bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced recovery in colorectal resections: a systematic review and meta‐analysis1
Authors: Walter C. J. , Collin J. , Dumville J. C. , Drew P. J. , Monson J. R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective  The study aimed to produce a comprehensive up‐to‐date meta‐analysis exploring the safety and efficacy of enhanced recovery (ER) programmes after colorectal resection.Method  Key‐word and MESH‐heading searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Databases from 1966 to February 2007 were used to identify all available randomized and clinical controlled studies. Two independent reviewers assessed studies for inclusion and exclusion based on methodological quality criteria prior to undertaking data extraction. Summary estimates of treatment effects using a fixed effect model were produced with RevMan 1.0.2, using weighted means for length‐of‐stay data and relative risks of morbidity, mortality and readmission rates.Results  Analysis of four papers including 376 patients demonstrated primary and total length‐of‐stays (primary + readmission length‐of‐stay) to be significantly reduced (P < 0.001) with ER programmes [weighted mean differences of −3.64 days (95% confidence interval, 95% CI −4.98 to −2.29) and −3.75 days (95% CI−5.11 to −2.40)]. Analysis of controlled clinical trial data showed morbidity rates to be reduced and readmission rates increased. These trends were not seen amongst the randomized controlled trial data. There were no differences in mortality rates.Conclusion  Enhanced recovery programmes after colorectal resections reduce length‐of‐stay and may reduce 30 days morbidity and increase 30 days readmission without increasing mortality.
Differences in ano‐neorectal physiology of ileoanal and coloanal reconstructions for restorative proctectomy
Authors: Rink A. D. , Kneist W. , Radinski I. , Guinot‐Barona A. , Lang H. , Vestweber K.‐H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective  Restorative proctectomy with straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA) and restorative proctocolectomy with ilealpouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) are options for maintaining bowel integrity after rectal resection. The aim of this study was to compare clinical function and anorectal physiology in patients treated with CAA and IPAA.Method  Three‐dimensional vector‐manometry and neorectal volumetry were performed in straight CAA [53 patients (34 male)] and IPAA [61 patients (39 male)] for ulcerative colitis. Function was assessed using a 14 day incontinence diary.Results  Function was similar in both groups, but neorectal compliance and threshold volumes for sensation, urge and maximum tolerated volume (MTV) were significantly higher after IPAA than after CAA. Mean pressure, vector volume and sphincter symmetry at rest were significant determinants of continence in both groups but squeeze pressure did not correlate significantly with function in either group. Threshold volume, MTV, and compliance were significantly correlated with frequency of defecation in patients with IPAA but not with CAA.Conclusion  A strong consistent resting anal sphincter pressure is one determinant of continence after both IPAA and CAA. Squeeze pressures do not influence the functional result. In IPAA but not CAA, the neorectum has a reservoir function which correlates with the postoperative frequency of defaecation.
A minimal model of the variability of marine ecosystems
Authors: Mullon Christian , Fréon Pierre , Cury Philippe , Shannon Lynne , Roy Claude 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn marine ecology, population abundance time series often reveal patterns, such as decadal pseudo‐cycles, on scales that make them difficult to mathematically characterize by means of conventional models based on functional responses. We propose here a simple non‐deterministic model based on three strong ecological constraints, without any use of functional responses or external factors: (i) mass balance constraints between flows and biomass, (ii) a satiation constraint relating inflows and biomass and (iii) an inertia principle restricting the variation of populations of a given species according to its lifespan. This model reproduces in a robust manner observed patterns of variability and can be used to question the relevance of other modelling approaches of ecosystem dynamics with regard to determinism, constraints and stochasticity. Referring to a non‐deterministic model without any functional relationships and environmental or anthropogenic forcing can help in avoiding misleading advice based on the belief that we can explain the causes of observed patterns, which may simply result from basic structural constraints within which the ecosystem functions.
