bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of outcome and cost among open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical treatments for rectal cancer: A propensity score matched analysis of nationwide inpatient sample data
Authors: Chen Szu‐Ta , Wu Meng‐Che , Hsu Tzu‐Chun , Yen Debra W. , Chang Chia‐Na , Hsu Wan‐Ting , Wang Chia‐Chun , Lee Matthew , Liu Shing‐Hwa , Lee Chien‐Chang ,   Health Economics and Outcome Research Group, National Taiwan University Hospital
Published: December 2017

BackgroundPopulation‐based studies evaluating outcomes of different approaches for rectal cancer are scarce.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database between 2008 and 2012. We compared the outcomes and costs among rectal cancer patients undergoing robotic, laparoscopic, or open surgeries using propensity scores for adjusted and matched analysis.ResultsWe identified 194 957 rectal cancer patients. Over the 5‐year period, the annual admission number decreased by 13.9%, the in‐hospital mortality rate decreased by 32.2%, while the total hospitalization cost increased by 13.6%. Compared with laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery had significantly lower length of stay (LOS) (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.57‐0.84), comparable wound complications (OR 1.08, 95%CI 0.70‐1.65) and higher cost (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.13‐1.79), while open surgery had significantly longer LOS (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.19‐1.59), more wound complications (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.08‐1.79), and comparable cost (OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.79‐1.07). There were no difference in in‐hospital mortality among three approaches.ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgery was associated with better outcomes than open surgery. Robotic surgery was associated with higher cost, but no advantage over laparoscopic surgery in terms of mortality and complications. Studies on cost‐effectiveness of robotic surgery may be warranted.
Dispersion‐assisted quick and simultaneous extraction of 30 pesticides from alcoholic and non‐alcoholic drinks with the aid of experimental design
Authors: Jha Rakesh Roshan , Singh Nivedita , Kumari Rupender , Patel Devendra Kumar 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe presence of pesticides in food items and beverages is a big threat to humankind, and their quantitative estimation with high precision and accuracy is always a challenge for analytical chemists. Hence, a simple and rapid method is proposed for the simultaneous determination of 30 pesticides in beverages (alcoholic and non‐alcoholic drinks). The proposed method hyphenated with triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometry has only 2 min chromatographic runtime for the analysis of all the pesticides. All the factors affecting the extraction yield have been optimized using an experimental design; and under optimized conditions, the developed method has been validated. The detection limits for all the pesticides were in the range of 0.001–0.348 μg/L with good linearity in the concentration range of 0.01–80.0 μg/L. The coefficient of determination was in the range of (R2) ≥ 0.977 to 0.999 for all the pesticides. The method was also checked for the precision of the relative standard deviation, which was below 4.75 (intra‐day) and 8.96% (inter‐day). The recovery of the method was 92–138%.
Investigating cross‐contamination by yeast strains from dental solid waste to waste‐handling workers by DNA sequencing
Authors: Vieira Cristina Dutra , Tagliaferri Thaysa Leite , de Carvalho Maria Auxiliadora Roque , de Resende‐Stoianoff Maria Aparecida , Holanda Rodrigo Assuncao , de Magalhães Thais Furtado Ferreira , Magalhães Paula Prazeres , dos Santos Simone Gonçalves , de Macêdo Farias Luiz 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTrying to widen the discussion on the risks associated with dental waste, this study proposed to investigate and genetically compare yeast isolates recovered from dental solid waste and waste workers. Three samples were collected from workers' hands, nasal mucosa, and professional clothing (days 0, 30, and 180), and two from dental waste (days 0 and 180). Slide culture, microscopy, antifungal drug susceptibility, intersimple sequence repeat analysis, and amplification and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer regions were performed. Yeast strains were recovered from all waste workers' sites, including professional clothes, and from waste. Antifungal susceptibility testing demonstrated that some yeast recovered from employees and waste exhibited nonsusceptible profiles. The dendrogram demonstrated the presence of three major clusters based on similarity matrix and UPGMA grouping method. Two branches displayed 100% similarity: three strains of Candida guilliermondii isolated from different employees, working in opposite work shifts, and from diverse sites grouped in one part of branch 1 and cluster 3 that included two samples of Candida albicans recovered from waste and the hand of one waste worker. The results suggested the possibility of cross‐contamination from dental waste to waste workers and reinforce the need of training programs focused on better waste management routines.
