bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Navigating the mesentery: part II. Vascular abnormalities and a review of the literature
Authors: Nesgaard J. M. , Stimec B. V. , Bakka A. O. , Edwin B. , Ignjatovic D. ,   the RCC study group
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimVascular abnormalities present advantages and/or disadvantages for the patient undergoing surgery. The aims of this study were to define, classify and demonstrate the courses, and to assess the clinical value, of arterial and venous abnormalities in the central mesentery.MethodWe conducted a review of the anatomy of 340 patients planned for enrolment in the ‘Safe Radical D3 Right Hemicolectomy for Cancer through Preoperative Biphasic MDCT Angiography’ trial, 312 of whom were submitted to surgery. Vascular abnormalities were analysed in context with surgical notes and images. A meta‐analysis of the literature was performed.ResultsArterial Abnormalities were found in 28 (8.2%) of the 340 patients and were classified into the following three groups based on anticipated surgical difficulty: group 1, accessory or replaced arteries to solid organs [14 (4.1%)]; group 2, arterial shunts [11 (3.2%)] between the coeliac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery, which resulted in bleeding in three patients; and group 3, common stem abnormalities [3 (0.9%)]. Two groups of superior mesenteric vein abnormalities were noted. The first included morphological abnormalities in a single vein [4 (1.2%)]: aneurysm [1 (0.3%)]; and ring variants of principal tributaries [3 (0.9%)]. The second included double superior mesenteric vein trunks [31 (9.1%)]: genuine bifid [10 (2.9%)]; and pseudo bifid [21 (6.2%)]. The meta‐analysis revealed 26 articles, including 10 series of anatomical dissections or angiographies [1970 cases with 205 (10.4%) arterial abnormalities] and 16 case reports, none of which described a clinical or surgical setting.ConclusionVascular abnormalities occur frequently. Arterial abnormalities are a hazard when inadvertent injury occurs during surgery. Preoperative knowledge of a bifid superior mesenteric vein is useful.
Evolution of body weight parameters up to 3 years after solid organ transplantation: The prospective Swiss Transplant Cohort Study
Authors: Beckmann Sonja , Nikolic Nataša , Denhaerynck Kris , Binet Isabelle , Koller Michael , Boely Elsa , De Geest Sabina ,   the Psychosocial Interest Group, Swiss Transplant Cohort Study
Published: December 2016

AbstractObesity and weight gain are serious concerns after solid organ transplantation (Tx); however, no unbiased comparison regarding body weight parameter evolution across organ groups has yet been performed. Using data from the prospective nationwide Swiss Transplant Cohort Study, we compared the evolution of weight parameters up to 3 years post‐Tx in 1359 adult kidney (58.3%), liver (21.7%), lung (11.6%), and heart (8.4%) recipients transplanted between May 2008 and May 2012. Changes in mean weight and body mass index (BMI) category were compared to reference values from 6 months post‐Tx. At 3 years post‐Tx, compared to other organ groups, liver Tx recipients showed the greatest weight gain (mean 4.8±10.4 kg), 57.4% gained >5% body weight, and they had the highest incidence of obesity (38.1%). After 3 years, based on their BMI categories at 6 months, normal weight and obese liver Tx patients, as well as underweight kidney, lung and heart Tx patients had the highest weight gains. Judged against international Tx patient data, the majority of our Swiss Tx recipients’ experienced lower post‐Tx weight gain. However, our findings show weight gain pattern differences, both within and across organ Tx groups that call for preventive measures.
Between florivory and herbivory: inefficacy of decision‐making by generalist floriphilic katydids
Authors: TAN MING KAI , TAN HUGH TIANG WAH 
Published: December 2016

1. Florivory, which is less studied but as equally widespread as herbivory, can have effects on plant and floral trait adaptations, individual fitness, and community interactions. However, there are still knowledge gaps in our understanding of florivory, including the role of neural constraints and diet specialisation of florivores in floral resource utilisation.2. According to the neural constraint hypothesis, a generalist flower‐visiting katydid is expected to have lower decision‐making efficacy in feeding when subjected to the presence of both capitula and leaves, compared to the presence of either one of the two resources.3. In the present study, experiments using the katydid, Phaneroptera brevis, and the plant, whiteweed, Ageratum conyzoides, were carried out to examine the foraging behaviour of the katydid to test our hypothesis. The results confirmed the prediction of the neural constraint hypothesis.4. The decision‐making efficacy was generally lowered when the katydid was presented with the choice for both the resource that is preferred (capitula) and less preferred (leaves). It was also shown that Phaneroptera brevis is floriphilic, as it prefers capitula to leaves.5. In conclusion, the first evidence of neural constraint in florivory is provided and suggests that more can be explored into the effects of neural constraints and diet specialisation in floral resource utilisation.
