bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early definitive treatment rate as a quality indicator of care in acute gallstone pancreatitis
Authors: Green R , Charman S C , Palser T 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Background
Early definitive treatment (cholecystectomy or endoscopic sphincterotomy in the same admission or within 2 weeks after discharge) of gallstone disease after a biliary attack of acute pancreatitis is standard of care. This study investigated whether compliance with early definitive treatment for acute gallstone pancreatitis can be used as a care quality indicator for the condition.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Hospital Episode Statistics database. All emergency admissions to National Health Service hospitals in England with a first time diagnosis of acute gallstone pancreatitis in the financial years 2008, 2009 and 2010 were examined. Trends in early definitive treatment between hospital trusts were examined and patient morbidity outcomes were determined.

Results
During the study interval there were 19 510 patients with an overall rate of early definitive treatment at 34·7 (range 9·4–84·7) per cent. In the 1-year follow-up period, 4661 patients (23·9 per cent) had one or more emergency readmissions for complications related to gallstone pancreatitis. Of these, 2692 (57·8 per cent) were readmissions for acute pancreatitis; 911 (33·8 per cent) were within the first 2 weeks of discharge, with the remaining 1781 (66·2 per cent) occurring after the point at which definitive treatment should have been received. Early definitive treatment resulted in a 39 per cent reduction in readmission risk (adjusted risk ratio (RR) 0·61, 95 per cent c.i. 0·58 to 0·65). The risk was further reduced for acute pancreatitis readmissions to 54 per cent in the early definitive treatment group (adjusted RR 0·46, 0·42 to 0·51).

Conclusion
In acute gallstone pancreatitis, compliance with recommended early definitive treatment varied considerably, with associated variation in outcomes. Compliance should be used as a quality indicator to improve care.
Low‐Recombination Thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐Based Photosensitizers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with Panchromatic Photoresponses
Authors: Brogdon Phillip , Cheema Hammad , Delcamp Jared H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe report four NIR photosensitizers employing a low‐recombination donor and a thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene (3,4‐TT) π bridge for use in dye‐sensitized solar cells. The inclusion of electron rich π spacers red‐shifts the dye absorbance with solution absorption onsets reaching 700 nm. Dyes were found to have suitable energy levels for rapid electron transfers using cyclic voltammetry and UV/Vis–NIR absorption spectroscopy. Computationally optimized ground‐state geometries show an increased torsional angle between π spacer and π bridge brought about by an added alkyl chain. This results in a widened optical band gap and increased oxidation potentials owing to a weakening of the electron‐accepting ability of 3,4‐TT for solution‐state measurements. Interestingly in terms of device parameters, the alkylated π spacer had a nearly identical incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) curve onset when compared to a non‐alkylated analogue, suggesting more similar dye geometries on the surface of TiO2. Elevated short‐circuit current density (JSC) values and comparable open‐circuit voltage (VOC) values were observed in the alkylated‐π‐spacer‐dye‐based devices with power conversion efficiencies up to 6.8 % observed with IPCE onsets exceeding 800 nm.
