bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination of fluvastatin with pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy reduces viral relapse in chronic hepatitis C infected with HCV genotype 1b
Authors: Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Kondo Chisa , Itokawa Norio , Narahara Yoshiyuki , Nakatsuka Katsuhisa , Hashimoto Satomi , Fukuda Takeshi , Matsushita Yoko , Kidokoro Hideko , Kobayashi Tamaki , Kanazawa Hidenori , Sakamoto Choitsu 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough the anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) effect of statins in vitro and clinical efficacy of fluvastatin combined with Pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)/ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have been reported, the details of clinical presentation are largely unknown. We focused on viral relapse that influences treatment outcome, and performed a post‐hoc analysis by using data from a randomized controlled trial.MethodsThirty‐four patients in the fluvastatin group and 33 patients in the non‐fluvastatin group who achieved virological response (complete early virological response [cEVR] or late virological response [LVR]) with PEG‐IFN/ribavirin therapy were subjected to this analysis. Factors contributing to viral relapse were identified by using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsRelapse rate in patients with cEVR was significantly lower in the fluvastatin group (2 of 23, 8.7%) than in the non‐fluvastatin group (9 of 26, 34.6%; P = 0.042). The use of fluvastatin decreased relapse rate in patients with LVR (27.3% vs 57.1%), though not significantly. Overall, relapse rate was significantly lower in the fluvastatin group (14.7%; 5 of 34) than in the non‐fluvastatin group (39.4%; 13 of 33; P = 0.027). Multivariate analysis identified absence of fluvastatin (P = 0.027, odds ratio [OR] = 3.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–15.11) and low total ribavirin dose (P = 0.002, OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.38–4.19) as independent factors contributing to relapse.ConclusionThe concomitant addition of fluvastatin significantly suppressed viral relapse, resulting in the improvement of sustained virological response rate, in PEG‐IFN/ribavirin therapy for CHC patients with HCV genotype 1b and high viral load.
Viral load and alanine aminotransferase correlate with serologic response in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with entecavir
Authors: Wang Chia‐Chi , Tseng Kuo‐Chih , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Lin Chih‐Lin , Su Tung‐Hung , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Hsu Ching‐Sheng , Lin Hans Hsienhong , Kao Jia‐Horng 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough entecavir has been shown to have good efficacy and low resistance for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), factors associated with a favorable response remain unknown.MethodsThis was a retrospective, multicenter study of 248 treatment‐naïve hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients (69.4% male; median age, 39.4 years) treated with entecavir for more than 1 year, and 15.7% of them had cirrhosis at baseline. The primary endpoints were HBeAg loss and/or seroconversion.ResultsThe median baseline levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA were 201 U/L (range, 27–2415 U/L) and 7.6 log10 IU/mL (range, 2.2–13.18), respectively. The median treatment period was 25.3 months (range, 12–69.6). The rates of ALT normalization at years 1, 2, and 3 were 83.1%, 87.9%, and 94.9%, respectively. The cumulative rates of HBeAg loss at years 1, 2, and 3 were 20.3%, 38.0%, and 48.9%, respectively. The rates of undetectable HBV‐DNA at years 1, 2, and 3 were 52.1%, 78.9%, and 82.5%, respectively. Using Cox proportional hazards model, multivariate analysis showed that baseline ALT greater than five times the upper limit of normal, and viral load were independent factors associated with HBeAg loss (hazard ratio: 1.81, and 0.812; 95% confidence interval: 1.062–3.085; 0.7–0.942, respectively).ConclusionEntecavir treatment for 3 years can achieve good biochemical and virologic responses in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients, but has a modest effect on HBeAg loss and/or seroconversion. In addition, baseline serum ALT and HBV‐DNA levels are independent factors associated with favorable treatment responses.
Occurrence and impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in elderly patients with stable heart failure
Authors: BOSCHETTO PIERA , FUCILI ALESSANDRO , STENDARDO MARIARITA , MALAGÙ MICHELE , PARRINELLO GIOVANNI , CASIMIRRI ENRICO , POTENA ALFREDO , BALLERIN LICIA , FABBRI LEONARDO M. , FERRARI ROBERTO , CECONI CLAUDIO 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) increases with age. The occurrence, prognosis and therapeutic implications of concurrent COPD in elderly patients with CHF were investigated.Methods:  One hundred and eighteen consecutive patients, ≥65 years old with ≥10 pack/years of smoking and with a verified diagnosis of CHF in stable condition, were enrolled. They were followed for a mean of 1029 (range 758–1064) days. All patients had spirometry and the diagnosis and classification of COPD were made according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines.Results:  The mean occurrence of COPD was 30% (90% confidence interval: 24–37%). At baseline in patients with CHF and COPD, there was a shorter 6‐min walk distance, lower arterial oxygen tension, glomerular filtration rate and higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (all P < 0.05). The prescription of CHF therapies, including β‐blockers, was similar in the two groups. After follow up, the presence of COPD in patients with CHF did not appear to influence survival.Conclusions:  COPD is relatively frequent in elderly patients with CHF. COPD did not alter survival.