IgG4‐related disease and lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilic syndrome: A comparative case series
Authors: Carruthers Mollie N. , Park Sujin , Slack Graham W. , Dalal Bakul I. , Skinnider Brian F. , Schaeffer David F. , Dutz Jan P. , Law Joanna K. , Donnellan Fergal , Marquez Vladimir , Seidman Michael , Wong Patrick C. , Mattman Andre , Chen Luke Y.C. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the clinical and laboratory features of IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) and lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (L‐HES), two rare diseases that often present with lymphadenopathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, eosinophilia, and elevated immunoglobulins/IgE.MethodComparative case series of 31 patients with IgG4‐RD and 13 patients with L‐HES.ResultsPeripheral blood eosinophilia was present in eight of 31 patients with IgG4‐RD compared to 13 of 13 patients with L‐HES (median eosinophils 0.4 vs 7.0 giga/L, P=.001) and 12 of 20 patients with IgG4‐RD had increased serum IgE compared to eight of 13 patients with L‐HES, P=.930. Twenty‐seven of 30 patients with IgG4‐RD had elevated serum IgG4 compared to five of 12 patients with L‐HES (median IgG4 9.6 g/L vs 0.80 g/L, P=.002). Flow cytometry demonstrated an aberrant T‐cell phenotype in 7 of 23 patients with IgG4‐RD and 13 of 13 patients with L‐HES (P<.001). T‐cell clonality by PCR was positive in 12 of 23 patients with IgG4‐RD vs 10 of 13 patients with L‐HES (P=.143). Patients in both groups received corticosteroids as first‐line therapy. For refractory disease in IgG4‐RD, rituximab was the most common steroid‐sparing agent, whereas in L‐HES, it was pegylated interferon‐α‐2a.ConclusionThe overlapping features of these two diseases with divergent treatment options demonstrate the importance of familiarity with both entities to optimize diagnosis and treatment.
On The Odiousness of Greek Debt
Authors: Bantekas Ilias , Vivien Renaud 
Published: December 2016

AbstractUnlike the popular narrative, which suggests that the Greek debt crisis was the result of lavish spending, this article demonstrates that the ‘crisis’ was generated by a transformation of purely private debt into public debt. This finding is supported by the preliminary report of the Greek Parliamentary Committee on the Truth of the Greek Debt, which clearly showed that the exponential increase of private debt in Greece risked the collapse of the private financial institutions exposed to it, namely Greek, French and German banks. This resulted in pressure on the Greek government to recapitalise and nationalise Greek banks through Eurozone and IMF funding. This funding, which came to be known as ‘bailout for Greece’ was nothing more than the rescue of private banks through EU taxpayers' money, only 5% of which went into the Greek economy. The article shows that the process by which the debt was transformed, as well as the post‐crisis bailout were odious, illegal and illegitimate and the ensuing debt itself was unsustainable and wholly against fundamental human rights.
On the ‘Rationalities’ of European Private Law–Between the Internal Market and Law's Discourse
Authors: Niglia Leone 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOn the basis of the deployment of the idiom of co‐production of knowledge and governance, the article I am commenting upon critically argues for overcoming the reification practices and for the ‘re‐politicisation’ of the European private law field. I note and discuss a dialectical tension between, on the one hand, the explanation based on ‘reification’ as the process of co‐production of knowledge and governance which de‐politicises and, on the other hand, the description of institutional settings themselves as instigating and producing reification—between theory and practice, ideology and discourse.
