bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical features of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma and their association with α‐fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II
Authors: Yano Yoichi , Yamashita Fumihiko , Kuwaki Kotaro , Fukumori Kazuta , Kato Osamu , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Ando Eiji , Tanaka Masatoshi , Sata Michio 
Published: August 2006

Abstract: Purpose: We investigated the differences in clinical features between α‐fetoprotein (AFP)‐predominant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II (PIVKA‐II)‐predominant HCC, especially regarding host factors thought to contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.Methods: HCV‐related HCC patients (n=306) were divided into four groups according to median AFP (48.1 ng/ml) and PIVKA‐II (60 mAU/ml). Host factors, tumor factors, survival, and risk factors affecting survival were compared.Results: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST; IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; IU/L), and platelet count (× 104/ml) were, respectively, 81, 67, and 8.2 in AFP‐predominant HCC (group A; n=66) vs. 50, 42, and 11.4 in PIVKA‐II‐predominant HCC (group P; n=52). Tumor sizes (mm) in groups A and P were 20 and 37, respectively. Significant differences were evident. Survival was identical between the two groups. Factors affecting survival were total bilirubin, portal tumor thrombus and number of nodule in group A, and albumin and tumor distribution in group P.Conclusions: PIVKA‐II‐predominant HCC had a milder hepatitis and a better‐preserved platelet count compared with AFP‐predominant HCC. Considering the strong relation between hepatocarcinogenesis and hepatic inflammation with chronic HCV infection, these differences indicate that hepatocarcinogenic mechanisms in PIVKA‐II‐predominant HCC may differ from those in AFP‐predominant HCC.
Non‐invasive markers to predict the liver fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Lydatakis Helen , Hager Ieronymos Philippos , Kostadelou Eyaggelia , Mpousmpoulas Stavros , Pappas Stavros , Diamantis Ioannis 
Published: August 2006

Abstract: Background/Aim:The aim of this study was to find a non‐invasive marker, which could predict liver fibrosis without the need of liver biopsy in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Patients/Methods:Fifty patients were included. All patients had one or more conditions that characterize the metabolic syndrome and histological proven NASH. Hyaluronic acid (HA), leptin (LT) and laminin (LN) were determined from serum withdrawn at the day of biopsy.Results:Patients were divided into two groups according to the histological findings. The first group consisted of 23 patients with NASH and fibrosis and the second group had 27 patients with NASH,ballooned cells, without fibrosis. Subjects with NASH and fibrosis had statistically significantly higher HA and LN than those with NASH without fibrosis,P<0.001, respectively. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference between the levels of serum LT in the two groups. The stage of liver fibrosis in the 23 patients of group 1 was related only to the values of hyaluronic acid (P<0.001) and not to the ones of LT and LN.Conclusion:Measurement of hyaluronic acid could be a predictive factor of the presence and stage of liver fibrosis in NASH. LN could be used to diagnose liver fibrosis but has no value in staging.
Association Between Mild Anemia and Executive Function Impairment in Community‐Dwelling Older Women: The Women's Health and Aging Study II
Authors: Chaves Paulo H. M. , Carlson Michelle C. , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M. , Semba Richard , Fried Linda P. 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between mild anemia and executive function in community‐dwelling older women.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Community‐based.PARTICIPANTS: High‐functioning subjects participating in the baseline assessment of the Women's Health and Aging Study (WHAS) II, Baltimore, Maryland, 1994 to 1996. WHAS II eligibility criteria included aged 70 to 80, a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 24 or greater, and absence of advanced disability (difficulty in no more than 1 domain of physical function). Included in this study were 364 subjects with a hemoglobin concentration 10 g/dL or greater and known executive function status.MEASUREMENTS: Trail Making Test (TMT) Parts B and A. Tertiles of time to complete each test were used to define best (bottom), intermediate, and worst (top) performance. Tertiles of the difference TMT‐B minus TMT‐A were calculated. Anemia defined as hemoglobin concentration less than 12 g/dL.RESULTS: The percentage of subjects in the worst TMT‐B, TMT‐A, and TMT‐B minus TMT‐A performance tertile was highest for those with anemia. Prevalent anemia substantially increased the likelihood of performing worst (as opposed to best) on the TMT‐B (odds ratio (OR)=5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.3–20.5), TMT‐A (OR=4.8, 95% CI=1.5–15.6), and TMT‐B minus TMT‐A (OR= 4.2, 95% CI=1.0–17.2), even after controlling for age, education, race, prevalent diseases, and relevant physiological and functional parameters.CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the hypothesis that mild anemia might be an independent risk factor for executive function impairment in community‐dwelling older adults. Whether such an association is causal or noncausal remains to be determined.
