bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of an operative note proforma at a paediatric surgical centre
Authors: Chan Benjamin K.Y. , Exarchou Klaire , Corbett Harriet J. , Turnock Rick R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesWith expectations for standardization and evidence‐based practice, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) published the ‘Good Surgical Practice’ in 2008. The document sets standards for operative records anticipating improved documentation, audits, medico‐legal review and quality and safety of handover. We evaluated (1) documentation against RCS standards; (2) whether RCS standards are applicable to and adequate for paediatric surgery; and (3) the impact of a standardized operative proforma.MethodsAll general surgery and urology admissions during July 2011 and August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed using 23 set criteria. An operative note proforma was introduced in February 2012. Results were compared and statistically analysed using two‐tailed Fisher's exact test, with Bonferroni correction where appropriate (SPSS 20.0, IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA).ResultsThere were 345 children admitted; 63.2% underwent an operation (119 in 2011 versus 99 in 2012); 55% of operations were day cases. The initial audit noted poor documentation in 7 of 23 criteria. Following introduction of the operative note proforma, documentation improved significantly: patient identifiers by 12.3%, procedure time 43.3%, assistant's name 31.9%, procedure type 21.4%, closure 6.2%, anaesthetist's name 15.9%, anaesthetic type 56.8% and surgeons grade 65.8% (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis in the latter cohort shows most of these effects to be related to the use of the proforma rather than education alone (P < 0.05). Quality of documentation was better by consultants versus trainees in 2 of 23 criteria (P < 0.05).ConclusionWe have demonstrated a simple and cost‐effective way of improving the quality of operative documentation, in line with guidelines set out by the RCS, in a climate of increasing economic austerity.
Polyphenols from green tea prevent antineuritogenic action of Nogo‐A via 67‐kDa laminin receptor and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Gundimeda Usha , McNeill Thomas H. , Barseghian Barsegh A. , Tzeng William S. , Rayudu David V. , Cadenas Enrique , Gopalakrishna Rayudu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAxonal regeneration after injury to the CNS is hampered by myelin‐derived inhibitors, such as Nogo‐A. Natural products, such as green tea, which are neuroprotective and safe for long‐term therapy, would complement ongoing various pharmacological approaches. In this study, using nerve growth factor‐differentiated neuronal‐like Neuroscreen‐1 cells, we show that extremely low concentrations of unfractionated green tea polyphenol mixture (GTPP) and its active ingredient, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), prevent both the neurite outgrowth‐inhibiting activity and growth cone‐collapsing activity of Nogo‐66 (C‐terminal domain of Nogo‐A). Furthermore, a synergistic interaction was observed among GTPP constituents. This preventive effect was dependent on 67‐kDa laminin receptor (67LR) to which EGCG binds with high affinity. The antioxidants N‐acetylcysteine and cell‐permeable catalase abolished this preventive effect of GTPP and EGCG, suggesting the involvement of sublethal levels of H2O2in this process. Accordingly, exogenous sublethal concentrations of H2O2, added as a bolus dose (5 μM) or more effectively through a steady‐state generation (1–2 μM), mimicked GTPP in counteracting the action of Nogo‐66. Exogenous H2O2mediated this action by bypassing the requirement of 67LR. Taken together, these results show for the first time that GTPP and EGCG, acting through 67LR and elevating intracellular sublethal levels of H2O2, inhibit the antineuritogenic action of Nogo‐A.imageCurrently, several agents are being evaluated for overcoming axonal growth inhibitors to promote functional recovery after stroke and spinal cord injury. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), present in green tea polyphenol mixture (GTPP), prevents antineuritogenic activity of Nogo‐A, a myelin‐derived axonal growth inhibitor. The preventive action of EGCG involves the cell‐surface‐associated 67‐kDa laminin receptor and H2O2. GTPP may complement ongoing efforts to treat neuronal injuries.>
Resveratrol suppresses the inflammatory responses of human gingival epithelial cells in a SIRT1 independent manner
Authors: Minagawa T. , Okui T. , Takahashi N. , Nakajima T. , Tabeta K. , Murakami S. , Yamazaki K. 
