bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Outcomes of Gastrectomy in the Elderly
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Iwagami Shiro , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Baba Yoshifumi , Baba Hideo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundOwing to the increased life expectancy, elderly patients with gastric cancer is also increasing. Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is an assessment tool for nutritional status of surgical patients and possibly predicts prognosis of the patients. The aim of the present study is to clarify the predictive and prognostic significance of PNI in elderly patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsTwo hundred ninety‐five patients, including 196 nonelderly patients under 75 years old (group NE) and 99 elderly patients (group E), were eligible. We collected the data on nutritional status and the outcome of gastrectomy, including morbidity, mortality, and survival of these patients. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the prognostic significance.ResultsThe PNI was significantly lower in group E than in group NE. Both morbidity and mortality rates after gastrectomy were similar between the groups. Although PNI could not predict the postoperative events in group NE, low PNI might be a risk of mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Although survival after gastrectomy was similar among groups divided by the median PNI value (49.2) in group NE, the prognosis of PNI‐L (<44.7) was significantly poorer than PNI‐H (PNI ≧ 44.7) in group E. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PNI‐L was an independent prognostic factor in the elderly.ConclusionsThe PNI predicts both short‐term and long‐term outcomes after gastrectomy in the elderly.
Does Laparoscopic Appendectomy Impart an Advantage over Open Appendectomy in Elderly Patients?
Authors: Masoomi Hossein , Mills Steven , Dolich Matthew O. , Ketana Noor , Carmichael Joseph C. , Nguyen Ninh T. , Stamos Michael J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe use of laparoscopy in the elderly has been increasing in recent years. The data comparing laparoscopic (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) in elderly patients are minimal. We evaluated outcomes of LA versus OA in perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in elderly patients (aged ≥65 years).MethodsUsing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, clinical data of elderly patients who underwent LA and OA for suspected acute appendicitis were evaluated from 2006 to 2008.ResultsA total of 65,464 elderly patients underwent urgent appendectomy during this period. The rate of perforated appendicitis was twice as high in elderly patients (50 vs. 25%, p < 0.01) and rate of LA in elderly patients was lower (52 vs. 63%, p < 0.01) compared with patients younger than aged 65 years. Utilization of LA increased 24% from 46.5% in 2006 to 57.8% in 2008 (p < 0.01). In elderly patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis, LA had lower overall complication rate (15.82 vs. 23.49%, p < 0.01), in‐hospital mortality (0.39 vs. 1.31%, p < 0.01), hospital charges ($30,414 vs. $34,095, p < 0.01), and mean length of stay (3.0 vs. 4.8 days, p < 0.01) compared with OA. Additionally, in perforated appendicitis in elderly patients, LA was associated with lower overall complication rate (36.27 vs. 46.92%, p < 0.01), in‐hospital mortality (1.4 vs. 2.63%, p < 0.01), mean hospital charges ($43,339 vs. $57,943, p < 0.01), and shorter mean LOS (5.8 vs. 8.7 days, p < 0.01).ConclusionsLaparoscopic appendectomy can be performed safely with significant advantages compared with open appendectomy in the elderly and should be considered the procedure of choice for perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in these patients.
Fludarabine combined with radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced NSCLC lung carcinoma: a phase I study
Authors: Nitsche Mirko , Christiansen Hans , Lederer Katinka , Griesinger Frank , Schmidberger Heinz , Pradier Olivier 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background and purpose
Fludarabine is an adenine nucleoside analogue that has significant activity in hematological malignancies and has shown promising activity in combination with radiation in preclinical solid tumor models. We designed a phase I trial exploring concurrent fludarabine and radiotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of fludarabine given with concurrent irradiation.

Materials and methods
Thirteen patients with stage IIIB NSCLC received thoracic irradiation of 60 Gy. Fludarabine was administered during the 5th and 6th week of radiotherapy. Doses started at 10 mg/m2 per day and increased by steps of 3 mg/m2 per day.

