bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: pharmacological prophylaxis against post‐ERCP pancreatitis
Authors: Akshintala V. S. , Hutfless S. M. , Colantuoni E. , Kim K. J. , Khashab M. A. , Li T. , Elmunzer B. J. , Puhan M. A. , Sinha A. , Kamal A. , Lennon A. M. , Okolo P. I. , Palakurthy M. K. , Kalloo A. N. , Singh V. K. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe efficacy of many pharmacological agents for preventing post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) has been evaluated in randomised controlled trials (RCTs), but it is unclear which agent(s) should be used in clinical practice. Network meta‐analyses of RCTs are used to simultaneously compare several agents to determine their relative efficacy and identify priority agents for comparison in future RCTs.AimTo evaluate pharmacological agents for the prevention of PEP by conducting a network meta‐analysis of RCTs.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases for RCTs that evaluated the efficacy of agents for preventing PEP. RCTs were simultaneously analysed using random‐effects network meta‐analysis under the Bayesian framework to identify the best agents. The efficacy of agents was ordered according to the probability of being ranked as any of the top three best performing agents.ResultsThe network meta‐analysis included 99 RCTs evaluating 16 agents in 25 313 patients. Topical epinephrine (adrenaline) was the most efficacious agent with 85.9% probability of ranking among the top three agents, followed by nafamostat (51.4%), antibiotics (44.5%) and NSAIDs (42.8%). However, in a sensitivity analysis including only rectal NSAIDs, NSAIDs moved from fourth rank to second (58.1%). Patients receiving topical epinephrine, compared with placebo, had a 75% reduced risk of PEP (OR 0.25, 95% probability interval 0.06–0.66).ConclusionsTopical epinephrine and rectal NSAIDs are the most efficacious agents for preventing post‐ERCP pancreatitis, based on existing RCTs. Combinations of these agents, which act on different steps in the pathogenesis of post‐ERCP pancreatitis, should be evaluated in future trials.
Reviewing the differences in size, composition and structure between the personal networks of high‐ and low‐performing students
Authors: Casquero Oskar , Ovelar Ramón , Romo Jesús , Benito Manuel 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn interesting aspect in the current literature about learning networks is the shift of focus from the understanding of the “whole network” of a course to the examination of the “personal networks” of individual students. This line of research is relatively new, based on small‐scale studies and diverse analysis techniques, which demands for more empirical research in order to contextualize the findings and to meta‐analyze the research methods. The main objective of this paper is to review two research questions posed by a previous British Journal of Educational Technology contribution by Shane Dawson in order to know whether the differences in personal network composition impact on the performance of students. The two questions were defined by Dawson as follows: (1) Are there significant differences in personal network composition between high‐ and low‐performing students? and (2) Do high‐performing students have larger personal networks than their low‐performing peers? In addition, the “clustered graphs” method used in this study allows the inclusion of the structural analysis of personal networks. In doing so, a new research question is addressed: (3) Are there significant differences in personal network structure between high‐ and low‐performing students? This paper tries to answer these questions in the context of two undergraduate, inter‐university and fully online courses, and two different technology‐enhanced learning environments (a virtual learning environment and a personal learning environment) where interactions took place indirectly through shared resources. The results show that the network behaviors of high‐ and low‐performing students' are strongly correlated, and that high‐performing students developed larger personal networks than low performers.
Delineating the effects BRCA1 and BRCA2 loss of heterozygosity in pancreatic cancer progression
Authors: Fam HK 
Published: October 2013

High prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations with loss of heterozygosity in a series of resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other neoplastic lesionsLucas et al. (2013)Clinical Cancer Research 19(13): 3396–3403.
