bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of outcome after surgery for gastric cancer in a Western cohort
Authors: Pattison Sharon , Mann G. Bruce , Crosthwaite Gary , Lade Stephen , Mitchell Catherine , Leong Trevor , Busuttil Rita A. , Boussioutas Alex 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is a common cause of cancer mortality. There are well‐documented prognostic factors for GC but these have not been rigorously examined in an Australian context. This study examines the clinical, surgical and histopathological variables associated with survival in a GC cohort from a predominantly Caucasian‐based population.MethodsA multi‐centre cohort of patients undergoing curative resection for GC enrolled in an ongoing tissue bank study from 1999 to 2009 was retrospectively analysed. Prospectively collected demographic, surgical and pathological variables were available for this cohort. The primary endpoints investigated were cancer‐specific survival and recurrence‐free survival using multivariate Cox proportional hazard modelling.ResultsFive‐year cancer‐specific survival was 45.9%, 5‐year relapse‐free survival was 44.7% and 30‐day mortality was 2.2%. Variables showing significance on multivariate analysis for cancer‐specific and relapse‐free survival were AJCC stage, Lauren classification and age at surgery.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the prognostic variables for a predominantly Caucasian GC population are congruent with published prognostic features. These findings emphasize the importance of the pathological review in allocating prognosis in GC.
Supporting Focus and Context Awareness in 3D Modelling Tasks Using Multi‐Layered Displays
Authors: Masoodian M. , Yusof A. b. Mohd , Rogers B. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMost 3D modelling software have been developed for conventional 2D displays, and as such, lack support for true depth perception. This contributes to making polygonal 3D modelling tasks challenging, particularly when models are complex and consist of a large number of overlapping components (e.g. vertices, edges) and objects (i.e. parts). Research has shown that users of 3D modelling software often encounter a range of difficulties, which collectively can be defined as focus and context awareness problems. These include maintaining position and orientation awarenesses, as well as recognizing distance between individual components and objects in 3D spaces. In this paper, we present five visualization and interaction techniques we have developed for multi‐layered displays, to better support focus and context awareness in 3D modelling tasks. The results of a user study we conducted shows that three of these five techniques improve users' 3D modelling task performance.
Epigenetics in the Pathogenesis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kailasam Aparna , Mittal Sumeet K. , Agrawal Devendra K. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractEpigenetic influences, such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and up‐regulation/down‐regulation of genes by microRNAs, change the genetic makeup of an individual without affecting DNA base‐pair sequences. Indeed, epigenetic changes play an integral role in the progression from normal esophageal mucosa to Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma via dysplasia–metaplasia–neoplasia sequence. Many genes involved in esophageal adenocarcinoma display hypermethylation, leading to their down‐regulation. The classes of these genes include cell cycle control, DNA and growth factor repair, tumor suppressors, antimetastasis, Wnt‐related genes, and proapoptotic genes. Histone acetylation in the pathophysiology of esophageal diseases has not been thoroughly investigated, and its critical role in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma is less defined. Many microRNAs have been associated with the development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Here, we critically addressed the specific steps most closely influenced by microRNAs in the progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, microRNAs can target up to hundreds of genes, making it difficult to correlate directly with a given phenotype of the disease. Esophageal adenocarcinoma progressing from premalignant condition of Barrett's esophagus carries an extremely poor prognosis. Risk stratification for patients based on their epigenetic profiles may be useful in providing more targeted and directed treatment to patients.
Integrating external evidence of intervention effectiveness with both practice and the parent perspective: development of ‘What Works’ for speech, language, and communication needs
Authors: Law James , Roulstone Susan , Lindsay Geoff 
Published: November 2014

AimThe aim of the study was to develop an ecologically valid synthesis of the evidence underpinning interventions for children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), integrating a range of different data sources.MethodThree sources of information were integrated: the Cochrane Review of interventions for children with primary speech and language delays/disorder; current practice from an online survey of 534 speech and language therapists and other professionals working with children with SLCN; and parent reports of preferred outcomes. Evidence was ranked as strong, moderate, or indicative.ResultsOf the 58 interventions identified, three (5%) were found to have a strong level of evidence, 32 (56%) had moderate evidence, and 23 (39%) had indicative evidence. Five were universal interventions, the remainder targeted and universal. The integrated findings were then turned into an online interactive database, which is moderated and updated at regular intervals.InterpretationThere are a number of interventions that have a moderate or strong level of evidence underpinning them but they tend not to be those used by practitioners who often favour well‐established familiar programmes even if they have only indicative evidence. There is a degree of complementarity between professional and parent views about outcomes, albeit with different emphases.
