bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sentinel node detection in renal cell carcinoma. A feasibility study for detection of tumour‐draining lymph nodes
Authors: Sherif Amir M. , Eriksson Elisabeth , Thörn Magnus , Vasko Janos , Riklund Katrine , Öhberg Lars , Ljungberg Börje J. 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Sentinel node detection in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a completely new field. This method of nodal detection can be utilized as a starting point for adoptive immunotherapy, only previously described in colon cancer and in advanced urothelial cancer of the urinary bladder. The study adds a description of available methods and techniques for sentinel node detection in RCC.OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of performing sentinel node detection in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An open series of 13 arbitrarily selected patients with T1b–T3b RCC scheduled for radical nephrectomy at a single Tertiary Academic Centre were examined with different modalities of sentinel node detection.
Preoperative ultrasonography‐guided injection of radioactive isotope, lymphoscintigram and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, followed by intraoperative gamma‐probe detection and Patent Blue detection, as well as postoperative scintigram of the main specimen were the planned interventions.
These investigations were performed in conjunction with intended open radical nephrectomy.
RESULTS
In 10 of the 13 patients sentinel node detection was achieved with 32 sentinel nodes displayed.
Radio‐guided surgery using an intraoperative gamma‐probe resulted in the highest realtive detection rate with detection of sentinel nodes in nine patients.
In total, nine metastatic sentinel nodes were detected in three patients.
One patient, preoperatively staged as N+, was restaged after sentinel node detection and histopathology as pN0.
CONCLUSIONS
Sentinel node detection in renal tumours is feasible although evaluation of different modes of detection needs further refinement and standardization.
All nodes preoperatively detected by routine computed tomography as suspicious metastatic lesions were confirmed as sentinel nodes, including two nodes considered as metastatic by preoperative routine imaging but ultimately staged as non‐metastatic sentinel nodes.
Chemotherapy for advanced adrenal cancer: improvement from a molecular approach?
Authors: Costa Renata , Wesolowski Robert , Raghavan Derek 
Published: September 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Adrenal cancer is classically a silent tumour that is often advanced at presentation. Conventional approaches to systemic therapy have been associated with relatively low objective tumour response rates, and modest survival benefit. More recent approaches have implemented targeted therapies focused on gene expression of these tumours, with some sustained remissions reported.This review assesses the utility of conventional and novel systematic therapies for adrenal carcinoma, and points the way to future implementation of molecular biology in the design and execution of clinical trails for advanced adrenal carcinoma.Advanced adrenal carcinoma remains a significant therapeutic challenge, with conventional approaches to systemic therapy having failed to achieve sustained objective remissions or major survival benefit in most instances. Several systemic therapies, including mitotane, suramin and gossypol, as well as cytotoxic agents, such as cisplatin and etoposide, have produced responses of ≈15–30%, with median survival figures of ≈6–15 months, depending on case selection bias, with only <10% 5‐year survival rates. Recent preclinical and pathological studies have indicated a range of potential targets for drugs, including WNT/beta‐catenin, epidermal growth factor receptor, RAF and k‐RAS; similar applications in melanoma and renal carcinoma have achieved significant gains, and these targets are worthy of further, structured investigation. Advanced adrenal carcinoma constitutes an orphan disease, with a high mortality rate, and merits investment in clinical trials.
Is joint hypermobility associated with vesico‐ureteral reflux? An assessment of 50 patients
Authors: van Eerde Albertien M. , Verhoeven Virginie J.M. , de Jong Tom P.V.M. , van de Putte Elise M. , Giltay Jacques C. , Engelbert Raoul H.H. 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Aetiology (individual cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Recent studies have already shown associations between generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and voiding and defecation dysfunction and/or slow transit constipation. Changes in extracellular matrix composition in vesico‐ureteric junction of vesico‐ureteral reflux (VUR) patients were also observed previously.This study is the first to assess joint mobility as a parameter for connective tissue composition in vesico‐ureteral reflux. We convincingly demonstrate that VUR patients have significantly more hypermobile joints compared to controls and this provides a new angle to the intriguing subjects of development of VUR and susceptibility to VUR.OBJECTIVE
To assess whether there is an increased prevalence of joint hypermobility in patients with vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We studied 50 patients with primary VUR and matched controls drawn from a reference population.
