bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis: lessons learned from a tertiary centre
Authors: Buchs N. C. , Bloemendaal A. L. A. , Wood C. P. J. , Travis S. , Mortensen N. J. , Guy R. J. , George B. D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimSubtotal colectomy (STC) is a well‐established treatment for complicated and refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). A laparoscopic approach offers potentially improved outcomes. The aim of the study was to report our experience with STC for UC in a single large centre.MethodFrom January 2007 to May 2015, all consecutive patients undergoing STC for UC were retrospectively analysed from a prospectively managed database. Patients with known Crohn's disease or those undergoing one‐stage procedures were excluded. Demographics, perioperative outcomes and second‐stage procedures were analysed.ResultsDuring the study period, 151 STCs were performed for UC [100 emergency (66%) and 51 elective (34%)]. Acute severe colitis refractory to therapy was the most common indication (62%). Overall, 117 laparoscopic (78%) and 34 open STCs were performed, with a conversion rate of 14.5%. Mortality and morbidity rates were 0.7% and 38%, respectively. Whilst operative time was shorter for open STC (by 75 min; P = 0.001), there were fewer complications (32% vs 62%; P = 0.002) and a shorter hospital stay (by 6.9 days; P = 0.0002) following laparoscopic STC. Fewer complications and shorter hospital stay were also observed after elective STC. Patients undergoing laparoscopic STC were more likely to undergo a restorative second‐stage procedure than those having open STC (75% vs 50%; P = 0.03).ConclusionLaparoscopic STC for UC is feasible and safe, even in the emergency situation. A laparoscopic approach may offer advantages in terms of lower morbidity and reduced length of stay. Elective resection may offer similar advantages and is best performed whenever possible.
Course of employment in adults with cerebral palsy over a 14‐year period
Authors: Benner Joyce L , Hilberink Sander R , Veenis Thessa , van der Slot Wilma M A , Roebroeck Marij E 
Published: March 2017

AimTo explore the course of employment in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) over 14 years, and to identify subgroups at risk for unemployment.MethodSixty‐five adults with CP (33 males, 32 females; baseline age 25y 8mo, standard deviation [SD] 3y 2mo; intellectual impairment 25%; bilateral CP 65%) participated in a prospective cohort study. Self‐reports of employment and work hours per week in 1996, 2000, and 2010 were documented. The course of employment (including sheltered work) and work hours per week were analysed, using generalized estimating equations (GEE).ResultsOverall, employment rate was stable over time (38–45%, p=0.413), but lower than in the general population (75‐86%, p<0.001). Employment rates were specifically low in adults with intellectual impairment, bilateral CP, and in adults with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V. Work hours per week declined (35.0 [SD 7.9] to 31.2 [SD 10.3], p=0.033), especially among females (32.3 [SD 6.4] to 23.4 [SD 7.4], p<0.001). Similar to the general population, females often worked part‐time.InterpretationEmployment was low compared with the general population, but remained stable in the long term; however, work hours per week decreased. Adults with intellectual impairment, bilateral CP, and GMFCS levels IV and V are subgroups at risk for unemployment.
Do males with higher mating success invest more in armaments? An across‐populations study in damselflies
Authors: SNIEGULA SZYMON , PRUS MONIKA A. , GOLAB MARIA J. , OUTOMURO DAVID 
Published: March 2017

1. Males with higher mating success would be expected to invest more in traits that facilitate mating, leading to steeper allometry of those traits with respect to body size. Across‐population studies following latitudinal variation in male mating success are an excellent study system to address this question.2. Males of the damselfly Lestes sponsa were used to investigate whether the allometric patterns of the length and width of the anal appendages, used for grasping the female prior to mating, corresponded to male mating success. Across a large latitudinal gradient, it was hypothesised that there is a larger investment in the grasping apparatus, i.e. a steeper allometric slope, following higher mating success.3. Behavioural observations in field enclosures showed the highest mating success at high latitude, while there were no significant differences in mating success between the central and low latitudes. Positive allometry was found for the length of the anal appendages in high‐latitude males, while central‐ and low‐latitude males showed no significant regressions of the traits on body size.4. These results partially support the hypothesis, as high‐latitude, more successful males invested more in the length (but not the width) of the grasping apparatus than did central‐ and low‐latitude males. Therefore, higher mating success might be facilitated by larger investment in armaments. Intraspecific studies on allometric patterns of traits that participate in mating success might offer new insights into the role of those traits in the reproductive behaviour of a species.
