bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of delayed gastric emptying following pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liu Qi‐Yu , Li Li , Xia Hong‐Tian , Zhang Wen‐Zhi , Cai Shou‐Wang , Lu Shi‐Chun 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to explore the morbidity and risk factors of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsBetween 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, data from 196 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in the Chinese PLA General Hospital were recorded retrospectively. A total of 17 factors were examined with univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate relative risks.ResultsDGE occurred in 71 patients (36.2%). The incidence rates of grade A, grade B and grade C DGE were 22.4% (44/196), 6.1% (12/196) and 7.7% (15/196), respectively. There were three post‐operative deaths for the entire series, with an overall mortality rate of 1.5%. Braun enteroenterostomy, clinically relevant post‐operative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF) and intra‐abdominal collection correlated with DGE rates significantly in univariate analysis, whereas CR‐POPF and intra‐abdominal collection were independent risk factors in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, CR‐POPF and intra‐abdominal collection correlated with clinically relevant DGE rates significantly and were independent risk factors in univariate analysis and multivariate regression.ConclusionOnly post‐operative complications instead of operative methods were associated with DGE. Early diagnosis and timely treatment for pancreatic fistula and intra‐abdominal collection were helpful to decrease morbidity and promote recovery of DGE.
The Relevance of Human Fetal Subplate Zone for Developmental Neuropathology of Neuronal Migration Disorders and Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Kostović Ivica , Sedmak Goran , Vukšić Mario , Judaš Miloš 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe human fetal cerebral cortex develops through a series of partially overlapping histogenetic events which occur in transient cellular compartments, such as the subplate zone. The subplate serves as waiting compartment for cortical afferent fibers, the major site of early synaptogenesis and neuronal differentiation and the hub of the transient fetal cortical circuitry. Thus, the subplate has an important but hitherto neglected role in the human fetal cortical connectome. The subplate is also an important compartment for radial and tangential migration of future cortical neurons. We review the diversity of subplate neuronal phenotypes and their involvement in cortical circuitry and discuss the complexity of late neuronal migration through the subplate as well as its potential relevance for pathogenesis of migration disorders and cortical dysplasia. While migratory neurons may become misplaced within the subplate, they can easily survive by being involved in early subplate circuitry; this can enhance their subsequent survival even if they have immature or abnormal physiological activity and misrouted connections and thus survive into adulthood. Thus, better understanding of subplate developmental history and various subsets of its neurons may help to elucidate certain types of neuronal disorders, including those accompanied by epilepsy.
Postoperative nasal debridement following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Green R. , Banigo A. , Hathorn I. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis is a significant health problem, and the optimal postoperative treatment regime for patients post functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been a topic debated for years.Objective of reviewTo systematically review and critically evaluate the evidence relating to postoperative debridement of the nasal cavity following functional endoscopic sinus surgery to guide best practice.Search strategyA search of the following databases was performed: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials. Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed. The following key words were used: Postoperative, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, sinus surgery, debridement, follow‐up, from 1970 to 2013.Evaluation methodTwo independent reviewers assessed the relevant articles using the consort guidance on systematic reviews Moher et al. BMJ 2010; 340: c869.ResultsThe best evidence available was 1B, with six Randomsied control trial (RCTs) identified. Four studies compared debridement against no debridement, and two looked at the frequency of the debridement. Cumulatively, results for 337 patients were included. Visual analogue scores were used in all studies. None of the results at the long‐term follow‐up showed any difference in sino‐nasal outcome test scores or objective endoscopic scores. Four of the six studies demonstrated some benefit in symptom scores but only one in the long term. Two papers demonstrated the debridement group suffered more pain in the postoperative period.ConclusionsCurrently, there is no clear evidence for frequent postoperative debridement. Further well‐designed RCTs are required to establish clear benefit, optimal frequency, extent and timing of debridement.
Utilization of the emergency department by older residents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Amin , Pin Tan Maw , Zakaria Mohd Idzwan , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul Bahiyah , Vyrn Chin Ai , Hua Philip Poi Jun 
Published: October 2014

AimTo determine the pattern of utilization of emergency department (ED) services by older patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, compared with younger patients in the same setting.MethodsThe sociodemographics, clinical characteristics and resource utilization of consecutive patients attending the adult ED at the University Malaya Medical Center were recorded during a typical week.ResultsA total of 1649 patients were included in the study; 422/1649 (25.6%) were aged ≥60 years and 1077 (74.4%) were aged <60 years. Older adult patients were more likely to be diagnosed with ischemic heart disease (12.6% vs 2.5%, P < 0.001), and more likely to require investigations such as electrocardiogram (68.1% vs 16.6%, P < 0.001) or chest X‐rays (67.6% vs 24.0%, P < 0.001) than their younger counterparts. Logistic regression methods showed that older adults remained an independent predictor of hospital admission (OR 2.75, 95% CI 2.11–3.57).ConclusionThe ratio of older adult patients attending our ED over the proportion of older people in the general population was 26:6, which is far higher than reported in previous published studies carried out in other countries. Older ED attenders are also more likely to require investigations, procedures and hospital admissions. With the rapidly aging population in Malaysia, reconfiguration of resources will need to occur at a compatible rate in order to ensure that the healthcare needs of our older adults are met. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 944–950.
