bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammation‐based prognostic score is a useful predictor of postoperative outcome in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Oshiro Yukio , Sasaki Ryoko , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Kondo Tadashi , Oda Tatsuya , Takahashi Hideto , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackground/purposeRecent studies have revealed that the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), an inflammation‐based prognostic score, is useful for predicting outcome in a variety of cancers. This study sought to investigate the significance of GPS for prognostication of patients who underwent surgery with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a total of 62 patients who underwent resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We calculated the GPS as follows: patients with both an elevated C‐reactive protein (>10 mg/L) and hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/L) were allocated a score of 2; patients with one or none of these abnormalities were allocated a score of 1 or 0, respectively. Prognostic significance was analyzed by the log‐rank test and a Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsOverall survival rate was 25.5 % at 5 years for all 62 patients. Venous invasion (p = 0.01), pathological primary tumor category (p = 0.013), lymph node metastasis category (p < 0.001), TNM stage (p < 0.001), and GPS (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with survival by univariate analysis. A Cox model demonstrated that increased GPS was an independent predictive factor with poor prognosis.ConclusionsThe preoperative GPS is a useful predictor of postoperative outcome in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Virtual liver resection: computer‐assisted operation planning using a three‐dimensional liver representation
Authors: Mise Yoshihiro , Tani Keigo , Aoki Taku , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn liver surgery, understanding the complicated liver structures and a detailed evaluation of the functional liver remnant volume are essential to perform safe surgical procedures. Recent advances in imaging technology have enabled operation planning using three‐dimensional (3D) image—processing software. Virtual liver resection systems provide (1) 3D imaging of liver structures, (2) detailed volumetric analyses based on portal perfusion, and (3) quantitative estimates of the venous drainage area, enabling the investigation of uncharted fields that cannot be examined using a conventional two‐dimensional modality. The next step in computer‐assisted liver surgery is the application of a virtual hepatectomy to real‐time operations. However, the need for a precise alignment between the preoperative imaging data and the intraoperative situation remains to be adequately addressed, since the liver is subject to deformation and respiratory movements during the surgical procedures. We expect that the practical application of a navigation system for transferring the preoperative planning to real‐time operations could make liver surgery safer and more standardized in the near future.
Chronic kidney disease in adolescent and adult patients with phenylketonuria
Authors: Hennermann Julia B. , Roloff Sylvia , Gellermann Jutta , Vollmer Ilka , Windt Elke , Vetter Barbara , Plöckinger Ursula , Mönch Eberhard , Querfeld Uwe 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectivesA lifelong phenylalanine‐restricted diet with supplementation of a phenylalanine‐free amino acid formula is recommended in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). The effect of a long‐term PKU diet on renal function and blood pressure has not been investigated yet.DesignWe analyzed renal function in 67 patients with PKU, aged 15–43 years, by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow by isotope clearance (51Cr‐EDTA, 123J‐Hippuran), estimated GFR, blood retention parameters, urinary protein and electrolyte excretion. Renal ultrasound and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed additionally. Patients were divided into three groups according to their: 1) current diet (CD), i.e., daily protein intake: ICD <0.8 g/kg, IICD 0.8–1.04 g/kg, IIICD >1.04 g/kg; 2) life‐long diet time (LDT), i.e., cumulative years of life in which daily protein intake exceeded dietary recommendations: ILDT <15 years, IILDT 15–19 years, IIILDT >19 years.ResultsGFR was decreased in 19 % of the patients. With increasing protein intake, GFR decreased significantly (ICD 111 ml/min; IICD 105 ml/min; IIICD 99 ml/min. ILDT 112 ml/min; IILDT 103 ml/min; IIILDT 99 ml/min). Proteinuria was detected in 31 %, microalbuminuria in 7 %, and hypercalciuria in 23 % of the patients. 23 % of the patients had arterial hypertension, and 41 % revealed a nocturnal non‐dipping status.ConclusionsIn patients with PKU on a lifelong diet we could detect impaired renal function in 19 %, proteinuria in 31 %, and arterial hypertension in 23 %. Thus, chronic kidney disease may develop in PKU patients, and routine renal function tests should be performed during long‐term follow‐up.
