bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined real‐time PCR and galactomannan surveillance improves diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in high risk patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Rogers Thomas R. , Morton Charles Oliver , Springer Jan , Conneally Eibhlin , Heinz Werner , Kenny Claire , Frost Susanna , Einsele Hermann , Loeffler Juergen 
Published: March 2013

SummaryInvasive aspergillosis (IA) is a leading complication of intensive treatment for haematological malignancies. Earlier diagnosis should facilitate effective antifungal therapy and prevent progression to invasive disease, which is often lethal. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, targeting the 28S and ITS ribosomal gene regions respectively, were evaluated for early detection of Aspergillus DNA and for diagnostic utility in patients receiving treatment in two busy haematopoietic stem cell transplant centres. Patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy, autologous or allogeneic transplant were eligible for inclusion in the study. EDTA blood and serum samples for circulating Aspergillus biomarkers, including galactomannan (GM), were collected twice‐weekly on a prospective basis from all study patients who were categorized according to international consensus criteria for defining invasive fungal disease (IFD). Of 278 patients recruited there were 44 probable IA cases and only one proven case. Moderate sensitivity and specificity, poor positive predictive value (50–80%), but good negative predictive value (>80–90%) were common to both PCR assays. Overall biomarker performance could be improved by combining positive results of either PCR assay with GM taken within a 12‐d period. The addition of PCR to GM monitoring in high‐risk patients with haematological malignancies provides greater diagnostic accuracy in invasive aspergillosis.
Identification of emerging FLT3 ITD‐positive clones during clinical remission and kinetics of disease relapse in acute myeloid leukaemia with mutated nucleophosmin
Authors: Ottone Tiziana , Zaza Serena , Divona Mariadomenica , Hasan Syed Khizer , Lavorgna Serena , Laterza Serena , Cicconi Laura , Panetta Paola , Giandomenico Jonny Di , Cittadini Michela , Ciardi Claudia , Montefusco Enrico , Franchi Annibale , Annino Luciana , Venditti Adriano , Amadori Sergio , Lo‐Coco Francesco 
Published: March 2013

SummaryFLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations are frequently detected at diagnosis in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia (CN‐AML) and predict unfavourable outcome. FLT3 ITD is an unstable aberration and may be lost or acquired at relapse. Recent whole genome sequencing studies have suggested that FLT3 ITD+ve AML relapse may evolve from small subclones undetectable at diagnosis by routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We developed a patient‐specific real‐time quantitative‐PCR (RQ‐PCR) to implement FLT3 ITD detection in six AML patients whose blasts carried wild‐type FLT3 at diagnosis and who relapsed with FLT3 ITD by routine PCR. Patient‐specific forward primers were designed after cloning and sequencing the FLT3 ITD in each case. The assay allowed retrospective detection of FLT3 ITD in diagnostic samples of 4/6 cases and to establish the kinetics of clonal evolution preceding relapse. After conventional chemotherapy, all patients had early relapse despite having been classified as NPM1+ve/FLT3 ITD−ve at presentation, with shorter remissions being observed in four patients re‐classified as FLT3 ITD+ve by the new assay. Notably, FLT3 ITD clone became detectable by conventional PCR in three patients tested during remission after initial treatment. Our data underscore the need of identifying low FLT3 ITD levels, which are probably associated with relapse in otherwise good prognosis CN‐AML.
How big is the physical activity intention–behaviour gap? A meta‐analysis using the action control framework
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E. , de Bruijn Gert‐Jan 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesThe physical activity (PA) intention–behaviour gap is a topic of considerable contemporary research, given that most of our models used to understand physical activity suggest that intention is the proximal antecedent of behavioural enactment. The purpose of this study was to quantify the intention–PA gap at public health guidelines with a meta‐analysis of the action control framework.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsLiterature searches were conducted in July 2012 among five key search engines. This search yielded a total of 2,865 potentially relevant records; of these, 10 studies fulfilled the full eligibility criteria (N = 3,899).ResultsRandom‐effects meta‐analysis procedures with correction for sampling bias were employed in the analysis for estimates of non‐intenders who subsequently did not engage in physical activity (21%), non‐intenders who subsequently performed physical activity (2%), intenders who were not successful at following through with their PA (36%), and successful intenders (42%). The overall intention–PA gap was 46%.ConclusionThese results emphasize the weakness in early intention models for understanding PA and suggest this would be a problem during intervention. Contemporary research that is validating and exploring additional constructs (e.g., self‐regulation, automaticity) that augment intention or improving the measurement of motivation seems warranted.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Intention is considered the proximal antecedent of behaviour in many popular models. Intention is also an established correlate of physical activity behaviour, yet discordance is considerable in experimental research.What does this study add? This meta‐analysis of studies that have assessed concordance/discordance of physical activity intention and behaviour at public health guidelines shows the intention–behaviour gap at 48% and the discordance is from intenders who do not act. The results demonstrate that discordance is not just from extreme levels of intention or behaviour (e.g., intend to exercise six times but only exercise five), but from levels that are relevant to health promotion.
Evaluation of robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumours (T1a)
Authors: Froghi Saied , Ahmed Kamran , Khan Mohammad S. , Dasgupta Prokar , Challacombe Ben 
Published: March 2013

