bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allogenic Blood Transfusion is Associated with Poor Perioperative and Long‐Term Outcome in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Reeh Matthias , Ghadban Tarik , Dedow Josephine , Vettorazzi Eik , Uzunoglu Faik G. , Nentwich Michael , Kluge Stefan , Izbicki Jakob R. , Vashist Yogesh K. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground
Esophageal resection for cancer (EC) is still associated with considerable mortality and morbidity rates. Allogenic blood transfusion (aBT) is associated with poor short‐term and long‐term outcome in surgical oncology. We aimed to evaluate the effect of aBT in a homogeneous population of EC patients undergoing esophagectomy without perioperative treatment.MethodsWe analyzed 565 esophagectomies performed due to EC. Allogenic blood transfusion was correlated to clinicopathological parameters, perioperative mortality and morbidity as well as the long‐term outcome. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI).ResultsPatients receiving aBT (aBT(+)) had no higher tumor stages or higher rates of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.65 and 0.17, respectively) compared to patients without aBT (aBT(−)). Allogenic blood transfusion was strongly associated with perioperative morbidity (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.1–3.5, P = 0.02) and mortality (OR 2.9, 95 % CI 1.0–8.6, P = 0.04). Tumor recurrence rate was significantly higher in aBT(+) patients (P = 0.001). The disease‐free and overall survival were significantly longer in aBT(−) compared to aBT(+) patients (P = 0.016 and <0.001, respectively). Patients receiving aBT had almost doubled risk for tumor recurrence (HR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.2–2.5, P = 0.001) and death (HR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.5–3.2, P < 0.001).ConclusionAllogenic blood transfusion has a significant impact on the natural course of EC after complete resection. The poor short‐term and long‐term outcome warrants further evaluation of the underlying molecular mechanisms induced by allogenic blood transfusion in cancer patients.
Acute Appendicitis During Pregnancy: Different from the Nonpregnant State?
Authors: Segev L. , Segev Y. , Rayman S. , Nissan A. , Sadot E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundAcute appendicitis is the most common nonobstetric indication for surgical intervention during pregnancy. However, the current literature is scarce and composed of relatively small case series. We aimed to compare the presentation, management, and surgical outcomes of presumed acute appendicitis between a contemporary cohort of pregnant women and nonpregnant women of reproductive age.MethodsThe study group included 92 pregnant patients who underwent appendectomy for presumed acute appendicitis at a single tertiary medical center in 2000–2014. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative clinical data were derived from medical records and compared to data for 494 nonpregnant patients of reproductive age who underwent appendectomy in 2004–2007 at the same institution.ResultsMedian age was 28 years (range 25–33) in the study group and 26 years (range 20–34) in the control group (P = 0.1). There were no between‐group differences in mean white blood cell count, patient interval, hospital interval, or operative time. Preoperative abdominal ultrasound was used in a significantly higher proportion of patients in the pregnant group than in the nonpregnant group (73 and 27 %, respectively, P < 0.001) and computed tomography, in a significantly lower proportion of patients (1 vs. 16 %, respectively, P < 0.001). The two groups had similar rates of negative appendectomy (23 and 22 %, P = 0.9), complicated appendicitis (12 and 11 %, P = 0.9), and overall postoperative complications (15 and 12 %, P = 0.3).ConclusionsThe clinical presentation and outcome of presumed acute appendicitis are similar in pregnant women and nonpregnant women of reproductive age. Therefore, similar perioperative management algorithms may be applied in both patient populations.
Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction, Impact and Disability‐Free Survival After a Surgical Mission in Madagascar: A Pilot Survey
Authors: White Michelle , Alcorn Dennis , Randall Kirsten , Duncan Stephanie , Klassen Heather , Shrime Mark 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundBillions of people worldwide lack access to safe affordable surgery. Surgical missions and non‐governmental organisations (NGO) are vital in meeting this need, but long‐term outcomes are rarely reported. Mercy Ships is a surgical NGO, and we aimed to measure disability‐free survival, impact and patient satisfaction in Madagascar after a 7‐month mission.MethodWe aimed to evaluate 346 patients. Primary outcome measure was the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0); secondary outcomes were residual pain; changes in perception of shame and acceptance by society; and overall satisfaction with surgery. Linear regression used to determine association between covariates and each outcome measure.ResultsOne hundred patients were uncontactable and 98 failed to attend, leaving 148 for final evaluation at a median duration of 8 months. Median WHODAS 2.0 was 2.1 % (range 0–25 %); 1 patient had a score of 25 % defined as disability. 32/148 had residual pain; average pain score of 1.8/5. Overall patient satisfaction was 4.7/5 (94 %). Median patient shame scores fell from 2.9/5 (58 %) to 0.3/5 (6 %) and median acceptance scores rose from 3.3/5 (66 %) to 4.8/5 (96 %) (both p ≤ 0.001) postoperatively. WHODAS 2.0 significantly correlated with gender and postoperative pain (both p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionSurgical missions have a duty‐of‐care to evaluate outcomes, and WHODAS 2.0 is a quick, reliable method to ensure surgeries do no harm. Measurements of perception of shame, acceptance by society, patient expectation and satisfaction can also be reliably measured and should not be forgotten by surgical NGOs.
Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy Might Improve the Prognosis of Patients with Locally Advanced Low Rectal Cancer and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Nagasaki Toshiya , Akiyoshi Takashi , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Nagayama Satoshi , Fukunaga Yosuke , Ueno Masashi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a standard treatment for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LALRC). However, the prognostic significance of CRT in patients with lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) is unknown. The present study aimed to examine the prognostic impact of preoperative CRT in patients with LALRC and LLNM.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data for 73 patients with LALRC and LLNM who underwent total mesorectal excision and lateral lymph node dissection from 1985 to 2012. The patient population was divided into a CRT group (n = 30) who received preoperative CRT and a surgery alone group (n = 43) who were treated without CRT.ResultsThe 5‐year overall survival (OS), 5‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS), and 5‐year local recurrence (LR) rates were significantly better in the CRT group (78.2, 72.1, and 3.5 %, respectively) compared with the surgery alone group (41.1, 25.4, and 39.6 %, respectively). There were fewer total, mesorectal, and LLNMs in the CRT group compared with the surgery alone group. Multivariate analysis showed that surgery without CRT was an independent predictor of poorer OS (hazard ratio [HR] 3.513, p = 0.004), RFS (HR 2.696, p = 0.021), and LR rates (HR 11.094, p = 0.001). A total number of lymph node metastases ≥4 were also an independent predictor of poorer OS and RFS.ConclusionsPreoperative CRT might have a significant prognostic impact on patients with LALRC with LLNM treated with total mesorectal excision and lateral lymph node dissection.
Parathyroid Autotransplantation During Thyroid Surgery: A Novel Technique Using a Cell Culture Nutrient Solution
Authors: Famà Fausto , Cicciù Marco , Polito Francesca , Cascio Antonio , Gioffré‐Florio Maria , Piquard Arnaud , Saint‐Marc Olivier , Sindoni Alessandro 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionParathyroid autotransplantation is an easy procedure with a low complication rate. We adopted the transplantation into the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which allows an easier and time‐saving surgical procedure using the same surgical incision.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 396 consecutive patients, who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease. In all cases in which a parathyroid was damaged or inadvertently removed, the gland was transplanted; before the autotransplantation, the parathyroid tissue was put in a cell culture nutrient solution for 5 min, afterward fragmented, and then was transplanted in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. To demonstrate a beneficial effect of the cell nutrient solution step, we compared data of transplanted patients with a control group of cases (n = 190) undergoing a standard immediate autotransplantation.ResultsWe divided patients in two main groups: group A (n = 160) including subjects that underwent one or more parathyroid gland autotransplantation using the cell nutrient solution, and group B (n = 236) concerning those who were not transplanted. Among patients, 62 hypocalcemias occurred, 40 in the group A and 22 in the group B (P < 0.001): 91.9 % were transient and 8.1 % (5 patients) definitive, all pertaining to the group B. Among controls (group C), 42 hypocalcemias occurred (P = 0.616 vs. group A and P = 0.002 vs. group B) and 3/42 became definitive (P = 0.096 vs. group A and P = 0.121 vs. group B). All differences concerning pre‐ and postoperative calcium values were statistically significant (P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe recommend the routine parathyroid autotransplantation, when a vascular damage is certain or suspected, in order to reduce the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism, using a cell culture nutrient solution before gland transplantation.