A micro‐computed tomography evaluation of long‐oval canal preparation using reciprocating or rotary systems
Authors: Busquim S. , Cunha R. S. , Freire L. , Gavini G. , Machado M. E. , Santos M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate, using micro‐computed tomography, the preparation of long‐oval root canals using a single reciprocating system versus a multiple‐file rotary system.MethodologyDistal canals of thirty mandibular molars were selected and randomly assigned to one of two instrument groups (n = 15): Reciproc 40 (VDW, Munich, Germany) or BioRaCe system (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux‐de‐Fonds, Switzerland). The teeth were scanned before and after preparation of the canal by a SkyScan 1172 micro‐computed tomography scanner at 11‐μm resolution. Morphometric variations were measured by volume increases and by the remaining untreated canal surface area in the entire canal and as well as in each third of the canal. Data were compared using the Mann–Whitney test.ResultsThe Reciproc system left significantly more areas untouched (P < 0.001) in the cervical and middle thirds (18.14% and 21.82%) as compared to BioRaCe (8.14% and 11.35%). The Reciproc system had the greatest increase in volume of both the entire canal and the apical third (P < 0.5).ConclusionsNeither technique was able to completely prepare the outline of long‐oval canals. The Reciproc system removed more tooth structure. The BioRaCe left fewer untouched dentine walls in the more coronal thirds of the canal, whilst Reciproc left fewer in the apical third.
Malignant pyoderma gangrenosum eroding the parotid gland successfully treated with dexamethasone pulse therapy
Authors: Ambooken Betsy , Khader Anza , Muhammed Kunnummel , Rajan Uma , Snigdha Ottakandathil 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundMalignant pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare ulcerative variant of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) involving the head and neck. Early intervention is crucial to prevent an aggressive outcome.ObjectivesWe report a patient with malignant PG eroding into the parotid gland treated with dexamethasone pulse therapy.MethodsA 47‐year‐old man presented with necrotic ulcers, predominantly over the face and neck, of one month's duration. Findings of a thorough systemic evaluation were within normal limits. A Mantoux test and pathergy test were negative. Tissue specimens for acid‐fast bacilli and fungal cultures were negative. A biopsy showed epidermal necrosis along with perivascular and periappendageal neutrophilic infiltrate without granuloma or vasculitis, consistent with PG. Over the next two weeks, the ulcers progressed in depth and width. The ulcer overlying the right parotid gland continuously discharged clear fluid. The invasive nature of the ulcers and histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of malignant PG. Dexamethasone pulse therapy was administered as 100 mg dexamethasone in 500 ml 5% dextrose infused over 3–4 hours on three consecutive days.ResultsThis treatment resulted in complete healing of the ulcers within six weeks. The patient subsequently received nine similar pulses administered at 28‐day intervals and has shown no evidence of relapse over the past year.ConclusionsIn the present patient, parenteral antibiotics and daily steroids, colchicine, and oral minocycline had failed to halt the progression of ulcers. However, dexamethasone pulse therapy resulted in complete healing without sequelae and also proved cost‐effective.
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B induces specific IgG4 and IgE antibody serum levels in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Orfali Raquel L. , Sato Maria N. , Santos Vanessa G. , Titz Tiago O. , Brito Cyro A. , Duarte Alberto J. S. , Takaoka Roberto , Aoki Valéria 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease, with prevalence of about 10–20% in children and 1–3% in adults. Staphylococcus aureus is present in 80–100% of skin from atopic patients and is related to worsening of the disease by the action of enterotoxins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of anti‐Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) antibody isotypes and IgG subclass levels in adult AD.MethodsWe selected 38 patients with AD, diagnosed by Hanifin and Rajka's criteria, aged between 18 and 65, and 26 healthy controls (HC). The severity of the disease was established according to the Eczema Area and Severity Index and patients graded as mild (28%), moderate (58%), and severe (14%). Sera were assessed for IgG subclasses, IgA, IgM, and IgE against SEB by ELISA.ResultsElevated circulating IgE and IgG4 anti‐SEB antibody levels associated with decreased IgA and IgM levels were detected in patients with AD, when compared to HC individuals. The severity of AD was related to low IgG1 and IgG3 levels and a high IgE antibody response to SEB. Interestingly, absence of IgG4 response to SEB was lower in patients with AD (2.63%), when compared to controls (34.6%), while a similar absence was detected for IgG1 and IgE antibodies (AD, 23.3 and 18.4% vs. HC, 38.5 and 19.2%).ConclusionOur findings evidenced a contributing role for IgG4 and IgE antibodies in AD pathogenesis, which are triggered by staphylococcal superantigens.