Results
At a daily dose of 16 mg/m2, one out of six patients developed a grade 4 leukopenia, and one a grad 3 pneumonitis. Further grade III toxicity was not observed. The dose of 13 mg/m2 was identified as the MTD. All patients developed a fludarabine dose-dependent lymphocytopenia.

Conclusion
Fludarabine can be safely administered concurrently with radiation at a daily dose of 13 mg/m2 during the final 2 weeks of radiotherapy. Further prospective clinical studies are required to establish the potential role of concurrent fludarabine and radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced inoperable NSCLC.
Living donor liver transplantation for patients immunized against human leukocyte antigen
Authors: Shindoh Junichi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Tamura Sumihito , Kaneko Junichi , Yamashiki Noriyo , Aoki Taku , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground/purposeThe clinical features and perioperative management of liver transplant recipients who are already sensitized against human leukocyte antigen (HLA) prior to transplantation are not yet clear.Materials and methodsMedical records of living donor liver transplant recipients were reviewed and clinical features of the patients possessing anti‐HLA antibodies were studied.ResultsAmong the 470 consecutive living donor liver transplant recipients, 6 patients (1.3%) had preformed anti‐HLA antibodies. A review of the postoperative courses of these patients revealed that the problems included platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) due to immune‐mediated destruction of platelet and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). PTR was observed in patients with anti‐HLA class I antibodies and only HLA‐matched platelet concentrate (HLA‐matched PC) relieved thrombocytopenia. Intravenous gammaglobulin had an additive effect to HLA‐matched PC in some cases, and platelet transfusion from close relatives might be a substitute for HLA‐matched PC in life‐threatening situations. Although the etiology of TMA is unremarkable, the incidence was high (67%, 4/6) compared with that in patients who were not sensitized against HLA (5.6%, 26/464;p < 0.01). Of the four patients, three were complicated with late‐onset TMA.ConclusionsConsidering these clinical features, careful preparation and postoperative management are needed for liver transplant candidates with anti‐HLA antibodies.
Clinical approach for the classification of congenital uterine malformations
Authors: Grimbizis Grigoris F. , Campo Rudi ,   On behalf of the Scientific Committee of the Congenital Uterine Malformations (CONUTA) common ESHRE/ESGE working group: Stephan Gordts, Sara Brucker, Marco Gergolet, Vasilios Tanos, T.-C. Li, Carlo De Angelis, Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo
Published: March 2012

AbstractA more objective, accurate and non-invasive estimation of uterine morphology is nowadays feasible based on the use of modern imaging techniques. The validity of the current classification systems in effective categorization of the female genital malformations has been already challenged. A new clinical approach for the classification of uterine anomalies is proposed. Deviation from normal uterine anatomy is the basic characteristic used in analogy to the American Fertility Society classification. The embryological origin of the anomalies is used as a secondary parameter. Uterine anomalies are classified into the following classes: 0, normal uterus; I, dysmorphic uterus; II, septate uterus (absorption defect); III, dysfused uterus (fusion defect); IV, unilateral formed uterus (formation defect); V, aplastic or dysplastic uterus (formation defect); VI, for still unclassified cases. A subdivision of these main classes to further anatomical varieties with clinical significance is also presented. The new proposal has been designed taking into account the experience gained from the use of the currently available classification systems and intending to be as simple as possible, clear enough and accurate as well as open for further development. This proposal could be used as a starting point for a working group of experts in the field.
Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing: What Are We Talking About?
