bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure on the Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Iguchi Kohta , Hatano Etsuro , Yamanaka Kenya , Tanaka Shiro , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent hepatectomy often developed an intrahepatic recurrence, even though it was a curative one. The relationship between surgery‐induced liver damage and the recurrence of HCC has not been described. This study evaluated whether posthepatectomy liver failure, as defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery, affected the recurrence of HCC.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of 488 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2004 and 2012 at Kyoto University Hospital. Early posthepatectomy liver failure (EPLF) was defined as liver failure occurring between postoperative days 5 and 10. The patients were divided into an EPLF group and a non‐EPLF group. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was compared between these groups. The influences of host‐related, surgery‐related, and tumor‐related factors on patient outcomes were evaluated using multivariate analyses.ResultsThe EPLF group and the non‐EPLF group contained 153 and 335 patients, respectively. The probability of DFS was significantly increased in the non‐EPLF group (median: 574 days) compared to the EPLF group (median: 348 days) (hazard ratio, HR [95 % confidence interval, CI] 1.61 [1.29–2.00]). The multivariate analysis revealed that EPLF was an independent factor for DFS (HR [95 % CI] 1.43 [1.13–1.81]), besides the factors previously described, including fibrosis (1.32 [1.05–1.67]), stage (1.85 [1.34–2.51]), tumor differentiation (1.46 [1.11–1.89]), and des‐γ‐carboxyprothrombin (1.39 [1.10–1.74]).ConclusionsEPLF was associated with postoperative HCC recurrence. The prevention of EPLF might improve the prognosis of patients with HCC.
State of the Art in Robotic Hepatobiliary Surgery
Authors: Milone Luca , Daskalaki Despoina , Fernandes Eduardo , Damoli Isacco , Giulianotti Pier Cristoforo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Hepatobiliary (HB) surgery is a challenging surgical subspecialty that requires highly specialized training and an adequate level of experience in order to be performed safely. As a result, minimally invasive HB surgery has been met with slower acceptance as compared to other subspecialties, with many surgeons in the field still reluctant to adopt the approach. Recently development of the robotic platform has provided a tool that can overcome many of the limitations of conventional laparoscopic HB surgery. Augmented dexterity enabled by the endowristed movements, software filtration of the surgeon’s movements, and high‐definition three‐dimensional vision provided by the stereoscopic camera combine to allow steady and careful dissection of the liver hilum structures, as well as prompt and precise endosuturing in cases of intraoperative bleeding. These advantages have fostered many centers to widen the indications for minimally invasive HB and gastric surgery, with encouraging initial results. As one of the surgical groups that has performed the largest number of robot‐assisted procedures worldwide, we provide a review of the state of the art in minimally invasive robot‐assisted HB surgery.
Value of Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels for Predicting Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: A Systemic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Cai Guo‐Long , Chen Jin , Hu Cai‐Bao , Yan Mo‐Lei , Xu Qiang‐Hong , Yan Jing 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundBlood natriuretic peptide (NP) levels have been reported to be useful for predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to quantitatively synthesize the current evidence of the accuracy of using NP levels in predicting postoperative AF.Methods and ResultsMedline, Embase, and reference lists were searched. Studies were included if either brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N‐terminal pro‐b type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) had been evaluated perioperatively to predict postoperative AF. Data were analyzed to obtain summary accuracy estimates. Data from 1,844 patients in 10 studies were analyzed. Summary estimates for the sensitivity and specificity of using NP levels for predicting postoperative AF were 75 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 67–79 %] and 80 % (95 % CI 62–91 %), respectively. The overall diagnostic odds ratio was 3.28 (95 % CI 2.23–4.84). Subgroup analysis showed that elevated NP levels in the perioperative period were a strong independent predictor of postoperative AF. NT‐proBNP appeared to have better predictive value than BNP, as did postoperative assessment over preoperative assessment. BNP had a better correlation with postoperative AF in patients undergoing thoracic surgery than in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.ConclusionsPerioperative assessment of the natriuretic peptide level in patients undergoing major cardiothoracic surgery could be a valuable diagnostic aid for identifying patients at high risk of developing postoperative AF, and for providing critical clinical information to guide prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy in the perioperative period.