Joint mobility was assessed using the Bulbena hypermobility score.
RESULTS
We identified significantly more patients with VUR with generalized joint hypermobility than controls (24% vs 6.7%, P= 0.007).
CONCLUSION
Our findings confirm our clinical observation of an increased rate of joint hypermobility in patients with VUR. We speculate that an altered composition of the connective tissue may contribute to the severity of the (pre‐existing) VUR phenotype.
Prospective multi‐centre study of adjustable single‐incision mini‐sling (Ajust®) in the management of stress urinary incontinence in women: 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Abdel‐Fattah Mohamed , Agur Wael , Abdel‐All Mohamed , Guerrero Karen , Allam Mohamed , Mackintosh Alison , Mostafa Alyaa , Yousef Mohamed 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (individual cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?A number of SIMS have been introduced into clinical practice in 2006 and has been so far shown to be inferior to standard mid urethral‐slings. Adjustable SIMS (Ajust) have been recently introduced into clinical practice however with little evidence on its safety and efficacy in surgical treatment of female SUI.SIMS‐Ajust® is associated with low rates of postoperative pain and peri‐operative morbidity and is both feasible and acceptable under local anaesthesia. The patient reported success rate at 1‐year is 80%.OBJECTIVES
To determine whether an adjustable single‐incision mini‐sling (SIMS, Ajust®) is safe and effective in the management of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at 12 months follow‐up.
To determine whether it is feasible to be performed under local anesthesia (LA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study is a multicentre prospective cohort study in which 90 female patients underwent SIMS‐Ajust® using a standardized insertion technique.
The last 45 women were offered the procedure under LA.
All patients completed their 12‐month follow‐up.
RESULTS
The patient‐reported success rate, using Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I), was 80% at 12 months follow‐up and a further 6% (n= 5) reported themselves to be ‘improved’.
In all, 32/45 (71%) patients agreed to undergo the procedure under LA while one patient required conversion to general anaesthetic.
There was no organ damage or requirement for blood transfusion.
Significantly lower rates of blood loss (P= 0.025) and postoperative voiding difficulties (P= 0.026) were seen in the LA group.
The re‐operation rate for SUI was 6% at 12 months.
CONCLUSIONS
SIMS (Ajust) appears to be a safe procedure, which is feasible under LA.
SIMS (Ajust) have an 80% patient‐reported success rate at 12 months follow‐up.
Prognostic significance of preoperative kidney volume for predicting renal function in renal cell carcinoma patients receiving a radical or partial nephrectomy
Authors: Jeon Hwang Gyun , Gong In Hyuck , Hwang Jin Ho , Choi Don Kyung , Lee Seung Ryeol , Park Dong Soo 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?At present, many studies have been executed to identify predictors for chronic kidney disease or renal insufficiency after radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. We examined whether preoperative kidney volume is a predictor for renal function after radical or partial nephrectomies in RCC patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the relationship between preoperative kidney volume and changes in renal function in RCC patients who underwent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy performed by one surgeon.OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether preoperative kidney volume is a prognostic factor for predicting the postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We included 133 patients who underwent radical (n= 83) or partial (n= 50) nephrectomy for RCC.
Kidney parenchymal volume was measured using personal computer‐based software and GFR was estimated before and after surgery at 6 and 12 months.
We evaluated the change in kidney volume after radical and partial nephrectomy and used regression analysis to identify predictors of lower post‐surgical GFR at 12 months.
RESULTS
The mean volume of the normal side kidney for the radical nephrectomy group increased from 142.4 mL to 166.0 mL (17.2%) and 171.5 mL (21.2%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively.