Novel insights into the mechanism of SepL‐mediated control of effector secretion in enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Gaytán Meztlli O. , Monjarás Feria Julia , Soto Eduardo , Espinosa Norma , Benítez Julia M. , Georgellis Dimitris , González‐Pedrajo Bertha 
Published: December 2017

AbstractType three secretion systems (T3SSs) are virulence determinants employed by several pathogenic bacteria as molecular syringes to inject effector proteins into host cells. Diarrhea‐producing enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) uses a T3SS to colonize the intestinal tract. T3S is a highly coordinated process that ensures hierarchical delivery of three classes of substrates: early (inner rod and needle subunits), middle (translocators), and late (effectors). Translocation of effectors is triggered upon host‐cell contact in response to different environmental cues, such as calcium levels. The T3S substrate specificity switch from middle to late substrates in EPEC is regulated by the SepL and SepD proteins, which interact with each other and form a trimeric complex with the chaperone CesL. In this study, we investigated the link between calcium concentration and secretion regulation by the gatekeeper SepL. We found that calcium depletion promotes late substrate secretion in a translocon‐independent manner. Furthermore, the stability, formation, and subcellular localization of the SepL/SepD/CesL regulatory complex were not affected by the absence of calcium. In addition, we demonstrate that SepL interacts in a calcium‐independent manner with the major export gate component EscV, which in turn interacts with both middle and late secretion substrates, providing a docking site for T3S. These results suggest that EscV serves as a binding platform for both the SepL regulatory protein and secreted substrates during the ordered assembly of the T3SS.
Autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Merola Aristide , Romagnolo Alberto , Rosso Michela , Suri Ritika , Berndt Zoe , Maule Simona , Lopiano Leonardo , Espay Alberto J. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Dysautonomia is a frequent and disabling complication of PD, with an estimated prevalence of 30‐40% and a significant impact on the quality of life.Objectives: To evaluate the rate of progression of dysautonomia and, in particular, orthostatic hypotension, in a cohort of unselected PD patients, and assess the extent to which the progression of dysautonomia affects activities of daily living, health‐related quality of life, and health care utilization in PD.Methods: We recruited 131 consecutive patients into a 12‐month, prospective, observational cohort study. Clinical measures included the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society/UPDRS, the Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson Disease‐Autonomic, the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms Assessment, and orthostatic blood pressure measurements. Health care utilization was quantified as the number of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and outpatient clinic evaluations.Results: The overall severity of autonomic symptoms, as measured by the the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms Assessment total score, worsened by 20% over 12 months (P < 0.001), with an overall increase in orthostatic hypotension prevalence from 31.1% to 46.7% (P < 0.001). Worsening of autonomic symptoms was independently associated with deterioration in daily living activities (P = 0.021) and health‐related quality of life (P = 0.025) adjusting for disease duration, cognitive impairment, and motor severity. Regardless of symptomatic status, orthostatic hypotension was associated with greater deterioration in daily living activities, health care utilization, and falls (P ≤ 0.009) compared to patients without orthostatic hypotension.Conclusions: The severity of autonomic symptoms progressed by 20% over 1 year and was independently associated with impairments in daily living activities and health‐related quality of life. Symptomatic and asymptomatic orthostatic hypotension were both associated with increased prevalence of falls and health care utilization. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Potential cardiac risk of immune‐checkpoint blockade as anticancer treatment: What we know, what we do not know, and what we can do to prevent adverse effects
