bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The temporal distribution of new H7N9 avian influenza infections based on laboratory-confirmed cases in Mainland China, 2013–2017
Authors: Guo Zuiyuan , Xiao Dan , Li Dongli , Wang Yayu , Yan Tiecheng , Dai Botao , Wang Xiuhong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, estimates of the growth rate of new infections, based on the growth rate of new laboratory-confirmed cases, were used to provide a statistical basis for in-depth research into the epidemiological patterns of H7N9 epidemics. The incubation period, interval from onset to laboratory confirmation, and confirmation time for all laboratory-confirmed cases of H7N9 avian influenza in Mainland China, occurring between January 2013 and June 2017, were used as the statistical data. Stochastic processes theory and maximum likelihood were used to calculate the growth rate of new infections. Time-series analysis was then performed to assess correlations between the time series of new infections and new laboratory-confirmed cases. The rate of new infections showed significant seasonal fluctuation. Laboratory confirmation was delayed by a period of time longer than that of the infection (average delay, 13 days; standard deviation, 6.8 days). At the lags of −7.5 and −15 days, respectively, the time-series of new infections and new confirmed cases were significantly correlated; the cross correlation coefficients (CCFs) were 0.61 and 0.16, respectively. The temporal distribution characteristics of new infections and new laboratory-confirmed cases were similar and strongly correlated.
Intra-articular dexmedetomidine in knee arthroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Ke , Chen Wei-rong , Meng Xiao-wen , Zhang Juan , Ji Fu-hai 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the analgesic effects of intra-articular dexmedetomidine (DEX) in arthroscopic knee surgery. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intra-articular DEX versus control for postoperative analgesia in knee arthroscopy. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was applied to determine the reliability of the evidence. Twelve RCTs including 594 patients met the eligibility criteria. DEX treatment significantly improved postoperative pain outcomes, with weighted mean differences (95% confidence interval) between the DEX and control groups of −1.57 (−1.94 to −1.20, P < 0.00001) for pain scores at rest at postoperative 1 h, −8.54 mg (−11.96 to −5.13, P < 0.00001) for morphine-equivalents at postoperative 0–24 h, and 257.57 min (209.86 to 305.28, P < 0.00001) for time to first request for postoperative analgesia. TSA indicated there is sufficient evidence for these outcomes. Intra-articular DEX did not affect the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, or somnolence. This meta-analysis demonstrated that intra-articular administration of DEX improved pain outcomes in the early postoperative period after knee arthroscopy. Due to the limited number of trials and patients included in this meta-analysis, more evidence is required to confirm these findings.
Application of maltose as energy source in protein-free CHO-K1 culture to improve the production of recombinant monoclonal antibody
Authors: Leong Dawn Sow Zong , Teo Brian Kah Hui , Tan Janice Gek Ling , Kamari Hayati , Yang Yuan Sheng , Zhang Peiqing , Ng Say Kong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOligosaccharides are generally considered to be un-utilized for growth of mammalian cells because their permeability across the cell membrane is low. However, in our previous study, we discovered that CHO and HEK293 cells consume maltose in culture media without serum and glucose. This is interesting because the transporter for maltose in mammalian cells has not been discovered to-date, and the only animal disaccharide transporter that is recently discovered is a sucrose transporter. The application of oligosaccharides in mammalian cell-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing can be beneficial, because it can theoretically increase carbohydrate content of the culture medium and decrease lactate production. Here, we first determined that specific maltose consumption rate in CHO cells was similar to galactose and fructose at 0.257 ng/cell/day. We then demonstrated that CHO cells can be cultivated with reasonable cell growth using higher maltose concentrations. After which, we evaluated the use of maltose supplementation in the production of a recombinant monoclonal antibody in batch and fed-batch cultures, demonstrating improvements in recombinant monoclonal antibody titer of 15% and 23% respectively. Finally, glycosylation profiles of the antibodies were analyzed.