Horticultural Production in Burkina Faso: A Comprehensive Socio‐Economic Analysis
Authors: Sanfo Safiétou , Barbier Bruno , Zangre Adolphe 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study assessed the horticultural sector of Burkina Faso thanks to a national database containing data collected by the agricultural statistical service. A socio‐economic analysis shed light on some of the determinants of production. The data show that the sector is very much undercapitalized with little use of inputs or agricultural equipment. The vast majority of market gardeners use hand tools to produce small quantities of market garden produce. Women account for one quarter of plot managers and most producers are young and illiterate. Production is organized informally. Government support is rare because production is scattered over a multitude of small locations around small reservoirs, rivers and in lowlands. The study calls into question a number of misconceptions and makes some recommendations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collagen‐coated nano‐electrospun PCL seeded with human endometrial stem cells for skin tissue engineering applications
Authors: Sharif Shiva , Ai Jafar , Azami Mahmoud , Verdi Javad , Atlasi Mohammad Ali , Shirian Sadegh , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHuman endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) are known as an attractive source of stem cells for regenerative medicine. hEnSCs are easily isolated and are capable of repairing uterine through their strong ability of creating new capillaries. In this study, a three‐dimensional (3D) nanofibrous polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen scaffold was fabricated and characterized in order to be applied as a new approach for skin reconstruction. Furthermore, the behavior of hEnSCs on this scaffold was investigated. First, a PCL 3D scaffold was constructed using electrospinning technique. Plasma treated and PCL was grafted by collagen. The constructs were characterized for mechanical and structural properties. Cell attachment, proliferation, viability, and differentiation of hEnSCs were assessed after being seeded on PCL and PCL/collagen scaffolds using scanning electron microscopy, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction tests. The results showed higher wettability for the PCL/collagen scaffold with desirable mechanical and structural characteristics compared to PCL and collagen alone. The attachment and proliferation rates of hEnSCs on the PCL/collagen scaffold were higher compared to those on the bare PCL. Hence, hEnSCs are newly discovered stem cell source for skin tissue engineering in vitro, particularly when developed on PCL/collagen nanofiber scaffolds. Therefore, application of hEnSCs for skin regeneration is a novel therapeutic approach for temporary skin substitute. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1578–1586, 2018.
Limitation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate synthesis at high irradiance in natural phytoplankton communities of the Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Archer Stephen D. , Stefels Jacqueline , Airs Ruth L. , Lawson Tracy , Smyth Timothy J. , Rees Andrew P. , Geider Richard J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPredictions of the ocean‐atmosphere flux of dimethyl sulfide will be improved by understanding what controls seasonal and regional variations in dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) production. To investigate the influence of high levels of irradiance including ultraviolet radiation (UVR), on DMSP synthesis rates (μDMSP) and inorganic carbon fixation (μPOC) by natural phytoplankton communities, nine experiments were carried out at different locations in the low nutrient, high light environment of the northeastern Tropical Atlantic. Rates of μDMSP and μPOC were determined by measuring the incorporation of inorganic 13C into DMSP and particulate organic carbon. Based on measurements over discrete time intervals during the day, a unique μDMSP vs. irradiance (P vs. E) relationship was established. Comparison is made with the P vs. E relationship for μPOC, indicating that light saturation of μDMSP occurs at similar irradiance to μPOC and is closely coupled to carbon fixation on a diel basis. Photoinhibition during the middle of the day was exacerbated by exposure to UVR, causing an additional 55–60% inhibition of both μDMSP and μPOC at the highest light levels. In addition, decreased production of DMSP in response to UVR‐induced photoxidative stress, contrasted with the increased net synthesis of photoprotective xanthophyll pigments. Together these results indicate that DMSP production by phytoplankton in the tropical ocean is not regulated in the short term by the necessity to control increasing photooxidative stress as irradiance increases during the day. The study provides new insight into the regulation of resource allocation into this biogeochemically important, multi‐functional compatible solute.
A DFT study on the healing of N‐vacancy defects in boron nitride nanosheets and nanotubes by a methylene molecule
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Saeidi Nasibeh 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the present work, density functional theory calculations are used to investigate the healing mechanism of a N‐vacancy defect in boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) or nanotube (BNNT) with a CH2 molecule. The healing process starts with the chemisorption of CH2 at the defect site, followed by its dehydrogenation over the surface. Next, a H2 molecule is produced which can be easily released from the surface due to its small adsorption energy. For the dehydrogenation of CH2 molecule over the defective BNNS or BNNT, the first CH bond dissociation is the rate determining step. Our results indicate that the dehydrogenation of CH2 over BNNS is both thermodynamically and kinetically more favorable than over BNNT. Besides, this study proposes a novel method for achieving C‐doped BNNSs and BNNTs. Given that the healing process proceeds without using a metal catalyst, therefore, no any purification is needed to remove the catalyst.
