bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Team Familiarity in the Operating Room on Surgical Complications
Authors: Kurmann A. , Keller S. , Tschan‐Semmer F. , Seelandt J. , Semmer N. K. , Candinas D. , Beldi G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe quality of surgical performance depends on the technical skills of the surgical team as well as on non‐technical skills, including teamwork. The present study evaluated the impact of familiarity among members of the surgical team on morbidity in patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgery.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed to compare the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent major abdominal operations between the first month (period I) and the last month (period II) of a 6‐month period of continuous teamwork (stable dyads of one senior and one junior surgeon formed every 6 months). Of 117 patients, 59 and 58 patients underwent operations during period I and period II, respectively, between January 2010 and June 2012. Team performance was assessed via questionnaire by specialized work psychologists; in addition, intraoperative sound levels were measured.ResultsThe incidence of overall complications was significantly higher in period I than in period II (54.2 vs. 34.5 %; P = 0.041). Postoperative complications grade <3 were significantly more frequently diagnosed in patients who had operations during period I (39.0 vs. 15.5 %; P = 0.007), whereas no between‐group differences in grade ≥3 complications were found (15.3 vs. 19.0 %; P = 0.807). Concentration scores from senior surgeons were significantly higher in period II than in period I (P = 0.033). Sound levels during the middle third part of the operations were significantly higher in period I (median above the baseline 8.85 dB [range 4.5–11.3 dB] vs. 7.17 dB [5.24–9.43 dB]; P < 0.001).ConclusionsTeam familiarity improves team performance and reduces morbidity in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Determinants of Caragana microphylla density distribution in the Mongolian steppe
Authors: Narantsetseg Amartuvshin , Kang Sinkyu , Lkhamsuren Bolor‐Erdene , Ko Dongwook W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRegional differences in Caragana microphylla density in the Mongolian steppes were explained by considering multiple abiotic and biotic factors collectively, including aridity gradients, grazing regimes, fire disturbance, and interspecific interactions. In the central and eastern Mongolian steppes, we collected vegetation data from 127 sites. Along 250‐m line transects, the hit frequencies of C. microphylla and tall‐grass species were recorded. Ancillary data included weather information, livestock populations, fire occurrence maps, and herder camp locations. Based on the steppe types and disturbance regimes, the sites were classified into 12 sub‐groups. The data were statistically analyzed at the site, county, and sub‐group levels. The natural C. microphylla density decreased with climatic aridity from forb‐steppes to semi‐desert steppes, but this pattern was not observed at grazed and burned sites. Livestock grazing decreased C. microphylla density, but this effect was considerably confounded by aridity effects, especially in the central steppes, making the relationship between C. microphylla and livestock densities complex. Although fire appeared to be an important factor in the eastern steppes, the mechanism of its effect on C. microphylla density was unclear, because the fire–shrub interaction is influenced by the tall‐grass recovery process after fire. Based on our results, we propose that two different confounding effects, namely aridity versus grazing and fire versus interspecific interactions, play important roles in determining the spatial distribution of C. microphylla density in the central and eastern Mongolian steppes, respectively.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Lysosomal Storage Disorders by Enzymes Study Using Chorionic Villus and Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Sheth Jayesh , Mistri Mehul , Sheth Frenny , Datar Chaitanya , Godbole Koumudi , Kamate Mahesh , Patil Kamal 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe reported prevalence of lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) is 1:5,000–7,000 live births and with the limited availability of therapeutic option; prenatal diagnosis (PD) remains the only preventable cure for storage disorders. One hundred forty pregnancies having confirmed diagnosis of LSDs in index case were selected for enzymes study during PD from uncultured and/or cultured chorionic villus (CV/CCV) and cultured amniotic fluid (CAF) cells. In seven pregnancies, molecular analysis was additionally carried out where mutation was known in an index case. Of 140 pregnancies, 60 (42.9 %) were diagnosed as affected, 13 (9.3 %) had an intermediate enzyme activity and 67 (47.8 %) had normal enzyme activity. Results were confirmed in 83 cases whereas 57 cases were lost from the follow-up. In one case, enzyme β-galactose-6 sulphate sulphatase specific for Morquio-A disorder [mucopolysaccharidosis-IVA (MPS-IVA)] had shown 30 % reduced activity in CV cells and the case was diagnosed as carrier for MPS-IVA while it delivered an affected child. Further molecular analysis in seven cases that included six with Tay-Sachs and one with Gaucher disease, confirmed the results obtained by enzymatic study during PD. PD of LSDs can be carried out by enzymes study from CV/CCV and CAF with an accuracy of molecular method. However, in cases of MPS and mucolipidosis, Amniotic fluid (AF) is preferred over CV/CCV. In addition, special care is needed while interpreting enzyme results encompassing carrier status and they need to be further evaluated by molecular studies.