Published: October 2014

Background and ObjectiveIn periodontitis, chronic infection by periodontopathic bacteria induces uncontrolled inflammation, which leads to periodontal tissue destruction. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) constitute a critical first line of defense against periodontopathic bacteria, both as a physical barrier and as regulators of inflammation. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and red wine, reportedly has anti‐inflammatory properties. Therefore, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on the Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced inflammatory responses of HGECs and their mechanism.Material and MethodsWe stimulated the HGEC line, epi 4, with live or heat‐killed P. gingivalis in the presence of resveratrol, and analyzed expressions of the interleukin‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and interleukin‐1β genes. We determined the involvement of SIRT1 in the effect of resveratrol using sirtinol (a SIRT1 inhibitor) or SIRT1 knockdown. We also examined whether the effects were mediated by activation of AMP‐activated kinase, suppression of reactive oxygen species, or inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB).ResultsResveratrol treatment decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and slightly increased the expression of SIRT1. However, neither SIRT1 inhibition nor SIRT1 knockdown counteracted its anti‐inflammatory effects. Although resveratrol did not affect AMP‐activated kinase activation or reactive oxygen species production, it slightly suppressed NF‐κB translocation when cells were stimulated with heat‐killed P. gingivalis.ConclusionResveratrol suppressed the inflammatory responses of P. gingivalis‐stimulated HGECs, probably by inhibiting NF‐κB signaling but independent of SIRT1.
Addressing Sexual Dysfunction After Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Effects of a Brief, Psychosexual Intervention
Authors: Bober Sharon L. , Recklitis Christopher J. , Bakan Jennifer , Garber Judy E. , Patenaude Andrea F. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Women at high risk for ovarian cancer due to BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutation or family history are recommended to undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) after age 35 or completion of childbearing. This potentially life-saving surgery leads to premature menopause, frequently resulting in distressing and unaddressed sexual dysfunction.

Aim
To pilot a novel sexual health intervention for women with BRCA1/2 mutations who previously underwent RRSO a using a single-arm trial. Feasibility and primary outcomes including sexual dysfunction and psychological distress were assessed.

Methods
This single-arm trial included a one-time, half-day educational session comprised of targeted sexual health education, body awareness and relaxation training, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy strategies, followed by two sessions of tailored telephone counseling. Assessments were completed at baseline and 2 months postintervention.

Main Outcome Measure
Study end points include feasibility and effectiveness as reported by the participant.

Results
Thirty-seven women completed baseline and postintervention assessments. At baseline, participants had a mean age of 44.4 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.9) years and mean duration of 3.8 (SD = 2.7) years since RRSO. Overall sexual functioning (P = 0.018), as well as desire (P = 0.003), arousal (P = 0.003), satisfaction (P = 0.028), and pain (P = 0.018), improved significantly. There were significant reductions in somatization (P = 0.029) and anxiety scores (P &lt; 0.001), and, overall, for the Global Severity Index (P &lt; 0.001) of the Brief Symptom Inventory. Sexual self-efficacy and sexual knowledge also improved significantly from baseline to postintervention (both P &lt; 0.001). Women were highly satisfied with the intervention content and reported utilizing new skills to manage sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions
This intervention integrates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy with sexual health education to address a much-neglected problem after RRSO. Results from this promising single-arm study provide preliminary data to move toward conducting a randomized, controlled trial.
