bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
White matter microstructure in opiate addiction
Authors: Bora Emre , Yücel Murat , Fornito Alex , Pantelis Christos , Harrison Ben J. , Cocchi Luca , Pell Gaby , Lubman Dan I. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTHeroin addiction has been associated with impaired neuronal connectivity and cognitive deficits. One mechanism that potentially explains these findings is alterations in white matter connectivity secondary to chronic opiate use. However, few studies have quantitavely examined white matter deficits in opiate addiction (OA). Here, we investigated white matter microstructure in OA using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We performed voxel‐wise analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) in 24 participants with OA and 29 healthy controls. The OA group showed reduced FA in multiple pathways including the corpus callosum, thalamic radiation and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. This FA reduction was mainly the result of increased radial diffusivity (λ⊥), indicative of myelin pathology. Longer duration of OA was also associated with axonal diffusivity (λ1), most robustly in superior longitudinal fasciculi and right frontal white matter suggesting axonal injury in long‐term users. Together, the findings indicate that chronic OA use has widespread and diverse effects on neuronal connectivity and function.
Diversity of antiviral‐resistant human cytomegalovirus in heart and lung transplant recipients
Authors: Iwasenko J.M. , Scott G.M. , Naing Z. , Glanville A.R. , Rawlinson W.D. 
Published: November 2010

J.M. Iwasenko, G.M. Scott, Z. Naing, A.R. Glanville, W.D. Rawlinson. Diversity of antiviral‐resistant human cytomegalovirus in heart and lung transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 145–153. All rights reservedAbstract: Immunocompromised transplant recipients are at high risk for human cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐related infection and disease. Antiviral prophylaxis and treatment have reduced CMV morbidity and mortality, but at times promote development of antiviral‐resistant CMV strains that can significantly contribute to adverse clinical outcomes in transplant recipients. We have investigated CMV genotypes in transplant recipients (bone marrow, stem cell, kidney, heart, lung, and liver) receiving antiviral prophylaxis or preemptive therapy or treatment, to determine the viral characteristics and clinical impact of antiviral‐resistant CMV in these different groups. Antiviral‐resistant CMV strains were detected by polymerase chain reaction sequencing of the CMV protein kinase (UL97) and viral DNA polymerase (UL54) genes from clinical specimens. A trend toward more frequent detection of multidrug resistance and co‐circulation of multiple resistant strains was seen in heart and lung transplant recipients compared with other transplantation types. A greater diversity and number of UL97 and UL54 mutations were observed in heart and lung transplant recipients; whereas antiviral‐resistant CMV infections in other transplant recipients were predominantly the result of a single mutant genotype. Furthermore, 43% (6/14) of CMV‐positive heart and lung transplant recipients were infected with CMV strains containing UL54 mutations conferring multidrug resistance compared with only 6% (1/18) of CMV‐positive recipients of other transplanted organs or stem cells. Emergence of CMV strains containing previously unrecognized UL54 mutations (F412S and D485N) also occurred in 1 lung and 1 heart transplant recipient. The development of these mutations under antiviral selective pressure, and clinical outcome of infection suggests these mutations are likely to confer antiviral resistance. Emergence of CMV antiviral resistance remains a significant issue in immunocompromised patients treated with antiviral agents, and emphasizes the relevance of regular antiviral resistance testing when designing optimal patient‐management strategies.
Fishing with a Bait or Lure: A Brief Review of the Cognitive Issues
Authors: Ruxton Graeme D. , Hansell Michael H. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBait fishing is a behaviour described in only 12 species of birds, seven of which belong to the family Ardeidae (herons), the remaining five are scattered among four other bird families. This behaviour is defined as having the following characteristics: (1) Objects placed by the bait fisher on the water are buoyant and within a radius at which the fisher can strike at prey. (2) The objects attract or distract the fisher’s prey, with the effect that the fisher enhances its chances of prey capture. A review of the literature indicates that bait items are both selected from and placed within the environment to achieve enhanced prey capture success. It is concluded that bait fishing is a real and distinctive behaviour. The evolutionary route to bait fishing has most likely been through an association between particular floating objects and the occurrence of fish prey. The repositioning of these floating objects and the collection of objects of similar character would have then been sufficient to achieve the bait fishing behaviour now seen. Bait fishing falls within a commonly used definition of tool use. However, it is argued that, as with tool use and tool making in general, this does not necessarily imply special cognitive ability. The rare occurrence of bait fishing both within and across species as could be an indication of cognitive constraint; but this remains undemonstrated. Alternatively, this rarity could be explained if fishing is rarely more profitable than alternative foraging tactics.
Does antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C prevent hepatocellular carcinoma?
