bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal function after off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Singh Rana Sandip , Thingnam Shyam Kumar Singh , Mishra Anand Kumar , Verma Indu , Kumar Vikas 
Published: August 2017

Background Renal dysfunction is a well-recognized major complication after coronary artery bypass grafting. Off-pump coronary artery bypass theoretically appears to have less impact on renal function. We estimated preoperative and postoperative creatinine clearance as a marker of renal dysfunction in patients undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass. Methods Thirty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass were randomly allocated to undergo either on-pump ( n = 15) or off-pump surgery ( n = 15). The two groups had similar preoperative demographic characteristics. Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were measured for 4 days postoperatively and the results were compared with preoperative levels. Results The rise in serum creatinine on postoperative day 1 was 0.28 mgċdL−1 in the on-pump group and 0.22 mgċdL−1 in the off-pump group ( p = 0.27); on postoperative day 4 it was 0.15 mgċdL−1 and 0.10 mgċdL−1, respectively, ( p = 0.28). Similarly, the fall in creatinine clearance was 17.34 mLċmin−1 in the on-pump group and 19.62 mLċmin−1 in the off-pump group on postoperative day 1 ( p = 0.42), and 10.9 and 10.94 mLċmin−1, respectively, on postoperative day 4 ( p = 0.64). Conclusion Renal function is not affected by the technique of coronary artery bypass surgery, whether with or without cardiopulmonary bypass, in spite of the theoretical advantage of off-pump surgery. Our study suggests that off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery does not confer significant protection from postoperative renal dysfunction in low-risk patients, when compared with on-pump surgery.
Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Pediatric ICU: A 12-Year Experience
Authors: Piastra Marco , De Luca Daniele , Genovese Orazio , Tosi Federica , Caliandro Francesca , Zorzi Giulia , Massimi Luca , Visconti Federico , Pizza Alessandro , Biasucci Daniele G , Conti Giorgio 
Published: August 2017

Background: In the pediatric population, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is as common as ischemic stroke and accounts for significant mortality and morbidity. Differently from the ischemic stroke, there are few guidelines for directing management of sICH. This article aims to analyze both clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in order to produce tools for the design of prospective randomized studies addressed to implement treatment of pediatric sICH. Methods: Twelve-year retrospective review of a single-center consecutivesICH pediatric cases admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Selected end points were survival, PICU stay, and dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), with recovery and moderate disability (GOS 4-5) classified as favorable outcome and vegetative state or severe disability (GOS 2-3) classified as unfavorable. Results: Data of 107 children younger than 14 years admitted to our PICU due to sICH were analyzed. Overall PICU mortality was 24.2%. On multivariate analysis, the single factor markedly influencing survival was the presence of midline shift ( P = .002). In PICU survivors, there were 42 GOS 2-3 and 39 GOS 4-5. A low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on PICU admission was predictive of severe neurological impairment in survivors ( P = .003). Intraventricular hemorrhage and infratentorial origin did not influence outcome in this series. Conclusion: The severity of presentation of sICH expressed by the midline shift and the GCS at PICU admission are significant prognostic factors for survival and neurological outcome. Some prognostic factors of the adult population have not been confirmed.
Examining the Asymmetric Impact of Monetary Policy in India
Authors: Khundrakpam Jeevan Kumar 
Published: August 2017

Though an accumulating body of work has analysed monetary policy transmission in India, there are few studies examining the asymmetric aspect of the transmission. Against this backdrop, segregating the interest rate setting process captured by a Taylor rule type into unanticipated and anticipated components, this article analyses the asymmetric effects of monetary policy on aggregate demand and its components, and inflation in India using quarterly data from 1996–97Q1 to 2013–14Q3. It finds that unanticipated hikes and cuts in the policy rate have a symmetric impact on aggregate demand, but differentially impact the components. While the impacts on investment are negative and symmetric, they are asymmetric on private consumption, with only an unanticipated cut in policy rate having a significant negative impact. Government consumption is unaffected by monetary policy shocks. The impact of unanticipated interest rate changes on inflation is negative and symmetric. Anticipated policy rate changes also have a negative impact on aggregate demand and its components, except for government consumption, but between certain levels, such changes are ineffective, indicating a neutral impact. Anticipated policy rate changes have a negative impact on inflation at all levels. JEL Classification: C32, C51, E31, E52
Injury Characteristics of Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries Compared With High-Energy Injuries
Authors: Renninger Christopher H. , Cochran Grant , Tompane Trevor , Bellamy Joseph , Kuhn Kevin 
Published: August 2017

