bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal timing of preoperative indocyanine green administration for fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the PINPOINT® Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System
Authors: Tsutsui Nobuhiro , Yoshida Masashi , Nakagawa Hikaru , Ito Eisaku , Iwase Ryota , Suzuki Norihiko , Imakita Tomonori , Ohdaira Hironori , Kitajima Masaki , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Suzuki Yutaka 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe PINPOINT® Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System (Novadaq, Mississauga, Canada) allows surgeons to visualize the bile ducts during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgeons can continue operation while confirming the bile ducts’ fluorescence with a bright‐field/color image. However, strong fluorescence of the liver can interfere with the surgery. Here, we investigated the optimal timing of indocyanine green administration to allow fluorescent cholangiography to be performed without interference from the liver fluorescence.MethodsA total of 72 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this study. The timing of indocyanine green administration was set immediately before surgery and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h before surgery. The luminance intensity ratios of gallbladder/liver, cystic duct/liver, and common bile duct/liver were measured using the ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA). Visibility of the gallbladder and bile ducts was classified into three categories (grades A, B, and C) based on the degree of visibility in contrast to the liver.ResultsThe luminance intensity ratio for the gallbladder/liver, cystic duct/liver, and common bile duct/liver was ≥1 in the 15‐, 18‐, and 24‐h groups. The proportion of cases in which evaluators classified the visibility of the gallbladder and bile ducts as grade A (best visibility) reached a peak in the 15‐h group and decreased thereafter.ConclusionsIn the present study, the optimal timing of indocyanine green administration for fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System was 15 h before surgery.
Laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Authors: Ishikawa Takahisa , Nishikawa Makoto , Nakamoto Hiroki , Yokoyama Ryoji , Taketomi Akinobu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLaparoscopic surgery has been relatively contraindicated in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) because of concerns about the effect of the pneumoperitoneum on shunt function. However, there have been recent reports of laparoscopic surgery on the gallbladder and cecum. This is the first report of laparoscopic high anterior resection for rectal cancer without manipulation of the VPS catheter in a patient with VPS. We made a diagnosis of advanced rectal cancer in a 77‐year‐old man who had a VPS to treat hydrocephalus after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. We performed the procedure with the patient in a 15° head‐down tilt and with 10‐mmHg pneumoperitoneum pressure. There were no postoperative complications. We concluded that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer can be safely performed in patients with VPS.
Considerations for Pharmacoepidemiological Studies of Drug–Cancer Associations
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Friis Søren , Stürmer Til , Hallas Jesper , Bahmanyar Shahram 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this MiniReview, we provide general considerations for the planning and conduct of pharmacoepidemiological studies of associations between drug use and cancer development. We address data sources, study design, assessment of drug exposure, ascertainment of cancer outcomes, confounder adjustment and future perspectives. Aspects of data sources include assessment of complete history of drug use and data on dose and duration of drug use, allowing estimates of cumulative exposure. Outcome data from formal cancer registries are preferable, but cancer data from other sources, for example, patient or pathology registries, medical records or claims are also suitable. The two principal designs for observational studies evaluating drug–cancer associations are the cohort and case–control designs. A key challenge in studies of drug–cancer associations is the exposure assessment due to the typically long period of cancer development. We present methods to examine early and late effects of drug use on cancer development and discuss the need for employing ‘lag‐time’ in order to avoid reverse causation. We emphasize that a new‐user study design should always be considered. We also underline the need for ‘dose–response’ analyses, as drug–cancer associations are likely to be dose‐dependent. Generally, studies of drug–cancer associations should explore risk of site‐specific cancer, rather than cancer overall. Additional differentiation may also be crucial for organ‐specific cancer with various distinct histological subtypes (e.g., lung or ovary cancer). We also highlight the influence of confounding factors and discuss various methods to address confounding, while emphasizing that the choices of methods depend on the design and specific objectives of the individual study. In some studies, use of active comparator(s) may be preferable. Pharmacoepidemiological studies of drug–cancer associations are expected to evolve considerably in the coming years, due to the increasing availability of long‐term data on drug exposures and cancer outcomes, the increasing conduct of multinational studies, allowing studies of rare cancers and subtypes of cancer, and methodological improvements specifically addressing cancer and other long‐term outcomes.
