bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oncological safety of immediate rectus abdominis myocutaneous breast reconstruction in patients with locally advanced disease (stage IIb and III)
Authors: Mir Mushtaq , Shahdhar Muddassir , Ganaie Khurshid , Syed Quibtiya 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Background: The management of locally advanced (Stage IIb and III) breast cancer is challenging. It often includes multimodal treatment with systemic therapy and/or radiation therapy and surgery. Immediate breast reconstruction has not traditionally been performed in these patients. We review the results of immediate rectus abdominis musculo-cutaneous (TRAM/VRAM) flap in 60 patients treated for Stage IIb and III breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Data were collected prospectively on 60 patients diagnosed with Stage IIb (32 patients) and Stage III (28 patients) breast cancer between May 2008 and May 2012. All patients had mastectomy and immediate rectus abdominis myocutaneous reconstruction (TRAM in 40 patients and VRAM in 20 patients). All patients received primary systemic therapy, and all patients received postoperative radiotherapy to the operative site. Results: Mean age was 40.13 (range 28-53) years, mean hospital stay was 8.86 days and mean follow-up for the group was 28 months. Neither of them developed local disease recurrence in the operative site till the last follow-up. Eight (13.3%) patients had some delay in chemo-radiation therapy due to flap-related complications. Flap-related complications were present in eight patients (partial flap failure in four and superficial skin necrosis in four). There was no adverse effect of chemo-radiation therapy on reconstructed breast. Conclusion: Immediate TRAM/VRAM breast reconstruction for locally advanced breast cancer is not associated with a significant delay in adjuvant therapy or an increased risk of local relapse. Radiation therapy can be delivered to the reconstructed breast when indicated without difficulty. Breast reconstruction facilitates surgical resection of locally advanced breast cancer with primary closure and should be considered if the patient desires immediate breast reconstruction.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Role of wide local excision
Authors: Hamid Raashid , Hafeez Aadil , Darzi Ashraf M. , Zaroo Inam , Owais Habib , Akhter Afrozah 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to study the outcome of surgical treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Materials and Methods: This study included 45 patients both retrospective and prospective from December 1995 to December 2010. Results: Out of 45 patients, 30 were males and 15 females with the male to female ratio of 2:1. Mean age of presentation was 38.4 + 13.2 years. Commonest mode of presentation was raised firm multinodular lesion with fixity to overlying skin. Site distribution was 42.22% trunk, 57.88% extremities and head and neck. None of the patients had lymph node involvement All patients underwent wide local excision. On histological examination, 8 patients had positive margins. Overall recurrence rate was 22.22%. (please clarify what is the difference between the rate of recurrence following surgery and the overall recurrence rate) Only 2 patients developed metastasis to lungs in the course of their follow‑up. Out of 45 patients, 35 remained recurrence free over a varying period of 5 months to 13 years (mean 68 months). Ten patients developed one or more local recurrences. Average time from initial treatment to recurrence was 32 months. All patients with recurrent tumors were subjected to salvage treatment, i.e., re‑excision. Average recurrence‑free period was 36 + 44 months within a mean follow‑up of 68 months. Conclusion: Because of the potential of local recurrence, therapy for DFSP should be directed toward adequate local excision of the primary lesion. Minimal resection should include a surrounding margin, comprising 3-cm margin of normal skin and removal of underlying deep fascia. Compromising on margins invites higher chances of local recurrence.