Chromatin dynamics underlying latent responses to xenobiotics
Authors: Moggs Jonathan , Terranova Rémi 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Pleiotropic xenobiotics can trigger dynamic alterations in mammalian chromatin structure and function but many of these are likely non-adverse and simply reflect short-term changes in DNA transactions underlying normal homeostatic, adaptive and protective cellular responses. However, it is plausible that a subset of xenobiotic-induced perturbations of somatic tissue or germline epigenomes result in delayed-onset and long-lasting adverse effects, in particular if they occur during critical stages of growth and development. These could include reprogramming, dedifferentiation, uncontrolled growth, and cumulative toxicity effects through molecular memory of prior xenobiotic exposures or altered susceptibility to subsequent xenobiotic exposures. Here we discuss the current evidence for epigenetic mechanisms underlying latent responses to xenobiotics, and the potential for identifying molecular epigenetic changes that are prodromal to overt morphologic or functional toxicity phenotypes.
Balanced‐to‐unbalanced filtering power divider with compact size and high common‐mode suppression
Authors: Luo Ming , Tang Xiao‐Hong , Lu Di , Zhang Yong‐Hong , Yu Xu‐Min 
Published: February 2018

A compact balanced‐to‐unbalanced (BTUB) filtering power divider (FPD) to simultaneously realise the functions of power dividing, bandpass response, a BTUB transformer with high common‐mode suppression and good isolation between two output ports is proposed. This component is constructed by two half‐wavelength resonators and the special designed feeding‐line structure. For verification, an FPD working at 2.39 GHz is fabricated and measured. The measured results show good agreement with the simulation.
Simulation of the small-scale magnetism in main-sequence stellar atmospheres
Authors: Salhab R. G. , Steiner O. , Berdyugina S. V. , Freytag B. , Rajaguru S. P. , Steffen M. 
Published: February 2018

Context.Observations of the Sun tell us that its granular and subgranular small-scale magnetism has significant consequences for global quantities such as the total solar irradiance or convective blueshift of spectral lines.Aims.In this paper, properties of the small-scale magnetism of four cool stellar atmospheres, including the Sun, are investigated, and in particular its effects on the radiative intensity and flux.Methods.We carried out three-dimensional radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations with the CO5BOLD code in two different settings: with and without a magnetic field. These are thought to represent states of high and low small-scale magnetic activity of a stellar magnetic cycle.Results.We find that the presence of small-scale magnetism increases the bolometric intensity and flux in all investigated models. The surplus in radiative flux of the magnetic over the magnetic field-free atmosphere increases with increasing effective temperature,Teff, from 0.47% for spectral type K8V to 1.05% for the solar model, but decreases for higher effective temperatures than solar. The degree of evacuation of the magnetic flux concentrations monotonically increases withTeffas does their depression of the visible optical surface, that is the Wilson depression. Nevertheless, the strength of the field concentrations on this surface stays remarkably unchanged at ≈1560 G throughout the considered range of spectral types. With respect to the surrounding gas pressure, the field strength is close to (thermal) equipartition for the Sun and spectral type F5V but is clearly sub-equipartition for K2V and more so for K8V. The magnetic flux concentrations appear most conspicuous for model K2V owing to their high brightness contrast.Conclusions.For mean magnetic flux densities of approximately 50 G, we expect the small-scale magnetism of stars in the spectral range from F5V to K8V to produce a positive contribution to their bolometric luminosity. The modulation seems to be most effective for early G-type stars.
The 500 ks Chandra observation of the z = 6.31 QSO SDSS J1030 + 0524
Authors: Nanni R. , Gilli R. , Vignali C. , Mignoli M. , Comastri A. , Vanzella E. , Zamorani G. , Calura F. , Lanzuisi G. , Brusa M. , Tozzi P. , Iwasawa K. , Cappi M. , Vito F. , Balmaverde B. , Costa T. , Risaliti G. , Paolillo M. , Prandoni I. , Liuzzo E. , Rosati P. , Chiaberge M. , Caminha G. B. , Sani E. , Cappelluti N. , Norman C. 