Effect of adenotonsillectomy on visual attention tests among children with sleep‐disordered breathing: a controlled prospective cohort study
Authors: Abreu C.B. , Fuchs S.C. , Pascoto G.R. , Weber R. , Guedes M.C. , Pignatari S.S. , Stamm A.C. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on visual attention and daytime sleepiness in children with sleep‐disordered breathing.DesignThis was a controlled prospective cohort study.SettingOutpatients from the Otorhinolaryngology Division of Edmundo Vasconcelos Hospital Complex, São Paulo, Brazil.ParticipantsPatients aged 6–17 years with upper airway obstruction scheduled to undergo adenotonsillectomy (treatment group) in the Otorhinolaryngology Division of Edmundo Vasconcelos Hospital Complex, in São Paulo, Brazil. Participants of control group were consecutively selected from another outpatient clinic of paediatric surgery, but those with symptoms of sleep‐disordered breathing were excluded.Main outcome measuresChildren were submitted to visual attention tests (TAVIS‐3) that discriminates normal subjects from those with attentional disorders in advance of the surgery and 2 months later, and in the same period for the control group. Parents were interviewed about lifestyle, sleep characteristics and daytime sleepiness.ResultsThe analysis included 27 patients in the adenotonsillectomy group and 30 controls, who had similar age (10.0 ± 3.3 versus 10.3 ± 3.7 years; P = 0.8), gender (41% boys versus 57%, respectively) and body mass index. There was marked decrease in daytime sleepiness after surgery (delta between groups: −4.7 ± 3.8; P < 0.001), as well as reductions in reaction time, errors of omission and errors of commission in the treatment compared with the control group at both time points, before and after surgery.ConclusionsThis study shows that adenotonsillectomy in children and adolescents with sleep‐disordered breathing reduces daytime sleepiness and improves the performance in tests of visual attention.
The clinical value of cardiac sympathetic imaging in heart failure
Authors: Christensen Thomas Emil , Kjaer Andreas , Hasbak Philip 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the pathology of heart failure. The single‐photon emission computed tomography tracer iodine‐123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I‐MIBG) can be used to investigate the activity of the predominant neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system, norepinephrine. Also, positron emission tomography tracers are being developed for the same purpose. With 123I‐MIBG as a starting point, this brief review introduces the modalities used for cardiac sympathetic imaging.
Peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis in patients with delayed graft function
Authors: Thomson B. K. A. , Moser M. A. J. , Marek C. , Bloch M. , Weernink C. , Shoker A. , Luke P. P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDelayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplantation affects adverse outcomes. It remains unclear whether the post‐transplant dialysis modality alters perioperative or long‐term graft outcomes. We performed a retrospective observational quality initiative at two Canadian renal transplant centers, in which DGF occurred in the recipient, necessitating one of peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD). There was no difference in baseline factors between patients with post‐transplant PD (n = 14) or HD (n = 63). The use of PD was associated with an increased risk of wound infection/leakage (PD 5/14 vs. HD 6/63, p = 0.024), shorter length of hospitalization (13.7 vs. 18.7 d, p = 0.009) and time requiring dialysis post‐operatively (6.5 vs 11.0 d, p = 0.043). There were no differences in readmission to hospital within 6 months (4/14 vs. 23/63, p = 0.759), graft loss (0/14 vs. 2/63, p = 1.000) or acute rejection episodes (1/14 vs. 4/63, p = 1.000) at one yr, and GFR did not differ between the PD or HD groups at 30 d (35.7 vs. 33.8 mL/min/m2, p = 0.731), six months (46.9 vs. 45.5 mL/min/m2, p = 0.835) or one yr (46.6 vs. 44.5 mL/min/m2, p = 0.746). Further research is needed to determine which transplant patients are most appropriate to undergo PD catheter removal at the time of transplantation.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Function by Transthoracic Echocardiography Following Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Okada David R. , Rahmouni Hind W. , Herrmann Howard C. , Bavaria Joseph E. , Forfia Paul R. , Han Yuchi 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a widely used clinical measure of right ventricular (RV) systolic performance. However, postsurgical changes in the pattern of RV contraction may limit the utility of TAPSE for assessing global RV function. We retrospectively examined pre‐ and postoperative TAPSE and RV fractional area change (FAC) in patients undergoing 3 different types of aortic valve replacement (AVR).MethodsFifty‐two patients enrolled in the Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valve Trial at our institution were randomized to receive open AVR or transcatheter AVR (TAVR) by either the transapical or transfemoral access routes. Thirty‐seven of these patients had analyzable transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before and after AVR. Using M‐mode echocardiography, TAPSE was measured in the apical four‐chamber view. Using two‐dimensional echocardiography, RV FAC was measured in the apical four‐chamber view.ResultsThe mean change in TAPSE was −0.7 ± 0.6 cm for open AVR (P = 0.002), −0.2 ± 0.4 cm for transapical TAVR (P = 0.26), and 0.1 ± 0.5 cm for transfemoral TAVR (P = 0.64). The mean change in RV FAC was −1 ± 5% for open AVR (P = 0.91), 2 ± 4% for transapical TAVR (P = 0.37), and 7 ± 10% for transfemoral TAVR (P = 0.07).ConclusionsThe normal pattern of RV contraction was unchanged by transapical and transfemoral TAVR, while open AVR led to a significant decrease in TAPSE with preserved RV FAC. Thus, RV FAC is a preferable method for assessing RV function in the postoperative patient.