Vulnerability of national economies to the impacts of climate change on fisheries
Authors: Allison Edward H. , Perry Allison L. , Badjeck Marie‐Caroline , Neil Adger W. , Brown Katrina , Conway Declan , Halls Ashley S. , Pilling Graham M. , Reynolds John D. , Andrew Neil L. , Dulvy Nicholas K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAnthropogenic global warming has significantly influenced physical and biological processes at global and regional scales. The observed and anticipated changes in global climate present significant opportunities and challenges for societies and economies. We compare the vulnerability of 132 national economies to potential climate change impacts on their capture fisheries using an indicator‐based approach. Countries in Central and Western Africa (e.g. Malawi, Guinea, Senegal, and Uganda), Peru and Colombia in north‐western South America, and four tropical Asian countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Yemen) were identified as most vulnerable. This vulnerability was due to the combined effect of predicted warming, the relative importance of fisheries to national economies and diets, and limited societal capacity to adapt to potential impacts and opportunities. Many vulnerable countries were also among the world’s least developed countries whose inhabitants are among the world’s poorest and twice as reliant on fish, which provides 27% of dietary protein compared to 13% in less vulnerable countries. These countries also produce 20% of the world’s fish exports and are in greatest need of adaptation planning to maintain or enhance the contribution that fisheries can make to poverty reduction. Although the precise impacts and direction of climate‐driven change for particular fish stocks and fisheries are uncertain, our analysis suggests they are likely to lead to either increased economic hardship or missed opportunities for development in countries that depend upon fisheries but lack the capacity to adapt.
Risk factors for the presence of non‐rhesus D red blood cell antibodies in pregnancy*
Authors: Koelewijn JM , Vrijkotte TGM , de Haas M , van der Schoot CE , Bonsel GJ 
Published: February 2009

Objective  To identify risk factors for the presence of non‐rhesus D (RhD) red blood cell (RBC) antibodies in pregnancy. To generate evidence for subgroup RBC antibody screening and for primary prevention by extended matching of transfusions in women <45 years.Design  Case–control study.Setting  Nationwide evaluation of screening programme for non‐RhD RBC antibodies.Population  Cases: consecutive pregnancies (n = 900) with non‐RhD immunisation identified from 1 September 2002 to 1 June 2003 and 1 October 2003 to 1 July 2004; controls (n= 968): matched for obstetric caregiver and gestational age.Methods  Data collection from the medical records and/or from the respondents by a structured phone interview.Main outcome measures  Significant risk factors for non‐RhD immunisation in multivariate analysis.Results  Significant independent risk factors: history of RBC transfusion (OR 16.7; 95% CI: 11.4–24.6), parity (para‐1 versus para‐0: OR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0–1.7; para‐2 versus para‐0: OR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0–2.0; para >2 versus para‐0: OR 3.2; 95% CI: 1.8–5.8), haematological disease (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0–4.2), history of major surgery (OR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.8). For the clinically most important antibodies, anti‐K, anti‐c and other Rh‐nonD‐antibodies RBC transfusion was the most important risk factor, especially for anti‐K (OR 96.4; 95%‐CI: 56.6–164.1); 83% of the K‐sensitised women had a history of RBC transfusion. Pregnancy‐related risk factors were a prior male child (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.3) and caesarean section (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.7).Conclusions  RBC transfusion is by far the most important independent risk factor for non‐RhD immunisation in pregnancy, followed by parity, major surgery and haematological disease. Pregnancy‐related risk factors are a prior male child and caesarean section. Subgroup screening for RBC antibodies, with exclusion of RhD‐positive para‐0 without clinical risk factors, is to be considered. This approach will be equally sensitive in detecting severe Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn compared with the present RBC antibody screening programme without preselection. Primary prevention by extending preventive matching of transfusions in women younger than 45 will prevent more than 50% of pregnancy immunisations.