Background: Lisfranc injuries result from high- and low-energy mechanisms though the literature has been more focused on high-energy mechanisms. A comparison of high-energy (HE) and low-energy (LE) injury patterns is lacking. The objective of this study was to report injury patterns in LE Lisfranc joint injuries and compare them to HE injury patterns. Methods: Operative Lisfranc injuries were identified over a 5-year period. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, injury pattern, associated injuries, missed diagnoses, clinical course, and imaging studies were reviewed and compared. HE mechanism was defined as motor vehicle crash, motorcycle crash, direct crush, and fall from greater than 4 feet and LE mechanism as athletic activity, ground level twisting, or fall from less than 4 feet. Thirty-two HE and 48 LE cases were identified with 19.3 months of average follow-up. Results: There were no differences in demographics or missed diagnosis frequency (21% HE vs 18% LE). Time to seek care was not significantly different. HE injuries were more likely to have concomitant nonfoot fractures (37% vs 6%), concomitant foot fractures (78% vs 4%), cuboid fractures (31% vs 6%), metatarsal base fractures (84% vs 29%), displaced intra-articular fractures (59% vs 4%), and involvement of all 5 rays (23% vs 6%). LE injuries were more commonly ligamentous (68% vs 16%), with fewer rays involved (2.7 vs 4.1). Conclusions: LE mechanisms were a more common cause of Lisfranc joint injury in this cohort. These mechanisms generally resulted in an isolated, primarily ligamentous injury sparing the lateral column. Both types had high rates of missed injury that could result in delayed treatment. Differences in injury patterns could help direct future research to optimize treatment algorithms. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.
Is calcar referenced tip-apex distance a better predicting factor for cutting out in biaxial cephalomedullary nails than tip-apex distance?
Authors: Puthezhath Kishore , Jayaprakash Chundarathil 
Published: August 2017

Purpose: To test the significance of calcar referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) and the length of anti-rotation screw (AR screw) as predictors for failure after biaxial cephalomedullary (CM) nailing of intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 190 consecutive fractures that had undergone biaxial CM nailing. Of these, 67 met the inclusion criteria of a non-pathological fracture with a minimum of 90 days radiological follow-up (mean 458 days; 91 days to 4.9 years). Results: The overall failure rate was 15% (10 of 67). Failure was associated with a higher CalTAD in most of the patients (13%, p < 0.001). A higher tip-apex distance (TAD) was not significantly associated with failure ( p = 0.132), when the CalTAD was less than 25 mm. When the AR screw length exceeded a line connecting the tip of the nail and the lag screw, screw cutout occurred only in one patient ( p = 0.095). Conclusion: Our data provide the first reported clinical evidence that the CalTAD is a better predictor of cutout in biaxial CM nailing than TAD measurement. However, the length of anti-rotational element does not seem to be an independent predictor of CM nailing failure.
Patient, Provider, and System Factors Associated With Failure to Follow-Up Elevated Glucose Results in Patients Without Diagnosed Diabetes
Authors: Bowen Michael E. , Merchant Zahra , Abdullah Kazeen , Bhat Deepa , Fish Jason , Halm Ethan A. 
Published: August 2017

Background: Although elevated glucose values are strongly associated with undiagnosed diabetes, they are frequently overlooked. Patient, provider, and system factors associated with failure to follow-up elevated glucose values in electronic medical records (EMRs) are not well described. Methods: We conducted a chart review in a comprehensive EMR with a patient portal and results management features. Established primary care patients with no known diagnosis of diabetes and ≥ 1 glucose value >125 mg/dL were included. Follow-up failure was defined as (1) no documented comment on the glucose value or result communication to the patient within 30 days or (2) no hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ordered within 30 days or resulted within 12 months. Associations were examined using Wilcoxon and χ2 tests. Results: Of 150 charts reviewed, 97 met inclusion criteria. The median glucose was 133 mg/dL, and 20% of patients had multiple values >125 mg/dL. Only 36% of elevated glucose values were followed up. No associations were observed between patient characteristics, diabetes risk factors, or provider characteristics and follow-up failures. Automated flagging of glucose values ≥140 mg/dL by highlighting them red in the EMR was not associated with improved follow-up (46% vs 32%; P = .19). Even when follow-up occurred (n = 35), only 31% completed gold standard diabetes testing (HbA1c) within 12 months. Of the resulted HbA1c tests (n = 11), 55% were in the prediabetes range (5.7%-6.4%). Conclusions: Two-thirds of elevated glucose values were not followed up, despite EMR features facilitating results management. Greater understanding of the results management process and improved EMR functionalities to support results management are needed.
Chemokines encoded by herpesviruses
Authors: Pontejo Sergio M , Murphy Philip M 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Viruses use diverse strategies to elude the immune system, including copying and repurposing host cytokine and cytokine receptor genes. For herpesviruses, the chemokine system of chemotactic cytokines and receptors is a common source of copied genes. Here, we review the current state of knowledge about herpesvirus-encoded chemokines and discuss their possible roles in viral pathogenesis, as well as their clinical potential as novel anti-inflammatory agents or targets for new antiviral strategies.
Isoflurane Preconditioning Alleviated Murine Liver Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury by Restoring AMPK/mTOR-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Rao Zhuqing , Pan Xiongxiong , Zhang Hui , Sun Jie , Li Jingjin , Lu Ting , Gao Mei , Liu Siying , Yu Dan , Ding Zhengnian 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:
Isoflurane has a pharmacological preconditioning effect against ischemia injury in the heart, kidney, and brain, but whether and how isoflurane preconditioning protects livers against ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury is unclear.