SD-OCT Stages of Progression of Type 2 Macular Telangiectasia in a Patient followed for 3 Years
Authors: Coscas Gabriel , Coscas Florence , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Bandello Francesco , Soubrane Gisele , Souïed Eric 
Published: October 2013

Purpose To describe the natural course of type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (MT) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods Analysis of the different stages of progression of type 2 MT during a period of 3 years using multimodal imaging, including SD-OCT correlated with angiographic and autofluorescence images. The analysis of the different steps was obtained initially from the first eye, then successively from the fellow eye when progressive changes appeared. Results The earliest visible alteration at SD-OCT was the interruption of the interface between inner segment and ellipsoid (IS/EL) (stage 1). The second stage was characterized by the complete interruption of both IS/EL interface and external limiting membrane (stage 2). At the next step, a wide disruption of the outer nuclear layer was noted (stage 3). The fourth stage showed a complete disorganization of the inner layers with aspect of fusion of the inner retinal layers associated with progressive atrophy of the outer layers (stage 4). Hyper-reflective deposits were found in both the internal and external retinal layers (stage 5). Small intraretinal cystoid spaces appeared in the different retinal layers (stage 6). This last feature was an earlier manifestation of the typical intraretinal cysts that are the well-known OCT appearance of type 2 MT. Conclusions We describe the 6 steps of progression from earlier SD-OCT findings that led to a complete disorganization and fusion of the inner layers (probably due to changes in the Müller cells) to the typical intraretinal cysts.
The influence of biohydrohumus on growth and development of garden pansy (Viola x wittrockiana Gams.)
Authors: Żurawik Piotr , Placek Monika 
Published: October 2013

In the years 2007–2008, experiments were conducted with four cultivars of garden pansy grown in pots, in media prepared as mixtures of wet shrimp waste (BioHydroHumus) and sphagnum peat at the following volumetric ratios: 2% BioHydroHumus + 98% sphagnum peat, 5% BioHydroHumus + 95% sphagnum peat, 10% BioHydroHumus + 90% sphagnum peat. The Osmocote Exact 5–6 M (15:8:10:3MgO + microelements) fertilizer at the rates of 2.5 and 5.0 g × dm<sup>-3</sup> was added to each medium. Sphagnum peat with addition of 5.0 g × dm<sup>-3</sup> Osmocote Exact 5–6 M was used as control medium. It was found that BioHydroHumus can be a source of macroelements in the cultivation of garden pansy. It is characterized by alkaline reaction and high total soluble salts. BioHydroHumus used as a component of media affects the quality of cultivated plants. The best results were obtained when BioHydroHumus was used at the rates of 2 and 5%, even if the rate of fertilizer were twice smaller than in control medium. At full flowering, plants grown in medium containing 5% BioHydroHumus were the most branched. Garden pansies cultivated in medium containing 10% BioHydroHumus were characterized by a smaller number of leaves. Plants grown in media with addition of 2 and 5% BioHydroHumus flowered more abundantly in comparison with garden pansies cultivated in medium containing 10% BioHydroHumus, regardless of the rate of fertilizer. However, an ambiguous influence of BioHydroHumus on height and diameter of garden pansy cultivars was found.
The effect of reduced rates of crop protection agents and adjuvants on productivity, weed infestation and health of spring barley (Hordeum sativum L.)
Authors: Kwiatkowski Cezary A. , Wesołowski Marian , Harasim Elżbieta , Gawęda, Dorota , Drabowicz Magda 
Published: October 2013

A field experiment on the cultivation of spring barley was carried out in the period 2009–2011 at the Experimental Farm in Czesławice (central Lublin region) on grey-brown podzolic soil derived from loess (soil quality class II). The study included 3 rates of herbicides, growth retardant and fungicides (100%, 75% and 50%) as well as different types of adjuvant (oil, surface-active, mineral). Plots without adjuvant were the control treatment. A hypothesis was made that the reduction in rates of crop protection agents by 25–50%, with the simultaneous addition of adjuvants, would allow spring barley productivity to be maintained at a level similar to that obtained under the conditions when recommended rates are applied without adjuvant. It was also assumed that particular types of adjuvant would show different interactions with specific groups of crop protection agents. It has been proved that a rational reduction in rates of crop protection agents is up to a limit of 25%, especially when an adjuvant is added to such reduced rates. This allows spring barley productivity to be maintained at the level obtained after the application of full rates (without adjuvant). But a further reduction in rates of crop protection agents by 50%, in spite of the interaction of adjuvants, results in a significant deterioration of all spring barley yield components, since such conditions lead to increased occurrence of agricultural pests (weeds, fungal diseases) as well as increased crop lodging. Among the group of adjuvants tested in the present experiment, the oil adjuvant Atpolan 80 EC showed the best interaction with crop protection agents used.