Occurrence of placental abruption in relatives
Authors: Rasmussen S , Irgens LM 
Published: February 2009

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the recurrence of placental abruption by severity, comparing the risk in a woman with that of recurrence in her sister and in the partner of her brother.Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  General population.Population  Population‐based study based on records of pregnancies from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway; 377 902 sisters with 767 395 pregnancies, 168 142 families incorporating 2–10 sisters, and 346 385 brothers with 717 604 pregnancies in their partners were identified.Methods  Placental abruption with preterm birth, birthweight below 2500 g or perinatal death was defined as severe, other cases as mild. Because of the nested family data structure, multilevel multivariate regression was used.Main outcome measures  Placental abruption (severe and mild).Results  Adjusted odds ratios of recurrence of mild and severe abruption were 6.5 (1.7%) and 11.5 (3.8%), respectively, compared with risks of 0.2 and 0.3% in the total population. After a severe abruption, odds ratios in her sisters were 1.7–2.1, whereas mild abruption produced no increased recurrence in sisters. The estimated heritability between sisters of severe abruption was 16%. No excess rate of abruption was observed between sisters and brothers’ partners, between brothers’ partners, or from brothers’ partners to sisters. The odds ratios for a third abruption after a second abruption and a second severe abruption were 38.7 (19%) and 50.1 (24%), respectively.Conclusions  The recurrence risk of placental abruption in the same woman was higher after severe than mild abruption. Severe abruption was associated with a two‐fold risk in sisters. Pregnancies following a second abruption should be considered very high risk.
Managed Care Quality of Care and Plan Choice in New York SCHIP
Authors: Liu Hangsheng , Phelps Charles E. , Veazie Peter J. , Dick Andrew W. , Klein Jonathan D. , Shone Laura P. , Noyes Katia , Szilagyi Peter G. 
Published: February 2009

Objective. To examine whether low‐income parents of children enrolled in the New York State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) choose managed care plans with better quality of care.Data Sources. 2001 New York SCHIP evaluation data; 2001 New York State Managed Care Plan Performance Report; 2000 New York State Managed Care Enrollment Report.Study Design. Each market was defined as a county. A final sample of 2,325 new enrollees was analyzed after excluding those in markets with only one SCHIP plan. Plan quality was measured using seven Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey (CAHPS) and three Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) scores. A conditional logit model was applied with plan and individual/family characteristics as covariates.Principle Findings. There were 30 plans in the 45 defined markets. The choice probability increased 2.5 percentage points for each unit increase in the average CAHPS score, and the association was significantly larger in children with special health care needs. However, HEDIS did not show any statistically significant association with plan choice.Conclusions. Low‐income parents do choose managed care plans with higher CAHPS scores for their newly enrolled children, suggesting that overall quality could improve over time because of the dynamics of enrollment.
Investigation of the different adrenoceptor targets of nebivolol enantiomers in rat thoracic aorta
Authors: Tran Quang T , Rozec B , Audigane L , Gauthier C 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: Nebivolol is a highly selective β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist with β3‐adrenoceptor agonist properties and is a racemate mixture of D‐ and L‐enantiomers. However, the cellular mechanisms of the effects of each enantiomer are not yet clear and are a matter for debate. The aim of the present experiments was to determine the adrenoceptors involved in the vascular effects of D‐ and L‐enantiomers of nebivolol in rat thoracic aorta.Experimental approach: Responses to nebivolol enantiomers were evaluated in rings of thoracic aorta from male Sprague‐Dawley rats.Key results: D‐nebivolol (0.1–10 µmol·L−1), but not L‐nebivolol, significantly shifted to the right the concentration‐response curve to phenylephrine, an α1‐adrenoceptor agonist, in a concentration‐dependent manner. For the following experiments, aortic rings were constricted with endothelin 1 and now both enantiomers