METHODS:
Mice were randomly divided into an isoflurane preconditioning (ISO) group and control group, receiving 1.5% isoflurane or carrier gas for 40 minutes, respectively (n = 8/group). A partial warm liver IR model was used, and liver injury was evaluated. Primary hepatocytes were pretreated with 1.5% isoflurane for 2 hours before the induction of cell death by hydrogen peroxide. Cell death and survival were evaluated with the lactate dehydrogenase and cell counting kit-8 assay. Autophagy and regulatory molecules in stressed livers and hepatocytes were analyzed by Western blot (n = 6/group). An autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine [3-MA]) and 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor (dorsomorphin) were administered in vivo (n = 8/group) and in vitro (n = 6/group).

RESULTS:
Compared to that observed in the control group, mice in the ISO group showed reduced liver injury (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels, control versus ISO group, 8285 ± 769 vs 4896 ± 917 U/L, P < .001) and enhanced hepatocellular antiapoptosis in livers after IR. Furthermore, liver autophagy was restored by ISO as indicated by elevated LC3B II protein levels accompanied with increased p62 degradation. The in vitro study of primary hepatocytes also found that ISO effectively attenuated hepatocyte cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, 3-MA pretreatment showed no significant influence in the control group, but abrogated the protective role of ISO both in stressed livers (ALT levels, phosphate-buffered saline + ISO versus 3-MA + ISO group, 5081 ± 294 vs 8663 ± 607 U/L, P < .001) and in hepatocytes. Finally, signaling pathway analysis demonstrated that AMPK was activated by ISO. Pretreatment with an AMPK inhibitor also abrogated liver protection by ISO (ALT levels, phosphate-buffered saline + ISO versus dorsomorphin [DOR] + ISO group, 5081 ± 294 vs 8710 ± 500 U/L, P < .001), with no significant effect in control mice.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results indicate that isoflurane preconditioning attenuates liver IR injury via AMPK/mTOR-mediated hepatocellular autophagy restoration. Our findings provide a novel potential therapeutic strategy for managing liver IR injury.
Smart Shopping Innovative Technology As a Factor in the Optimal Use of Labor Resources
Authors: Селивоненко О. , Selivonenko O. , Афонина Т. , Afonina T. 
Published: August 2017