In the partial nephrectomy group, the volume of the normal side kidney increased from 127.2 mL to 138.8 mL (9.1%) and 140.6 mL (10.9%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively.
The volume of the operated side kidney decreased from 128.5 mL to 102.3 mL (20.1%) and 101.8 (20.6%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively.
In the radical nephrectomy group, older age (P < 0.001), preoperative volume of the normal kidney (P= 0.022) and preoperative GFR for the normal side kidney (P= 0.045) were significant predictors of lower post‐surgical GFR at 12 months.
In the partial nephrectomy group, older age (P= 0.001) and preoperative volume for both kidneys (P= 0.037) were significant predictors of lower post‐surgical GFR at 12 months.
CONCLUSION
Preoperative kidney volume is an independent predictor of GFR in RCC patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy.
Impaired fasting glucose, ancestry and waist‐to‐height ratio: main predictors of incident diagnosed diabetes in the Canary Islands
Authors: Cabrera de León A. , Domínguez Coello S. , Almeida González D. , Brito Díaz B. , del Castillo Rodríguez J. C. , González Hernández A. , Aguirre‐Jaime A. , del Cristo Rodríguez Pérez M. 
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 399–403 (2012)AbstractAims  To estimate the incidence rate and risk factors for diabetes in the Canary Islands.Methods  A total of 5521 adults without diabetes were followed for a median of 3.5 years. Incident cases of diabetes were self‐declared and validated in medical records. The following factors were assessed by Cox regression to estimate the hazard ratios for diabetes: impaired fasting glucose (5.6 mmol/l ≤ fasting glucose ≤ 6.9 mmol/l), BMI, waist‐to‐height ratio (≥ 0.55), insulin resistance (defined as triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ≥ 3), familial antecedents of diabetes, Canarian ancestry, smoking, alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, Mediterranean diet, social class and the metabolic syndrome.Results  The incidence rate was 7.5/103 person‐years (95% CI 6.4–8.8). The greatest risks were obtained for impaired fasting glucose (hazard ratio 2.6; 95% CI 1.8–3.8), Canarian ancestry (hazard ratio 1.9; 95% CI 1.0–3.4), waist‐to‐height ratio (hazard ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.5), insulin resistance (hazard ratio 1.5; 95% CI 1.0–2.2) and paternal history of diabetes (hazard ratio 1.5; 95% CI 1.0–2.3). The metabolic syndrome (hazard ratio 1.9; 95% CI 1.3–2.8) and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (hazard ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.0–2.7) were significant only when their effects were not adjusted for impaired fasting glucose and waist‐to‐height ratio, respectively.Conclusions  The incidence of diabetes in the Canary Islands is 1.5‐fold higher than that in continental Spain and 1.7‐fold higher than in the UK. The main predictors of diabetes were impaired fasting glucose, Canarian ancestry, waist‐to‐height ratio and insulin resistance. The metabolic syndrome predicted diabetes only when its effect was not adjusted for impaired fasting glucose. In individuals with Canarian ancestry, genetic susceptibility studies may be advisable. In order to propose preventive strategies, impaired fasting glucose, waist‐to‐height ratio and triglyceride/HDL cholesterol should be used to identify subjects with an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Self‐harm and attempted suicide among therapeutic community admissions
Authors: DARKE SHANE , CAMPBELL GABRIELLE , POPPLE GARTH 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. The study aimed to determine the histories of self‐harm and attempted suicide among therapeutic community entrants by primary presenting substance problem, and to determine predictors of these behaviours.Design and Methods. One hundred and eighty‐eight consecutive new treatment admissions to We Help Ourselves drug‐free treatment services were administered a structured interview.Results. Lifetime histories of self‐harm were reported by 34% (9% within the preceding year), and 20% had done so on multiple occasions. Just over one‐third reported a lifetime history of attempted suicide (15% within the preceding year), and 17% reported multiple attempts. There were no significant bivariate associations between primary drug and either behaviour. Multivariate analyses indicated that the alcohol and opioid groups were significantly more likely than the cannabis group to have a history of self‐harm, but did not differ from each other or the psychostimulant group. Other independent correlates of self‐harm were female gender, lifetime PTSD diagnosis, younger age at first intoxication and a history of attempted suicide. In multivariate analyses, the alcohol and opioid groups were significantly less likely than the cannabis group to have a history of attempted suicide, but did not differ from each other or the psychostimulant group. Other significant correlates of attempted suicide were female gender and a history of self‐harm.Discussion and Conclusions. Both self‐harm and suicide attempts were highly prevalent, and strongly associated with each other. Moreover, there were few differences between primary drug problems. All entrants should be screened for these behaviours, and appropriate responses implemented.[Darke S, Campbell G, Popple G. Self‐harm and attempted suicide among therapeutic community admissions. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:523–528]