Barriers to hydroxyurea adherence and health‐related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Badawy Sherif M. , Thompson Alexis A. , Penedo Frank J. , Lai Jin‐Shei , Rychlik Karen , Liem Robert I. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo identify barriers to hydroxyurea adherence (negative beliefs, access, and/or recall barriers), and their relationship to adherence rates and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with sickle cell disease (SCD).MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was administered to 34 AYAs (12‐22 years old) in SCD clinics from January to December 2015. Study measures included Brief Medication Questionnaire, Modified Morisky Adherence Scale 8‐items, visual analog scale, and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System.ResultsParticipants (59% male; 91% Black) had a median age of 13.5 years (IQR 12‐18). Participants reported negative beliefs (32%), recall barriers (44%), and access barriers (32%). Participants with recall barriers reported worse pain (P=.02), fatigue (P=.05), and depression (P=.05). The number of adherence barriers inversely correlated with adherence level using ©MMAS‐8 (rs=−.38, P=.02) and VASdose (rs=−.25, P=.14) as well as MCV (rs=−.45, P=.01) and HbF% (rs=−.36, P=.05), suggesting higher hydroxyurea adherence in patients with fewer barriers.ConclusionsPatients with fewer barriers to hydroxyurea adherence were more likely to have higher adherence rates and better HRQOL scores. Routine assessment of hydroxyurea adherence and its related barriers could provide actionable information to improve adherence rates, HRQOL, and other clinical outcomes.
Frequency and functional characterization of exhausted CD8+ T cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Taghiloo Saeid , Allahmoradi Esmaeil , Tehrani Mohsen , Hossein‐Nataj Hadi , Shekarriz Ramin , Janbabaei Ghasem , Abediankenari Saeid , Asgarian‐Omran Hossein 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe phenotypic and functional properties of Tim‐3+/PD‐1+/CD8+ cells as exhausted T cells were investigated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).MethodsFrequency of CD8+/Tim‐3+/PD‐1+ exhausted cells was determined by flow cytometry. For functional analysis, magnetic beads‐isolated CD8+ T cells were stimulated with PHA and PMA/ionocymin to assess their proliferative responses and cytokine production by MTT and ELISA, respectively. Cytotoxic activity of isolated CD8+ T cells was determined using CD107a degranulation assay.ResultsThe proportion of exhausted CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in CLL compared to controls. Isolated CD8+ T cells from CLL showed functional defects in proliferation, degranulation, and cytokines production. While IL‐2, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ were significantly lower in CLL patients, IL‐10 was higher in the patients group. Patients with progressive clinical stages showed higher frequency and dysfunction of exhausted CD8+ T cells.ConclusionTargeting immune inhibitory receptors to restore the function of tumor surrounding T cells could be helpful for immunotherapy of CLL.
Responses of terrestrial ecosystem phosphorus cycling to nitrogen addition: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Qi , Hui Dafeng , Dennis Sam , Reddy K. Chandra 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimAnthropogenic additions of nitrogen (N) are expected to drive terrestrial ecosystems toward greater phosphorus (P) limitation. However, a comprehensive understanding of how an ecosystem's P cycle responds to external N inputs remains elusive, making model predictions of the anthropogenic P limitation and its impacts largely uncertain.LocationGlobal.Time period1986‐2015.Major taxa studiedTerrestrial ecosystems.MethodsWe conducted a meta‐analysis including 288 independent study sites from 192 articles to evaluate global patterns and controls of 10 variables associated with ecosystem P cycling under N addition.ResultsOverall, N addition increased biomass in plants (+34%) and litter (+15%) as well as plant P content (+17%), while decreasing P concentrations in plants and litter (−8% and −11%, respectively). N addition did not change soil labile P or microbial P, but enhanced phosphatase activity (+24%). The effects of N addition on the litter P pool and soil total P remained unclear due to significant publication biases. The response of P cycling to N addition in tropical forests was different from that in other ecosystem types. N addition did not change plant biomass or phosphatase activity in tropical forests but significantly reduced plant P and soil labile P concentrations. The shift in plant P concentration under N addition was negatively correlated with the N application rate or total N load. N‐induced change in soil labile P was strongly regulated by soil pH value at the control sites, with a significant decrease of 14% only in acidic soils (pH < 5.5).Main conclusionsOur results suggest that as anthropogenic N enhancement continues in the future it could induce P limitation in terrestrial ecosystems while accelerating P cycling, particularly in tropical forests. A quantitative framework generated on the basis of this meta‐analysis is useful for our understanding of ecosystem P cycling with N addition, and for incorporating the anthropogenic P limitation into ecosystem models used to analyse effects of future climate change.
