bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of drain fluid amylase check on day 3 after pancreatectomy
Authors: Lee Sung Ryol , Kim Hyung Ook , Shin Jun Ho 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe occurrence of pancreatic fistulae (PF) after pancreatectomy is the main cause of prolonged hospital stay, delayed chemotherapy, poor quality of life and post‐operative death. The surgical drainage after pancreatectomy can induce ascending infection, early removal is recommended if the possibility of PF is low. The present study analysed the risk factors and predictors of PF, and confirmed the significance of drain fluid amylase concentration (DFA, U/L) among various factors identified. On the basis of these results, we tried to evaluate the practical clinical applicability of DFA and obtain appropriate baseline values.MethodsFrom January 2014 to December 2017, 117 patients underwent major pancreatectomy with pylorus‐preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, Whipple procedure, subtotal pancreatectomy or distal pancreatectomy. This study retrospectively collected and analysed demographics, pathological results and prognoses of these patients.ResultsMultivariate analysis indicated that the DFA obtained on day 3 after surgery (DFA 3) was the only predictor of PF with statistical significance (P < 0.001). Of all the factors tested, area under the curve was highest for DFA 3 (0.89). In addition, of all the factors tested, DFA 3 with a cut‐off value of 1004 U/L had the best sensitivity (92%) and specificity (82%).ConclusionsDFA 3 of a cut‐off value of 1004 U/L might be determined to be the best predictor of PF, and early removal of the surgical drain could be considered if DFA (1004 U/L) is lower than the cut‐off value at 3 days after surgery.
Extracorporeal CO2 removal and regional citrate anticoagulation in an experimental model of hypercapnic acidosis
Authors: Morimont Philippe , Habran Simon , Desaive Thomas , Blaffart Francine , Lagny Marc , Amand Theophile , Dauby Pierre , Oury Cecile , Lancellotti Patrizio , Hego Alexandre , Defraigne Jean‐Olivier , Lambermont Bernard 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLow flow extracorporeal veno‐venous CO2 removal (ECCO2R) therapy is used to remove CO2 while reducing ventilation intensity. However, the use of this technique is limited because efficiency of CO2 removal and potential beneficial effects on pulmonary hemodynamics are not precisely established. Moreover, this technique requires anticoagulation that may induce severe complications in critically ill patients. Therefore, our study aimed at determining precise efficiency of CO2 extraction and its effects on right ventricular (RV) afterload, and comparing regional anticoagulation with citrate to systemic heparin anticoagulation during ECCO2R. This study was performed in an experimental model of severe hypercapnic acidosis performed in two groups of three pigs. In the first group (heparin group), pigs were anticoagulated with a standard protocol of unfractionated heparin while citrate was used for ECCO2R device anticoagulation in the second group (citrate group). After sedation, analgesia and endotracheal intubation, pigs were connected to a volume‐cycled ventilator. Severe hypercapnic acidosis was obtained by reducing tidal volume by 60%. ECCO2R was started in both groups when arterial pH was lower than 7.2. Pump Assisted Lung Protection (PALP, Maquet, Rastatt, Germany) system was used to remove CO2. CO2 extraction, arterial pH, PaCO2 as well as systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic were continuously followed. Mean arterial pH was normalized to 7.37 ± 1.4 at an extracorporeal blood flow of 400 mL/min, coming from 7.11 ± 1.3. RV end‐systolic pressure increased by over 30% during acute hypercapnic acidosis and was normalized in parallel with CO2 removal. CO2 extraction was not significantly increased in citrate group as compared to heparin group. Mean ionized calcium and MAP were significantly lower in the citrate group than in the heparin group during ECCO2R (1.03 ± 0.20 vs. 1.33 ± 0.19 and 57 ± 14 vs. 68 ± 15 mm Hg, respectively). ECCO2R was highly efficient to normalize pH and PaCO2 and to reduce RV afterload resulting from hypercapnic acidosis. Regional anticoagulation with citrate solution was as effective as standard heparin anticoagulation but did not improve CO2 removal and lead to more hypocalcemia and hypotension.