Psychological Ownership: How Having Control Matters
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Hui , Hui Chun , Lee Cynthia 
Published: September 2011

abstractThe study builds a cross‐level work process control‐based model of psychological ownership in a Chinese context. We operationalize individual‐level control as participative decision‐making and unit‐level control as the self‐managing team climate. We further theorize how the value orientation of employees to power differentials moderates the mediating effects of psychological ownership on the relationship between the two levels of control and employee outcomes. We found that the positive effects of control experiences on some outcomes are mediated by psychological ownership. Additionally, power distance moderates the mediating role of psychological ownership. Our results suggest that, in order to cultivate the positive effects of perceived control on employee contributions, managers should pay attention to employees high in power distance since these individuals are reluctant to exercise control. Training or encouraging these individuals to participate in decision making may help them cultivate the positive feelings of psychological ownership.
A combined biochemical screen and TILLING approach identifies mutations in Sorghum bicolor L. Moench resulting in acyanogenic forage production
Authors: Blomstedt Cecilia K. , Gleadow Roslyn M. , O’Donnell Natalie , Naur Peter , Jensen Kenneth , Laursen Tomas , Olsen Carl Erik , Stuart Peter , Hamill John D. , Møller Birger Lindberg , Neale Alan D. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryCyanogenic glucosides are present in several crop plants and can pose a significant problem for human and animal consumption, because of their ability to release toxic hydrogen cyanide. Sorghum bicolor L. contains the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin. A qualitative biochemical screen of the M2 population derived from EMS treatment of sorghum seeds, followed by the reverse genetic technique of Targeted Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING), was employed to identify mutants with altered hydrogen cyanide potential (HCNp). Characterization of these plants identified mutations affecting the function or expression of dhurrin biosynthesis enzymes, and the ability of plants to catabolise dhurrin. The main focus in this study is on acyanogenic or low cyanide releasing lines that contain mutations in CYP79A1, the cytochrome P450 enzyme catalysing the first committed step in dhurrin synthesis. Molecular modelling supports the measured effects on CYP79A1 activity in the mutant lines. Plants harbouring a P414L mutation in CYP79A1 are acyanogenic when homozygous for this mutation and are phenotypically normal, except for slightly slower growth at early seedling stage. Detailed biochemical analyses demonstrate that the enzyme is present in wild‐type amounts but is catalytically inactive. Additional mutants capable of producing dhurrin at normal levels in young seedlings but with negligible leaf dhurrin levels in mature plants were also identified. No mutations were detected in the coding sequence of dhurrin biosynthetic genes in this second group of mutants, which are as tall or taller, and leafier than nonmutated lines. These sorghum mutants with reduced or negligible dhurrin content may be ideally suited for forage production.
Refereeing academic articles in the information age
Authors: Hartley James 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe new technology (such as ScholarOne) used for submitting papers to academic journals (such as this one) increases the possibilities for gathering, analysing and presenting summary data on stages in the refereeing process. Such data can be used to clarify the roles played by editors and publishers as well as referees—roles less widely discussed in the previous literature. I conclude, after a review of related issues, that refereeing should be “open” in this information age—i.e. correspondence between editors, referees and authors should be open and available, and not private. Some of the issues involved in achieving this are outlined and discussed.