Authors: Lok Anna Suk‐Fong 
Published: November 2010

AbstractApproximately 75% to 80% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) worldwide are attributed to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Thus, effective prevention of HBV and HCV infection and progression from acute HBV and HCV infection to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC might prevent as many as 450 000 deaths from HCC each year. The most effective approach to preventing HCC is to prevent HBV and HCV infection through vaccination. Indeed HBV vaccine is the first vaccine demonstrated to prevent cancers. However, a vaccine for HCV is not available and for persons who are chronically infected with HBV or HCV, antiviral therapy is the only option for preventing HCC. Direct evidence supporting a benefit of antiviral therapy on the prevention of HCC has been shown in a few randomized controlled trials. There is abundant evidence that antiviral therapy, in patients with long‐term virological response, can improve liver histology, providing indirect support that antiviral therapy may prevent HCC by slowing progression of liver disease and possibly even reversing liver damage. Nevertheless, the risk of HCC remains in patients with chronic HBV or chronic HCV infection if treatment is initiated after cirrhosis is established. These data indicate that treatment might be of greater benefit if instituted earlier in the course of chronic hepatitis B or C. Safer, more effective, and more affordable antiviral therapies are needed for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C so more patients can benefit from treatment and more HCCs can be prevented.
Anti‐adenoviral effect of interferon‐β and interferon‐γ in serotypes that cause acute keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Uchio Eiichi , Inoue Hirotoshi , Fuchigami Aki , Kadonosono Kazuaki 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground:  Interferons are currently used for hepatitis B and C virus infection; the effect of interferons against adenovirus has not been elucidated. It has been reported that interferon‐β and interferon‐γ were effective against adenovirus serotype 3. We investigated the anti‐adenoviral effect of interferon‐β and interferon‐γ in serotypes that cause acute keratoconjunctivitis, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in vitro.Design:  Experimental study carried out in a university.Samples:  Five strains of different serotypes of adenovirus, types 3 (AdV3; species B), 4 (species E), 8, 19a and 37 (species D) and interferon‐β and interferon‐γ for in vitro assay.Methods:  After pretreatment of A549 with serial dilution of interferons for 24 h, adenovirus was cultivated for 7 days, and adenoviral DNA was quantitatively measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Main Outcome Measures:  Number of virus copies after treatment and the 50% effective concentration (EC50).Results:  Interferon‐β showed a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on all serotypes. EC50 of interferon‐β ranged between 211 and 843 IU/mL. A similar tendency was observed with interferon‐γ. EC50 of interferon‐γ ranged between 133 and 9130 IU/mL. Among the serotypes, interferon‐γ exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on AdV37. In contrast, AdV4 showed the lowest sensitivity to interferon‐γ. Statistically significant dose dependency for both interferon‐β and interferon‐γ was observed in several serotypes.Conclusions:  These results suggest that both interferon‐β and interferon‐γ have anti‐adenoviral activity in vitro. Interferons have the potential to be used for local treatment of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, although further evaluation in animal models and clinical trials is necessary.
Keratoconus in Asians: demographics, clinical characteristics and visual function in a hospital‐based population
Authors: Khor Wei‐Boon , Wei Rui H , Lim Li , Chan Choi M , Tan Donald TH 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground:  To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics and visual function of Asian patients with keratoconus managed in a tertiary eye centre.Design:  Prospective cross‐sectional study.Participants:  116 patients with clinically evident or suspected keratoconus (on videokeratography) recruited over 11 months.Methods:  A standardised interview, full ophthalmic examination, refraction and corneal topography were performed. Visual function was assessed with the VF‐14 questionnaire.Main Outcome Measures:  Demographics, clinical characteristics and visual function.Results:  Mean age of our patients was 29.5 ± 9.40 years on enrolment, 62.9% were male, and the ethnic distribution was 60.3% Chinese, 13.8% Malays and 9.5% Indians. Clinically evident keratoconus was present bilaterally in 65 patients (56.0%) and unilateral keratoconus in five patients (4.3%). Five patients (4.3%) had a family history of keratoconus. The majority of patients were managed with contact lenses (60.8%) or glasses (24.5%). Eye rubbing was common (68%) as were asthma (26.3%) and eczema (18.4%). Conical protrusion was the commonest sign (75.3%). The mean cylinder was higher in keratoconus eyes compared with keratoconus suspect eyes (−4.01 vs. −1.27, P < 0.001), and best‐corrected visual acuity was poorer (0.19 vs. 0.05, P < 0.001). Unaided visual acuity was significantly worse with increasing age (P = 0.016). On the VF‐14, 32% scored 90 or less (out of 100), reflecting difficulties with vision‐related daily activities.Conclusions:  Our Asian patients with keratoconus had similar demographic and clinical characteristics to patients in Western populations. Even with apparently good visual acuity, some patients still experience substantial impairment in vision‐related activities.
