bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential associations between perihepatic lymph node enlargement and liver fibrosis, hepatocellular injury or hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Sato Masaya , Hikita Hiromi , Hagiwara Shu , Sato Mamiko , Soroida Yoko , Suzuki Atsushi , Gotoh Hiroaki , Iwai Tomomi , Kojima Soichi , Matsuura Tomokazu , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Koike Kazuhiko , Yatomi Yutaka , Ikeda Hitoshi 
Published: May 2014

AimAlthough perihepatic lymph node enlargement (PLNE) is frequently observed in chronic liver disease, little is known about PLNE in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We aimed to evaluate this issue.MethodsWe originally enrolled a consecutive 502 patients with chronic HBV infection. Among them, 288 patients without history of interferon‐based or nucleoside analog treatment and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were primarily analyzed.ResultsPLNE was detected in 27 of 288 (9.4%) patients, which was fewer than that in chronic hepatitis C patients but more than that in subjects undertaking a general health examination as previously reported. The presence of PLNE was significantly associated with a higher probability of having an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) platelet ratio index of more than 1.5 (11.1% vs 1.5%, P = 0.01), a higher AST level (38.0 vs 26.8 U/L, P = 0.001), a higher alanine aminotransferase level (50.1 vs 28.0 U/L, P < 0.0001), and a lower platelet count (18.6 vs 20.6 × 104/μL, P = 0.048) after adjustment for sex and age. However, in our original sample (n = 502), PLNE was observed in 1.4% of the patients with HCC and/or its history whereas 9.2% of the patients without HCC, and the proportion was significantly lower in patients with HCC and/or its history (P = 0.03).ConclusionPLNE was associated with liver fibrosis and hepatocellular injury, but was negatively associated with HCC in chronic HBV infection.
A novel integrated Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease model predicts short‐term prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure patients
Authors: Yan Huadong , Wu Wei , Yang Ying , Wu Yihua , Yang Qiao , Shi Yu 
Published: May 2014

AimA considerable proportion of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related cirrhotic patients develop acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) with high short‐term mortality. It remains difficult to accurately predict short‐term prognosis in ACLF patients. The aim of the study is to develop a new prognostic model by assessing new objective variables.MethodsA total of 432 HBV‐ACLF patients were recruited into a retrospective observational cohort study including one training and validation cohort. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed in the training cohort to develop the prognostic model. The performance of the new model was tested in the validation cohort by a receiver–operator curve (ROC).ResultsDuring follow up, 241 deaths were reported, with a high 3‐month mortality of 48.4%. On multivariate analysis, age, hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score were found to be significantly associated with 3‐month mortality. The integrated MELD (iMELD) model had a higher area under the ROC than the original MELD, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Chronic Liver Failure–SOFA and Child–Turcotte–Pugh score (0.853 vs 0.743 vs 0.726 vs 0.764 vs 0.592) in predicting 3‐month mortality. In the validation sample of 212 patients, iMELD remained better than the other models.ConclusionHBV‐ACLF patients are characterized by high short‐term mortality, but steady long‐term survival. A modified MELD model by incorporating age and HE score has better predictive value of 3‐month mortality than other conventional models.
Evaluation of pH‐treated fish sarcoplasmic proteins on rheological properties of fish myofibrillar protein mediated by microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Hemung Bung‐Orn , Chin Koo B. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryFish sarcoplasmic protein (SP) could be exploited in the water‐holding agent for fish protein gels, except that the gel strength is reduced. The adjustment of pH could modify protein interactions to overcome the inferior effect. Fish SP solutions were adjusted to pH 3 or 12, neutralised to pH 7 and lyophilised to be pH‐treated SPs. These SPs along with lyophilised untreated SP (Normal SP) were incorporated into fish myofibrillar protein (MP) with microbial transglutaminase (MTG). The denaturation temperature (Td) of MP mixed with normal SP was 66 °C with the lowest shear stress value. The denaturation of MP mixed with pH‐treated SP reduced to be 57 °C, resulting in increased shear stress. The cooking loss of MP gel was reduced by adding pH‐treated SPs, while the breaking forces were similar to control. The result indicated that pH‐treated SPs could be used to reduce cooking loss of MTG‐mediated MP gels without affecting the gelling properties.