Objective
To compare laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) with robotic PN (RPN) using meta‐analytical techniques, since there has been a rise in the incidence of small renal masses (SRM; <4 cm) minimally invasive approaches are becoming more popular in dealing with such pathologies.
Materials and Methods
A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies comparing LPN and RPN.
Comparative studies evaluating RPN and LPN that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected.
Data on preoperative, operative (operative time, estimated blood loss [EBL], and warm ischaemia time [WIT]), postoperative (length of stay [LOS]) variables and complications were collected.
A meta‐analysis using random effect model was performed.
A further Bland–Altman analysis of some of the operative variables was done to compare their reproducibility and mean difference in techniques.
Results
Six studies matched the selection criteria. In all, 256 patients were analysed (40% RPN and 60% LPN).
There was no significant different in EBL (P = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] –12.01 to 104.26).
Similarly, there was no significant different in WIT between the groups (P = 0.23, 95% CI –15.22 to 3.70).
Also, LOS (P = 0.22, 95% CI –0.38 to 0.09) and overall postoperative complication rates were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.84, 95% CI –0.05 to 0.06).
Conclusions
Despite multiple studies reporting better perioperative variables for RPN, the present study found no significant differences between RPN and LPN. This has implications for both the surgeon and the patient.
Lack of randomised controlled trials in addition to a lack of long‐term oncological data for RPN are current limitations.
Assessing Extinction Risk in Small Metapopulations of Golden‐headed Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) in Bahia State,Brazil
Authors: Zeigler Sara L. , De Vleeschouwer Kristel M. , Raboy Becky E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGolden‐headed lion tamarins (GHLTs;Leontopithecus chrysomelas) are endangered primates endemic to theBrazilianAtlantic Forest, where loss of forest and its connectivity threaten species survival. Understanding the role of habitat availability and configuration on population declines is critical for guiding proactive conservation for this, and other, endangered species. We conducted population viability analysis to assess vulnerability of tenGHLTmetapopulations to habitat loss and small population size. Seven metapopulations had a low risk of extirpation (or local extinction) over the next 100 years assuming no further forest loss, and even small populations could persist with immediate protection. Three metapopulations had a moderate/high risk of extirpation, suggesting extinction debt may be evident in parts of the species’ range. When deforestation was assumed to continue at current rates, extirpation risk significantly increased while abundance and genetic diversity decreased for all metapopulations. Extirpation risk was significantly negatively correlated with the size of the largest patch available to metapopulations, underscoring the importance of large habitat patches for species persistence. Finally, we conducted sensitivity analysis using logistic regression, and our results showed that local extinction risk was sensitive to percentage of females breeding, adult female mortality, and dispersal rate and survival; conservation or research programs that target these aspects of the species’ biology/ecology could have a disproportionately important impact on species survival. We stress that efforts to protect populations and tracts of habitat of sufficient size throughout the species’ distribution will be important in the near‐term to protect the species from continuing decline and extinction.
Risk factors of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting: Index for personalized antiemetic prophylaxis
Authors: Sekine Ikuo , Segawa Yoshihiko , Kubota Kaoru , Saeki Toshiaki 
Published: March 2013

Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most problematic adverse events that affects the well‐being of cancer patients. Risk factors for CINV and its elimination are necessary to increase the indications for and effectiveness of chemotherapy. We enrolled 1549 chemotherapy‐naïve patients in two phase II trials and one phase III trial of palonosetron between 2005 and 2007. Treatment failure (any emetic episodes or any administration of rescue medication) and/or nausea, and their associations with patient factors were evaluated in acute and in delayed phases using univariate and multivariate analyses. Female gender (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 2.96, 2.09–4.20), age <55 years (2.56, 1.94–3.37), non‐habitual alcohol intake (1.90, 1.43–2.51) and non‐smoker (1.40, 1.04–1.90) were associated with treatment failure in the acute phase. In contrast, only female gender (1.88, 1.34–2.64) was associated with treatment failure in the delayed phase. The number of risk factors was significantly associated with CINV in both acute and delayed phases. Patient risk factors were significantly associated with CINV. Depending on the relationship between CINV‐related risk factors and a tailored antiemetic treatment, high‐risk patients defined by the listed risk factors may be candidates for future clinical trials.
Early tumor shrinkage in metastatic colorectal cancer: Retrospective analysis from an irinotecan‐based randomized first‐line trial
Authors: Giessen Clemens , Laubender Ruediger P. , Fischer von Weikersthal Ludwig , Schalhorn Andreas , Modest Dominik P. , Stintzing Sebastian , Haas Michael , Mansmann Ulrich R. , Heinemann Volker 
Published: March 2013

Early tumor shrinkage (ETS) has been highlighted as a favorable prognostic factor related to progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in cytotoxic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Data from a randomized phase III study comparing infusional 5‐fluorouracil plus irinotecan (FUFIRI) versus irinotecan plus oxaliplatin (mIROX) were evaluated. Patient groups were analyzed according to the relative change in maximum tumor diameter between baseline and after 7 weeks of treatment. The ETS cohort was defined as a decrease of ≥20%. Additionally, the non‐ETS cohort was subdivided into “minor shrinkage” (0–19%), “tumor progression” (any increase) and development of “new metastatic lesions”. Progression‐free survival and OS were estimated in all patient subgroups. Assessment of ETS was possible in 201 patients. Early tumor shrinkage was observed in 47% (94/201) and non‐ETS in 53% (107/201) of patients. Patients with ETS had a more favorable outcome with regard to PFS (9.9 months vs 6.1 months, P = 0.029) and OS (27.5 months vs 17.8 months, P = 0.002). In the non‐ETS subgroups, patients with “minor shrinkage” (PFS 8.4 months, OS 21.6 months) showed a markedly better outcome than patients with “early tumor progression” (PFS 4.0 months, OS 15.3 months) or with “new metastatic lesions (PFS 2.2 months, OS 7.6 months). In conclusion, ETS assessment offers accelerated response evaluation when compared to RECIST. In patients treated with chemotherapy alone, ETS ≥20% is associated with excellent outcome. Non‐ETS is a heterogeneous subgroup where patients with minor shrinkage clearly benefit from treatment, and patients with early progression or development of new lesions have an unfavorable prognosis.
Des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin ratio measured by P‐11 and P‐16 antibodies is a novel biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tameda Masahiko , Shiraki Katsuya , Sugimoto Kazushi , Ogura Suguru , Inagaki Yuji , Yamamoto Norihiko , Ikejiri Makoto , Takei Yoshiyuki , Ito Masaaki , Nobori Tsutomu 
Published: March 2013

