bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic repair of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Chorti Angeliki , Stavrou George , Stelmach Veronica , Tsaousi Georgia , Michalopoulos Antonios , Papavramidis Theodosios S. , Kotzampassi Katerina 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionAnastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is a severe complication. Except for re‐operation, several endoscopic options have been proposed for the minimal invasive treatment of AL, including the endoluminal vacuum devices, tissue sealants and Over‐The‐Scope‐Clip (OTSC) technique. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the effect of alternative treatment options for AL repair, by means of endoscopy.MethodA bibliographic search was performed in the international literature. Ten case reports and series were finally included, reporting 75 cases of endoscopic repair of AL. A descriptive statistical analysis and a systematic review were performed.ResultsThe patients' mean age was 65.84 ± 9.92 years (95% CI: 61.70‐68.76), the male‐to‐female ratio being 1.5:1. The mean diameter of the cavity was 5.17 ± 3.32 cm (95% CI: 4.03‐6.31). The mean time until the diagnosis was 44.15 ± 105.91 days (95% CI: 13.39‐74.90). Vacuum‐assisted closure therapy was the most common technique (52%), followed by fibrin glue (25.3%) and OTSC (22.7%). As supplementary therapy, OTSC was applied in 8.3%, vacuum‐assisted closure in 25%, endoclips in 4.2%, while fibrin glue was the most frequently used (62.5%).ConclusionEndoscopic management of AL after low anterior resection is considered as an alternative to surgical treatment with promising results.
Clinical feeding examination with cervical auscultation for detecting oropharyngeal aspiration: A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Frakking Thuy T. , Chang Anne B. , David Michael , Orbell‐Smith Jane , Weir Kelly A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundCervical auscultation (i.e. listening to swallowing sounds) is the most commonly used technique in adjuvant to the clinical feeding examination by speech‐language pathologists worldwide to assess for oropharyngeal aspiration risk in children. Despite its relative popularity in clinical practice, little is known on the clinical utility of cervical auscultation within a paediatric population.ObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic test accuracy of the clinical feeding examination with cervical auscultation in the detection of aspiration in children.Type of reviewNarrative review. Prospero Registration: CRD42017081467 Search strategy: Medline/Pub Med, Embase, CINAHL, AustHealth, Cochrane and UQ (Scopus) were searched up until October 2017. Specifically, the search terms used were: (((oropharyngeal OR respiratory) aspiration) AND (child* OR pediatr* OR paediatr*) and (cervical auscultation OR swallow sounds OR swallowing sounds OR accelerometry OR swallowing acoustics)). The search strategy also included scanning reference lists and citations of retrieved studies.Evaluation methodExtracted studies were reviewed by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the QUADAS‐2 tool.ResultsOnly one study met inclusion criteria for this review, which had a bias for flow and timing. Use of cervical auscultation in conjunction with the clinical feeding examination to predict aspiration had a positive predictor value (PPV) of only 0.49 (0.31‐0.66), indicating potential over‐prediction of aspiration when cervical auscultation is used. In contrast a high NPV of 0.92 (0.78‐0.98) was reported indicating that cervical auscultation is useful at ruling out aspiration in children.ConclusionThis review highlights the paucity of research studies assessing the accuracy of cervical auscultation as an adjuvant to the clinical feeding examination in aspiration detection within the paediatric population.
