bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secretory units of islets in transplantation index is a useful predictor of insulin requirement in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Iwata Minoru , Matsushita Yumi , Fukuda Kazuhito , Wakura Tatsurou , Okabe Keisuke , Koshimizu Yukiko , Fukushima Yasuo , Kobashi Chikaaki , Yamazaki Yu , Honoki Hisae , Suzuki Hikari , Kigawa Mika , Tobe Kazuyuki 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe objective of the present study was to clarify the validity of β‐cell function‐related parameters for predicting the insulin requirement of Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.Materials and MethodsIn 188 patients with type 2 diabetes who had been admitted to the University of Toyama Hospital (Toyama, Japan) without receiving insulin therapy, we carried out a cross‐sectional study examining the relationship between the homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) and C‐peptide‐based indices, and also carried out a retrospective study to examine the utility for predicting insulin requirement of several β ‐cell function‐related indices using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsThe secretory units of islets in transplantation index (SUIT) had the strongest correlation with HOMA‐β, followed by the fasting serum C‐peptide immunoreactivity index (CPI); the fasting serum C‐peptide immunoreactivity itself (F‐CPR) had the least correlation. The CPI, HOMA‐β and SUIT were significantly lower in the insulin‐requiring group than in the non‐insulin‐requiring group, even after adjustments for confounding factors (P < 0.01). The areas under the ROC curve for insulin requirement were 0.622, 0.774, 0.808, and 0.759 for F‐CPR, CPI, SUIT, and HOMA‐β, respectively. The cut‐off values of SUIT, CPI, and HOMA‐β for an over 80% specificity for the prediction of insulin therapy were 23.5, 1.00, and 14.9, respectively.ConclusionsThe present study shows that SUIT is the best predictor of insulin requirement among these β‐cell function‐related markers.
Extrahepatic effects of nucleoside and nucleotide analogues in chronic hepatitis B treatment
Authors: Fung James , Seto Wai‐Kay , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOral nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) are the mainstay of therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B and are generally well tolerated. Despite this, the safety profile of NAs is of paramount importance since the majority of patients will require long‐term treatment. All NAs can potentially affect human DNA polymerase with decrease in mitochondrial DNA, leading to manifestations of mitochondrial toxicity. As a class effect, therefore, NAs can potentially cause extrahepatic conditions, such as myopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and lactic acidosis. Indeed, effects on muscles, including myopathy and creatine kinase elevations, have been described with clevudine and telbivudine use. Both adefovir and tenofovir are associated with dose‐dependent nephropathy, predominantly affecting the proximal renal tubules. Neuropathy appears to be rare, and most commonly reported in patients receiving combination therapy with telbivudine and interferon. Increased risk of lactic acidosis has also been described for those with impaired liver and renal function taking entecavir. Loss of bone mineral density and hypophosphatemia have been described with the use of NAs, although the overwhelming studies have been with human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients. However, not all extrahepatic effects are detrimental. Recent evidence has suggested a potential renal beneficial effect with the use of telbivudine. The effect of NAs on pregnancy appears to be minimal for all NAs, with telbivudine and tenofovir having a more favorable category B rating. Ongoing pharmacovigilance is essential to identify new and monitor existing extrahepatic effects associated with NA use.
Research misconduct: A grand global challenge for the 21st Century
Authors: Farthing Michael J G 
Published: December 2013

AbstractResearch misconduct is now acknowledged to be an important global issue for both researchers and the wider community. Guidance on the responsible conduct of research is now widespread, but many are still concerned by the apparent rising tide of serious cases of research misconduct, and perhaps the more worrying widespread presence of questionable research practices. I would suggest that guidance and training, while essential, are not sufficient. Additional interventions, including enhanced monitoring of research outputs and random audit using the available technology should be considered, as should the desirability of having a register of “licensed researchers.” In addition, I would support a culture change in the research community in which researchers are encouraged to admit their mistakes; this should be accompanied by a spirit of forgiveness and programmed rehabilitation for the individual concerned. For multiple “premier league” offenders who are reluctant to face their misdemeanors, it is difficult to see how they could continue in the role of a researcher, and their “registration” should be revoked. Research is increasingly undertaken by researchers who cross national boundaries. The globalization of research demands greater collaboration between organizations that are responsible for ensuring standards of research integrity; the need for international standards and guidance has never been greater.