DUAL‐INDEX MEASUREMENT OF INCOME INEQUALITY
Authors: Park Joongyang , Kim YoungSoon , Heo Seon‐ja 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThis study introduces the concept of unequally distributed income and proposes a dual‐index measurement of income inequality that evaluates the magnitude and dispersion of unequally distributed income. We use the Rawlsian index as a magnitude index and employ current income inequality indices as a dispersion index. We describe the properties of the Rawlsian and dispersion indices, and apply these indices to real income data. Further, we show that the Gini dispersion index is a weighted average of Rawlsian indices for the sub‐distributions of the unequally distributed income distribution.
Water and fish select for fleshy fruits in tropical wetland forests
Authors: Correa Sandra Bibiana , de Oliveira Patricia Carla , Nunes da Cunha Catia , Penha Jerry , Anderson Jill T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAdjacent floodplain and upland tropical forests experience the same temperature and precipitation regimes, but differ substantially in plant species composition and biotic interactions because of extensive flooding. We hypothesize that flooded forests filter fruiting traits linked to seed dispersal by water and fishes, such that selection by water and fish led to (1) trees that synchronize the timing of fruiting with annual floods, and (2) the evolution of fleshy tissues on fruits to improve buoyancy and increase fruit consumption rates by fish. To test this hypothesis, we compared plant communities in seasonally flooded forests and adjacent upland forest in terms of fruiting phenology, the frequency of trees bearing fleshy fruit, and the role of fleshy tissues in buoyancy and seed viability. Beta‐diversity in this system is high, with significant differences in species composition across habitats. As predicted, the production of ripe fleshy fruits was significantly greater in flooded than upland forests during the flood season. Furthermore, we found that trees with fleshy fruit were significantly more abundant in flooded forests even though species richness of fleshy fruit‐bearing trees was proportionally similar in flooded and upland forests. Additionally, fleshy pulp increased buoyancy. Likewise, time afloat decreased for denser fruit and those with high seed to pulp ratios. In concert, these results suggest that fleshy fruits in Neotropical floodplain forests facilitated hydrochory and ichthyochory. Once established, water and fish became important agents of selection on fruiting traits.
Pathogenic copy number variants in patients with congenital hypopituitarism associated with complex phenotypes
Authors: Correa Fernanda A. , Jorge Alexander AL , Nakaguma Marilena , Canton Ana PM , Costa Silvia S , Funari Mariana F , Lerario Antonio M , Franca Marcela M , Carvalho Luciani R , Krepischi Ana CV , Arnhold Ivo JP , Rosenberg Carla , Mendonca Berenice B 
Published: December 2017

SummaryObjectivesThe aetiology of congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is unknown in most patients. Rare copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated as the cause of genetic syndromes with previously unknown aetiology. Our aim was to study the presence of CNVs and their pathogenicity in patients with idiopathic CH associated with complex phenotypes.Design and PatientsWe selected 39 patients with syndromic CH for array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Patients with pathogenic CNVs were also evaluated by whole exome sequencing.ResultsTwenty rare CNVs were detected in 19 patients. Among the identified rare CNVs, six were classified as benign, eleven as variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) and four as pathogenic. The three patients with pathogenic CNVs had combined pituitary hormone deficiencies, and the associated complex phenotypes were intellectual disabilities: trichorhinophalangeal type I syndrome (TRPS1) and developmental delay/intellectual disability with cardiac malformation, respectively. Patient one has a de novo 1.6‐Mb deletion located at chromosome 3q13.31q13.32, which overlaps with the region of the 3q13.31 deletion syndrome. Patient two has a 10.5‐Mb de novo deletion at 8q23.1q24.11, encompassing the TRPS1 gene; his phenotype is compatible with TRPS1. Patient three carries a chromosome translocation t(2p24.3;4q35.1) resulting in two terminal alterations: a 2p25.3p24.3 duplication of 14.7 Mb and a 4‐Mb deletion at 4q35.1q35.2.ConclusionsCopy number variants explained the phenotype in 8% of patients with hypopituitarism and additional complex phenotypes. This suggests that chromosomal alterations are an important contributor to syndromic hypopituitarism.
