bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative electrochemotherapy of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Edhemovic Ibrahim , Brecelj Erik , Gasljevic Gorana , Marolt Music Maja , Gorjup Vojka , Mali Barbara , Jarm Tomaz , Kos Bor , Pavliha Denis , Grcar Kuzmanov Biljana , Cemazar Maja , Snoj Marko , Miklavcic Damijan , Gadzijev Eldar M. , Sersa Gregor 
Published: April 2014

Background and ObjectivesElectrochemotherapy is effective in treatment of various cutaneous tumors and could be translated into treatment of deep‐seated tumors. With this aim a prospective pilot study was conducted to evaluate feasibility, safety, and efficacy of intraoperative electrochemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.MethodsElectrochemotherapy with bleomycin was performed during open surgery, by insertion of long needle electrodes into and around the tumor according to the individualized pretreatment plan.ResultsA 29 metastases in 16 patients were treated in 16 electrochemotherapy sessions. No immediate (intraoperative) and/or postoperative serious adverse events related to electrochemotherapy were observed. Radiological evaluation of all the treated metastases showed 85% complete responses and 15% partial responses. In a group of seven patients that underwent a second operation at 6–12 weeks after the first one, during which electrochemotherapy was performed, the histology of resected metastases treated by electrochemotherapy showed less viable tissue (P = 0.001) compared to non‐treated ones.ConclusionsElectrochemotherapy of colorectal liver metastases proved to be feasible, safe, and efficient treatment modality, providing its specific place in difficult to treat metastases, located in the vicinity of major hepatic vessels, not amenable to surgery or radiofrequency ablation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:320–327. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Surgical Oncology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation between Reflux and multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring in untreated volunteers
Authors: Jetté Marie E. , Gaumnitz Eric A. , Birchall Martin A. , Welham Nathan V. , Thibeault Susan L. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough probable causative agents have been identified (e.g., refluxate components, tobacco smoke), the definitive mechanism for inflammation‐related laryngeal mucosal damage remains elusive. Multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH monitoring (MII/pH) has emerged as a sensitive tool for diagnosis and characterization of gastroesophageal reflux disease with laryngopharyngeal manifestations. To determine the relationship between laryngeal signs and MII/pH, we examined correlations between Reflux Finding Score (RFS) ratings of videostroboscopic laryngeal examinations and findings from MII/pH.Study DesignCorrelational study.MethodsHealthy, untreated volunteers (n = 142) underwent reflux diagnosis using data acquired from MII/pH testing. Eight trained clinicians performed RFS ratings of corresponding laryngeal examinations. Averaged RFS ratings were compared to MII/pH data using Pearson correlation coefficients. The relationship between RFS and MII/pH findings and demographic/clinical information (age, sex, smoking status, reflux) was assessed using general linear modeling. Rater reliability was evaluated.ResultsPosterior commissure hypertrophy was negatively correlated with minutes of nonacid refluxate (R = −0.21, P = .0115). General linear modeling revealed that 28% to 40% of the variance in ratings of ventricular obliteration, erythema/hyperemia, vocal fold edema, diffuse laryngeal edema, posterior commissure hypertrophy, and granulation/granuloma could be explained by main and interaction effects of age, sex, smoking status, and reflux. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability for RFS were poor–fair.ConclusionsThese results support the theory that the RFS is not specific for reflux in healthy, untreated volunteers, suggesting there may be alternate explanations for inflammatory clinical signs commonly ascribed to reflux in this population.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope 124:2345–2351, 2014
Prokinetic agents and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: Prokinetic agents and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: A systematic review