Short‐term incorporation of freshly fixed plant carbon into the soil animal food web: field study in a spruce forest
Authors: Goncharov Anton A. , Tsurikov Sergey M. , Potapov Anton M. , Tiunov Alexei V. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe analyzed the dynamics of the short‐term incorporation of recently fixed carbon into the below‐ground food web in a boreal forest. Five young spruce trees (Picea abies) were pulse‐labeled with13CO2and the isotopic label was traced in soil invertebrates during 5 weeks. The freshly fixed plant carbon quickly entered both litter‐located and soil‐located compartments of the detrital food web. Among invertebrates inhabiting the mineral soil layers, a trophic link to the root‐derived C was most pronounced in species with higherδ15N values, suggesting this energy source to be more important in deeper mineral soil horizons. The label appeared faster in saprophagous animals than in predators (the median time lag after labeling was 6 and 12 days, respectively), but the difference was not significant. The label was recovered in 15 of 38 species of saprophagous animals and in 20 of 63 species of predators. Among saprophages, the frequency and intensity of the label was relatively high in endogeic collembolans and in bibionid larvae, but earthworms and enchytraeids were not labeled. Several groups of predators, lithobiid centipedes in particular, quickly acquired the root‐derived carbon, possibly indicating the feeding on live roots or mycorrhizal mycelium. In total, only 35 % of species or genera examined acquired the label. This suggests that majority of invertebrate taxa in the decomposer food web are unlikely to depend heavily on freshly fixed plant carbon provided by roots and root‐associated microorganisms.
Equivalent Clinical Outcomes Following Favored Treatments of Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Tear
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Stepan Jeffrey G. , An Tonya , Osei Daniel A. 
Published: October 2016

Background Optimal treatment of chronic scapholunate (SL) instability remains controversial. Many surgical techniques have been proposed with varied results in subsequent case series; however, there is limited evidence demonstrating the relative effectiveness of the different treatment options. Questions/Purposes We conducted a systematic review of the English literature to compare outcomes from capsulodesis and ligament reconstruction for treatment of chronic scapholunate instability. Methods An electronic database search using keywords associated with scapholunate ligament instability was performed. A total of 511 studies were identified. All studies with scapholunate ligament tears >4 weeks after the initial injury were included in the review. Data extracted included patient demographics, wrist range of motion, and radiographic outcome measures. Results A total of 308 patients from 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The average time to surgery from initial injury was 11 months. There was no significant difference in wrist flexion or extension after capsulodesis or reconstruction. The weighted mean for postoperative wrist extension/flexion was 56°/45.6° in the capsulodesis group and 40.9°/47.3° in the reconstruction group. Pooled means of SL angle and SL gap were 60.3° and 3.44 mm after capsulodesis and 56.5 and 2.72 mm after reconstruction, respectively. Conclusions This systematic review failed to demonstrate any significant difference in outcomes from capsulodesis or reconstruction for treatment of chronic scapholunate instability. However, the retrospective studies examined were notably heterogeneous in design with high estimates of variance. Further prospective trials are necessary to determine an ideal treatment strategy.