Surgical Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis
Authors: Chok Kenneth S. H. , Cheung Tan To , Chan See Ching , Poon Ronnie T. P. , Fan Sheung Tat , Lo Chung Mau 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundDifferent approaches to surgical treatment of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have been advocated. This study investigated the outcomes of different surgical approaches in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with PVTT.MethodsWe reviewed prospectively collected data for all patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC at our hospital between December 1989 and December 2010. Patients were excluded from analysis if they had extrahepatic disease, PVTT reaching the level of the superior mesenteric vein, or hepatectomy with a positive resection margin. The remaining patients were divided into three groups for comparison: group 1, with ipsilateral PVTT resected in a hepatectomy; group 2, with PVTT extending to or beyond the portal vein bifurcation, treated by en bloc resection followed by portal vein reconstruction; group 3, with PVTT extending to or beyond the portal vein bifurcation, treated by thrombectomy.ResultsA total of 88 patients, with a median age of 54 years, were included in the analysis. Group 2 patients were younger, with a median age of 43.5 years versus 57 in group 1 and 49 in group 3 (p = 0.017). Group 1 patients had higher preoperative serum alpha‐fetoprotein levels, with a median of 8,493 ng/mL versus 63.25 in group 2 and 355 in group 3 (p = 0.004), and shorter operation time, with a median of 467.5 min versus 663.5 in group 2 and 753 in group 3 (p = 0.018). No patient had thrombus in the main portal vein. Two (2.8 %) hospital deaths occurred in group 1 and one (10 %) in group 2, but none in group 3 (p = 0.440). The rates of complication in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 31.9, 50.0, and 71.4 %, respectively (p = 0.079). The median overall survival durations were 10.91, 9.4, and 8.58 months, respectively (p = 0.962), and the median disease‐free survival durations were 4.21, 3.78, and 1.51 months, respectively (p = 0.363). The groups also had similar patterns of disease recurrence (intrahepatic: 33.8 vs. 28.6 vs. 40.0 %; extrahepatic: 16.9 vs. 14.3 vs. 0 %; both: 28.2 vs. 42.9 vs. 40.0 %; no recurrence: 21.1 vs. 14.3 vs. 20.0 %; p = 0.836).ConclusionsThe three approaches have similar outcomes in terms of survival, complication, and recurrence. Effective adjuvant treatments need to be developed to counteract the high incidence of recurrence.
With Allee effects, life for the social carnivore is complicated
Authors: Sanderson Claire Elizabeth , Jobbins Sarah Elizabeth , Alexander Kathleen Ann 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAnthropogenic modification of the landscape, resultant habitat loss, and decades of persecution have resulted in severe decline and fragmentation of large carnivore populations worldwide. Infectious disease is also identified as a primary threat to many carnivores. In wildlife species, population demography and group persistence are strongly influenced by group or population size. This is referred to as the Allee effect, in which a population or group is at an increased risk of extinction when the number or density of individuals falls below some threshold due to ecological and/or genetic factors. However, in social mammalian species, the relationship between the number of individuals and the risk of extinction is complicated because aggregation may enhance pathogen exposure and transmission. Although theoretical studies of the interaction between infectious disease transmission and Allee effects reveal important implications for carnivore management and population extinction risk, information about the interaction has yet to be synthesized. In this paper, we assess life history strategies of medium to large carnivore species (≥2.4 kg) and their influence on population dynamics, with a special focus on infectious disease. While declining population trends are observed in 73 % of all carnivores (both social and solitary species), infectious disease is identified as a significant cause of population decline in 45 % of social carnivores and 3 % of solitary carnivores. Furthermore, where carnivores suffer a combination of rapid population decline and infectious disease, Allee effects may be more likely to impact social as compared to solitary carnivore populations. These potentially additive interactions may strongly influence disease transmission dynamics and population persistence potential. Understanding the mechanisms that can result in Allee effects in endangered carnivore populations and the manner in which infectious disease interfaces at this nexus may define the outcome of developed conservation strategies.