Authors: Weaver Meredith , Pollin Toni I. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe term Direct‐to‐Consumer (DTC) genetic testing refers to many different categories of testing. This editorial addresses the issues related to DTC testing for large effect and small effect variants associated with disease. In particular, there are issues of clinical validity and utility, informativeness and residual risk. Genetic counselors are poised to address these issues because of their training in probability and statistical models. The authors suggest that genetic counselors can impact the general public's understanding of DTC test results by: including evaluation of DTC concepts in graduate program curricula, holding AEC plenary sessions about emerging DTC concepts, and helping other professionals understand DTC concepts. Importantly, genetic counselors are advised to continue doing and promoting rigorous research on how people access and use DTC genetic testing and results, as well as gathering empirical data so that discussions of harms and benefits can go beyond theory. It is our hope that genetic counselors in practice will continue to critically evaluate claims made about emerging new tests, including those marketed DTC, in order to provide the best possible services to our patients.
Composition of Multicomponent Surfactant Systems at the Water–Air Interface
Authors: Szymczyk Katarzyna 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMeasurements of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of ternary and binary surfactant mixtures of p‐(1,1,3,3‐tetramethylbutyl) phenoxypoly(ethylene glycols), i.e., ethoxylated tert‐octylphenol with 8, 10 and 16 ethylene oxide groups, respectively called TOP8, TOP10 and TOP16, were carried out at 293 K. Based on the surface tension isotherms, the Gibbs surface excess of surfactants concentration at the water–air interface was determined and then recalculated for the Guggenheim‐Adam surface excess concentration of these substrates. Next the monomer mole fractions of surfactants in the surface layer were determined and compared with those calculated on the basis of both Rosen's approach and the composition in the bulk phase. Taking into account these different values of composition of the mixed monolayer at the water–air interface, the molecular interaction parameters of surfactants, their activity coefficients and the free enthalpy of their mixing were also calculated. As follows from the measurements and calculations, among other things, by the addition of the differences between the values of the mole fraction of surfactants calculated on the basis of Rosen's approach and those determined on the basis of surface excess concentrations, the mole fraction of the solvent at the water–air interface can be determined.
Physicochemical Studies of 4‐Substituted N‐(2‐Mercaptophenyl)‐Salicylideneimines: Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in an Acid Medium
Authors: Kesavan Devarayan , Tamizh Manoharan Muthu , Gopiraman Mayakrishnan , Sulochana Nagarajan , Karvembu Ramasamy 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA series of 4‐substituted N‐(2‐mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine Schiff bases were synthesized and investigated for corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric acid medium. Inhibition through adsorption mechanism is proposed for these inhibitors, which is well supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and Scanning Electron Microscope morphologies of inhibited and uninhibited mild steel specimens. The negative ∆Gads indicates the spontaneous adsorption of the inhibitor on a mild steel surface. Among all the examined inhibitors, 5‐bromo‐N‐(2‐mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine showed a higher inhibition efficiency. In order to reveal the usefulness of these Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitors under various circumstances, weight loss measurements were performed at various temperatures, acid concentrations and immersion times.
Enzymatic Synthesis of trans‐Free Structured Margarine Fat Analogues Using Stearidonic Acid Soybean and High Stearate Soybean Oils
Authors: Pande Garima , Akoh Casimir C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEnzymatic synthesis of trans‐free structured margarine fat analogues from stearidonic acid (SDA) soybean oil and high stearate soybean oil was optimized using response surface methodology. The independent variables considered were the substrate molar ratio (2–5), temperature (50–65 °C), time (6–22 h), and enzymes (Lipozyme® TLIM and Novozym® 435). The dependent variables were mol% stearic acid incorporation and mol% SDA content. A good‐fit model was constructed using regression analysis with backward elimination and verified by a Chi‐square test. Desirable and optimal products composition were achieved at 50 °C, 18 h, 2:1, using Lipozyme TLIM, with 15.6 mol% stearic acid and 9.2 mol% SDA in the product and at 58 °C, 14 h, 2:1, using Novozym 435, with 14.8 mol% stearic acid and 6.4 mol% SDA. Using optimal conditions, structured lipids (SL) were synthesized in a 1 L stir‐batch reactor and free fatty acids removed by short‐path distillation. SL were characterized for their fatty acid profile, sn‐2 positional fatty acids, triacylglycerol profile, polymorphism, thermal behavior, and solid fat content. The SL had a desirable fatty acid profile, physical properties, and a suitable β′ polymorph content. These SL could be used as margarine fat analogues and an alternative to partially hydrogenated fat.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Human Milk Fat Substitutes from Palm Stearin in a Continuous Packed Bed Reactor