Authors: Glicksman Jordan T. , Mick Paul T. , Fung Kevin , Carroll Thomas L. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesOur objective was to systematically identify and evaluate prospective studies providing evidence for and against the use of prokinetic agents in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease.Data SourcesOur data sources were PubMed, Embase, BIOSIS, and Web of Science databases.Review MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies prospectively evaluating the effectiveness of prokinetic agents in the treatment of LPR. Data from eligible studies were independently extracted from each study by two authors. The primary outcome of interest was the improvement of LPR symptoms among study participants. Secondary outcomes included resolution of LPR physical signs and the development of side effects from therapy.ResultsAmong 724 unique articles identified, four studies met inclusion criteria. These four investigations provided mixed evidence about the effectiveness of prokinetic agents in the treatment of LPR. The studies included in the review were deemed to be at high risk of bias. Three of the four investigations demonstrated a statistically significant difference in patient symptoms that favored the use of prokinetics in the management of LPR. The investigations were mixed in their report of improvement in physical examination findings among patients receiving and those not receiving prokinetic medical therapy. No significant adverse effects were described in any of these trials.ConclusionsProkinetic agents may be a viable treatment option for LPR. The current body of literature is inadequate to make a recommendation for their use in this disease process. Further research should be conducted to assess the use of prokinetic medications in the management of LPR.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope 124:2375–2379, 2014
A case‐control study on proinflammatory genetic Polymorphisms on sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Cadoni Gabriella , Gaetani Eleonora , Picciotti Pasqualina M. , Arzani Dario , Quarta Miriam , Giannantonio Sara , Paludetti Gaetano , Boccia Stefania 
Published: April 2014

Objectives/HypothesisSudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is strictly related to inner ear vascular injuries and recently to some atherosclerotic risk factors. The pathogenic role of inflammatory molecules in atherosclerosis is well established. However, there is little knowledge about the potential role of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules on SSNHL etiology.Study DesignThe aim of this study was to evaluate the role of proinflammatory genetic polymorphisms of the MCP‐1 (CCL2), E‐selectin, and interleukin (IL)−6 gene in SSNHL patients.MethodsWe evaluated the frequency and distribution of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MCP‐1 (CCL2), E‐selectin, and IL‐6 gene in 87 SSNHL patients and 107 healthy controls.ResultsOur results did not show significant difference between the compared groups for MCP‐1 and E‐selectin genes, whereas a significant difference was reported for the IL‐6 gene (P < .0001).ConclusionsThe main finding of our study is that the 174G/G polymorphism (with a wider distribution of wt/wt genotype in SSNHL patients than in the healthy controls) of the IL‐6 gene is significantly associated with the risk of SSNHL, which is consistent with a previous finding on serum levels of IL‐6 in SSNHL. It is possible that the variant acts as a triggering agent of different lipidemia‐related phenotypes. Both the −174G/G polymorphism and elevated IL‐6 levels in SSNHL patients could suggest that IL‐6 plays a role in the inner ear involvement by atherosclerotic inflammatory events.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 125:E28–E32, 2015
Photoreceptor layer thinning in idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Roth Nicolas M. , Saidha Shiv , Zimmermann Hanna , Brandt Alexander U. , Isensee Justine , Benkhellouf‐Rutkowska Agnieszka , Dornauer Matthias , Kühn Andrea A. , Müller Thomas , Calabresi Peter A. , Paul Friedemann 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThis study was undertaken to quantify retinal and intra‐retinal layer thicknesses in Parkinson's disease (PD), and to evaluate whether retinal structural changes may be related to altered discrimination of color vision and to severity and duration of PD disease. We examined 97 PD patients and 32 healthy controls (HC) with spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), including intra‐retinal layer segmentation. In total, we compared 111 retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)‐scans and 114 macula scans from 68 PD patients with 62 RNFL and 63 macula scans from 32 HC. For clinical evaluation of disease severity, we used the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor examination. To determine color discrimination, we performed the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test (FMT) in a subgroup of PD patients. We found significant combined outer nuclear and photoreceptor layer thinning in PD versus HC (118.6 vs. 123.5 µm, P = 0.001). Differences in RNFL, total macular volume, or the other retinal layer thicknesses were not detected. The OCT measures were not associated with disease severity, duration, or color vision. By showing photoreceptor cell layer thinning, our findings support previous in vivo and autopsy studies demonstrating retinal alterations in PD. Optical coherence tomography may help to assess morphological retinal changes in PD patients; however, the utility of OCT in routine clinical practice may be limited because many PD patients have difficulties complying with OCT investigation because of disease‐related symptoms such as tremor, axial rigidity, or cognitive impairment. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Nonlinear radial consolidation of vertical drains under a general time‐variable loading
