bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of telaprevir‐based therapy for difficult‐to‐treat patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C in Japan
Authors: Kumada Hiromitsu , Sato Ken , Takehara Tetsuo , Nakamuta Makoto , Ishigami Masatoshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Toyota Joji , Suzuki Fumitaka , Nakayasu Yoshiyuki , Ochi Miyoko , Yamada Ichimaro , Okanoue Takeshi 
Published: September 2014

AimThis study assessed the efficacy and safety of telaprevir in combination with peginterferon‐α‐2b (PEG IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), for Japanese difficult‐to‐treat patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 who had not achieved sustained virological response (SVR) during prior treatment.MethodsIn total, 108 relapsed (median age, 59.0 years) and 10 non‐responding (median age, 59.0 years) patients with genotype 2 HCV participated. Patients received telaprevir (750 mg, every 8 h) for 12 weeks and PEG IFN/RBV for 24 weeks.ResultsThe SVR rates for relapsers and non‐responders were 88.0% (95/108) and 50.0% (5/10), respectively. The SVR rates did not differ significantly between patients with rs8099917 TT and non‐TT. The SVR rates for relapsers and non‐responders with extended rapid viral response (eRVR) were 97.6% (82/84) and 100% (5/5), respectively. On the other hand, the SVR rates for relapsers and non‐responders completing the treatment protocol were 98.4% (61/62) and 100% (5/5), respectively. The overall safety profiles of telaprevir‐based regimens were similar for Japanese patients with genotype 1 and 2 HCV infection who experienced treatment failure.ConclusionTelaprevir, in combination with PEG IFN/RBV, provided a high SVR rate for genotype 2 HCV, difficult‐to‐treat patients who had not achieved SVR during prior IFN‐based treatment. The eRVR had a strong influence on the cure rate of telaprevir‐based therapy. In addition, the continuation of telaprevir‐based treatment for up to 24 weeks was a significant predictor of SVR.
Role of transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein alpha in human fetal liver cell types in vitro
Authors: Gerlach Jörg C. , Over Patrick , Foka Hubert G. , Turner Morris E. , Thompson Robert L. , Gridelli Bruno , Schmelzer Eva 
Published: September 2014

AimThe transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) has been shown to play an important role in liver development, cell proliferation and differentiation. It is, however, largely unknown if C/EBPα regulates cell differentiation and proliferation differently in the diverse cell types of the human liver. We investigated the role of C/EBPα in primary human fetal liver cells and liver cell subpopulations in vitro using a 3‐D perfusion bioreactor as an advanced in vivo‐like human organ culture model.MethodsHuman fetal liver cells were investigated in vitro. C/EBPα gene expression was knocked down using siRNA or overexpressed by plasmid transfection. Cell type‐specific gene expression was studied, cell populations and their proliferation were investigated, and metabolic parameters were analyzed.ResultsWhen C/EBPα gene expression was knocked down, we observed a significantly reduced expression of typical endothelial, hematopoietic and mesenchymal genes such as CD31, vWF, CD90, CD45 and α‐smooth muscle actin in fetal cells. The intracellular expression of hepatic proteins and genes for liver‐specific serum proteins α‐fetoprotein and albumin were reduced, their protein secretion was increased. Fetal endothelial cell numbers were reduced and hepatoblast numbers were increased. C/EBPα overexpression in fetal cells resulted in increased endothelial numbers, but did not affect mesenchymal cell types or hepatoblasts.ConclusionWe demonstrated that the effects of C/EBPα are specific for the different human fetal liver cell types, using an advanced 3‐D perfusion bioreactor as a human in vivo‐like model.
Additive Manufacturing of Graphene–Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Structures
Authors: Azhari Amir , Toyserkani Ehsan , Villain Carole 
Published: September 2014