An Analysis of Natural Mentoring Relationship Profiles and Associations with Mentees’ Mental Health: Considering Links via Support from Important Others
Authors: Hurd Noelle M. , Zimmerman Marc A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe explored associations between natural mentoring relationship profiles and young adults’ life satisfaction and symptoms of depression via participants’ perceived support from important others accounting for participants’ perceived support and mental health prior to the onset of their natural mentoring relationships. Participants included 396 young adults (57 % female; mean age = 30.97, SD = .6), the majority of whom identified as Black or African American (79 % Black, 18 % White, 3 % Biracial). Most participants had completed high school but few participants (13 %) had completed degrees from 4 year institutions. We used a latent profile approach to identify natural mentoring relationship profiles and employed structural equation modeling to test our study hypotheses. Slightly over half of study participants (53 %) reported the presence of a natural mentor in their lives since the age of 14. Results suggest that natural mentoring relationships characterized by high levels of relational closeness and either extended relationship duration or frequent contact may promote improvements in psychological well‐being among mentees over time via greater experiences of social support from important others.
Effect of salmon consumption during pregnancy on maternal and infant faecal microbiota, secretory IgA and calprotectin
Authors: Urwin Heidi J. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Noakes Paul S. , Kremmyda Lefkothea-Stella , Vlachava Maria , Diaper Norma D. , Godfrey Keith M. , Calder Philip C. , Vulevic Jelena , Yaqoob Parveen 
Published: October 2013

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of the immune and gastrointestinal systems of infants. In the present study, we investigated whether increased salmon consumption during pregnancy, maternal weight gain during pregnancy or mode of infant feeding alter the markers of gut immune defence and inflammation. Women (n123) who rarely ate oily fish were randomly assigned to continue consuming their habitual diet or to consume two 150 g portions of farmed salmon per week from 20 weeks of pregnancy to delivery. Faecal samples were collected from the mothers (n75) at 38 weeks of gestation and from their infants (n38) on days 7, 14, 28 and 84 post-partum. Fluorescencein situhybridisation was used to determine faecal microbiota composition and ELISA to measure faecal secretory IgA (sIgA) and calprotectin concentrations. There was no effect of salmon consumption on maternal faecal microbiota or on maternal or infant faecal sIgA and calprotectin concentrations. The degree of weight gain influenced maternal faecal microbiota, and the mode of infant feeding influenced infant faecal microbiota. Faecal samples collected from infants in the salmon group tended to have lower bacterial counts of theAtopobiumcluster compared with those collected from infants in the control group (P= 0·097). This difference was significant in the formula-fed infants (P< 0·05), but not in the exclusively breast-fed infants. In conclusion, the impact of oily fish consumption during pregnancy on maternal and infant gut microbiota composition is limited, but significant differences are associated with maternal weight gain during pregnancy and mode of infant feeding.
Two-dimensional echocardiographic predictors of coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Al Akhfash Ali A. , Almesned Abdulrahman A. , Al Harbi Badr F. , Al Ghamdi Abdullah , Hasson Maan , Al Habshan Fahad M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground: Coarctation of the aorta is a very common congenital heart malformation. It is frequently associated with other abnormalities. Echocardiography is the diagnostic modality for congenital heart disease. The carotid-subclavian artery index and the isthmus/descending aorta index were proposed for establishing the diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta. Objectives: The objectives were to evaluate such indexes and to look for other echocardiographic predictors of coarctation of the aorta. Method Echocardiography was reviewed for infants with coarctation of the aorta, as well as a control group, using the Echo PAC Dimension. Standard measurements were obtained from different sites of the aortic arch. Results: A total of 31 infants 3 months or less with coarctation of the aorta and 50 infants with no coarctation of the aorta were reviewed. Abnormal aortic valve was present in 65% of those with coarctation of the aorta. The diameters of the proximal and the distal transverse aortic arch were smaller in the coarctation of the aorta group. The distance between the aortic arch branches was longer in the coarctation of the aorta group. Apart from the ratio between distance 2 and the ascending aorta, other ratios/indexes were smaller in the coarctation of the aorta group than in the control group. Conclusion: The presence of abnormal aortic valve, a carotid subclavian index <1.1, I/AAo ratio <0.53, and DTA/AAo ratio <0.6 suggest the presence of coarctation of the aorta. Neonates with large patent ductus arteriosus and any of these findings need close observation until the patent ductus arteriosus closes. If the arch is difficult to assess by two-dimensional echocardiography, the patient may need further imaging to rule out coarctation of the aorta.