Demographics, diagnosis and treatment of 256 patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in mainland China: results of a retrospective, multicentre study
Authors: Ye Jun , Yang Yanling , Yu Weimin , Zou Hui , Jiang Jianhui , Yang Rulai , Shang Sunny , Gu Xuefan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundNational coverage of neonatal screening for hyperphenylalaninaemia (HPA) in China is still low and tests to differentiate causes of HPA are not performed in many centres. This study aimed to describe the demographics, geographic distribution, diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcomes of treatment, including intellectual development, in patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency in mainland China.MethodsThis was a retrospective, multicentre, chart review in patients with BH4 deficiency across mainland China born 1985–2010.ResultsTwo hundred fifty six patients were included; 59.9 % (267/446) of parents were from eastern China. Median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis decreased from 12.0 (5.5, 102.0) months to 2.0 (1.0, 3.5) months in patients born 1985–1999 (n = 28) and 2005–2010 (n = 152), respectively. 6‐Pyruvoyl‐tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency was the primary cause of BH4 deficiency (96.0 %); four hotspot mutations accounted for 76.6 % of PTS gene mutations; two novel variants in the QDPR gene were identified. Most patients (83.6 %) received treatment with BH4, l‐dopa, 5‐hydroxytryptophan and/or diet therapy. Target blood Phe concentration was confirmed at 88.9 % of visits; median (Q1, Q3) blood Phe concentration was 106.8 (73.0, 120.0) μmol/L during therapy and 117.0 (67.1, 120.0) μmol/L at last visit. Median (Q1, Q3) WISC IQ score was 80.0 (69.0, 90.0) in 33 patients. DQ scores were within normal range (≥85) for 37/59 (62.7 %) patients. Physical development indicators were within normal ranges. Treatment‐related adverse events, reported in 20/256 (7.8 %) patients, were mild‐to‐moderate in severity.ConclusionThis study provides valuable information on the current and historical situation of BH4 deficiency in mainland China.
A Coupled Thermal/Material Flow Model of Friction Stir Welding Applied to Sc-Modified Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Hamilton Carter , Kopyściański Mateusz , Senkov Oleg , Dymek Stanislaw 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A coupled thermal/material flow model of friction stir welding was developed and applied to the joining of Sc-modified aluminum alloy (7042-T6) extrusions. The model reveals that surface material is pulled from the retreating side into the weld zone where it is interleaved with in situ material. Due to frictional contact with the shoulder, the surface material is hotter than the in situ material, so that the final weld microstructure is composed of bands of material with different temperature histories. For this alloy and the associated FSW heating rates, secondary phase dissolution/precipitation temperatures are in proximity to the welding temperatures. Therefore, depending on the surface and in situ material temperatures in relation to these transformation temperatures, disparate precipitate distributions can develop in the bands of material comprising the weld nugget. Based on the numerical simulation and on thermal analysis data from differential scanning calorimetry, a mechanism for the formation of onion rings within the weld zone is presented.