Authors: Zou Xiaoqiang , Huang Jianhua , Jin Qingzhe , Liu Yuanfa , Song Zhihua , Wang Xingguo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractStructured lipids (SL) with similar fatty acid (FA) composition and distribution to human milk fat (HMF) were synthesized by lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis of chemically interesterified palm stearin (IV = 35.6) with mixed FA of stearic acid and myristic acid and FA from rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and palm kernel oil in a continuous packed bed reactor. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the reaction system with three selected parameters, namely residence time, temperature, and substrate molar ratio. The best‐fitting quadratic models were obtained for the contents of palmitic acid (PA) and PA at the sn‐2 position (sn‐2 PA) by multiple regressions and the determination coefficient (R2) values for the models were 0.9886 and 0.9799, respectively. The optimal conditions generated from the models were as follows: residence time, 2.7 h; temperature, 58 °C; substrate molar ratio, 9.5 mol/mol. Under these conditions, the contents of PA and sn‐2 PA were 28.8 and 53.2%, respectively, and other FA observed in the experiments were all within the range of corresponding FA of HMF. The similarity of the product obtained to HMF was evaluated by the cited model. The scores for total and sn‐2 FA of the product were 45.2 and 38.4, respectively, and the total score for the product was 83.6, which indicated a high degree of similarity of the product to HMF.
Dynamics of a viscous layer flowing radially over an inviscid ocean
Authors: Pegler Samuel S. , Worster M. Grae 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe present a theoretical and experimental study of a viscous fluid layer spreading over a deep layer of denser, inviscid fluid. Specifically, we study an axisymmetric flow produced by a vertical line source. Close to the source, the flow is controlled viscously, with a balance between radial compressive stresses and hoop stresses. Further out, the flow is driven by gradients in the buoyancy force and is resisted by viscous extensional and hoop stresses. An understanding of these different fluid-mechanical relationships is developed by asymptotic analyses for early times and for the near and far fields at late times. Confirmation of the late-time, far-field behaviour is obtained from a series of laboratory experiments in which golden syrup was injected into denser solutions of potassium carbonate. We use our mathematical solutions to discuss a physical mechanism by which horizontal viscous stresses in a spreading ice shelf, such as those in West Antarctica, can buttress the grounded ice sheet that supplies it.
The attraction between a flexible filament and a point vortex
Authors: Alben Silas 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe determine the inviscid dynamics of a point vortex in the vicinity of a flexible filament. For a wide range of filament bending rigidities, the filament is attracted to the point vortex, which generally moves tangentially to it. We find evidence that the point vortex collides with the filament at a critical time, with the separation distance tending to zero like a square root of temporal distance from the critical time. Concurrent with the collision, we find divergences of pressure loading on the filament, filament vortex sheet strength, filament curvature and velocity. We derive the corresponding power laws using the governing equations.
Long-term course and outcome in schizophrenia: a 34-year follow-up study in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Newman S. C. , Bland R. C. , Thompson A. H. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to extend an earlier retrospective cohort study of schizophrenia via a prospective study to a follow-up of 34 years, with an emphasis on describing the life-course of the illness.MethodSubjects were 128 first-ever admissions for schizophrenia in 1963 to either of two mental hospital in Alberta, Canada. Follow-up continued until death or 1997. A symptom severity scale, with scores ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (hospitalized), was used to collect time-series data on each subject and create life-course curves. Indices were constructed to summarize the information in each curve. Information on social functioning was also collected.ResultsResults were similar for men and women. The life-course curves showed marked variability of symptom severity across subjects and over time. The average score over the entire period of follow-up for the cohort indicated ‘moderate’ symptoms, and the change in average score from beginning to end of follow-up demonstrated a slight worsening of symptoms. The measures of social functioning indicated that only about one quarter of the patients had a good to excellent outcome.ConclusionsThe long-term course in schizophrenia is one of varying symptom severity, and for many patients, there is a poor overall outcome.