OPERATIONALIZING AN INNOVATION PLATFORM APPROACH FOR COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH ON CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN BURKINA FASO
Authors: DABIRE DER , ANDRIEU NADINE , DJAMEN PATRICE , COULIBALY KALIFA , POSTHUMUS HELENA , DIALLO AMADOU MOHAMADOUN , KARAMBIRI MEDINA , DOUZET JEAN-MARIE , TRIOMPHE BERNARD 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYNumerous innovation platforms have been implemented to encourage the adoption of agricultural innovations and stakeholder interactions within a value chain. Yet little research has been undertaken on the design and implementation of innovation platforms focussing on issues other than market access and aiming to encourage agro-ecological intensification. This is the case for the development of Conservation Agriculture (CA) in West Africa, which due to its complex nature calls for technical, organizational and institutional changes at the level of both production systems and village territories. This article analyses the design and implementation process of platforms in three villages in Burkina Faso aiming to develop CA technical references with local stakeholders, and to renew rules of interaction between stakeholders within a territory. The platforms enabled farmers in the three villages to actively participate in the identification of the cropping systems that were tested and to improve their knowledge and mastery of CA. They furthermore promoted networking among producers and facilitated the development of new rules for crop residue use. The platforms thus appear to be relevant mechanisms, enabling complex innovations to be addressed. Diverse modifications and improvements are discussed that would ensure the sustainability of the platforms and the evolution of their objectives and activities beyond those of the project under which they were launched.
Ground-state oxygen holes and the metal–insulator transition in the negative charge-transfer rare-earth nickelates
Authors: Bisogni Valentina , Catalano Sara , Green Robert J. , Gibert Marta , Scherwitzl Raoul , Huang Yaobo , Strocov Vladimir N. , Zubko Pavlo , Balandeh Shadi , Triscone Jean-Marc , Sawatzky George , Schmitt Thorsten 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe metal–insulator transition and the intriguing physical properties of rare-earth perovskite nickelates have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Nonetheless, a complete understanding of these materials remains elusive. Here we combine X-ray absorption and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) spectroscopies to resolve important aspects of the complex electronic structure of rare-earth nickelates, taking NdNiO3 thin film as representative example. The unusual coexistence of bound and continuum excitations observed in the RIXS spectra provides strong evidence for abundant oxygen holes in the ground state of these materials. Using cluster calculations and Anderson impurity model interpretation, we show that distinct spectral signatures arise from a Ni 3d8 configuration along with holes in the oxygen 2p valence band, confirming suggestions that these materials do not obey a conventional positive charge-transfer picture, but instead exhibit a negative charge-transfer energy in line with recent models interpreting the metal–insulator transition in terms of bond disproportionation.
Spin–torque generator engineered by natural oxidation of Cu
Authors: An Hongyu , Kageyama Yuito , Kanno Yusuke , Enishi Nagisa , Ando Kazuya 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe spin Hall effect is a spin–orbit coupling phenomenon, which enables electric generation and detection of spin currents. This relativistic effect provides a way for realizing efficient spintronic devices based on electric manipulation of magnetization through spin torque. However, it has been believed that heavy metals are indispensable for the spin–torque generation. Here we show that the spin Hall effect in Cu, a light metal with weak spin–orbit coupling, is significantly enhanced through natural oxidation. We demonstrate that the spin–torque generation efficiency of a Cu/Ni81Fe19 bilayer is enhanced by over two orders of magnitude by tuning the surface oxidation, reaching the efficiency of Pt/ferromagnetic metal bilayers. This finding illustrates a crucial role of oxidation in the spin Hall effect, opening a route for engineering the spin–torque generator by oxygen control and manipulating magnetization without using heavy metals.
Human acid sphingomyelinase structures provide insight to molecular basis of Niemann–Pick disease
Authors: Zhou Yan-Feng , Metcalf Matthew C. , Garman Scott C. , Edmunds Tim , Qiu Huawei , Wei Ronnie R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAcid sphingomyelinase (ASM) hydrolyzes sphingomyelin to ceramide and phosphocholine, essential components of myelin in neurons. Genetic alterations in ASM lead to ASM deficiency (ASMD) and have been linked to Niemann–Pick disease types A and B. Olipudase alfa, a recombinant form of human ASM, is being developed as enzyme replacement therapy to treat the non-neurological manifestations of ASMD. Here we present the human ASM holoenzyme and product bound structures encompassing all of the functional domains. The catalytic domain has a metallophosphatase fold, and two zinc ions and one reaction product phosphocholine are identified in a histidine-rich active site. The structures reveal the underlying catalytic mechanism, in which two zinc ions activate a water molecule for nucleophilic attack of the phosphodiester bond. Docking of sphingomyelin provides a model that allows insight into the selectivity of the enzyme and how the ASM domains collaborate to complete hydrolysis. Mapping of known mutations provides a basic understanding on correlations between enzyme dysfunction and phenotypes observed in ASMD patients.