Some Sugar Fatty Ester Ethoxylates as Demulsifiers for Petroleum Sludge
Authors: Abdul‐Raheim Mahmoud A. , Abdel‐Raouf Manar El‐Sayed , Maysour Nermine El‐Sayed , El‐Kafrawy Ahmed Fawzy , Mehany Ahmed Zaher , Abdel‐Azim Ahmed 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSeveral ethoxylated sugar fatty ester surfactants were prepared by the reaction of glucose with three fatty acids, namely, adipic, stearic and palmitic acids to produce GA, GS and GP esters. These glucose esters were then ethoxylated by four different molecular weight polyethylene glycols, namely, 400, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 mol L−1. The prepared ethoxylated esters (12 compounds) were characterized by IR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The surface activity of the prepared compounds was thoroughly studied by measuring the surface tension of different solutions of these compounds at three temperatures, namely 298, 308 and 318 K. From the surface tension‐concentration plots of these compounds some surface properties, such as CMC (critical micelle concentration), Γmax (maximum surface excess concentration) and Amin (area occupied per molecule) were calculated. The surface properties of the prepared surfactants were correlated to their chemical structure. It was found that the CMC decreases when increasing the molecular weight of polyethylene glycols, whereas Amin increases. Furthermore, the demulsification test was carried out and the results of demulsification efficiency were correlated to the chemical composition of the investigated compounds. Some factors that affect the demulsification efficiency were also considered. The oil phase recovered from the treated sludge was characterized and mixed with fresh crude to improve its API.
A review of recalcitrant seed physiology in relation to desiccation-tolerance mechanisms
Authors: Pammenter N. W. , Berjak Patricia 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA suite of mechanisms or processes that together have been implicated in the acquisition and maintenance of desiccation tolerance in orthodox seeds is discussed in the context of the behaviour of desiccation-sensitive seeds, and where appropriate, parallels are drawn with the situation in vegetative plant tissues that tolerate dehydration. Factors included are: physical characteristics of cells and intracellular constituents; insoluble reserve accumulation; intracellular de-differentiation; metabolic ‘switching off’; presence, and efficient operation, of antioxidant systems; accumulation of putatively protective substances including LEAs, sucrose and other oligosaccharides, as well as amphipathic molecules; the presence and role of oleosins; and the presence and operation of repair systems during rehydration. The variable response to dehydration shown by desiccation-sensitive seeds is considered in terms of the absence or incomplete expression of this suite of mechanisms or processes.Three categories of damage are envisaged: (i) reduction in cell volume which can lead to mechanical damage; (ii) aqueous-based degradative processes, probably consequent upon deranged metabolism at intermediate water contents. This is termed ‘metabolism-induced damage’ and its extent will depend upon the metabolic rate and the rate of dehydration; and (iii) the removal of water intimately associated with macromolecular surfaces leading to denaturation: this is referred to as desiccation damagesensu stricto. The effects of drying rate and the maturity status of seeds are considered in relation to the responses to dehydration, leading to the conclusion that the concept of critical water contents on a species basis is inappropriate. Viewing seed postharvest physiology in terms of a continuum of behaviour is considered to be more realistic than attempting precise categorization.Rapid dehydration of excised embryonic axes (or other explants) from desiccation-sensitive seeds permits retention of viability (in the short term) to water contents approaching the level of non-freezable water. This opens up the possibility of long-term conservation, by cryopreservation techniques, of the genetic resources of species producing non-orthodox seeds.
Long‐term variation of atmospheric methyl iodide and its link to global environmental change
Authors: Yokouchi Yoko , Nojiri Yukihiro , Toom‐Sauntry Desiree , Fraser Paul , Inuzuka Yoko , Tanimoto Hiroshi , Nara Hideki , Murakami Ryuichi , Mukai Hitoshi 
Published: November 2012

It has been suggested that the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the ocean could be affected by global warming, with feedback effects on the climate. In order to detect changes in their emissions as a response to global environmental change, long‐term observations are required. Here we report for the first time long‐term variations of atmospheric methyl iodide (CH3I), the most abundant iodine‐containing compound predominantly emitted from the ocean. We monitored its concentration periodically at five remote sites covering 82.5°N–40.4°S and over the western and northern Pacific Ocean from the late 1990s to 2011. At most observation sites, CH3I increased from 2003/2004 to 2009/2010 by several tens of per cent, with a decreasing trend before 2003. The inter‐annual variation pattern is well approximated by a sine curve with a period of 11 years and showed a good correlation with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), suggesting that CH3I emissions are affected by global‐scale, sea surface temperature (SST)‐related, decadal anomalies. The influence of natural oscillations or environmental change on trace gas emissions from the ocean may be greater than has been thought previously, and these emissions may thus be sensitive to future climate change.