A high‐throughput shotgun mutagenesis approach to mapping B‐cell antibody epitopes
Authors: Davidson Edgar , Doranz Benjamin J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryCharacterizing the binding sites of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on protein targets, their ‘epitopes’, can aid in the discovery and development of new therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines. However, the speed of epitope mapping techniques has not kept pace with the increasingly large numbers of mAbs being isolated. Obtaining detailed epitope maps for functionally relevant antibodies can be challenging, particularly for conformational epitopes on structurally complex proteins. To enable rapid epitope mapping, we developed a high‐throughput strategy, shotgun mutagenesis, that enables the identification of both linear and conformational epitopes in a fraction of the time required by conventional approaches. Shotgun mutagenesis epitope mapping is based on large‐scale mutagenesis and rapid cellular testing of natively folded proteins. Hundreds of mutant plasmids are individually cloned, arrayed in 384‐well microplates, expressed within human cells, and tested for mAb reactivity. Residues are identified as a component of a mAb epitope if their mutation (e.g. to alanine) does not support candidate mAb binding but does support that of other conformational mAbs or allows full protein function. Shotgun mutagenesis is particularly suited for studying structurally complex proteins because targets are expressed in their native form directly within human cells. Shotgun mutagenesis has been used to delineate hundreds of epitopes on a variety of proteins, including G protein‐coupled receptor and viral envelope proteins. The epitopes mapped on dengue virus prM/E represent one of the largest collections of epitope information for any viral protein, and results are being used to design better vaccines and drugs.
Thermal Reaction of Cristobalite in Nano‐SiO2/α‐Al2O3 Powder Systems for Mullite Synthesis
Authors: Yu Pei‐Ching , Tsai Yung‐Wei , Yen Fu‐Su , Huang Cheng‐Liang 
Published: May 2014

Nanoscaled cristobalite and α‐Al2O3 powders were used as the starting materials for synthesizing mullite by solid‐state reaction. The thermal reaction of the cristobalite with α‐Al2O3 during the thermal treatment was examined. Cristobalite powder with a D50 value of 430 nm was adopted to mix with α‐Al2O3 powders with a D50 values of 230, 310, and 400 nm in a stoichiometric composition of 3Al2O3∙2SiO2 (71.8 wt% α‐Al2O3 and 28.2 wt% SiO2). Samples for thermal reaction were prepared using uniaxial pressed from the three mixtures that showed various particle number ratios of SiO2/Al2O3 due to the different particle sizes of α‐Al2O3. Examinations were performed by differential thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results showed that cristobalite particles amorphized during the thermal treatment, and then reacted with the α‐Al2O3 particle to form mullite via nucleation and growth. The amorphization temperature can be reduced by using finer‐sized α‐Al2O3 powders, thus leading to a lower temperature for mullite formation. Mullite crystals with a multidomain structure were observed in the α‐Al2O3 particle matrixes. The crystal orientation of the mullite was controlled by the α‐Al2O3 matrix, that is, [001] α‐Al2O3 → [001] mullite. These results indicate that the amorphization of cristobalite may trigger the reaction of SiO2 with α‐Al2O3, initiating the nucleation of mullite. The α‐Al2O3 particles act as the hosts for mullite formation and determine the size of the mullite particles.
Mobile learning vs. traditional classroom lessons: a comparative study
Authors: Furió D. , Juan M.‐C. , Seguí I. , Vivó R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDifferent methods can be used for learning, and they can be compared in several aspects, especially those related to learning outcomes. In this paper, we present a study in order to compare the learning effectiveness and satisfaction of children using an iPhone game for learning the water cycle vs. the traditional classroom lesson. The iPhone game includes multiple interaction forms and combined augmented reality (AR) mini‐games with non‐AR mini‐games. The traditional classroom lesson had the same learning content as the iPhone game. Thirty‐eight children participated in the study. The analyses showed that the children made significant learning gains about the water cycle, regardless of the method used. Even though the results showed that the iPhone method achieved higher knowledge results than the traditional classroom lesson, no statistically significant differences were found between the iPhone and the classroom lesson. When analysing the motivational outcomes, the results showed that the children found the iPhone game to be more satisfying than the classroom lessons. Since the iPhone game achieved similar learning results and a higher motivational effect than the classroom lesson, this suggests that games of this kind could be used as a tool in primary schools to reinforce students' lessons.
Openness to Globalization and Regional Growth Patterns inCEECountries: From theEUAccession to the Economic Crisis
Authors: Capello Roberta , Perucca Giovanni 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn the last decades a deep process of institutional reforms and economic reorganization took place in central and easternEUcountries (CEE). These changes occurred in a context of general economic integration. On the one hand, theEuropeanUnion enlargement programme was launched and allCEEcountries applied to becomeEUmember between 1994 and 1996. On the other hand, the globalization of the world economy characterized this historical phase. This article explores to what extent openness to global markets mediated the impact ofEUintegration on the economic performance ofCEEregions in different periods. The periods examined are defined by the main institutional changes that occurred on the road towardsEUintegration. Results show that globally open regions performed better than the others, at least in the first two periods analyzed.