Dissemination of the Hospital Elder Life Program: Implementation, Adaptation, and Successes
Authors: Inouye Sharon K. , Baker Dorothy I. , Fugal Patricia , Bradley Elizabeth H. ,   for the HELP Dissemination Project
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVES: To describe the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) across dissemination sites, to detail adaptations, and to summarize advantages across sites.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey.SETTING: HELP sites in acute care hospitals.PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen sites that enrolled 11,344 patients.MEASUREMENTS: Seventy‐five closed‐ and open‐ended questions describing details of the HELP site, procedures, staffing, outcomes tracked, and advantages.RESULTS: As of July 1, 2005, HELP had been fully implemented in 13 sites, with a median duration of 24 months (range 6.0–38.0). Although a high degree of fidelity to the original model was maintained, variations existed in staffing patterns, outcome tracking, and recommended HELP procedures. Adaptations were made across multiple domains, including enrollment criteria at 15.4% of sites, screening and assessment tools at 61.5%, and individual intervention protocols at 15.4% to 30.8%. Local circumstances drove these adaptations, with the most common reasons being lack of adequate staffing and logistical constraints. All sites conducted regular HELP staff meetings; other recommended quality assurance procedures were conducted at 46.2% to 92.3% of sites. Reported advantages of HELP included providing an educational resource at 100% of sites, improving hospital outcomes (e.g., delirium and functional decline) at 100%, providing nursing education and improving retention at 100%, enhancing patient and family satisfaction with care at 92.3%, raising visibility for geriatrics at 92.3%, and improving quality of care at 84.6%.CONCLUSION: This report describes the real‐world implementation of HELP across 13 sites, documents their local adaptations and successes, and provides insight into how motivated institutions can create change to improve quality of care for older persons.
Histomorphometry of Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process in Dogs: A Comparison of Affected and Normal Coronoid Processes
Authors: DANIELSON KELSON C. , FITZPATRICK NOEL , MUIR PETER , MANLEY PAUL A. 
Published: August 2006

Objective— To determine if fatigue microdamage is associated with fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP).Study Design— Prospective study.Animals— Thirty‐eight dogs were admitted for subtotal coronoid ostectomy as treatment for FMCP. Surgical specimens of medial coronoid process (MCP) were retrieved from treated dogs. Normal MCP were collected from 5 age‐ and breed‐matched dogs and 2 age‐matched research beagles that were euthanatized for reasons other than elbow disease.Methods— MCP specimens from affected elbows were classified into 4 groups based on disease severity. Specimens were bulk‐stained for microdamage using 1% basic fuchsin, embedded in polymethylmethacrylate and sectioned at 130 μm. Specimens were evaluated using epifluorescent microscopy (425–440 excitation, 475 nm barrier filter) for diffuse damage (D.DX), osteocyte loss, and porosity. Cartilage thickness was evaluated using bright field microscopy. Qualitative observations were also made.Results— MCP specimens from affected elbows had increased D.Dx, increased osteocyte loss, and greater porosity than normal groups. Specimens classified as severe FMCP (Classes 3, 4) had the most fatigue microdamage. Some Class 1 specimens, defined as having no visible fissuring of the articular cartilage (AC), had large microcracks in trabecular bone.Conclusions— Accumulation of subchondral fatigue microdamage, is associated with MCP fragmentation. Fissuring occurs in the subchondral bone before gross fibrillation of articular cartilage develops.Clinical Relevance— Accumulation of fatigue microdamage in the MCP is important in the pathogenesis of FMCP. The underlying cause of this microdamage accumulation must be identified before treatment plans that will prevent further osteoarthritis of the elbow joint can be designed.
