bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function in individuals who underwent liver transplantation: From the US cystic fibrosis foundation registry
Authors: Miller Melissa R. , Sokol Ronald J. , Narkewicz Michael R. , Sontag Marci K. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Severe liver disease affects 4.5% to 10% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and is the third-leading cause of death. Liver transplantation (LT) is an accepted therapy, but the effects of liver disease and LT on pulmonary function in patients with CF are controversial. Our aim was to characterize changes in pulmonary function in LT patients with CF. Using mixed effect models, we analyzed pulmonary function before and after transplantation in 168 LT patients and 840 non-LT patients with CF who were matched by age, sex, pancreatic status, infections with US CF Foundation Patient Registry data (1989-2007). The primary outcome was the change in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; percent predicted) in LT and non-LT in the 3-years periods before or after transplantation; second we compared FEV1 changes. In the 3 years before transplantation, LT had lower initial FEV1 values (71.5% ± 1.9%, P < 0.001) and a slower decline (+0.1% ± 0.4%/year, P < 0.001) than non-LT (79.6% ± 1.3% and −1.3% ± 0.2%/year, respectively). There was no difference in the FEV1 decline after transplantation (−1.4% ± 0.4%/year for LT versus −2.1% ± 0.2%/year for non-LT, P = 0.14). Both the (P = 0.003) and (P = 0.001) had a slower FEV1 decline in the period before transplantation versus after transplantation. In conclusion, pulmonary function is lower and declines more slowly in patients with CF before LT versus, but parallels the decline in non-LT after transplantation. LT is neither beneficial nor detrimental to pulmonary function in CF but returns FEV1 decline to the same trajectory found for matched non-LT individuals with CF. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Transient elastography identifies liver recipients with nonviral graft disease after transplantation: A guide for liver biopsy
Authors: Rigamonti Cristina , Fraquelli Mirella , Bastiampillai Anan Judina , Caccamo Lucio , Reggiani Paolo , Rossi Giorgio , Colombo Massimo , Donato Maria Francesca 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Transient elastography (TE) reliably predicts the severity of recurrent hepatitis C virus after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT); however, its accuracy in evaluating nonviral liver graft damage is unknown. Between 2006 and 2009, 69 OLT recipients [37 for hepatitis B virus/hepatitis D virus (recurrence-free), 20 for autoimmune/cholestatic liver disease, 6 for alcoholic liver disease, and 6 for mixed etiologies] underwent protocol/on-demand liver biopsy (LB) and concomitant TE. A histological diagnosis of graft disease was made according to criteria defined by the Banff working group. Sixty-five patients (94%) had reliable TE examinations during a median post-OLT follow-up of 18 months (range = 7-251 months). LB samples (median length = 35 mm) showed graft damage in 28 patients (43%): idiopathic chronic hepatitis (11), steatohepatitis (3), rejection (3), cholangitis (2), and autoimmune/cholestatic recurrence (9). Patients with graft damage had significantly higher serum liver enzyme levels and TE results (median = 7.8 kPa, range = 5.4-27.4 kPa) than the 37 patients without graft damage (median = 5.3 kPa, range = 3.1-7.4 kPa, P < 0.001). By a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, 2 TE cutoffs for the diagnosis of graft damage were identified: 5.3 kPa with 100% sensitivity and 7.4 kPa with 100% specificity. The pretest probability of graft damage was 43%; in patients with TE values ≤5.3 kPa, the posttest probability of graft damage fell to 0%, but in patients with TE results >7.4 kPa, the posttest probability increased to 100%. In conclusion, the dual TE cutoff allows accurate discrimination between the absence and presence of nonviral liver graft damage and improves the clinical management of OLT recipients in terms of the selection of patients most in need of LB. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Four hundred thirty consecutive pediatric living donor liver transplants: Variables associated with posttransplant patient and graft survival
