bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in mesothelin‐binding ability of serum CA125 between patients with endometriosis and epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Sasaki Aya , Akita Kaoru , Ito Fumitake , Mori Taisuke , Kitawaki Jo , Nakada Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

The epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is an aggressive malignant tumor, and is currently the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death. CA125 is the most commonly used serum marker for EOC, but shows a high‐false‐positive rate for several benign diseases such as endometriosis. The purpose of our study is therefore to identify a useful biochemical tool for detecting qualitative differences between CA125 from patients with endometriosis and EOC, and to facilitate differential diagnosis of these diseases. In our study, using two different CA125‐binding molecules, i.e., recombinant mesothelin and an anti‐CA125 monoclonal antibody, a novel sandwich ELISA for determining the serum levels of CA125 with mesothelin‐binding ability (CA125meso) was developed, and tested for patients with endometriosis (n = 59) and EOC (n = 36). We found that both the serum CA125meso level and the ratio of the serum CA125meso to CA125 levels (CA125meso/CA125) were significantly higher in patients with EOC than in patients with endometriosis (p < 0.00005 and p < 0.000001, respectively). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the CA125meso assay was superior to the conventional antibody‐based CA125 assay in discriminating endometriosis from EOC. Thus, mesothelin‐binding ability may be a useful indicator for qualitatively evaluating CA125 in patients with endometriosis and EOC.
Seasonal variations do not affect the superiority of fecal immunochemical tests over guaiac tests for colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Chausserie Sébastien , Levillain Romuald , Puvinel Josette , Ferrand Olivier , Ruiz Angela , Raginel Thibaut , Lantieri Olivier , Launoy Guy , Guittet Lydia
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the seasonal variation in performance of a faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT) and a guaiac test (gFOBT) for colorectal cancer screening. From June 2009 to May 2011, 18,290 screening participants (50–74 years old) performed OC‐SENSOR quantitative FIT (1 sample) and Hemoccult II gFOBT (3 stool samples with 2 spots/sample). Referral for colonoscopy required a minimum of one positive spot (gFOBT), or a positive FIT [cut‐off 150 ng haemoglobin/mL buffer (i.e. 30 μg haemoglobin/g feces)]. The performance of tests for detection of advanced neoplasia was compared according to seasons using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves, at various FIT cut‐off values. The positivity rate of FIT was significantly lower in the summer compared with other seasons (2.3% versus 3.0%, p = 0.03), whilst the positivity rate of gFOBT increased in the autumn (1.8% versus 1.5%, p = 0.11). FIT was clinically more effective than gFOBT over the four season‐specific ROC curves. At the cut‐off concentration used in the study, the season‐specific FIT/gFOBT ratios for true positive rates were: 2.8 (Autumn), 2.5 (Winter), 3.0 (Spring), 3.7 (Summer), and for false positive rates: 1.2 (Autumn), 1.5 (Winter), 1.8 (Spring), 0.9 (Summer). Therefore, in this study with this cut‐off concentration and in spite of lower positivity rate in summer, the seasonal variations of performance of OC‐SENSOR FIT led to improved gain in specificity in the summer, without a decrease in gain in sensitivity compared with gFOBT.
IMBALANCES IN THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT INFANT MENTAL HEALTH IN RICH AND POOR COUNTRIES: TOO LITTLE PROGRESS IN BRIDGING THE GAP
Authors: Tomlinson Mark , Bornstein Marc H. , Marlow Marguerite , Swartz Leslie
Published: September 2014

The vast majority of infants are born in poor countries, but most of our knowledge about infants and children has emerged from high‐income countries. In 2003, M. Tomlinson and L. Swartz conducted a survey of articles on infancy between 1996 and 2001 from major international journals, reporting that a meager 5% of articles emanated from parts of the world other than North America, Europe, or Australasia. In this article, we conducted a similar review of articles on infancy published between 2002 and 2012 to assess whether the status of cross‐national research has changed in the subsequent decade. Results indicate that despite slight improvements in research output from the rest of world, only 2.3% of articles published in 11 years included data from low‐ and middle‐income countries—where 90% of the world's infants live. These discrepancies are indicative of the progress still needed to bridge the so‐called 10/90 gap (S. Saxena, G. Paraje, P. Sharan, G. Karam, & R. Sadana, ) in infant mental health research. Cross‐national collaboration is urgently required to ensure expansion of research production in low‐resource settings.
Clinical Characteristics and Evolution of Giant Cell Tumor Occurring in Paget's Disease of Bone
Authors: Rendina Domenico , De Filippo Gianpaolo , Ralston Stuart H , Merlotti Daniela , Gianfrancesco Fernando , Esposito Teresa , Muscariello Riccardo , Nuti Ranuccio , Strazzullo Pasquale , Gennari Luigi
Published: September 2014

