bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baseline serum level of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 as a biomarker of progressive joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Galil Sahar Mahfouz Abdel , El‐Shafey Abeer Mohamed , Hagrass Hoda A. , Fawzy Faten , Sammak Ahmed El 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimMatrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) plays a pivotal role in the destruction of bone and degradation of cartilage components in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed in this study to analyze the relation between baseline levels of MMP‐3 and the progression of joint damage in RA.MethodsEighty‐one untreated RA patients with joint symptoms for <1 year were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months as regards erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) and plain X‐ray of both hands and wrists. Baseline levels of MMP‐3 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hands/wrists was performed. Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were performed at baseline evaluation and after 12 months.ResultsThe baseline MMP‐3 levels were significantly higher in the high‐progression group compared with the low‐progression one (95.75 ± 42.84 vs. 50.45 ± 12.83, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between baseline levels of MMP‐3 and MRI erosion score and other baseline clinical parameters, except for HAQ and the van der Heijde modification of the Sharp scoring system (SvdH) scores, while after 12 months, there were high positive correlations between MMP‐3 and SvdH score, as well as all parameters except for ESR.ConclusionSerum baseline levels of MMP‐3 are strong prognostic markers of disease activity, and act well as an early predictor of progressive joint damage in recent‐onset RA disease.
Tolerance to anthropogenic disturbance by a large carnivore: the case of Eurasian lynx in south‐eastern Norway
Authors: Bouyer Y. , Gervasi V. , Poncin P. , Beudels‐Jamar R. C. , Odden J. , Linnell J. D. C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe relative merits of land sparing versus land sharing are being debated within conservation biology. While the debate is multifaceted, a central issue concerns the ability of biodiversity to actually persist in ‘shared’ human‐dominated landscapes. There is a widespread perception that large predators are synonymous with wilderness and have a low tolerance for human‐modified landscapes. However, there is an increasing body of evidence that is questioning this paradigm. In order to explore the tolerance levels of Eurasian lynx to human activity, we have analysed data on 49 lynx home ranges in south‐eastern Norway occupying a gradient of landscapes from near wilderness to the urban–forest interface. Our results indicate that lynx have the ability to tolerate relatively high levels of human presence both within their home ranges and within the immediate surroundings of their home ranges. Home‐range orientations reflect preference for areas associated with low levels of human‐induced habitat modification, and avoidance of the more heavily disturbed areas. The results show that lynx have a large potential to exist in shared landscapes if their presence is tolerated by people.
Carrion ecology modelling for vulture conservation: are vulture restaurants needed to sustain the densest breeding population of theAfrican white‐backed vulture?
Authors: Kane A. , Jackson A. L. , Monadjem A. , Colomer M. A. , Margalida A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAs obligate scavengers, vultures are entirely dependent on carrion resources. In this study, we model the carrion ecology of an ecosystem inSwaziland which is home to the densest breeding population of theAfrican white‐backed vultureGyps africanus. We collected data on life‐history parameters of the avian scavenging guild of the area as well as the potential food available from the ungulate fauna. Using novelPopulationDynamicsP‐Systems, we show that carrion provided by wild ungulates biomass is currently enough to sustain this vulture species. However, in light of the forecasted population increases, food will become a limiting factor. We discuss the significance of mass closure of supplementary feeding stations inSwaziland which now forces these birds to forage farther afield endangering them to poisoning events. We put these results in the context of biomass management and suggest conservation actions to secure the viability of vulture populations and the important ecosystem services they provide.
