bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of tripterygium glycosides for Graves ophthalmopathy
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Gao Chenghan , Liu Xiaolin , Gao Tianshu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background:
Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) is one of the remaining enigmas in thyroidology. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are strongly recommended but their effects are not completely satisfactory and adverse reactions can occur. Tripterygium glycosides (TG) is a promising component extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), and numerous patients with GO have benefited from it. However, its practical application value is still unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy and safety of TG for patients with GO.

Methods:
By retrieving the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and WanFang Databases, the open published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to TG in the treatment of GO were collected. And inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool conducts the evaluation of included studies, and meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 software.

Trial registration number:
PROSPERO CRD42019131915.

Results:
A total of 19 trials (involving 1517 GO patients) were included in this review with generally acceptable validity of included RCTs. TG therapy brought about a significantly higher efficacy rate compared with non-TG treatments (RR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.31–1.49). Subgroup meta-analysis showed that TG with or without immunosuppressive therapies were all better than controls: with GC (RR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.27–1.46), with multiple intensification of immunosuppressive therapies (RR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.37–2.67), with no immunosuppressive therapies (RR: 1.39; 95% CI:1.21–1.59); the dosage of TG for 15–60 mg/d (RR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.30–1.53) were better compared with for ≥90 mg/d (RR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.29–1.68); the course of treatment for ≤3 months (RR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.33–1.52) was better than controls, but when >3 months (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.94–1.41) there was no significant differences. After treatment, the degree of exophthalmus (SMD: −2.55; 95% CI: −2.93 to 2.17), the recurrence rate of 1 year (RR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27–0.74), and adverse reactions rate (RR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.20–0.53) were all lower, while the CAS was no obvious gap in 2 groups (SMD: 0.08; 95% CI: −0.60 to 0.75).

Conclusions:
This review found that TG has some advantages in treating GO, especially in improving clinical efficacy and reducing adverse reactions. Nevertheless, large sample, multi-center, reasonable design, and high quality clinical studies are still needed for further verification.
A traditional Chinese patent medicine—Suhuang zhike capsule for cough variant asthma in adults
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Sun Rui , Wang Ruiyin , Han Jing , Zhang Shuhua , Yin Zetao , Han Zelu , Nong Ying , Lin Jiangtao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background:
Many people with cough variant asthma use Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine-Suhuang anti-tussive capsule to help reduce symptoms. However there is no systematic reviews had promising its efficacy and safety for cough variant asthma.

Methods:
Four English databases (PubMed, Web of science, EMBASE, and Springer Cochrane Library) and 4 Chinese databases (Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database) were researched for the randomized controlled trials of Suhuang anti-tussive capsule for cough variant asthma. The search was limited to human studies, using the search keywords or free-text terms “cough,” “cough variant asthma,” “Suhuang Zhike capsul,”“Suhuang anti-tussive capsul,” and “randomized clinical trials.” Two reviewers individually extracted data from the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data will be synthesized by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test. The primary outcomes include the frequency of asthma exacerbations during follow-up, asthmatic symptoms by validated instruments (including symptom scores, Likert scale, visual analogue scale). Lung function, serum immunoglobulin E, blood eosinophil count, phlegm eosinophil count, tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-1b, and adverse effects (numbers of participants experiencing each adverse events) will be assessed as the secondary outcome. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan5.3.5 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results:
This study will provide high-quality synthesis based on current evidence of Suhuang anti-tussive capsule treatment for cough variant asthma.

Conclusion:
This analysis will provide updated evidence for whether Suhuang anti-tussive capsule is an effective and safe intervention for cough variant asthma.

PROSPERO registration number:
PROSPERO CRD42019139695.
Resection might be a meaningful choice for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Zhang Zun-Yi , Dong Ke-Shuai , Zhang Er-Lei , Zhang Li-Wei , Chen Xiao-Ping , Dong Han-Hua 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background:
According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, the presence of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is considered to indicate an advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with nearly no cure. Hepatic resection and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have recently been recommended for treatment of HCC with PVTT.

Methods:
We conducted a systematic review to compare the overall survival between patients with HCC and PVTT undergoing hepatectomy, TACE or conservative treatment including sorafenib chemotherapy. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All relevant studies were considered. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for comparison of the cumulative overall survival. Ten retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

Results:
Overall survival was not higher in the hepatectomy group than TACE group. But survival rate was higher in hepatectomy group than conservative group. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that hepatectomy was superior in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than in patients with main portal vein invasion. In patients without main PVTT, hepatectomy has showed more benefit than TACE. However, there has been no significant difference between the hepatectomy and TACE groups among patients with main PVTT.