A Study of valproic acid for patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Saito Toshio , Nurputra Dian K , Harahap Nur Imma F , Harahap Indra Sari K , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Muneshige Emi , Nishizono Hiroaki , Matsumura Tsuyoshi , Fujimura Harutoshi , Sakoda Saburo , Saito Kayoko , Nishio Hisahide 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundValproic acid (VPA) is expected to become an effective therapeutic agent for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) because of its histone deacetylase inhibitor effect.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of VPA for SMA.MethodsSeven consecutive Japanese SMA patients (three males, four females) were recruited. Of those, six were type 2 (cases A–E, G) and one was type 3 (case F). One female patient (case E) was aged 2 years and 10 months, whereas the others ranged in age from 15 to 42 years. VPA was administered for 6 months with L‐carnitine. We carried out SMN transcript analysis of peripheral white blood cells, and evaluated using the Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale for SMA (MHFMS), vital capacity (VC), maximum insufflation capacity (MIC), and cough peak flow (CPF) before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after starting treatment.ResultsCases B–E and G completed the study. The final VPA dosage in cases B–D and G was 400 mg/day, whereas that in case E was 100 mg/day. The quantity of the FL‐SMN transcription product showed a tendency to increase. Case E showed a remarkable improvement in MHFMS, and gained motor function to turn from side to side during the study period. Although no significant changes were observed in MHFMS in the older cases, VC, MIC and CPF were improved in those.ConclusionOur findings suggest that VPA treatment is effective for improving MHFMS and respiratory function in some SMA patients. A placebo‐controlled randomized trial is warranted to confirm the efficacy of VPA for SMA.
Frequent hepatic steatosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implication for systemic involvement
Authors: Nodera Hiroyuki , Takamatsu Naoko , Muguruma Naoki , Ukimoto Kazuhiro , Nishio Susumu , Oda Masaya , Izumi Yuishin , Kaji Ryuji 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal energy metabolism has been reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that broadens the concept of ALS as a systemic disease. Dyslipidemia is likely to reflect the clinical outcome in ALS.AimTo study whether evidence of dysmetabolism can be detected non‐invasively by imaging study, such as liver sonography.MethodsAbdominal sonography, lipid profiles and liver enzymes were obtained in three groups of individuals: (i) the patients with ALS; (ii) other neurodegenerative diseases; and (iii) asymptomatic dyslipidemic persons. The sonographic steatosis grade was determined by a blinded technician. Statistical tests including one‐way anova with post‐hoc test, multiple linear regression were carried out.ResultsThe lipid profiles and liver enzymes were similar between the ALS and dyslipidemic groups. The disease control group had lower low‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein ratio and triglyceride than other groups. Hepatic steatosis was present in 76% of ALS patients, 19% of the disease control and 38% of the dyslipidemic group (P < 0.001 vs ALS). Multivariate analysis showed that only the patient group was correlated to the sonographic score.ConclusionThe present study showed that hepatic steatosis is frequent and a unique phenomenon in ALS among neurodegenerative diseases. Hepatic steatosis might be a sensitive marker for dysmetabolism in ALS.
Total intravenous anesthesia will supercede inhalational anesthesia in pediatric anesthetic practice
Authors: Lauder Gillian R. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryInhalational anesthesia has dominated the practice of pediatric anesthesia. However, as the introduction of agents such as propofol, short‐acting opioids, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine a monumental change has occurred. With increasing use, the overwhelming advantages of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) have emerged and driven change in practice. These advantages, outlined in this review, will justify why TIVA will supercede inhalational anesthesia in future pediatric anesthetic practice.
