bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient Elastography to Assess Hepatic Fibrosis in Hemodialysis Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
Authors: Liu Chen-Hua , Liang Cheng-Chao , Huang Kai-Wen , Liu Chun-Jen , Chen Shih-I , Lin Jou-Wei , Hung Peir-Haur , Tsai Hung-Bin , Lai Ming-Yang , Chen Pei-Jer , Chen Jun-Herng , Chen Ding-Shinn , Kao Jia-Horng 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Although percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is the gold standard for staging hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) before renal transplantation or antiviral therapy, concerns exist about serious postbiopsy complications. Using transient elastography (TE, Fibroscan®) to predict the severity of hepatic fibrosis has not been prospectively evaluated in these patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A total of 284 hemodialysis patients with CHC were enrolled. TE and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were performed before PLB. The severity of hepatic fibrosis was staged by METAVIR scores ranging from F0 to F4. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of TE and APRI, taking PLB as the reference standard.

Results
The areas under curves of TE were higher than those of APRI in predicting patients with significant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2) (0.96 versus 0.84, P < 0.001), those with advanced hepatic fibrosis (≥F3) (0.98 versus 0.93, P = 0.04), and those with cirrhosis (F4) (0.99 versus 0.92, P = 0.13). Choosing optimized liver stiffness measurements of 5.3, 8.3, and 9.2 kPa had high sensitivity (93–100%) and specificity (88–99%), and 87, 97, and 93% of the patients with a fibrosis stage of ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were correctly diagnosed without PLB, respectively.

Conclusions
TE is superior to APRI in assessing the severity of hepatic fibrosis and can substantially decrease the need of staging PLB in hemodialysis patients with CHC.
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis
Authors: Davin Jean-Claude 
Published: March 2011

Summary
Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis is a rare kidney disease leading to chronic kidney disease in a non-negligible percentage of patients. Although retrospective studies suggest beneficial effects of some therapies, prospective randomized clinical trials proving treatment efficacy are still lacking. The dilemma of spontaneous recovery even in patients with severe clinical and histologic presentation and of late evolution to chronic kidney disease in patients with mild initial symptoms renders it difficult for clinicians to expose patients to treatment protocols that are not evidence-based. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of progression to chronic kidney disease in Henoch-Schönlein purpura patients could be achieved by designing prospective international multicenter studies looking at determinants of clinical and histopathological evolution as well as possible circulating and urinary markers of progression. Such studies should be supported by a database available on the web and a new histologic classification of kidney lesions. This paper reports clinical, pathologic, and experimental data to be used for this strategy and to assist clinicians and clinical trial designers to reach therapeutic decisions.
Chronic Kidney Disease Progression and Outcome According to Serum Phosphorus in Mild-to-Moderate Kidney Dysfunction
Authors: Bellasi Antonio , Mandreoli Marcora , Baldrati Leopoldo , Corradini Matteo , Di Nicolò Pierpaolo , Malmusi Giulio , Santoro Antonio 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Several factors might alter serum phosphate homeostasis and induce hyperhosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not requiring dialysis. However, whether and to what extent hyperphosphatemia is associated with a poor prognosis in different CKD patient groups remain to be elucidated.

Design, setting, participants & measurements
We utilized the “Prevenzione Insufficienza Renale Progressiva” (PIRP) database, a large project sponsored by the Emilia-Romagna Health Institute. PIRP is a collaborative network of nephrologists and general practitioners located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, aimed at increasing awareness of CKD complications and optimizing CKD patient care. We identified 1716 patients who underwent a GFR and serum phosphorous assessment between 2004 and 2007. We tested whether phosphate levels ≥4.3 mg/dl are associated with the risk of CKD progression or all causes of death.

Results
Older age and male sex were associated with lower phosphate levels. Instead, higher phosphate levels were noted in patients with diabetes. Patients with phosphate levels ≥4.3 mg/dl were at an increased risk of starting dialysis or dying (hazard ratio 2.04; 95% confidence interval [1.44, 2.90]). Notably, subgroup analyses revealed that the magnitude of the risk associated with hyperphosphatemia varied depending on age, sex, diabetes, and different stages of CKD.

Conclusions
These analyses lend support to the hypothesis that phosphorous abnormalities might have a negative effect on the residual renal function and prognosis in different groups of CKD patients. However, the risk associated with hyperphosphatemia might vary in specific CKD patient subgroups.
Fluid Balance, Diuretic Use, and Mortality in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Grams Morgan E. , Estrella Michelle M. , Coresh Josef , Brower Roy G. , Liu Kathleen D. 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Management of volume status in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is complex, and the role of diuretics is controversial. The primary objective was to elucidate the association between fluid balance, diuretic use, and short-term mortality after AKI in critically ill patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Using data from the Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (FACTT), a multicenter, randomized controlled trial evaluating a conservative versus liberal fluid-management strategy in 1000 patients with acute lung injury (ALI), we evaluated the association of post-renal injury fluid balance and diuretic use with 60-day mortality in patients who developed AKI, as defined by the AKI Network criteria.