In this article, a powder‐bed class of additive manufacturing (AM) is incorporated into the manufacturing of graphene nanocomposite 3D structures. For AM of graphene‐based 3D structures, graphene oxide (GO)/hydroxyapatite (Hap) nanocomposite (GHN) was synthesized at different GO to Hap percentage (wt.%), including 0.2% and 0.4% to develop a printable powder. The synthesized powder was utilized in a powder‐bed AM system to fabricate 3D porous structures of GHN powder. It was shown that at layer thickness of 125 μm and core binder saturation level of 400%, the compressive mechanical strength of the samples with higher content of graphene was improved significantly.
Strengthening of Gadolinia‐Doped Ceria (Ce0.80Gd0.20O2‐δ) Thick Ceramic Membranes with Co‐Doping of 1 mol% CuO
Authors: Cao Jingjie , Dong Xinfa , Dong Yingchao , Feng Xuyong 
Published: September 2014

Nano‐sized Ce0.79Gd0.2Cu0.01O2‐δ (CGCO) and Ce0.80Gd0.2O2‐δ (CGO) powders were synthesized via a facile PVA‐assisted combustion method. Full densification can be achieved at much lower temperature (950°C) with minor CuO doping (1 mol%, CGCO) as compared with CGO (1400°C); meanwhile, mechanical strength can be enhanced with CuO co‐doping. The CGCO sintered at 1100°C possesses a relative density of 98.80% and biaxial flexural strength of 302 ± 35 MPa, which is higher than those of CGO sintered at 1400°C (96.43%, 250 ± 39 MPa). A tentative microstructural analysis indicates that this strength enhancement can be attributed to a change in fracture mode from partial to complete transgranule dominant.
An Improved Method for Simple, Assumption-Free Ordinal Analysis of the Modified Rankin Scale Using Generalized Odds Ratios
Authors: Churilov Leonid , Arnup Sarah , Johns Hayden , Leung Tiffany , Roberts Stuart , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Davis Stephen M. , Donnan Geoffrey A. 
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose : Developing improved methods for analysis of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) remains a critical issue for the stroke research community. A recently proposed permutation-based approach is assumption-free and easily interpretable but computationally intensive and does not provide confidence intervals to quantify the precision of the effect size estimate. We aimed to develop a method to overcome these limitations. Methods : We propose a procedure using generalized odds ratios to estimate the odds that a patient who received the investigational treatment will have a better outcome than a patient receiving standard treatment. This approach was validated against the permutation method using hypothetical clinical trial scenarios of neuroprotective effect, early recanalization effect, late recanalization effect, and random benefit. Results : The generalized odds ratio approach had strong agreement with the permutation approach provided sample size was >15 patients per treatment arm. Simulation established that the confidence intervals generated were accurate. Ignoring patient pairs with tied mRS scores overestimates the treatment effect compared with splitting tied mRS scores. Conclusions : In addition to all the advantages of the recently proposed permutation-based approach, our method generates confidence intervals without the need for intensive computational power. The resulting generalized odds ratios are particularly suitable for inclusion in meta-analyses and have a simple and intuitive connection with the number-needed-to-treat measure.
Primary small cell carcinoma of prostate without immunoreactive neuroendocrine proteins but with expressions of KIT and platelet‐derived growth factor‐α
Authors: Terada Tadashi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPrimary small cell carcinoma of the prostate is extremely rare. Herein reported is a case of primary small cell carcinoma of the prostate with immunohistochemical examination of KIT and platelet‐derived growth factor‐α. The present case is unique in that the small cell carcinoma did not express neuroendocrine antigens. A 68‐year‐old man was found to have high serum prostate‐specific antigen, and biopsy showed malignant small tumor cells fulfilling the small cell carcinoma criteria of the World Health Organization. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for pan‐cytokeratin, KIT, platelet‐derived growth factor‐α, p53, Ki‐67 labeling = 65%, prostate‐specific antigen and alpha‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase. Tumor cells were negative for vimentin, CD56, synaptophysin, chromogranin and neuron‐specific enolase. Imaging modalities showed multiple metastases, and the patient was treated by chemotherapy. The present report is the fifth with immunohistochemistry of prostatic small cell carcinoma.
SLOPPGEN: a problem generator for the two‐dimensional rectangular single large object placement problem with defects