Decreased serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in patients with rosacea
Authors: Takci Z. , Bilgili S.G. , Karadag A.S. , Kucukoglu M.E. , Selek S. , Aslan M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecent evidence suggests that oxidative stress may be an important phenomenon in the pathophysiology of rosacea. Paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme with three activities: paraoxonase, arylesterase and dyazoxonase. In this study, we evaluated serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, and serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in patients with rosacea in comparison to healthy controls.Material and methodThe study included 39 rosacea patients and healthy controls, consisting of 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate substrates. Serum LOOH levels were measured with the ferrous ion oxidation‐xylenol orange assay.ResultsIn rosacea group mean serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were 74.54 ± 38.30 U L−1 and 141.29 ± 22.27 kU L−1 respectively, which were significantly lower than controls (P = 0.010, 0.005; respectively). Mean serum LOOH level of rosacea group was 8.17 ± 1.91 μmol L−1 which was significantly higher than controls (P = 0.009). There were no statistically significant differences between the clinical subtypes of the disease, menopause situation or ocular involvement with the respect to the serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and LOOH levels (all; P > 0.05).ConclusionsSerum PON1 enzyme activities have decreased significantly in rosacea. These findings support that decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of PON1 activity in the pathophysiology of rosacea.
Adult sex ratio variation: implications for breeding system evolution
Authors: Székely T. , Weissing F. J. , Komdeur J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAdult sex ratio (ASR) exhibits immense variation in nature, although neither the causes nor the implications of this variation are fully understood. According to theory, theASRis expected to influence sex roles and breeding systems, as the rarer sex in the population has more potential partners to mate with than the more common sex. Changes in mate choice, mating systems and parental care suggest that theASRdoes influence breeding behaviour, although there is a need for more tests, especially experimental ones. In the context of breeding system evolution, the focus is currently on operational sex ratios (OSRs). We argue that theASRplays a role of similar importance and urge researchers to study theASRand theOSRside by side. Finally, we plead for a dynamic view of breeding system evolution with feedbacks between mating, parenting,OSRandASRon both ecological and evolutionary time scales.
Hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers and risk of hospital mortality in intensive care patients on mechanical ventilation
Authors: Manzano Francisco , Pérez‐Pérez Ana M. , Martínez‐Ruiz Susana , Garrido‐Colmenero Cristina , Roldan Delphine , Jiménez‐Quintana María del Mar , Sánchez‐Cantalejo Emilio , Colmenero Manuel 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesPressure ulcers (PUs) are a common and serious complication in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the development of a PU and hospital mortality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) in an intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed over two years in patients requiring MV for ≥ 24 hours in a medical‐surgical ICU. Primary outcome measure was hospital mortality and main independent variable was the development of a PU grade ≥ II. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a Cox model with time‐dependent covariates.ResultsOut of 563 patients in the study, 110 (19.5%) developed a PU. Overall hospital mortality was 48.7%. In the adjusted multivariate model, PU onset was a significant independent predictor of mortality (adjusted HR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.003–1.65; P = 0.047). The model also included the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment on day 3, hepatic cirrhosis and medical admission.ConclusionWithin the limitations of a single‐centre approach, PU development appears to be associated with an increase in mortality among patients requiring MV for 24 hours or longer.
Does evidence drive pharmacist over‐the‐counter product recommendations?
Authors: Rutter Paul , Wadesango Edna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTo explore how community pharmacists use evidence to inform their practice when recommending or selling over‐the‐counter medicines.MethodsSemi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted during February 2013 and analysed using the principles of content analysis.ResultsSixteen pharmacists were interviewed. Pharmacists were aware of evidence‐based medicine and practice but relied on personal judgement augmented with patient feedback to make product recommendations. This was primarily due to the acknowledgement that many non‐prescription medicines either had no or little evidence of efficacy. Pharmacists did and would use evidence to inform product selection if available, but acknowledged that ineffective products were sold, especially when consumers asked for a named product. This was tempered by their attempts to inform the consumer of the products' effectiveness, or lack of, or in the knowledge that it would cause them no harm.ConclusionsPharmacists took a pragmatic approach to product recommendation in light of the lack of clinical evidence to support their efficacy.
Validity and reliability of instruments aimed at measuring Evidence‐Based Practice in Physical Therapy: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Fernández‐Domínguez Juan Carlos , Sesé‐Abad Albert , Morales‐Asencio Jose Miguel , Oliva‐Pascual‐Vaca Angel , Salinas‐Bueno Iosune , de Pedro‐Gómez Joan Ernest 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesOur goal is to compile and analyse the characteristics – especially validity and reliability – of all the existing international tools that have been used to measure evidence‐based clinical practice in physiotherapy.MethodsA systematic review conducted with data from exclusively quantitative‐type studies synthesized in narrative format. An in‐depth search of the literature was conducted in two phases: initial, structured, electronic search of databases and also journals with summarized evidence; followed by a residual‐directed search in the bibliographical references of the main articles found in the primary search procedure. The studies included were assigned to members of the research team who acted as peer reviewers. Relevant information was extracted from each of the selected articles using a template that included the general characteristics of the instrument as well as an analysis of the quality of the validation processes carried out, by following the criteria of Terwee.ResultsTwenty‐four instruments were found to comply with the review screening criteria; however, in all cases, they were found to be limited as regards the ‘constructs’ included. Besides, they can all be seen to be lacking as regards comprehensiveness associated to the validation process of the psychometric tests used.ConclusionIt seems that what constitutes a rigorously developed assessment instrument for EBP in physical therapy continues to be a challenge.