Targeting the phosphorylation site of myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate alleviates symptoms in a murine model of steroid‐resistant asthma
Authors: Wang Chien‐Neng , Lin Yu‐Chao , Chang Bo‐Chun , Chen Ching‐Hsien , Wu Reen , Lee Chen‐Chen 
Published: February 2019

Background and PurposeMyristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), a PKC substrate, facilitates mucus production and neutrophil migration. However, the effects of therapeutic procedures targeting the phosphorylation site of MARCKS on steroid‐resistant asthma and the mechanisms underlying such effects have not yet been investigated. We designed a peptide that targets the MARCKS phosphorylation site (MPS peptide) and assessed its therapeutic potential against steroid‐resistant asthma.Experimental ApproachMice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), alum, and challenged with aerosolized OVA five times a week for 1 month. The mice were intratracheally administered MPS peptides three times a week, 1 hr before OVA challenge. Asthma symptoms and cell profiles in the bronchoalveolar lavage were assessed, and key proteins were analysed using Western blotting.Key ResultsPhosphorylated (p)‐MARCKS was highly expressed in inflammatory and bronchial epithelial cells in OVA‐immunized mice. MPS peptide reduced eosinophils, neutrophils, mucus production, collagen deposition, and airway hyper‐responsiveness. Dexamethasone (Dexa) did not alleviate steroid‐resistant asthma symptoms. MPS peptide caused a decrease in p‐MARCKS, nitrotyrosine and the expression of oxidative stress enzymes, NADPH oxidase dual oxidase 1 and inducible NOS, in lung tissues. Compared to Dexa, MPS peptides inhibited C5a production and attenuated IL‐17A and KC production in the airway more effectively, thus suppressing asthma symptoms.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur findings indicate that targeting MARCKS phosphorylation through MPS treatment may inhibit neutrophilic inflammation and relieve asthma symptoms, thereby highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for steroid‐resistant asthma.
Accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the skin is accelerated in relation to insulin resistance in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Uruska A. , Gandecka A. , Araszkiewicz A. , Zozulinska‐Ziolkiewicz D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate the association between skin advanced glycation end products and insulin resistance in Type 1 diabetes.MethodsThe study group consisted of 476 people with Type 1 diabetes (247 men) with a median (interquartile range) age of 42 (33–53) years, disease duration of 24 (19–32) years and HbA1c concentration of 63 (55–74) mmol/mol [7.9 (7.2–8.9)%]. Insulin resistance was assessed according to estimated glucose disposal rate. Advanced glycation product accumulation in the skin was measured by autofluorescence using an AGE Reader. The group was divided into three subgroups based on estimated glucose disposal rate tertiles (<5.5, 5.5–9.5 and >9.5 mg/kg/min, respectively). The higher the estimated glucose disposal rate, the lower the insulin resistance.ResultsSkin autofluoresence level decreased with increasing estimated glucose disposal rate; comparing people below the lower tertile, with those between the first and third tertiles, and with those above the third tertile, the median autofluoresences were, respectively: 2.5 (2.2–2.9) vs 2.3 (2.0–2.7) vs 2.1 (1.9–2.5) AU (P<0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between skin autofluorescence and estimated glucose disposal rate (Spearman's correlation coefficient=–0.31, P <0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed a significant, two‐way association of insulin resistance with skin autofluorescence.ConclusionThe results of this study offer strong evidence for a two‐way relationship between insulin resistance and advanced glycation product accumulation in the skin in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Environmentally induced changes in the distribution of disease susceptibility phenotypes inPinus radiata
Authors: Reynolds Gregory J. , McRoberts Neil , Kirkpatrick Sharon C. , Gordon Thomas R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPinus radiata(Monterey pine) is highly susceptible toFusarium circinatum, the cause of pitch canker, but heritable variation in resistance to this disease has been documented inP. radiata. In this study, the distribution of susceptibility phenotypes (=lesion lengths) was assessed by inoculatingP. radiatatrees with a spore suspension ofF. circinatum. The results show the distribution of susceptibility phenotypes in naïve seedlings to be normally distributed, both in a breeding population and in a population established from seed collected in a native forest. This pattern aligns with expectations for a quantitatively inherited trait. However, after 2.5 years of growth in a forest, variation in susceptibility is no longer normally distributed but rather is positively skewed. Thus, exposure to the forest environment results in a distribution that is enriched for relatively resistant individuals. A similarly skewed distribution is observed in standing trees in a native population ofP. radiata. The observed change in distribution cannot be attributed to ontological effects on resistance to pitch canker, because tree age accounts for almost none of the variation in susceptibility. We hypothesize that the change in distribution of susceptibility phenotypes is due primarily to infections and infection attempts by the microbiota resident in the forest.
