bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
To drain or not to drain extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rondelli F. , Bugiantella W. , Vedovati M. C. , Balzarotti R. , Avenia N. , Mariani E. , Agnelli G. , Becattini C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimAnastomotic leakage is the one of the most serious complications in rectal cancer surgery and is associated with high mortality, morbidity and an increased incidence of local recurrence. Although many studies have compared drained and undrained colorectal anastomoses, to date the role of pelvic drainage in extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis remains undefined.MethodWe carried out a systematic review of the literature, performing an unrestricted search in MEDLINE and Embase up to 30 October 2012. Reference lists of retrieved articles and review articles were manually searched for other relevant studies. We performed a meta‐analysis of the data currently available on the incidence of extraperitoneal anastomotic leakage, according to the presence or absence of pelvic drainage.ResultsOverall, eight studies – three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and five non‐RCTs, comprising a total of 2277 patients – were included in the meta‐analysis. Pelvic drainage was demonstrated to reduce both the leak rate and the rate of reintervention in patients who underwent anterior rectal resection with extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36–0.73; and OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.18–0.46, respectively) compared with patients without drainage. Overall mortality and infection rates were also evaluated, but a nonsignificant correlation was found with the presence of drainage.ConclusionThe meta‐analysis shows that the presence of a pelvic drain reduces the incidence of extraperitoneal colorectal anastomotic leakage and the rate of reintervention after anterior rectal resection.
Improving quality of care in people with Type 2 diabetes through the Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals initiative: a long‐term cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Giorda C. B. , Nicolucci A. , Pellegrini F. , Kristiansen C. K. , Hunt B. , Valentine W. J. , Vespasiani G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimsThe Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals initiative is a physician‐led quality‐of‐care improvement scheme that has been shown to improve HbA1c concentration, blood pressure, lipid profiles and BMI in enrolled people with Type 2 diabetes. The present analysis investigated the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of enrolling people with Type 2 diabetes in the Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals initiative compared with conventional management.MethodsLong‐term projections of clinical outcomes and direct costs (in 2010 Euros) were made using a published and validated model of Type 2 diabetes in people with Type 2 diabetes who were either enrolled in the Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals initiative or who were receiving conventional management. Treatment effects were based on mean changes from baseline seen at 5 years after enrolment in the scheme. Costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 3% per annum.ResultsThe Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals initiative was associated with improvements in mean discounted life expectancy and quality‐adjusted life expectancy of 0.55 years (95% CI 0.54–0.57) years and 0.48 quality‐adjusted life years (95% CI 0.46–0.49), respectively, compared with conventional management. Whilst treatment costs were higher in the Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals arm, this was offset by savings as a result of the reduced incidence and treatment of diabetes‐related complications. The Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals initiative was found to be cost‐saving over patient lifetimes compared with conventional management [€ 37,289 (95% CI 37,205–37,372) vs € 41,075 (95% CI 40,956–41,155)].ConclusionsLong‐term projections indicate that the physician‐led Associazione Medici Diabetologi‐annals initiative represents a cost‐saving method of improving long‐term clinical outcomes compared with conventional management of people with Type 2 diabetes in Italy.
Dose response of continuous subcutaneous infusion of recombinant glucagon‐like peptide‐1 in combination with metformin and sulphonylurea over 12 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Torekov S. S. , Holst J. J. , Ehlers M. R. 