Effect of adult females' predation risk on oviposition site selection in a water strider
Authors: Hirayama Hiroyuki , Kasuya Eiiti 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn many egg‐laying species, females avoid ovipositing at sites where the predation risk is high. Previous studies have mainly focused on the risk for offspring. The effect of predation risk for the females has been considered in some taxa in which parents spend much time at an oviposition site for parental care or mating (e.g., birds, amphibians). In species in which females do not perform activities other than oviposition at sites, the effect of predation risk for females on oviposition site selection has been rarely investigated. We examined whether the predation risk for ovipositing females affects the decision on oviposition in the water strider Aquarius paludum insularis (Motschulsky) (Heteroptera: Gerridae). Adult A. paludum are preyed upon by a backswimmer, Notonecta triguttata (Motschulsky) (Heteroptera: Notonectidae), but N. triguttata does not prey upon eggs or early instars of A. paludum. We allowed female A. paludum to oviposit under one of three conditions: in presence of N. triguttata, in presence of its chemicals, and in absence of the predator or its cues (control). Female A. paludum less frequently oviposited in presence of N. triguttata than in its absence. Oviposition frequency did not differ between females in presence of chemicals of N. triguttata vs. those in the control. Female A. paludum recognized the predation risk upon themselves from the presence of N. triguttata and avoided ovipositing. This study is the first to directly show that the predation risk upon ovipositing females changes oviposition site selection in species in which the time spent at an oviposition site is short.
Material flow analysis of feedstock for enhancing its conversion efficiency during continuous photo‐hydrogen production
Authors: Xie Guo‐Jun , Liu Bing‐Feng , Ren Hong‐Yu , Xing De‐Feng , Nan Jun , Ren Nan‐Qi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe practical application of photofermentative hydrogen production process has been generally limited by the low feedstock conversion efficiency. In this work, material flow analysis (MFA) was applied into continuous photohydrogen to investigate the material flow of feedstock. Maximum feedstock utilization for hydrogen production (31.87%) was obtained at an hydraulic retention time of 60 h and influent acetate concentration of 40 mmol l−1, corresponding to maximum hydrogen yield of 1.89 mol H2 mol−1 acetate. MFA showed that due to the poor flocculation, photofermentative bacteria (PFB) cannot be efficiently separated from supernatant and rushed out with effluent continuously. To replenish the biomass washout, most of feedstock was continuously utilized for cell growth rather than hydrogen production, which caused low feedstock conversion efficiency. The results showed that poor flocculation of PFB resulting in low biomass retention capacity of photobioreactor was the origin of low feedstock conversion efficiency. Therefore, enhancing flocculation of PFB and using high biomass retaining operation modes are essential to further develop photofermentative hydrogen production process.