Results
306 patients developed AKI in the first 2 study days and were included in our analysis. There were 137 in the fluid-liberal arm and 169 in the fluid-conservative arm (P = 0.04). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Post-AKI fluid balance was significantly associated with mortality in both crude and adjusted analysis. Higher post-AKI furosemide doses had a protective effect on mortality but no significant effect after adjustment for post-AKI fluid balance. There was no threshold dose of furosemide above which mortality increased.

Conclusions
A positive fluid balance after AKI was strongly associated with mortality. Post-AKI diuretic therapy was associated with 60-day patient survival in FACTT patients with ALI; this effect may be mediated by fluid balance.
The Efficacy and Safety of the 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors in Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, and Transplant Patients
Authors: Olyaei Ali , Greer Erin , Delos Santos Rowena , Rueda Jose 
Published: March 2011

Summary
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in Western civilizations, in particular in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Serum total cholesterol and LDL have been linked to the development of atherosclerosis and progression to CHD in the general population. However, the reductions of total and LDL cholesterol in the dialysis population have not demonstrated the ability to reduce the morbidity, mortality, and cost burden associated with CHD. The patients at greatest risk include those with pre-existing CHD, a CHD-risk equivalent, or multiple risk factors. However, data in the dialysis population are much less impressive, and the relationship between plasma cholesterol, cholesterol reduction, use of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, and reduction in incidence of CHD or effect on progression of renal disease have not been proven. Adverse event information from published trials indicates that agents within this class share similar tolerability and adverse event profiles. Hepatic transaminase elevations may occur in 1 to 2% of patients and is dose related. Myalgia, myopathy, and rhabodmyolysis occur infrequently and are more common in kidney transplant patients and patients with CKD. This effect appears to be dose related and may be precipitated by administration with agents that inhibit cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes. Caution should be exercised when coadministering any statin with drugs that metabolize through cytochrome P-450 IIIA-4 in particular fibrates, cyclosporine, and azole antifungals. Elderly patients with CKD are at greater risk of adverse drug reactions, and therefore the lowest possible dose of statins should be used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
Thrombolysis for Acute Stroke in Hemodialysis
Authors: Palacio Santiago , Gonzales Nicole R. , Sangha Navdeep S. , Birnbaum Lee A. , Hart Robert G. 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Although data are absent, it has been stated that thrombolysis is probably not safe in the treatment of acute stroke in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The objective of this study was for stroke experts to define the range of management concerning thrombolytic treatment of acute stroke in hemodialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Sixty-five stroke experts in thrombolytic therapy of acute ischemic stroke were queried regarding their personal experience in the use of thrombolysis in hemodialysis patients. Hypothetical case scenarios were presented.

Results
Of the 65 stroke experts who were queried, 40 (62%) responded. One-third of the responders had previously treated hemodialysis patients with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Most favored use of intravenous rt-PA for hemodialysis patients with acute ischemic stroke. When presented with a case of a patient who had recently undergone dialysis with a mildly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), 50% favored immediate intravenous thrombolysis. Seventy-eight percent of the experts would have considered an intra-arterial approach and would have preferred mechanical clot retrieval to thrombolysis.

Conclusions
Despite the acknowledged absence of data and prevalent concerns about bleeding risk, most surveyed experts favored its use. One-third reported treating hemodialysis patients with this therapy. Although these results do not substitute for data, they usefully define the range of current practice of stroke experts.
Monotone weak Lindelöfness
Authors: Bonanzinga Maddalena , Cammaroto Filippo , Pansera Bruno 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The definition of monotone weak Lindelöfness is similar to monotone versions of other covering properties: X is monotonically weakly Lindelöf if there is an operator r that assigns to every open cover U a family of open sets r(U) so that (1) ∪r(U) is dense in X, (2) r(U) refines U, and (3) r(U) refines r(V) whenever U refines V. Some examples and counterexamples of monotonically weakly Lindelöf spaces are given and some basic properties such as the behavior with respect to products and subspaces are discussed.
Omega-3 fatty acids and exercise: a review of their combined effects on body composition and physical performance
Authors: Tiryaki-Sönmez Gül , Schoenfeld Brad , Vatansever-Ozen Serife 
Published: March 2011