Optimal control of complex atomic quantum systems
Authors: van Frank S. , Bonneau M. , Schmiedmayer J. , Hild S. , Gross C. , Cheneau M. , Bloch I. , Pichler T. , Negretti A. , Calarco T. , Montangero S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractQuantum technologies will ultimately require manipulating many-body quantum systems with high precision. Cold atom experiments represent a stepping stone in that direction: a high degree of control has been achieved on systems of increasing complexity. However, this control is still sub-optimal. In many scenarios, achieving a fast transformation is crucial to fight against decoherence and imperfection effects. Optimal control theory is believed to be the ideal candidate to bridge the gap between early stage proof-of-principle demonstrations and experimental protocols suitable for practical applications. Indeed, it can engineer protocols at the quantum speed limit – the fastest achievable timescale of the transformation. Here, we demonstrate such potential by computing theoretically and verifying experimentally the optimal transformations in two very different interacting systems: the coherent manipulation of motional states of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate and the crossing of a quantum phase transition in small systems of cold atoms in optical lattices. We also show that such processes are robust with respect to perturbations, including temperature and atom number fluctuations.
Formation of gold nanoparticles by glycolipids of Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Kikuchi Fumiya , Kato Yugo , Furihata Kazuo , Kogure Toshihiro , Imura Yuki , Yoshimura Etsuro , Suzuki Michio 
Published: October 2016

AbstractGold nanoparticles have particular properties distinct from those of bulk gold crystals, and such nanoparticles are used in various applications in optics, catalysis, and drug delivery. Many reports on microbial synthesis of gold nanoparticles have appeared. However, the molecular details (reduction and dispersion) of such synthesis remain unclear. In the present study, we studied gold nanoparticle synthesis by Lactobacillus casei. A comparison of L. casei components before and after addition of an auric acid solution showed that the level of unsaturated lipids decreased significantly after addition. NMR and mass spectrum analysis showed that the levels of diglycosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) and triglycosyldiacylglycerol (TGDG) bearing unsaturated fatty acids were much reduced after formation of gold nanoparticles. DGDG purified from L. casei induced the synthesis of gold nanoparticles in vitro. These results suggested that glycolipids, such as DGDG, play important roles in reducing Au(III) to Au(0) and in ensuring that the nanoparticles synthesized remain small in size. Our work will lead to the development of novel, efficient methods by which gold nanoparticles may be produced by, and accumulated within, microorganisms.
CD200R/Foxp3-mediated signalling regulates microglial activation
Authors: Yi Min-Hee , Zhang Enji , Kim Jwa-Jin , Baek Hyunjung , Shin Nara , Kim Sena , Kim Sang Ryong , Kim Hang-Rae , Lee Sung Joong , Park Jin Bong , Kim Yonghyun , Kwon O-Yu , Lee Young Ho , Oh Sang-Ha , Kim Dong Woon 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe heterogeneity of microglial functions have either beneficial or detrimental roles in specific physiological or pathological environments. However, the details of what transcriptional mechanisms induce microglia to take beneficial phenotypes remain unknown. Here, we report that Foxp3 is essential for beneficial outcome of the microglial response and depends upon signalling by the immunoglobulin CD200 through its receptor (CD200R). Foxp3 expression was up-regulated in microglia activated by excitotoxicity-induced hippocampal neuroinflammation. Suppression of CD200R prevented anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglia, but over-expression of Foxp3 enhanced it. Phosphorylation of STAT6, a downstream effector of CD200R, modulated transcription of Foxp3. Finally, CD200R/Foxp3-mediated signalling enhanced hippocampal neuronal viability and conferred a degree of neuroprotection, presumably by counteracting inducible nitric oxide synthase. We conclude that enhancement of Foxp3 through CD200R could be neuroprotective by targeting the microglia.