The Role of Pre‐Entry Experience of Firm Founders in Peripheral Regions: Routines, Business Contacts, and Local Starting Conditions
Authors: Habersetzer Antoine 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates how spinoffs in peripheral regions can profit from the work experience of their founders. More specifically, it discusses which firm routines and business contacts entrepreneurs gather through their prior work experience, and how this experience influences the organizational structure and orientation of the newly founded firm. The transfer of capabilities from parent firm to spinoff has been identified as important aspect of industrial clustering, but empirical evidence from peripheral areas is still sparse. It compares 22 semi‐structured interviews with founders of manufacturing firms from different peripheral regions in Switzerland to investigate whether routine and network transfer differs in varying peripheral contexts. The results show that not only inherited routines are important, but also inherited business contacts. Further, instead of simply reproducing acquired routines and networks, founders employ a mixture of continuity and change to find a good trade‐off between relying on well‐proven practices and introducing novelty. Finally, the geographical proximity of inherited business contacts seems to have an influence on the implementation strategy founders choose. Entrepreneurs with strong inherited local business contacts do not have to invest as much in building up new business contacts as those entrepreneurs in more isolated locations.
Purification and characterisation of soluble acid invertase from mango fruits
Authors: Li Renjie , Li Jingyu , Liao Xiaojun , Wang Yongtao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSoluble acid invertase (SAI) was purified from mango fruits (Mangifera indica L.) by ammonium sulphate fractionation and anion‐exchange chromatography (DEAE‐Sepharose Fast Flow). Molecular mass of the enzyme is 45 kDa estimated by SDS–PAGE. Dynamic light scattering analysis suggests the hydrodynamic radius of SAI distributes from 4 to 20 nm with a peak at 6.68 nm. Transmission electron microscopy shows that SAI is a globulin with diameter of 10–30 nm. Its optimal pH and temperature are 4.0 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzyme is not stable at high temperature (≥60 °C) or in alkaline (pH ≥ 8) environment. Using sucrose as substrate, its KM and Vmax are 25.55 mm and 1.002 mmol min−1 mL−1, respectively. Its circular dichroism spectrum shows a negative band at 220 nm and a positive band at 195 nm, suggesting a β‐sheet structure. The fluorescence spectra reflect that the tryptophan and tyrosine residues of SAI are partially exposed.
Potential for prevention of non‐O157 Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli contamination in traditionally fermented African maize gruel by fermentative probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Fayemi Olanrewaju E. , Taylor John R. N. , Buys Elna M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryNon‐O157 Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a frequent cause of STEC‐related infections such as diarrhoea. Fermentation by presumptive probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain B411 isolated from cereal fermentation was investigated to prevent the growth of acid‐adapted (AA) and non‐acid‐adapted (NAA) non‐O157 STEC in traditionally fermented maize gruel, a widely used complementary food in Africa. L. plantarum strain B411 possessed probiotic characteristics and antimicrobial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria. Growth of AA and NAA non‐O157 STEC strains was substantially inhibited by 3.6 and 4.8 log reductions, respectively, in the maize gruel fermented with the L. plantarum B411, while their growth was only inhibited by 1.0 and 1.2 log reductions, respectively, by traditional fermentation alone. Inclusion of fermentative strains of L. plantarum exhibiting probiotic activity is a feasible method to ensure safety of traditionally fermented African cereal porridges through inhibition of non‐O157 STEC.