Cortical Allograft and Endoprosthesis for Limb‐Sparing Surgery in Dogs with Distal Radial Osteosarcoma: A Prospective Clinical Comparison of Two Different Limb‐Sparing Techniques
Authors: LIPTAK JULIUS M. , DERNELL WILLIAM S. , EHRHART NICOLE , LAFFERTY MARY H. , MONTEITH GABRIELLE J. , WITHROW STEPHEN J. 
Published: August 2006

Objective—To compare surgical and oncologic outcome in dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA) of the distal aspect of the radius treated with limb‐sparing surgery, using either a cortical allograft or endoprosthesis, and postoperative chemotherapy; and to evaluate predictive factors for outcome.Study Design—Prospective cohort study.Animals—Dogs (n=20) with spontaneous, non‐metastatic OSA of the distal aspect of the radius.Methods—Dogs were prospectively randomized for limb‐sparing surgery with either a cortical allograft (n=10) or endoprosthesis (10) and full‐course adjuvant chemotherapy using single or dual agent protocols of cisplatin, carboplatin, and/or doxorubicin. Surgical (intraoperative findings, postoperative infection, construct failure) and oncologic (local tumor recurrence, metastasis, survival) outcomes were compared. The influence of intraoperative and postoperative variables on surgical and oncologic outcome were evaluated.Results—No clinically significant differences in surgical and oncologic outcome were detected between groups. The percentage of radius replaced by the implant was significantly greater in the endoprosthesis group (60.9% compared with 48.6%,P=.008). Median survival time (MST) for dogs with construct failure, regardless of implant type, was 685 days and significantly greater than MST of dogs without construct failure (322 days,P=.042; hazard ratio [HR] 16.82). Median metastasis‐free interval and MST (685 days versus 289 days;P=.034, HR 24.58) were significantly greater in dogs with postoperative infection. Disease‐free and overall limb‐salvage rates were 70% and 85%, respectively. Overall MST was 430 days.Conclusions—For dogs with OSA of the distal aspect of the radius, a cortical allograft or endoprosthesis can be used for limb‐sparing surgery. Construct failure and postoperative infection significantly improve survival time regardless of implant type.Clinical Relevance—An endoprosthesis is an attractive alternative to cortical allografts for limb‐salvage of the distal aspect of the radius in dogs because surgical and oncologic outcomes are similar, but the endoprosthesis is an immediately available off‐the‐shelf implant which is not complicated by the bone harvesting and banking requirements associated with cortical allografts. Mechanisms whereby postoperative infection improves survival time requires further investigation and, if elucidated, may provide the opportunity to improve the outcome of dogs and humans with OSA.
Radiographic Evaluation of the Zurich Cementless Total Hip Acetabular Component
Authors: HANSON STEVEN P. , PECK JEFFREY N. , BERRY CLIFFORD R. , GRAHAM JOHN , STEVENS GARY 
Published: August 2006

Objective—To radiographically evaluate the Zurich cementless total hip (ZCTH) cup and correlate lucency with clinical signs of implant instability, time since surgery, and implant generation, using zonal analysis.Study Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Client‐owned dogs (n=53).Methods—Radiographs of dogs that had ZCTH arthroplasty (>1 year) were evaluated using zonal analysis, for lucency surrounding the cup–bone interface (number of zones, length, area). Dogs were examined for clinical signs of implant instability (lameness, hip pain). Lucency was correlated with lameness, time after surgery, and implant generation.Results—Radiographs of 68 implants (18 generation I, 50 generation II) were evaluated. Eight dogs were lame (11.8%). Dogs with lameness were more likely to have lucency in ≥2 zones of analysis (per view), have >2 times the average curvilinear length of lucency, and have >4 times the average area of lucency surrounding the implant compared with non‐lame dogs. A weak relationship was observed between time after surgery and implant generation; however, there was no relationship between time after surgery and lucency.Conclusions—Dogs with lameness after ZCTH arthroplasty were more likely to have lucency at the cup–bone interface. Lucency was better evaluated by radiographic projection than zonal analysis. Temporal progression of lucency was weakly correlated with implant generation.Clinical Relevance—Dogs with lucency in ≥2 zones of analysis should be evaluated more frequently for clinical signs of implant loosening. Further investigation of serial radiographs after ZCTH arthroplasty is warranted.