A new semiempirical model of the peak electron density of the Martian ionosphere
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Marusiak Angela G. , Withers Paul , Morgan David , Gurnett Donald 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObservations of the ionosphere of Mars have now reached a sufficient number to begin discussions on how best to create an empirically based model of its global morphology. Here we use nearly 113,000 values of maximum electron density (Nmax) obtained from 2005 to 2012 by the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding on board the Mars Express satellite. At the altitude of peak density, photochemical processes dominate over dynamical effects, and thus values of Nmax can be organized using three basic parameters: solar flux, solar zenith angle, and orbital distance. The model can be used retrospectively to provide Nmax values for any date starting in 1965. Forecasts are possible using predicted solar flux values extending to the end of solar cycle 24. Validations using Viking in situ observations and radio occultation measurements from several satellite missions provide encouraging results for a useful semiempirical climatological model.
NAO implicated as a predictor of Northern Hemisphere mean temperature multidecadal variability
Authors: Li Jianping , Sun Cheng , Jin Fei‐Fei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe twentieth century Northern Hemisphere mean surface temperature (NHT) is characterized by a multidecadal warming‐cooling‐warming pattern followed by a flat trend since about 2000 (recent warming hiatus). Here we demonstrate that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is implicated as a useful predictor of NHT multidecadal variability. Observational analysis shows that the NAO leads both the detrended NHT and oceanic Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) by 15–20 years. Theoretical analysis illuminates that the NAO precedes NHT multidecadal variability through its delayed effect on the AMO due to the large thermal inertia associated with slow oceanic processes. An NAO‐based linear model is therefore established to predict the NHT, which gives an excellent hindcast for NHT in 1971–2011 with the recent flat trend well predicted. NHT in 2012–2027 is predicted to fall slightly over the next decades, due to the recent NAO decadal weakening that temporarily offsets the anthropogenically induced warming.
Treatment With Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Biologic Agents in Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type I–Positive Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Umekita Kunihiko , Hidaka Toshihiko , Miyauchi Shunichi , Ueno Shiro , Kubo Kazuyoshi , Takajo Ichiro , Hashiba Yayoi , Kai Yasufumi , Nagatomo Yasuhiro , Okayama Akihiko 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the response to and safety of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy in human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV‐I)–positive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsTherapeutic response was evaluated in 10 HTLV‐I–positive and 20 HTLV‐I–negative patients with RA (sex and age matched) at 3 months after the beginning of anti‐TNF therapy using the European League Against Rheumatism improvement criteria. As secondary end points, the discontinuation rate of anti‐TNF therapy and its safety, especially the development of adult T cell leukemia (ATL), were evaluated over a 2‐year period.ResultsSignificantly higher baseline levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) were observed in HTLV‐I–positive patients than in HTLV‐I–negative patients (P = 0.0003). The response rate to anti‐TNF therapy was lower in HTLV‐I–positive patients than in HTLV‐I–negative patients. The median CRP level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints at 3 months after anti‐TNF treatment in HTLV‐I–positive patients were significantly higher than in HTLV‐I–negative patients (P = 0.003, P = 0.03, and P = 0.003, respectively). The discontinuation rate due to insufficient response was significantly higher in HTLV‐I–positive patients than in HTLV‐I–negative patients (P = 0.013). During the 2‐year observation period, no patients developed ATL.ConclusionThese data suggest that HTLV‐I–positive patients with RA had higher inflammation and greater resistance to anti‐TNF treatment than HTLV‐I–negative patients. Further study is necessary to determine whether HTLV‐I infection should be measured when anti‐TNF agents are administered to patients with RA, especially in areas were HTLV‐I is endemic.