Validating a Chinese version of the Weight Self‐stigma Questionnaire for use with obese adults
Authors: Lin Kuan Pin , Lee Mei Li 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough weight‐based stigmatization is pervasive in everyday life, a suitable measure of weight self‐stigma is currently unavailable for the obese Chinese population.AimsThe purpose of this study was to translate and test the psychometric properties of the Weight Self‐stigma Questionnaire into Chinese (C‐WSSQ) for use with obese Chinese people.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 156 overweight or obese adults. The data were collected from September to December 2015. Data on the body mass index, C‐WSSQ, and Multidimensional Body Self‐relation Questionnaire were used.ResultsThe reproducibility and Cronbach a of the C‐WSSQ were .892 and .880, respectively, indicating acceptable reliability. The exploratory factor analysis revealed that 2 extracted factors identified to the domain structures of the C‐WSSQ, as explained by the 67.05% total variance. The C‐WSSQ also demonstrated that the 2‐factor model, self‐devaluation, and fear of enacted stigma fit the data on the basis of confirmatory factor analysis. Meanwhile, the C‐WSSQ was correlated with body mass index and Multidimensional Body Self‐relation Questionnaire, indicating an acceptable criterion‐related validity.ConclusionThe C‐WSSQ shows adequate reliability and validity. The health professionals can use the C‐WSSQ to assess weight self‐stigma of obese Chinese adults before and after intervention of a weight‐loss program.
Market Risk Disclosures and Board Gender Diversity in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Firms
Authors: Al‐Yahyaee Khamis Hamed , Al‐Hadi Ahmed Khamis , Hussain Syed Mujahid 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe investigate the impact of board gender diversity on corporate risk reporting for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) financial firms. Recent developments and improvements of corporate governance in the GCC markets suggest that firms in the GCC have become more transparent with less information asymmetry. However, we find that the presence of female directors in the boards of financial institutions suppresses the positive association between corporate governance and market risk disclosures for the period between 2007 and 2011. These findings suggest that culture and conservatism nature of GCC societies persist in the GCC business environment. Our results are robust to alternative specifications and endogeneity tests.
Non‐healing ischaemic digital ulcer in a systemic sclerosis patient: a challenging clinical case
Authors: Blaise Sophie , Roustit Matthieu , Forli Alexandra , Imbert Bernard , Cracowski Jean‐Luc 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIschaemic digital ulcers (DUs) are an indicator of the severity of the microangiopathy in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). DUs are a frequent complication, affecting about 50% of patients with SSc, and are often recurrent. In cross‐sectional studies involving patients with SSc, the frequency of ischaemic DUs was 12–16% with a major impact on hand function and quality of life. Effective therapy for DUs remains elusive. Intravenous iloprost has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on healing of active DUs. Bosentan, an oral endothelin receptor antagonist, only showed a benefit in preventing the occurrence of new DUs. Despite limited evidence, recent guidelines have recommended phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors as an option. Injection of botulinum toxin and digital sympathectomy have been increasingly used for ischaemic DUs. Here we present the complex case of a SSc patient already treated with sildenafil and bosentan in whom an active DU was successfully treated with botulinum toxin A. Despite the lack of a randomised controlled trial, results are encouraging for the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of DUs and could perhaps help to avoid some amputations, as in the present case.
Tn‐activation with Acquired A‐like Antigen
Authors: Berman H. J. , Smarto J. , Issitt C. H. , Issitt P. D. , Marsh W. L. , Jensen L. 
Published: March 2017

The red blood cells of Mr. R. W., an 86‐year‐old type O patient with Proteus mirabilis wound infection, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were found to be polyagglutinable due to Tn‐activation, to be agglutinated by and to absorb anti‐A, and to have a reduced sialic acid level probably as a result of enzyme modification in vivo. The reaction with anti‐A was inhibited by blood group A substance. It is possible that both Tn‐activation and acquisition of A‐like antigen were changes induced by Proteus infection but, if so, the changes persisted after the bacterial infection was cured.The red blood cell modification in this patient has features in common with others in whom T‐ or Tn‐activation, reduced sialic acid levels, or acquired B antigens have been found. Various abnormalities of the red blood cell membrane are discussed and clinical, serological, and physicochemical findings are compared.