Ultrasound‐guided Pararadicular Injection in the Lumbar Spine: A Comparative Study of the Paramedian Sagittal and Paramedian Sagittal Oblique Approaches
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Park Hue Jung , Moon Dong Eon 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound‐guided nerve root blocks and transforaminal injections are well established, and several procedural feasibility studies have been reported. However, the contrast dispersion pattern during ultrasound‐guided pararadicular injection has not been reported. We hypothesized that the paramedian sagittal oblique approach provides a superior intraforaminal contrast‐spread pattern compared to the paramedian sagittal approach during ultrasound‐guided pararadicular injections in the lumbar spine.MethodsNinety injections were performed in 42 adult patients using pararadicular injections. Each injection was allocated to 1 of 2 groups. In the paramedian sagittal approach group, the transducer was positioned perpendicularly over the skin, and a bent needle was inserted using an in‐plane technique. In the paramedian sagittal oblique approach group, the needle was advanced with the transducer tilted ~20 to 25° toward the pararadicular aditus plane. In both groups, the needle was advanced until the intertransverse ligament was punctured. Nonionic contrast media was injected under fluoroscopic guidance.ResultsThe contrast was injected in the targeted pararadicular compartment in 83 of 90 injections (92.2%). Among the successful pararadicular injections, the intraforaminal contrast pattern was detected in 17 cases (39.5%) in the paramedian sagittal approach group and in 35 cases (87.5%) in the paramedian sagittal oblique approach group (P < 0.001). Both groups showed significant pain reduction compared to the baseline (P < 0.001); however, the visual analog scale for pain showed significantly lower pain in the paramedian sagittal oblique approach group compared to the paramedian sagittal approach group (P = 0.036). Rates of ventral epidural flow, intra‐ and extraepineural pattern of contrast, and intravascular injections were similar between the two approaches.ConclusionThe paramedian sagittal oblique approach delivered a superior intraforaminal contrast‐spread pattern and significantly greater pain relief than the paramedian sagittal approach during ultrasound‐guided pararadicular injections in the lumbar spine.
Basiliximab treatment for steroid‐resistant rejection in pediatric patients following liver transplantation for acute liver failure
Authors: Shigeta Takanobu , Sakamoto Seisuke , Uchida Hajime , Sasaki Kengo , Hamano Ikumi , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Fukuda Akinari , Kawai Toshinao , Onodera Masafumi , Nakazawa Atsuko , Kasahara Mureo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAn IL‐2 receptor antagonist, basiliximab, decreases the frequency of ACR in liver transplant (LT) recipients as induction therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of basiliximab against SRR as rescue therapy in pediatric LT patients with ALF. Forty pediatric ALF patients underwent LT between November 2005 and July 2013. Among them, seven patients suffering from SRR were enrolled in this study. The median age at LT was 10 months (6–12 months). SRR was defined as the occurrence of refractory rejection after more than two courses of steroid pulse therapy. Basiliximab was administered to all patients. The withdrawal of steroids without deterioration of the liver function was achieved in six patients treated with basiliximab therapy without patient mortality, although one patient developed graft loss and required retransplantation for veno‐occlusive disease. The pathological examinations of liver biopsies in the patients suffering from SRR revealed severe centrilobular injuries, particularly fibrosis within one month after LT. We demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of rescue therapy consisting of basiliximab for SRR in pediatric LT recipients with ALF.
Recent Advances in the Application of Chlorophyll a Fluorescence from Photosystem II
Authors: Guo Ya , Tan Jinglu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn the photosynthesis process, part of the absorbed photon energy in photosystem II (PSII) may be reemitted as chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF). Environmental and plant physiological changes affect the emission of ChlF, which makes ChlF a potentially useful tool to sense these changes. Volumes of research on ChlF are published each year and some published work has been controversial. To facilitate the application of ChlF, it is important to have a holistic picture of the field. This review summarizes ChlF applications published in the last 10 years.
Intuition Fail: Philosophical Activity and the Limits of Expertise
Authors: Buckwalter Wesley 
Published: October 2014

Experimental philosophers have empirically challenged the connection between intuition and philosophical expertise. This paper reviews these challenges alongside other research findings in cognitive science on expert performance and argues for three claims. First, evidence taken to challenge philosophical expertise may also be explained by the well‐researched failures and limitations of genuine expertise. Second, studying the failures and limitations of experts across many fields provides a promising research program upon which to base a new model of philosophical expertise. Third, a model of philosophical expertise based on the limitations of genuine experts may suggest a series of constraints on the reliability of professional philosophical intuition.