Patients with Paget's bone disease (PDB) have an increased risk of developing giant cell tumor (GCT). This study was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and evolution of GCT complicating PDB and to compare these clinical characteristics to those observed in two large PDB cohorts, the PDB Italian Registry and the United Kingdom's Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial of Symptomatic Versus Intensive Bisphosphonate Therapy for Paget's Disease (PRISM) study. A systematic literature review identified 117 cases of PDB complicated by GCT (PDB-GCT), which involved the skeletal sites affected by PDB (110 patients) or the extraskeletal tissues adjacent to affected bones (7 patients). In contrast to what previously reported for GCT patients without GCT patients (83.2%) were white and one-fourth of them (24.8%) had multifocal GCTs. Compared to PDB patients without GCT, PDB-GCT patients showed a higher male/female ratio (2.1 versus 1.2) and more severe disease (age at PDB onset 52.1 ± 12.1 versus 63.3 ± 10.6 years; number of affected sites 6.1 ± 2.9 versus 2.34 ± 1.6; prevalence of polyostotic PDB 93.3% versus 60.6%). The mortality rate of PDB-GCT patients was higher than those occurring in GCT patients without PDB (about 50% versus 0% to 5% at 5 years) or in PDB patients without GCT (log rank = 29.002). Moreover, up to 98% of PDB-GCT cases had elevated total alkaline phosphatase levels at neoplasm diagnosis, suggestive of active PDB. Importantly, PDB-GCT patients from Southern Italy (45.6% of all GCT patients) showed a higher prevalence of multifocal GCT (51.7%) and of positive familial history for PDB (70.8%) and GCT (65.0%). Finally, indirect evidence suggests a decline in the incidence of GCT in PDB patients. The occurrence of GCT in PDB patients is associated with severe disease and reduced life expectancy of affected patients. The increased prevalence of familial diseases in PDB-GCT patients from Southern Italy suggests a founder effect. The observed changes over time in the incidence of GCT in PDB patients could be related to improved clinical management and/or living conditions of patients. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Importance of cytochromes in cyclization reactions: Quantum chemical study on a model reaction of proguanil to cycloguanil
Authors: Arfeen Minhajul , Patel Dhilon S. , Abbat Sheenu , Taxak Nikhil , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: September 2014

Proguanil, an anti‐malarial prodrug, undergoes cytochrome P450 catalyzed biotransformation to the pharmacologically active triazine metabolite (cycloguanil), which inhibits plasmodial dihydrofolate reductase. This cyclization is catalyzed by CYP2C19 and many anti‐malarial lead compounds are being designed and synthesized to exploit this pathway. Quantum chemical calculations were performed using the model species (Cpd I for active species of cytochrome and N4‐isopropyl‐N6‐methylbiguanide for proguanil) to elucidate the mechanism of the cyclization pathway. The overall reaction involves the loss of a water molecule, and is exothermic by approximately 55 kcal/mol, and involves a barrier of approximately 17 kcal/mol. The plausible reaction pathway involves the initial H‐radical abstraction from the isopropyl group by Cpd I, followed by two alternative paths‐ (i) oxygen rebound to provide hydroxyl derivative and (ii) loss of additional H‐radical to yield 1,3,5‐triazatriene, which undergoes cyclization. This study helped in understanding the role of the active species of cytochromes in this important cyclization reaction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidences of Transesterification, Chain Branching and Cross‐Linking in a Biopolyester Commercial Blend upon Reaction with Dicumyl Peroxide in the Melt
Authors: Signori Francesca , Boggioni Alessia , Righetti Maria Cristina , Rondán Consuelo Escrig , Bronco Simona , Ciardelli Francesco
Published: September 2014

Aiming at the tuning of thermo‐mechanical features by chemical cross‐linking, a biopolyester commercial blend based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)(PBAT) (ecovio®T2280, BASF) was processed in Brabender in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP, 0–0.2 wt.‐%). The effect of DCP addition was investigated and rationalized by means of solubility tests and gel content evaluation, as well as rheological, mechanical, and molecular weight analysis of the prepared compounds. Moreover, detailed DSC and TMDSC investigations provided a deep insight into the structural modifications occurred at the macromolecular level. We found that chain branching as well as cross‐linking occurred in the samples processed in the presence of DCP, thus returning compounds having increased toughness and modulated crystalline content and thermal behavior. Noteworthy, the presence of specific, undisclosed additives, triggers the occurrence of peculiar behaviors in the ecovio® commercial blend, not previously observed in model PLA/PBAT blends of similar composition. Despite only partially soluble in chloroform, the new ecovio® DCP‐modified compounds still remained workable in the melt, thus providing a suitable, simple and economically affordable strategy to finely modulate the thermo‐mechanical properties starting from a commercially available, compostable compound.
The CCAAT element in the CIWI promoter regulates transcriptional initiation in chicken primordial germ cells
Authors: Sohn Yoon Ah , Lee Sang In , Choi Hee Jung , Kim Hyun Jeong , Kim Ki Hyun , Park Tae Sub , Han Jae Yong
Published: September 2014