The majority of colorectal resections require an open approach, even in units with a special interest in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Newman C. M. , Arnold S. J. , Coull D. B. , Linn T. Y. , Moran B. J. , Gudgeon A. M. , Cecil T. D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAim  Proponents suggest that laparoscopic colorectal resection might be achievable in up to 90% of cases, while keeping conversion rates below 10%. This unselected prospective case series reports on the proportion of patients having a completed laparoscopic colorectal resection in two units where laparoscopic colorectal practice is well established and readily available.Method  All patients undergoing elective and emergency colorectal resection during a 6‐month period were identified. The underlying pathology and the surgical approach (laparoscopic or open) were recorded. The contraindications to laparoscopic resection were also documented. The need and rationale for conversion to an open approach were recorded.Results  In total, 205 consecutive patients (160 elective and 45 emergency procedures) underwent colorectal resection for malignancy [117 (57%) patients] and benign pathology [88 (43%) patients]. Laparoscopic resection was attempted in 127/205 (62%) patients and 31/127 (24%) of these were converted to open surgery. The main reasons for not attempting laparoscopic resection were locally advanced disease and emergency surgery. The commonest reasons for conversion were advanced disease and to allow completion of rectal dissection and/or cross‐stapling of the rectum.Conclusion  Despite a special interest in laparoscopic colorectal surgery of the two colorectal units who provided the data for this study, fewer than half (96/205; 47%) of the patients in this consecutive unselected series who were undergoing major colorectal resection had the procedure completed laparoscopically.
An integrative taxonomic revision of the Cape Verdean skinks (Squamata, Scincidae)
Authors: Miralles Aurélien , Vasconcelos Raquel , Perera Ana , Harris David J. , Carranza Salvador 
Published: November 2010

Miralles, A., Vasconcelos, R., Perera, A., Harris, D. J. & Carranza, S. (2010). An integrative taxonomic revision of the Cape Verdean skinks (Squamata, Scincidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 16–44.A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the Cape Verdean skinks is proposed based on an integrative approach combining (i) a phylogenetic study pooling all the previously published molecular data, (ii) new population genetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear data resulting from additional sampling, together with (iii) a morphological study based on an extensive examination of the scalation and colour patterns of 516 live and museum specimens, including most of the types. All Cape Verdean species of skinks presently recognised, formerly regarded as members of the genera Mabuya Fitzinger, 1826 and Macroscincus Bocage, 1873 are considered as members of the Cape Verdean endemic genus Chioninia Gray, 1845. The new phylogeny and networks obtained are congruent with the previously published phylogenetic studies, although suggesting older colonization events (between 11.6 and 0.8 Myr old), and indicate the need for taxonomic changes. Intraspecific diversity has been analysed and points to a very recent expansion of Chioninia delalandii on the southern islands and its introduction on Maio, to a close connection between Chioninia stangeri island populations due to Pleistocene sea‐level falls and to a generally low haplotypic diversity due to the ecological and geological characteristics of the archipelago. Three new consistent morphological synapomorphies supporting two of the four main clades of the genus have been identified. The complex taxonomic status of Euprepes fogoensis O’Shaughnessy, 1874 has been resolved and a lectotype has been designated for this species; Chioninia fogoensis nicolauensis (Schleich, 1987) is elevated to species rank, whereas Chioninia fogoensis antaoensis (Schleich, 1987) is now regarded as a junior subjective synonym of C. fogoensis. Additionally, one new subspecies of Chioninia vaillanti and two of Chioninia spinalis are described (Chioninia vaillanti xanthotis ssp. n., Chioninia spinalis santiagoensis ssp. n. and Chioninia spinalis boavistensis ssp. n.) and a lectotype has been designated for Mabuia spinalis Boulenger, 1906. Finally, an identification key for the Chioninia species is presented.