Determination of Chorionicity in Twins: Feasibility at a Tertiary Care Centre and Audit of Current Practice in the Community
Authors: Pilli M. L. , Balusamy S. L. , Ramesh J. , Suresh I. , Seshadri S. , Sairam S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTo assess the feasibility and to audit the practice of determining chorionicity in twin pregnancies in South India. Sonographic findings from first trimester scans of twin pregnancies were retrospectively analysed to evaluate the feasibility of determining chorionicity in the first visit to the unit. In addition, an audit was carried out on all twin pregnancies referred to the authors in the second trimester to ascertain whether chorionicity had been established prior to referral. It was feasible to determine chorionicity at the first visit in 100 % of the 611 twin pregnancies that were seen at 11–14 weeks in the unit. However, the audit revealed that only 40 % of the referred population had a diagnosis of chorionicity prior to referral. Whilst it is feasible to determine chorionicity in all twin pregnancies in the first trimester, the practice is not widespread in the referring community in South India and this needs to be addressed.
Utility of Prefrontal Space Ratio to Screen for Trisomy 21 in a Racially Diverse Population: A Pilot Study
Authors: Suskin Barrie , Roe Anne-Marie , Bajaj Komal 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTo evaluate the prefrontal space (PFS) ratio of fetuses of African descent without Down syndrome and compare it to the PFS ratio previously established in a homogeneous Caucasian population to determine whether there is a difference in the ratio in these two groups. The PFS ratio was calculated retrospectively from stored 2D images of 100 African, African-American and African-Caribbean fetuses in the second and third trimester performed at the authors’ center. Other data including the maternal age, gestational age, and ethnicity were collected. An unpaired T test was used to compare the previously published Caucasian mean, 0.97 (SD 0.29) with the mean established for the black population 1.37 (SD 0.44). The difference between these two PFS ratios was found to be significant (p < 0.0001). This pilot study suggests a significant difference in the PFS in the non-Caucasian population. In order to use the PFS as a sonographic screening tool for Down syndrome, it will be important to determine normal values in different ethnic populations.
Clinical, functional and morphologic evaluation of patients undergoing lateral sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure treatment. Identification of factors that can interfere with fecal continence
Authors: Fernandes Graziela Olivia da Silva , Murad-Regadas Sthela Maria , Regadas Francisco Sérgio Pinheiro , Rodrigues Lusmar Veras , Dealcanfreitas Iris Daiana , de Jesus Rosa Pereira Jacyara , de Carvalho Holanda Erico , Regadas Filho Francisco Sérgio Pinheiro 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Objective Evaluate clinical, functional and morphologic outcomes of lateral sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure treatment, and correlate the findings with factors that influence in the anal continence.
Method In a prospective study, female patients treated by lateral sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure were assessed using Wexner's incontinence score and grouped according to score: group I (score = 0) and group 2 (score ≥1) and evaluated with anal manometry and anorectal 3D ultrasonography.
Results Thirty-six womens were included, 33% had vaginal delivery. Seventeen patients were included in group I and 19 in group II. We found no difference in age, parity and mode of delivery between groups. A significant difference with respect to percentage reduction in resting pressures was noted, when comparing group 1 versus group 2. The anal sphincter muscle length was similar in both groups. However, the length and percentage of transected internal anal sphincter was significantly greater in group II.