State and parameter estimation of state‐space model with entry‐wise correlated uniform noise
Authors: Pavelková Lenka , Kárný Miroslav 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYJoint parameter and state estimation is proposed for linear state‐space model with uniform, entry‐wise correlated, state and output noises (LSU model for short). The adopted Bayesian modelling and approximate estimation produce an estimator that (a) provides the maximum a posteriori estimate enriched by information on its precision, (b) respects correlated noise entries without demanding the user to tune noise covariances, and (c) respects bounded nature of real‐life variables. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotype and clinical care correlations in craniosynostosis: Findings from a cohort of 630 Australian and New Zealand patients
Authors: Roscioli T. , Elakis G. , Cox T.C. , Moon D.J. , Venselaar H. , Turner A.M. , Le T. , Hackett E. , Haan E. , Colley A. , Mowat D. , Worgan L. , Kirk E.P. , Sachdev R. , Thompson E. , Gabbett M. , McGaughran J. , Gibson K. , Gattas M. , Freckmann M‐L. , Dixon J. , Hoefsloot L. , Field M. , Hackett A. , Kamien B. , Edwards M. , Adès L.C. , Collins F.A. , Wilson M.J. , Savarirayan R. , Tan T.Y. , Amor D.J. , McGIllivray G. , White S.M. , Glass I.A. , David D.J. , Anderson P.J. , Gianoutsos M. , Buckley M.F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCraniosynostosis is one of the most common craniofacial disorders encountered in clinical genetics practice, with an overall incidence of 1 in 2,500. Between 30% and 70% of syndromic craniosynostoses are caused by mutations in hotspots in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes or in the TWIST1 gene with the difference in detection rates likely to be related to different study populations within craniofacial centers. Here we present results from molecular testing of an Australia and New Zealand cohort of 630 individuals with a diagnosis of craniosynostosis. Data were obtained by Sanger sequencing of FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 hotspot exons and the TWIST1 gene, as well as copy number detection of TWIST1. Of the 630 probands, there were 231 who had one of 80 distinct mutations (36%). Among the 80 mutations, 17 novel sequence variants were detected in three of the four genes screened. In addition to the proband cohort there were 96 individuals who underwent predictive or prenatal testing as part of family studies. Dysmorphic features consistent with the known FGFR1‐3/TWIST1‐associated syndromes were predictive for mutation detection. We also show a statistically significant association between splice site mutations in FGFR2 and a clinical diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome, more severe clinical phenotypes associated with FGFR2 exon 10 versus exon 8 mutations, and more frequent surgical procedures in the presence of a pathogenic mutation. Targeting gene hot spot areas for mutation analysis is a useful strategy to maximize the success of molecular diagnosis for individuals with craniosynostosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Progress in Designing Artificial Proteases: A New Therapeutic Option for Amyloid Diseases
Authors: Suh Junghun 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis Focus Review describes the evolution of artificial proteases, which are synthetic catalysts for peptide hydrolysis that mimic the action of natural proteases. The evolution took place through discovery of catalytic centers for peptide hydrolysis, attachment of substrate‐recognition sites to the catalytic centers, and the advent of target‐selective artificial proteases. Application of the target‐selective artificial proteases led to a therapeutic option for amyloid diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.
Graphen‐analoge anorganische Schichtmaterialien
Authors: Rao C. N. R. , Ramakrishna Matte H. S. S. , Maitra Urmimala 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDie Entdeckung von Graphen war eine Sensation für die Chemie, aber auch für die Physik, die Materialwissenschaften und verwandte Gebiete. Die ungewöhnlichen Eigenschaften des Graphens weckten auch ein Interesse an anderen Schichtmaterialien wie Molybdänsulfid und Bornitrid. So sind in den letzten Jahren verschiedene ein‐ und mehrlagige Chalkogenide und andere anorganische Materialien mit interessanten Eigenschaften und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten hergestellt und charakterisiert worden. Dieser Aufsatz gibt eine Übersicht über neue zweidimensionale Nanomaterialien. Dabei behandeln wir nicht nur Synthese und Charakterisierung, sondern auch spektroskopische und optische, magnetische und elektrische Eigenschaften und mögliche Anwendungen. Außerdem werden Kompositmaterialien aus anorganischen Schichtstrukturen mit Graphen und Polymeren und schließlich Borcarbonitride behandelt.
India's Demographic Transition: Boon or Bane?