Authors: Neidlein Vera , Scholz André , Wäscher Gerhard 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this paper, a problem generator for the two‐dimensional rectangular single large object placement problem is presented in which the large object includes one or several defective areas. The parameters defining this problem are identified and described. In this paper, we have pointed out the features of the problem generator and shown how the program can be used for the generation of reproducible random problem instances.
Can (elaborated) imagined contact interventions reduce prejudice among those higher in intergroup disgust sensitivity (ITG‐DS)?
Authors: Hodson Gordon , Dube Blaire , Choma Becky L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntergroup disgust sensitivity (ITG‐DS) reflects an affect‐laden revulsion toward out‐groups. Previous attempts to weaken its prediction of prejudice have failed. Given that clinical approaches to disgust sensitivity successfully utilize mental imagery, we consider contact simulation interventions. Participants were randomly assigned to control, standard imagined contact, or an elaborated contact condition (elaborated imagined contact [EIC]; detailed imagination involving physical contact with a homeless person, with relaxation instructions). Both contact conditions (vs. control) significantly weakened the link between ITG‐DS and prejudice, yet only EIC weakened the relation between ITG‐DS and out‐group trust. Mediated moderation analysis confirmed that EIC significantly attenuated the link between ITG‐DS and prejudice through increasing trust. Clinically relevant treatments are thus valuable in severing the association between (a) ITG‐DS and (b) lower out‐group trust and greater out‐group prejudice.
A meta‐analysis of the strength and nature of cytoplasmic genetic effects
Authors: Dobler R. , Rogell B. , Budar F. , Dowling D. K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractGenetic variation in cytoplasmic genomes (i.e. the mitochondrial genome in animals, and the combined mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes in plants) was traditionally assumed to accumulate under a neutral equilibrium model. This view has, however, come under increasing challenge from studies that have experimentally linked cytoplasmic genetic effects to the expression of life history phenotypes. Such results suggest that genetic variance located within the cytoplasm might be of evolutionary importance and potentially involved in shaping population evolutionary trajectories. As a step towards assessing this assertion, here we conduct a formal meta‐analytic review to quantitatively assess the extent to which cytoplasmic genetic effects contribute to phenotypic expression across animal and plant kingdoms. We report that cytoplasmic effect sizes are generally moderate in size and associated with variation across a range of factors. Specifically, cytoplasmic effects on morphological traits are generally larger than those on life history or metabolic traits. Cytoplasmic effect sizes estimated at the between‐species scale (via interspecies mix‐and‐matching of cytoplasmic and nuclear genomes) are larger than those at the within‐species scale. Furthermore, cytoplasmic effects tied to epistatic interactions with the nuclear genome tend to be stronger than additive cytoplasmic effects, at least when restricting the data set to gonochorous animal species. Our results thus confirm that cytoplasmic genetic variation is commonly tied to phenotypic expression across plants and animals, implicate the cytoplasmic–nuclear interaction as a key unit on which natural selection acts and generally suggest that the genetic variation that lies within the cytoplasm is likely to be entwined in adaptive evolutionary processes.
Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth Experiences of Male and Gender Variant Gestational Parents: It's How We Could Have a Family
Authors: Ellis Simon Adriane , Wojnar Danuta M. , Pettinato Maria 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionLike members of any other population, transgender and gender variant people ‐ individuals whose gender identity varies from the traditional norm or from the sex they were assigned at birth ‐ often seek parenthood. Little is known about the decision making and experiences of these individuals, including male‐identified and gender‐variant natal females who wish to achieve parenthood by carrying a pregnancy. This pilot qualitative study used grounded theory methodology to explore the conception, pregnancy, and birth experiences of this population of parents.MethodsA grounded theory methodology was used to guide data collection and analysis. Eight male‐identified or gender‐variant gestational parents participated in the study. Data collection included individual 60‐minute to 90‐minute interviews conducted by recorded online video calls, as well as a self‐administered online demographic survey. Data were collected from September 2011 through May 2012. Data saturation was achieved at 6 interviews, after which 2 more interviews were conducted. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a constant comparative method was used to analyze the interview transcripts.ResultsLoneliness was the overarching theme that permeated participants’ experiences, social interactions, and emotional responses during every stage of achieving biologic parenthood. Within this context of loneliness, participants described complex internal and external processes of navigating identity. Navigating identity encapsulated 2 subthemes: undergoing internal struggles and engaging with the external world. The preconception period was identified as participants’ time of greatest distress and least involvement with health care.DiscussionThe findings of this study suggest that culturally‐sensitive preconception counseling could be beneficial for transgender and gender‐variant individuals. The grounded theory produced by this pilot investigation also provides insights that will be useful to health care providers and others working with male‐identified and gender‐variant prospective parents.
Presentation, diagnosis and treatment of angioedema without wheals: a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 1058 patients
Authors: Mansi M. , Zanichelli A. , Coerezza A. , Suffritti C. , Wu M. A. , Vacchini R. , Stieber C. , Cichon S. , Cicardi M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe first classification of angioedema without wheals was recently reported and comprises different forms of the disease distinguished by aetiology, mediator of oedema and inheritance.MethodsIn total, 1725 consecutive patients with angioedema without wheals were examined at our centre between 1993 and 2012. We excluded from the analysis 667 patients because of incomplete data or because angioedema was related to a specific factor.ResultsAccording to the new classification of angioedema, the 1058 patients included in this analysis were diagnosed with hereditary (HAE; n = 377) or acquired angioedema (AAE; n = 681). The former group included HAE with C1‐inhibitor (C1‐INH) deficiency (C1‐INH‐HAE; n = 353) and HAE with normal C1‐INH levels (n = 24), of which six had a factor XII mutation (FXII‐HAE) and 18 had disease of unknown origin (U‐HAE). The AAE group included disease with C1‐INH deficiency (C1‐INH‐AAE; n = 49), AAE related to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor treatment (n = 183), idiopathic histaminergic (IH‐AAE; n = 379) and idiopathic nonhistaminergic angioedema (InH‐AAE; n = 70). We compared hereditary and AAE with uncertain aetiopathogenesis: the FXII‐HAE and U‐HAE groups pooled (FXII/U‐HAE) versus InH‐AAE. The median age at onset of FXII/U‐HAE and InH‐AAE was 26 and 38 years, respectively. In addition, 56% of patients with FXII/U‐HAE and 81% of those with InH‐AAE reported more than five attacks per year (median duration of 48 h). The location of angioedema in patients with FXII/U‐HAE versus those with InH‐AAE was the following: face, 70% versus 86%; tongue, oral cavity or larynx, 55% versus 68%; limbs, 70% versus 56%; and gastrointestinal mucosa, 50% versus 20%. Prophylaxis with tranexamic acid was effective in all six patients with U‐HAE and in 37 of 38 with InH‐AAE who were started on this treatment.ConclusionOur findings in this cohort of patients with angioedema provide new information on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Quality of reporting of dental survival analyses
Authors: Layton D. M. , Clarke M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryTo explore the quality of reporting (writing and graphics) of articles that used time‐to‐event analyses to report dental treatment outcomes. A systematic search of the top 50 dental journals in 2008 produced the sample of articles for this analysis. Articles reporting treatment outcomes with (n = 95) and without (n = 91) time‐to‐event statistics were reviewed. Survival descriptive words used in the two groups were analysed (Pearson's chi‐square). The quality of life tables, survival curves and time‐to‐event statistics were assessed (Kappa analysed agreement) and explored. Words describing dental outcomes ‘over time’ were more common in time‐to‐event compared with control articles (77%, 3%, P < 0·001). Non‐specific use of ‘rate’ was common across both groups. Life tables and survival curves were used by 39% and 48% of the time‐to‐event articles, with at least one used by 82%. Construction quality was poor: 21% of life tables and 28% of survival curves achieved an acceptable standard. Time‐to‐event statistical reporting was poor: 3% achieved a high and 59% achieved an acceptable standard. The survival statistic, summary figure and standard error were reported in 76%, 95% and 20% of time‐to‐event articles. Individual statistical terms and graphic aids were common within and unique to time‐to‐event articles. Unfortunately, important details were regularly omitted from statistical descriptions and survival figures making the overall quality poor. It is likely this will mean such articles will be incorrectly indexed in databases, missed by searchers and unable to be understood completely if identified.
Diagnosis and treatment of severely malnourished children with diarrhoea
Authors: Iannotti Lora L , Trehan Indi , Clitheroe Kathryn L , Manary Mark J 
Published: September 2014