Consequences of a screening programme on the prevalence of congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness in the Australian Cattle Dog
Authors: Sommerlad S. F. , Morton J. M. , Johnstone I. , O'Leary C. A. , Seddon J. M. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryGenetic disease testing programmes are used in domestic animal breeds to guide selective breeding with the aim of reducing disease prevalence. We assessed the change in the prevalence of canine congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness (CHSD) in litters of Australian Cattle Dogs following the introduction of a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing programme. We studied 608 pups from 122 litters from 10 breeding kennels. Despite 10 years of testing (1998–2008), no substantial reduction in prevalence of CHSD was evident in these 10 breeding kennels. Even for the subset of litters in which both parents were BAER tested as normal hearing (305 pups from 58 litters), there was no evidence of substantial reduction in prevalence. Odds ratios for CHSD in pups for each extra year since testing in the kennel commenced were 1.01 (95% CI, 0.88–1.17) and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.82–1.30) respectively for these populations. Amongst 284 dogs from 54 litters with extended pedigrees and both parents BAER‐tested normal hearing, observed prevalences of CHSD were highest in pups with no BAER‐tested normal grandparents (17% or 5/29) and lowest in pups with all four grandparents tested normal (0% or 0/9). In pups for which one, two and three grandparents tested negative, prevalences of CHSD were 12% (9/74), 9% (9/101) and 8% (6/71) respectively. Hence, testing programmes based on phenotypic screening may not lead to a substantial reduction in recessive genetic disease prevalence over the medium term, even when only tested normal parents are used. Exclusive breeding of litters in which both parents and all four grandparents are BAER‐tested normal is expected to reduce CHSD prevalence in pups to the greatest extent over the long term.
Catheter‐related upper limb venous thrombosis in a tertiary hospital setting
Authors: Ye Xuan , Wong Shing W. , Zhang John , Moo Ing‐How , Lee Chern Chuen 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the relative likelihood of upper limb venous thrombosis (ULVT) in patients with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) versus central venous catheter (CVC), compared with patients without a catheter, in a tertiary hospital setting.MethodsRetrospective review of all upper limb venous duplex ultrasounds performed for the investigation of venous thrombosis from the Prince of Wales Hospital Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory between July 2009 and October 2012 was conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between risk factors and the presence of ULVT. The total number of lines inserted was determined from medical, electronic and departmental records.ResultsEight hundred and seventy‐six US scans in 637 patients were identified yielding 213 cases of ULVT. ULVT was found in 38/85 scans in patients with PICC, 36/103 scans in patients with CVC and 139/688 scans in patients without a catheter in situ. Compared with patients without catheters, the odds ratio (OR) for developing ULVT was 3.5 (P < 0.001) for PICC and 2.1 (P = 0.002) for CVC. Previous deep venous thrombosis (OR = 11.60; P < 0.001) and malignancy (OR = 2.10; P < 0.02) were additional risk factors. Median time from catheter insertion to diagnosis was 10 days for PICC and 19 days for CVC. The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) was 1.8%. The overall 6‐month mortality for patients with PICC was 5.9% and CVC was 17.7%. A total of 1855 PICC and 2435 CVC were inserted. The incidence of ULVT was 2.05% per PICC and 1.48% per CVC inserted (P = 0.08).ConclusionCatheters predispose to the formation of ULVT. PICCs are more likely to be associated with ULVT than CVC and have shorter time to symptomatic clot. PE from ULVT is uncommon.
Endoscopic self‐expandable metallic stenting for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lye Tiffany Jian Ying , Goh Yaw Chong , Eng Alvin Kim Hock , Ong Hock Soo , Wong Wai Keong , Chan Weng Hoong 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundMalignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a pre‐terminal event in the natural history of gastric and pancreaticobiliary cancers. The use of endoscopic placement of self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is a less invasive alternative palliative option for these patients. This is the first study in Southeast Asia to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic SEMS placement in patients with malignant GOO.MethodsA retrospective review of our department's database in endoscopic SEMS placement for the treatment of malignant GOO was performed. Twenty‐four patients with advanced or metastatic malignancy that underwent placement of SEMS for treatment of malignant GOO between January 2003 and July 2013 were analysed. The GOO severity score was used as an objective means of assessing patients' oral intake.ResultsTechnical success rate was 100%. All patients resumed oral intake of liquids within the same day of stent placement. Clinical success was achieved in 21 patients (87.5%). There was a significant improvement of GOO severity score from 0.62 ± 1.0 (mean ± standard deviation) before stent placement to 2.04 ± 0.86 after stent placement (P < 0.001). Complication rate was 12.5%. Stent‐related complications observed include stent migration (two patients) and tumour ingrowth (one patient). Serious complications such as gastrointestinal haemorrhage or perforation did not occur in any patients. The median survival after stent placement was 57 days (95% confidence interval, 12.2–101.8 days). None of the patients died from stent‐related complications.ConclusionEndoscopic SEMS placement is a minimally invasive, safe and effective option for the palliation of malignant GOO.