MODELLING TIME SERIES DATA OF MONETARY AGGREGATES USINGI(2) ANDI(1) COINTEGRATION ANALYSIS
Authors: Kurita Takamitsu 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe objective of this paper is to consider methodology for modelling time series data of monetary aggregates such as monetary base and broad money. A brief review is made with regard to the likelihood‐based cointegration analysis ofI(2) (integrated of order 2) data andI(2)‐to‐I(1) transformations. The paper then investigates procedures for econometric modelling of monetary aggregates, which are in general deemed to beI(2) variables analogous to price indices. It is shown thatI(2)‐to‐I(1) transformations centering on a money multiplier play an important role in the modelling procedures. Finally, the study presents an empirical illustration of the proposed methodology using monetary aggregate data from Japan.
A NOTE ON SELECTION EFFECTS OF THE HAND RULE
Authors: Baumann Florian , Friehe Tim 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe famous Hand rule weighs the burden of precaution against the reduction in expected harm. The burden may be type‐specific, implying different standards of care for different injurer types. We show that this fact may be exploited by principals in their search for minimized individual costs. Principals may hire agents with high cost of care‐taking although other agents are available. This is shown in a unilateral‐care setting either with perfect or with asymmetric information. We therefore highlight a neglected downside of the negligence rule.
Older or Wealthier? The Impact of Age Adjustment on Wealth Inequality*
Authors: Almås Ingvild , Mogstad Magne 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDifferences in individual wealth holdings are widely viewed as a driving force of economic inequality. However, as this finding relies on cross‐sectional data, a concern is that older is confused with wealthier. We propose a new method to adjust for age effects in cross‐sections, which eliminates wealth inequality due to age, yet preserves inequality arising from other factors. Using a new cross‐country comparable database, we examine the impact of age adjustments on wealth inequality across countries and over time. We find that the most widely used method yields a substantially different picture of age‐adjusted wealth inequality than our method.
Do Teachers Matter? Measuring the Variation in Teacher Effectiveness in England*
Authors: Slater Helen , Davies Neil M. , Burgess Simon 
Published: September 2011

AbstractUsing a unique primary dataset for the UK, we estimate the effect of individual teachers on student outcomes, and the variability in teacher quality. This links 7,305 pupils to the individual teachers who taught them, in each of their compulsory subjects in the high‐stakes exams at age 16. We use point‐in‐time fixed effects and prior attainment to control for pupil heterogeneity. We find considerable variability in teacher effectiveness, a little higher than the estimates found in the few US studies. We also corroborate recent findings that observed teachers’ characteristics explain very little of the differences in estimated teacher effectiveness.
Human action recognition using an ensemble of body‐part detectors
Authors: Chakraborty Bhaskar , Bagdanov Andrew D. , Gonzàlez Jordi , Roca Xavier 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper describes an approach to human action recognition based on a probabilistic optimization model of body parts using hidden Markov model (HMM). Our method is able to distinguish between similar actions by only considering the body parts having major contribution to the actions, for example, legs for walking, jogging and running; arms for boxing, waving and clapping. We apply HMMs to model the stochastic movement of the body parts for action recognition. The HMM construction uses an ensemble of body‐part detectors, followed by grouping of part detections, to perform human identification. Three example‐based body‐part detectors are trained to detect three components of the human body: the head, legs and arms. These detectors cope with viewpoint changes and self‐occlusions through the use of ten sub‐classifiers that detect body parts over a specific range of viewpoints. Each sub‐classifier is a support vector machine trained on features selected for the discriminative power for each particular part/viewpoint combination. Grouping of these detections is performed using a simple geometric constraint model that yields a viewpoint‐invariant human detector. We test our approach on three publicly available action datasets: the KTH dataset, Weizmann dataset and HumanEva dataset. Our results illustrate that with a simple and compact representation we can achieve robust recognition of human actions comparable to the most complex, state‐of‐the‐art methods.