The P‐element‐induced wimpy testis (PIWI) protein, which associates with small non‐coding RNAs, is responsible for maintaining the integrity of germ cells and stem cells. Thus, transcriptional regulation of PIWI is critical for its effective functional modulation. In this study, we identified the promoter region of the PIWI homolog in chicken (CIWI), and investigated the transcriptional regulatory elements that control expression of CIWI in chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs). We constructed a vector that included the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene controlled by the 4‐kb CIWI promoter. The vector was expressed in chicken PGCs, but not in chicken embryonic fibroblasts. Based on promoter deletion and fragmentation assays, we found that a 252‐bp fragment of the CIWI promoter (−577 to −326 bp) was crucial for CIWI expression in PGCs. A CCAAT transcriptional regulatory element (−498 to −494 bp) was detected in the proximal region from the transcription initiation site of CIWI, and mutational analysis confirmed that this element regulates transcriptional initiation in chicken PGCs. Interestingly, the regions flanking the CCAAT element, which are positioned differently in HIWI (human), Miwi (mouse), and CIWI orthologs, were highly conserved. In addition, we predicted that specificity protein 1 (SP1) motifs modulate the transcriptional initiation of CIWI by binding to the 5'‐flanking regions of the CCAAT box. Overall, 252 bp of the CIWI promoter possessing the transcriptional regulatory element CCAAT is crucial for regulating CIWI gene expression in chicken PGCs. This promoter may be applicable for the regulation of CIWI expression during germ‐cell development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 871–882, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An interior penalty method for optimal control problems with state and input constraints of nonlinear systems
Authors: Malisani P. , Chaplais F. , Petit N.
Published: September 2014

This paper exposes a methodology to solve state and input constrained optimal control problems for nonlinear systems. In the presented ‘interior penalty’ approach, constraints are penalized in a way that guarantees the strict interiority of the approaching solutions. This property allows one to invoke simple (without constraints) stationarity conditions to characterize the unknowns. A constructive choice for the penalty functions is exhibited. The property of interiority is established, and practical guidelines for implementation are given. A numerical benchmark example is given for illustration. © 2014 The Authors. Optimal Control Applications and Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PERFECTIONISM AND ACHIEVEMENT GOAL ORIENTATIONS IN ADOLESCENT SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Damian Lavinia E. , Stoeber Joachim , Negru Oana , Băban Adriana
Published: September 2014

Perfectionism has been shown to predict individual differences in achievement goal orientations in university students, but research on perfectionism and goal orientations in school students is still very limited. Investigating 584 adolescent school students in a cross‐sectional correlational design, the present study examined how self‐oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism predicted students’ goal orientations. Multiple regression analyses showed that, when the overlap between the different goal orientations was controlled for, self‐oriented perfectionism positively predicted mastery‐approach and mastery‐avoidance goal orientations whereas socially prescribed perfectionism positively predicted performance‐approach orientation. The present findings indicate that perfectionism predicts individual differences in adolescent school students’ achievement goal orientations, but different forms of perfectionism are associated with different patterns of goal orientations.
Nanoscale Kirkendall Effect and Oxidation Kinetics in Copper Nanocrystals Characterized by Real‐Time, In Situ Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Rice Katherine P. , Paterson Andrew S. , Stoykovich Mark P.
Published: September 2014

The low‐temperature oxidation of ≈10 nm diameter copper nanocrystals is characterized using in situ UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy and observed to lead to hollow copper oxide shells. The kinetics of the oxidation of solid Cu nanocrystals to hollow Cu2O nanoparticles is monitored in real‐time via the localized surface plasmon resonance response of the copper. A reaction‐diffusion model for the formation of hollow nanoparticles is fit to the measured time for complete Cu nanocrystal oxidation, and is used to quantify the diffusion coefficient of Cu in Cu2O and the activation energy of the oxidation process. The diffusivity measured here in single‐crystalline nanoscale systems is 1–5 orders of magnitude greater than in comparable systems in the bulk, and have an Arrhenius dependence on temperature with an activation energy for diffusion of 37.5 kJ mol−1 for 85 °C ≤ T ≤ 205 °C. These diffusion parameters are measured in some of the smallest metal systems and at the lowest oxidation temperatures yet reported, and are enabled by the unique nanoscale single‐crystalline material and the in situ characterization technique.
Possible Use of Group 4 Metallocene Methyl Cations as Potential Neutralizers for FOX‐7
Authors: del Campo Jorge M. , Martínez‐Araya Jorge Ignacio
Published: September 2014