Serum tumor markers, including α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP), are currently used in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is, however, an aberrant increase in serum DCP in patients with obstructive jaundice, vitamin K deficiency or who are taking warfarin, resulting from a problem with the current methodology for measurement of this marker. This study aimed to elucidate the utility of a new biomarker, NX‐PVKA, for early diagnosis of HCC. A total of 96 patients were included in the HCC group. The control group included 138 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients without HCC. Serum concentrations of conventional DCP, AFP, AFP‐L3 and NX‐PVKA were measured. The NX‐PVKA ratio was calculated by dividing DCP by NX‐PVKA. In patients not taking warfarin, the area under the curve values of DCP, NX‐PVKA ratio, AFP and AFP‐L3 were 0.715, 0.690, 0.737 and 0.654, respectively, confirming the clinical utility of these markers in detecting HCC. In cases with DCP > 35 mAU/mL in particular, a significant increase in the NX‐PVKA ratio was observed in patients with HCC. In those cases, the cut‐off value for the NX‐PVKA ratio that was optimized by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 1.15. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing HCC were 69.2% and 75.9%, respectively. Patients with HCC had higher NX‐PVKA ratios compared to patients with LC taking warfarin (P = 0.063). These results suggest that, when used in combination with DCP, the NX‐PVKA ratio is a promising novel marker for the detection of HCC.
Early Neglect Is Associated With Alterations in White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Hanson Jamie L. , Adluru Nagesh , Chung Moo K. , Alexander Andrew L. , Davidson Richard J. , Pollak Seth D. 
Published: March 2013

Cognitive deficits have been reported in children who experienced early neglect, especially children raised in institutionalized settings. Previous research suggests that early neglect may differentially affect the directional organization of white matter in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This may be one mechanism to explain cognitive deficits associated with neglect. To test this idea, properties of white matter and neurocognitive performance were assessed in children who suffered early neglect and those raised in typical environments (n = 63, Mage = 11.75 years). As predicted, prefrontal white matter microstructure was affected, consistent with more diffuse organization, in children that suffered early neglect and this was related to neurocognitive deficits. Such findings underscore how early adversity may affect the PFC and explain cognitive deficits associated with neglect.
Developmental Trajectories of Maladaptive Perfectionism Among African American Adolescents
Authors: Herman Keith C. , Wang Kenneth , Trotter Reid , Reinke Wendy M. , Ialongo Nicholas 
Published: March 2013

This study examined the developmental trajectories of maladaptive perfectionism over a 7‐year period among African American youth living in an urban setting (N = 547). In particular, the study attempted to determine whether two maladaptive aspects of perfectionism (socially prescribed and self‐critical) changed over time and could be distinguished by variables in 6th and 12th grades (Mage at study entry [first grade] was 6.22 years [SD = 0.34]). Four classes best described the developmental trajectories on both measures of maladaptive perfectionism: high, low, increasing, and decreasing. Sixth‐ and 12th‐grade correlates, including measures of internalizing symptoms, mostly confirmed the distinctiveness of these classes. Parallel process analyses suggested that the two processes are complementary, yet distinct. Implications regarding the prevention of maladaptive perfectionism are discussed.
A UK epidemic of testosterone prescribing, 2001–2010
Authors: Gan Earn H. , Pattman Stewart , H. S. Pearce Simon , Quinton Richard 
Published: March 2013