Force‐generating capacity of the toe flexor muscles and dynamic function of the foot arch in upright standing
Authors: Yamauchi Junichiro , Koyama Keiji 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe muscle and tendon complex of the foot helps to support the foot arch and generates the muscle force of the foot. The present study investigated the force‐generating capacity of the toe flexor muscles and the dynamic function of the foot arch when standing upright, and the relationships between these indices. The maximum toe flexor force and foot arch height in the sitting and standing positions were studied in the left and right feet of 224 healthy young individuals. To measure the maximum isometric force of the toe flexor muscles, the subjects exerted maximum force on a toe grip dynamometer. Measurements were repeated three times with at least a 1‐min rest period between bouts, and the maximum value among the measurements for each foot was used for further analysis. The absolute value of the toe flexor strength was normalised by body mass. The foot arch height was measured the distance between the tuberosity of the navicular bone and the floor, and normalised by height. The relative foot arch height difference between the sitting and standing positions was evaluated as the foot arch dynamics. The maximum isometric toe flexor strength was 42% higher in the standing position than in the sitting position. There was no relationship between the relative toe flexor strength and the relative foot arch height in either the sitting or standing positions; however, the relative increase in toe flexor strength from sitting to standing (the force amplification factor) was related to the foot arch dynamics, and the flexible foot arch showed a greater increase in the toe flexor strength from sitting to standing compared with the strength in the stiff foot arch. The results of this study suggest that the force‐generating capacity of the toe flexor muscles is augmented by bodyweight bearing in upright standing. Additionally, the force amplification mechanism is mechanically regulated by the dynamic function of the foot arch in conjunction with the stretching of the muscle–tendon complex of the foot.
Use of handheld ultrasound Doppler to prevent complications from intra‐arterial injection of dermal fillers: Clinical experience
Authors: Lee Georgia S. K. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryA handheld 2 MHz ultrasound Doppler device determines the presence or absence of pulsatile arterial flow immediately beneath the selected site of entry for dermal filler injection. In combination with near infrared technology to map out superficial veins, mishaps from intravascular injections may be reduced. A total of 448 patients aged range between 21 and 74 years, with 168 out of total of 1019 treatment sites having both infrared and ultrasound Doppler assisted preinjection mapping were reviewed. The injection technique is described. Improved patient safety and reduced bruising from asthetic dermal filler injections are potential benefits.
Influence of itopride and domperidone on gastric tone and on the perception of gastric distention in healthy subjects
Authors: Van den Houte Karen , Carbone Florencia , Pauwels Ans , Vos Rita , Vanuytsel Tim , Tack Jan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveItopride, a prokinetic with dopamine D2‐antagonistic and cholinesterase inhibitor properties, is used for treating functional dyspepsia (FD) patients. However, the effects of itopride on sensitivity to gastric distention and impaired gastric accommodation, major pathophysiological mechanisms of FD, are unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of itopride on gastric distention and on gastric accommodation in healthy volunteers, compared to placebo and domperidone.MethodsFifteen healthy volunteers (6 male, mean age 28.3 ± 5.8) were studied after pretreatment for 2 days tid with placebo (P), itopride 50 mg (I50), itopride 100 mg (I100), or domperidone 10 mg (D10) in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind cross‐over design. A gastric barostat study was performed to assess gastric compliance, sensitivity to gastric distention, and gastric accommodation. Symptoms were evaluated by visual analogue scales and perception scores.ResultsI50, I100, and D10 did not influence gastric compliance and sensitivity compared to placebo. No significant differences in accommodation were observed after I100 compared to P. Preprandial intragastric volumes were similar with D10, I50, or placebo (respectively, 244 ± 21, 225 ± 23, and 261 ± 36 mL, NS). However, postprandial gastric volumes were lower after I50 compared to placebo (303 ± 34 vs. 448 ± 50 mL, P < 0.01). Gastric accommodation was significantly reduced after D10 (90 ± 26 mL) and I50 (78 ± 25 mL) compared to placebo (186 ± 37 mL, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01).ConclusionIn healthy subjects, itopride and domperidone do not alter gastric compliance or sensitivity. I50 and D10 three times daily, but not I100, decrease meal‐related gastric accommodation.