Complications Associated with Corrective Surgery for Patellar Luxation in 109 Dogs
Authors: ARTHURS GARETH I. , LANGLEY‐HOBBS SORREL J. 
Published: August 2006

Objective— To review surgical techniques and postoperative complications associated with correction of patellar luxation in dogs.Study design— Retrospective study.Animals— Dogs (n=109) with patellar luxation (n=131).Methods— Medical records of dogs that had corrective surgery for patellar luxation were reviewed. Signalment, history, grade and direction of patellar luxation, operative technique and clinical outcomes were retrieved.Results— Overall frequency of postoperative complications was 18%. Frequency of major (requiring revision surgery) complications was 13%. Frequency of patellar reluxation was 8%. Frequency of overall, major, and patellar reluxation complications was higher for dogs weighing ≥20 kg compared with those <20 kg. Frequency of overall and major complications was higher for dogs with higher grades of patellar luxation. Femoral trochlear sulcoplasty resulted in lower frequency of patellar reluxation. Tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT) resulted in lower frequency of major complications and patellar reluxation. Retinacular/capsular release resulted in higher frequency of major complications. Patient age, gender, medial versus lateral patellar luxation, left versus right hindlimb, capsular/retinacular imbrication, use of anti‐rotational sutures, and whether stifle surgery had been performed previously did not significantly influence frequency of complications.Conclusion— TTT and femoral trochlear sulcoplasty minimize the risk of postoperative patellar reluxation and major complications.Clinical Relevance— Information derived from this study can be used to estimate the likelihood of postoperative complications for canine patients undergoing corrective surgery for patellar luxation.
Investor Sentiment and the Cross‐Section of Stock Returns
Authors: BAKER MALCOLM , WURGLER JEFFREY 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTWe study how investor sentiment affects the cross‐section of stock returns. We predict that a wave of investor sentiment has larger effects on securities whose valuations are highly subjective and difficult to arbitrage. Consistent with this prediction, we find that when beginning‐of‐period proxies for sentiment are low, subsequent returns are relatively high for small stocks, young stocks, high volatility stocks, unprofitable stocks, non‐dividend‐paying stocks, extreme growth stocks, and distressed stocks. When sentiment is high, on the other hand, these categories of stock earn relatively low subsequent returns.
Predicting Returns with Managerial Decision Variables: Is There a Small‐Sample Bias?
Authors: BAKER MALCOLM , TALIAFERRO RYAN , WURGLER JEFFREY 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTMany studies find that aggregate managerial decision variables, such as aggregate equity issuance, predict stock or bond market returns. Recent research argues that these findings may be driven by an aggregate time‐series version of Schultz's (2003, Journal of Finance 58, 483–517) pseudo market‐timing bias. Using standard simulation techniques, we find that the bias is much too small to account for the observed predictive power of the equity share in new issues, corporate investment plans, insider trading, dividend initiations, or the maturity of corporate debt issues.
CEO Turnover after Acquisitions: Are Bad Bidders Fired?
Authors: LEHN KENNETH M. , ZHAO MENGXIN 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTWe examine the relation between bidder returns and the probability of chief executive officer (CEO) turnover in acquiring firms. Using a sample of 714 acquisitions during 1990 to 1998, we find that 47% of CEOs of acquiring firms are replaced within 5 years, including 27% by internal governance, 16% by takeovers, and 4% by bankruptcy. A significant inverse relation exists between bidder returns and the likelihood of CEO turnover. This relation is not associated with governance structure. It also is not significantly different in stock versus cash acquisitions, which appears to be inconsistent with Shleifer and Vishny's theory of “stock market driven” acquisitions.
Industry Concentration and Average Stock Returns
Authors: HOU KEWEI , ROBINSON DAVID T. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTFirms in more concentrated industries earn lower returns, even after controlling for size, book‐to‐market, momentum, and other return determinants. Explanations based on chance, measurement error, capital structure, and persistent in‐sample cash flow shocks do not explain this finding. Drawing on work in industrial organization, we posit that either barriers to entry in highly concentrated industries insulate firms from undiversifiable distress risk, or firms in highly concentrated industries are less risky because they engage in less innovation, and thereby command lower expected returns. Additional time‐series tests support these risk‐based interpretations.