Enhanced bone tissue regeneration of a biomimetic cellular scaffold with co‐cultured MSCs‐derived osteogenic and angiogenic cells
Authors: Li Limei , Li Jidong , Zou Qin , Zuo Yi , Cai Bin , Li Yubao 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe bone tissue engineering primarily focuses on three‐dimensional co‐culture systems, which physical and biological properties resemble the cell matrix of actual tissues. The complex dialogue between bone‐forming and endothelial cells (ECs) in a tissue‐engineered construct will directly regulate angiogenesis and bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether co‐culture between osteogenic and angiogenic cells derived by bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could affect cell activities and new bone formation.Materials and methodsMesenchymal stem cells were dually induced to differentiate into osteogenic cells (OMSCs) and ECs; both cell types were co‐cultured at different ratios to investigate their effects and underlying mechanisms through ELISA, RT‐qPCR and MTT assays. The selected cell mixture was transplanted onto a nano‐hydroxyapatite/polyurethane (n‐HA/PU) scaffold to form a cell‐scaffold construct that was implanted in the rat femoral condyles. Histology and micro‐CT were examined for further verification.ResultsELISA and gene expression studies revealed that co‐cultured OMSCs/ECs (0.5/1.5) significantly elevated the transcription levels of osteogenic genes such as ALP, Col‐I and OCN, as well as transcription factors Msx2, Runx2 and Osterix; it also upregulated angiogenic factors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 when compared with cells cultured alone or in other ratios. The optimized OMSCs/ECs group had more abundant calcium phosphate crystal deposition, further facilitated their bone formation in vivo.ConclusionsThe OMSCs/ECs‐scaffold constructs at an optimal cell ratio (0.5/1.5) achieved enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic factor expression and biomineralization, which resulted in more effective bone formation.
Efficacy and safety of linagliptin to improve glucose control in older people with type 2 diabetes on stable insulin therapy: A randomized trial
Authors: Ledesma Gilbert , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Morley John E. , Lewis‐D'Agostino Diane , Keller Annett , Meinicke Thomas , van der Walt Sandra , von Eynatten Maximilian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the addition of linagliptin as an alternative to insulin uptitration in older people with type 2 diabetes on stable insulin therapy.Materials and MethodsThis phase 4, randomized, multicentre, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, 24‐week study recruited individuals on stable insulin, with baseline HbA1c 7.0%‐10.0%, aged ≥60 years and body mass index ≤45 kg/m2. HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose were measured at study visits, and participants assessed glycaemic control with a self‐monitoring blood glucose device. Adverse events (AEs) were reported during the study.ResultsThree hundred and two participants were randomized 1:1 to linagliptin 5 mg qd and placebo, with one third of patients from Japan. Study population age and HbA1c (baseline mean ± SD) were 72.4 ± 5.4 years and 8.2 ± 0.8%, respectively; ~80% of participants were aged ≥70 years; 80% had macrovascular complications, one third had a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2; and half had been diagnosed with diabetes for >15 years. Linagliptin significantly improved glucose control at 24 weeks (HbA1c‐adjusted mean change vs. placebo: –0.63%; P <0.0001) and the probability of achieving predefined HbA1c targets without hypoglycaemia (HbA1c <8.0%: OR 2.02; P <0.05 and HbA1c <7.0%: OR 2.44; P <0.01). Linagliptin versus placebo was well tolerated, with similar incidences of AEs, including clinically important hypoglycaemia (blood glucose <54 mg/dL) or severe hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsAddition of linagliptin improves glucose control without an excess of hypoglycaemia in older patients with type 2 diabetes on stable insulin therapy.
Climate change lengthens southeastern USA lightning‐ignited fire seasons
Authors: Fill Jennifer M. , Davis Corey N. , Crandall Raelene M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTrends in average annual or seasonal precipitation are insufficient for detecting changes in the climatic fire season, especially in regions where the fire season is defined by wet–dry seasonal cycles and lightning activity. Using an extensive dataset (1897–2017) in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States, we examined changes in annual dry season length, total precipitation, and (since 1945) the seasonal distribution of thunder‐days as a correlate of lightning activity. We found that across the entire region, the dry season has lengthened by as much as 156 days (130% over 120 years), both starting earlier and ending later with less total precipitation. Less rainfall over a longer dry season, with no change in seasonal thunderstorm patterns, likely increases both the potential for lightning‐ignited wildfires and fire severity. Global climate change could be having a hitherto undetected influence on fire regimes by altering the synchrony of climatic seasonal parameters.