The article discusses the possibility of expanding the potential of smartshoppinginformation technology as an innovative technology market regulation of supply and demand for labour, based on the active use of information and Internet possibilities. It is revealed that this technology implements labour interests at three consumption levels of the information specialists of various qualifications. Personal level of technology implementation is focused on providing services to three main customer groups: students undergoing initial vocational guidance; the students and graduates of professional educational institutions; the experts having vocational education and experience in a particular area. Corporate level as the main level of the use of the information to the greatest extent possible implements the optimal use of specialists of different qualifications. The level of state and municipal management allows you to solve a number of management tasks on groups of potential consumers.
It is proved that the innovative technology of smartshopping will allow human resources to optimize recruiting quality personnel selection; proper application of HR technology contributes to improve the governance of the organization, its effectiveness, the formation of human capital
Performance Evaluation and Field Characterization of the Sifang Mini Rice Combine Harvester
Authors: Amponsah Shadrack K. , Addo Ahmad , Dzisi Komla A. , Moreira Jean , Ndindeng Sali A. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Performance of a Sifang mini rice combine, originally developed in China, was evaluated under local farmer field conditions in Benin. Results from field evaluation show that the combine worked satisfactorily on less dense rice fields with minimal weeds at grain moisture contents between 19.1% and 20.1% w.b. on soils with moisture content from 23% to 33% d.b. while causing no significant changes to soil physical properties. With harvesting speed ranging from 0.8 to 4.5 km/h, the harvester had a field capacity of 0.10 to 0.39 ha/h and consumed fuel of up to 11 L/ha while having track slip of 6% to 9%. Harvesting using 2- and 1-L gear offered the best efficiency for IR841 and Nerica L20 rice varieties, respectively. As harvesting speed increased, harvesting efficiency decreased and crop throughput increased irrespective of rice variety. The combine produced low mechanical grain damage with total grain loss ranging from 1.43% to 4.43% and 1.85% to 5.6% for the IR841 and Nerica L20 rice varieties, respectively. At an investment cost of US$5000 and hiring at US$10 per h, owning the mini combine harvester becomes profitable after 342 h of machine use; equivalent to approximately 133 ha of paddy field harvested at a harvesting capacity of 0.39 ha/h. Further testing of the combine under a wide range of crop and soil conditions across different agro-ecological zones and economic comparison with manual harvesting is recommended. This would offer smallholder farmers diverse options of rice harvesting mechanization to facilitate future adoption of improved technologies. Keywords: Crop throughput, Field capacity, Field efficiency, Grain loss, Mini rice combine, Sifang.
Determining the Effectiveness of Mirrors and Camera Systems in Monitoring the Rearward Visibility of Self-Propelled Agricultural Machinery
Authors: Ehlers Shawn G. , Field William E. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract. This study concerned the ability of operators of tractors and other self-propelled agricultural machinery to visually recognize objects and/or hazards within close proximity to the rear of those machines and/or any implements in tow, especially when backing up. It was hypothesized that the data collected would identify the factors affecting rearward visibility and help determine the effectiveness of two backup-assisting devices (i.e., mirrors and camera systems) in enhancing the operator’s ability to observe objects or hazards. The study’s experimental design involved the following: (1) selecting nine self-propelled machines for testing (five tractors of varying sizes, a combine, a sprayer, a skid steer loader, and a UTV); (2) laying out a five cell by five cell test grid behind each machine, with an indicator pole centered in each cell; (3) positioning the mirrors (exterior/interior) and camera system (camera and display monitor) for maximum visibility; and (4) collecting images from a 50th percentile male operator’s eye midpoint position. The findings were recorded graphically onto a master grid for the backup-assisting devices (both individually and in combination) on each machine. Analysis of the results confirmed that various issues related to the machines impact the effectiveness of mirrors and camera systems in enhancing rearward visibility. Among them are the operator station’s design and configuration, seat adjustability, optional accessories, exterior lighting, type of implement in tow, hitching method, and highway transport mode. These findings led to recommendations relative to each of the mirrors and camera systems, as well as observations of operator interactions with accessories and perceived effects on the operator’s ability to view obstructed areas in close proximity to the machinery. Keywords: Blind spot, Cameras, Hazard detection, Machinery runovers, Mirrors, Operator vision, Rearward vision, Vehicle backover incidents, Visibility.
Predicting Apple Firmness and Soluble Solids Content Based on Hyperspectral Scattering Imaging Using Fourier Series Expansion
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Min , Zhu Qibing 
Published: August 2017

Abstract. This article reports on using a Fourier series expansion method to extract features from hyperspectral scattering profiles for apple fruit firmness and soluble solids content (SSC) prediction. Hyperspectral scattering images of ‘Golden Delicious’ (GD), ‘Jonagold’ (JG), and ‘Delicious’ (RD) apples, harvested in 2009 and 2010, were acquired using an online hyperspectral imaging system over the wavelength region of 500 to 1000 nm. The moment method and Fourier series expansion method were used to analyze the scattering profiles of apples. The zeroth-first order moment (Z-FOM) spectra and Fourier coefficients were extracted from each apple, which were then used for developing fruit firmness and SSC prediction models using partial least squares (PLS) and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM). The PLS models based on the Fourier coefficients improved the standard errors of prediction (SEP) by 4.8% to 19.9% for firmness and by 2.4% to 13.5% for SSC, compared with the PLS models using the Z-FOM spectra. The LSSVM models for the prediction set of Fourier coefficients achieved better SEP results, with improvements of 4.4% to 11.3% for firmness and 2.8% to 16.5% for SSC over the LSSVM models for the Z-FOM spectra data and 3.7% to 12.6% for firmness and 5.4% to 8.6% for SSC over the PLS models for the Fourier coefficients. Experiments showed that Fourier series expansion provides a simple, fast, and effective means for improving Keywords: Apples, Firmness, Fourier series expansion, Hyperspectral scattering imaging, Least squares support vector machine, Partial least squares, Soluble solids content.