Authors: Lu Mengmeng , Wang Shanyong , Sloan Scott W. , Indraratna Buddhima , Xie Kanghe 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYBy incorporating the nonlinear variation of a soil's compressibility and permeability during the process of consolidation, an analytical solution for the radial consolidation of vertical drains has been developed for a general time‐variable loading. The general solution was verified for the cases of instantaneous loading and ramp loading. Detailed solutions were further derived for two special loading schemes: multistage loading and preloading–unloading–reloading. The nonlinear consolidation behavior of a vertical drain subjected to these two types of loading schemes was then investigated by a parametric study. The results show that the loading rate, the ratio of the compressibility index to the permeability index (Cc/Ck), and the initial stress state have a significant influence on the consolidation rate. A smaller value of Cc/Ck, a larger initial stress, or a fast loading rate always leads to a rapid consolidation rate. During the unloading period, a negative excess pore water pressure may occur, and a slower unloading rate may reduce this negative value. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coarse‐graining molecular dynamics models using an extended Galerkin projection method
Authors: Li Xiantao 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYWe present a new framework for coarse‐graining molecular dynamics models for crystalline solids. The reduction method is based on a Galerkin projection to a subspace, whose dimension is much smaller than that of the full atomistic model. To effectively reduce artificial reflections of phonons at the interface, we construct extended subspaces with increasing accuracy by adding more coarse‐grained variables near the interface between lattice defects and the surrounding region. This approach is equivalent to the generalized Langevin model. But it eliminates the need to precompute the memory function, a well‐known practical difficulty. Further, the variational formulation preserves the stability of the molecular models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient uncertainty propagation for network multiphysics systems
Authors: Constantine P.G. , Phipps E.T. , Wildey T.M. 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYWe consider a multiphysics system with multiple component PDE models coupled together through network coupling interfaces, that is, a handful of scalars. If each component model contains uncertainties represented by a set of parameters, a straightforward uncertainty quantification study would collect all uncertainties into a single set and treat the multiphysics model as a black box. Such an approach ignores the rich structure of the multiphysics system, and the combined space of uncertainties can have a large dimension that prohibits the use of polynomial surrogate models. We propose an intrusive methodology that exploits the structure of the network coupled multiphysics system to efficiently construct a polynomial surrogate of the model output as a function of uncertain inputs. Using a nonlinear elimination strategy, we treat the solution as a composite function: the model outputs are functions of the coupling terms, which are functions of the uncertain parameters. The composite structure allows us to construct and employ a reduced polynomial basis that depends on the coupling terms. The basis can be constructed with many fewer PDE solves than the naive approach, which results in substantial computational savings. We demonstrate the method on an idealized model of a nuclear reactor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue‐specific and age‐dependent effects of global Mdm2 loss