Conclusion There was a correlation between fecal incontinence symptoms after sphincterotomy with the percentage of resting pressure reduction, length and percentage of transected internal anal sphincter.
Successful endoscopic treatment of fecalith blocking sinus in a patient with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
Authors: Ma Jessica , Zhang Brook , Wu Xian-rui , Shen Bo 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Background Ulcerative colitis patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis can develop various mechanical complications. Among them is presacral sinus resulting from chronic anastomotic leak.
Methods We present a symptomatic patient with a large fecalith blocking the sinus which was successfully treated with Doppler ultrasound guided endoscopic needle knife sinusotomy along with fecalith extraction.
Results A 67-year-old female presented with a 4-month history of perianal pain and urgency. Pouchocopy showed a 3-cm deep wide-mouthed anastomotic sinus, the orifice of which was blocked by a large hard fecalith. Removal of the fecalith using RothNet, Tripod, or Basket were made but failed. Then needle knife was applied to cut the orifice to enlarge the opening of the sinus. One month later, the patient returned and the fecalith was successfully removed with two Baskets and two Rothnets. Six months after fecalith extraction, pouchoscopy showed a compartalized distal pouch sinus with two cavities, which was treated by two sessions of Doppler ultrasound guided endoscopic needle knife sinusotomy. Six months following the treatment, the sinus was completed healed. The patient tolerated all procedures well without any complication.
Conclusion Fecalith blocking pouch anastomotic sinus is a rare complication in patients with restorative proctocolectomy. In our case, this surgical complication was successfully treated with a carefully planned, stepwise endoscopy approach.
Metabolic, Cardiopulmonary, and Gait Profiles of Recently Injured and Noninjured Runners
Authors: Peng Lucinda , Seay Amanda N. , Montero Cindy , Barnes Leslie L. , Vincent Kevin R. , Conrad Bryan P. , Chen Cong , Vincent Heather K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether runners recovering from a lower body musculoskeletal injury have different metabolic, cardiopulmonary, and gait responses compared with healthy runners.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingResearch laboratory at an academic institution.MethodsHealthy runners (n = 50) were compared with runners who were recently injured but had returned to running (n = 50). Both groups were participating in similar cross‐training modalities such as swimming, weight training, biking, and yoga. Running gait was analyzed on a treadmill using 3‐dimensional motion capture, and metabolic and cardiopulmonary measures were captured simultaneously with a portable metabolic analyzer.Main Outcome MeasuresRate of oxygen consumption, heart rate, ventilation, carbohydrate and fat oxidation values, gait temporospatial parameters and range of motion measures (ROM) in the sagittal plane, energy expenditure, and vertical displacement of the body's center of gravity (COG).ResultsThe self‐selected running speed was different between the injured and healthy runners (9.7 ± 1.1 km/h and 10.6 ± 1.1 km/h, respectively; P = .038). No significant group differences were noted in any metabolic or cardiopulmonary variable while running at the self‐selected or standard speed (13.6 km/h). The vertical displacement of the COG was less in the injured group (8.4 ± 1.4 cm and 8.9 ± 1.4, respectively; P = .044). ROM about the right ankle in the sagittal plane at the self‐selected running speed during the gait cycle was less in the injured runners compared with the healthy runners (P < .05).ConclusionsRunners with a recent lower body injury who have returned to running have similar cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to running as healthy runners at the self‐selected and standard speeds; this finding may be due in part to participation in cross‐training modes that preserve cardiopulmonary and metabolic adaptations. Injured runners may conserve motion by minimizing COG displacement and ankle joint ROM during a gait cycle.