Treatment patterns among colorectal cancer patients in South Australia: a demonstration of the utility of population‐based data linkage
Authors: Beckmann Kerri R. , Bennett Alice , Young Graeme P. , Roder David M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesPopulation level data on colorectal cancer (CRC) management in Australia are lacking. This study assessed broad level patterns of care and concordance with guidelines for CRC management at the population level using linked administrative data from both the private and public health sectors across South Australia. Disparities in CRC treatment were also explored.MethodLinking information from the South Australian Cancer Registry, hospital separations, radiotherapy services and hospital‐based cancer registry systems provided data on the socio‐demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics for 4641 CRC patients, aged 50–79 years, diagnosed from 2003 to 2008. Factors associated with receiving site/stage‐specific treatments (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) and overall concordance with treatment guidelines were identified using Poisson regression analysis.ResultsAbout 83% of colon and 56% of rectal cancer patients received recommended treatment. Provision of neo‐adjuvant/adjuvant therapies may be less than optimal. Radiotherapy was less likely among older patients (prevalence ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.5–0.8). Chemotherapy was less likely among older patients (0.7, 0.6–0.8), those with severe or multiple co‐morbidities (0.8, 0.7–0.9), and those from rural areas (0.9, 0.8–1.0). Overall discordance with treatment guidelines was more likely among rectal cancer patients (3.0, 2.7–3.3), older patients (1.6, 1.4–1.8), those with multiple co‐morbid conditions (1.3, 1.1–1.4), and those living in rural areas (1.2, 1.0–1.3).ConclusionsGreater emphasis should be given to ensure CRC patients who may benefit from neo‐adjuvant/adjuvant therapies have access to these treatments.
Efficacy of triphala mouth rinse (aqueous extracts) on dental plaque and gingivitis in children
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ritesh , Nekkanti Sridhar , Kumar Nikesh G. , Kapuria Ketan , Acharya Shashidhar , Pentapati Kalyana C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of triphala mouth rinse (aqueous) in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis among children.MethodsThe study was a randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial, with a total of 60 school children (n = 30 in each group; triphala and chlorhexidine groups). Plaque and gingival indices were used to evaluate baseline and follow‐up plaque and gingivitis.ResultsA total of 57 children completed the study. Both chlorhexidine and triphala groups showed significantly lower mean gingival and plaque index scores at follow up than baseline (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the percentage change in the mean gingival index between the two groups (P = 0.826). The percentage change in the mean plaque index was significantly higher in the chlorhexidine group compared to the triphala group (P = 0.048).ConclusionThe effectiveness of triphala in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis was comparable to chlorhexidine, and can be used for short‐term purposes without potential side‐effects. It is a cost‐effective alternative in reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Post‐antifungal effect and adhesion to buccal epithelial cells of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates subsequent to limited exposure to amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole
Authors: Ellepola Arjuna N. B. , Chandy Rachel , Khan Zia U. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThe post‐antifungal effect (PAFE) of Candida and its adherence to oral mucosal surfaces are important determinants of candidal pathogenicity. Candida dubliniensis is allied with recurrent oral candidosis. Oral candidosis can be treated with amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole. There is no information on the PAFE and its impact on adhesion to oral buccal epithelial cells (BEC) of oral C. dubliniensis isolates. Therefore, the main objective was to reconnoiter the PAFE and adhesion to BEC of 20 C. dubliniensis isolates following brief exposure to aforementioned antimycotics.MethodsAfter determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), C. dubliniensis isolates were exposed to sub‐lethal concentrations of these drugs for 1 h. Following subsequent drug removal, the PAFE and adhesion to BEC, was determined by a turbidometric method, and an adhesion assay, respectively.ResultsMinimum inhibitory concentration (μg/mL) to amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole, ranged from 0.002 to 0.125, 0.002 to 0.012 and 0.016 to 0.38, respectively. Amphotericin B and ketoconazole induced mean PAFE (hours) were 2.21 and 0.6, respectively. Fluconazole failed to produce a detectable PAFE. Compared to controls, amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole suppressed the ability to adhere to BEC with a mean percentage reduction of 74.31%, 49.80% (P < 0.0001) and 29.36% (P < 0.05), respectively.ConclusionsBrief exposure to sub‐lethal concentrations of aforementioned drugs would exert an antifungal effect by modifying the growth and adhesion of C. dubliniensis isolates.