Hemoglobin Function in Stored Blood
Authors: Dawson R. B. , Loken M. R. , Crater D. H. , Newlon D. , Miller G. , Ellis T. J. , Billings T. A. , Ledford E. B. , Spurlock D. W. 
Published: March 2017

An optimal pH was sought to maintain hemoglobin function, ATP, and red blood cell viability during liquid storage under blood banking conditions. Ten units of blood from normal volunteers were subjected to an automated analytical system for determining concentrations of 2,3‐DPG and ATP. Each unit was split during donation into five parts containing citrate—dextrose solutions of pH 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0. Significant differences at the 95 per cent level were based on the paired t‐test. In addition, osmotic fragility and methylene blue uptake were determined to assess their possible usefulness as indicators of either red blood cell viability or ATP.With pH 5.0 preservative 2,3‐DPG fell from day 0 to day 3, with pH 5.0 and 5.5 preservatives from day 3 to day 7, and from day 7 to day 14 in all pH groups. A plot of 2,3‐DPG versus hydrogen ion concentration showed that in excess of 1 × 10−7hydrogen ion, corresponding to pH 7.0, 2,3‐DPG concentration falls at a rapid rate. From 2,3‐DPG and ATP data, a preservative with pH higher than 5.5 would seem to be optimal for maintaining hemoglobin function and red blood cell viability, but adenine may be needed to maintain adequate ATP levels.
Hepatitis B Antigen (HB Ag) and Antibody (Anti‐HB Ag) in Cold Ethanol Fractions of Human Plasma
Authors: Holland P. V. , Alter H. J. , Purcell R. H. , Lander J. J. , Sgouris J. T. , Schmidt P. J. 
Published: March 2017

Hepatitis B Antigen (HB Ag) has been found in human blood capable of transmitting viral hepatitis. HB Ag and anti‐HB Ag were therefore sought in the cold ethanol fractions of plasma from HB Ag+ patients collected into three different anticoagulant solutions, in fractions from individuals with anti‐complementary plasma containing anti‐HB Ag, and in fractions from large pools of ACD plasma from normal blood donors. HB Ag was present in all Cohn fractions except Fraction II (immune serum globulin, ISG) when prepared from HB Ag+ plasma regardless of the anticoagulant used. Five of eleven production lots of ISG and one of six NSA preparations contained measurable quantities of anti‐HB Ag, but none contained HB Ag.Antibody to HB Ag was detected in Cohn Fractions I, II, III and, to a lesser extent, in V after the cold ethanol process when prepared from plasma from HB Ag+ hepatitis patients. Despite the simultaneous presence of HB Ag and anti‐HB Ag, these plasmas were not anticomplementary. HB Ag was not found in fractions of plasma from individuals with anti‐HB Ag whose sera were anticomplementary.The radioimmunoassay technics for detecting HB Ag in Fraction II and ISG gave false positive reactions. Despite the improved sensitivity of these technics, they cannot be relied upon to give meaningful analyses for HB Ag in ISG preparations. In testing ISG for antibody to HB Ag, however, the hemagglutination and radioimmunoprecipitation tests appeared to give reliable results.
Storage of Human Platelets in Liquid Nitrogen–Isotopic Studies
Authors: Wybran J. , Stacquez C. , Govaerts A. E. 
Published: March 2017

Concentrated platelet suspensions in 5% DMSO —5% PVP (MW 17,500) in plasma were frozen in sterile, slliconized glass vials at a rate of 1‐3C per minute to — 40C They were then immersed in liquid nitrogen and stored for a period of six to 12 months. After rapid thawing, platelets were labeled with 51Cr and injected into hematologically normal and ABO‐ and RH‐ compatible subjects.The radioactive recovery of frozen platelets, two hours after injection, was 11 per cent (3.9‐22). The recovery of fresh platelets labelled under the same conditions was 36 per cent (30‐50%). The platelet survival time was found to be four to six days for frozen platelets and six to nine days for fresh platelets.These results suggest that platelets frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen have a definite but reduced therapeutic efficiency. The method looks valuable for some blood banks.