Authors: Zhang Yun , Xiong Shunbin , Li Qin , Hu Sophia , Tashakori Mehrnoosh , Van Pelt Carolyn , You Mingjian James , Pageon Laura , Lozano Guillermina 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMdm2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, negatively regulates the tumour suppressor p53. In this study we utilized a conditional Mdm2 allele, Mdm2FM, and a CAG–CreER tamoxifen‐inducible recombination system to examine the effects of global Mdm2 loss in adult mice. Two different tamoxifen injection regimens caused 100% lethality of Mdm2FM/−;CAG–CreER mice; both radio‐sensitive and radio‐insensitive tissues were impaired. Strikingly, a large number of radio‐insensitive tissues, including the kidney, liver, heart, retina and hippocampus, exhibited various pathological defects. Similar tamoxifen injections in older (16–18 month‐old) Mdm2FM/−;CAG–CreER mice yielded abnormalities only in the kidney. In addition, transcriptional activation of Cdkn1a (p21), Bbc3 (Puma) and multiple senescence markers in young (2–4 month‐old) mice following loss of Mdm2 was dampened in older mice. All phenotypes were p53‐dependent, as Mdm2FM/−;Trp53−/−;CAG–CreER mice subjected to the same tamoxifen regimens were normal. Our findings implicate numerous possible toxicities in many normal tissues upon use of cancer therapies that aim to inhibit Mdm2 in tumours with wild‐type p53. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modular, prospective, semi‐automated drug safety monitoring system for use in a distributed data environment
Authors: Gagne Joshua J. , Wang Shirley V. , Rassen Jeremy A. , Schneeweiss Sebastian 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeThe aim of this study was to develop and test a semi‐automated process for conducting routine active safety monitoring for new drugs in a network of electronic healthcare databases.MethodsWe built a modular program that semi‐automatically performs cohort identification, confounding adjustment, diagnostic checks, aggregation and effect estimation across multiple databases, and application of a sequential alerting algorithm. During beta‐testing, we applied the system to five databases to evaluate nine examples emulating prospective monitoring with retrospective data (five pairs for which we expected signals, two negative controls, and two examples for which it was uncertain whether a signal would be expected): cerivastatin versus atorvastatin and rhabdomyolysis; paroxetine versus tricyclic antidepressants and gastrointestinal bleed; lisinopril versus angiotensin receptor blockers and angioedema; ciprofloxacin versus macrolide antibiotics and Achilles tendon rupture; rofecoxib versus non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (ns‐NSAIDs) and myocardial infarction; telithromycin versus azithromycin and hepatotoxicity; rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin and diabetes and rhabdomyolysis; and celecoxib versus ns‐NSAIDs and myocardial infarction.ResultsWe describe the program, the necessary inputs, and the assumed data environment. In beta‐testing, the system generated four alerts, all among positive control examples (i.e., lisinopril and angioedema; rofecoxib and myocardial infarction; ciprofloxacin and tendon rupture; and cerivastatin and rhabdomyolysis). Sequential effect estimates for each example were consistent in direction and magnitude with existing literature.ConclusionsBeta‐testing across nine drug‐outcome examples demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed semi‐automated prospective monitoring approach. In retrospective assessments, the system identified an increased risk of myocardial infarction with rofecoxib and an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with cerivastatin years before these drugs were withdrawn from the market. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of malignancies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with thiopurines or anti‐TNF alpha antibodies
Authors: Beigel Florian , Steinborn Anni , Schnitzler Fabian , Tillack Cornelia , Breiteneicher Simone , John Jestinah Mahachie , Van Steen Kristel , Laubender Rüdiger P. , Göke Burkhard , Seiderer Julia , Brand Stephan , Ochsenkühn Thomas 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeWe aimed to analyse malignancy rates and predictors for the development of malignancies in a large German inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort treated with thiopurines and/or anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies.MethodsDe novo malignancies in 666 thiopurine‐treated and/or anti‐TNF‐treated IBD patients were analysed. Patients (n = 262) were treated with thiopurines alone and never exposed to anti‐TNF antibodies (TP group). In addition, patients (n = 404) were exposed to anti‐TNF antibodies (TNF+ group) with no (7.4%), discontinued (80.4%) or continued (12.1%) thiopurine therapy.ResultsIn the TP group, 20 malignancies were observed in 18 patients compared with 8 malignancies in 7 patients in the TNF+ group (hazard ratio 4.15; 95% CI 1.82–9.44; p = 0.0007; univariate Cox regression). Moreover, 18.2% of all patients in the TP group ≥50 years of age