Published: February 2018

We present the results from a ~ 500 ks Chandra observation of the z = 6.31 QSO SDSS J1030 + 0524. This is the deepest X-ray observation to date of a z ~ 6 QSO. The QSO is detected with a total of 125 net counts in the full (0.500A0–7 keV) band and its spectrum can be modeled by a single power-law model with photon index of Γ = 1.81 ± 0.18 and full band flux of f = 3.95 × 10−15 erg s−1 cm−2. When compared with the data obtained by XMM-Newton in 2003, our Chandra observation in 2017 shows a harder (ΔΓ ≈ −0.6) spectrum and a 2.5 times fainter flux. Such a variation, in a timespan of ~ 2 yr rest-frame, is unexpected for such a luminous QSO powered by a > 109M⨀ black hole. The observed source hardening and weakening could be related to an intrinsic variation in the accretion rate. However, the limited photon statistics does not allow us to discriminate between an intrinsic luminosity and spectral change, and an absorption event produced by an intervening gas cloud along the line of sight.
We also report the discovery of diffuse X-ray emission that extends for 30″ × 20″ southward of the QSO with a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of approximately six, hardness ratio of HR = 0.03+0.20−0.25, and soft band flux of f0.5– keV = 1.1+0.3−0.3 × 10−15 erg s−1 cm−2 , that is not associated to a group or cluster of galaxies. We discuss two possible explanations for the extended emission, which may be either associated with the radio lobe of a nearby, foreground radio galaxy (at z ≈ 1 – 2), or ascribed to the feedback from the QSO itself acting on its surrounding environment, as proposed by simulations of early black hole formation.
Medical and Surgical Management of Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Cabrera José , Sato Thomas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a spectrum of idiopathic, lifelong, and progressive intestinal inflammatory conditions that includes Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis. A worldwide increase in the incidence of IBD has been observed. In comparison to adults, IBD occurring during childhood and adolescence has several unique clinical characteristics and surgical management issues. In this article, we provide an overview contrasting these important differences.
Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction
Authors: El-Chammas Khalil , Sood Manu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is defined by either continuous or intermittent symptoms of bowel obstruction in the absence of fixed lumen excluding lesion. CIP includes a heterogeneous group of disorders which result either from diseases affecting the enteric neurons and smooth muscle lining or those involving the autonomic innervation of the bowel. Symptoms associated with CIP are nonspecific, which can sometimes contribute to the delay in recognizing the condition and making the correct diagnosis. The diagnostic workup should include imaging and manometry studies and, occasionally, full-thickness bowel biopsies for histopathological examination may be required. Multidisciplinary team approach for the management of these patients is recommended, and the team members should include a gastroenterologist, surgeon, chronic pain specialist, clinical nutritionist, and a psychologist. The treatment goals should include optimizing the nutritional status and preventing or delaying the development of intestinal failure. The majority of the patients require enteral or parenteral nutrition support, and chronic pain is a common and distressing symptom. Small bowel transplantation may be required if patients develop liver complications due to parenteral nutrition, have difficult central line access, or have poor quality of life and worsening pain despite aggressive medical management.
Pediatric Rectal Prolapse
Authors: Rentea Rebecca , St Peter Shawn 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRectal prolapse is a common and self-limiting condition in infancy and early childhood. Most cases respond to conservative management. Patients younger than 4 years with an associated condition have a better prognosis. Patients older than 4 years require surgery more often than younger children. Multiple operative and procedural approaches to rectal prolapse exist with variable recurrence rates and without a clearly superior operation. These include sclerotherapy, Thiersch's anal cerclage, Ekehorn's rectopexy, laparoscopic suture rectopexy, and posterior sagittal rectopexy.
Anorectal Complaints: Hemorrhoids, Fissures, Abscesses, Fistulae
Authors: Jamshidi Ramin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAnorectal complaints are not uncommon in pediatric care, but the etiology and management can differ significantly from adults. Age is an important factor when considering etiology and management, distinguishing between infants, children, and adolescents. For all ages, malignancy is rarely a consideration, but a thorough examination of infants and children typically requires deep sedation or general anesthesia. Very little primary literature or evidence exists to guide care; so there are many opportunities for careful study to enhance our understanding beyond personal experience and historical practice patterns.