Authors: Neto Joao Seda , Pugliese Renata , Fonseca Eduardo A. , Vincenzi Rodrigo , Pugliese Vincenzo , Candido Helry , Stein Alberto B. , Benavides Marcel , Ketzer Bernardo , Teng Hsiang , Porta Gilda , Miura Irene K. , Baggio Vera , Guimaraes Teresa , Porta Adriana , Rodrigues Celso Arrais , Carnevale Francisco C. , Carone Eduardo , Kondo Mario , Chapchap Paulo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The availability of living donors allows transplant teams to indicate living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) early in the course of liver disease before the occurrence of life-threatening complications. Late referral to transplant centers is still a problem and can compromise the success of the procedure. The aim of this study was to examine the perioperative factors associated with patient and graft survival for 430 consecutive pediatric LDLT procedures at Sirio-Libanes Hospital/A. C. Camargo Hospital (São Paulo, Brazil) between October 1995 and April 2011. The studied pretransplant variables included the following: recipient age and body weight, Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease score, z score for height/age, bilirubin, albumin, international normalized ratio, hemoglobin, sodium, presence of ascites, and previous surgery. The analyzed technical aspects included the graft-to-recipient weight ratio and the use of vascular grafts for portal vein reconstruction. In addition, the occurrence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), portal vein thrombosis (PVT), and biliary complications was also analyzed. The liver grafts included 348 left lateral segments, 5 monosegments, 51 left lobes, and 9 right lobes. In a univariate analysis, an age < 12 months, a low body weight (≤10 kg), malnutrition, hyperbilirubinemia, and HAT were associated with decreased patient and graft survival after LDLT. In a multivariate analysis, a body weight ≤ 10 kg and HAT were significantly associated with decreased patient and graft survival. The use of vascular grafts significantly increased the occurrence of PVT. In conclusion, a low body weight (≤10 kg) and the occurrence of HAT independently determined worse patient and graft survival in this large cohort of pediatric LDLT patients. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Increasing disparity in waitlist mortality rates with increased model for end-stage liver disease scores for candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma versus candidates without hepatocellular carcinoma#*
Authors: Goldberg David , French Benjamin , Abt Peter , Feng Sandy , Cameron Andrew M. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria (MC) receive standardized Model for End-Stage LIver Disease (MELD) exception points because of the projected risk of tumor expansion beyond the MC. Exception points at listing are meant to be equivalent to a 15% rusj if 90-day mortality, with additional points granted every 3 months, equivalent to a 10% increased morality risk. We analyzed the United Network for Organ Sharing database (January 1, 2005 to May 31, 2009) to compare the 90-day waitlist outcomes of HCC candidates and non-HCC candidates with similar MELD scores. Two hundred fifty-nine HCC candidates (4.1%) who were initially listed with 22 MELD exception points were removed because of death or clinical deterioration within 90 days of listing, whereas 283 non-HCC candidates (11.0%) with initial laboratory MELD scores of 21 to 23 were removed. Ninety-three HCC candidates (4.6%) with 25 exception points (after 3-6 months of waiting) were removed because of death or clinical deterioration within 90 days, whereas 805 non-HCC candidates (17.3%) with laboratory MELD scores of 24 to 26 were removed. Twenty HCC candidates (3.0%) with 28 exception points (after 6-9 months of waiting) were removed for death or clinical deterioration within 90 days, whereas 646 non-HCC candidates (23.6%) with laboratory MELD scores of 27 to 29 were removed. In multivariate logistic regression models, HCC candidates had significantly lower 90-day odds of waitlist removal for death or clinical deterioration (P < 0.001). Over time, the risk of waitlist removal for death or clinical deterioration was unchanged for HCC candidates (P = 0.17), whereas it increased significantly for non-HCC candidates. The current allotment of HCC exception points should be re-evaluated because of the stable risk of waitlist dropout for these candidates. Liver Transpl 18:434–443, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Impact of nighttime and weekend liver transplants on graft and patient outcomes
Authors: Orman Eric S. , Hayashi Paul H. , Dellon Evan S. , Gerber David A. , Barritt Sidney A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Safety concerns have been raised about nighttime and weekend patient care, but it is unknown whether these issues affect liver transplantation. We sought to identify the impact of nighttime and weekend liver transplants on graft and patient survival. We used the United Network for Organ Sharing database to review adult liver transplants from 1987 to 2010. Comparisons were made between nighttime and daytime operations and between weekday and weekend operations. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) were determined 30, 90, and 365 days after transplantation after we controlled for relevant factors; 94,768 transplants were included in the analysis. The patient survival rates at 30, 90, and 365 days for nighttime operations were 96%, 93%, and 86%, respectively. The patient survival rates at 30, 90, and 365 days for weekend operations were 95%, 92%, and 86%, respectively. These rates did not significantly differ from those for daytime and weekday operations, respectively. The graft failure rate was unchanged at 30 and 90 days for weekend transplants but was modestly increased at 365 days [HR = 1.05 (95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.11)]. Graft survival was unaffected by nighttime transplantation. Nighttime and weekend operations for liver transplantation do not affect patient or graft survival, and this testifies to the patient safety measures in place. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Investigating the Architecture of Segmented and Branched Polymers under Random Scission by Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Iedema Piet D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe “reverse” problem of finding the properties of the linear constituting segments of linear, but segmented chains and of polymer molecules with terminal branch points of a given chain length distribution and number of connectivity or branch points is addressed. An iterative method based on a uniform segmental end point connectivity proves to be successful for both segmented chains and terminal‐branched molecules of arbitrary length distribution. Convergence is achieved using a straightforward back‐substitution scheme. A bivariate chain length/number of branch points distribution is constructed. The method is successfully applied to completely solve the problem of simultaneous random scission of an initially terminal‐branched polymer.magnified image
A QM Approach to the Calculation of Reactivity Ratios in Free‐Radical Copolymerization
Authors: Dossi Marco , Moscatelli Davide 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAll previously published results in the field of predicting copolymer reactivity and composition are collected, along with new, recently determined parameters. The copolymerizations of a variety of monomers, including styrene, acrylates, methacrylates and vinyl acetate, are investigated. In particular, the monomer and radical reactivity ratios for ST/HEMA, ST/GMA, ST/BMA, ST/HEA, MMA/VAc, ST/MMA, and ST/EA are calculated. Good agreement between the computational and experimental results is obtained for comparisons of the determined parameters with the experimental data available in the literature. In addition, some of the computed reactivity ratios are determined in this work for the first time, and they can be used as an initial guess for future experiments.magnified image
Analytical solutions for Euler–Bernoulli beam on visco‐elastic foundation subjected to moving load
Authors: Basu Dipanjan , Kameswara Rao N. S. V. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYAnalytical solutions for the steady‐state response of an infinite beam resting on a visco‐elastic foundation and subjected to a concentrated load moving with a constant velocity are developed in this paper. The beam responses investigated are deflection, bending moment, shear force and contact pressure. The mechanical resistance of the foundation is modeled using two parameters ks and ts — ks accounts for soil resistance due to compressive strains in the soil and ts accounts for the resistance due to shear strains. Since this model represents the ground behavior more accurately than the Winkler spring model, the developed solutions produce beam responses that are closer to reality than those obtained using the existing solutions for Winkler model. The dynamic beam responses depend on the damping present in the system and on the velocity of the moving load. Based on the study, dynamic amplification curves are developed for beam deflection. Such amplification curves for deflection, bending moment, shear force and contact pressure can be developed for any beam‐foundation system and can be used in design. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micromechanical modeling of mortar as a matrix‐inclusion composite with drying effects
Authors: Chen D. , Shen W. Q. , Shao J. F. , Yurtdas I. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYA micromechanical analysis is presented for the description of elastic and plastic behavior of a cement‐based material (mortar). The mortar is considered as a composite material constituted with cement paste and sand grain. The mechanical behavior of cement paste is described by an elastoplastic model, while a linear elastic behavior is adopted for sand grains. A non‐linear homogenization approach based on Hill's incremental model is proposed for the determination of macroscopic properties of mortar composite. Further, influences of water saturation degree on mechanical behavior are taken into account by considering capillary effects on plastic deformation of cement paste. Comparisons between numerical simulations and experimental data are presented.Highlights:We propose a homogenization method for non‐linear cement‐based materials.We take into account local properties of constituent phases of composite.The effects of drying process on effective behavior are considered.Numerical simulations agree well with experimental data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What was hot at the ICS meeting Glasgow, Scotland, 2011