SummaryContextTestosterone replacement therapy is the standard treatment for male hypogonadism. There has lately been increased marketing in the medical media promoting testosterone replacement for men with erectile dysfunction or for older men with low serum testosterone, despite the lack of long‐term safety and efficacy data. Therefore, we aimed to examine trends in testosterone prescribing in UK primary care over the last 10 years.MethodsData about the use of testosterone preparations from the Departments of Health Prescription Cost Analysis for community pharmacies 2001–2010, for England, Scotland and Wales, were collated. Community requests for serum total testosterone assay in men to the Biochemistry Department at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust were also examined over the same time period.ResultsThe number of prescriptions for testosterone preparations increased by nearly 90% from 157 602 to 298 134 dispensed items annually, over a 10‐year period. However, due to a particularly significant (fivefold) increase in prescribing of (more expensive) transdermal preparations, the cost to the NHS showed a 267% escalation, from £3·2 to £11·7 million, annually over the same period.Local requests from primary care in the Newcastle and North Tyneside area for serum testosterone measurement in men also increased, from 347 requests in 2000 to 823 requests in 2010, a 137% increase. However, the number of men with likely unequivocal hypogonadism (testosterone less than 6·0 nm) remained constant at 5·2% in 2000 and 6·3% in 2010.ConclusionMany men in the UK might be receiving testosterone replacement therapy with neither clearly established indications nor robustly diagnosed hypogonadism. A national registry for men treated with testosterone and further evidence to improve current guidance (national and/or international) on the indications for testosterone replacement would be beneficial.
Can Internal Governance Mechanisms Prevent Asset Appropriation? Examination of Type I Tunneling in China
Authors: Shan Yuan George 
Published: March 2013

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueDirect transfer (Type I tunneling) means that the controlling shareholders transfer resources from the firm for their own benefit. This study aims to investigate the impact of internal and external governance mechanisms from the perspective of principal‐principal (P‐P) conflicts on Type I tunneling.Research Findings/InsightsUsing hand‐collected data comprising 117 Chinese listed companies with 540 firm‐year observations during 2001–2005, the results show that state ownership and the number of board of directors' meetings are positively correlated with Type I tunneling, whereas the number of independent directors reveals a negative association. Other internal governance mechanisms including foreign ownership, the size of the board of directors, supervisory board size, number of professional supervisors, and the number of supervisory board meetings were found to have no impact.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsSeveral implications can be drawn. First, this study has modeled tunneling using a well‐accepted theoretical perspective – agency theory of P‐P conflicts. But the results show that agency theory does not appropriately explain tunneling behavior in China and so institutional theory is suggested as an alternative theoretical perspective for future research. Second, corporate governance reforms relating to supervisory boards have not been sufficient to ensure that they properly fulfill their role of oversight. Rather, such supervisory boards are perhaps playing more of a “rubber stamp” role.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study recommends prescribing the legal responsibilities and obligations for two‐tier boards in the Chinese context, allowing them to undertake their duties diligently.
Interventions for alcohol and drug problems in outpatient settings: A systematic review
Authors: Watson Judith M. , Fayter Debra , Mdege Noreen , Stirk Lisa , Sowden Amanda J. , Godfrey Christine 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIssuesResearch evidence indicates a high prevalence of substance abuse among patients presenting in general hospital settings. Such misuse of alcohol and illicit drugs has a major impact on population health and on costs to health services and to society at large. This review aimed to identify the interventions for alcohol or illicit drug misuse problems that have been evaluated for hospital outpatient populations.ApproachThirteen electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycInfo were searched for published and unpublished studies in any language up to August 2011. Reference lists of included studies and reviews were also hand‐searched. We included randomised and controlled clinical trials of any intervention for adult participants identified as having alcohol and/or drug problems presenting to hospital outpatient settings other than addiction or psychiatric units. Participants could be attending hospital for any reason other than treatment for substance abuse. A narrative synthesis was conducted.Key FindingsThere is some evidence to suggest that interventions based on motivational techniques might be effective in treatment of alcohol misuse in oral–maxillofacial clinics but not in general outpatient departments. The evidence is insufficient to allow any conclusions to be derived on the effectiveness of interventions in the treatment of drug misuse and combined alcohol–drug misuse in outpatient settings.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to investigate interventions for alcohol and drug misuse in outpatient settings. Additionally, problems remain in terms of study quality. Procedures to ensure the rigour of a study were often poorly reported.
[Watson JM, Fayter D, Mdege N, Stirk L, Sowden AJ, Godfrey C. Interventions for alcohol and drug problems in outpatient settings: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:356–367]