The futures premium and rice market efficiency in prewar Japan
Authors: Ito Mikio , Maeda Kiyotaka , Noda Akihiko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article studies the interrelation between spot and futures prices in the two major rice markets in prewar Japan from the perspective of market efficiency. Applying a non‐Bayesian time‐varying model approach to the fundamental equation for spot returns and the futures premium, we detect when efficiency reductions in the two major rice markets occurred. We also examine how government interventions affected the rice markets in Japan, which colonized Taiwan and Korea before the Second World War, and argue that the function of rice futures markets crucially depended on the differences in the structure of rice spot markets. Initially the increased volume of imported rice of a different variety from domestic rice disrupted the rice futures markets. Then, government intervention in the rice futures markets failed to improve the disruption. Changes in colonial rice cropping successfully mitigated the disruption, and colonial rice was promoted in order to unify the different varieties of inland and colonial rice.
Economic consequences of implementing and communicating value based management systems
Authors: Schultze Wolfgang , List Thomas , Schabert Bettina , Dinh Tami 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe study the consequences of implementing and communicating Value Based Management (VBM) systems on information asymmetries and the cost of capital. We analyse the firms’ reporting on internal control systems as the source of information for market participants. In addition, literature posits that improving communications with shareholders by providing additional information on value generation (Value Based Reporting, VBR) is an integral part of implementing VBM. We find that the implementation of VBM and the extent of VBR are, both individually and jointly, significantly related to lower information asymmetries and lower cost of capital. We find a slight moderation of the effect of VBM by VBR. For increasing VBR, we find that information asymmetries and cost of capital decrease more strongly for firms without implemented VBM systems. This indicates that VBR can to some extent substitute VBM. Overall, however, firms using a combination of VBM and VBR attain lower levels of information asymmetry and cost of capital. We provide evidence for the real effects of disclosure, suggesting that disclosures on internal control systems serve as a governance mechanism, reducing information asymmetries and the cost of capital by aligning shareholders’ and managers’ interests.
Interrater and intrarater agreement of confocal microscopy imaging in diagnosing and subtyping basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kadouch D.J. , van Haersma de With A.S.E. , Elshot Y.S. , Peppelman M. , Bekkenk M.W. , Wolkerstorfer A. , Eekhout I. , Prinsen C.A.C. , de Rie M.A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundReflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging can be used to diagnose and subtype basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but relies on individual morphologic pattern recognition that might vary among users.ObjectivesWe assessed the inter‐rater and intrarater agreement of RCM in correctly diagnosing and subtyping BCC.MethodsIn this prospective study, we evaluated the inter‐rater and intrarater agreement of RCM on BCC presence and subtype among three raters with varying experience who independently assessed static images of 48 RCM cases twice with four‐week interval (T1 and T2). Histopathologic confirmation of presence and subtype of BCC from surgical excision specimen was defined as the reference standard.ResultsThe inter‐rater agreement of RCM for BCC presence showed an agreement of 82% at T1 and 84% at T2. The agreements for subtyping BCC were lower (52% for T1 and 47% for T2). The intrarater agreement of RCM for BCC presence showed an observed agreement that varied from 79% to 92%. The observed agreements for subtyping varied from 56% to 71%.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our results show that RCM is reliable in correctly diagnosing BCC based on the assessment of static RCM images. RCM could potentially play an important role in BCC management if accurate subtyping will be achieved. Therefore, future clinical studies on reliability and specific RCM features for BCC subtypes are required.