Qasab: Kutch Craftswomen’s Producer Co. Ltd.
Authors: Mittal Shweta , Gupta Vishal , Motiani Manoj 
Published: February 2019

The ‘Qasab’ case is designed to teach students about the characteristics of social entrepreneurship and the impact it has on the society. It also describes how sustainable development and social innovation are interlinked. ‘Qasab’ was an organization whose main focus was to preserve the traditional art of the Kutch region. The case describes the genesis and the journey of ‘Qasab,’ how it preserved the traditional art forms, and the personality traits of Pankaj Shah (the social entrepreneur who started ‘Qasab’). The case talks about the problems faced by the artisans in the region, which led to the formation of this social venture. Also, it touches upon the HR challenges faced by a social entrepreneur. At the time this case was written, ‘Qasab’ had become a collective enterprise comprising 1,200 rural master craftswomen from 11 ethnic communities spread across 62 villages in the arid interiors of Kutch and has been formally structured and registered as a ‘Producer Company’ owned by traditional craftswomen. ‘Qasab’ included different communities such as — ‘Mutwa’, ‘Sodha Rajput’, ‘Jat-Daneta’, ‘Meghwal’, ‘Sindhi Memon’, ‘DhebariyaRabari’, ‘KacchiRabari’, ‘Ahir’, ‘Halepotra’, ‘Sumra,’‘Hingorja’ and ‘Pathan’ — that had distinct embroidery styles and emphasized maintaining these styles (since the embroideries were an integral part of their cultural identity) — to preserve their unique identities. ‘Qasab’ was known for its outstanding quality of authentic Kutch embroidery, appliqué and patchwork products, its hallmark being traditional motifs reflecting the cultural identity of each community in contemporary designs through items of premium quality. ‘Qasab’ had made artisans stakeholders in the organization and was able to preserve the distinct art of each community. The case is based on the theme of social entrepreneurship and analyzes the process of the emergence of such enterprises, their importance and the factors that lead to their success and sustainability. Students can assess how these organizations are different from other types of organizations. The case should help students to find the parameters that show that social innovation and sustainable development are interlinked. The case can be used to study the business model of social innovation.
Lighting the Lean Spark in Silver Spark
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Deshpande Anand 
Published: February 2019

Silver Spark Apparel Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Raymonds Ltd. and produces some of the best-known apparel brands in India. The company owns and runs three apparel plants in Bengaluru. The head of the “SILVER SPARK” plant, Ashish Grover, feels that despite all the successes achieved in the past, the plant needs improvement. The production lead times were longer than required and the factory seemed to lack a smooth production flow. At this time, he met Andy Dey, a LEAN specialist. Ashish invited Andy to his factory and asked him for his opinion on improving the process using LEAN tools and techniques. After listening to the quick assessment, Ashish engaged Andy as a LEAN consultant and requested a detailed assessment of each department. Based on the assessment, Ashish plans to implement the LEAN process in the production facility.
A Dynamic Cis-Regulation Pattern Underlying Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Choi Jiyeon , Brown Kevin M. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Efforts from the past decade in genomic analyses improved our understanding of genetic susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified approximately 40 genomic loci contributing to risk, a functional understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying all but a few of these loci is lacking. The work by Buckley and colleagues has comprehensively characterized an EOC locus on chromosome band 9p22.2, identifying cis-regulatory functional sequence variants underlying multiple independent GWAS signals at 9p22.2 both within enhancer elements, as well as within a nuclear scaffold/matrix attachment region. Their findings further provide evidence implicating the basonuclin 2 (BNC2) gene in EOC risk and broaden the understanding of ovarian cancer biology.
