bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Etoposide, Methotrexate, and Dactinomycin Alternating With Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine (EMACO) for Male Patients With HCG-expressing, Chemoresistant Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Raggi Daniele , Giannatempo Patrizia , Miceli Rosalba , Farè Elena , Piva Luigi , Biasoni Davide , Catanzaro Mario , Torelli Tullio , Stagni Silvia , Marongiu Manuela , Gianni Alessandro M. , Nicolai Nicola , Salvioni Roberto , Necchi Andrea 
Published: August 2014

Objectives:
To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety results of the combination of methotrexate, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (EMACO) regimen for patients with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-producing germ cell tumors and who had failed multiple courses of chemotherapy.

Methods:
Patients who had failed at least 2 regimens received methotrexate 100 mg/m2, followed by methotrexate 200 mg/m2 over 12 hours day 1, etoposide 100 mg/m2 and dactinomycin 0.5 mg days 1 and 2, folinic acid 25 mg orally every 6 hours days 2 and 3, alternating with cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 plus vincristine 1 mg/m2 day 8, every 21 days. Treatment was continued until marker normalization and for additional 2 cycles. Response rate, progression-free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were the efficacy endpoints. Cox regression analyses examined the prognostic impact of candidate factors on PFS and OS.

Results:
From February 92 to May 13, 41 patients were treated in third line (n=20, 49%) or beyond (n=21, 51%). Seventeen (41%) had received high-dose chemotherapy. Thirty-one patients (75.6%) had a response with marker reduction, including 4 complete (9.8%) and 5 (12.2%) partial responses with HCG normalization. Median PFS was 3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2-4) and median OS was 8 months (95% CI, 6-10). Most frequent grade 3-4 toxicity was hematologic (20 patients, 48.8%). One toxic death (cerebral hemorrhage) occurred. On multivariable analysis, the line of treatment (greater than third vs. third) was the only significant predictor of both PFS (hazard ratio: 2.50, 95% CI, 1.20-5.24, P=0.015) and OS (hazard ratio: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.46-6.89, P=0.004).

Conclusions:
EMACO is an attractive regimen with acceptable toxicity and could be considered an option for HCG-expressing germ cell tumors whenever multiple relapses occur.
The Impacts of Elicitation Context on Stated Preferences for Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Tinch Dugald , Colombo Sergio , Hanley Nick 
Published: August 2014

AbstractStatements of willingness to pay (WTP) have been shown to be dependent upon the framing of the hypothetical market. In this paper we investigate the effects of variations in the timing and location of choice experiment questions concerned with conservation of a UK national park, as research involving measurement of psychological well‐being suggests potential differences for the same individual dependent upon when and where preferences are elicited. We apply the choice experiment technique to the valuation of changes in upland agricultural and semi‐natural landscapes in the Peak District National Park in the UK, to investigate whether timing and location of elicitation (context) affects the value associated with changes in ecosystem services under different management regimes. Four treatments are employed – using the same sample of individuals answering the same choice scenarios – to measure WTP ex‐ante (off site), in situ (on site), and ex‐post at two different time intervals (off site). We show that our on‐site (in situ) treatment generates very different estimates of preferences than any of the off‐site treatments. That stated preferences associated with environmental goods are so context dependent may have implications for the use of stated preferences in policy analysis in terms of identifying how environmental policy is funded and the divergence in value attributed to sampling different populations.
Anthropological Facial Approximation in Three Dimensions (AFA3D): Computer‐Assisted Estimation of the Facial Morphology Using Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Guyomarc'h Pierre , Dutailly Bruno , Charton Jérôme , Santos Frédéric , Desbarats Pascal , Coqueugniot Hélène 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis study presents Anthropological Facial Approximation in Three Dimensions (AFA3D), a new computerized method for estimating face shape based on computed tomography (CT) scans of 500 French individuals. Facial soft tissue depths are estimated based on age, sex, corpulence, and craniometrics, and projected using reference planes to obtain the global facial appearance. Position and shape of the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are inferred from cranial landmarks through geometric morphometrics. The 100 estimated cutaneous landmarks are then used to warp a generic face to the target facial approximation. A validation by re‐sampling on a subsample demonstrated an average accuracy ofc. 4 mm for the overall face. The resulting approximation is an objective probable facial shape, but is also synthetic (i.e., without texture), and therefore needs to be enhanced artistically prior to its use in forensic cases.AFA3D, integrated in theTIVMIsoftware, is available freely for further testing.