Development and validation of a nutritional questionnaire for the Palestine population
Authors: Hamdan May , Monteagudo Celia , Lorenzo-Tovar Maria-Luisa , Tur José-Antonio , Olea-Serrano Fatima , Mariscal-Arcas Miguel 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveDietary habits vary widely among regions and cultural groups, and FFQ need to be designed for specific populations. The objectives of the present study were to develop and test the repeatability and relative validity of a medium-length semi-quantitative FFQ for measuring the energy and macronutrient intakes of a specific population and to contribute a methodological framework for this procedure.SettingPalestinian families in the Hebron area.DesignAfter a preliminary survey of a subgroup of homemakers using 3 d diet recall, stepwise multiple regression analysis was used for selected nutrients to choose foods for inclusion in the FFQ.SubjectsThe FFQ was administered to a study population of 169 women representing the same number of families.ResultsThe Wilcoxon test and Bland–Altman plots were used to compare the FFQ results with the mean 3 d diet recall results. A high level of concordance was found, validating the FFQ. In this population, the mean consumption of SFA was above recommendations and the intakes of vitamin D, folic acid, Ca, Fe and K were deficient.ConclusionsThe availability of diet assessment instruments designed for specific populations and cultures is of immense value to researchers and policy makers. The study describes a simple and effective method to develop and validate an FFQ for a given population of interest.
The influence of vitamin A status on iron-deficiency anaemia in anaemic adolescent schoolgirls in Myanmar
Authors: Htet Min Kyaw , Fahmida Umi , Dillon Drupadi , Akib Arwin , Utomo Budi , Thurnham David I 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was conducted to investigate reasons for the high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent schoolgirls and to elucidate the role of vitamin A in contributing to Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA).DesignAmong 1269 schoolgirls who were previously screened for anaemia (Hb < 120 g/l), 391 anaemic girls were further assessed for Fe, vitamin A and subclinical inflammation status. Fe and vitamin A indicators were corrected for inflammation and were compared in the Fe-deficient and non-deficient groups as well as between those with and without inflammation. Logistic regression was done to determine whether vitamin A status and subclinical inflammation were risk factors for Fe deficiency. The differences in Fe status among tertiles of vitamin A concentrations were assessed using ANOVA.SettingMyanmar.SubjectsAdolescent schoolgirls (n391).ResultsOne-third of the anaemia (30·4 %) was IDA. Prevalence of low vitamin A status (serum retinol <1·05 μmol/l) was 31·5 %. Fe and vitamin A status were significantly different between the IDA and non-IDA groups and also based on their inflammation status. Logistic regression showed that low vitamin A status was a significant predictor for being Fe deficient (OR = 1·81; 95 % CI 1·03, 3·19 and OR = 2·31; 1·31, 4·07 in the middle (1·056–1·298 μmol/l) and low (≤1·056 μmol/l) vitamin A tertiles, respectively). ANOVA showed that better Fe status was associated with a higher concentration of serum retinol but only in IDA.ConclusionsFe deficiency was not the main cause of anaemia in the present population. The role of vitamin A as well as other micronutrients should be taken into account in addressing the problem of anaemia.
Fast Mapping of the Cobalt-Valence State in Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-dby Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Müller Philipp , Meffert Matthias , Störmer Heike , Gerthsen Dagmar 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA fast method for determination of the Co-valence state by electron energy loss spectroscopy in a transmission electron microscope is presented. We suggest the distance between the Co-L3and Co-L2white-lines as a reliable property for the determination of Co-valence states between 2+ and 3+. The determination of the Co-L2,3white-line distance can be automated and is therefore well suited for the evaluation of large data sets that are collected for line scans and mappings. Data with a low signal-to-noise due to short acquisition times can be processed by applying principal component analysis. The new technique was applied to study the Co-valence state of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-d(BSCF), which is hampered by the superposition of the Ba-M4,5white-lines on the Co-L2,3white-lines. The Co-valence state of the cubic BSCF phase was determined to be 2.2+ (±0.2) after annealing for 100 h at 650°C, compared to an increased valence state of 2.8+ (±0.2) for the hexagonal phase. These results support models that correlate the instability of the cubic BSCF phase with an increased Co-valence state at temperatures below 840°C.