Authors: Kumar Utsav 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAge structure and its dynamics are critical in understanding the impact of population growth on a country's growth prospects. Using state‐level data from India, we show that the pace of demographic transition varies across states, and that these differences are likely to be exacerbated over the period 2011–26. We show that the so‐called BIMARU states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) are likely to see a continuing increase in the share of the working‐age population in total population. The BIMARU states are expected to contribute 58 per cent of the increase in India's working‐age population. The BIMARU states have traditionally been the slow‐growing states and have performed poorly on different accounts of social and physical infrastructure. The article argues that whether the demographic window of opportunity will be utilised and turned into a boon or be wasted and result in a bane will rest critically on the ability of the BIMARU states to exploit the bulge in the working‐age population.
Effectiveness of Chloroquine and Inflammatory Cytokine Response in Patients With Early Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain and Arthritis Following Chikungunya Virus Infection
Authors: Chopra Arvind , Saluja Manjit , Venugopalan Anuradha 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether chloroquine (CQ) is more effective than meloxicam for treating early musculoskeletal pain and arthritis following acute chikungunya (CHIK) virus infection.MethodsDuring the 2006 CHIK epidemic, 509 rural community cases of acute CHIK virus infection were identified in the district of Sholapur in India. Seventy consenting adult patients (seropositive for IgM/IgG anti‐CHIK antibody) with early persistent musculoskeletal pain and arthritis were randomized into a 24‐week, 2‐arm, parallel efficacy trial of CQ (250 mg/day) and meloxicam (7.5 mg/day). Assessors completed a rheumatology evaluation in a blinded manner and collected blood samples in the patients' homes, as per protocol. Laboratory parameters included serum cytokine assay (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], interferon‐γ [IFNγ], tumor necrosis factor α, CXCL10/IFNγ‐inducible protein 10, and IL‐13). Twenty‐two patients who failed to meet the eligibility criteria (low pain cohort) were also followed up with similar evaluations. An intent‐to‐treat analysis was completed. At baseline, the 2 groups (38 patients randomized to receive CQ and 32 patients randomized to receive meloxicam) were well matched.ResultsThere were no significant efficacy differences between the meloxicam group and the CQ group (mean changes in the visual analog scale score for pain −3.9 and −4.2, respectively). Patients improved significantly. Cytokine levels remained several‐fold increased, were disproportionate to the clinical response, and were not different from those in the low pain cohort. Seven patients withdrew. Adverse events were mild and infrequent.ConclusionThis exploratory community intervention trial failed to identify an advantage of CQ over meloxicam to treat early musculoskeletal pain and arthritis following acute CHIK virus infection, but therapeutic efficacy of CQ was not ruled out. The inflammatory cytokine response was intense and was not consistent with clinical status.
An Essential Role of Caspase 1 in the Induction of Murine Lupus and Its Associated Vascular Damage
Authors: Kahlenberg J. Michelle , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Zhao Wenpu , Hodgin Jeffrey B. , Reed Tamra J. , Tsuji Noriko M. , Kaplan Mariana J. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune syndrome associated with organ damage and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease resulting from activation of both innate and adaptive immune pathways. Recently, increased activation of the inflammasome machinery in SLE has been described. Using the mouse model of pristane‐induced lupus, we undertook this study to explore whether caspase 1, the central enzyme of the inflammasome, plays a role in the development of SLE and its associated vascular dysfunction.MethodsEight‐week‐old wild‐type (WT) or caspase 1−/− mice were injected intraperitoneally with phosphate buffered saline or pristane. Six months after injection, mice were euthanized, and the development of a lupus phenotype and vascular dysfunction was assessed.ResultsWhile WT mice exposed to pristane developed autoantibodies and a strong type I interferon response, mice lacking caspase 1 were significantly protected against these features as well as against pristane‐induced vascular dysfunction. Further, the development of immune complex glomerulonephritis, which was prominent after pristane exposure in WT mice, was significantly abrogated in caspase 1−/− mice.ConclusionThese results indicate that caspase 1 is an essential component in the development of lupus and its associated vascular dysfunction and that it may play an important role in the cross‐talk between environmental exposures and autoimmunity development, thus identifying a novel pathway for therapeutic targeting.