Why Do People Hang Themselves on Trees? An Evaluation of Suicidal Hangings on Trees in Konya, Turkey, between 2001 and 2008
Authors: Dogan Kamil Hakan , Demirci Serafettin , Deniz Idris 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHanging is the most common method of suicide in the world, and many public places offer a means or opportunity to carry out the activity. Of 4,452 death examinations and autopsies, there were 378 (8.5%) suicides and suicide method was hanging in 185 (48.9%) cases. In 20 of these (10.8%), the suspension point was the branch of a tree. The incident location was the garden of the victim's house in nine cases, the woodlands in seven cases. The suicides were attributed to psychiatric disorders in nine cases, economic problems in six cases, and family problems in five cases. It is concluded that hanging on a tree as a suicide method is often committed by males and the underlying motive may be different in suicidal hangings on trees occurring at daytime and night. For preventional purposes, the reporting of such suicides in public places by the media may be restricted by local authorities.
Expression pattern and tissue localization of the class B scavenger receptor BmSCRBQ4 in Bombyx mori
Authors: Dong Zhan‐Peng , Chai Chun‐Li , Dai Fang‐Yin , Pan Min‐Hui , Huang Ping , Wang Wei , Liao Peng‐Fei , Liu Min , Lu Cheng 
Published: August 2014

AbstractClass B scavenger receptors (SR‐Bs) are cell surface glycoproteins involved in various physiological processes in vivo, including the transport and metabolism of lipids, binding and phagocytosis of xenobiotics, and signaling. But little information is available about silkworm SR‐Bs; it is necessary to study these SR‐Bs for revealing their function. In this study, we cloned the full‐length coding sequence of BmSCRBQ4, a SR‐B gene from the silkworm Bombyx mori L. We found that the BmSCRBQ4 gene consists of nine exons and eight introns, with an open reading frame of 1371 bp encoding 456 amino acids. Gene expression studies determined that BmSCRBQ4 messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed in unfertilized eggs, during embryonic development and throughout the majority of the larval period. Expression of mRNA was detected in the mid gut, middle silk gland, posterior silk gland, head, integumentum, fat body, testes and the ovaries of the larval B. mori Dazao strain, as well as in the silkworm cell lines BmN and BmE. Protein expression studies found BmSCRBQ4 protein was expressed only in the testes, fat body and middle silk gland of larvae, as well as in the silkworm cell lines BmN and BmE. The BmSCRBQ4 protein showed variability in banding patterns in different tissues and cells when analyzed by Western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the BmSCRBQ4 protein localizes to the constitutive membranes or cellular membranes of these tissues. These results indicated that BmSCRBQ4 gene may play some physiologically relevant roles at the cell surface in each tissue.
Pain management following the Nuss procedure: a survey of practice and review
Authors: MUHLY W. T. , MAXWELL L. G. , CRAVERO J. P. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundPectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest wall deformity. The Nuss procedure is frequently used for surgical correction and this technique has been associated with severe and prolonged post‐operative pain. At the present time, the optimal analgesic strategy for managing patients following this procedure has not been determined.MethodsA web‐based survey was sent to representatives from 108 primarily pediatric hospitals in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. One individual per institution was contacted to complete the survey on behalf of their department.ResultsSurvey response rate was 54% and 55 institutions reported using the Nuss procedure for correction of pectus excavatum. Annual case volume is less than or equal to 25 cases in 57% of institutions, and the most common age of patients is 14 to 17 years old. A clinical protocol for patient post‐operative pain management is used in 45% of institutions. Thoracic epidural is utilized as a primary analgesic modality by 91% of institutions. Concomitant use of intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia is reported by 27% of institutions. Nine respondents (16%) reported that they had recently stopped performing epidurals because of surgeon preference. Referral of one or more patients annually for chronic pain management was reported in 22% of surveys.ConclusionsPost‐operative pain management following the Nuss procedure is variable and poorly characterized. Clinical trials or large observational registries comparing the safety and efficacy of primary modalities and long‐term outcomes are needed to enable evidence‐based decision‐making for the management of these patients.