Authors: Spallarossa Paolo , Meliota Giovanni , Brunelli Claudio , Arboscello Eleonora , Ameri Pietro , Dessalvi Christian Cadeddu , Grossi Francesco , Deidda Martino , Mele Donato , Sarocchi Matteo , Bellodi Andrea , Madonna Rosalinda , Mercuro Giuseppe 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCancer immunotherapy has become a well‐established treatment option for some cancers after the development of a family of drugs targeting the so‐called immune checkpoints, such as CTLA4 and PD‐1 with PD‐L1. These co‐receptors/ligands inhibit the activation of T‐cell, thus preventing an excessive inflammatory response. Tumors exploit these pathways to induce immune tolerance to themselves. Thus, the main effect of checkpoint‐blocking drugs is to awake an immune response primarily directed against cancer cells. Nonetheless, as the immune response elicited by these drugs is not completely tumor‐specific, their use may actually cause several adverse effects, including adverse cardiovascular effects. In this review, we will discuss the principles and potentiality of immunotherapy for cancer treatment, the experimental and clinical data on the role of CTLA4 and PD‐1 with PD‐L1 as immune‐checkpoints in the cancer environment and in the cardiovascular system, and strategies aimed at preventing possible cardiovascular adverse effects of immune‐checkpoint blockers.
Bioavailable Blueberry‐Derived Phenolic Acids at Physiological Concentrations Enhance Nrf2‐Regulated Antioxidant Responses in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Tang Jeffry S. , Vissers Margreet C. M. , Anderson Robert F. , Sreebhavan Sreevalsan , Bozonet Stephanie M. , Scheepens Arjan , Melton Laurence D. 
Published: December 2017

ScopeBlueberry consumption is believed to confer a cardiovascular health advantage, but the active compounds and effects require characterization. This study aims to identify the polyphenol metabolites in plasma after blueberry juice intake and determine their bioactivity on endothelial cells.Methods and resultsThree healthy individuals are recruited to obtain profiles of bioavailable plasma polyphenol metabolites following intake of blueberry juice. Of 33 phenolic compounds screened, 12 aglycone phenolic acids are detected and their maximum plasma concentrations and circulation time determined. Using this information, the effect of three physiologically relevant mixtures of blueberry‐derived phenolic acids is investigated for their ability to induce nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐nuclear translocation and downstream gene expression in human endothelial cells. Pretreatment with the phenolic acids for 18 h results in a significant upregulation of the Nrf2‐regulated antioxidant response proteins heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) and glutamate‐cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), following 6 h exposure to 2.5 μm H2O2.ConclusionPhysiologically relevant concentrations of blueberry‐derived aglycone phenolic acids can induce Nrf2‐regulated antioxidant response proteins in vascular endothelial cells in response to low μm concentrations of H2O2. Our results represent an advance over previous studies that have used single compounds or high concentrations in cell‐based investigations.
The oldest evidence of calcific myonecrosis?
Authors: Jerković I. , Kružić I. , Bašić Ž. , Mihanović F. , Anđelinović Š. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOn the archaeological site on the necropolis of the Ancient Salona, skeletal remains of 25–34 years old male were found. On the left lower leg, there were extensive pathological changes that were manifested on tibia and fibula as thickening of the bone shafts and fusion of these bones by calcified fusiform mass. The bone borders were sharpened with a new lighter layer of bone, enthesophytes, and/or with calcified tissue that merged with bone. Also, laminar bony outgrowths/plaques were visible on the bone surfaces. Periosteal reaction was visible on the right ulna, femora, and tibiae.Upon differential diagnosis, on the basis of the affected compartment and the type of the ossification, we have concluded that it was very probably a case of a calcific myonecrosis. However, due to lack of clinical data that are almost never available in ancient skeletons, we could not determine what had caused the condition. As it was to our knowledge the oldest finding of the disease and also the first one that describes pathology on the dry bone specimen, we believe that this case study will contribute both to the study of the antiquity of disease as well as to its manifestations on dry bones.