Bacteriostasis evaluation of the different soaking solutions in perineal skin preparation before the male urethral open operation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ma Li , Liu Ling , Tian Ye , Peng Yinqiong , Wang Kunjie , Wu Tao , Liu Changqing 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTPerineal soaking is of crucial importance for skin preparation before the male urethral open operation; however, soaking solutions vary across the world. The aim of this research was to explore the bacteriostasis efficacy of the different soaking solutions in perineal skin preparation before the operation. Thirty‐six patients were randomly divided into three groups. In Group A, 0·1% povidone iodine was used to soak the 12 patients' perineum to reduce the bacterial load of the skin preparation before the operation. Similarly, combination of 0·1% povidone iodine and 1·6% saline for Group B and 1·6% saline for Group C was used. Bacteria samples were collected in four sites of the patients' perineum, before soaking, 1 d after soaking and 2 d after soaking, respectively. No serious adverse reactions were observed. There was a significant lower bacteria load in Group C after soaking (P = 0·032). For penoscrotal junction, there were significant lower bacteria loads after soaking in both Group A and Group B compared with Group C (P = 0·009), and there was significant lower bacteria load after soaking in Group A (P = 0·001) and Group B (P = 0·017). Similar with penoscrotal junction, bacteria load at the bottom of the scrotum decreased significantly in Group A (P = 0·001) and Group B (P = 0·002) and there were significant lower bacteria loads after soaking in both Group A and Group B compared with Group C (P = 0·041). In the middle of the penis, still, there were significant lower bacteria loads after soaking in both Group A and Group B compared with Group C (P = 0·019), and there was significant lower bacteria load after soaking in Group A (P = 0·012) and Group B (P = 0·006). In conclusion, combination of 0·1% povidone iodine and 1·6% saline solution for the preoperative skin preparation of male open urethral operation is safe and efficient.
Applications of Statistics in the Field of General Insurance: An Overview
Authors: Grize Yves L. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThis is an expository paper on applications of statistics in the field of general insurance, also called non‐life insurance. Unlike life insurance where advanced statistical techniques have long been part of financial mathematics and actuarial applications, their use is only relatively recent in non‐life insurance. The business model of insurance companies, especially those active in non‐life insurance, has seen dramatic changes over the last 15 years. The aim of this paper is to convince the readers that especially today non‐life insurance is not only an exciting ground to apply existing modern statistical tools but also a fertile environment for new and challenging statistical developments. The activities of an insurance company can be viewed as an industrial process where data management and data analysis play a key role. That is why a fundamental understanding of data‐related issues (such as data quality, variability, analysis and correct interpretation) is so essential to the insurance business. These are exactly the tasks where professional statisticians excel. Also, a better understanding of the field of general insurance by statisticians will promote fruitful exchanges between actuaries and statisticians, thereby helping to bring actuarial and statistical professional societies closer to each other. Selected examples are used to cover the essential aspects of general insurance, and all of them are based on the author's experience. The paper concludes with some remarks on the role of statisticians working in general insurance.
A Conversation with Jean‐Louis Bodin
Authors: Saporta Gilbert 
Published: October 2014

SummaryJean‐Louis Bodin has had a distinguished career as an official statistician in the French and European statistical systems, where he has been working for 40 years.Born in 1941 in Bordeaux, the capital city of one of the most famous vineyards in the world, he became graduate of two French prestigious schools, the Ecole Polytechnique in 1963, then the ENSAE (Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration Economique) in 1966. After having spent 20 years in different positions in the French Statistical System, he dedicated the last 20 years of his career to international relations in official statistics and cooperation for strengthening statistical capacities of transition and developing countries. In particular, he was one of the main drafters of the UN Resolution on Fundamental Principles for Official Statistics and of the African Statistical Charter. He is also known for having created AFRISTAT, the Economic and Statistical Observatory of Sub‐Saharan African countries. He was also during years one of the French representatives in the UN Statistical Commission, the UN Conference of European Statisticians and the Statistical Committee Programme of the European Union.Jean‐Louis Bodin has played for 40 years a very active role in national and international statistical societies. He served on many disparate positions in the ISI family: executive director of the International Association of Survey Statisticians from 1981 to 1985 under the successive chairmanships of Gérard Théodore and Leslie Kish, founding member in 1985 with Vera Nyitrai of the International Association for Official Statistics and president of the