Topiramate Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Batki Steven L. , Pennington David L. , Lasher Brooke , Neylan Thomas C. , Metzler Thomas , Waldrop Angela , Delucchi Kevin , Herbst Ellen 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThe course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently and severely complicated by co‐occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD), yet there are few reports of pharmacologic treatments for these comorbid conditions. The objective of this pilot study was to obtain a preliminary assessment of the efficacy and safety of topiramate in reducing alcohol use and PTSD symptoms in veterans with both disorders.MethodsThis was a prospective 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot trial of flexible‐dose topiramate up to 300 mg/d in 30 veterans with PTSD and AUD. The primary outcome measure was frequency of drinking. Secondary outcomes consisted of other measures of alcohol use and PTSD symptom severity.ResultsWithin‐group analyses showed that topiramate treatment was associated with significant reductions in frequency and amount of alcohol use and alcohol craving from baseline through week 12. Between‐group analyses showed that topiramate reduced frequency of alcohol use and alcohol craving significantly more than placebo and tended to reduce drinking amount. Topiramate treatment was also associated with decreased PTSD symptom severity and tended to reduce hyperarousal symptoms compared with placebo. Topiramate transiently impaired learning and memory, with significant recovery by the end of treatment.ConclusionsThese preliminary results indicate that in veterans with co‐occurring PTSD and AUD, topiramate may be effective in reducing alcohol consumption, alcohol craving, and PTSD symptom severity—particularly hyperarousal symptoms. Topiramate was associated with transient cognitive impairment but was otherwise well tolerated.
Fetal Sex‐Based Differences in Maternal Hormones, Angiogenic Factors, and Immune Mediators During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Authors: Enninga Elizabeth Ann L. , Nevala Wendy K. , Creedon Douglas J. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Holtan Shernan G. 
Published: August 2014

ProblemSeveral pregnancy complications have disparities based on the sex of the fetus. It is unknown whether the sex of the fetus differentially alters the maternal immune milieu, potentially contributing to the observed differences.Method of studyUsing maternal plasma collected during 38 uncomplicated pregnancies (19 males, 19 females), we compared levels of cytokines, sex hormones, and angiogenic factors throughout gestation and postpartum.ResultsMale fetal sex was associated with higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (G‐CSF, IL‐12p70, IL‐21, and IL‐33) and angiogenic factors (PlGF and VEGF‐A) compared with female fetal sex at multiple timepoints. Female fetal sex was associated with higher levels of regulatory cytokines (IL‐5, IL‐9, IL‐17, and IL‐25). IL‐27 increased throughout pregnancy regardless of fetal sex. There was no fetal sex‐based difference in analyte concentrations at the postpartum measurement.ConclusionWomen carrying a male fetus exhibit a more proinflammatory/proangiogenic immune milieu than women carrying a female fetus.
Efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Leng Jian‐Jun , Xu Yin‐Zhe , Dong Jia‐Hong 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundTransarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is commonly used to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but less is known regarding safety and efficacy of TACE in patients with HCC and portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of TACE treatment on 1‐year survival in patients with HCC and PVTT.MethodsMedline, EMBASE, CENTRAL databases (until July 2013) were searched for studies that evaluated the efficacy of TACE with regard to survival in patients with HCC and PVTT. One‐year survival rate, the primary end point, was compared between patients who received TACE and those who received control treatment.ResultsFive prospective studies were identified that assessed the efficacy of TACE on survival. These studies included 600 patients: 335 received TACE therapy and 226 received control treatments. Three of the five studies reported 1‐year survival data and were used in the meta‐analysis. The combined odds ratio (3.079, 95% confidence interval = 1.094–8.662) indicated that patients who received TACE had a significantly better 1‐year survival rate compared with patients in the control group (P = 0.033).ConclusionsThere are several limitations to this analysis that should be considered when interpreting the findings. The studies used different treatment regimens as controls or with TACE. These differences across the studies may have altered the 1‐year survival outcomes in each study and confounded our analysis. This meta‐analysis showed that TACE improves the 1‐year survival of patients with HCC and PVTT. However, additional prospective controlled trials are required to further substantiate these findings.
Neoplastic progression in short‐segment Barrett's oesophagus is associated with impairment of chemical clearance, but not inadequate acid suppression by proton pump inhibitor therapy
Authors: Frazzoni M. , Bertani H. , Conigliaro R. , Frazzoni L. , Losi L. , Melotti G. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundPathophysiological mechanisms associated with neoplastic progression in patients with short‐segment Barrett's oesophagus (SSBO), who represent the vast majority of the Barrett population, have not been defined.AimTo evaluate pathophysiological characteristics of patients with SSBO and dysplasia detected at 3‐year surveillance endoscopy (incident dysplasia).MethodsPatients with SSBO underwent impedance‐pH monitoring during heartburn‐suppressing PPI therapy. Fifteen patients (12 males, median age 62 years) with incident dysplasia and 50 patients (43 males, median age 59 years) without dysplasia were compared. Impedance‐pH parameters, including chemical clearance assessed by the post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index, were evaluated.ResultsAll patients declared persisting heartburn suppression on maintenance PPI therapy at 3‐year follow‐up, 58/65 (89%) with standard dosages. The median gastric and oesophageal acid exposure time (GAET and OAET) did not differ between patients with and without incident dysplasia at the time of surveillance (36% and 0.6% vs. 33% and 0.5%) or index endoscopy (33% and 0.3% vs. 41% and 0.5%) (P > 0.05). Contrastingly, the median PSPW index was significantly lower in patients with than in patients without incident dysplasia at the time of surveillance (15%, vs. 32%) and index endoscopy (12% vs. 30%) (P = 0.001). The PSPW index, the GAET and the OAET did not vary over time (P > 0.05). A PSPW index <26% was predictive of incident dysplasia with a 75% accuracy.ConclusionsNeoplastic progression in SSBO is associated with impairment of chemical clearance, but not inadequate acid suppression by PPI therapy. Neoplastic progression in SSBO can be predicted by a low PSPW index.
Laparoscopic gastrectomy after coronary artery bypass grafting using the right gastroepiploic artery: A report of two cases
Authors: Kawamura Hideki , Takahashi Norihiko , Tahara Munenori , Takahashi Masahiro , Taketomi Akinobu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe successfully executed laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in two patients who had previously undergone coronary artery bypass grafting using the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA). A laparoscopic distal gastrectomy preserving the RGEA graft with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction was performed on two men, one 69 years of age and one 73 years of age. In both cases, the RGEA was used during coronary artery bypass grafting for the posterior descending branch. The laparoscopic approach helped avoid injury to the RGEA associated with laparotomy and retractor placement. In addition, the locations of ports necessary for laparoscopy were situated away from the RGEA graft and from adhesions resulting from bypass. Using typical laparoscopic settings, we were able to easily identify the grafted RGEA. Thus, laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is not only less invasive than open gastrectomy procedures, but it is also associated with a lower risk of injury to the RGEA graft.