Potential of adenovirus‐mediated REIC/Dkk‐3 gene therapy for use in the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Uchida Daisuke , Shiraha Hidenori , Kato Hironari , Nagahara Teruya , Iwamuro Masaya , Kataoka Junro , Horiguchi Shigeru , Watanabe Masami , Takaki Akinobu , Nouso Kazuhiro , Nasu Yasutomo , Yagi Takahito , Kumon Hiromi , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe reduced expression in immortalized cells REIC/the dickkopf 3 (Dkk‐3) gene, tumor suppressor gene, is downregulated in various malignant tumors. In a prostate cancer study, an adenovirus vector carrying the REIC/Dkk‐3 gene (Ad‐REIC) induces apoptosis. In the current study, we examined the effects of REIC/Dkk‐3 gene therapy in pancreatic cancer.MethodsREIC/Dkk‐3 expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in the pancreatic cancer cell lines (ASPC1, MIAPaCa2, Panc1, BxPC3, SUIT‐2, KLM1, and T3M4) and pancreatic cancer tissues. The Ad‐REIC agent was used to investigate the apoptotic effect in vitro and antitumor effects in vivo. We also assessed the therapeutic effects of Ad‐REIC therapy with gemcitabine.ResultsThe REIC/Dkk‐3 expression was lost in the pancreatic cancer cell lines and decreased in pancreatic cancer tissues. Ad‐REIC induced apoptosis and inhibited cell growth in the ASPC1 and MIAPaCa2 lines in vitro, and Ad‐REIC inhibited tumor growth in the mouse xenograft model using ASPC1 cells. The antitumor effect was further enhanced in combination with gemcitabine. This synergistic effect may be caused by the suppression of autophagy via the enhancement of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling.ConclusionsAd‐REIC induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in pancreatic cancer cell lines. REIC/Dkk‐3 gene therapy is an attractive therapeutic tool for pancreatic cancer.
Synergistic effect of simvastatin plus NS398 on inhibition of proliferation and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line
Authors: Lee Sun Jae , Hwang Ji Won , Yim Hyungshin , Yim Hyung Joon , Woo Sang Uk , Suh Sang Jun , Hyun Jong Jin , Jung Sung Woo , Koo Ja Seol , Kim Ji Hoon , Seo Yeon Seok , Yeon Jong Eun , Lee Sang Woo , Byun Kwan Soo , Um Soon Ho 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsNS398, a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor, and simvastatin, a 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, both exert an anticancer effect on hepatocellular carcinoma cells, but the effect of co‐administration of the two drugs remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the synergistic in vitro anticancer effect of co‐administration of NS398 and simvastatin and its mechanism.MethodsThe Hep3B and Huh‐7 cell lines were cultured. Cells were treated with simvastatin, NS398, or a combination. 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine ELISA assay, flow cytometry, Western blot analyses, and immunofluorescence assay were performed.ResultsIn both cell lines, co‐administration of simvastatin and NS398 resulted in a greater effect on proliferation and apoptosis. In Hep3B cells, co‐administration of the two drugs resulted in a greater decrease in procaspase 3 and Bcl‐2 and an increase in cleaved caspase 9 than that noted with monotherapy. In Huh‐7 cells, co‐administration of the two drugs resulted in a greater decrease in procaspase 3 and cyclin D1 and an increase in cleaved caspase 9. Expression of NF‐κB and Akt were also decreased to a greater extent when the two drugs were co‐administered in both cell lines. Immunofluorescence assay showed suppression of the nuclear localization of NF‐κB by simvastatin or NS398. The effect was greater by co‐administration.ConclusionsThe co‐administration of NS398 and simvastatin produced greater antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects against Hep3B cells and Huh‐7 cells. Inhibition of the NF‐κB and Akt pathway and activation of caspase cascade, which are considered as the major mechanism of synergistic anticancer properties, were observed in both cell lines.