Two‐year serum metal ion levels in minimally invasive total conservative hip resurfacing: preliminary results of a prospective study
Authors: Tai Stephen M. , Millard Natascha , Munir Selin , Jenabzadeh Amir R. , Walter Leonard R. , Walter William L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundMetal‐on‐metal (MoM) hip resurfacings have been associated with the potential development of metallic debris and its associated pathology. Serum cobalt and chromium levels are a reliable surrogate marker of wear rates in MoM bearings. The aim of the study was to examine the trend in serum metal ion levels in the initial 2‐year post‐operative period following implantation of the minimally invasive total conservative hip MoM hip resurfacing and to determine whether head size, acetabular component orientation, clinical outcome scores or post‐operative range of movement would affect these levels.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, serum cobalt and chromium ion levels were measured pre‐ and post‐operatively in 25 patients who underwent minimally invasive total conservative hip MoM hip resurfacing. The results were correlated with acetabular component orientation, head size, outcome scores and post‐operative range of movement.ResultsThe mean serum cobalt and chromium levels at 2 years were 1.2 ppb (0.4–4.4 ppb) and 2.1 ppb (0.7–5.7 ppb). The mean cup inclination was 43° (30°–60°) and anteversion was 18° (1°–47°). There was no clear relationship between serum ions and acetabular component orientation, outcome scores or range of movement. Patients with a head size ≤52 mm had significantly higher metal ion levels (cobalt P = 0.02, chromium P = 0.045).ConclusionOur preliminary results show all patients had cobalt and chromium levels below those indicating a high‐risk implant, suggesting successful early outcome from minimally invasive total conservative hip resurfacing surgery.
Improving care for patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer: impact of a statewide multidisciplinary team
Authors: Wilson Eleanor E. , Thompson Sarah K. , Bull Jeff , Jones Bronwyn , Price Timothy , Devitt Peter G. , Watson David I. , Bright Tim 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo standardize management of upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in South Australia, a statewide video linked multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting was established in late 2009. Although cancer MDTs are recognized as a standard of care, it is important to audit their impact.MethodsA retrospective audit of MDT outcomes and recommendations for patients reviewed by the upper GI MDT between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011 was undertaken. The proportion of patients with new upper GI malignancies reviewed and the proportion reviewed within 2 weeks of diagnosis were determined. Recommendations from the MDT meetings regarding treatment intent, management, investigations and trial participation were audited.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2011, the proportion of newly diagnosed upper GI malignancies in South Australia reviewed by the MDT increased from 43.2% to 54.3%. More oesophageal than gastric cancer cases were reviewed by the MDT. The proportion of patients reviewed within 2 weeks of diagnosis increased from 20% to 50%. The proportion of patients referred for neoadjuvant or definitive chemoradiotherapy increased from 2010 to 2011. Fifty per cent of all patients reviewed were recommended to have further investigations. Recommendations for clinical trial participation increased from 0% in 2010 to 11% in 2011.ConclusionA statewide upper GI cancer MDT is feasible. Implementation of the MDT was followed by an increase in the number of patients reviewed and the proportion reviewed within 2 weeks of diagnosis. Greater awareness of the MDT and access to it may be required to continue to increase the proportion of cancers reviewed.