The possible use of group 4 metallocene cations as neutralizers for some energetic molecules has been assessed using quantum chemical calculations. In particular, titanocene, zirconocene, and hafnocene methyl cations were tested as neutralizers for FOX‐7, an energetic molecule that has been synthesized in 1998. Quantum chemical calculations allowed to geometrically optimize these systems and find 3D maps of the molecular electrostatic potential and the dual descriptor. Dual descriptor is a local reactivity descriptor coming from conceptual density functional theory, which reveals regions on a molecule that are more susceptible to undergo nucleophilic and electrophilic attacks of covalent nature. This local reactivity descriptor helped to orientate the FOX‐7 with respect to the spatial orientation of the respective metallocene methyl cation (MMC) to favor the interplay between these two species, thus revealing that one of the nitro groups of FOX‐7 is able to form a chemical bond with the transition metal atom in the MMC. The procedure exposed in this article highlights the fact that a complete exploration of the hypersurface of potential energy was not necessary to perform because the dual descriptor has revealed unambiguously the nucleophilic and electrophilic zones on each molecular system thus allowing to select the best geometry that favors the intermolecular interplay inasmuch as, according to dual descriptor, the MMC+FOX‐7 reaction progresses through the formation of a covalent bond between the metal atom of the MMC and the oxygen atom of FOX‐7.
Crossover from ballistic to diffusive thermal conductance in helically coiled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Popović Zoran P. , Damnjanović Milan , Milošević Ivanka
Published: September 2014

Thermal conductance in helically coiled carbon nanotubes (HCCNTs) is calculated out of phonon dispersion relations: anharmonicity is included through Brenner interatomic potential and scattering rates of the three‐phonon Umklapp processes are calculated exactly, for all allowed transport channels. Highlighted are the universal features of the quantized thermal conductance and crossover from the ballistic to the diffusive transport regime is studied in detail. Correlation between the geometrical parameters of HCCNTs and thermal conductance is investigated. Finally, the specific heat is calculated and compared to that of the other carbon materials.
Response of the large‐scale structure of the atmosphere to global warming
Authors: Vallis Geoffrey K. , Zurita‐Gotor Pablo , Cairns Cameron , Kidston Joseph
Published: September 2014

This article discusses the possible response of the large‐scale atmospheric structure to a warmer climate. Using integrations from the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) in conjunction with physical arguments, we try to identify what changes are likely to be robust and what the underlying mechanisms might be. We focus on the large‐scale zonally averaged circulation, in particular on height of the tropopause, the strength and position of the surface westerlies and the strength and extent of the Hadley Cell. We present analytic arguments and numerical calculations which suggest that under global warming the height of the tropopause will increase in both the transient response and final equilibrium state, and an increase is clearly found in all the comprehensive models in CMIP5. Upper stratospheric cooling is also found in the comprehensive models, and this too can be explained by a radiative argument. Regarding the circulation, most models show a slight expansion and weakening of the Hadley Cell, depending on season and hemisphere. The expansion is small and largely confined to winter but with some expansion in Southern Hemisphere summer. The weakening occurs principally in the Northern Hemisphere but the intermodel scatter is large. There is also a general polewards shift in surface westerlies, but the changes are small and again are little larger than the intermodel variability in the change. This shift is positively correlated with the Hadley Cell expansion to a degree that depends somewhat on the metric chosen for the latter. There is a robust strengthening in the Southern Hemisphere surface winds across seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere there is a slight strengthening in the westerlies in most models in winter but a consistent weakening of the westerlies in summer. We present various physical arguments concerning these circulation changes but none that are both demonstrably correct and that account for the model results. We conclude that the above‐mentioned large‐scale thermodynamic/radiative changes in the large‐scale atmospheric structure are generally robust, in the sense of being both well understood and consistently reproduced by comprehensive models. In that sense the dynamical changes are less robust given the current state of knowledge and simulation, although one cannot conclude that they are, in principle, unknowable or less predictable.
New Insights into the Decisional Use of Process Capability Indices via Hypothesis Testing
Authors: Lepore Antonio , Palumbo Biagio
Published: September 2014

Process capability indices Cp, Cpk, and Cpm are still nowadays widely used in industry—thanks to their easy formulation and implementation. This paper aims to give new mathematical insights in order to support their use in decision‐making via hypothesis testing. The minimum sample size usually needed in the applications to achieve fixed significance level and power is reported in light of the new mathematical aspects for Cpk and Cpm, which avoid misleading conclusions and the use of extensive numerical experiments. In addition, power curves for Cpk and Cpm, which have not previously appeared in the literature before, are also presented. Lastly, easy‐to‐follow diagrams for hypothesis testing with Cpk and Cpm and two critical scenarios for Cpm are included in the paper to facilitate the applicative use and the comprehension of the novel inferential aspects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐factor authentication scheme with anonymity for multi‐server environments
Authors: Chen Chi‐Tung , Lee Cheng‐Chi
Published: September 2014