Published: November 2013

AimsAny differences observed between natural glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and studies obtained with analogues might call for renewed considerations concerning the use and design of such analogues. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the dose–response relationship of recombinant glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (7–36) amide (rGLP‐1) administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) in subjects with type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe compared the efficacy and safety of three doses of recombinant GLP‐1, ranging from 1.25 to 5.0 pmol/kg/min (pkm) and placebo, given by continuous subcutaneous infusion over 3 months in combination with metformin and sulphonylurea (SU), to lower haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and weight in 95 type 2 diabetes patients with inadequate glycaemic control.ResultsThe mean decreases in HbA1c at endpoint (week 12) were significantly greater for all three rGLP‐1 dose groups when each was compared with the placebo group, with the greatest decrease occurring in the 5.0 pkm dose group (−1.3%, s.d. ± 0.18, p < 0.001). The mean decreases in fasting plasma glucose from baseline to endpoint were significantly greater for all three rGLP‐1 dose groups than for the placebo group, with the greatest decrease occurring in the 5.0 pkm dose group (−26.0 mg/dl, s.d. ± 8.5, p = 0.02). Body weight was significantly reduced by 1.8 kg (s.d. ± 1.3) in the 1.25 pkm dose group only (p = 0.04).ConclusionsAdministration of rGLP‐1 by CSCI over a 12‐week period in combination with metformin and an SU had a dose dependent effect in lowering HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose. However, administration of rGLP‐1 by CSCI may be less effective with respect to lowering of body weight compared with the daily and once weekly analogues.
Stepped‐isothermal fatigue analysis of engine piston
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zuo Zhengxing , Liu Jinxiang 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTStepped‐isothermal fatigue failure is the main failure mechanism of modern engine pistons under bench reliability test condition. This paper presents a methodology for stepped‐isothermal fatigue analysis of engine pistons, which consists of a fatigue criterion, evaluation of temperature and stress distribution by finite element analysis and the final life prediction. The major character of the methodology is the fatigue definition of engine pistons with respect to engine load change cycle and a damage‐based fatigue criterion accounting for the nonlinear creep–fatigue damage. Taking as an example, the fatigue life of an engine piston was predicted by the proposed analysis procedures. The analysis results showed that the most critical area was located in the throat edge. Moreover, the proposed methodology can give a relatively accurate and reasonable life prediction for an engine piston under the loading condition of bench reliability test, with a benefit of decreasing the needed component's reliability tests and design time.
Predicting the sensitivity of butterfly phenology to temperature over the past century
Authors: Kharouba Heather M. , Paquette Sebastien R. , Kerr Jeremy T. , Vellend Mark 
Published: November 2013

AbstractStudies to date have documented substantial variation among species in the degree to which phenology responds to temperature and shifts over time, but we have a limited understanding of the causes of such variation. Here, we use a spatially and temporally extensive data set (ca. 48 000 observations from across Canada) to evaluate the utility of museum collection records in detecting broad‐scale phenology‐temperature relationships and to test for systematic differences in the sensitivity of phenology to temperature (days °C−1) of Canadian butterfly species according to relevant ecological traits. We showed that the timing of flight season predictably responded to temperature both across space (variation in average temperature from site to site in Canada) and across time (variation from year to year within each individual site). This reveals that collection records, a vastly underexploited resource, can be applied to the quantification of broad‐scale relationships between species' phenology and temperature. The timing of the flight season of earlier fliers and less mobile species was more sensitive to temperature than later fliers and more mobile species, demonstrating that ecological traits can account for some of the interspecific variation in species' phenological sensitivity to temperature. Finally, we found that phenological sensitivity to temperature differed across time and space implying that both dimensions of temperature will be needed to translate species' phenological sensitivity to temperature into accurate predictions of species' future phenological shifts. Given the widespread temperature sensitivity of flight season timing, we can expect long‐term temporal shifts with increased warming [ca. 2.4 days °C−1(0.18 SE)] for many if not most butterfly species.