Conclusion:
For patients with resectable HCC and PVTT, hepatectomy might be more effective in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than TACE or conservative treatment.
Laparoscopic diagnosis and extraction of an ingested fish bone that penetrated the stomach
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wang Gang , Gu Zhigang , Qiu Jie , Wu Chuanfu , Wu Jianzhong , Huang Weixian , Shen Genhai , Qian Zhenghai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical event, but serious complication such as perforation is uncommon. Here we present a case of gastrointestinal perforation caused by fish bone, which was treated effectively and successfully by totally laparoscopic management.

Patient concerns:
A 63-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with epigastric pain for 1 month. Computed tomography of the abdomen at the local hospital revealed a linear, hyperdense, foreign body in the lesser curvature of gastric antrum that had penetrated through the posterior wall of the gastric antrum.

Diagnosis:
The laparoscopic exploration found that a 2.5 cm × 0.3 cm fish bone had penetrated through the posterior wall of the gastric antrum.

Interventions:
A totally laparoscopic surgery was performed to remove the foreign body and repair the perforation eventually.

Outcomes:
After surgery, the patient underwent uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 7. During the 3 months of follow-up visit, the patient appeared healthy and did not report abdominal symptoms.

Lessons:
In this case, the advantages of laparoscopic techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal perforation caused by foreign body was confirmed, and which may be considered as the primary choice in similar cases.
The gut microbiome as a predictor of low fermentable oligosaccharides disaccharides monosaccharides and polyols diet efficacy in functional bowel disorders
Authors: Chumpitazi Bruno P. 
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review
Fermentable oligosaccharides disaccharides monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) dietary restriction ameliorates irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms; however, not all individuals with IBS respond. Given the gut microbiome's role in carbohydrate fermentation, investigators have evaluated whether the gut microbiome may predict low FODMAP diet efficacy.

Recent findings
Gut microbiome fermentation, even to the same carbohydrate, is not uniform across all individuals with several factors (e.g. composition) playing a role. In both children and adults with IBS, studies are emerging suggesting the gut microbiome may predict low FODMAP diet efficacy. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the approaches (study population, microbiome assessment methods, statistical techniques, etc.) used amongst these studies.

Summary
The gut microbiome holds promise as a predictor of low FODMAP diet efficacy. However, further investigation using standardized approaches to evaluate the microbiome while concomitantly assessing other potential predictors are needed to more rigorously evaluate this area.
San Antonio: Revisando el sistema de gestión de cuentas clave
Authors: Silva Javier Jorge O. , Zerboni Fernando , Prado Maricruz , Moscardi Natalia 
Published: December 2019

Supplementary materials
Nota técnica: “Una mirada cercana a la gestión de cuentas clave en las empresas actuales”, preparada por los profesores Javier Silva, Fernando Zerboni, Martín Zemborain y la asistente de investigación Maricruz Prado, IAE Business School, Universidad Austral, septiembre de 2007. Apoyo audiovisual con la entrevista a Carlos Etcheverry.

Learning outcomes
Este caso puede resultar útil para: Entender la complejidad de la implementación de un sistema de gestión de cuentas clave (KAM), entender los conceptos de fuerza de ventas y las relaciones entre empresas. Analizar las dificultades que enfrentan las empresas al implementar un cambio en sus estrategias de venta y los efectos de este cambio en: la fuerza de ventas, la cultura corporativa, la organización en general, los sistemas administrativos.

Case overview/synopsis
En 2003, después de que Carlos Etcheverry se unió a San Antonio (SA) como vicepresidente regional para Latinoamérica, la compañía implementó un sistema KAM. Las relaciones de SA con sus dos clientes clave, Vintage y Chevron, parecían estar progresando bien hasta mediados de 2004, cuando el nuevo gerente de compras de Chevron decidió cambiar la estructura comercial de la compañía, volviendo su proceso de compras más burocrático y extremadamente competitivo. En marzo de 2005, Etcheverry debía reunirse con el gerente de compras de Chevron, puesto que dicha empresa había decidido reasignar un contrato de servicios mediante una licitación, dejando a San Antonio por fuera. El caso plantea las preguntas que Etcheverry enfrentó en el momento de la reunión: ¿Cómo había llegado San Antonio a poner en riesgo una cuenta clave? ¿Necesitaría un cambio la organización de SA? ¿Esta era la única solución disponible? ¿Qué otros factores había que considerar? Estas preguntas buscan llevar a los estudiantes a considerar cómo se podrían evitar o anticipar estos problemas, y a analizar diferentes tipos de sistemas KAM.