Plaque at RISK (PARISK): Prospective Multicenter Study to Improve Diagnosis of High-Risk Carotid Plaques
Authors: Truijman M. T. B. , Kooi M. E. , van Dijk A. C. , de Rotte A. A. J. , van der Kolk A. G. , Liem M. I. , Schreuder F. H. B. M. , Boersma E. , Mess W. H. , van Oostenbrugge R. J. , Koudstaal P. J. , Kappelle L. J. , Nederkoorn P. J. , Nederveen A. J. , Hendrikse J. , van der Steen A. F. W. , Daemen M. J. A. P. , van der Lugt A. 
Published: October 2013

Background Patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis are at high risk for recurrent stroke. To date, the decision to perform carotid endarterectomy in patients with a recent cerebrovascular event is mainly based on degree of stenosis of the ipsilateral carotid artery. However, additional atherosclerotic plaque characteristics might be better predictors of stroke, allowing for more precise selection of patients for carotid endarterectomy. Aims and hypothesis We investigate the hypothesis that the assessment of carotid plaque characteristics with magnetic resonance imaging, multidetector-row computed tomography angiography, ultrasonography, and transcranial Doppler, either alone or in combination, may improve identification of a subgroup of patients with <70% carotid artery stenosis with an increased risk of recurrent stroke. Methods The Plaque At RISK (PARISK) study is a prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with recent (<3 months) neurological symptoms due to ischemia in the territory of the carotid artery and < 70% ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis who are not scheduled for carotid endarterectomy or stenting. At baseline, 300 patients will undergo magnetic resonance imaging, multidetector-row computed tomography angiography, and ultrasonography examination of the carotid arteries. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, ambulatory transcranial Doppler recording of the middle cerebral artery and blood withdrawal will be performed. After two-years, imaging will be repeated in 150 patients. All patients undergo a follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging, and there will be regular clinical follow-up until the end of the study. Study outcomes The combined primary end-point contains ipsilateral recurrent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack or new ipsilateral ischemic brain lesions on follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging.
Simple modification in Hautmann neobladder to carry out left ureteroileal anastmosis without mobilization of the ureter
Authors: Elbendary Mohamed , El‐Gamal Osama M , Tawfik Ahmad M , Elbahnasy Abd El‐Hameed , El‐Mateet Mahmoud S 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe describe a simple modification in Hautmann neobladder that involves an elongation of its left chimney to advance it through the pelvic mesocolon in order to reach the left ureter in its original place. This technique was carried out on 27 patients who had Hautmann pouch after radical cystectomy, and we reported the outcome and complications that occurred at the site of urteteroileal anastomosis in the first 3 years after surgery. The modification was applied easily without any perioperative complications that were related to this step in particular. During follow up of these cases, we lost three patients who died before the end of the third postoperative year. At a mean follow up of 41.3 ± 10.2 months, we have not detected any cases of stricture formation or ureteral recurrence at the sites of the ureteroileal anastmosis. There was only one patient who developed acute pyelonephritis (3.7%) as a result of reflux.
The Comparative Accuracy of Two Hydrologic Models in Simulating Warm‐Season Runoff for Two Small, Hillslope Catchments
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shuster William 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article assesses the performance of two hydrologic models in simulating warm‐season runoff for two upland, low‐yield micro‐catchments near Coshocton, Ohio. The two models, namely the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and the Gridded Surface‐Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA), were implemented with contrasting levels of complexity, with the former representing the catchments as lumped spatial units and computing evaporation only from standing water, and the latter incorporating fine‐scale variation in topography and soil properties and computing evapotranspiration from soil based on weather data. Our investigation began with uncalibrated model runs for 1990‐2003 except for 1994 using a priori parameter values. Then a set of calibration experiments were performed wherein the sensitivity of model performance to the length of calibration records was examined. Our results pointed to large errors associated with simulations from both models: even the calibrated models were unable to reproduce the seasonal and between‐catchment contrasts in runoff response. Using a priori parameter values, SWMM attained better results than GSSHA. However, with simple calibration, GSSHA outperformed SWMM in several respects. It was also found that extending the record of calibration rendered relatively minor changes to model performance. The practical and scientific implications of the findings are discussed.