In a multi‐server environment, remote user authentication is essential for secure communication. Recently, Liao and Wang, Hsiang and Shih, and Lee et al. have successively proposed various remote user authentication schemes for multi‐server environments. However, each of these schemes exhibits distinct security weaknesses. The Liao–Wang scheme is vulnerable to insider attacks and masquerade attacks, and fails to provide two‐factor security and mutual authentication. The Hsiang–Shih scheme is vulnerable to masquerade attacks and cannot provide mutual authentication. This paper shows that the Lee et al. scheme does not provide two‐factor security and cannot withstand masquerade attacks. Their scheme demonstrates poor reparability and fails to provide mutual authentication. Its password change process is inconvenient and inefficient for users who wish to update passwords. Therefore, we propose a novel two‐factor authentication scheme with anonymity for multi‐server environments and use the Burrows–Abadi–Needham logic method to verify our scheme. We compare the performance and functionality of the proposed scheme with those of previous schemes. Cryptanalysis demonstrated that our improved scheme not only overcomes the drawbacks of the Lee et al., Hsiang–Shih, and Liao–Wang schemes but also satisfies crucial design criteria for secure remote user authentication schemes in multi‐server environments. This paper presents a real‐case scenario and provides practical examples. We show that our improved authentication scheme provides more functionality than the mentioned schemes do, and can enhance effectiveness in protecting multi‐server environments. We also show that the proposed scheme is efficient and can enhance the efficiency of the authentication scheme in a multi‐server environment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in noise‐based testing of concurrent software
Authors: Fiedor J. , Hrubá V. , Křena B. , Letko Z. , Ur S. , Vojnar T.
Published: September 2014

Testing of concurrent software written in programming languages like Java and C/C++ is a highly challenging task owing to the many possible interactions among threads. A simple, cheap, and effective approach that addresses this challenge is testing with noise injection, which influences the scheduling so that different interleavings of concurrent actions are witnessed. In this paper, multiple results achieved recently in the area of noise‐injection‐based testing by the authors are presented in a unified and extended way. In particular, various concurrency coverage metrics are presented first. Then, multiple heuristics for solving the noise placement problem (i.e. where and when to generate noise) as well as the noise seeding problem (i.e. how to generate the noise) are introduced and experimentally evaluated. In addition, several new heuristics are proposed and included into the evaluation too. Recommendations on how to set up noise‐based testing for particular scenarios are then given. Finally, a novel use of the genetic algorithm for finding suitable combinations of the many parameters of tests and noise techniques is presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A link selection method for web‐browser using eye‐gaze input
Authors: Onishi Kazutaka , Kajiwara Yusuke , Nakamura Munehiro , Nambo Hidetaka , Kimura Haruhiko
Published: September 2014

Methods for browsing Web pages using eye‐gaze input have been proposed for severely physically handicapped people who cannot handle a computer mouse to utilize convenient services on the Internet. There are two important functions for Web‐browsers, namely scroll and link selection. Since it is difficult to introduce existing link selection methods using eye‐gaze input for home usage because of high costs or complexity, we propose in this paper a novel link selection method using eye‐gaze input. The proposed method analyzes the HTML source in a Web page and makes a group of links by the content of each. In evaluation experiments, we compare the proposed method with a comparative method using eye‐gaze input with respect to the average response time in selecting the links. The results of the experiments show that the average response is nearly twice as fast as that of the compared method. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Do Foreign Firms in China Incur a Liability of Foreignness? The Local Chinese Firms’ Perspective
Authors: Jiang Fuming , Liu Lixian , Stening Bruce W.
Published: September 2014

Liability of foreignness (LOF) has been one of the building blocks of multinational enterprise theory development, but we have limited knowledge about the liability of foreignness in the context of multinationals operating in developing countries. This study suggests that in a developing country like China, foreignness may still exist, but its negative impact on foreign firms’ performance may have become insignificant. Local Chinese firms were found to enjoy significant location‐based advantages over their foreign counterparts, contributing to liability of foreignness. However, the adverse effects of liability of foreignness on foreign firms appear to be offset by the foreign firms’ superior firm‐specific and multinationality advantages over local Chinese firms. Further, the location‐based advantages that foreign firms have built up over time further serve to strengthen their overall competitive position in China. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gastrointestinal Quality‐of‐Life After Cholecystectomy: Indication Predicts Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Abdominal Pain
Authors: Wanjura Viktor , Lundström Patrik , Österberg Johanna , Rasmussen Ib , Karlson Britt‐Marie , Sandblom Gabriel
Published: September 2014

Background

Despite the fact that cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure, the impact on long‐term gastrointestinal quality of life is not fully known.

Methods

All surgical procedures for gallstone disease performed at Mora County Hospital, Sweden, between 2 January 2002 and 2 January 2005, were registered on a standard database form. In 2007, all patients under the age of 80 years at follow‐up were requested to fill in a form containing the Gastrointestinal Quality‐of‐Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire and a number of additional questions. The outcome was analysed with respect to age, gender, smoking, surgical technique, and original indication for cholecystectomy.