Health Status and Health Care Experiences among Homeless Patients in Federally Supported Health Centers: Findings from the 2009 Patient Survey
Authors: Lebrun‐Harris Lydie A. , Baggett Travis P. , Jenkins Darlene M. , Sripipatana Alek , Sharma Ravi , Hayashi A. Seiji , Daly Charles A. , Ngo‐Metzger Quyen 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo examine health status and health care experiences of homeless patients in health centers and to compare them with their nonhomeless counterparts.Data Sources/Study SettingNationally representative data from the 2009 Health Center Patient Survey.Study DesignCross‐sectional analyses were limited to adults (n = 2,683). We compared sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, access to health care, and utilization of services among homeless and nonhomeless patients. We also examined the independent effect of homelessness on health care access and utilization, as well as factors that influenced homeless patients' health care experiences.Data CollectionComputer‐assisted personal interviews were conducted with health center patients.Principal FindingsHomeless patients had worse health status—lifetime burden of chronic conditions, mental health problems, and substance use problems—compared with housed respondents. In adjusted analyses, homeless patients had twice the odds as housed patients of having unmet medical care needs in the past year (OR = 1.98, 95 percent CI: 1.24–3.16) and twice the odds of having an ED visit in the past year (OR = 2.00, 95 percent CI: 1.37–2.92).ConclusionsThere is an ongoing need to focus on the health issues that disproportionately affect homeless populations. Among health center patients, homelessness is an independent risk factor for unmet medical needs and ED use.
Improved Blood Pressure Control with Nifedipine GITS/Valsartan Combination Versus High‐Dose Valsartan Monotherapy in Mild‐to‐Moderate Hypertensive Patients from Asia: Results from the ADVISE Study, a Randomized Trial
Authors: Ke Yuan‐Nan , Dong Yu‐Gang , Ma Shu‐Ping , Yuan Hong , Ihm Sang‐Hyun , Baek Sang Hong 
Published: November 2012

SummaryAims: ADVISE was a 12‐week, multicenter, randomized, prospective, open‐label, parallel‐group study comparing combination therapy of nifedipine GITS 30 mg plus valsartan 80 mg (N + V) with high‐dose valsartan (160 mg) monotherapy (V160) in Asian patients with hypertension. Methods: Patients with hypertension inadequately controlled with valsartan 80 mg for at least 4 weeks were randomized. The coprimary endpoints were the mean changes in clinic systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively) at Week 12. Other endpoints included blood pressure (BP) control rate, response rate, and adverse events. Results: The full analysis set (FAS) comprised 359 patients. Least squares (LS) mean changes in SBP were −18.3 mmHg (N + V; n = 177) and −16.5 mmHg (V160; n = 182) (difference: −1.9 mmHg; P = 0.0998). DBP LS mean changes were −9.8 mmHg (N + V) and −7.4 mmHg (V160) (difference: −2.4 mmHg; P = 0.0011). BP control rates were significantly higher in the N + V group (Week 4: 51.2% vs. 38.4%, P = 0.0138; Week 8: 68.3% vs. 50.3%, P = 0.0004; and Week 12: 71.2% vs. 55.5%, P = 0.0024). Similar findings were observed when patients were stratified according to smoking status, SBP baseline quartiles, and ESC/ESH guideline‐defined added‐risk category. The BP response rate was also higher in the N + V group compared with the V160 group. Rates of adverse drug reactions (all mild‐to‐moderate) were similar: 4.5% (N + V) and 4.4% (V160). Conclusions: Although one of the coprimary endpoints did not reach statistical significance, combination treatment with N + V provided a greater early and more consistent BP‐lowering effect than monotherapy with V160, including superior reduction in DBP and BP control rates.