Porous YSZ Ceramics Reinforced by Different Kinds of Fibers
Authors: Lang Ying , Wang Chang‐An , Tie Shengnian 
Published: November 2013

Porous YSZ ceramics reinforced by different fibers were prepared by gel‐casting with 15% solid content and pressureless sintering. The four kinds of fibers (mullite, aluminosilicate, Al2O3, and YSZ fibers) were added into the YSZ ceramics with the same 10% vol content. After sintered at 1500°C for 2 h, aluminosilicate and mullite fibers could not be found in the samples of porous YSZ ceramics, which showed they reacted with YSZ ceramics at high temperature, while YSZ and Al2O3 fibers still kept perfect after sintering. Furthermore, the influences of fiber content, sintering temperature, porosity of matrix materials on compressive strength and porosity of the porous YSZ ceramics were studied. The results showed that Al2O3 fiber showed more obvious reinforcing effect than YSZ fiber on porous YSZ ceramics. The fiber‐reinforcing effects depend on fiber content, sintering temperature, and porosity of matrix materials. The fiber addition can improve the shrinkage behavior of porous ceramics during sintering and strengthen the skeleton of porous ceramics.
Transcriptional regulation of T helper type 2 differentiation
Authors: Lee Gap Ryol 
Published: November 2013

SummaryConsiderable progress has been made in recent years towards our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of T helper type 2 (Th2) cell differentiation. Additional transcription factors and chromatin‐modifying factors were identified and shown to promote Th2 cell differentiation and inhibit differentiation into other subsets. Analyses of mice lacking several cis‐regulatory elements have yielded more insight into the regulatory mechanism of Th2 cytokine genes. Gene deletion studies of several chromatin modifiers confirmed their impact on CD4 T‐cell differentiation. In addition, recent genome‐wide analyses of transcription factor binding and chromatin status revealed unexpected roles of these factors in Th2‐cell differentiation. In this review, these recent findings and their implication are summarized.
Knot security and tensile strength of suture materials
Authors: Marturello Danielle M. , McFadden Michael S. , Bennett R. Avery , Ragetly Guillaume R. , Horn Gavin 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate knot security and tensile failure load of suture tied in simple interrupted, beginning continuous, and ending continuous patterns for 11 suture materials commonly used in small animal surgery.Study designMechanical study.MethodsFor each of 11 suture material types, and 5 knot sizes (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 throws) 2 surgeons each tied 6 knots (n = 12 for each knot size in 11 suture materials). Three types of patterns were evaluated: a simple interrupted square knot, a square knot beginning a simple continuous pattern, and the knot ending a simple continuous pattern. All knots were incubated in healthy canine donor plasma at 40°C for a minimum of 24 hours. Sutures were evaluated for knot security (knots untied, suture failed by breaking, suture slipped from the clamps, or suture untied before testing) and maximum load carried before knot slippage or knot failure (termed tensile failure load).ResultsSignificant differences were found in knot security and tensile failure load among suture types. There was no significant difference between the simple interrupted knots and the knots at the beginning of a simple continuous pattern; however, both were significantly less likely to fail than the knots tied at the end of a simple continuous pattern. The number of throws per knot had a significant effect for knot security and tensile failure load. Surgeon experience had a significant effect on failure mode and tensile failure load.ConclusionsSuture type, number of throws per knot (knot size), suture pattern, and surgeon experience play an important role in knot security and should be considered when performing surgery.
PATIENTS' EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTIONS OF POLYPHARMACY IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND ITS IMPACT ON ADHERENT BEHAVIOUR
Authors: McKillop Gus , Joy Jane 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYAimsTo explore attitudes towards medicines, polypharmacy and adherence in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).BackgroundPolypharmacy is common in CKD and associated with medication non‐adherence.MethodsAs part of a mixed methodology project, a purposive sample of ten participants were recruited and interviewed to explore attitudes to medicines and reasons for adherent and non‐adherent behaviour.ResultsSeveral reasons for non‐adherence were reported. Interviewees described a variety of attitudes towards medicines. Complex medicine regimes were a frequently cited contributing factor in poor adherence. Concerns about or experience of side effects had a negative impact on adherence. Prioritisation of medicines was evident and the importance of communication with health professionals was a consistent theme.ConclusionsNon‐adherence with prescribed medicines in CKD is a complex phenomenon, which has implications for clinical outcomes and cost. Adherent behaviour may change over time. Further research in this field is needed. No single intervention is likely to enhance adherence for all and clinicians should consider a variety of options to improve adherence with prescribed medicines.