Results

A total of 627 patients (447 women, 180 men) underwent cholecystectomy, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (N = 524), laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to open cholecystectomy (N = 43), and open cholecystectomy (N = 60). The mean time between cholecystectomy and follow‐up with the questionnaire was 49 months. The participation rate was 79 %. Using multivariate analysis in the form of generalised linear modelling, the original indication for cholecystectomy in combination with gender (p = 0.0042) was found to predict the GIQLI score. Female gender in combination with biliary colic as indication for cholecystectomy correlated with low GIQLI scores. Female gender also correlated with a higher risk for pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant after cholecystectomy (p = 0.028).

Conclusions

We found the original indication for cholecystectomy, together with gender, to predict gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. Careful evaluation of symptoms is important before planning elective cholecystectomy.
Major Post‐Operative Complications Predict Long‐Term Survival After Esophagectomy in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Luc Guillaume , Durand Marlène , Chiche Laurence , Collet Denis
Published: September 2014

Background

Esophagectomy provides the best opportunity for a long‐term cure despite its high post‐operative morbidity. We reviewed our institutional records to evaluate the impact of major post‐operative complications on the long‐term survival of patients following esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We identified 241 patients who underwent esophagectomy as a curative procedure at our tertiary referral center. All consecutive patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus who underwent neoadjuvant treatment followed by esophagectomy were analyzed. Complications were graded according to the Clavien scale. Patients were compared according to the complication grade (grades 0–1–2 vs. grades 3–4). Overall survival and disease‐free survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and survival curves were compared using log‐rank tests. Factors predictive of survival were determined using multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 116 patients underwent esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Fifty‐four patients (46.5 %) developed post‐operative complications. The post‐operative mortality rate was 4.3 % (five patients). Patients with grade 3–4 complications had decreased overall survival and disease‐free survival rates (p = 0.006 and 0.045). Grade 3–4 complications and positive nodes were found to be contributing factors to survival (p = 0.027 and 0.005).

Conclusions

Our single‐institution study found that major morbidity had a negative impact on long‐term survival in patients who underwent esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced adenocarcinoma.
Adult Intussusception: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Honjo Hirotaka , Mike Makio , Kusanagi Hiroshi , Kano Nobuyasu
Published: September 2014

Background

Intussusception is common in children but rare in adults. The goal of this study was to review retrospectively the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of intussusception in adults.

Methods

From 1997 to 2013, we experienced 44 patients of intussusception in patients older than 18 years. The patients were divided into enteric, ileocolic, ileocecal, and colocolonic (rectal) types. The diagnosis and treatment of these patients were reviewed.

Results

Of the 44 patients of adult intussusception, 42 were diagnosed with abdominal ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography. There were 12 patients of enteric intussusception, six patients of ileocolic intussusception, 16 patients of ileocecal type intussusception, and 10 patients of colonic (rectal) intussusception. Among them, 77.3 % were associated with a tumor. Among 12 patients of enteric intussusception, three were associated with a metastatic intestinal tumor, and one was associated with a benign tumor. Among six patients of ileocolic intussusception, two patients were associated with malignant disease. Also, 93.8 % of ileocecal intussusceptions were associated with tumors, 80.0 % of which were malignant. Similarly, 90.0 % of colonic intussusceptions were associated with malignant tumors. Intussusception was reduced before or during surgery in 28 patients. Surgery was performed in 41 patients, and laparoscopy‐assisted surgery was performed for ab underlying disease in 12 patients.

Conclusions

Preoperative diagnoses were possible in almost all patients. Reduction greatly benefited any surgery required and the extent of the resection regardless of the underlying disease and surgical site.
Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion Using Nitrous Oxide under Procedural Sedation
Authors: Wu Robert , Okrainec Allan , Penner Todd
Published: September 2014

Background

Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter (LPDC) implantation using nitrous oxide (N2O) pneumoperitoneum under procedural sedation is a technique that has many advantages over conventional insertion methods. The purpose of this study was to review the LPDC insertion results at our center.

Methods

Data from 87 consecutive patients who underwent LPDC insertion was retrospectively reviewed. All procedures were attempted under procedural sedation. After patients received intravenous and local anesthesia, a N2O pneumoperitoneum was established. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters were advanced using rectus sheath tunneling. The position of the catheter was confirmed by laparoscope, and adjunct procedures such as omentopexy and adhesiolysis were performed on select patients to prevent catheter flow problems.