Authors: Cartwright Rufus , Mangera Altaf , Tikkinen Kari A.O. , Chapple Christopher 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn late August 2011 the annual ICS meeting returned to Glasgow, for a week of Scottish themed socializing and scientific debate. In this overview of the scientific programme we have tried to highlight some of the themes of the meeting, looking at new directions for continence basic science, and focusing on abstracts with important implications for clinical practice. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:2–6, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Succinct greedy drawings do not always exist
Authors: Angelini Patrizio , Di Battista Giuseppe , Frati Fabrizio 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA greedy drawing is a graph drawing containing a distance‐decreasing path for every pair of nodes. A path (v0,v1,…,vm) is distance‐decreasing if d(vi,vm) < d(vi‐1,vm), for i = 1,…,m. Greedy drawings easily support geographic greedy routing. Hence, a natural and practical problem is the one of constructing greedy drawings in the plane using few bits for representing vertex Cartesian coordinates and using the Euclidean distance as a metric. We show that there exist greedy‐drawable graphs that do not admit any greedy drawing in which the Cartesian coordinates have less than a polynomial number of bits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
First‐day step‐down to oral outpatient treatment versus continued standard treatment in children with cancer and low‐risk fever in neutropenia. A randomized controlled trial within the multicenter SPOG 2003 FN study
Authors: Brack Eva , Bodmer Nicole , Simon Arne , Leibundgut Kurt , Kühne Thomas , Niggli Felix K. , Ammann Roland A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe standard treatment of fever in chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia (FN) includes emergency hospitalization and empirical intravenous antimicrobial therapy. This study determined if first‐day step‐down to oral outpatient treatment is not inferior to continued standard regarding safety and efficacy in children with low‐risk FN.ProcedureIn a randomized controlled non‐blinded multicenter study, pediatric patients with FN after non‐myeloablative chemotherapy were reassessed after 8–22 hours of inpatient intravenous antimicrobial therapy. Low‐risk patients were randomized to first‐day step‐down to experimental (outpatient, oral amoxicillin plus ciprofloxacin) versus continued standard treatment. Exact non‐inferiority tests were used for safety (no serious medical complication; non‐inferiority margin of difference, 3.5%) and efficacy (resolution of infection without recurrence, no modification of antimicrobial therapy, no adverse event; 10%).ResultsIn 93 (26%) of 355 potentially eligible FN episodes low‐risk criteria were fulfilled, and 62 were randomized, 28 to experimental (1 lost to follow‐up) and 34 to standard treatment. In intention‐to‐treat analyses, non‐inferiority was not proven for safety [27 of 27 (100%) vs. 33 of 34 (97%; 1 death) episodes; 95% upper confidence border, 6.7%; P = 0.11], but non‐inferiority was proven for efficacy [23 of 27 (85%) vs. 26 of 34 (76%) episodes; 95% upper confidence border, 9.4%; P = 0.045]. Per‐protocol analyses confirmed these results.ConclusionsIn children with low‐risk FN, the efficacy of first‐day step‐down to oral antimicrobial therapy with amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin in an outpatient setting was non‐inferior to continued hospitalization and intravenous antimicrobial therapy. The safety of this procedure, however, was not assessable with sufficient power. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:423–430. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experience with high dose methotrexate therapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a tertiary care cancer centre of a developing country