The efficacy of moderate‐to‐vigorous resistance exercise during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Petrov Fieril Karolina , Glantz Anna , Fagevik Olsen Monika 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the effect and safety of moderate‐to‐vigorous resistance exercise during pregnancy.DesignRandomized controlled study.SettingTwo antenatal clinics in Gothenburg, Sweden.PopulationNinety‐two healthy pregnant women.MethodsThe intervention was administered during gestational weeks 14–25. The intervention group received supervised resistance exercise twice a week, performed at an activity level equivalent to within moderate‐to‐vigorous (n = 51). The control group received generalized exercise recommendation, a home‐based training program and a telephone follow up (n = 41).Main outcome measuresHealth‐related quality of life, physical strength, pain, weight, blood pressure, functional status, activity level, and perinatal data.ResultsFunctional status deteriorated during the intervention in both groups and pain increased. Significant differences between the groups were obtained only for birthweight. Newborns delivered by women who underwent resistance exercise during pregnancy were significantly heavier than those born to control women; 3561 (±452) g vs. 3251 (±437) g (p = 0.02), a difference that disappeared when adjustment was made for gestational age (p = 0.059). Both groups showed normal health‐related quality of life, blood pressure, and perinatal data.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that supervised, moderate‐to‐vigorous resistance exercise does not jeopardize the health status of healthy pregnant women or the fetus during pregnancy, but instead appears to be an appropriate form of exercise in healthy pregnancy.
Lactation studies of anticonvulsants: a quality review
Authors: van der Meer Douwe H. , Wieringa Andre , Wegner Ilse , Wilffert Bob , ter Horst Peter G. J. 
Published: October 2014

AimThe aim of this review was to investigate the quality of the current literature on the transfer of anticonvulsants to breast milk to provide an overview of which anticonvulsants are in need of further research.MethodsWe reviewed the quality of the available lactation studies for 19 anticonvulsants against the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA).ResultsExcept for one study on lamotrigine and one case report on gabapentin, no study on anticonvulsants had both the absolute infant dose (AID) and milk to plasma ratio (M : P) correctly assessed. Only one study on carbamazepine, phenytoin and vigabatrin was found that correctly assessed the AID. The main cause for this low number is the lack of essential details in published studies, since 25 of 62 studies were case reports, letters or abstracts. Other major shortcomings were the lack of information on sampling methods, the number of samples in a particular dose interval as well as the low number of study participants.ConclusionThe quality of the current literature on the transfer of anticonvulsants to breast milk is low, except for lamotrigine, which makes it hard to draw conclusions about the safety of the use of anticonvulsants during the lactation period. Therefore, further research is needed.
Short‐term pretreatment with a dual 5α‐reductase inhibitor before bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B‐TURP): evaluation of prostate vascularity and decreased surgical blood loss in large prostates
Authors: Busetto Gian Maria , Giovannone Riccardo , Antonini Gabriele , Rossi Antonella , Del Giudice Francesco , Tricarico Stefano , Ragonesi Giulia , Gentile Vincenzo , De Berardinis Ettore 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate if short‐term treatment with dutasteride (8 weeks) before bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B‐TURP) can reduce intraoperative bleeding, as dutasteride a dual 5α‐reductase inhibitor (5‐ARI) blocks the conversion of testosterone into its active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and reduces prostate volume and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, while increasing urinary flow rate.Patients and MethodsIn all, 259 patients were enrolled and randomised to two groups: Group A, receiving placebo and Group B, receiving dutasteride (0.5 mg daily for 8 weeks). Blood samples were taken before and after B‐TURP for serum chemistry evaluation. In particular we evaluated blood parameters associated with blood loss [haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht)] and prostate vascularity [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoreactivity and microvessel density (MVD) using cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) immunoreactivity].ResultsTotal testosterone, DHT, PSA level and prostate volume were evaluated and with the exception of DHT and PSA level there was no statistically significant differences between the groups. When comparing changes in Hb and Ht between Group A and Group B before and after B‐TURP, there was a statistically significant difference only in patients with large prostates of ≥50 mL (ΔHb 3.86 vs 2.05 g/dL and ΔHt 4.98 vs 2.64%, in Groups A and B, respectively). There was no significant difference in MVD and VEGF index in prostates of <50 mL, conversely in large prostates the difference become statistically significant.ConclusionsDutasteride was able to reduce operative and perioperative bleeding only in patients with large prostates (≥50 mL) that underwent B‐TURP. Our findings are confirmed by Hb and Ht values reported before and after the B‐TURP and reductions in the molecular markers for VEGF and CD34 in the dutasteride‐treated specimens.