Gait and Physical Impairments in Patients With Acute Ankle Sprains Who Did Not Receive Physical Therapy
Authors: Punt Ilona M. , Ziltener Jean‐Luc , Laidet Magali , Armand Stéphane , Allet Lara 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess ankle function 4 weeks after conservative management and to examine the correlation of function with gait.DesignA prospective comparison study.PatientsThirty patients with grade I or II acute ankle sprains were followed up after 4 weeks of conservative management not involving physical therapy.MethodsParticipants underwent a clinical assessment and had to walk at a normal self‐selected walking speed. Their results were compared with the data of 15 healthy subjects.Main Outcome MeasuresParticipants' joint swelling, muscle strength, passive mobility, and pain were assessed. In addition, patients' temporal‐spatial, kinematic, and kinetic gait data were measured while walking.ResultsMuscle strength and passive mobility were significantly reduced on the injured side compared with the noninjured side (P < .001). During gait analysis, patients with ankle sprains showed slower walking speed, shorter step length, shorter single support time, reduced and delayed maximum plantar flexion, decreased maximum power, and decreased maximum moment (P < .050) compared with healthy persons. Decreased walking speed was mainly correlated with pain (R = −0.566, P = .001) and deficits in muscle strength of dorsiflexors (R = 0.506, P = .004).ConclusionFour weeks after an ankle sprain, patients who did not receive physical therapy showed physical impairments of the ankle that were correlated with gait parameters. These findings might help fine‐tune rehabilitation protocols.
Bioefficacy of a mono-component protease in the diets of pigs and poultry: a meta-analysis of effect on ileal amino acid digestibility
Authors: Cowieson Aaron J. , Roos Franz F. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryA meta-analysis of the effect of a mono-component bacterial protease (RONOZYME® ProAct) on the apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in poultry and swine diets was conducted to examine functional patterns, mean effects and variability of response. A total of 25 independently-conducted experiments were included comprising a total of 804 datapoints. The mean response to protease was +3.74% (SE 1.1%, P < 0.001) and this ranged from +5.6% for Thr (SE 1.2%, P < 0.001) to +2.7% for Glu (SE 1.2%, P < 0.05). For the most economically critical amino acids (Lys, Cys, Met and Thr) the mean response was 4.5%. The effect of protease was independent of geography, animal species and diet composition (P > 0.05). However, the inherent digestibility of amino acids in the control diet as a single explanatory term explained around 47% of the variance (P < 0.001) in effect. When the inherent digestibility of amino acids in the control diet was less than 70% protease addition improved amino acid digestibility in 90% of cases with a mean improvement of around 10%. When the inherent digestibility of amino acids in the control diet was more than 90% there was a protease-mediated improvement in digestibility in only 60% of cases with a mean improvement of around 2%. It can be concluded that the inherent digestibility of amino acids in the diet without protease supplementation is the primary explanatory term for the efficacy of this exogenous protease, demonstrating that it is highly effective in improving the digestibility of amino acids across a wide range of feed ingredients. Benchmarking diets or feed ingredients as to their relative nutritional value would enhance the ability of nutritionists to determine the likely return on investment on use of bacterial proteases in their operation.
Numerical simulations of self-propelled jumping upon drop coalescence on non-wetting surfaces
Authors: Liu Fangjie , Ghigliotti Giovanni , Feng James J. , Chen Chuan-Hua 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCoalescing drops spontaneously jump out of plane on a variety of biological and synthetic superhydrophobic surfaces, with potential applications ranging from self-cleaning materials to self-sustained condensers. To investigate the mechanism of self-propelled jumping, we report three-dimensional phase-field simulations of two identical spherical drops coalescing on a flat surface with a contact angle of 180°. The numerical simulations capture the spontaneous jumping process, which follows the capillary–inertial scaling. The out-of-plane directionality is shown to result from the counter-action of the substrate to the impingement of the liquid bridge between the coalescing drops. A viscous cutoff to the capillary–inertial velocity scaling is identified when the Ohnesorge number of the initial drops is around 0.1, but the corresponding viscous cutoff radius is too small to be tested experimentally. Compared to experiments on both superhydrophobic and Leidenfrost surfaces, our simulations accurately predict the nearly constant jumping velocity of around 0.2 when scaled by the capillary–inertial velocity. By comparing the simulated drop coalescence processes with and without the substrate, we attribute this low non-dimensional velocity to the substrate intercepting only a small fraction of the expanding liquid bridge.