Omega-3 fatty acids and exercise: a review of their combined effects on body composition and physical performance
Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, and the long-chain n-3 derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, have been extensively researched for their nutritive effects. Among their many purported benefits, n-3 acids have been implicated as positive mediators of cardiovascular health and body composition. It has therefore been speculated that supplementation may enhance the beneficial effects of physical activity, potentiating greater reductions in body fat and improvements in exercise performance. This paper has three objectives: first, to assess the theoretical basis for a synergistic ef-fect when n-3 supplementation is combined with exercise; second, to review the literature as to specific findings on the subject and third, to make relevant conclusions and recommendations for future research.
"Green Chemical" Methods for the Regioselective Synthesis of 1-Hetarylsulfanyl-ω-Cyanoalkanes
Authors: Ābele E. , Ābele R. , Golomba Ļ. , Rubina K. , Višņevska J. , Beresņeva T. 
Published: March 2011

"Green Chemical" Methods for the Regioselective Synthesis of 1-Hetarylsulfanyl-ω-Cyanoalkanes
Novel "green chemical" methods for the synthesis of 1-hetarylthio-ω-cyanoalkanes were elaborated. Phase transfer catalyst ((CH3)4NBr) effect on yield of alkylation reaction was demonstrated. 1-Hetarylthio-ω-cyanoalkanes were isolated in 49-86% yields.
Genetic and epigenetic studies on populations of Deschampsia antarctica Desv. from contrasting environments on King George Island
Authors: Chwedorzewska Katarzyna , Bednarek Piotr 
Published: March 2011

Genetic and epigenetic studies on populations ofDeschampsia antarcticaDesv. from contrasting environments on King George IslandPopulations of Antarctic hairgrassDeschampsia antarcticaDesv. from King George Island exhibit variation in many traits. The reason for that is not evident and could be addressed to variable environmental conditions. Obviously, phenotypic variation could be due to stable or temporal changes in expression pattern as the result of adaptation. Stable changes could be due to mutations or site DNA methylation variation that modified expression pattern. Recently, MetAFLP approach was proposed to study such effects. A variant of methylation sensitive AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism), based on the isoschizomeric combinationsAcc65I/MseI andKpnI/MseI was applied to analyze the sequence and site DNA methylation differences between twoD. antarcticapopulations exhibiting morphological dissimilarities. Both DNA sequence mutations and site methylation pattern alternations were detected among and within analyzed populations. It is assumed that such changes might have originated as the response to environmental conditions that induced site methylation alternations leading to phenotypic variation ofD. antarcticapopulations from South Shetland Islands.
Cenozoic stress field in the southwestern Antarctic Peninsula from brittle mesostructures in Wright Peninsula, Adelaide Island
Authors: Maestro Adolfo , López-Martínez Jerónimo 
Published: March 2011

Cenozoic stress field in the southwestern Antarctic Peninsula from brittle mesostructures in Wright Peninsula, Adelaide IslandPalaeostresses inferred from brittle mesostructures in the southern Wright Peninsula show a stress field characterized by compressional, strike-slip and extensional regime stress states. The compressional stress (σ1) shows a main NW-SE direction and the extensional stress (σ3) shows a relative scattering with two main modes: NE-SW to E-W and NW-SE. The maximum horizontal stress (σy) has a bimodal distribution with NW-SE and NE-SW direction. The compressional orientation is related to subduction of the former Phoenix Plate under the Antarctic Plate from the Early Jurassic to the Early Miocene. Extensional structures within a broad-scale compressional stress field can be related to both the decrease in relative stress magnitudes from active margins to intraplate regions and stretching processes occurring in eastern Adelaide Island, which develop a fore-arc or intra-arc basin from the Early Miocene. Stress states with NW-SE-trending σ1are compatible with the dominant pattern established for the western Antarctic Peninsula. NW-SE orientations of σ3suggest the occurrence of tectonic forces coming from fore-arc extension along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
Spesia antarctica gen. et sp. nov. - a new fertile fern spike from the Jurassic of Antarctica
Authors: Ociepa Anna , Barbacka Maria 
Published: March 2011

Spesia antarctica gen. et sp. nov. - a new fertile fern spike from the Jurassic of Antarctica
The well-known Jurassic macrofloras from Hope Bay at the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula continue to yield new taxa. This paper reports on a new type of plant reproductive organ. The affinity of this organ remains unclear; it may be affiliated with the Schizaceae or Osmundaceae, but similarities to pollen organs of the Podocarpaceae are also discussed. Because the fossils differ from hitherto known Mesozoic fertile fronds and conifer pollen organs in some details, the new taxon, Spesia antarctica nov. gen. et sp. is proposed.
Incidence patterns for primary malignant spinal cord gliomas: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results study
Authors: Hsu Steven , Quattrone Marisa , Ostrom Quinn , Ryken Timothy C. , Sloan Andrew E. , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. 
Published: March 2011