A Riboswitch‐based Inducible Gene Expression System for Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Cruz‐Bustos Teresa , Ramakrishnan Srinivasan , Cordeiro Ciro D. , Ahmed Michael A. , Docampo Roberto 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGeneration of conditional mutants in Trypanosoma brucei can be done by the use of RNA interference (RNAi). However, RNAi frequently produces off target effects. Here, we present an alternative strategy in which the glmS ribozyme is inserted in the C‐terminal region of one allele of a GOI and effectively knocks it down in response to the presence of glucosamine in the culture medium. Using several endogenous genes, we show that the glmS ribozyme cleaves the mRNA in vivo leading to reduction in mRNA and protein expression following glucosamine treatment in both T. brucei procyclic and bloodstream forms. Glucosamine‐induced ribozyme activation can be rapidly reversed by removing the inducer. In summary, the glmS ribozyme could be used as a tool to study essential genes in T. brucei.
New Species of Saprobic Labyrinthulea (=Labyrinthulomycota) and the Erection of a gen. nov. to Resolve Molecular Polyphyly within the Aplanochytrids
Authors: Hassett Brandon T. , Gradinger Rolf 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA culture of a unicellular heterotrophic eukaryote was established from pollen‐baited seawater acquired from the nearshore environment in Tromsø, Norway. Light microscopy revealed the production of ectoplasmic nets and reproduction by biflagellated zoospores, as well as binary division. After culturing and subsequent nucleotide extraction, database queries of the isolate's 18S small ribosomal subunit coding region identified closest molecular affinity to Aplanochytrium haliotidis, a pathogen of abalone. Testing of phylogenetic hypotheses consistently grouped our unknown isolate and A. haliotidis among the homoplasious thraustochytrids. Transmission electron microscopy revealed complex cell walls comprised of electron‐dense lamella that formed protuberances, some associated with bothrosomes. Co‐culturing experiments with the marine fungus Penicillium brevicompactum revealed prolonged interactions with hyphal strands. Based on the combined information acquired from electron microscopy, life history information, and phylogenetic testing, we describe our unknown isolate as a novel species. To resolve molecular polyphyly within the aplanochytrids, we erect a gen. nov. that circumscribes our novel isolate and the former A. haliotidis within the thraustochytrids.
Hepatitis C virus eradication by direct antiviral agents improves glucose tolerance and reduces post‐load insulin resistance in nondiabetic patients with genotype 1
Authors: Salomone Federico , Catania Maurizio , Montineri Arturo , Bertino Gaetano , Godos Justyna , Rizzo Leonardo , Magrì Giovanni , Li Volti Giovanni 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsGenotype 1 chronic hepatitis C is associated with an impairment of glucose homoeostasis, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. Glucose tolerance is an independent predictor of liver‐related mortality in patients with cirrhosis because of chronic hepatitis C. However, no study has demonstrated so far weather hepatitis C virus clearance affects glucose tolerance.MethodsTo this aim, we performed a prospective study assessing the effects of direct antiviral agents treatment in nondiabetic cirrhotic patients with genotypes 1a/1b and impaired glucose tolerance based on a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Impaired glucose tolerance was diagnosed by a 2‐hour plasma glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dL. Insulin resistance was estimated by the oral glucose insulin sensitivity index, an oral glucose tolerance test‐derived measure.ResultsAfter meeting the inclusion criteria, the study population included 32 outpatients (26/6 genotypes 1b/1a; age 62 ± 7.4 years; 18 males) with compensated Child‐A cirrhosis. All patients achieved a sustained virological response following direct antiviral agents treatment. After viral eradication, we did not observe change in fasting plasma glucose (103.5 ± 7.1 vs 102.8 ± 7.2 mg/dL, P = .15) but 2‐hour plasma glucose was reduced (165.2 ± 22.7 vs 138.5 ± 21.3 mg/dL, P < .001). Hepatitis C virus eradication led also to a significant reduction in HbA1c (6.1 ± 0.2% vs 5.7 ± 0.3%, P < .001) and post‐load insulin resistance as assessed by the oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (6.92 ± 1.56 vs 9.52 ± 1.39 mg/kg/min, P < .001). These effects were observed despite no change in body mass index from baseline to follow‐up (25.6 ± 4.3 vs 25.8 ± 4.4, P > .5).ConclusionsOur results indicate that hepatitis C virus eradication may early improve glucose tolerance in patients with hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis.