Results

Nitrous oxide was well tolerated by 94 % of the patients. Only five patients required conversion to general anesthesia. After a mean follow‐up of 18.2 months, mechanical complications included pericatheter/incision leakage (12.62 %), flow obstruction (4.60 %), incision/exit site hernia (3.45 %), hemoperitoneum (2.30 %), pleuroperitoneal fistula (1.15 %), scrotal leak (1.15 %), and migration (1.15 %). Infectious complications included exit site infection (1 episode per 312.95 patient‐months) and peritonitis (1 episode per 31.93 patient‐months). Revision‐free catheter survival was 97.6 % after 1 year.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic implantation of a PD catheter with N2O pneumoperitoneum and local anesthesia is safe and effective in patients with severe renal failure. N2O is an inert gas and better tolerated as an insufflation agent, enabling awake procedures. Our results show that catheter‐related functional outcomes are comparable to those in the existing literature. This approach can be recommended as a good option for catheter implantation in patients needing dialysis.
Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Acute Urinary Retention after Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Lee Soo Young , Kang Sung‐Bum , Kim Duck‐Woo , Oh Heung‐Kwon , Ihn Myong Hoon
Published: September 2014

Background

Although several risk factors for acute urinary retention after rectal cancer surgery have been proposed, few studies have enrolled a homogeneous group of patients without preoperative urinary dysfunction. We aimed to identify risk factors and preventive measures for acute urinary retention after rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from included patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery at a single center. Preoperative urinary function was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Clinical data were collected prospectively and analyzed to assess the risk factors for acute urinary retention, which was defined as the inability to self‐void after removing the urinary catheter requiring catheterization or reinsertion of an indwelling catheter.

Results

Of 352 patients with mild preoperative IPSS (0–7), 48 (13.6 %) experienced acute urinary retention. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.240, p = 0.039), laparoscopic operation (OR 2.421, p = 0.024), intraoperative intravenous fluid ≥2,000 mL (OR 3.794, p < 0.001), and urinary catheter removal on postoperative day 1 or 2 (OR 3.650, p = 0.017) were independent risk factors for acute urinary retention after rectal cancer surgery. Patients with two risk factors had a significantly higher risk of acute urinary retention than patients with none or one risk factor.

Conclusions

This study suggests the maintenance of a urinary catheter for a period longer than 2 days and intraoperative fluid restriction to prevent acute urinary retention after rectal cancer surgery.
Effectiveness of Antireflux Surgery for the Cure of Chronic Cough Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Lugaresi Marialuisa , Aramini Beatrice , Daddi Niccolò , Baldi Fabio , Mattioli Sandro
Published: September 2014

Background

The effectiveness of surgical therapy for chronic cough secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of surgery and to identify the preoperative clinical profile that could predict the positive effects of treatment on chronic cough.

Study Design

Of 299 patients who underwent antireflux surgery between 1995 and 2010, 67 patients were affected by chronic cough and typical symptoms. In addition, 83 patients with typical symptoms were selected to form the control group, according to the parameters of age, sex, and the period of surgical activity. Preoperatively, all patients underwent a workup, including symptom assessment, barium swallow, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24‐h pH recording or intraluminal impedance/pH monitoring in the absence of esophagitis. Patients with chronic cough also were administered a high‐resolution computed tomography scan of the chest, a methacholine challenge test, and spirometry. Surgery was performed on patients positive for gastroesophageal reflux disease and negative for pulmonary diseases. The patients were followed up for a median of 84 months after surgery.

Results

No significant differences in preoperative reflux symptoms or esophagitis were found between the two groups. After surgery, chronic cough was absent in 57 (85 %) patients. Of the ten patients who still reported chronic cough, reflux symptoms relapsed in five, two of whom developed esophagitis. In the other five patients, typical symptoms were absent, and their chronic cough had improved but had not disappeared.

Conclusions

Surgery is effective for the treatment of chronic cough secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease, particularly if associated with severe and long‐standing typical symptoms.
Long‐Term Evolution of Acute Colonic Diverticulitis After Successful Medical Treatment
Authors: Trenti Loris , Kreisler Esther , Galvez Ana , Golda Thomas , Frago Ricardo , Biondo Sebastiano
Published: September 2014

Background

The evidence is sparse concerning the natural history of acute diverticulitis after successful conservative management. This observational study aimed to evaluate the rate, severity, and need of surgery for recurrence after a first episode of acute diverticulitis successfully managed conservatively.

Methods

All patients admitted for acute diverticulitis between 1994 and 2011 were considered for inclusion in the study. Severity of the first episode, demographic data, comorbidities, management, recurrence, and elective or emergency surgery during the follow‐up period were prospectively recorded.

Results

The study included 560 patients. The mean follow‐up period was of 67.2 ± 44.4 months. Severe diverticulitis was diagnosed in 22.3 % of the cases. Recurrence was observed in 14.8 % of the patients, and the rate of severe recurrence was 3.4 %. Most of the recurrences occurred during the first year of follow‐up evaluation. Chronic corticoid therapy (P = 0.043) and the presence of more than one abscess (P < 0.001) were significantly related to recurrence. In the event of a mild recurrence, the first episode was either mild or severe (P = 0.172). In the case of severe recurrence, most patients presented with a previous severe diverticulitis (P < 0.001). During the follow‐up period, 6.8 % of the patients needed an elective operation, and 1.4 % of them underwent emergency surgery.