Complexity academic level
Se puede usar para cursos de segundo año de programas de mercadeo de MBA, así como en programas específicos de educación ejecutiva que traten temas de sistemas de gestión de cuentas clave (KAM), estrategias de negocios, mercadeo industrial y/o cursos de gestión de ventas. Este caso también se puede usar a nivel de pregrado y en cursos sobre ventas, gestión de ventas, negocios internacionales y conducta organizacional.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing
Analysis of bioconvection in the suspension of Maxwell nanoparticles with gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Khan S.U. , Shehzad Sabir Ali , Ali N. 
Published: December 2019

PurposeAn increment in energy efficiency by employing nanoparticles is a hot topic of research in present era due to its abundant implications in modern engineering and technological processes. Therefore, the current research analysis reported the viscoelastic nanofluid flow over porous oscillatory moving sheet in the presence of microorganisms. A rate-type fluid namely Maxwell fluid is employed with the addition of nanoparticles. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachFirst, acceptable dimensionless variables are defined to convert the system of dimensional form into the system of dimensionless forms. Later on, the self-similar solution of the boundary value problem is computed by using the homotopy analysis method. The obtained results of velocity, temperature, mass concentration and motile microorganism density profiles are interpreted through physical background.FindingsThe presence of both thermophoresis and Brownian motion parameters also improve the thermophysical features of non-Newtonian nanoparticles. It is also pointed out that the presence of porous medium and magnetic force enhances the nanoparticles concentration. Moreover, a weaker distribution of gyrotactic microorganism has been depicted with Peclet number and bioconvection Lewis parameter.Originality/valueNo such article exists in the literature yet.
GameStop’s next play: reconfiguring the value offering
Authors: Bass A. Erin , Pleggenkuhle-Miles Erin G. , Winchester Christopher C. , West Thomas 
Published: December 2019

Theoretical basis
The theoretical basis for this case is a focus on strategic positioning as related to Porter’s generic strategies. The case describes GameStop’s previous differentiation approach, executed through physical stores and knowledgeable staff. With technological shifts and the introduction of digital downloads, this strategy is less effective. The case requires students to consider how GameStop might revise its generic strategy based on the new competitive landscape in which it operates.

Research methodology
In writing this case, the research team conducted thorough analysis through primary data collection in stores as well as secondary data collection through the use of market research tools, such as IBIS World, MergentOnline, S&P Net Advantage, and academic journals, trade magazines, and websites.

Case overview/synopsis
With high uncertainty shown by stakeholders about the future of GameStop coupled with falling share prices, the company must find a way to stay in play given the rapidly growing digital gaming market. As it planned to close at least 150 of its 7,500 stores, the company was starting to take measures to reduce operational costs and restructure to sectors that best fit consumer interests. GameStop’s core competencies were no longer aligned with market conditions, and its executives were now questioning where it could expand the organization’s operations as they focused on finding untapped areas of the market that have an opportunity for a new competitive advantage. Given its unique market share in gaming memorabilia and trade-in values, students are tasked with finding GameStop’s existing competitive advantages or identifying potential new ones that can be leveraged in a technology-driven industry.