Meconium Ileus
Authors: Richards Morgan , Waldhausen John 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCystic fibrosis is one of the most common inheritable traits in Caucasians. Meconium ileus and its potential complications are the most likely reasons that these patients will need surgical care. Surgical intervention is usually needed in the neonatal period but may also be required later in life. This article discusses the various ways cystic fibrosis can affect the gastrointestinal tract. Both the operative and nonoperative management of complicated and uncomplicated meconium ileus are discussed in the neonatal period as well as long-term issues, such as distal intestinal obstructive syndrome, fibrosing colonopathy, and rectal prolapse, all of which may be seen in older children and adults.
Effects of Low- and High-Dose Chemotherapy Agents on Thrombogenic Properties of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Aharon Anat , Sabbah Anni , Issman Liron , Berkovich Hila , Copty Reem , Talmon Yeshayahu , Brenner Benjamin 
Published: February 2018

Background The involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer-associated thrombosis (CT) is unclear. This study aimed to explore the properties of EVs derived from breast cancer (BC) cells following exposure to high- or low-dose chemotherapeutic agents and evaluate thrombogenic effects of these EVs on endothelial cells (ECs).
Methods EVs were isolated from BC cell lines (non-metastatic MCF7, high-metastatic MDA-MB-231), pre-exposed to serum-free medium (control), with or without increasing doses of doxorubicin or paclitaxel. EV structure and size were studied using electron microscopy and Nano-sight. Antigen levels were measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). EV effects on EC thrombogenicity were assessed using FACS, factor Xa chromogenic assay and RT-PCR.
Results Serum-free medium BC cell resulted in EV shedding that additionally increased when MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to high doses of both agents. Tissue factor (TF) levels were similarly low (9–13%) in all EVs compared with the high expression on their parental MDA-MB-231 cells (76–83%). EVs derived from MDA-MB-231 cells stimulated with high-dose doxorubicin demonstrated significantly (fivefold; p < 0.001) elevated levels of negatively charged phospholipids, a 97% decrease in TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels and a sixfold increase (p < 0.001) in procoagulant activity. These EVs also enhanced EC thrombogenicity. Effects of EVs originating from MCF7 cells were less pronounced.
Conclusion These findings suggest that thrombogenic properties of BC-derived EVs may depend on the type and dose of the applied chemotherapy agent and may also be affected by the cell metastatic nature.
Long-term Follow-up of Canaliculotomies after Canaliculitis
Authors: Stucki Vera , Demolli Pashija , Kniestedt Christoph , Frimmel Sonja 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background Canaliculitis is often misdiagnosed. There are several conservative and surgical treatment options.
Patients and Methods Retrospective analysis of 14 canaliculotomies in 10 patients with canaliculitis. The overall length of the surgically induced opening was measured and compared to the corresponding untreated lacrimal punctae. Lacrimal duct concrements were liberated and sent for microbiological and histological analysis. Patient satisfaction and relief of symptoms were documented as well as clinical findings.
Results Mean age was 59 ± 10 years (36 – 73 years) with balanced gender distribution. Mean follow-up time was 13 ± 8 months (4 – 27 months). Canaliculotomy was performed on 12 out of 14 inflamed canaliculi; in 2 cases, 3-snip punctoplasty was sufficient. The surgically induced length of the cuts was 1.7 ± 0.9 mm (0.4 – 3.7 mm). In 13 out of 14 cases, macroscopic concrements were found intraoperatively and actinomyces was verified histologically. Nine patients were free of symptoms postoperatively, and one patient manifested markedly less epiphora.
Conclusions The canaliculi remained open within the long-term follow-up period without any drawbacks to the lacrimal outflow. No recurrent infections were seen.