AbstractChildren with severe acute malnutrition complicated by diarrhoea require special care due to their unique physiological vulnerability and increased mortality risks. A systematic literature review (1950–2013) was conducted to identify the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic measures for the community‐based management of severely malnourished children with diarrhoea. No studies directly addressed this question, so the search was broadened to include inpatient care. Of the 129 studies identified, 32 were selected for full review and found to contain varying degrees of indirectness, inconsistency and bias. Evidence from diagnostic studies point to the use of both prolonged and persistent diarrhoea as morbidity markers, rapid hypoglycaemia diagnosis and the frequent aetiological role of Cryptosporidium. Therapeutic studies suggest benefits from routine antiparasitic medication and feeding regimens with ready‐to‐use‐therapeutic foods, lactose‐free diets and zinc supplementation. Existing rehydration treatment guidelines were affirmed, but the utility of glutamine and low osmolarity feeds were inconclusive.
Realgar nanoparticle-based microcapsules: preparation and in-vitro/in-vivo characterizations
Authors: Shi Feng , Feng Nianping , Omari-Siaw Emmanuel 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to prepare microcapsules for the oral delivery of realgar nanoparticles (RN) that are also capable of improving its stability.

Methods
RN and RN-based microcapsules (RNM) were prepared using ball milling and solvent evaporation techniques, respectively. Properties such as particle size, ζ-potential (ZP), morphology and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were investigated. In addition, drug release, bioavailability and antitumour studies were also performed.

Key findings
The nanoparticles appeared round or elliptical in shape with a mean size of 85.4 ± 3.5 nm and a ZP of −34.3 ± 1.7 mV. The obtained RNM appeared spherical and not aggregated with a relatively narrow size distribution. XRD analysis revealed that ball milling technique did not change the crystallinity of the realgar powder. RN and RNM exhibited considerable higher release of As2S2, bioavailability and antitumour efficacies compared with crude realgar. Furthermore, RNM could protect RN directly exposed to the air and light, and therefore increased the stability of the RN.

Conclusions
The developed RNM demonstrated a greater potential as a delivery system for realgar.
Cigarette smoke condensate modulates migration of human gingival epithelial cells and their interactions with Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Imamura K. , Kokubu E. , Kita D. , Ota K. , Ishihara K. , Saito A. 
Published: September 2014

Background and ObjectiveEpithelial cells are recognized as the first line of defense against bacterial infection and environmental harmful stimuli such as cigarette smoke (CS). Although previous studies explored the effects of nicotine on host cells, mechanisms by which CS affects cellular functions remain uncertain. The present study investigated the effects of CS condensate (CSC) on in vitro wound closure of gingival epithelial cells and their potential interactions with a major periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis.Material and MethodsHuman gingival epithelial cells (Ca9‐22) were treated with CSC for 24 h. Cell proliferation was determined using a WST‐1 assay. Cell migration was assessed using a wound closure model. The expression of integrins was analyzed by confocal scanning laser microscopy and real‐time PCR. Intracellular invasion of P. gingivalis was evaluated by confocal scanning laser microscopy and an antibiotic protection assay.ResultsLow concentrations (1–10 μg/mL) of CSC showed no significant effect on cell proliferation. CSC demonstrated dual effects on epithelial wound closure of Ca9‐22 cells: high concentrations (i.e. 250 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the wound closure whereas low concentrations (i.e. 10 μg/mL) promoted it (p < 0.01). CSC induced distinct changes in cytoskeleton. When CSC‐exposed cells were infected with P. gingivalis for 2 h, a significant inhibition of wound closure was observed concurrent with a decrease in integrin α3 expression near the wound area. A significantly increased P. gingivalis invasion into Ca9‐22 was observed when exposed to low concentrations of CSC.ConclusionLow concentrations of CSC increased invasion of human gingival epithelial cells by P. gingivalis and induced changes in cytoskeleton and integrin expression, thereby modulating the cell migration.