Water‐Encapsulated Ni(II) Salphen‐Type Host Complexes: Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Potentially Bioactive Quasi‐Isostructural Polymorphs
Authors: Sreekumar Sreejith S. , Mohan Nithya , Kurup Maliyeckal R. Prathapachandra 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this study, we report the formation of two quasi‐isostructural polymorphs (αandβ) of a Ni(II) salphen‐type Schiff base complex using solvent evaporation technique. The polymorphs are inclusion compounds with guest water molecules exhibiting similar spectroscopic and thermal characteristics. Single crystal XRD (X‐ray Diffraction) analyses reveal the subtle differences in packing and supramolecular interactions which are quantified using Hirshfeld and 2D finger print analyses. Electrostatic potential analysis shows significant difference in potential distribution in the two molecules. The compositional analysis of the frontier orbitals and differences among the atomic charge distribution of the polymorphs are established using DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations. Apart from highlighting the strength of encapsulation, DFT study substantiates the formation of inclusion compounds through single point energy calculations. Effects of inherent differences in the polymorphs on potential biological activity are probed usingin silicomolecular docking with B‐DNA and Human Serum Albumin (HSA). Theαform shows superior bioactivity whileβform excels in water encapsulation.
Discovery of Imidazoquinazolinone Derivatives as TSPO Ligands Modulating Neurosteroidogenesis and Cellular Bioenergetics in Neuroblastoma Cells Expressing Amyloid Precursor Protein
Authors: Hallé François , Lejri Imane , Abarghaz Mustapha , Grimm Amandine , Klein Christian , Maitre Michel , Schmitt Martine , Bourguignon Jean‐Jacques , Mensah‐Nyagan Ayikoe Guy , Eckert Anne , Bihel Frederic 
Published: August 2017

AbstractStarting from the central benzodiazepine receptor (CBR) ligand CGS‐13767, we designed a series of imidazoquinazolinone derivatives acting as 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) ligands, and deprived of affinity for CBR. These compounds, as well as ligands of reference (Ro5‐4864, XBD173, SSR180575), were assessed for their ability to restore neurosteroidogenesis and energy production in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines expressing amyloid protein precursor (APP). Our results show the potential neuroprotective effect of TSPO ligands, but highlight a strong discrepancy in the active concentrations, nanomolar for ATP production while pregnenolone production is restored in the micromolar range.
Comparison of spatial summation properties at different body sites
Authors: Holbert Maleea D. , Pedler Ashley , Camfermann Danny , Harvie Daniel S. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Background and aims
The nociceptive system appears to have evolved a range of protective characteristics that are of great interest in understanding both acute and chronic pain. Spatial summation is one important characteristic, whereby increasing area of a stimulus, or distance between multiple stimuli, results in more intense pain—not only greater area of pain. One of the mysteries of chronic pain is why spinal pain is so prevalent relative to pain at other sites. Since pathological tissue models have failed to fully explain spinal pain, we theorized that body region specific differences in sensory processing—such as a greater propensity for spatial summation—may help to explain its vulnerability. We aimed to examine this by comparing the properties of summation at different body parts: the dorsal forearm, neck, and back.

Methods
Spatial summation of pain was investigated using noxious intra-dermal electrical stimuli in healthy pain-free adults (14 males, 6 females), and the perceived pain intensity was rated on a 0-100 pain scale. Area-based stimulation was investigated by doubling the stimulation area with the addition of a second electrode placed adjacent to the first. Distance-based summation was investigated by randomly varying the separation distance between paired noxious electrical stimuli at separations of 0,10,15, and 20 cm.

Results
This study demonstrated that the properties of area- and distance-based summation are uniform across the neck, back, and forearm in healthy adults. Spatial summation of pain was also found to be greatest at 15- and 20-cm paired separations for all body regions tested, confirming that noxious information can be integrated over an extensive anatomical area.

Conclusion
Data from this investigation refutes the thesis that spatial summation of pain may be a contributing factor for the reported difference in chronicity rates between spinal and peripheral sites. It remains, however, a potentially important mechanism by which noxious inputs from multi-level pathology might integrate and contribute to pain.