Characterization of Lablab purpureus Regarding Drought Tolerance, Trypsin Inhibitor Activity and Cyanogenic Potential for Selection in Breeding Programmes
Authors: Guretzki S. , Papenbrock J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractClimate change is responsible for the decrease in rainfall in many regions. One consequence is a reduction in arable land for traditional crops. Therefore, we are looking for drought‐tolerant crops from many regions to replace sensitive crops currently in use. Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, which is grown mainly in Africa and South Asia, is considered to be drought tolerant. The species L. purpureus is a member of the Fabaceae family and has multiple functions, for example as food or forage. In this study, L. purpureus genotypes were compared to find the best genotypes adapted to the new climate conditions and with the highest benefits as food and fodder. The drought tolerance of four L. purpureus genotypes was examined. Classical growth parameters, infrared thermography and stomatal conductance were measured after induction of drought stress to monitor the impact of drought on plant growth and development. Significant differences among the genotypes were found in the tested growth stage. The ranking of the most drought‐tolerant genotype was method dependent. To find potentially usable genotypes, the trypsin inhibitor activity was determined and an analysis of the cyanogenic potential (HCNp) was performed. Both trypsin inhibitor activity and HCNp showed significant differences among the genotypes without showing a correlation to each other. In summary, we recommend as selection criteria of the best genotypes for future breeding programmes: (i) a combination of at least two, better three, independent methods for the determination of drought effects on L. purpureus and (ii) the chemical analysis of compounds which are important for the nutritional value.
A theory‐driven investigation of prospective applicants' intentions to submit video résumés
Authors: Gissel Amanda L. , Thompson Lori F. , Pond Samuel B. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAs a quickly growing trend among job seekers, video résumés represent an area where practice has outpaced research. This study investigated whether the theory of planned behavior (TpB) can be used to understand future job seekers (n = 154) video résumé submission intentions and behaviors. Results supported the TpB model. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predicted intentions, which in turn predicted video résumé creation behaviors. Compared with perceived behavioral control, attitudes and subjective norms were more important predictors. As one of the first empirical studies on video résumés, this research breaks important new ground. It also extends what is known about the TpB because it is the first study to use a relative importance analysis to statistically compare the influence of the theory's antecedent constructs.
Localized interleukin‐12 delivery for immunotherapy of solid tumours
Authors: Wei Louis Z. , Xu Yixin , E. Nelles Megan , Furlonger Caren , Wang James C.M. , Di Grappa Marco A. , Khokha Rama , Medin Jeffrey A. , Paige Christopher J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInterleukin (IL)‐12 is the key cytokine in the initiation of a Th1 response and has shown promise as an anti‐cancer agent; however, clinical trials involving IL‐12 have been unsuccessful due to toxic side‐effects. To address this issue, lentiviral vectors were used to transduce tumour cell lines that were injected as an autologous tumour cell vaccine. The focus of the current study was to test the efficacy of this approach in a solid tumour model. SCCVII cells that were transduced to produce IL‐12 at different concentrations were then isolated. Subcutaneous injection of parental SCCVII cells results in tumour development, while a mixture of IL‐12‐producing and non‐producing cells results in tumour clearance. Interestingly, when comparing mice injected a mixture of SCCVII and either high IL‐12‐producing tumour cells or low IL‐12‐producing tumour cells, we observed that mixtures containing small amounts of high producing cells lead to tumour clearance, whereas mixtures containing large amounts of low producing cells fail to elicit protection, despite the production of equal amounts of total IL‐12 in both mixtures. Furthermore, immunizing mice with IL‐12‐producing cells leads to the establishment of both local and systemic immunity against challenge with SCCVII. Using depletion antibodies, it was shown that both CD4+ and CD8+ cells are crucial for therapy. Lastly, we have established cell clones of other solid tumour cell lines (RM‐1, LLC1 and moto1.1) that produce IL‐12. Our results show that the delivery of IL‐12 by cancer cells is an effective route for immune activation.