developed a malignancy, compared with 3.8% of all patients <50 years of age (p = 0.0008). In the TNF+ group, 6.5% of all patients ≥50 years of age developed malignancies compared with 0.3% of all patients <50 years of age (p = 0.0007). In both groups combined, thiopurine treatment duration ≥4 years was associated with the risk for skin cancer (p = 0.0024) and lymphoma (p = 0.0005).ConclusionsOur data demonstrate an increased risk for the development of malignancies in IBD patients treated with thiopurines in comparison with patients treated with anti‐TNF antibodies with or without thiopurines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antifungal Catheter Lock Therapy for the Management of a Persistent Candida albicans Bloodstream Infection in an Adult Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Paul DiMondi V. , Townsend Mary L. , Johnson Melissa , Durkin Michael 
Published: April 2014

Antifungal catheter lock therapy (AfLT) with liposomal amphotericin B has been used in the treatment of pediatric central line infections caused by Candida species; however, reports describing the use of liposomal amphotericin B lock therapy in the adult hemodialysis patient population are lacking. Management of central line–associated candidemia with systemic therapy alone is often challenging due to the propensity of Candida species to form biofilms on foreign bodies. We describe a 64‐year‐old woman who was receiving hemodialysis 3 times/week and was hospitalized with persistent fungemia. Despite receiving intravenous micafungin, she had multiple positive blood cultures for Candida albicans, which finally cleared after 7 days. Her double‐lumen catheter was considered the most likely nidus of infection. Although catheter removal would have been preferred, this was not possible given her vasculopathy, history of multiple bloodstream infections, and lack of other available sites for vascular access. Catheter exchange was performed, and liposomal amphotericin B AfLT was administered in combination with intravenous micafungin for a total of 6 days. During this time, the patient experienced no discernible adverse effects secondary to AfLT. At discharge, AfLT was discontinued, and intravenous micafungin was changed to oral fluconazole. After 6 months of treatment, the patient remained culture negative and maintained her dialysis access. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of liposomal amphotericin B catheter lock therapy used to manage a persistent C. albicans bloodstream infection in an adult receiving hemodialysis. AfLT is a novel concept for treating catheter‐associated fungal infections. Liposomal amphotericin B was chosen based on its favorable in vitro activity against Candida species biofilms in catheter lock environments. We identified several barriers to implementing AfLT, and these issues may prohibit the use of AfLT. This case report illustrates the benefits and challenges of managing catheter‐associated fungal infections with AfLT. Further study is required to examine the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of this approach.
Pyrrolidone‐functional smart polymers via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization
Authors: Savelyeva Xeniya , Marić Milan 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTNitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) of N‐(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl) pyrrolidone (MAEPYR) with 2‐([tert‐butyl[1‐(diethoxyphosphoryl)‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl]amino]oxy)‐2‐methylpropanoic acid (BlocBuilder) initiator and N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐[1‐diethylphosphono‐(2,2‐dimethylpropyl)] (SG1) nitroxide permitted controlled synthesis of poly(N‐(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl)‐pyrrolidone‐stat‐9‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐9H‐carbazole) (poly(MAEPYR‐stat‐VBK)) statistical copolymers. With at least 5 mol % VBK, the dispersity Đ of the copolymers was below 1.4 at conversions less than 50%. At conversions higher than 50%, and at lower VBK feed content, there was a significant amount of termination reactions, which broadened the molecular weight distribution of the final polymers (Đ = 1.4–2.3). The MAEPYR‐rich statistical copolymers were subsequently tested for thermoresponsive behavior in aqueous media. The cloud point temperatures (CPTs) in aqueous solution were tuned by changing the VBK composition, solution concentration, and heating rate, and the transitions were thermally reversible with partial loss of reversibility at higher heating rates. The CPT decreased from 59.0 to 49.7 °C with addition of only 1 mol % of VBK in the copolymer, and at more than 6 mol % VBK, the copolymer was water insoluble. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2011–2024