Implications
While data from this project suggest that there are no regional differences in the properties of spatial summation of noxious stimuli, regional differences in other characteristics of the nociceptive system may yet provide insight into why some spinal pain is so highly prevalent; nociceptive distance-based summation may be highly relevant where two or more conditions co-exist in close proximity.
Empirical Law and Economics Scholarship in China: Methodologies and Challenges
Authors: CHEN Ruoying 
Published: August 2017

AbstractProviding a survey of empirical law and economics scholarship in China, this paper shows the binary categories of quantitative versus qualitative studies are inadequate. Instead, two paths for future research in empirical law and economics in China are identified, namely studies based upon individual cases and studies that apply social scientific tools to analyze data, such as statistical and experimental tools. This paper also emphasizes the unique value of empirical law and economics for Chinese scholars in the increasingly globalized academic world.
CORPSE ADMONITION: WU KEDU AND BUREAUCRATIC PROTEST IN LATE QING CHINA
Authors: Chan Ying-kit 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn late imperial China, an extremely small number of bureaucrats adopted corpse admonition (shijian尸諫) to protest with their death what they regarded as inadequacies or failings in the imperial structure. This article introduces the case of Wu Kedu 吳可讀, who killed himself to protest the designation, by the late Qing empress dowagers Ci'an and Cixi, of Guangxu as the emperor, and as the adopted son of Xianfeng and not as the heir to Tongzhi. The article argues that Wu Kedu's suicide, which was highly praised during and after its time, was an attempt to sway bureaucratic opinion to put a check on the arbitrary power of empress dowagers, but instead had the unintended consequence of reinforcing it. More importantly, Wu Kedu's corpse admonition was a precursor of the outpouring of voices of remonstrance over political issues at the turn of the twentieth century, leading to further development of the Chinese “constitutional agenda.”
Islam in Champa and the Making of Factitious History
Authors: HAW STEPHEN G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSince their first publication in 1922, two Islamic inscriptions formed an essential basis of the early history of Islam in Champa. Recently, however, they have been shown to have originated, not from Southeast Asia, but from Tunisia. It is clear that either there was an error regarding their provenance, or it was deliberately falsified. The implications of this are discussed, and the remaining evidence of early Islamic presence in Champa is reassessed. It is suggested that there is now no good evidence of any Islamic presence there until after the sixteenth century. In relation to this issue, the maritime links between China and the Islamic world are examined, as also are other examples of possible falsification of history.
First evaluation steps of a new method for dietary intake estimation regarding a list of key food groups in adults and in different sociodemographic and health-related behaviour strata
Authors: Béjar Luis M 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveA new method known as ‘current-day dietary recall’ (current-day recall) is based on an application for mobile phones called ‘electronic 12 h dietary recall’ (e-12HR). This new method was designed to rank participants into categories of habitual intake regarding a series of key food groups. The present study compared current-day recall against a previously validated short paper FFQ.DesignParticipants recorded the consumption of selected food groups using e-12HR during twenty-eight consecutive days and then filled out a short paper FFQ at the end of the study period. To evaluate the association and agreement between both methods, Spearman’s correlation coefficients (SCC), cross-classification analysis and weighted kappa statistics (κw) were used.SettingAndalusia, Spain, Southern Europe.SubjectsUniversity students and employees over the age of 18 years.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-seven participants completed the study (64·2 % female, 35·8 % male). For all particpants, for all food group intakes, the mean SCC was 0·70 (SCC≥0·62 were observed for all strata); the mean percentage of participants cross-classified into categories of ‘exact agreement+adjacent’ was 90·1 % (percentages≥87·8 % were observed for all strata); and the meanκwwas 0·55 (κw≥0·53 in ten of the twelve strata).ConclusionsFor the whole sample and for all strata thereof, the current-day recall has good agreement with the previously validated short paper FFQ for assessing food group intakes, rendering it a useful method for ranking individuals.