See related article by Buckley et al., p. 467
A antiga Piscina do Duce no antigo Edifício das Termas (atual Edifício CONI) no Foro Itálico, em Roma:
Authors: Mendonça Lisandra Franco de 
Published: February 2019

O antigo Palazzo delle Terme é composto por duas alas distintas unidas por um volume suspenso onde se encontra uma piscina coberta, a chamada Piscina Pensile. A piscina está sujeita a condições ambientais artificiais extremas: os valores da humidade relativa no compartimento estão diretamente relacionados com a temperatura da água, o aquecimento do ar e a falta de mecanismos apropriados de ventilação. Essas características dão origem a fenómenos de condensação nas superfícies expostas e à formação de bolor. A condensação contém vestígios de cloro e por isso é particularmente corrosiva e capaz de minar a resistência da estrutura, bem como as instalações técnicas necessárias ao tratamento do ar e da água. Esta pesquisa desenrolou-se em diversos arquivos em Roma, onde foi possível consultar o projeto de arquitetura, descrições técnicas da obra e levantamentos fotográficos. Simultaneamente foi feito o levantamento arquitetônico e, sucessivamente, de patologias na construção. A pesquisa permitiu a discussão de temas pertinentes ao restauro de um edifício moderno classificado em funcionamento e com uma grande carga de instalações técnicas e gastos energéticos
Variations in Surface Albedo Arising from Flooding and Desiccation Cycles on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Authors: Craft Kevin M. , Horel John D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDesert playas, such as those in northern Utah, form a landscape often in stark contrast to surrounding mountain ranges due to their minimal topographic relief, lack of vegetation, and saline soils. Dry highly reflective halite surfaces, which make up many of the desert playas in northern Utah, are generally characterized by a surface albedo over 40%. However, their albedo can be reduced abruptly to less than 20% by flooding due to rainfall, runoff from surrounding higher terrain, or surface winds transporting shallow water across the playas. A weather station installed during September 2016 to study the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) in northern Utah provides estimates of surface albedo that can be related to cycles of flooding and desiccation of the halite surface. The normalized difference water index (NDWI) derived from the MODIS MOD09A1 land surface reflectance product estimates the fractional coverage of surface water over the BSF. NDWI values computed over 8-day periods from 2000 to 2018 highlight year-to-year and seasonal variations in playa flooding events over the BSF. Periods of playa flooding were observed with both ground-based observations and NDWI with sharp reductions in albedo when the surface is flooded.
Optic Flow and Tunnel Vision in the Detection Response Task
Authors: van Winsum Wim 
Published: February 2019

Objective: In a driving simulator, a backwards counting task, a simple steering task, and a fully autonomous driving task were applied to study the independent effects of cognitive load, visual-cognitive-manual load, and optic flow on visual detection response task (vDRT) performance. The study was designed to increase the understanding of the processes underlying vDRT effects. Background: The tunnel vision effect induced by a “steering while driving” task found in a previous study was investigated further in this experiment. Method: Stimulus eccentricity and conspicuity were applied as within-subjects factors. Results: Cognitive load, visual-cognitive-manual load, and optic flow all resulted in increased vDRT response time (RT). Cognitive load and visual-cognitive-manual load both increased RT but revealed no interaction of task by stimulus eccentricity. However, optic flow resulted in a task by stimulus eccentricity interaction on vDRT RT that was evidence of a tunnel vision effect. Conclusion: The results suggested that optic flow may be a factor responsible for tunnel vision while driving, although this does not support the tunnel vision model because it is unrelated to workload. However, the results supported the general interference model for cognitive workload. Application: The results have implications for the diagnosticity of the vDRT. During driving tasks, tunnel vision effects may occur as a result of optic flow, and these effects are unrelated to workload.