Adapt or die—Response of large herbivores to environmental changes in Europe during the Holocene
Authors: Hofman‐Kamińska Emilia , Bocherens Hervé , Drucker Dorothée G. , Fyfe Ralph M. , Gumiński Witold , Makowiecki Daniel , Pacher Martina , Piličiauskienė Giedrė , Samojlik Tomasz , Woodbridge Jessie , Kowalczyk Rafał 
Published: July 2019

AbstractClimate warming and human landscape transformation during the Holocene resulted in environmental changes for wild animals. The last remnants of the European Pleistocene megafauna that survived into the Holocene were particularly vulnerable to changes in habitat. To track the response of habitat use and foraging of large herbivores to natural and anthropogenic changes in environmental conditions during the Holocene, we investigated carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope composition in bone collagen of moose (Alces alces), European bison (Bison bonasus) and aurochs (Bos primigenius) in Central and Eastern Europe. We found strong variations in isotope compositions in the studied species throughout the Holocene and diverse responses to changing environmental conditions. All three species showed significant changes in their δ13C values reflecting a shift of foraging habitats from more open in the Early and pre‐Neolithic Holocene to more forest during the Neolithic and Late Holocene. This shift was strongest in European bison, suggesting higher plasticity, more limited in moose, and the least in aurochs. Significant increases of δ15N values in European bison and moose are evidence of a diet change towards more grazing, but may also reflect increased nitrogen in soils following deglaciation and global temperature increases. Among the factors explaining the observed isotope variations were time (age of samples), longitude and elevation in European bison, and time, longitude and forest cover in aurochs. None of the analysed factors explained isotope variations in moose. Our results demonstrate the strong influence of natural (forest expansion) and anthropogenic (deforestation and human pressure) changes on the foraging ecology of large herbivores, with forests playing a major role as a refugial habitat since the Neolithic, particularly for European bison and aurochs. We propose that high flexibility in foraging strategy was the key for survival of large herbivores in the changing environmental conditions of the Holocene.
Comparison of Microbiomes and Resistomes in Two Karst Groundwater Sites in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhang Yuanzhu , Kuang Zhongmei , Xu Junqi , Li Chunyan , Li Yong , Jiang Yongjun , Xie Jianping 
Published: July 2019

AbstractKarst groundwater is an important water resource, as it accounts for about 15% of the total landscape of the earth and supplies 20% of potable water worldwide. The antibiotics resistance is an emerging global concern, and antibiotics residual and increase of antibiotic resistance genes represent serious global concerns and emerging pollutants. There is no report on the antibiotic resistance genes in groundwater. To survey resistome and microbiome in karst groundwater, two karst water samples were chosen for metagenome and metatranscriptome study, namely the 37th spring (C) and Dongcao spring (R) in Beibei, Chongqing, China. The two sites differ significantly in sulfur content, geochemical parameters, community structure, antibiotic resistance genes, and mechanisms, and these results may be influenced by anthropogenic activities. Combining with the Antibiotic Resistance Genes Database, three types of resistance genes baca, sul2, sul1 are present in R and C, and ant3ia, ermc, tetpa are also present in R. The number of all resistance genes in R was more than C, and Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae are the main sources of antibiotic resistance genes. In addition, a large number of genes related to antibiotic gene transmission and drug resistance were found in both samples. Karst groundwater is an important source of drinking water and a possible venue for the transmission of microbial antibiotic resistance genes. However, few studies addressed this issue in karst groundwater, despite its widespread and great importance to global ecosystem. Karst groundwater is a reservoir for antibiotic resistant genes, and measures to control these resistant genes are urgently needed.