Sensitivity and specificity of a visual acuity screening protocol performed with the Lea Symbols 15‐line folding distance chart in preschool children
Authors: Bertuzzi Francesca , Orsoni Jelka Gabriella , Porta Maria Rita , Paliaga Gian Paolo , Miglior Stefano 
Published: August 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a visual acuity (VA) test using the Lea Symbols 15‐line folding distance chart and its diagnostic validity in detecting VA deficiency in preschool children.Methods:  A group of 149 children aged 38–54 months underwent VA examination performed with the Lea 15‐line folding optotype at a distance of 3 metres, according to a test protocol described in the Methods section. After the VA test, a complete ophthalmological examination, including cycloplegic retinoscopy, a cover test and examination of the anterior and posterior segments, was performed on each child in order to detect any VA‐threatening ocular abnormality. The Lea Symbols test's sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR +, LR −) and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated by means of standard procedures using each VA level of the chart from 0.1 to 1 (1–0 logMAR) as a cut‐off point.Results:  The Lea Symbols test could be successfully used in 95.9% of the population. The most useful cut‐off points for screening preschool children were found to be 0.8 (LR + 5.73, LR − 0.05) or 0.63 (LR + 11.7, LR − 0.23).Conclusion:  The Lea Symbols test proved to be clinically useful in detecting VA deficiency in preschool children. The choice between the two best performing cut‐off levels should be made according to the expected cost‐effectiveness of the screening programme.
Comparison between GDx VCC scanning laser polarimetry and Stratus OCT optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of chronic glaucoma
Authors: Brusini Paolo , Salvetat Maria L. , Zeppieri Marco , Tosoni Claudia , Parisi Lucia , Felletti Mirella 
Published: August 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the abilities of scanning laser polarimetry with the variable corneal compensator (GDx VCC) with those of optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT) in discriminating between healthy and early‐to‐moderate perimetric glaucomatous eyes.Methods:  A total of 95 glaucomatous patients (mean deviation − 3.7 ± 3.0 dB, pattern standard deviation 4.5 ± 2.7 dB) and 62 control subjects underwent imaging by the GDx VCC and Stratus OCT using both optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) scan protocols. One eye per patient was considered. Sensitivity at ≥ 90% specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) were calculated for each GDx VCC and Stratus OCT index.Results:  The largest AROCs with Stratus OCT were associated with cup : disc area ratio (0.88) for ONH scan indices, and with average thickness (0.84) for RNFL scan indices. The nerve fibre indicator provided the greatest AROC for the GDx VCC indices (0.85).Conclusions:  Both the GDx VCC and Stratus OCT instruments were shown to be useful in the detection of glaucomatous damage. The best performing indices for the GDx VCC and Stratus OCT with both ONH and RNFL scans gave similar AROCs, showing a moderate sensitivity in early‐to‐moderate glaucoma patients.
Periodontal healing after non‐surgical therapy with a modified sonic scaler: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Christgau M. , Männer T. , Beuer S. , Hiller K. ‐A. , Schmalz G. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and microbiological healing outcomes following non‐surgical periodontal therapy using a modified sonic scaler system versus scaling and root planing (S/RP) with hand instruments.Material and Methods: The study comprised 20 chronic periodontitis patients. Using a split‐mouth design, both treatment modalities were randomly applied to one quadrant of the upper and lower jaws. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months after treatment. Furthermore, post‐operative hypersensitivity was investigated. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test (α=0.05) was used for statistical analysis.Results: With both therapy methods, periodontal conditions showed statistically significant clinical and microbiological improvements after 4 weeks and 6 months. Hypersensitive teeth were found only 4 weeks after S/RP. Besides a significantly better bleeding on probing reduction in deep S/RP sites and less time required for root instrumentation by the sonic scaler, no other clinical and microbiological parameters revealed significant differences between sites treated with the sonic scaler or S/RP.Conclusion: The sonic scaler system and S/RP seem to provide similarly favourable periodontal healing results, although in deep pockets S/RP appeared to achieve a better resolution of inflammation.