Family members' views on the benefits of harp music vigils for terminally-ill or dying loved ones
Authors: Ganzini Linda , Rakoski Alexa , Cohn Sharilyn , Mularski Richard A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectives:Music-thanatology is a palliative modality that uses harp and voice to provide bedside vigils, particularly for terminally ill or actively dying. We sought to determine the benefits of music vigils for terminally ill patients.Methods:Survey of 55 family members, whose terminally ill loved one experienced a music vigil during hospitalization, regarding effects on the patient's breathing, relaxation, comfort, pain and ability to sleep. Written comments on negative and positive results of the vigils were coded using content analysis.Results:Family members perceived that the vigils resulted in modest improvement in the patients' breathing, relaxation, comfort, and ability to sleep, with fewer positive effects on pain, and almost no negative effects. Open ended comments focused on the positive benefit in increasing calm, relaxation, comfort. Comments on the positive effects for the family were almost as common as comments on the positive results for the patient.Significance of Results:The use of music-vigils in palliative care should be investigated more extensively as our study supports that this intervention has benefits, almost no risk, minimal cost, and may improve patient-family experience of the dying process.
Ausdrucksformen emotionaler Befindlichkeiten
Authors: Dentler Maike , Heimes Silke 
Published: October 2013

Emotionale Kompetenz gilt als wichtige Fähigkeit im Hinblick auf eine erfolgreiche Alltags- und Lebensbewältigung. Verschiedene Studien belegen, dass sowohl soziale als auch schulische Erfolge durch emotionale Kompetenz positiv bedingt werden. Ebenso steht die psychische Gesundheit in Zusammenhang mit dieser Fähigkeit. Aufgrund ihrer Relevanz für Erfolg und Zufriedenheit werden erste Versuche unternommen, ein Training der emotionalen Kompetenz in den Schulalltag zu integrieren. 31 Schülerinnen und Schüler einer siebten Realschulklasse durchliefen die drei Monate andauernde Unterrichtseinheit „Gefühle–Ein Projekt”, in der eine Auseinandersetzung mit verschiedenen Gefühlsbausteinen unter Einsatz kunsttherapeutischer und kreativpädagogischer Methoden stattfand. Untersucht wurde die Veränderung der emotionalen Kompetenz vom Ausgangsniveau der einzelnen Schüler (Z0) über den Zeitpunkt unmittelbar nach der Intervention (Z1), bis hin zum Zeitpunkt drei Monate nach der Intervention (Z2) mithilfe des Emotionale-Kompetenz-Fragebogen von Rindermann (2009) . Des Weiteren wurden die teilnehmende Beobachtung, das problemzentrierte Interview, eine nicht standardisierte schriftliche Befragung sowie die Auswertung einzelner Dokumente zur Auswertung der Studie herangezogen. In allen Dimensionen des Emotionale-Kompetenz-Fragebogens liegt eine offenkundige Steigerung der emotionalen Kompetenz vor, alle Werte haben sich drei Monate nach Beendigung der Intervention deutlich erhöht und über dem Mittelwert angesiedelt. Bestätigt wird dieser Zuwachs durch die anderen eingesetzten Erhebungsverfahren. Das Training emotionaler Kompetenz in der Schule zeigt sich sehr Erfolg versprechend, allerdings müssten für eine Generalisierbarkeit auch in anderen Schularten und Altersstufen entsprechende Projekte erprobt werden. Für einen flächendeckenden Kompetenzzuwachs im Bereich der emotionalen Fertigkeiten müsste die Integration solcher Projekte in die Schulcurricula erfolgen und entsprechende Weiterbildungen in diesem Bereich für Lehrkräfte angeboten werden.