Complexity academic level
This case could be taught at either the graduate or undergraduate level strategy course. At the undergraduate level, it would be best taught when discussing industry life cycle or competitive dynamics. At the graduate level, MBAs could discuss competitive dynamics facing GameStop and how it might find areas for future strategic growth.
Nonstationary deconvolution using maximum kurtosis optimization
Authors: Jamali Javad , Javaherian Abdorrahim 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTDeconvolution is an essential step for high‐resolution imaging in seismic data processing. The frequency and phase of the seismic wavelet change through time during wave propagation as a consequence of seismic absorption. Therefore, wavelet estimation is the most vital step of deconvolution, which plays the main role in seismic processing and inversion. Gabor deconvolution is an effective method to eliminate attenuation effects. Since Gabor transform does not prepare the information about the phase, minimum‐phase assumption is usually supposed to estimate the phase of the wavelet. This manner does not return the optimum response where the source wavelet would be dominantly a mixed phase. We used the kurtosis maximization algorithm to estimate the phase of the wavelet. First, we removed the attenuation effect in the Gabor domain and computed the amplitude spectrum of the source wavelet; then, we rotated the seismic trace with a constant phase to reach the maximum kurtosis. This procedure was repeated in moving windows to obtain the time‐varying phase changes. After that, the propagating wavelet was generated to solve the inversion problem of the convolutional model. We showed that the assumption of minimum phase does not reflect a suitable response in the case of mixed‐phase wavelets. Application of this algorithm on synthetic and real data shows that subtle reflectivity information could be recovered and vertical seismic resolution is significantly improved.
Genetic analysis and molecular detection of resistance to chlorpyrifos mediated by the A216S substitution in acetylcholinesterase‐1 in the plant bug Apolygus lucorum
Authors: Zuo Kai‐Ran , Yang Yi‐Hua , Wu Yi‐Dong , Wu Shu‐Wen 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe green plant bug Apolygus lucorum is a major pest of Bacillus thuringiensis cotton in China. Previously, we reported that chlorpyrifos resistance in a laboratory‐selected strain of A. lucorum (BZ‐R) is associated with the homozygosis of an allele in the ace‐1 gene encoding an alanine to serine substitution at position 216 of acetylcholinesterase‐1. Here we describe the results of crosses between the resistant BZ‐R strain (41‐fold to chlorpyrifos) and the unselected susceptible BZ‐S strain homozygous for the wild type alanine allele at position 216. Resistance to chlorpyrifos was inherited as a semi‐dominant trait mainly controlled by a single autosomal gene and co‐segregates strongly but not completely with the serine substitution in ace‐1. Synergism bioassays and enzyme assays showed that minor contributions to resistance are also made by enhanced cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase activities. A survey of 25 field populations from five Chinese provinces showed strong positive correlations between 50% lethal concentration against chlorpyrifos and S216 allele and genotype frequencies, although the most tolerant populations still only show 40%–50% S216 allele frequencies. The results above provide important information for designing effective resistance monitoring and management strategies for A. lucorum in China.
The effect of insect herbivory on seed production of Lupinus nootkatensis, an introduced species in Iceland
Authors: Hrafnkelsdottir Brynja , Sigurdsson Bjarni D. , Oddsdottir Edda S. , Sverrisson Halldor , Halldorsson Gudmundur 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLupinus nootkatensis is an exotic plant species that has been used for large‐scale sowing all around Iceland for land reclamation of eroded surfaces protected from livestock grazing.
Until the early 1990s, L. nootkatensis was free from any significant arthropod herbivory in Iceland, whereas, after 1991, many outbreaks of native insect species, primarily Ceramica pisi and Eupithecia satyrata, have been recorded. These outbreaks have caused repeated total defoliation of extensive areas of L. nootkatensis, although the effects on its development are mostly unknown.
We studied the effect of: (i) reduced herbivory; (ii) increased herbivory; and (iii) simulated increased herbivory, compared with (iv) unmanipulated herbivory, on defoliation and seed production of L. nootkatensis in a 3‐year field study within two sites at contrasting ages and successional stages.
The results obtained showed that: (i) seed production across all treatments was negatively related to defoliation; (ii) reduced herbivory had a positive effect on the number of flowering stems and seed yield; and (iii) these effects depended on age and/or the successional stage because they were only significant in the older L. nootkatensis site.
These findings indicate that arthropod herbivory may affect the invasiveness of L. nootkatensis in Iceland by reducing the seed production and the spatial distribution rate of late successional lupin communities.
Effort Self‐Talk Benefits the Mathematics Performance of Children With Negative Competence Beliefs
Authors: Thomaes Sander , Tjaarda Iris Charlotte , Brummelman Eddie , Sedikides Constantine 
Published: December 2019

Children with negative competence beliefs often achieve below their potential in school. This randomized field experiment tested whether engaging in positive self‐talk may benefit these children’s mathematics performance. Participants (N = 212, Grades 4–6, Mage = 10.6) worked on the first half of a standardized mathematics test, engaged in effort self‐talk (“I will do my very best!”), ability self‐talk (“I am very good at this!”), or no self‐talk, and worked on the second half of the test. Compared to both the conditions, effort self‐talk benefited the performance of children holding negative competence beliefs: It severed the association between negative competence beliefs and poor performance. By internally asserting that they will deliver effort, children with negative competence beliefs can optimize their achievement in school.
The histopathological features of the nail plate in pachyonychia congenita
Authors: Stewart Campbell L. , Takeshita Junko , Hansen C. David , Rubin Adam I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of keratinization mediated by genetic mutations in KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT16, or KRT17. While nail dystrophy in PC has a significant impact on quality of life, the histopathological features of the nail plate in PC have not been previously reported. We report the histopathological features of nail plates provided by 19 patients with genetically confirmed PC.MethodsNineteen patients with genetically confirmed PC provided a total of 56 nail plates for histopathologic examination. The nail plates were examined for the presence of hyphae, yeast, bacteria, neutrophils, parakeratosis, plasma globules, and hemorrhage. Specimens with onychomycosis (three patients) were excluded from the analysis.ResultsNo specific histopathological feature was identified in PC nails. Parakeratosis and plasma globules were the most prominent features in both clinically affected and unaffected PC nails. There was a significant association between clinical dystrophy of all 20 nails and KRT6A mutations, and a lack of dystrophy of all 20 nails in KRT6B mutations.ConclusionsParakeratosis and plasma globules in the absence of other inflammatory disorders should raise PC in the histopathologic differential diagnosis. The presence of onychomycosis in a nail plate does not exclude a diagnosis of PC.