Even when the experts all agree, they may well be mistaken. — Bertrand Russell, On the Value of Scepticism
Host resistance in cattle to infestation with the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Jonsson N. N. , Piper E. K. , Constantinoiu C. C. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryResistance to Rhipicephalus microplus infestation in cattle has many effector mechanisms, each of which is likely to be modulated by complex, interacting factors. Some of the mechanisms of host resistance and their modulating factors have been identified and quantified, although much remains to be explained. The variation in resistance to tick infestation is most marked between Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle, taurine cattle given the same exposure carrying between five and 10 times as many ticks as indicine cattle. Tick resistance is mostly manifest against attaching larvae, which attempt to feed often and without success, death occurring mostly within 24 h of finding a host. There is evidence of innate and adaptive immune response to tick infestation, and it appears that the relative importance of each differs between indicine and taurine cattle. There is conflicting information regarding the role of humoral immunity in tick resistance, and recent studies indicate that strong IgG responses to tick antigens are not protective. A strong T‐cell‐mediated response directed against larval stages, as mounted by indicine cattle, seems to be protective. Variation in the extracellular matrix of skin (epidermal growth factors, collagens and other matrix components such as lumican) also contributes to variation in host resistance.
Campaign‐Style Enforcement and Regulatory Compliance
Authors: Liu Nicole Ning , Lo Carlos Wing‐Hung , Zhan Xueyong , Wang Wei 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis article examines the recoupling mechanism of campaign‐style enforcement and its effects on environmental regulatory compliance. Drawing on the policy implementation literature and institutional theory, the authors develop a conceptual model of campaign‐style enforcement in which both resource mobilization and power redistribution are theorized to address decoupling problems in regulatory compliance. The two‐pathway recoupling mechanism is evidenced by an empirical investigation of the implementation of China's energy conservation and emission reduction policy as part of that country's 11th Five‐Year Plan. Findings suggest that campaign‐style enforcement can effectively improve regulatory compliance when it addresses the efficiency/legitimacy conflict by providing policy incentives and reorganizing a clear hierarchy of political authority. The article concludes with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of campaign‐style enforcement.
Nutritional requirements and use of macroalgae as ingredients in abalone feed
Authors: Bansemer Matthew S. , Qin Jian G. , Harris James O. , Howarth Gordon S. , Stone David A.J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTemperate abalone species in aquaculture have a grow‐out period of approximately 3 years because of their slow and heterogeneous growth rate. Abalone aquaculture is still a developing industry, and at least two major issues, nutrition and health, impede its development. Abalone are fed macroalgae on‐farm in a number of countries, includingChina,Korea,SouthAfrica andChile. Formulated diets are crucial to the success of abalone aquaculture in countries where abalone do not grow readily when fed brown macroalgae or when access to macroalgae is insufficient for culture. Typically, the growth rate of abalone fed formulated diets is higher than abalone fed live macroalgae. However, due to a long production period, diets for abalone not only need to sustain high growth rates, but also maintain optimal health. Feeding live macroalgae improves the feeding activity, health and marketability of abalone. In this review, the nutritional requirements of abalone and dietary ingredients used in formulated diets will be discussed, together with the use of dried macroalgal meal as a dietary ingredient in formulated diets to improve the feeding activity, health and marketability of abalone in commercial production.
Firms' Export Dynamics: Experience Versus Size
Authors: Berthou Antoine , Vicard Vincent 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper provides evidence about the impact that size and experience in exporting have on firms' dynamics, a critical input in models of firms dynamics. The analysis uses a census of French exports by firm‐destination‐product over the period 1994–2008 with a monthly frequency. We first uncover a large calendar year effect associated with the timing of entry: the fact new exporters may start exporting late during the year inflates the growth rate between the first and second years. When computed on a full year basis starting with the month of entry, first year exports of new exporters are on average 36 per cent larger than on a calendar year basis. We then show that, controlling for size, export experience is negatively related to net growth of exports for surviving exporters. Controlling for export experience, the relationship between average size and net growth of exports shows no systematic pattern. Finally, churning in foreign markets, that is the gross contributions of entry and exit to exporters net growth, is decreasing with export experience and (sharply) with size.