Impact of alcohol consumption on survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma: A large cohort with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Huang Qingyuan , Luo Kongjia , Yang Hong , Wen Jing , Zhang Shuishen , Li Jinhui , Ela Bella Amos , Liu Qianwen , Yang Fu , Zheng Yuzhen , Hu Ronggui , Chen Junying , Fu Jianhua 
Published: October 2014

Alcohol is a well‐established cause of esophageal carcinoma, but its effect on survival is little known and contradictory. To clarify whether drinking is an independent predictor of survival in esophageal carcinoma, 2151 Chinese patients, receiving surgical resection from January 1997 to December 2008, were followed until March 2014. Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied to evaluate the prognostic effect of alcohol consumption. The median follow‐up was 64 months. The median overall survival (OS; 42 months) and disease‐free survival (DFS; 33 months) for never‐drinkers were significantly higher than ever‐drinkers (27 and 22 months, respectively). In the multivariate Cox model that was adjusted for age, weight loss, stage according to criteria set by the American Joint Committee on Cancer, radicality of surgery, adjuvant treatment, smoking status, and gender, the hazard ratios of ever‐drinking were 1.22 (1.06–1.41, P = 0.005) on OS, and 1.16 (1.01–1.34, P = 0.037) on DFS. The hazardous effect on OS and DFS of drinking grew statistically significantly in a dose‐dependent manner with increasing amount of alcohol consumption per day (both P‐value for trend < 0.05). The predictive effect of drinking on OS (P = 0.596) or DFS (P = 0.207) was not significant in the subgroup with esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 195). The current study revealed that the survival is shortened, of those patients who consume alcohol before diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which are not attributable to differences in stage, smoking status, and gender. Alcohol control should be emphasized to reduce mortality of esophageal carcinoma, and further outcome studies should include alcohol as a potential prognosticator.
Real‐Time Isosurface Extraction With View‐Dependent Level of Detail and Applications
Authors: Scholz Manuel , Bender Jan , Dachsbacher Carsten 
Published: October 2014

AbstractVolumetric scalar data sets are common in many scientific, engineering and medical applications where they originate from measurements or simulations. Furthermore, they can represent geometric scene content, e.g. as distance or density fields. Often isosurfaces are extracted, either for indirect volume visualization in the former category, or to simply obtain a polygonal representation in case of the latter. However, even moderately sized volume data sets can result in complex isosurfaces which are challenging to recompute in real time, e.g. when the user modifies the isovalue or when the data itself are dynamic. In this paper, we present a GPU‐friendly algorithm for the extraction of isosurfaces, which provides adaptive level of detail rendering with view‐dependent tessellation. It is based on a longest edge bisection scheme where the resulting tetrahedral cells are subdivided into four hexahedra, which then form the domain for the subsequent isosurface extraction step. Our algorithm generates meshes with good triangle quality even for highly non‐linear scalar data. In contrast to previous methods, it does not require any stitching between regions of different levels of detail. As all computation is performed at run time and no pre‐processing is required, the algorithm naturally supports dynamic data and allows us to change isovalues at any time.