The Negative Influence of Adiposity Extends to Intraindividual Variability in Cognitive Control Among Preadolescent Children
Authors: Chojnacki Morgan R. , Raine Lauren B. , Drollette Eric S. , Scudder Mark R. , Kramer Arthur F. , Hillman Charles H. , Khan Naiman A. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between adiposity and cognition by using mean accuracy, mean reaction time, and intraindividual variability (IIV) among preadolescents.MethodsChildren 7 to 9 years old (N = 233, 133 females) underwent dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and a maximal oxygen consumption test to assess whole‐body adiposity and aerobic fitness relative to fat‐free mass (VO2FF), respectively. Attentional inhibition was assessed by using a modified flanker task. IIV was assessed as standard deviation of reaction time and as a coefficient of variation of reaction time (CVRT). Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between adiposity and cognitive measures following the adjustment of significant demographic factors, intelligence quotient, and VO2FF.ResultsWhole‐body adiposity was negatively related to congruent trial mean accuracy and reaction time and to CVRT in both the congruent and incongruent trials. Differences in cognitive function across weight status were selectively evident for measures of IIV, such that children with overweight/obesity (≥ 85th BMI‐for‐age percentile) exhibited higher CVRT for both the congruent and incongruent trials.ConclusionsThis work provides additional evidence linking childhood obesity to poorer cognitive function and includes novel data extending the negative influence of adiposity to measures of intraindividual response variability in cognitive control, even after accounting for intellectual abilities, aerobic fitness, and demographic factors.
Sleep patterns and their association with depression and behavior problems among Chinese adolescents in different grades
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Chen Zhiyan , Guo Fei , Huang Zheng , Jiang Lan , Duan Qing , Zhang Jie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe aimed to examine sleep patterns and their association with depression and behavior problems among Chinese adolescents in different grades. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 10 cities of mainland China. A total of 8,998 Chinese adolescents (49.3% males) aged 9–20 years completed a self‐administered questionnaire that included questions on sleep patterns, depressive symptoms, behavior problems, and demographic characteristics. The percentage of adolescents who slept less than 7 hr on weekdays increased with grade, while the percentage of adolescents who slept less than 7 hr on weekends remained the same. The gap in sleep length between weekdays and weekends increased from 0.6 hr in grade 5 to 2.3 hr in Grade 12. The regression analysis showed that poor sleep habits were linked to greater emotional and behavioral problems. The associations of sleep length with those problems differed by symptom and grade. Sleeping less related to depression in all grades. More behavior problems were observed in primary school students who had less sleep and in senior high school students who had more sleep than their peers. The preference for going to bed late stably related to both adolescent depression and behavior problems in all grades, although it posed a greater risk for students in higher grades.
Interactions between psychosocial stress and the circadian endogenous clock
Authors: Helfrich‐Förster Charlotte 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAnimals are exposed to regular daily challenges in their environment as well as to unpredictable stressful events, so‐called stressors. Both measures require adequate physiological responses that are controlled by the circadian system and the stress system. The two systems are highly linked with each other. The circadian system prepares the animal for the regular daily challenges by upregulating the stress system before the animal's activity phase every day. In addition, unpredicted environmental challenges upregulate the stress system independently of the circadian system. This can happen at any time, even in the middle of the animal's sleeping phase. Although the stress system feeds back on the brain, the circadian master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus is usually not disturbed by stressful events, but instead continues to activate the animal in a regular daily manner. However, the stability of the SCN clock appears to fade away after chronic stress, in particular after chronic psychosocial stress. Chronic psychosocial stress is the major risk factor for major depression and certain anxiety disorders in humans and therefore deserves attention. Here, I review the interactions between the circadian and stress systems after chronic psychosocial stress in an animal model, the social defeat paradigm.