Parkinson's disease incidence and prevalence assessment in France using the national healthcare insurance database
Authors: Blin P. , Dureau‐Pournin C. , Foubert‐Samier A. , Grolleau A. , Corbillon E. , Jové J. , Lassalle R. , Robinson P. , Poutignat N. , Droz‐Perroteau C. , Moore N. 
Published: November 2014

Background and purposeThe incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease are important for public health planning yet there is a lack of representative, up‐to‐date estimations for France.MethodsFor this cross‐sectional study, subjects with suspected Parkinson's were identified in the EGB database, a 1/97 random sample of the national healthcare insurance database, linked to the national hospital‐discharge summary database. Incidence and prevalence were estimated using a specific definition that included those with a diagnosis (hospitalization or listed as a long‐term chronic disease for full reimbursement) and a sensitive definition that also included those with an indicative drug reimbursement profile. Estimations were extrapolated to the national population, standardizing on age and gender.ResultsAccording to either the specific or the sensitive definitions, the annual incidence of Parkinson's disease during the study period was respectively 36 and 49 per 100 000 person‐years and prevalence in 2010 was 308–410 per 100 000 persons in the population as a whole. According to the age groups 55–64, 65–74, 75–84 and ≥85 years incidence was respectively 33–46, 139–172, 301–363 and 442–560 per 100 000 person‐years amongst men and 32–55, 81–117, 203–270 and 251–313 per 100 000 person‐years amongst women. The 2010 prevalence stratified by the same age groups was 293–376, 898–1161, 2524–3011 and 3760–4578 per 100 000 persons amongst men and 199–351, 618–889, 1910–2433 and 2504–3263 per 100 000 persons amongst women.ConclusionsThe specific and sensitive definitions of disease bracket the true values; the relatively small range indicates that the current study provides good estimations of incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease for recent years in France.
Dietary deficiencies of unsaturated fatty acids and starch cause atopic dermatitis‐like pruritus in hairless mice
Authors: Fujii Masanori , Shimazaki Yuki , Muto Yoshiko , Kohno Shigekatsu , Ohya Susumu , Nabe Takeshi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHairless mice fed with a special diet (named HR‐AD) show atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like pruritic skin inflammation that is almost completely resolved with the supplementation of an unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), the linoleic acid (LA). This suggests that the dietary deficiency of LA is the key cause of this dermatitis. However, because there is no appropriate control diet for HR‐AD, the involvement of other dietary ingredients cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, it has not yet been tested whether only UFA deficiency can cause such AD‐like pruritus. In this study, using semi‐purified custom diets, we attempted to reproduce this syndrome. Four‐week‐old hairless mice were maintained on a widely used standard diet American Institute of Nutrition‐76A (AIN‐76A), its modifications, or HR‐AD. Several modifications of fat and carbohydrate components revealed that dietary deficiency of both UFAs and cornstarch was required to induce severe skin barrier dysfunction as typically occurred in HR‐AD‐fed mice. An UFA‐ and cornstarch‐deficient diet caused severe AD‐like pruritus comparable to HR‐AD, despite weak Th2 immune responses and absence of immunoglobulin E production. On the other hand, a diet lacking UFAs but containing cornstarch significantly alleviated the development of pruritic dermatitis. Furthermore, the supplementation of wheat starch similarly improved skin barrier function. In conclusion, this study showed that a lack of certain starches might also be the cause of diet‐induced AD. Our findings could help to reproduce the diet‐induced AD itch model and also provide evidence that certain starches can have protective and ameliorative effects on AD‐like pruritus.
Factors affecting fall down rates of dead aspen (Populus tremuloides) biomass following severe drought in west‐central Canada
Authors: (Ted) Hogg Edward H. , Michaelian Michael 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIncreases in mortality of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) have been recorded across large areas of western North America following recent periods of exceptionally severe drought. The resultant increase in standing, dead tree biomass represents a significant potential source of carbon emissions to the atmosphere, but the timing of emissions is partially driven by dead‐wood dynamics which include the fall down and breakage of dead aspen stems. The rate at which dead trees fall to the ground also strongly influences the period over which forest dieback episodes can be detected by aerial surveys or satellite remote sensing observations. Over a 12‐year period (2000–2012), we monitored the annual status of 1010 aspen trees that died during and following a severe regional drought within 25 study areas across west‐central Canada. Observations of stem fall down and breakage (snapping) were used to estimate woody biomass transfer from standing to downed dead wood as a function of years since tree death. For the region as a whole, we estimated that >80% of standing dead aspen biomass had fallen after 10 years. Overall, the rate of fall down was minimal during the year following stem death, but thereafter fall rates followed a negative exponential equation with k = 0.20 per year. However, there was high between‐site variation in the rate of fall down (k = 0.08–0.37 per year). The analysis showed that fall down rates were positively correlated with stand age, site windiness, and the incidence of decay fungi (Phellinus tremulae (Bond.) Bond. and Boris.) and wood‐boring insects. These factors are thus likely to influence the rate of carbon emissions from dead trees following periods of climate‐related forest die‐off episodes.