Cervical fascia: a terminological pain in the neck
Authors: Guidera Alice K. , Dawes Patrick J. D. , Stringer Mark D. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAlthough understanding the cervical fascia and its arrangement is an important part of anatomical, surgical and radiological training, it is inconsistently described in textbooks, which makes its study challenging and interdisciplinary communication confusing. This review examines the recommended textbooks for trainees of these disciplines in order to identify areas of agreement and controversy. Not only were the terms used variably between texts, but also key aspects of the anatomical descriptions associated with similar terms differed, contributing further to the confusion.
Gallstones in New Zealand: composition, risk factors and ethnic differences
Authors: Stringer Mark D. , Fraser Sara , Gordon Keith C. , Sharples Katrina , Windsor John A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundGallstone disease is a worldwide problem causing morbidity, mortality and a drain on health‐care resources. This prospective study aimed to investigate the spectrum of gallstone types in New Zealand and relate these to known risk factors.MethodsGallstone samples were collected from 107 patients undergoing surgery for gallstone disease at Auckland City Hospital between June 2009 and June 2010. Detailed chemical analyses were performed using Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy. The relationship between gallstone type and age, gender, ethnicity, obesity and positive family history were analysed.ResultsMedian age was 51 years (range 19–88), 75 (70%) were female, one third were obese (body mass index ≥ 30) and 41% had a positive family history. Major ethnic groups were European (51%), Asian (23%) and Māori/Pacific (18%). Gallstone types included pure or mixed cholesterol stones (74%), black pigment stones (20%) and brown pigment stones (5%). Asians had a higher proportion of black pigment stones and NZ Europeans had more cholesterol and mixed cholesterol stones (odds ratio 3.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 11.5)). The frequency of cholesterol/mixed cholesterol stones was not significantly different between NZ Europeans and Māori/Pacific groups (P = 0.7). Black pigment stones were more common in older patients (mean 68.0 years compared with 47.6 for cholesterol/mixed cholesterol stones) (P = 0.0001). There was no significant relationship between stone type and family history (P = 0.16) or gender (P = 0.17).ConclusionThis novel prospective study highlights risk factors and ethnic differences in gallstone composition in New Zealand. These may be important when considering gallstone prevention strategies.
Factors delaying chemotherapy for breast cancer in four urban and rural oncology units
Authors: Fox Peter N. , Chatfield Mark D. , Beith Jane M. , Allison Stuart , Della‐Fiorentina Stephen , Fisher Dean , Turley Kim , Grimison Peter S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundDelays in commencing adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer beyond 12 weeks are associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to identify factors delaying chemotherapy in an inner metropolitan, outer metropolitan, small rural and large rural cancer centre in New South Wales, Australia.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 400 consecutive patients that received adjuvant chemotherapy for stages I–III breast cancer. We evaluated factors affecting time from primary and definitive surgery until commencing chemotherapy.ResultsThe primary factor associated with chemotherapy delays was the geographic location of the cancer centre. The median time from primary surgery to chemotherapy was longer for the large rural centre (median 58 days), compared with the outer metropolitan (45 days), small rural (39 days) and inner metropolitan centre (33 days). Treatment delays in the large rural centre were associated with higher rates of multiple operations (43% versus 31% elsewhere), mainly because of more staged axillary dissections (34% versus 19%), and longer time from definitive surgery to oncology assessment.ConclusionPatients in the large rural centre, who are served by fly‐in medical oncology services, are more likely to experience delays in receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer. Strategies to reduce delays include use of intraoperative frozen section analysis, multidisciplinary meetings, improving efficiency in pathology reporting and employment of a breast cancer care coordinator and an on‐site medical oncologist.
Telomerase activity and telomere length distribution in vascular endothelial cells in a short‐term culture under the presence of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Maeda Toyoki , Guan Jing‐Zhi , Koyanagi Masamichi , Makino Naoki 
Published: September 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to assess the biological effects of oxidative stress on human vascular endothelial cells.Methods:  The telomeric changes and the alterations of the expression of telomere‐associated proteins in human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were analyzed.Results:  During the culture, the cell growth rate decreased, whereas the telomerase activity of the surviving cells increased. As the H2O2 level increased, long telomeres decreased proportionally, thus resulting in a telomere length distribution that was rich in short telomeres. These observations suggested that H2O2‐affected endothelial cells bear telomeric features similar to those of aged cells. In contrast, the expression of telomere‐associated proteins, TRF1 and TRF2, showed different changes. TRF1 increased in relation to H2O2 concentration, whereas TRF2 showed no significant change. The surviving cells exposed to H2O2 showed a H2O2‐dose dependent increase in telomerase activity, whereas the telomere protein and RNA components were only elevated in low concentrations of H2O2.Conclusions:  The increase in telomerase activity and TRF1 protein expression of vascular endothelial cell might show an aspect of cellular protective reaction against oxygen stress. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 774–782.