Mounier‐Kuhn syndrome: a systematic analysis of 128 cases published within last 25 years
Authors: Krustins Eduards 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsMounier‐Kuhn syndrome is a rare disease with abnormal enlargement of major airways, but epidemiological studies are lacking, and currently the most available data about it come from case reports, making it difficult to collate changes in a particular patient to those in previously published cases.The aim of this work is to systematically review cases published in the last 25 years and to use descriptive statistics to summarize the patient demographic and clinical information therein in order to acquire details about patient clinical characteristics.MethodsCases published in world literature between 1987 and 2013 were sought and reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. Cases were included only if patient's age was at least 18 years, and a computed tomography scan with tracheal measurements was available.ResultsAn 8:1 male predominance was found in 89 identified reports (128 cases). Mean age was 53.9 years, and average tracheal diameter was 36.1 mm. No correlation between increasing age and increasing tracheal diameter was found. Bronchiectasis, tracheal diverticulosis and tracheobronchial dyskinesia were common (49.2%, 33.6% and 28.9%, respectively). Cough, dyspnea and recurrent respiratory infections (71.1%, 51.6% and 50.8%, respectively) were the most common complaints.ConclusionsThe data confirm that syndrome mostly manifests with nonspecific respiratory symptoms and is significantly more common in males. Importantly, there was no connection between age and airway diameter, a fact that could mean that the enlargement does not progress over time, and its severity depends on some other yet undetermined factors.
Toward a Dynamic Theory of Global Production Networks
Authors: Yeung Henry Wai‐chung , Coe Neil M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractGlobal production networks (GPN) are organizational platforms through which actors in different regional and national economies compete and cooperate for a greater share of value creation, transformation, and capture through geographically dispersed economic activity. Existing conceptual frameworks on global value chains (GVC) and what we termGPN1.0tend to under‐theorize the origins and dynamics of these organizational platforms and to overemphasize their governance typologies (e.g., modular, relational, and captive modes inGVCtheory) or analytical categories (e.g., power and embeddedness inGPN1.0). Building on this expanding literature, our article aims to contribute toward the reframing of existingGPN‐GVCdebates and the development of a more dynamic theory of global production networks that can better explain the emergence of different firm‐specific activities, strategic network effects, and territorial outcomes in the global economy. It is part of a wider initiative—GPN2.0 in short—that seeks to offer novel theoretical insights into why and how the organization and coordination of global production networks varies significantly within and across different industries, sectors, and economies. Taking an actor‐centered focus toward theory development, we tackle a significant gap in existing work by systematically conceptualizing thecausal driversof global production networks in terms of their competitive dynamics (optimizing cost‐capability ratios, market imperatives, and financial discipline) and risk environments. These capitalist dynamics are theorized as critical independent variables that shape the four main strategies adopted by economic actors in (re)configuring their global production networks and, ultimately, the developmental outcomes in different industries, regions, and countries.
Positionality Switch: Remapping Resource Communities in Russian Borderlands
Authors: Kortelainen Jarmo , Rannikko Pertti 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article elaborates on the contested periphery approach and related local models. Some economic geographers argue that the peculiarities of resource peripheries cannot be understood with the help of economic theories designed in economic cores. The contested periphery approach was developed specifically for resource economies and stresses the importance of geographically variable interactions of stakeholder groups that channel broad institutional values (industrialism, regulationism, environmentalism, and aboriginalism) into peripheries. Along with local features, they create local models, and changes in relations occasionally remap the conditions for resource utilization. The contested periphery approach is based on comparisons between large territorial regions, but we argue that this does not provide sufficient tools to recognize the relationally formed heterogeneity of peripheries. Instead, this article focuses on the changing positionalities of local communities. We introduce the concept of positionality switch to highlight the ways abrupt shifts in the direction of relations alter local positionalities. Empirically, we explore two Russian forestry communities in the Finnish‐Russian borderland. Cross‐border trade connections and the shifting semipermeability of the boundary have greatly influenced the local model and remapped borderland communities. Reestablished timber export in the 1990s began to create a local model shaped by imported forestry technologies and work organization systems. In the 2000s, higher customs duties for wood and deteriorating transportation links cut off both the cross‐border and domestic connections leaving the settlements in limbo. The article concludes by arguing that the contested periphery approach and local models should be localized and supplemented with the concepts of positionality and positionality switch as well as contextually relevant concepts because they help to better understand the particularities and specific relations of each local model.