Systematic review comparing the safety and efficacy of conventional and drug‐eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xie Zhi‐Bo , Wang Xiao‐Bo , Peng Yu‐Chong , Zhu Shao‐Liang , Ma Liang , Xiang Bang‐De , Gong Wen‐Feng , Chen Jie , You Xue‐Mei , Jiang Jing‐Hang , Li Le‐Qun , Zhong Jian‐Hong 
Published: November 2014

AimConventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) is widely used for treating patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A variation on the technique based on drug‐eluting beads (DEB‐TACE) has recently entered the clinic, but trials of its safety and efficacy have given conflicting results. This systematic review aimed to gain a current, comprehensive picture of how DEB‐TACE compares with cTACE.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database and clinical trial registries were searched through June 2014. Risk ratios (RR), hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.ResultsThe analysis included four randomized controlled trials, one uncontrolled prospective study and one prospective case–control study, altogether involving 652 patients. Overall survival benefit was similar between cTACE and DEB‐TACE patients (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.82–1.40, P = 0.875). However, DEB‐TACE was associated with a significantly higher objective tumor response rate (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01–1.29, P = 0.03) and a slightly lower incidence of adverse events.ConclusionThough the available evidence suggests that although DEB‐TACE is associated with better tumor response and potentially fewer adverse events, it does not provide greater survival benefit than cTACE. These results need to be validated in high‐quality trials with large sample size.
PLA2G2A overexpression is associated with poor therapeutic response and inferior outcome in rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: He Hong‐Lin , Lee Ying‐En , Shiue Yow‐Ling , Lee Sung‐Wei , Lin Li‐Ching , Chen Tzu‐Ju , Wu Ting‐Feng , Li Chien‐Feng 
Published: November 2014

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of group IIA phospholipase A2 (PLA2G2A) expression and its role in predicting the response to neoadjuvant concurrent cheomoradiotherapy (CCRT) in rectal cancer.Methods and resultsThrough analysing a public transcriptome of rectal cancers, the PLA2G2A gene was identified as a significant predictor for CCRT response. We validated the expression of PLA2G2A using immunohistochemistry in the pretreatment tumour specimens from 172 patients with rectal cancer. The results were correlated with clinicopathological features, tumour regression grade, overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS). High expression of PLA2G2A was associated with advanced pretreatment tumour status (P = 0.001), advanced pretreatment nodal status (P = 0.010), advanced post‐treatment tumour status (P = 0.002) and lower tumour regression grade (P = 0.006). Furthermore, PLA2G2A expression was correlated negatively with gamma H2A histone family, member X (γ‐H2AX) expression (P < 0.001, r = −0.580). More importantly, high expression of PLA2G2A emerged as an adverse prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.0190), DFS (P < 0.0001) and LRFS (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, it remained independently prognostic for shorter DFS (P = 0.014) and LRFS (P = 0.012).ConclusionsHigh expression of PLA2G2A was associated with poor therapeutic response and worse survival in patients with rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant CCRT, justifying PLA2G2A as an important marker to predict CCRT response and outcome.
Is open access sufficient? A review of the quality of open‐access nursing journals
Authors: Crowe Marie , Carlyle Dave 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe present study aims to review the quality of open‐access nursing journals listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals that published papers in 2013 with a nursing focus, written in English, and were freely accessible. Each journal was reviewed in relation to their publisher, year of commencement, number of papers published in 2013, fee for publication, indexing, impact factor, and evidence of requirements for ethics and disclosure statements. The quality of the journals was assessed by impact factors and the requirements for indexing in PubMed. A total of 552 were published in 2013 in the 19 open‐access nursing journals that met the inclusion criteria. No journals had impact factors listed in Web of Knowledge, but three had low Scopus impact factors. Only five journals were indexed with PubMed. The quality of the 19 journals included in the review was evaluated as inferior to most subscription‐fee journals. Mental health nursing has some responsibility to the general public, and in particular, consumers of mental health services and their families, for the quality of papers published in open‐access journals. The way forward might involve dual‐platform publication or a process that enables assessment of how research has improved clinical outcomes.