Corporate Governance and the Cost of Borrowing
Authors: Frantz Pascal , Instefjord Norvald 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper analyzes the theoretical link between governance (defined loosely as the degree of protection offered to outside shareholders), and the cost of borrowing. We find, consistent with empirical evidence, that improvements in governance reduce the likelihood of default. Also, we find that improvements in governance will monotonically increase or reduce the cost of debt, where the sign of the relationship depends on the firm's restructuring cost in default. Finally, we find that the strength of the governance mechanism can influence the incentives to carry out risk shifting.
Market Response to Investor Sentiment
Authors: Hengelbrock Jördis , Theissen Erik , Westheide Christian 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper reconsiders the effect of investor sentiment on stock prices. Our main contribution is that, in addition to the intermediate term return predictability, we also analyze the immediate price reaction to the publication of survey‐based investor sentiment indicators. We find that the sign of the immediate market response is the same as that of the predictability at intermediate time horizons. This is consistent with underreaction to cash flow news or with investor sentiment being related to mispricing. It is inconsistent with the alternative explanations of a rational response to cash flow news or sentiment indicators providing information about future expected returns.
Use of capsule endoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease in Japan: A multicenter survey
Authors: Esaki Motohiro , Matsumoto Takayuki , Watanabe Kenji , Arakawa Tetsuo , Naito Yuji , Matsuura Minoru , Nakase Hiroshi , Hibi Toshifumi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Nouda Sadaharu , Higuchi Kazuhide , Ohmiya Naoki , Goto Hidemi , Kurokawa Sei , Motoya Satoshi , Watanabe Mamoru 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimUntil the approval of patency capsule, capsule endoscopy (CE) has not been routinely applied for the diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) in Japan. We aimed to survey current situation of CE use for patients with CD in Japan.MethodsThe nationwide survey of 40 Japanese institutions identified 94 patients with established CD (eCD) and 80 patients with suspected CD (sCD), who were examined by CE. Types and positive rates of mucosal injury under CE and capsule retention rate were investigated. In sCD, final diagnosis after CE was also analyzed.ResultsPatients with eCD comprised 82 patients of ileitis or ileocolitis type, while 12 patients had CD of colitis type. CE identified mucosal injuries in 83 of 94 patients. Eight of 12 patients with eCD of colitis type had ileal lesions under CE, thereby being reclassified as ileocolitis type. In patients with sCD, CE detected mucosal injuries in 58 patients. Linear ulceration and cobblestone appearance were depicted in 22 and 3 patients, respectively, thereby resulting in established diagnosis of CD in 23 patients. Mucosal lesion was not found in 22 patients with sCD, who were diagnosed as not having CD. Capsule retention rate was not statistically different between patients with eCD and those with sCD (7.4% vs 6.3%, P = 1.0).ConclusionsCE is useful for the evaluation of small bowel mucosal injuries in Japanese patients with sCD and eCD. Possible intestinal stricture needs to be carefully evaluated before CE even in patients with sCD.
Identification of Zinc Finger, MYM‐type 2 (ZMYM2) as a regulator of sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Nam Soon Woo , Park Ki Cheol , Choi Hyun Su , Lee Byoungchun , Kim Sung‐Woo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with a very complex molecular process. There is no successful therapy for advanced HCC at present. Recently, sorafenib has been used as a systemic therapy to improve survival in patients with advanced HCC, but increasing reports of recurrence or non‐responsiveness indicate the limitations of sorafenib as a therapeutic agent. Therefore, identification of genes involved in sorafenib resistance is important to effectively treat advanced HCC.MethodsWe performed a genomic screening with a short‐hairpin RNA library cassette on HCC cell lines to find genes relating resistance to sorafenib.ResultsZinc finger, MYM type 2 (ZMYM2) was sequenced after three successive screens in vitro as a challengeable target. The inhibition of ZMYM2 resulted in sorafenib‐resistance in formerly sensitive HCC cell lines. Immunohistochemical comparison of tumor and non‐tumor regions showed stronger ZMYM2 staining intensities in non‐tumor regions than in tumor regions.ConclusionZMYM2 may play an important role in sorafenib resistance.