produced an endothelium‐dependent relaxation of the rings involving the nitric oxide pathway. This relaxation was not modified by 1 µmol·L−1CGP 20,712A (β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist), but significantly blunted by 7 µmol·L−1L‐74,8337 (β3‐adrenoceptor antagonist). However, only the vasorelaxation induced by D‐nebivolol was significantly reduced by 1 µmol·L−1ICI 118,551 (β2‐adrenoceptor antagonist).Conclusions and implications: Our results suggest that the nebivolol enantiomers act on different targets. D‐nebivolol induced vasorelaxation by activating β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors and antagonizing α1‐adrenoceptors. L‐nebivolol induced vasorelaxation by activating only β3‐adrenoceptors in our model. Our results emphasize that nebivolol is a β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist with several important pharmacological differences from other β1‐adrenoceptor antagonists.Mandarin translation of abstract
Mild hypothermia does not affect liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice
Authors: Arab Juan Pablo , Pizarro Margarita , Solis Nancy , Sun Hongdan , Thevananther Sundararajah , Arrese Marco 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: The use of mild hypothermia has been suggested to be therapeutically useful in treating acute liver failure. It is not known if hypothermia influences liver regeneration.Aim: To assess the effect of hypothermia on liver regeneration in mice.Methods: After partial (70%) hepatectomy (PHx), C57BL6/J mice were randomly assigned to either a hypothermic group or a normothermic group. Controlled mild hypothermia was maintained for up to 3 h after surgery. In addition, assessment of liver mass restitution was examined by studying the induction of key cell cycle proteins (cyclin A, D1 and E) and hepatocyte proliferation [assessment of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression] by Western blotting and DNA synthesis by measuring 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation by immunohistochemical techniques 45 h after PHx.Results: Partial hepatectomy induced a vigorous proliferative response in the remnant livers of both groups of mice (normothermic and hypothermic groups), as evidenced by the induction of key cyclins, PCNA and incorporation of BrdU after PHx. The liver/body weight ratio and both cyclin and PCNA protein expression as well as BrdU incorporation did not differ between the regenerating livers of hypothermic and normothermic groups.Conclusion: Mild hypothermia does not influence liver regeneration in mice.
Viral suppression correlates with dendritic cell restoration in chronic hepatitis B patients with autologous cytokine‐induced killer cell transfusion
Authors: Shi Ming , Fu Junliang , Shi Feng , Zhang Bin , Tang Zirong , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Hui , Jin Lei , Chen Liming , Wang Huifeng , Akbar Sheikh Mohammad Fazle , Wang Fu‐Sheng 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: Myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (mDCs, pDCs) are functionally impaired in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Adoptive immunotherapy can suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in CHB patients, but whether it can restore the functionality of mDCs and pDCs remains unknown.Methods: Autologous cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells obtained from 14 CHB patients were transfused back to patients, case by case, to observe the effect of CIK‐cell treatment on the frequency and functionality of mDCs and pDCs in CHB patients during a 24‐week follow‐up investigation.Results: Seven virological responders exhibited a sustained decrease in HBV load after CIK‐cell transfusion; another seven non‐virological responders showed only sustained high levels of HBV load during the 24‐week period following CIK‐cell transfusion. The rate of hepatitis B e antigen loss or seroconversion was also higher in virological responders than in non‐virological responders. Importantly, we found that the frequency and cytokine‐producing capacity of mDCs and pDCs increased significantly in virological responders, but not in non‐virological responders. In addition, these patients exhibited a close correlation between restoration DC subsets and a decrease in HBV DNA load, rather than a change in the alanine aminotransferase level.Conclusion: Cytokine‐induced killer‐cell treatment reduced HBV DNA load in some CHB patients; the efficiency at least partially correlates with the restoration of frequency and functionality of mDCs and pDCs.