Fabrication of sintered porous polymeric materials: effect of chain interdiffusion time on mechanical properties
Authors: Salari Meysam , Pircheraghi Gholamreza 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this study, sintered porous polymeric materials made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) were fabricated through controlling the chain interdiffusion time at the transition temperature of semicrystalline and melt states. At this intermediate state, where both crystalline and amorphous phases coexist, the interfacial welding of HDPE particles is facilitated thanks to interdiffusion caused by chain relaxation phenomena. Then, by assuming a spherical shape and a cubic packing configuration of particles, a geometrical model was developed to predict porosity variations as sintering progresses. Moreover, the HDPE used, as a broad molecular weight distributed polymer, has different family chains with different specific molecular weight ranges. Accordingly, the melt coalescence rate of the particles was tracked using an optical microscope equipped with a hot stage, in order to determine the diffusion characteristic times for each family. During the characterization stage, SEM images proved the presence of porous structures in the sintered samples. In addition, mechanical properties were assessed through the shear punch test. It was shown that the mechanical properties are governed by the interdiffusion of long chains which occurs at relatively long sintering times. The results also demonstrated the role of reptation motion of long chains in the interfacial welding of polymeric particles. They revealed the compatibility of macroscopic properties of the samples and chain motions at microscopic levels. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Small molecule self‐assembly in polymer matrices
Authors: Sundararajan Pudupadi R. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTUsing small molecules in polymer matrices is common in applications such as (i) plasticizing polymers to modify the glass transition and mechanical properties and (ii) dispersion of photoactive or electroactive small molecules in polymer matrices in organic‐electronic devices Aggregation of these small molecules and phase separation leading to crystallization often cannot be morphologically controlled. If these are designed with self‐assembling codes such as hydrogen bonding or aromatic interactions, their phase separation behavior would be distinctly different. This review summarizes the studies on morphologies in such situations, such as (i) sub‐surface assembly in polymer matrices, (ii) controlled polymerization‐induced phase separation to create polymer blends, (iii) using the polymer to direct the assembly of small molecules in liquid crystalline devices, (iv) functionalizing a polymer with self‐assembling small molecules to cause organo‐gelation which the polymer itself would not by itself, and (v) using such systems as templates to create porous polymer structures. Organic–inorganic hybrids using polymers as templates for nanostructures and imprinted porous membranes is an emerging area. Since self‐assembly is one of the dominating area of research with respect to both small molecules, polymers as well as the combination of the two, this review summarizes the studies on the aforementioned topics. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 451–478
Do Australian adolescents' and young adults' experiences of cancer care influence their quality of life?
Authors: Skaczkowski Gemma , White Victoria , Thompson Kate , Bibby Helen , Coory Michael , Pinkerton Ross , Orme Lisa M. , Conyers Rachel , Phillips Marianne B. , Osborn Michael , Harrup Rosemary , Anazodo Antoinette 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between the cancer care experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and their quality of life.MethodsTwo hundred and nine AYAs completed a cross‐sectional, self‐report survey distributed through the population‐based cancer registries in 2 Australian states (New South Wales and Victoria). Eligible AYAs were 15 to 24 years old when diagnosed with any cancer (excluding early‐stage melanoma) and were 3 to 24 months post‐diagnosis. Questions examined whether particular care experiences occurred for the patient at different points in the cancer care pathway, including diagnosis, treatment, inpatient care, and at the end of treatment. Quality of life was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General scale.ResultsPositive experiences of care at diagnosis, during treatment, during inpatient stays, and when finishing treatment were associated with higher functional, emotional, and social well‐being. However, these associations generally became nonsignificant when communication and support experiences were included in the model. Inpatient experiences positively influenced emotional well‐being over and above the effect of communication and support experiences.ConclusionsThe results suggest that, for most AYAs' quality of life outcomes, positive experiences of age‐appropriate communication and emotional support may underpin the effect of positive experiences of care throughout the cancer care pathway. The results support the need for communication and support tailored to an AYA audience, as recognised by recent Australian and international guidelines on the care of AYAs with cancer.