Donor population size rather than local adaptation can be a key determinant of amphibian translocation success
Authors: Zeisset I. , Beebee T. J. C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTranslocation of species to new locations is a widespread procedure in conservation biology. Conventional wisdom suggests using large numbers of donor stock from sites as close and as ecologically similar to the recipient location as possible to minimise risks from maladaptation and outbreeding depression. Here, we compare translocation success to a common receptor site of animals from a large but distant population with those from smaller proximal populations. Common toads (Bufo bufo) from a site far from the recipient locality and with very different habitat rapidly established a new population where three attempts with local animals failed. After 10 years, the new population retained allele frequency distributions at microsatellite loci almost the same as the donor site, whereas major histocompatibility complex allele frequencies changed to resemble local ones. Variations in phenology and climate could not readily explain the success of the distant translocation source. We postulate that success was due to the very large size of the donor population compared with local sources, implying that high levels of mean fitness or adaptive variation can be more important than local factors when considering translocations, at least in some circumstances.
An allergic phenotype and the use of steroid inhalers predict eosinophilic oesophagitis in patients with asthma
Authors: Harer K. N. , Enders F. T. , Lim K. G. , Alexander J. A. , Katzka D. A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryBackgroundPatients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) commonly have asthma and atopy.AimsTo determine the predictive factors of EoE in patients with asthma.MethodsA retrospective analysis of a large database identified 156 asthma patients with EoE and 276 patients without EoE between 2000 and 2010. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were first analyzed in half of each group. Significant differences and modelling were then applied to the other half of each group in a split half analysis.ResultsOdds ratios and P‐values found to predict the presence of EoE in asthma patients were: allergic vs. non‐allergic asthma (4.07, <0.01), food allergies (45, <0.01), allergic rhinitis (2.13, =0.01) and peripheral eosinophilia (4.51, <0.01). The use of inhaled corticosteroids was negatively associated with EoE (0.41, <0.01) for asthma patients and (0.37, P < 0.01) for allergic type asthma patients. EoE patients were also younger (27.4 vs. 41.6 years old, P < 0.01). By logistic regression analysis, allergic asthma, presence of peripheral eosinophilia and use of inhaled steroids remained significant. From these parameters, a 3.5‐point scoring system model for EoE in asthma was formed with an ROC = 0.787 on split analysis.ConclusionsIn descending order, peripheral eosinophilia, allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis are associated with EoE in patients with asthma. Steroid inhalers appear to have a protective effect against EoE. An accurate and simple scoring system can be used as a screening tool to predict the presence of EoE in patients with asthma and dysphagia. EoE should be viewed as part of a generalised allergic phenotype rather than isolated oesophageal disease.
A Shift in Microglial β‐Amyloid Binding in Alzheimer's Disease Is Associated with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Zabel Matthew , Schrag Matthew , Crofton Andrew , Tung Spencer , Beaufond Pierre , Van Ornam Jon , DiNinni Angielee , Vinters Harry V. , Coppola Giovanni , Kirsch Wolff M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) are two common pathologies associated with β‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and inflammation in the brain; neither is well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate human post‐mortem brains from AD subjects with purely parenchymal pathology, and those with concomitant CAA (and age‐matched controls) for differential expression of microglia‐associated Aβ ligands thought to mediate Aβ clearance and the association of these receptors with complement activation. Homogenates of brain parenchyma and enriched microvessel fractions from occipital cortex were probed for levels of C3b, membrane attack complex (MAC), CD11b and α‐2‐macroglobulin and immunoprecipitation was used to immunoprecipitate (IP) CD11b complexed with C3b and Aβ. Both C3b and MAC were significantly increased in CAA compared to AD‐only and controls and IP showed significantly increased CD11b/C3b complexes with Aβ in AD/CAA subjects. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize these interactions. MAC was remarkably associated with CAA‐affected blood vessels compared to AD‐only and control vessels. These findings are consistent with an Aβ clearance mechanism via microglial CD11b that delivers Aβ and C3b to blood vessels in AD/CAA, which leads to Aβ deposition and propagation of complement to the cytolytic MAC, possibly leading to vascular fragility.