Increased hepatic expression is a major determinant of serum alanine aminotransferase elevation in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Liu Rui , Pan Xiaomin , Whitington Peter F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground:Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a biomarker for hepatitis of various aetiologies including fatty liver disease. Increased serum ALT is thought to be related to its increased release from dying hepatocytes.Aim:We sought to understand the mechanisms by which serum ALT is elevated in a mouse model of experimental fatty liver disease where hepatocyte death is minimal.Methods:To induce fatty liver disease, female A/J mice were fed a methionine‐choline deficient (MCD) diet for up to 12 weeks. Serum and liver ALT expression and hepatic inflammation, necrosis and apoptosis were assessed and expressed relative to their expressions in control‐diet‐fed mice.Results:Feeding mice the MCD diet produced hepatic steatosis with minimal hepatic inflammation or necrosis. Liver cell apoptosis was not significantly increased by MCD diet treatment. Conversely, serum ALT activity was approximately four‐fold increased at 12 weeks of diet treatment, and ALT protein expressions in serum were correspondingly increased: ALT1 1.7‐fold and ALT2 1.9‐fold at 12 weeks. The expressions of ALT1 and ALT2 protein in liver increased over 2–12 weeks of MCD treatment. At 12 weeks, liver ALT1 protein was 2.27±0.31‐fold increased and ALT2 protein 4.72±0.48‐fold increased relative to their expressions in the mice fed a diet replete with methionine and choline. Liver ALT mRNA expressions were correspondingly increased: ALT1 mRNA 2.58‐fold and ALT2 mRNA 4.97‐fold at 12 weeks. Linear regression analysis showed a strong correlation between serum and liver tissue expressions for both ALT1 and ALT2.Conclusions:These findings suggest that induction of hepatic expression significantly contributes to increased serum ALT in this model of experimental fatty liver disease, whereas cell death appears not to.
Prognosis following non‐surgical second treatment in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous ablation therapy
Authors: Morimoto Manabu , Numata Kazushi , Nozaki Akito , Tanaka Katsuaki 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective: The aims of this study were to identify prognostic factors in patients who received a non‐surgical second treatment for the development of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after an initial percutaneous ablation therapy.Methods: We retrospectively studied 147 patients with HCC who had received an initially successful percutaneous ablation therapy. The patients were followed up using computed tomography and/or ultrasound every 3 months and a second treatment was performed for subsequent recurrent tumours.Results: The 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates of the 147 patients were 90 and 65% respectively. During a mean follow‐up period of 33 months, local or distant tumour recurrences developed in 77 of the 147 patients, and the 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates after a second treatment in these 77 patients were 73 and 44% respectively. Forty‐six of the 77 patients with up to three recurrent tumours received percutaneous ablation therapy for the second treatment, and the remaining 31 patients with more than three (multiple) recurrent tumours received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for their second treatment. A multivariate analysis revealed the serum α‐fetoprotein level at the time of the appearance of the recurrent HCC (<100 ng/ml vs ≥100 ng/ml, P=0.009) and the number of recurrent tumours (up to three vs more than three, P=0.009) to be independent prognostic factors after the second treatment.Conclusions: The serum α‐fetoprotein level and recurrent tumour number were prognostic factors following the second treatment in patients with recurrent HCC who had received an initially successful ablation therapy.
Nuclear lamins: key regulators of nuclear structure and activities
Authors: Prokocimer Miron , Davidovich Maya , Nissim‐Rafinia Malka , Wiesel‐Motiuk Naama , Bar Daniel Z. , Barkan Rachel , Meshorer Eran , Gruenbaum Yosef 
Published: February 2009

The lamin molecule
The supramolecular assembly of lamins
Lamin‐binding proteins
Lamins and aging
Lamins and stem cells
Lamins and cancer
Lamin and viruses

AbstractThe nuclear lamina is a proteinaceous structure located underneath the inner nuclear membrane (INM), where it associates with the peripheral chromatin. It contains lamins and lamin‐associated proteins, including many integral proteins of the INM, chromatin modifying proteins, transcriptional repressors and structural proteins. A fraction of lamins is also present in the nucleoplasm, where it forms stable complexes and is associated with specific nucleoplasmic proteins. The lamins and their associated proteins are required for most nuclear activities, mitosis and for linking the nucleoplasm to all major cytoskeletal networks in the cytoplasm. Mutations in nuclear lamins and their associated proteins cause about 20 different diseases that are collectively called laminopathies’. This review concentrates mainly on lamins, their structure and their roles in DNA replication, chromatin organization, adult stem cell differentiation, aging, tumorogenesis and the lamin mutations leading to laminopathic diseases.