Association from 1989 to 1991, secretary‐general of the National Organizing Committee of the 47th ISI Session held in Paris in August 1989, Chair of the Programme Coordinating Committee of the 50th ISI Session held in Beijing in August 1995, ISI president‐elect then president from 1997 to 2001, president of the Jury of the Mahalanobis Prize from 2002 to 2005. He was also president of theSociété de Statistique de Parisin 1994. He received the certificate of Fellow of the American Statistical Association in 1996 and was a member of the ASA Committee for International Relations in Statistics from 1993 to 1997.He was bestowed in 2006 as aChevalier de la Légion d'Honneur(Knight of the Legion of Honour) in France and in 1997 as aKawaleski Orderu Zasługi(Knight of the Order of Merit) in Poland. He received the Medal of Statistical Merit in Vietnam in 2003 and the African Statistical Award bestowed by the UN Economic Conference for Africa in 2012.This conversation was held in June 2013 with Gilbert Saporta in Paris.Gilbert Saporta: Welcome to this interview, Jean‐Louis. I'm delighted that you could spend some time with me to discuss your career, your achievements and your views on some aspects of official statistics. It appears that your professional career as a French official statistician and your participation in ISI activities were tightly linked.image
Hydrogen sulphide decreases IL‐1β‐induced activation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes from patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Sieghart Daniela , Liszt Melissa , Wanivenhaus Axel , Bröll Hans , Kiener Hans , Klösch Burkhard , Steiner Günter 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBalneotherapy employing sulphurous thermal water is still applied to patients suffering from diseases of musculoskeletal system like osteoarthritis (OA) but evidence for its clinical effectiveness is scarce. Since the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulphide (H2S) seems to affect cells involved in degenerative joint diseases, it was the objective of this study to investigate the effects of exogenous H2S on fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS), which are key players in OA pathogenesis being capable of producing pro‐inflammatory cytokines and matrix degrading enzymes. To address this issue primary FLS derived from OA patients were stimulated with IL‐1β and treated with the H2S donor NaHS. Cellular responses were analysed by ELISA, quantitative real‐time PCR, phospho‐MAPkinase array and Western blotting. Treatment‐induced effects on cellular structure and synovial architecture were investigated in three‐dimensional extracellular matrix micromasses. NaHS treatment reduced both spontaneous and IL‐1β‐induced secretion of IL‐6, IL‐8 and RANTES in different experimental settings. In addition, NaHS treatment reduced the expression of matrix metallo‐proteinases MMP‐2 and MMP‐14. IL‐1β induced the phosphorylation of several MAPkinases. NaHS treatment partially reduced IL‐1β‐induced activation of several MAPK whereas it increased phosphorylation of pro‐survival factor Akt1/2. When cultured in spherical micromasses, FLS intentionally established a synovial lining layer‐like structure; stimulation with IL‐1β altered the architecture of micromasses leading to hyperplasia of the lining layer which was completely inhibited by concomitant exposure to NaHS. These data suggest that H2S partially antagonizes IL‐1β stimulation via selective manipulation of the MAPkinase and the PI3K/Akt pathways which may encourage development of novel drugs for treatment of OA.
PDGF beta targeting in cervical cancer cells suggest a fine‐tuning of compensatory signalling pathways to sustain tumourigenic stimulation
Authors: Tudoran Oana Mihaela , Soritau Olga , Balacescu Loredana , Pop Laura , Meurice Guillaume , Visan Simona , Lindberg Staffan , Eniu Alexandru , Langel Ulo , Balacescu Ovidiu , Berindan‐Neagoe Ioana 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signalling pathway has been reported to play an important role in human cancers by modulating autocrine and paracrine processes such as tumour growth, metastasis and angiogenesis. Several clinical trials document the benefits of targeting this pathway; however, in cervical cancer the role of PDGF signalling in still unclear. In this study, we used siRNA against PDGF beta (PDGFBB) to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PDGFBB signalling in Ca Ski and HeLa cervical cancer cells. Our results show that PDGFBB inhibition in Ca Ski cells led to rapid alterations of the transcriptional pattern of 579 genes, genes that are known to have antagonistic roles in regulating tumour progression. Concomitantly, with the lack of significant effects on cervical cancer cells proliferation, apoptosis, migration or invasion, these findings suggests that cervical cancer cells shift between compensatory signalling pathways to maintain their behaviour. The observed autocrine effects were limited to cervical cancer cells ability to adhere to an endothelial cell (EC) monolayer. However, by inhibiting PDGFBB on cervical cells, we achieved reduced proliferation of ECs in co‐culture settings and cellular aggregation in conditioned media. Because of lack of PDGF receptor expression on ECs, we believe that these effects are a result of indirect PDGFBB paracrine signalling mechanisms. Our results shed some light into the understanding of PDGFBB signalling mechanism in cervical cancer cells, which could be further exploited for the development of synergistic anti‐tumour and anti‐angiogenic therapeutic strategies.