Was wollen die jungen Chirurgen? Moderne Anforderungen an chirurgische Chefs
Authors: Roeth Anjali , Mille Markus 
Published: February 2018

ZusammenfassungUm dem Mangel an chirurgischen Fachärzten entgegenzuwirken, muss man sich fragen, was der chirurgische Nachwuchs eigentlich will und wie man die Faszination des Faches Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie unterstreichen kann. Die Chirurgische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Junge Chirurgen (CAJC) der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie (DGAV) hat die Kernpunkte eines attraktiven chirurgischen Arbeitsplatzes gegliedert und zusammengefasst und bietet so Lösungsansätze. Auf der einen Seite steht die strukturierte und transparente Weiterbildung, die ein festes Weiterbildungscurriculum, die Assistenz von Teilschritten einer OP, regelmäßige Weiterbildungsgespräche, das Führen eines Logbuches, innerklinische Übungsmöglichkeiten sowie die Freistellung zu Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen beinhalten sollte. Hand in Hand damit geht eine „lebenswerte Chirurgie“, die sich durch die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf, eine bessere Planung des Klinikalltags, eine positive Feedback-Kultur, Work-Life-Balance, neue Arbeits(zeit)modelle sowie mehr Zeit für Lehre und Forschung auszeichnet. Bei vielen dieser Punkte sollte der Chefarzt zentralen Vorbildcharakter übernehmen und dadurch den Grundstein für einen Strukturwandel innerhalb der Klinik legen, besonders da viele Punkte leicht umzusetzen sind. So kann die Attraktivität der Faches Chirurgie schnell gesteigert werden und eine „lebenswerte Chirurgie“ gelebt werden.
Etiologies and risks of splenic decapsulation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: case report and literature review
Authors: Pamudurthy Vijeta , Abraham Raju , Betlej Thomas , Shah Ashish , Kim Dong , Sasso Brian , Chacko Abraham 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive diagnostic and interventional procedure used in conditions related to the pancreas and biliary tract. It has a complication rate ranging from 4 % to 10 %. Severe complications are few with the most common of them being post-ERCP pancreatitis, post-sphincterotomy bleeding, and perforation. A rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of ERCP is splenic injury. We report the case of a 60-year-old female with choledocholithiasis who sustained splenic decapsulation following ERCP. The exact causes of splenic injury are unknown, although several mechanisms are postulated. A literature review of splenic injuries post-ERCP shows that there are only 3 cases with post-ERCP splenic decapsulation. Our patient is the first one in whom splenic decapsulation occurred without any risk factors or technical difficulties during the procedure. A high index of suspicion for splenic injury is required in any patient who has severe pain, anemia, or hemorrhagic shock after ERCP.
Structural analysis and taste evaluation of γ-glutamyl peptides comprising sulfur-containing amino acids
Authors: Amino Yusuke , Wakabayashi Hidehiko , Akashi Satoko , Ishiwatari Yutaka 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The structures, flavor-modifying effects, and CaSR activities of γ-glutamyl peptides comprising sulfur-containing amino acids were investigated. The chemical structures, including the linkage mode of the N-terminal glutamic acid, of γ-L-glutamyl-S-(2-propenyl)-L-cysteine (γ-L-glutamyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine) and its sulfoxide isolated from garlic were established by comparing their NMR spectra with those of authentic peptides prepared using chemical methods. Mass spectrometric analysis also enabled determination of the linkage modes in the glutamyl dipeptides by their characteristic fragmentation. In sensory evaluation, these peptides exhibited flavor-modifying effects (continuity) in umami solutions less pronounced but similar to that of glutathione. Furthermore, the peptides exhibited intrinsic flavor due to the sulfur-containing structure, which may be partially responsible for their flavor-modifying effects. In CaSR assays, γ-L-glutamyl-S-methyl-L-cysteinylglycine was most active, which indicates that the presence of a medium-sized aliphatic substituent at the second amino acid residue in γ-glutamyl peptides enhances CaSR activity.
Efficient Estimation of Risk Preferences
Authors: Wu Feng , Guan Zhengfei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRisk and the risk attitude of agents are two fundamental elements of decision making under risk and uncertainty. Recent developments in risk and risk preference analyses have raised questions on conventional approaches to estimating risk preferences. This study proposes an estimation procedure that employs a seminonparametric estimator to estimate the density function of risk without imposing distributional assumptions, as well as a numerical integration method to construct closed‐form expressions of conditional moment conditions for efficient estimation. The method achieves a substantial efficiency improvement relative to the conventional GMM approach in Monte Carlo simulations. The proposed approach is general and applies to the estimation of behavioral choice models under risk, or models that require expectation operations and closed‐form equations for estimation.