Oesophageal disorders in horses: Retrospective study of 39 cases
Authors: Bezdekova B. , Janalik P. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryOesophageal diseases are less frequently reported in equine veterinary practice in comparison with other alimentary pathologies. This paper describes the prevalence, age, breed and sex distribution, the duration of clinical presentation before admission, the diagnosis, aetiology, treatment course, complications, length of hospitalisation, and the short‐term and long‐term survival of 39 cases with equine oesophageal disorders at a referral clinic. Prevalence of oesophageal disorders was significantly higher in the group of horses up to 4 years of age in comparison with other age groups. The most common oesophageal disorder was simple obstruction represented by 22/39 cases (56.41%). The common complications of the oesophageal disorder were oesophagitis (16/39, 41.02%) and aspiration pneumonia (11/39, 28.20%); 31/39 (79.49%) of all oesophageal cases survived up to clinical discharge. Long‐term survival was 65.78% in this group of cases.
Broadband luminescent ferroelectric biocompatible Er:(Na,K)NbO3 nanofibers
Authors: Grishin Alexander M. , Markova Nadezhda P. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDense homogeneous fabric composed from continuous bead‐free erbium‐doped sodium potassium niobate (Er:NKN) 100 μm long and 100‐200 nm in diameter nanofibers was sintered by sol‐gel calcination assisted electrospinning technique. X‐ray diffraction revealed preferential cube‐on‐cube [001]‐directional growth of fibers containing predominantly monoclinic Na0.35K0.65NbO3‐type phase and significantly less of tetragonal NbO2, cubic Er2O3, and monoclinic ErNbO4 phases. Er doping with the concentration of 2 at.% provides readily detectable room‐temperature broad‐band photoluminescence (PL) centered at λPL = 0.55 and 0.98 μm being pumped, respectively, with 532 and 785 nm lasers. Impedance spectroscopy and static electrical tests revealed ferroelectric properties, electric field induced resistance switching and strong rectification effect in nanoporous sandwich Au/Er:NKN/Pt capacitive cell. Memristor‐type current‐voltage (I‐V) characteristics originate from the electrochemical migration of oxygen vacancies at the n‐type NKN oxide/high work function Pt cathode junction interface.
Mucin 4 and matrix metalloproteinase 7 as novel salivary biomarkers for periodontitis
Authors: Lundmark Anna , Johannsen Gunnar , Eriksson Kaja , Kats Anna , Jansson Leif , Tervahartiala Taina , Rathnayake Nilminie , Åkerman Sigvard , Klinge Björn , Sorsa Timo , Yucel‐Lindberg Tülay 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by irreversible destruction of tooth‐supporting tissue including alveolar bone. We recently reported mucin 4 (MUC4) and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) as highly associated with periodontitis in gingival tissue biopsies. The aim of this study was to further investigate the levels of MUC4 and MMP7 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of patients with periodontitis.Materials and MethodsSaliva and GCF samples were collected from periodontitis patients and healthy controls. The levels of MUC4, MMP7, and total protein concentrations were analysed using ELISA or Bradford assay.ResultsMUC4 levels were significantly lower in saliva and GCF from periodontitis patients relative to healthy controls. MMP7 levels were significantly higher in saliva and GCF from periodontitis patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that MUC4 was significantly associated with periodontitis after adjusting for age and smoking habits and, moreover, that the combination of MUC4 and MMP7 accurately discriminated periodontitis from healthy controls.ConclusionsMUC4 and MMP7 may be utilized as possible novel biomarkers for periodontitis.
Enhanced activation of eosinophils in peripheral blood and implications for eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosis
Authors: Botan Valéria , dos Santos Borges Tatiana Karla , Rocha Alves Érica Alessandra , Claudino Pereira Couto Shirley , Bender Kohnert Seidler Heinrich , Muniz‐Junqueira Maria Imaculada 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground and AimEosinophils are markers of the eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) disease, and this work aimed to assess whether activation of eosinophils could be a noninvasive test to contribute for EoE diagnosis.MethodsThe activation state of peripheral blood eosinophils in EoE patients and control subjects was assessed based on the morphological aspects of the eosinophil after adherence to slide. Cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase expressions were evaluated by means of immunofluorescence microscopy to verify if and which eicosanoid pathway is triggered in eosinophils in blood in EoE.ResultsThe eosinophils of patients with EoE were significantly more activated than those of control individuals. The lowest percentage of normal eosinophils for control subjects was 40%, while the highest percentage of eosinophils of normal aspect for patients with EoE was 32%. Considering 36% as a cutoff for normal eosinophils, this value differentiated all individuals with EoE from individuals without the disease with a sensitivity of 100%, considering the diagnosis of EoE as currently defined. Eosinophils of EoE patients showed higher expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 than those of control subjects.ConclusionsThe quantification of morphological changes in eosinophils is a feasible, easy, and reliable manner to identify EoE patients. Therefore, patients with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction showing higher than 36% activated eosinophils in peripheral blood could be a useful way to help definition and diagnostic criterion for EoE.
Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions/Screening Tools to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment Medication Criteria Modified for U.S. Nursing Home Setting
Authors: Khodyakov Dmitry , Ochoa Aileen , Olivieri‐Mui Brianne L. , Bouwmeester Carla , Zarowitz Barbara J. , Patel Meenakshi , Ching Diana , Briesacher Becky 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo develop a set of prescribing indicators measurable with available data from electronic nursing home (NH) databases by adapting the European‐based 2014 Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tools to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria of potentially inappropriate and underused medications for the U.S. setting.DesignA two‐stage expert panel process. In the first stage, the investigator team reviewed 114 criteria for compatibility and measurability. In the second stage, an online modified e‐Delphi (OMD) panel was convened to rate the validity of criteria, and two webinars were held to identify criteria with highest relevance to U.S. NHs.ParticipantsSeventeen experts with recognized reputations in NH care participated in the e‐Delphi panel and 12 in the webinar.MeasurementsCompatibility and measurability were assessed by comparing criteria with U.S. terminology and setting standards and data elements in NH databases. Validity was rated using a 9‐point Likert‐type scale (1 = not valid at all, 9 = highly valid). Mean, median, interpercentile ranges, and agreement were determined for each criterion score. Relevance was determined by ranking the mean panel ratings on criteria that reached agreement; the webinar participants reviewed and approved half of the criteria with the highest mean values.ResultsFifty‐three STOPP/START criteria were deemed to be compatible with the U.S. NH setting and measurable using data from electronic NH databases. E‐Delphi panelists rated 48 criteria as valid for U.S. NHs. Twenty‐four criteria were deemed to be most relevant, consisting of 22 measures of potentially inappropriate medications and two measures of underused medications.ConclusionThis study created the first explicit criteria for assessing the quality of prescribing in U.S. NHs.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Chair Yoga on Pain and Physical Function Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults With Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis
Authors: Park Juyoung , McCaffrey Ruth , Newman David , Liehr Patricia , Ouslander Joseph G. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo determine effects of Sit ‘N’ Fit Chair Yoga, compared to a Health Education program (HEP), on pain and physical function in older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA) who could not participate in standing exercise.DesignTwo‐arm randomized controlled trial.SettingOne HUD senior housing facility and one day senior center in south Florida.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older adults (N = 131) were randomly assigned to chair yoga (n = 66) or HEP (n = 65). Thirteen dropped after assignment but prior to the intervention; six dropped during the intervention; 106 of 112 completed at least 12 of 16 sessions (95% retention rate).InterventionsParticipants attended either chair yoga or HEP. Both interventions consisted of twice‐weekly 45‐minute sessions for 8 weeks.MeasurementsPrimary: pain, pain interference; secondary: balance, gait speed, fatigue, functional ability measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention, at the end of the 8‐week intervention, and post‐intervention (1 and 3 months).ResultsThe chair yoga group showed greater reduction in pain interference during the intervention (P = .01), sustained through 3 months (P = .022). WOMAC pain (P = .048), gait speed (P = .024), and fatigue (P = .037) were improved in the yoga group during the intervention (P = .048) but improvements were not sustained post intervention. Chair yoga had no effect on balance.ConclusionAn 8‐week chair yoga program was associated with reduction in pain, pain interference, and fatigue, and improvement in gait speed, but only the effects on pain interference were sustained 3 months post intervention. Chair yoga should be further explored as a nonpharmacologic intervention for older people with OA in the lower extremities.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02113410.