Long‐term survival after radical surgery for renal cell carcinoma with tumour thrombus extension into the right atrium
Authors: Dominik Jan , Moravek Petr , Zacek Pavel , Vojacek Jan , Brtko Miroslav , Podhola Miroslav , Pacovsky Jaroslav , Harrer Jan 
Published: September 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumour thrombus extending into the right atrium remains, despite its complexity and specific technical aspects, the only radical therapeutic option.This single‐centre study, unique in size for this rare condition, reports early and late results over a period of 18 years. All patients were operated on using a standardised protocol with use of cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Overall and cancer‐specific cumulative survival was better than in other reports.OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long‐term results of radical surgical management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumour thrombus extension (TTE) level IV into the right atrium (RCC/TTE IV) in a large single‐institution series.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Radical complex urological and cardio‐surgical procedure was performed over a period of 18 years (1993–2010) on 21 patients with RCC/TTE IV. A radical nephrectomy was performed followed by sternotomy, institution of cardiopulmonary bypass and extraction of the intracardiac tumour thrombus under direct visual control during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA).
Perioperative and postoperative variables, and long‐term overall and cancer‐specific survival using the Kaplan–Meier method were analysed.
RESULTS
In all patients, precise removal of tumour thrombus was accomplished in a bloodless field during DHCA.
The mean (sd) duration of circulatory arrest was 16 (6) min at a mean hypothermia of 20 (3) °C. In‐hospital mortality was 9.5% (two patients).
The median survival (including in‐hospital mortality) was 25 months.
In Kaplan–Meier analysis, 2‐ and 5‐year overall cumulative survival rate was 57 (95% confidence interval, CI 36–78)% and 37 (95% CI 15–58)%, respectively.
Cancer‐specific cumulative survival was 68 (95% CI 49–89)% at 2 years and 51 (95% CI 28–74)% at 5 years.
CONCLUSIONS
Late outcome after radical surgical treatment in patients with RCC and TTE reaching up to the right atrium justifies this extensive procedure.
Cardiopulmonary bypass with DHCA allows safe and precise extirpation of all intracaval and intracardiac tumour mass.
Anogenital distance and the risk of prostate cancer
Authors: Castaño‐Vinyals Gemma , Carrasco Estela , Lorente José Antonio , Sabaté Yasmin , Cirac‐Claveras Judith , Pollán Marina , Kogevinas Manolis 
Published: September 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?In animals, anogenital distance has been shown to be related to the action of fetal androgens, and exposure to chemicals such as dioxins that exhibit antiandrogenic activity results in shorter distances in male rats. In studies conducted in children, anogenital distance has been associated with endocrine disruptors such as phthalates. Studies conducted in young adults found that a shorter anoscrotal distance was a predictor of low sperm concentration, and a longer anoscrotal distance was associated with fatherhood, a higher sperm density and a higher total motile sperm count.The present study is the first to report anogenital measurements in adults in relation to the risk of cancer, showing that a phenotype reflecting normal in utero sexual development in males is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. There are two published studies evaluating sperm quality and fatherhood suggesting a connecting mechanism related to the disruption of androgen‐mediated pathways in utero that affects reproductive potential and the risk of prostate cancer.OBJECTIVES
To measure anogenital distance in patients with prostate cancer and control subjects without cancer.
To evaluate the association of anogenital distance with prostate cancer in a case–control study in Spain.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Anogenital distances from anus to upper penis (AGDAP) and from anus to scrotum (AGDAS) were measured in 60 patients with prostate cancer in two hospitals in Barcelona and in 52 urological controls.
Each measurement was performed three times by the same trained examiner using a digital caliper
RESULTS
Patients had an ≈5 mm shorter AGDAP than controls, whereas no difference was observed for AGDAS.
A higher AGDAP was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, with an adjusted odds ratio per 5 mm increase in AGDAP of 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.99, P= 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
The present study is the first to report anogenital measurements in adults in relation to the risk of cancer.
The present study showed that a phenotype reflecting normal in utero sexual development in men is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
There are two published studies (Mendiola et al. Environ Health Perspect 2011; 119: 958–63; Eisenberg et al. PLoS One 2011; 6: e18973) evaluating sperm quality and fatherhood suggesting a connecting mechanism related to the disruption of androgen‐mediated pathways in utero that affects reproductive potential and the risk of prostate cancer.