SNP rs7770370 in HLA‐DPB1 loci as a major genetic determinant of response to booster hepatitis B vaccination: Results of a genome‐wide association study
Authors: Wu Tzu‐Wei , Chen Chuen‐Fei , Lai Sheng‐Kai , Lin Hans Hsienhong , Chu Chen‐Chung , Wang Li‐Yu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground and AimHepatitis B (HB) vaccination is highly effective in reducing the risk of hepatitis B virus infection. However, breakthrough and chronic hepatitis B virus infections in vaccinated subjects raised concern about its long‐term efficacy. The specific aim of the study was to explore the host genetic determinants of long‐term immunological memory against HB vaccination.MethodsWe conducted a case–control study nested in a cohort of HB booster recipients who had received primary HB vaccination during infancy but failed to reside an anti‐HBs titers ≥ 10 mIU/mL at the age of 15–18 years. We used a genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array plate to scan autosomal chromosomes and assayed the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DPB1 genotype by sequence‐based techniques.ResultsWe found that 10 of the 112 candidate SNPs (P‐value < 5.0 × 10−5) clustered within a 47‐Kb region of the HLA‐DP loci. All the minor alleles of these HLA‐DP candidate SNPs were correlated with lower likelihoods of nonresponse to HB vaccine. There was a significant linkage disequilibrium between these HLA‐DP candidate SNPs and HLA‐DPB1 protective alleles. Multivariate analyses showed that rs7770370 was the most significant genetic factor. As compared with rs7770370 GG homozygotes, adjusted odds ratios were 0.524 (95% confidence interval, 0.276–0.993) and 0.095 (95% confidence interval, 0.030–0.307) for AG heterozygotes and AA homozygotes, respectively.ConclusionOur results showed that rs7770370 was the most significant genetic factor of response to HB booster. The rs7770370 and nearby SNPs may also contribute to the long‐term immunological memory against HB vaccination.
Retrospective and comparative study of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the liver
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , Miao Ruoyu , Yang Huayu , Chi Tianyi , Jiang Chao , Wan Xueshuai , Xu Yiyao , Xu Haifeng , Du Shunda , Lu Xin , Mao Yilei , Zhong Shouxian , Zhao Haitao , Sang Xinting 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground and AimInflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the liver (IMTL) is a very rare benign disease with a good prognosis. The study aims to determine the clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics of IMTL. The diagnosis and treatment strategies were discussed.MethodsA total of 11 patients with pathologically confirmed IMTL receiving treatment over a 15‐year period were reviewed retrospectively. The analysis included demographics information and pertinent clinical data. Results obtained from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC), and metastatic liver cancer (MLC) receiving surgical resection were compared.ResultsIn comparison to HCC, IHCC, and MLC, IMTL has an earlier onset (P < 0.001). IMTL patients had significantly lower aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.003) and higher alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.034) than HCC patients, and higher gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (P = 0.010) than MLC patients. Increased serum α‐fetoprotein level was detected in only one patient. Serum α‐fetoprotein was significantly lower in patients with IMTL (P = 0.000) than in those with HCC but not IHCC (P = 0.558) or MLC (P = 0.514). In contrast to elevated serum CA19‐9 in patients with HCC/IHCC/MLC, the serum CA19‐9 in IMTL cases was generally normal (vs HCC P = 0.008; vs IHCC P = 0.000; vs MLC P = 0.022). In nine IMTL patients, the tumor appeared as a hypoechogenic solid mass on the ultrasonography. In contrast, most patients with HCC, IHCC, or MLC showed hybrid echo. In contrast computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion of IMTL and MLC appeared as peripheral enhancement.ConclusionLab tests, imaging features, and patient history are helpful in the differential diagnosis of IMTL from HCC/IHCC/MLC. Surgical resection is curative for IMTL.
Food and Beverage Promotions in Minnesota Secondary Schools: Secular Changes, Correlates, and Associations With Adolescents' Dietary Behaviors
Authors: Larson Nicole , Davey Cynthia S. , Coombes Brandon , Caspi Caitlin , Kubik Martha Y. , Nanney Marilyn S. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe purpose of this study was to describe promotions for unhealthy and healthy foods and beverages within Minnesota secondary schools from 2008 to 2012, and to examine associations with school‐level coordination of environmental improvements and students' dietary behaviors.METHODSThe Minnesota School Health Profiles and Minnesota Student Survey data were used along with National Center for Education Statistics data to conduct analyses accounting for school‐level demographics.RESULTSThere was no significant improvement over time in the proportion of schools that banned advertising for unhealthy products in school buildings, on school grounds, on buses, or in publications. Whereas more than two thirds of schools had implemented strategies focused on the promotion of fruits/vegetables by 2012, only 37% labeled healthful foods with appealing names and just 17% used price incentives to encourage healthy choices. The number of stakeholders representing different roles on school health councils was positively correlated with implementation of healthy food and beverage promotion strategies. Little evidence was found to support an influence of in‐school advertising bans or promotions on students' diets.CONCLUSIONSPolicy changes are needed to protect students from food and beverage advertising and additional opportunities exist to reduce disparities in the selection of healthy options at school.