Extranodal extension in node‐positive bladder cancer: the continuing controversy
Authors: Jeong In Gab , Ro Jae Y. , Kim Seong Cheol , You Dalsan , Song Cheryn , Hong Jun Hyuk , Ahn Hanjong , Kim Choung‐Soo 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Although extranodal extension in node‐positive patients may provide prognostic information in certain urological malignancies, contradictory results have been reported in node‐positive patients after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.We examined whether extranodal extension could have an impact on the outcomes of node‐positive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in a single large tertiary hospital. We have shown that the presence of extranodal extension was not an independent prognostic factor in node‐positive patients after radical cystectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer.OBJECTIVE• To examine whether extranodal extension (ENE) has an impact on the outcome of node‐positive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Of 543 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder between 1990 and 2007, 112 patients with lymph node metastasis detected on histological examination were evaluated with regard to recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) based on ENE status.RESULTS• The overall 5‐year RFS and DSS rates were 22.3% and 33.8%, respectively. ENE was observed in 41 (36.6%) of the 112 patients.• The presence of ENE was associated with advanced pathological nodal status (P= 0.004), more positive lymph nodes (P= 0.006), and higher lymph node density (P < 0.001).• The incidence of positive ENE increased with large positive lymph node diameter (P < 0.001).• Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node density (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.39, 95% CI 1.09–5.24, P= 0.029; and HR = 3.13, 1.43–6.84, P= 0.004) and use of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 1.80, 1.02–3.20, P= 0.041; and HR = 2.07, 1.13–3.79, P= 0.018) were significant predictors of RFS and DSS, respectively.• After adjustment for other prognostic factors, ENE was not significantly related to RFS (P= 0.825) and DSS (P= 0.961) by multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONS• The presence of ENE was not an independent prognostic factor in node‐positive patients after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.• Additional prospective studies are needed to determine the independent prognostic role of ENE.
Does the surgical technique for management of the distal ureter influence the outcome after nephroureterectomy?
Authors: Phé Véronique , Cussenot Olivier , Bitker Marc‐Olivier , Rouprêt Morgan 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? The resection of the distal ureter and its orifice is an oncological principle during radical nephroureterectomy which is based on the fact that it represents a part of the urinary tract exposed to a considerable risk of recurrence. After removal of the proximal part it is hardly possible to image or approach it by endoscopy during follow‐up.Recent publications on survival after nephroureterectomy do not allow the conclusion that removal of distal ureter and bladder cuff are useless. Several techniques of distal ureter removal have been described but they are not equivalent in term of oncological safety.• The standard treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT‐UCs) must obey oncological principles, which consist of a complete en bloc resection of the kidney and the ureter, as well as excision of a bladder cuff to avoid tumour seeding.• The open technique is the ‘gold standard’ of treatment to which all other techniques developed are necessarily compared, and various surgical procedures have been described.• The laparoscopic stapling technique maintains a closed system but risks leaving behind the ureteric and bladder cuff segments.• Transvesical laparoscopic detachment and ligation is a valid approach from an oncological stance but is technically difficult. The major inconvenience of the transurethral resection of the ureteric orifice and intussusception techniques is the potential for tumour seeding.• Management of the distal ureter via the robot‐assisted laparoscopic method is technically feasible, but outcomes from these procedures are still preliminary.• Therefore, prospective comparative studies with more thorough explorations of these techniques are needed to solve the dilemma of the management of the distal ureter during nephroureterectomy. However, bladder cuff excision should remain the standard of care irrespective of the stage of the disease.
Diabetes mellitus and health‐related quality of life in prostate cancer: 5‐year results from the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study
Authors: Thong Melissa S.Y. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke , Hoffman Richard M. , Albertsen Peter C. , Hamilton Ann S. , Stanford Janet L. , Penson David F. 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research) Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Comorbid diabetes can affect prostate cancer treatment decision‐making and outcomes. Few longitudinal studies have investigated the effect of comorbid diabetes on general and cancer‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in prostate cancer. Our study found that men with prevalent diabetes (pre‐prostate cancer diagnosis) generally had the poorest general HRQL, urinary control and sexual function scores over time, independent of treatment. Non‐diabetic men had the best scores and men with incident diabetes (post‐prostate cancer diagnosis) reported intermediate scores.OBJECTIVE • To investigate the association between prostate cancer, diabetes, and long‐term general and cancer‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in a cohort of men with non‐metastatic prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODS • We used data from self‐administered surveys to assess the HRQL of men with localized or locally advanced disease at 6 (baseline), 12, 24, and 60 months after initial diagnosis.• We examined changes in general and cancer‐specific HRQL with repeated measures analyses using a mixed‐model approach.RESULTS • In total, we evaluated 1811 men, including 13% with prevalent (pre‐prostate cancer diagnosis) diabetes, 12% with incident (post‐prostate cancer diagnosis) diabetes, and 75% who never reported being diagnosed with diabetes.• Generally, men with prevalent diabetes had the poorest scores on general HRQL and non‐diabetic men the best scores, independent of treatment.• Similarly, men with prevalent diabetes had the lowest urinary control and sexual function scores over time, while men without diabetes had the highest scores. Men with incident diabetes reported intermediate scores.CONCLUSION • Prostate cancer survivors with comorbid diabetes have poorer general and cancer‐specific HRQL than those without diabetes.