What Counts? An Ethnographic Study of Infection Data Reported to a Patient Safety Program
Authors: DIXON‐WOODS MARY , LESLIE MYLES , BION JULIAN , TARRANT CAROLYN 
Published: September 2012

Context: Performance measures are increasingly widely used in health care and have an important role in quality. However, field studies of what organizations are doing when they collect and report performance measures are rare. An opportunity for such a study was presented by a patient safety program requiring intensive care units (ICUs) in England to submit monthly data on central venous catheter bloodstream infections (CVC‐BSIs).Methods: We conducted an ethnographic study involving ∼855 hours of observational fieldwork and 93 interviews in 17 ICUs plus 29 telephone interviews.Findings: Variability was evident within and between ICUs in how they applied inclusion and exclusion criteria for the program, the data collection systems they established, practices in sending blood samples for analysis, microbiological support and laboratory techniques, and procedures for collecting and compiling data on possible infections. Those making decisions about what to report were not making decisions about the same things, nor were they making decisions in the same way. Rather than providing objective and clear criteria, the definitions for classifying infections used were seen as subjective, messy, and admitting the possibility of unfairness. Reported infection rates reflected localized interpretations rather than a standardized dataset across all ICUs. Variability arose not because of wily workers deliberately concealing, obscuring, or deceiving but because counting was as much a social practice as a technical practice.Conclusions: Rather than objective measures of incidence, differences in reported infection rates may reflect, at least to some extent, underlying social practices in data collection and reporting and variations in clinical practice. The variability we identified was largely artless rather than artful: currently dominant assumptions of gaming as responses to performance measures do not properly account for how categories and classifications operate in the pragmatic conduct of health care. These findings have important implications for assumptions about what can be achieved in infection reduction and quality improvement strategies.
Fundamental Causes of Colorectal Cancer Mortality: The Implications of Informational Diffusion
Authors: WANG ANDREW , CLOUSTON SEAN A.P. , RUBIN MARCIE S. , COLEN CYNTHIA G. , LINK BRUCE G. 
Published: September 2012

Context: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of mortality in the United States, with 52,857 deaths estimated in 2012. To explore further the social inequalities in colorectal cancer mortality, we used fundamental cause theory to consider the role of societal diffusion of information and socioeconomic status.Methods: We used the number of deaths from colorectal cancer in U.S. counties between 1968 and 2008. Through geographical mapping, we examined disparities in colorectal cancer mortality as a function of socioeconomic status and the rate of diffusion of information. In addition to providing year‐specific trends in colorectal cancer mortality rates, we analyzed these data using negative binomial regression.Findings: The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on colorectal cancer mortality is substantial, and its protective impact increases over time. Equally important is the impact of informational diffusion on colorectal cancer mortality over time. However, while the impact of SES remains significant when concurrently considering the role of diffusion of information, the propensity for faster diffusion moderates its effect on colorectal cancer mortality.Conclusions: The faster diffusion of information reduces both colorectal cancer mortality and inequalities in colorectal cancer mortality, although it was not sufficient to eliminate SES inequalities. These findings have important long‐term implications for policymakers looking to reduce social inequalities in colorectal cancer mortality and other, related, preventable diseases.
Olenekian (Early Triassic) bivalves from the Salt Range and Surghar Range, Pakistan
Authors: WASMER MARTIN , HAUTMANN MICHAEL , HERMANN ELKE , WARE DAVID , ROOHI GHAZALA , UR‐REHMAN KHALIL , YASEEN AAMIR , BUCHER HUGO 
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Based on newly collected material from the uppermost Smithian and lower to middle Spathian (Olenekian, Lower Triassic) of the Salt Range and Surghar Range (Pakistan), 15 bivalve species belonging to 11 genera are described, including two new genera,EobuchiaandDimorphoconcha, and one new species,Palaeoneilo?fortistriata.Eobuchiagen. nov. is placed in a new subfamily, the Eobuchiinae, which differs from the Buchiinae in having an almost planar and only moderately inclined or offset right anterior auricle. Inclination of the right anterior auricle is proposed as a synapomorphy of the revised suborder Monotidina, which includes the Buchiidae, Monotidae, Oxytomidae and, tentatively, the Dolponellidae. The Pseudomonotidae, Chaenocardiidae and Claraiidae are discussed as candidate ancestors of the Monotidina.Dimorphoconchagen. nov., provisionally placed in the Limidae, is a morphologically unusual genus characterized by a globose shell centre and a strongly plicate fringe.Permophorus costatus, which was previously known exclusively from Permian strata, is reported from the Spathian of the Surghar Range. This record extends the range ofP. costatusfor at least 8 Myr and makes it the first reported Lazarusspecies, with an outage of more than 2 Myr after the end‐Permian mass extinction. Ten of 15 species recognized in this study have not been reported from other regions, which may indicate increasing provincialism towards the end of the Early Triassic, or, alternatively, reflect the still insufficient knowledge of benthic faunas from the epoch that followed the greatest crisis in the history of life.