Long‐term survival after surgical resection for huge hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison with transarterial chemoembolization after propensity score matching
Authors: Min Yang Won , Lee Jun Hee , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Paik Yong Han , Lee Joon Hyoek , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon , Yoo Byung Chul , Choi Moon Seok 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsSurgical resection (SR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have been commonly applied for patients with huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, optimal treatment has not been established.MethodsBetween 2000 and 2009, 267 patients with huge HCC (≥ 10 cm) underwent TACE and 84 underwent SR as the first treatment. Propensity score matching generated a matched cohort composed of 152 patients. We investigated overall survival and possible prognostic factors.ResultsAt baseline, the surgery group showed a tendency to have solitary tumor (72.6% vs 39.3%, P < 0.001), less vessel invasion (29.8% vs 51.3%, P < 0.001), and unilobar tumor extent (77.4% vs 50.9%, P < 0.001) than TACE group. During median follow up of 10 months (range: 0–103), the surgery group showed higher 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates than TACE group (73.8%, 54.8%, and 39.8% vs 37.8%, 16.3%, and 9.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). In the propensity score‐matched cohort, baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Surgery group showed higher 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year overall survival rates than TACE group (69.7%, 58.6%, and 51.7% vs 40.2%, 33.9%, and 18.5%, respectively, P < 0.001) during median follow up of 14.5 months (range: 0–103). Multivariate analysis revealed that male (HR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.01–3.58; P = 0.048), albumin (HR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.34–0.85; P = 0.008), ascites (HR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02–3.08; P = 0.044), and SR (HR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28–0.70; P = 0.001) were the independent prognostic factors associated with survival.ConclusionComparing survival after SR and TACE, we showed that SR would be associated with better outcomes than TACE as the first treatment of huge HCC.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significances of EGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations in biliary tract carcinomas in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yu‐Ting , Chang Ming‐Chu , Huang Kai‐Wen , Tung Chien‐Chih , Hsu Chiun , Wong Jau‐Min 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimBiliary tract carcinomas (BTCs) are difficult to diagnose and treat. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) represents a therapeutic target for the BTCs. Mutations of the EGFR gene and the activation of its downstream pathways, including KRAS and BRAF, predict the sensitivity to anti‐EGFR treatment. The aims of this study were to analyze the EGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations in BTCs and their association with clinical outcomes.MethodsParaffin‐embedded specimens containing 137 BTCs resected at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 1995 and 2004 were analyzed. The exons 18–21 of EGFR gene, the codon 12, 13 and 61 of KRAS gene, and BRAF V600E mutation were analyzed. We examined the correlation between these mutations and the overall survival, tumor location, stage, and differentiation in BTCs.ResultsThirteen (9.5%) BTC patients had EGFR mutations while 23 (16.8%) patients had KRAS mutations. Only one patient had BRAF mutation. Factors influencing survival on univariate analysis were tumor stage, tumor differentiation, and EGFR mutation. On multivariate analysis, EGFR mutation and tumor stage were independent prognostic factors. A correlation between KRAS or BRAF mutations and prognosis was not observed.ConclusionsEGFR and KRAS mutations are not uncommon in BTCs. BRAF mutation is rare in BTCs. EGFR mutation was an independent prognostic marker in BTCs in addition to tumor stage and differentiation. No simultaneous EGFR and KRAS mutations in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma were found. EGFR and KRAS mutations should be evaluated when tailoring molecular‐targeted therapy to patients with BTCs.
Transarterial chemoembolization versus surgery/radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with or without microvascular invasion
Authors: Jin Young‐Joo , Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Oh Hyun , Chung Hyun Jung , Kim Young Soo , Lee Jung Il , Cho Soon Gu , Jeon Yong Sun , Lee Kun Young , Ahn Seung‐Ik , Shin Woo Young 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground/AimsMicrovascular invasion (MVI) is a well‐known prognostic factor of postoperative recurrence and of overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We compared the treatment outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and surgery/radiofrequency ablation (RFA) according to the presence of MVI in patients with early or late recurrent HCC that presented as Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 or A after curative resection for HCC.MethodsA consecutive 68 patients with recurrent HCC of BCLC stage 0 or A at our institution between 1998 and 2012 were retrospectively enrolled. We compared the outcomes of patients treated by TACE or surgery/RFA. Tumor recurrence after curative resection was classified as early (≤ 12 months) or late (> 12 months) recurrence.ResultsMedian tumor size was 1.5 cm (range, 1–10 cm), and 67 (98.5%) had HCCs within the Milan criteria. Median post‐retreatment follow‐up duration was 27 months (range, 1–109 months). Of the 68 patients, 19 (27.9%) underwent surgery/RFA, 47 (69.1%) TACE, and 2 (2.9%) were lost to follow‐up. After retreatment, TACE showed significantly higher OS and recurrence‐free survival rates than surgery/RFA in MVI‐positive patients (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05, respectively), but not in MVI‐negative patients (P = 0.95 and P = 0.98, respectively). In particular, in early recurred MVI‐positive patients, TACE had a significantly higher OS rate than surgery/RFA (P = 0.01).ConclusionsTACE may be the more effective treatment option for recurrent HCC of BCLC stage 0 or A than surgery/RFA in MVI‐positive patients, especially in those that recur early after curative resection.