Conclusion

The rate of severe recurrence after successful nonoperative management of acute diverticulitis was low, and emergency surgery was rare. Prophylactic surgery, even in cases of recovered severe diverticulitis, should be considered on a case‐by‐case basis. Strict follow‐up assessment during the first year is advised.
The Effects of Intrauterine Malnutrition on Birth and Fertility Outcomes: Evidence From the 1974 Bangladesh Famine
Authors: Hernández-Julián Rey , Mansour Hani , Peters Christina
Published: September 2014

This article uses the Bangladesh famine of 1974 as a natural experiment to estimate the impact of intrauterine malnutrition on sex of the child and infant mortality. In addition, we estimate the impact of malnutrition on post-famine pregnancy outcomes. Using the 1996 Matlab Health and Socioeconomic Survey (MHSS), we find that women who were pregnant during the famine were less likely to have male children. Moreover, children who were in utero during the most severe period of the Bangladesh famine were 32 % more likely to die within one month of birth compared with their siblings who were not in utero during the famine. Finally, we estimate the impacts of the famine on subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Controlling for pre-famine fertility, we find that women who were pregnant during the famine experienced a higher number of stillbirths in the post-famine years. This increase appears to be driven by an excess number of male stillbirths.
Prevalence of Mental Health Symptoms in Dutch Military Personnel Returning from Deployment to Afghanistan: A 2-year Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Reijnen A. , Rademaker A.R. , Vermetten E. , Geuze E.
Published: September 2014

Objective:

Recent studies in troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that combat exposure and exposure to deployment-related stressors increase the risk for the development of mental health symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of mental health symptoms in a cohort of Dutch military personnel prior to and at multiple time-points after deployment.

Methods:

Military personnel (n= 994) completed various questionnaires at 5 time-points; starting prior to deployment and following the same cohort at 1 and 6 months and 1 and 2 years after their return from Afghanistan.

Results:

The prevalence of symptoms of fatigue, PTSD, hostility, depression and anxiety was found to significantly increase after deployment compared with pre-deployment rates. As opposed to depressive symptoms and fatigue, the prevalence of PTSD was found to decrease after the 6-month assessment. The prevalence of sleeping problems and hostility remained relatively stable.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of mental health symptoms in military personnel increases after deployment, however, symptoms progression over time appears to be specific for various mental health symptoms. Comprehensive screening and monitoring for a wide range of mental health symptoms at multiple time-points after deployment is essential for early detection and to provide opportunities for intervention.

Declaration of interest:

This project was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
Spatial and temporal postural analysis: a developmental study in healthy children
Authors: Gouleme Nathalie , Ezane Marie Désirée , Wiener‐Vacher Sylvette , Bucci Maria Pia
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to explore further the development of postural control in healthy children. The novelty of this study was to resort to both spatial and temporal analysis of the center of pressure (CoP).

Forty‐six healthy children from 4 to 16 years old (mean age: 9.1 ± 3 years) and a group of 13 healthy adults (mean age: 25 ± 3 years) participated to this study. Postural control was tested on both a stable and an unstable platform in three different visual conditions: eyes open fixating a target, under optocinetic stimulation, and eyes closed.

Resul*ts showed a significant decrease of both surface area as well as mean velocity of the center of pressure (CoP) during childhood. With the children's increasing age, the spectral power indices decreased significantly and the canceling time increased significantly.

Such improvement in postural control could be due to a better use of sensorial inputs and cerebellar integration during development, allowing subjects to achieve more efficient postural control.
Increased cerebrospinal fluid calpain activity and microparticle levels in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Laske Christoph , Stellos Konstantinos , Kempter Ingrid , Stransky Elke , Maetzler Walter , Fleming Ingrid , Randriamboavonjy Voahanginirina
Published: September 2014

Background

Calpain has been associated with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and with apoptotic neuronal cell death leading to microparticles (MPs) formation.

Methods

A total of 64 patients with AD and 52 age‐ and gender‐matched cognitively healthy elderly controls were included in the study. We measured calpain activity and levels of MPs, amyloid beta (Aβ1–42), h‐tau, and p‐tau181.

Results

AD patients showed significantly increased calpain activity and higher levels of MPs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and significantly decreased calpain activity and lower levels of MPs in serum and plasma compared with healthy controls. Combined assessment of calpain activity and Aβ1–42 levels in CSF improved diagnostic accuracy as compared with singular or combined traditional CSF biomarkers of AD.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing increased calpain activity and microparticle levels in CSF of AD patients. Calpain activity could represent a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and promising treatment target for AD.