Optimal investment and pricing in the presence of defaults
Authors: Ishikawa Tetsuya , Robertson Scott 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe consider the optimal investment problem with random endowment in the presence of defaults. For an investor with constant absolute risk aversion, we identify the certainty equivalent, and compute prices for defaultable bonds and dynamic protection against default. This latter price is interpreted as the premium for a contingent credit default swap, and connects our work with earlier articles, where the investor is protected upon default. We consider a multiple risky asset model with a single default time, at which point each of the assets may jump in price. Investment opportunities are driven by a diffusion X taking values in an arbitrary region . We allow for stochastic volatility, correlation, and recovery; unbounded random endowments; and postdefault trading. We identify the certainty equivalent with a semilinear parabolic partial differential equation with quadratic growth in both function and gradient. Under minimal integrability assumptions, we show that the certainty equivalent is a classical solution. Numerical examples highlight the relationship between the factor process, market dynamics, utility‐based prices, and default insurance premium. In particular, we show that the holder of a defaultable bond has a strong incentive to short the underlying stock, even for very low default intensities.
Experiences of online breastfeeding support: Support and reassurance versus judgement and misinformation
Authors: Regan Sian , Brown Amy 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBreastfeeding support is integral to many women's successful breastfeeding experiences. However, cuts to professional and peer support services, distance from family, and a predominant formula‐feeding culture mean that many women in the United Kingdom do not receive the support they need. Turning to online support is an increasingly popular means of gaining both informational and emotional support, but research into online breastfeeding support groups is sparse in the United Kingdom. Data from Australia and the United States tend to focus on the positives: Women value such groups, finding information, reassurance, and a feeling of belonging. This study explored 14 women's experiences of using online support for breastfeeding in the United Kingdom, using semistructured interviews to understand their motivations and positive and negative experiences. Mothers were drawn to online support due to a lack of professional, familial, and partner support. Online support was reassuring, empathetic, and available around the clock and less daunting than attending a face‐to‐face group. Many attributed their continued breastfeeding to the support they received. However, women also experienced negativities: judgement for using formula, polarised debate, and a lack of regulation, meaning that unhelpful information was sometimes posted. The findings have important implications for those working to support mothers. These groups provide a safe space for breastfeeding mothers, but moderation is needed of such groups to ensure information is accurate and debate respectful. Online support groups are currently plugging a gap in funded support; they should be in addition not in replacement to professional and trained peer support services.
Constraining estimates of terrestrial carbon uptake: new opportunities using long‐term satellite observations and data assimilation
Authors: Smith William K. , Fox Andrew M. , MacBean Natasha , Moore David J. P. , Parazoo Nicholas C. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe response of terrestrial carbon uptake to increasing atmospheric [CO2], that is the CO2 fertilization effect (CFE), remains a key area of uncertainty in carbon cycle science. Here we provide a perspective on how satellite observations could be better used to understand and constrain CFE. We then highlight data assimilation (DA) as an effective way to reconcile different satellite datasets and systematically constrain carbon uptake trends in Earth System Models. As a proof‐of‐concept, we show that joint DA of multiple independent satellite datasets reduced model ensemble error by better constraining unobservable processes and variables, including those directly impacted by CFE. DA of multiple satellite datasets offers a powerful technique that could improve understanding of CFE and enable more accurate forecasts of terrestrial carbon uptake.
Nalmefene in alcohol‐dependent patients with a high drinking risk: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miyata Hisatsugu , Takahashi Masayoshi , Murai Yoshiyuki , Tsuneyoshi Kana , Hayashi Takako , Meulien Didier , Sørensen Per , Higuchi Susumu 
Published: July 2019

AimsReducing alcohol consumption is one treatment approach for alcohol‐dependent patients. This study compared nalmefene 20 mg and 10 mg with placebo, combined with psychosocial support, in alcohol‐dependent Japanese patients with a high or very high drinking risk level (DRL).MethodsThis was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, phase 3 study conducted in alcohol‐dependent patients with a high or very high DRL. Patients were randomized to 24 weeks of treatment with as‐needed nalmefene 20 mg, 10 mg, or placebo with psychosocial support. The primary endpoint was change in heavy drinking days (HDD) from baseline to week 12. A key secondary endpoint was the change in total alcohol consumption (TAC) from baseline to week 12.ResultsAt week 12, 234, 206, and 154 patients who received placebo, nalmefene 20 mg, and 10 mg were included in the primary endpoint analysis. Compared with placebo, nalmefene was associated with significant reductions in HDD at week 12 (difference in 20 mg group, −4.34 days/month; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −6.05 to −2.62; P < 0.0001; difference in 10 mg group, −4.18 days/month; 95%CI: −6.05 to −2.32; P < 0.0001), as well as a significant reduction in TAC at week 12 (P < 0.0001). The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was 87.9%, 84.8%, and 79.2% in the groups receiving nalmefene 20 mg, 10 mg, and placebo, respectively. These events were mostly of mild or moderate severity.ConclusionsNalmefene 20 mg or 10 mg effectively reduced alcohol consumption and was well tolerated in alcohol‐dependent patients with a high or very high DRL.
