta , Nakayama Hideki , Nagata Masashi , Yoshida Ryoji , Hirosue Akiyuki , Tanaka Takuya , Nakagawa Yoshihiro , Matsuoka Yuichiro , Kojima Taku , Takamune Yasuo , Yoshitake Yoshihiro , Hiraki Akimitsu , Shinohara Masanori 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is associated with multiple processes involved in cancer progression. RNase III endonucleases, Dicer and Drosha, are key enzymes for miRNA biogenesis, and it has been reported that altered expressions of these molecules affect the clinical outcomes of patients with various cancers. However, the clinical value of measuring the levels of Dicer and Drosha in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the expressions of Dicer and Drosha in patients with OSCC.MethodsOral squamous cell carcinoma specimens were obtained from 61 patients who underwent surgery following 5‐fluorouracil‐based chemoradiotherapy at Kumamoto University Hospital between October 2003 and January 2009. Paraffin‐embedded sections obtained from biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed. The associations between Dicer, Drosha, and various clinicopathological features were examined, and the effects of Dicer and Drosha on the prognosis were evaluated.ResultsA low Dicer tumor expression was significantly correlated with the pathological response to chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, a Cox regression analysis based on the overall survival revealed the Dicer expression status (hazard ratio, 0.34; P = 0.048) and pathological response to chemoradiotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.21; P = 0.014) to be significant prognostic factors in OSCC patients. On the other hand, the Drosha expression was not associated with any clinicopathological features or the prognosis.ConclusionThese results suggest that Dicer is a potential biomarker for predicting the clinical response to 5‐FU‐based chemoradiotherapy and the overall survival in patients with OSCC.
Should intravenous immunoglobulin be used in infants with isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility?
Authors: Keir Amy K , Dunn Michael , Callum Jeannie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe use of intravenous immunoglobulin in isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Blood Authority, Australia. However, the evidence these recommendations are based on appears limited and, in some instances, outdated. In our article, we review the current available literature to help answer the question, ‘In infants with isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility [P], does use of intravenous immunoglobulin and intensive phototherapy [I] compared with intensive phototherapy alone [C] provide any clinically important benefits [O]?’
Hizikia fusiformis fractions successfully improve atopic dermatitis indices in anti-CD3-stimulated splenocytes and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-treated BALB/c mice
Authors: Lee Kyu Ho , Kim Hee Jung , Kim Hae Bok , Kim Seung Tae , Choi Young Ri , Seo Da Woom , Yu Jung Min , Jang Su Kil , Kim Sang Moo , Lee Do-Ik , Joo Seong Soo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objectives
In the present study, we aimed to examine whether fractions from an edible sea weed, Hizikia fusiformis, had immunomodulatory effects, particularly an anti-atopic effect, by attenuating the expression of T cell-dependent cytokines using in-vitro and in-vivo animal atopic dermatitis-like models.

Methods
The anti-atopic activities were examined in in vitro, and a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis-like mouse model using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic-mobility shift and histophathological analysis.

Key findings
Our results showed that the final fraction (F2′) of H. fusiformis contained a higher amount of butanoic acid which was not found in the other fractions, and effectively inhibited T cell activation by inhibiting dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells in electrophoretic-mobility shift assay. As a consequence, helper T cell-dependent cytokines, such as interleukin-2, -4 and interferon-γ, were significantly inhibited while activated with an anti-CD3 antibody. We also showed that skin challenged with DNCB successfully recovered when treated with 2.5 mg/kg, comparable to that by 0.25% prednicarbate. These results indicate that F2′ may contribute to inhibit T cell activation by eliminating Th cell-dependent cytokines.

Conclusions
Taken together, we concluded that F2′ containing butanoic acid may be a new functional anti-atopic candidate, which probably acts through nuclear factor of activated T cell inactivation mechanisms.
Interactions between drugs and polymers influencing hot melt extrusion
Authors: Li Yongcheng , Pang Huishi , Guo Zhefei , Lin Ling , Dong Yixuan , Li Ge , Lu Ming , Wu Chuangbin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Hot melt extrusion (HME) as a technique for producing amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) has been widely used in pharmaceutical research. The biggest challenge for the application of HME is the thermal degradation of drug, poor physical stability of ASD and precipitation of drug during dissolution. Interactions between drugs and polymers may play an important role in overcoming these barriers. In this review, influence of drug–polymer interactions on HME and the methods for characterizing the drug–polymer interactions were reviewed.

Key findings
Strong drug–polymer interactions, especially ionic interactions and hydrogen bonds, are helpful to improving the thermal stability of drug during HME, enhancing the physical stability of ASD during storage and maintaining supersaturated solution after dissolution in gastrointestinal tract. The interactions can be quantitatively and qualitatively characterized by many analysing methods.

Conclusions
As many factors collectively determine the properties of HME products, drug–polymer interactions play an extremely important role. However, the action mechanisms of drug–polymer interactions need intensive investigation to provide more useful information for optimizing the formulation and the process parameters of HME.
Comparative oral bioavailability of geniposide following oral administration of geniposide, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruits extracts and Gardenia herbal formulation in rats
Authors: Cheng Sharleen , Lin Lie-Chwen , Lin Chi-Hung , Tsai Tung-Hu 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic data between pure compound of the major active component, single herbal extract and complex herbal formulation by determining bioavailability of geniposide in each group following intravenous and oral administrations.

Methods
A conscious and freely moving rat model was used in this experiment to avoid the stress caused by restraint or anaesthesia. The pure compound of geniposide, Gardenia fruits (Chinese name: Zhi-Zi), and extracts of a Gardenia herbal formulation (Chinese name: Zhi-Zi-Chi-Tang) were administered at doses of 200 mg/kg, 4.69 g/kg and 10.82 g/kg for oral administration and fed by gavages to rats, respectively. The earlier doses are equivalent to geniposide administration dose of 200 mg/kg.

Key findings
The results show that after oral administration of geniposide, Gardenia fruits and Gardenia herbal formulation, the bioavailability were 4.23%, 32.32% and 27.17%, respectively. The results of oral bioavailability of geniposide also suggest that Gardenia fruits extract, single herb, is a more efficient way for geniposide, pure compound, absorption than traditional herbal formulation administration and direct pure compound administration.

Conclusions
The conclusion reveals that herbal ingredient–ingredient or herb–herb interaction may affect the oral absorption of geniposide-related herbal formulation.