Gastric xanthelasma may be a warning sign for the presence of early gastric cancer
Authors: Sekikawa Akira , Fukui Hirokazu , Maruo Takanori , Tsumura Takehiko , Kanesaka Takashi , Okabe Yoshihiro , Osaki Yukio 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe significance of gastric xanthelasma in relation to gastric disease still remains unclear. We investigated the prevalence and significance of gastric xanthelasma in patients with atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.MethodsA total of 3238 patients who underwent endoscopic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract were enrolled. We retrospectively investigated the presence of gastric xanthelasma, the severity of gastric atrophy, and the presence of gastric cancer, and examined the relationship between gastric xanthelasma and various clinicopathological features.ResultsGastric xanthelasma was detected in 249 (7.7%) of the 3238 patients and was significantly associated with age ≥ 65 years, male gender, open‐type atrophy, and the presence of gastric cancer (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of gastric cancer was independently related to the presence of gastric xanthelasma (odds ratio 6.19 [3.95–9.70], P < 0.0001). Age/sex/atrophy‐matched control analysis demonstrated that the presence of gastric xanthelasma was significantly associated with the presence of gastric cancer (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the presence of xanthelasma in the upper region of the stomach was significantly associated with gastric cancer (P = 0.002). Gastric xanthelasma was observed in 50 (47.6%) of 105 patients with gastric cancer.ConclusionGastric xanthelasma may serve as a warning sign for the presence of gastric cancer.
Information and communication technology for home care in the future
Authors: Kamei Tomoko 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThis paper discusses how nurses can utilize information and communication technology (ICT) to provide care to patients with chronic diseases who are receiving home care, with particular focus on the development, basic principles, research trends, recent evidence, and future direction of telenursing and telehealth in Japan and overseas.MethodsThis review was based on a published work database search.ResultsTelenursing and telehealth use telecommunications technology to provide nursing care to patients living at a distance from healthcare facilities. This system is based on patient–nurse interaction and can provide timely health guidance to patients in any area of residence. Because of the increase in the rate of non‐communicable diseases, the World Health Organization established and adopted a resolution (WHA58.28) to promote the e‐health program, which uses ICT. This strategy, which was introduced throughout the world from the 1990s up to 2000, was used for the healthcare of patients with chronic diseases and pregnant women and was implemented through cooperation with various professionals. A telenursing practice model has been reported along with the principles involved in its implementation.ConclusionTelenursing and telehealth are effective in decreasing the costs borne by patients, decreasing the number of outpatient and emergency room visits, shortening hospital stays, improving health‐related quality of life, and decreasing the cost of health care.
Development of disaster nursing in Japan, and trends of disaster nursing in the world
Authors: Yamamoto Aiko 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThe aims of this paper are to describe what Japanese nurses have learned and contributed to disaster nursing development, and to review trends of disaster nursing in the world.MethodsThe content of the paper is based on literature reviews. The description of the paper is also based on experiences by author.ResultsThrough experiences among Japanese nurses related to Hanshin‐Awaji Earthquake in Japan, development of nursing support network, academic societies of disaster nursing, nursing care provision system were accomplished. Disaster nursing education at undergraduate and graduate programs and continuing training have been started. Descriptive research and evaluation research have been conducted in the world.ConclusionDisaster nursing is one domain of nursing discipline generated from demands in reality and society. More research and capacity building related to disaster nursing are needed while facilitating development of networking and collaboration among relevant organizations.
Urethral obstruction with a copulatory plug following natural breeding in a ruffed lemur, Varecia rubra
Authors: Chatfield Jenifer A , Chatfield Jerilyn J. , Chatfield John A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundAn 18‐year old captive male lemur (Varecia rubra) housed in a breeding situation presented for lethargy and anorexia.Methods and ResultsPhysical exam revealed urethral obstruction.ConclusionsUrethral plugs secondary to semen collection are common in lemurs. Here, we report the first case of naturally occurring urethral copulatory plug in a ruffed lemur.
Interplay between postcranial morphology and locomotor types in Neotropical sigmodontine rodents
Authors: Carrizo Luz V. , Tulli María J. , Dos Santos Daniel A. , Abdala Virginia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSigmodontine rats are one of the most diverse components of the Neotropical mammal fauna. They exhibit a wide ecological diversity and a variety of locomotor types that allow them to occupy different environments. To explore the relationship between morphology and locomotor types, we analyzed traits of the postcranial osteology (axial and appendicular skeletons) of 329 specimens belonging to 51 species and 29 genera of sigmodontines exhibiting different locomotor types. In this work, postcranial skeletal characters of these rats are considered in an ecomorphological study for the first time. Statistical analyses showed that of the 34 osteological characters considered, 15 were related to the locomotor types studied, except for ambulatory. However, character mapping showed that climbing and jumping sigmodontines are the only taxa exhibiting clear adaptations in their postcranial osteology, which are highly consistent with the tendencies described in many other mammal taxa. Climbing, digging and swimming rats presented statistically differences in traits associated with their vertebral column and limbs, whereas jumping rats showed modifications associated with all the skeletal regions. Our data suggest that sigmodontine rats retain an all‐purpose morphology that allows them to use a variety of habitats. This versatility is particularly important when considering the lack of specialization of sigmodontines for a specific locomotor mode. Another possible interpretation is that our dataset probably did not consider relevant information about these groups and should be increased with other types of characters (e.g. characters from the external morphology, myology, etc.).