Authors: Kapoor Gauri , Sinha Rupal , Abedin Sarfraz 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundIntensification of systemic chemotherapy with inclusion of high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) has helped omit cranial irradiation from standard risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) protocols, thereby eliminating the adverse side effects associated with its use. Administration of HDMTX needs meticulous monitoring. Limitations in the availability of trained staff and adequate infrastructure often pose problems in the developing world. The aim of this study was (1) to treat childhood ALL with a protocol that would have reduced use of cranial irradiation and containing infusions of high‐dose methotrexate HDMTX (5 g/m2) without compromising on survival, and (2) evaluate the experience with HDMTX in a tertiary care cancer centre in a developing country.MethodsA retrospective chart review was done of 41 consecutive children with a confirmed diagnosis of ALL who had received at least one cycle of HDMTX as part of their consolidation treatment with regard to the patient demographic profile, details of HDMTX infusion and leucovorin rescue, toxicity, additional hospitalization, delay in next cycle of chemotherapy and survival.ResultsThe clinically most significant toxicities observed were mucositis 39% (58/149) and fever 28% (42/149) together leading to additional hospital stay in 7% (11/149) cycles and neutropenia grade 3 or more in 24.8% (34/137) contributing to delay in next cycle of chemotherapy in 15% (23/149) cycles.ConclusionWith this strategy, it was possible to omit or reduce the dose of cranial irradiation while maintaining survival outcomes. The administration of HDMTX therapy was found to be feasible and safe with the precautions described. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:448–453. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The efficacy and toxicity of SIOP preoperative chemotherapy in Malawian children with a Wilms tumour
Authors: Israels Trijn , Chagaluka George , Pidini Dalida , Caron Huib , de Kraker Jan , Kamiza Steve , Borgstein Eric , Molyneux Liz 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn Malawi, preoperative chemotherapy for Wilms tumour is a logical strategy, but detailed information on toxicity and efficacy in such a resource limited setting has been unavailable.ProcedurePatients diagnosed with a unilateral Wilms tumour received preoperative chemotherapy—a two‐drug 4‐week regimen for localized disease and 6 weeks of a three‐drug regimen for metastatic disease. Estimated maximum tumour diameter, decrease in tumour size, resectability, stage distribution and haematological toxicity during therapy were documented.ResultsAt diagnosis, 28% of 72 patients had an estimated maximum tumour diameter of more than 25 cm; 29% of patients had metastases. Eight children (11%) died during preoperative chemotherapy. More than half (59%) of the patients developed moderate neutropenia (neutrophils <1.0 × 109/L; CTC grade 3) and 27% severe neutropenia (CTC grade 4 neutrophils <0.5 × 10.9/L). Grade 4 neutropenia occurred significantly more frequently in children receiving the three‐drug regimen compared to the two‐drug regimen; 50% (10/20) versus 15% (6/40) (P = 0.004). Fifty‐seven percent of all patients had CTC grade 4 anaemia (Hb < 6.5 g/dL) during treatment. Most tumours (92%, 56/61) showed a response to chemotherapy but 14% (8/58) remained unresectable.ConclusionPreoperative chemotherapy for Wilms tumour causes considerable haematological toxicity and treatment‐related mortality in malnourished Malawian children. A significant number of children have unresectable disease despite preoperative chemotherapy. To reduce treatment related mortality, consideration should be given to starting treatment with reduced doses in acutely malnourished patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:636–641. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of patient reported outcomes on the discussion of psychosocial issues in children with cancer
Authors: Engelen Vivian , van Zwieten Myra , Koopman Hendrik , Detmar Symone , Caron Huib , Brons Paul , Egeler Maarten , Kaspers Gert‐Jan , Grootenhuis Martha 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigates the effect of using patient reported outcomes (PROs) about health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in clinical practice on the type and amount of psychosocial topics discussed during a paediatric oncology consultation.ProcedureChildren (N = 193) with cancer participated in a sequential cohort intervention study, with a control (no PRO was used) and intervention group (a PRO was used). For each child three consecutive consultations with the paediatric oncologist were audio recorded in order to assess the discussed psychosocial topics. One third of the audio recordings were qualitatively analysed.ResultsThe type of the discussed psychosocial topics in the control and intervention group did not differ from each other. However, the discussion of psychosocial topics increased in the intervention group compared to the control group. In both groups, topics within the social domain occurred most frequently and topics regarding the emotional domain had the lowest incidence.ConclusionsPROs do not change the psychosocial content of communication. Paediatric oncologists already address psychosocial issues during the consultation, regardless of the use of a PRO. However, with a PRO available they address these issues more systematically and more often. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 161–166. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.