Regionally specific alterations in functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex in major depressive disorder
Authors: Davey C. G. , Harrison B. J. , Yücel M. , Allen N. B. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundDepression has been associated with functional alterations in several areas of the cingulate cortex. In this study we have taken a systematic approach to examining how alterations in functional connectivity vary across the functionally diverse subregions of the rostral cingulate cortex.MethodEighteen patients with major depressive disorder, aged 15 to 24 years, were matched with 20 healthy control participants. Using resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI), we systematically investigated the functional connectivity of four subregions of the rostral cingulate cortex. Voxelwise statistical maps of each subregion's connectivity with other brain areas were compared between the patient and control groups.ResultsThe depressed participants showed altered patterns of connectivity with ventral cingulate subregions. They showed increased connectivity between subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsomedial frontal cortex, with connectivity strength showing positive correlation with illness severity. Depressed participants also showed increased connectivity between pregenual ACC and left dorsolateral frontal cortex, and decreased connectivity between pregenual ACC and the caudate nucleus bilaterally.ConclusionsThe results reinforce the importance of subgenual ACC for depression, and show a close link between brain regions that support self-related processes and affective visceromotor function. The pregenual ACC also has an important role, with its increased connectivity with dorsolateral frontal cortex suggesting heightened cognitive regulation of affect; and reduced connectivity with the caudate nucleus potentially underlying symptoms such as anhedonia, reduced motivation and psychomotor dysfunction.
Childhood bullying and the association with psychosis in non-clinical and clinical samples: a review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Dam D. S. , van der Ven E. , Velthorst E. , Selten J. P. , Morgan C. , de Haan L. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundApproximately 11% of schoolchildren are bullied on a regular basis. It has been argued that continuous exposure to stress is related to the development of psychotic symptoms. The current study sought to investigate whether being bullied in childhood is related to the development of psychotic symptoms.MethodA search of PubMed, PsycINFO and EMBASE was conducted. The reference lists of included papers were searched to identify other eligible papers. A meta-analysis was performed on a subgroup of studies.ResultsWe found four clinical and 10 general population studies that met inclusion criteria. The results of the clinical studies were mixed. However, the results of the non-clinical studies provided more consistent evidence that school bullying is related to the development of non-clinical psychotic symptoms. Stronger associations were found with increased frequency and severity and longer duration of being bullied. We performed a meta-analysis on seven population-based studies, yielding unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 2.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–3.6] and 2.3 (95% CI 1.5–3.4) respectively.ConclusionsAlthough there is some evidence of an association between bullying and psychosis in clinical samples, the research is too sparse to draw any firm conclusions. However, population-based non-clinical studies support the role of bullying in the development of psychotic symptoms later in life. These findings are consistent with findings of an increased risk of psychotic symptoms among those exposed to other types of abuse.
Fundamental difference between picosecond and nanosecond laser interaction with plasmas: Ultrahigh plasma block acceleration links with electron collective ion acceleration of ultra-thin foils
Authors: Hora Heinrich 
Published: March 2012

AbstractArguments are discussed on how ion energy measurements from ultra-thin diamond irradiation with 45 fs laser pulses of 26 terawatt power may be related to the ultra-high acceleration of plasma blocks where the significance of the highly efficient direct conversion of laser radiation into mechanical motion of ions or plasma blocks is dominated by nonlinear (ponderomotive) forces in fundamental contrast to thermo-kinetic dominated interaction with ns laser pulses.