The genetic basis of natural variation in a phoretic behavior
Authors: Lee Daehan , Yang Heeseung , Kim Jun , Brady Shannon , Zdraljevic Stefan , Zamanian Mostafa , Kim Heekyeong , Paik Young-ki , Kruglyak Leonid , Andersen Erik C. , Lee Junho 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPhoresy is a widespread form of commensalism that facilitates dispersal of one species through an association with a more mobile second species. Dauer larvae of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exhibit a phoretic behavior called nictation, which could enable interactions with animals such as isopods or snails. Here, we show that natural C. elegans isolates differ in nictation. We use quantitative behavioral assays and linkage mapping to identify a genetic locus (nict-1) that mediates the phoretic interaction with terrestrial isopods. The nict-1 locus contains a Piwi-interacting small RNA (piRNA) cluster; we observe that the Piwi Argonaute PRG-1 is involved in the regulation of nictation. Additionally, this locus underlies a trade-off between offspring production and dispersal. Variation in the nict-1 locus contributes directly to differences in association between nematodes and terrestrial isopods in a laboratory assay. In summary, the piRNA-rich nict-1 locus could define a novel mechanism underlying phoretic interactions.
Differential epitope recognition in the immunodominant staphylococcal antigen A of Staphylococcus aureus by mouse versus human IgG antibodies
Authors: Koedijk Dennis G. A. M. , Pastrana Francisco Romero , Hoekstra Hedzer , Berg Sanne van den , Back Jaap Willem , Kerstholt Carolien , Prins Rianne C. , Bakker-Woudenberg Irma A. J. M. , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Buist Girbe 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe immunodominant staphylococcal antigen A (IsaA) is a potential target for active or passive immunization against the important human pathogenStaphylococcus aureus. Consistent with this view, monoclonal antibodies against IsaA were previously shown to be protective againstS.aureusinfections in mouse models. Further, patients with the genetic blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) displayed high IsaA-specific IgG levels that could potentially be protective. Yet, mice actively immunized with IsaA were not protected againstS.aureusinfection. The present study was aimed at explaining these differences in IsaA-specific immune responses. By epitope mapping, we show that the protective human monoclonal antibody (humAb) 1D9 recognizes a conserved 62-residue N-terminal domain of IsaA. The same region of IsaA is recognized by IgGs in EB patient sera. Further, we show by immunofluorescence microscopy that this N-terminal IsaA domain is exposed on theS.aureuscell surface. In contrast to the humAb 1D9 and IgGs from EB patients, the non-protective IgGs from mice immunized with IsaA were shown to predominantly bind the C-terminal domain of IsaA. Altogether, these observations focus attention on the N-terminal region of IsaA as a potential target for future immunization againstS.aureus.
Altered Cerebellar Biochemical Profiles in Infants Born Prematurely
Authors: Brossard-Racine Marie , Murnick Jonathan , Bouyssi-Kobar Marine , Coulombe Janie , Chang Taeun , Limperopoulos Catherine 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study aims to compare the cerebellar biochemical profiles in preterm (PT) infants evaluated at term equivalent age (TEA) and healthy full-term newborns using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). We explore the associations between altered cerebellar metabolite profiles and brain injury topography, severity of injury, and prematurity-related clinical complications. We prospectively collected high quality 1H-MRS in 59 premature infants born ≤32 weeks and 61 healthy full term controls. 1H-MRS data were processed using LCModel software to calculate absolute metabolite concentration for N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho) and creatine (Cr). PT infants had significantly lower cerebellar NAA (p < 0.025) and higher Cho (p < 0.001) at TEA when compared to healthy controls. Creatine was not different between the two groups. The presence of cerebellar injury was consistently associated with reduced concentrations for NAA, Cho, and Cr. Postnatal infection was negatively associated with NAA and Cr (p < 005), while cerebral cortical brain injury severity was inversely associated with both Cho and Cr (p < 0.01). We report for the first time that premature birth is associated with altered cerebellar metabolite profiles when compared to term born controls. Infection, cerebellar injury and supratentorial injury are important risk factors for impaired preterm cerebellar biochemistry.