Microbe‐induced plant volatiles
Authors: Sharifi Rouhallah , Lee Sang‐Moo , Ryu Choong‐Min 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPlants emit a plethora of volatile organic compounds in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. These compounds act as infochemicals for ecological communication in the phytobiome. This study reviews the role of microbe‐induced plant volatiles (MIPVs) in plant–microbe interactions. MIPVs are affected by the taxonomic position of the microbe, the identity of the plant and the type of interaction. Plants also emit exclusive blends of volatiles in response to nonhost and host interactions, as well as to beneficial microbes and necrotrophic/biotrophic pathogens. These MIPVs directly inhibit pathogen growth and indirectly promote resistance/susceptibility to subsequent plant pathogen attack. Viruses and phloem‐limiting bacteria modify plant volatiles to attract insect vectors. Susceptible plants can respond to MIPVs from resistant plants and become resistant. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of MIPV synthesis in plants and how plant pathogen effectors manipulate their biosynthesis are discussed. This knowledge will help broaden our understanding of plant–microbe interactions and should facilitate the development of new emerging techniques for sustainable plant disease management.
Predicting childhood overweight and obesity using maternal and early life risk factors: a systematic review
Authors: Ziauddeen N. , Roderick P. J. , Macklon N. S. , Alwan N. A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundChildhood obesity is a serious public health challenge, and identification of high‐risk populations with early intervention to prevent its development is a priority. We aimed to systematically review prediction models for childhood overweight/obesity and critically assess the methodology of their development, validation and reporting.MethodsMedline and Embase were searched systematically for studies describing the development and/or validation of a prediction model/score for overweight and obesity between 1 to 13 years of age. Data were extracted using the Cochrane CHARMS checklist for Prognosis Methods.ResultsTen studies were identified that developed (one), developed and validated (seven) or externally validated an existing (two) prediction model. Six out of eight models were developed using automated variable selection methods. Two studies used multiple imputation to handle missing data. From all studies, 30,475 participants were included. Of 25 predictors, only seven were included in more than one model with maternal body mass index, birthweight and gender the most common.ConclusionSeveral prediction models exist, but most have not been externally validated or compared with existing models to improve predictive performance. Methodological limitations in model development and validation combined with non‐standard reporting restrict the implementation of existing models for the prevention of childhood obesity.
Obesity genetics: insights from the Pakistani population
Authors: Pigeyre M. , Saqlain M. , Turcotte M. , Raja G. K. , Meyre D. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe Pakistani population is extensively diverse, indicating a genetic admixture of European and Central/West Asian migrants with indigenous South Asian gene pools. Pakistanis are organized in different ethnicities/castes based on cultural, linguistic and geographical origin. While Pakistan is facing a rapid nutritional transition, the rising prevalence of obesity is driving a growing burden of health complications and mortality. This represents a unique opportunity for the research community to study the interplay between obesogenic environmental changes and obesity predisposing genes in the time frame of one generation.This review recapitulates the ancestral origins of Pakistani population, the societal determinants of the rise in obesity and its governmental management. We describe the contribution of syndromic, monogenic non‐syndromic and polygenic obesity genes identified in the Pakistani population. We then discuss the utility of gene identification approaches based on large consanguineous families and original gene × environment interaction study designs in discovering new obesity genes and causal pathways. Elucidation of the genetic basis of obesity in the Pakistani population may result in improved methods of obesity prevention and treatment globally.