Time-dependent Taylor–Aris dispersion of an initial point concentration
Authors: Vedel Søren , Hovad Emil , Bruus Henrik 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBased on the method of moments, we derive a general theoretical expression for the time-dependent dispersion of an initial point concentration in steady and unsteady laminar flows through long straight channels of any constant cross-section. We retrieve and generalize previous case-specific theoretical results, and furthermore predict new phenomena. In particular, for the transient phase before the well-described steady Taylor–Aris limit is reached, we find anomalous diffusion with a dependence of the temporal scaling exponent on the initial release point, generalizing this finding in specific cases. During this transient we furthermore identify maxima in the values of the dispersion coefficient which exceed the Taylor–Aris value by amounts that depend on channel geometry, initial point release position, velocity profile and Péclet number. We show that these effects are caused by a difference in relaxation time of the first and second moments of the solute distribution and may be explained by advection-dominated dispersion powered by transverse diffusion in flows with local velocity gradients.
Investigating risk reporting practices in the global insurance
industry
Authors: Klumpes P. , Kumar A. , Dubey R. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This paper investigates incentives and disincentives for risk reporting
practices by global insurance companies. We examine various arguments for
and against risk reporting, whether voluntary or compliance in nature. An
important issue is whether reporting is dominated by shareholder, regulatory
or managerial incentives. We evaluate whether current reporting practices
are consistent with either political visibility, cultural effects or
idiosyncratic managerial incentives. Our empirical analysis is based on (1)
a content analysis of disclosures contained in annual reports of a sample of
European, Asian and US global top 25 insurers between 2006 and 2012 and (2)
a survey of internal business reporting practices. We re-characterise a
disclosure index from prior research to examine the relation between the
extent of risk disclosure and various managerial, agency and other
characteristics. We predict that the extent and nature of risk disclosures
depends on cultural imperatives and managerial incentives.
Cellulose Nanofiber Paper as an Ultra Flexible Nonvolatile Memory
Authors: Nagashima Kazuki , Koga Hirotaka , Celano Umberto , Zhuge Fuwei , Kanai Masaki , Rahong Sakon , Meng Gang , He Yong , De Boeck Jo , Jurczak Malgorzata , Vandervorst Wilfried , Kitaoka Takuya , Nogi Masaya , Yanagida Takeshi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOn the development of flexible electronics, a highly flexible nonvolatile memory, which is an important circuit component for the portability, is necessary. However, the flexibility of existing nonvolatile memory has been limited, e.g. the smallest radius into which can be bent has been millimeters range, due to the difficulty in maintaining memory properties while bending. Here we propose the ultra flexible resistive nonvolatile memory using Ag-decorated cellulose nanofiber paper (CNP). The Ag-decorated CNP devices showed the stable nonvolatile memory effects with 6 orders of ON/OFF resistance ratio and the small standard deviation of switching voltage distribution. The memory performance of CNP devices can be maintained without any degradation when being bent down to the radius of 350 μm, which is the smallest value compared to those of existing any flexible nonvolatile memories. Thus the present device using abundant and mechanically flexible CNP offers a highly flexible nonvolatile memory for portable flexible electronics.
Effects of hydrogen-rich water on aging periodontal tissues in rats
Authors: Tomofuji Takaaki , Kawabata Yuya , Kasuyama Kenta , Endo Yasumasa , Yoneda Toshiki , Yamane Mayu , Azuma Tetsuji , Ekuni Daisuke , Morita Manabu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOxidative damage is involved in age-related inflammatory reactions. The anti-oxidative effects of hydrogen-rich water suppress oxidative damage, which may aid in inhibiting age-related inflammatory reactions. We investigated the effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on aging periodontal tissues in healthy rats. Four-month-old male Fischer 344 rats (n = 12) were divided into two groups: the experimental group (hydrogen-rich water treatment) and the control group (distilled water treatment). The rats consumed hydrogen-rich water or distilled water until 16 months of age. The experimental group exhibited lower periodontal oxidative damage at 16 months of age than the control group. Although protein expression of interleukin-1β did not differ, gene expression of Nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasomes was activated in periodontal tissues from the experimental group as compared with the control group. Drinking hydrogen-rich water is proposed to have anti-aging effects on periodontal oxidative damage, but not on inflammatory reactions in healthy rats.