WHY PERCEIVED SIZE MATTERS FOR AGENCY TERMINATION
Authors: CORBETT JACK , HOWARD COSMO 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAgency size is generally assumed to be positively correlated with survival: the bigger an agency, the less likely it is to be terminated. Yet, recent research finds a very small effect of size on survival. The reason, we argue, is that it only addresses size in terms of overall operating budget – what this article calls objective size. By contrast, we use an interpretive historicist approach to show how perceived size – the meanings and beliefs of key actors concerning an agency's size – affects termination. Drawing on a case study of Australia's independent aid agency, AusAID, which endured a tumultuous history of cuts, reorganizations and rebirths, culminating in termination, we show how perceptions of the agency's size mattered. These findings both support and extend recent research showing that adaptation and reputation are critical to the survival of government agencies.
Multiple Milia as an Isolated Skin Manifestation of Dominant Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: Evidence of Phenotypic Variability
Authors: Akaksa Eijiro , Nakano Hajime , Takagi Yuriko , Toyomaki Yuka , Sawamura Daisuke 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe report a Japanese pedigree with dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB) harboring the p.G2251E mutation of COL7A1. The proband of this pedigree presented with multiple milia as an isolated skin manifestation without a history of blistering and subsequently developed generalized intractable blisters, suggesting that multiple milia could be a primary manifestation of DDEB. Her mother exhibited nail dystrophy and pruritic nodules and her elder sister was unaffected, despite having the same COL7A1 mutation. Inter‐ and intrafamilial clinical variability are often observed in DDEB, so we should be aware of this factor to provide appropriate genetic counselling.
Palmoplantar Keratoderma in Costello Syndrome Responsive to Acitretin
Authors: Marukian Nareh V. , Levinsohn Jonathan L. , Craiglow Brittany G. , Milstone Leonard M. , Choate Keith A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCostello syndrome (CS) is a multisystem congenital disorder characterized by coarse facial features, cardiac defects, intellectual disability, and predisposition to malignancies. Dermatologic findings can include cutaneous papillomas, skin redundancy, acanthosis nigricans, and keratosis pilaris. Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is present in approximately 76% of patients with CS, with disabling functional consequences in severe cases. We report a case of CS with severe PPK that improved dramatically with systemic administration of acitretin 0.3 mg/kg/day.
Sub‐Tenon's injection in equine cadaver eyes: MRI visualization of anesthetic fluid distribution and comparison of two different volumes
Authors: Stadler Silvia , Dennler Matthias , Hetzel Udo , Del Chicca Francesca , Hoey Sèamus , Spiess Bernhard M. , Voelter Katrin , Pot Simon A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the localization and distribution of two different anesthetic fluid volumes around equine cadaver eyes to determine an appropriate volume for a single sub‐Tenon's injection in horses.ProcedureA single sub‐Tenon's injection of 2% lidocaine was performed in 10 equine cadaver heads (20 eyes) using two different volumes (7 mL on one side and 10 mL on the opposite side). The posterior circular distribution of the anesthetic was quantified in sagittal, dorsal, and transverse MRI (T2W‐TSE) sequences and evaluated independently by three board‐certified radiologists. The distribution of the two fluid volumes was compared via a paired Student's t‐test. The interobserver reliability was evaluated via a Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsExtension of the injection fluid was observed along the dorsal and temporal quadrants of the globe within the subconjunctival space, the anterior and posterior sub‐Tenon's space, and into the muscle sheaths along the extraocular muscles. Accumulation of anesthetic fluid directly surrounding the optic nerve was detected in three of 20 cadaver eyes. Circular distribution of the 7 and 10 mL anesthetic volumes was not significantly different (P = 0.849). More retrograde leakage of the anesthetic was observed using the 10 mL volume. Evaluation of interobserver reliability revealed no significant differences between observers (P = 0.21–0.92).ConclusionsSub‐Tenon's anesthesia can have potential as an alternative to retrobulbar anesthesia for ophthalmic surgeries in equines. A 7‐ to 10‐mL injection volume should be appropriate based on the results of this study. The distribution of the anesthetic solution in live tissues, the clinical effects, and the potential for complications will have to be evaluated in vivo.