Object
Primary malignant spinal glioma represents a significant clinical challenge due to the devastating effect on clinical outcomes in the majority of cases. As they are infrequently encountered in any one center, there has been limited population-based data analysis on the incidence patterns of these aggressive tumors. The objective of this study was to use publically available Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program data to examine the overall incidence and incidence patterns over time with regard to age at diagnosis, sex, race, primary site of tumor, and histological subtype in patients in whom primary malignant spinal cord gliomas were diagnosed between 1973 and 2006.

Methods
The study population of interest was limited to primary, malignant, pathologically confirmed spinal cord gliomas based on data drawn from the SEER 9 standard registries for patients diagnosed between 1973 and 2006. Variables of interest included age at diagnosis, sex, race, primary site of tumor, and histological subtype of tumor. The SEER*Stat 6.5.2 program was used to calculate frequencies, age-adjusted incidence rates with 95% CIs, and annual percentage change (APC) statistics with a 2-sided p value. In addition, linear correlation coefficients (R2) were calculated for the time association stratified by variables of interest.

Results
The overall age-adjusted incidence rate for primary malignant spinal gliomas was 0.12 per 100,000, which increased significantly over the study period (APC = 1.74; p = 0.0004; R2 = 0.36). The incidence was highest in patients diagnosed at ages 35–49 (0.17 per 100,000), males (0.14 per 100,000), whites (0.13 per 100,000), and those with ependymomas (0.07 per 100,000). Over the study period, the incidence of ependymomas increased significantly (APC = 3.17; p < 0.0001; R2 = 0.58) as did the incidence of these tumors in whites (APC = 2.13; p = 0.0001) and for both males (APC = 1.90, p value < 0.0001) and females (APC = 1.60, p < 0.0001). The authors found no significant changes in the incidence over time by age of diagnosis.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates an increasing overall incidence of primary, malignant spinal cord glioma over the past 3 decades. Notably, for ependymoma the incidence has increased, whereas the incidence of most other glioma subtypes remained stable. This may be due to improved diagnostic and surgical techniques, changes in histological classification criteria, and changes in neuropathology diagnostic criteria. Although primary, malignant spinal cord gliomas are rare, an improved understanding of the incidence will assist investigators and clinicians in planning potential studies and preparing for allocation of resources to care for these challenging patients.
Clinical features of the extension teardrop fracture of the axis: review of 13 cases
Authors: Watanabe Masahiko , Sakai Daisuke , Yamamoto Yukihiro , Sato Masato , Mochida Joji 
Published: March 2011

Object
Extension teardrop fracture of the axis is an extremely rare cervical spinal injury. The classic clinical features, which have mainly been described by radiologists rather than spine surgeons, include its occurrence in elderly patients with osteoporosis, an association with minimal or no prevertebral soft-tissue swelling, and an absence of associated neurological deficit. However, recent case studies indicate notable exceptions to these clinical features, although few studies have investigated osteoporosis in these patients. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the clinical features of extension teardrop fracture of the axis.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in 13 patients with regard to their injury etiology, neurological deficit, treatment and outcome (residual neck pain), and imaging findings (size and displacement of the fragment, C2–3 subluxation, disc injury, and osteoporosis of the axis).

Results
Extension teardrop fracture of the axis constituted 11.6% of upper cervical spinal injuries at the authors' institute. The mean age of the patients was 49.5 years and distinct osteoporosis was identified in only 1 patient. A C2–3 subluxation was observed in 2 patients, in whom the displacement of the fragment was significant, although its size did not appear to have an effect. Magnetic resonance imaging, undertaken in 7 patients within 48 hours of injury, showed no disc injuries. Instability of the cervical spine was absent in all patient at follow-up. Only one patient underwent surgery for the presenting symptoms of dysphagia. The other patients were treated conservatively. The authors examined 9 patients directly; these patients had bony fusion and did not complain of neck pain, except for a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis.

Conclusions
Extension teardrop fracture of the axis is generally caused by hyperextension of the cervical spine caused by a direct high-energy blow to the forehead or mandible. Based on the present case study, the authors believe that osteopenia and older age should not be considered risk factors. Most patients with an extension teardrop fracture of the axis can be treated conservatively, and surgical intervention may only be indicated for specific cases, such as those in which a patient presents with dysphagia or with other complicated fractures.