Placenta‐specific miRNA (miR‐512‐3p) targets PPP3R1 encoding the calcineurin B regulatory subunit in BeWo cells
Authors: Kurashina Ryuhei , Kikuchi Kunio , Iwaki Jun , Yoshitake Hiroshi , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Takizawa Toshihiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThe microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) are exclusively expressed in the human placenta, but the origin and functions of C19MC miRNAs are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to elucidate which cells express C19MC miRNAs in chorionic villi and identify their miRNA targets.MethodsA combination of laser microdissection (LMD) and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to examine the localization of five C19MC miRNAs (i.e. miR‐512‐3p, miR‐518b, miR‐520a, miR‐524 and miR‐1323) in the human placenta was performed. Furthermore, to identify miR‐512‐3p‐target genes, we analyzed gene expression profiles of the trophoblast cell line BeWo using a DNA microarray. Predicted target genes were validated by real‐time PCR, western blotting, and 3′‐untranslated region reporter assay.ResultsBy LMD and subsequent PCR analysis, five C19MC miRNAs examined in this study were predominantly expressed in villous trophoblast cells; little expression, if any, was observed in villous stroma cells or fetal endothelial cells. Microarray data showed that 334 genes were downregulated in BeWo cells treated with Pre‐miR‐512‐3p (mature miR‐512‐3p mimic). We found six candidate target genes of miR‐512‐3p using DNA microarray data and target prediction software. Furthermore, we revealed that protein phosphatase 3, regulatory subunit B, alpha (PPP3R1), one of the six genes, was a miR‐512‐3p target using an in vitro experimental validation system.ConclusionThese data suggest that miR‐512‐3p participates in human trophoblast function[s] by targeting PPP3R1, encoding a regulatory subunit of calcineurin.
Serial CT Findings of a Rapidly Calcified Epidural Hematoma in a Young Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Byung Hoon , Hwang Yoon Joon , Choi Chan‐Young 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTWe report serial computed tomography (CT) findings in a rare case of a rapidly calcified epidural hematoma. A 21‐year‐old female patient was admitted to our hospital after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. An initial cranial CT revealed a right frontal bone fracture. She complained of right frontal headache, but showed no neurological deficit or tendency for bleeding. Therefore, she was treated conservatively without surgical intervention. Follow‐up CT revealed an ossified epidural hematoma (EDH) 17 days after the head injury, and the ossification later thickened. However, a decrease in the width of the EDH was observed during the 9 months of follow‐up during which serial CT images were acquired. The EDH resolved 9 months after the initial trauma, but the calcification layer remained thickened.
Morphological and molecular characterization within 26 strains of the genus Cylindrospermum (Nostocaceae, Cyanobacteria), with descriptions of three new species
Authors: Johansen Jeffrey R. , Bohunická Markéta , Lukešová Alena , Hrčková Kristýna , Vaccarino Melissa A. , Chesarino Nicholas M. 
Published: November 2013

Twenty‐six strains morphologically identified as Cylindrospermum as well as the closely related taxon Cronbergia siamensis were examined microscopically as well as phylogenetically using sequence data for the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S‐23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA revealed three distinct clades. The clade we designate as Cylindrospermum sensu stricto contained all five of the foundational species, C. maius, C. stagnale, C. licheniforme, C. muscicola, and C. catenatum. In addition to these taxa, three species new to science in this clade were described: C. badium, C. moravicum, and C. pellucidum. Our evidence indicated that Cronbergia is a later synonym of Cylindrospermum. The phylogenetic position of Cylindrospermum within the Nostocaceae was not clearly resolved in our analyses. Cylindrospermum is unusual among cyanobacterial genera in that the morphological diversity appears to be more evident than sequence divergence. Taxa were clearly separable using morphology, but had very high percent similarity among ribosomal sequences. Given the high diversity we noted in this study, we conclude that there is likely much more diversity remaining to be described in this genus.