Stored platelet number and viscoelastic maximum amplitude are not altered by warming or rapid infusion
Authors: Hess Aaron S. , Ramamoorthy Jagan , Connor Joseph , Raife Thomas , Hess John R. 
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUNDPlatelet transfusion is an important aspect of hemostatic resuscitation. Leading textbooks recommend never infusing platelets through warmers or rapid infusers, but there is no evidence to justify this position.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe obtained units of apheresis platelets in plasma from our hospital blood bank and drew a baseline sample from every unit. In the warmer arm, an aliquot from each unit was injected into a fluid warmer heated to 41°C (Ranger, 3M Corporation). After 5 minutes' incubation, the aliquot was withdrawn and sampled. In the infuser arm, we ran the remainder of the unit through a rapid infuser (RI‐2, Belmont Instrument Corporation) at 500 mL/min while warmed, and obtained a sample from the outflow line. A platelet count and viscoelastic maximum amplitude (Haemonetics) was measured from every sample.RESULTSWe observed no clotting or device malfunctions. Average postwarmer temperature was 41.8°C (range, 41.0–43.0). There was no significant difference in postwarmer platelet count or viscoelastic maximum amplitude. Average postinfuser temperature was 37.4°C (range, 36.1–39.0). All units reached the goal infusion rate of 500 mL/min. There was a small increase in postinfuser platelet count. There was no significant change in postinfuser viscoelastic maximum amplitude.CONCLUSIONWe were unable to detect any effect of warming or rapid infusion on the number or viscoelastic maximum amplitude of stored apheresis platelets. Contrary to common teaching, these results suggest that rapid infusion and warming does not meaningfully harm apheresis platelets.
Internal fixation of a complete ventral luxation of the dens axis in an American quarter horse yearling
Authors: Schulze Nicole , Ehrle Anna , Noguera Cender Andrea C. , Lischer Christoph 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo report surgical treatment of a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation with a 4.5‐mm T‐locking compression plate (T‐LCP) in a horse.Study designCase report.AnimalsA one‐year‐old American quarter horse filly.MethodsA one‐year‐old American quarter horse filly presented with a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation. Closed and open reduction of the luxation were attempted under general anesthesia with the aid of a pulley system. Because the manual reduction was unsuccessful, the dens axis was excised, and the atlas and axis were stabilized with a 4.5‐mm T‐LCP. Four 5.5‐mm cortex screws were placed across the atlantoaxial articulation in lag fashion to provide additional stability.ResultsThe horse made an uneventful recovery from surgery and remained comfortable thereafter. Nine months postsurgery, the filly had developed normally and did not show any sign of ataxia or reduced mobility of the cranial neck.ConclusionThe described surgical approach resulted in the successful stabilization of a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation in an American quarter horse yearling, with a favorable outcome.Clinical significanceComplete atlantoaxial luxation is associated with a poor prognosis for survival in horses. This is the first report of a favorable outcome after surgical stabilization. The described approach presents a valuable alternative to the manual reduction of atlantoaxial luxation in horses.