bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ochratoxin A analysis in rice samples of different cities of Mazandaran (a province in Northern Iran)
Authors: Gholampour Azizi Issa , Ghadi Hassan , Rouhi Samaneh 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– OTA is primarily produced by species of Penicillium and Aspergillus. This toxin has been detected worldwide in different grains such as rice. Due to OTA's toxicity and its effects on human's health, the authors performed this study to analyze the OTA's contamination levels in rice samples that gathered in different cities of Mazandaran (a province in northern Iran). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this study, 80 rice samples were collected from several cities of Mazandaran. Data were analyzed using CD-ELISA method for OTA. Conjugated enzyme was added to uncoated-antibody wells and standard solution and sample extract were added to it. Solutions were transferred to the coated-antibody wells. Then, substrate was added to produce blue color. Finally, stopping solution was added to stop the reaction. The color intensity was inversely proportional to the OTA concentration, measured with the ELISA reader and calculated by analysis of variance by using the SPSS software package.

Findings
– None of the samples that were collected in Mazandaran were contaminated with >5 μg/kg of OTA in October. Also none of the samples from Amol, Fereydonkenar, Babol or Behshahr were contaminated with >5 μg/kg of this toxin in November. But in sari, Nowshahr and Ramsar the authors encountered samples that had >5 μg/kg of OTA contamination which is more than the acceptable limit.

Practical implications
– Screening and analyzing the rice fields are vital to detect any OTA contamination and can be effective for removing the contaminated rice. So proper strategies and management tactics are required in order to prevent OTA production in rice fields in pre- and post-harvest time and people must share their experiences regarding fighting this contamination.

Originality/value
– Since rice is used extensively all over the world, consumption of contaminated rice causes diseases for humans. Therefore, determination, management, and prevention of OTA should be considered seriously.
Affect and the history of masculinities
Authors: Brickell Chris 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– Many scholarly disciplines are currently engaged in a turn to affect, paying close attention to emotion, feeling and sensation. The purpose of this paper is to locate affect in relation to masculinity, time and space.Design/methodology/approach– It suggests that historically, in a range of settings, men have been connected to one another and to women, and these affective linkages tells much about the relational quality and texture of historically experienced masculinities.Findings– Spatial settings, in turn, facilitate, hinder and modify expressions and experiences of affect and social connectedness. This paper will bring space and time into conversation with affect, using two examples from late nineteenth-century New Zealand.Originality/value– If masculinities scholars often focus on what divides men from women and men from each other, the paper might think about how affect connects people.
The study of masculinities
Authors: Connell Raewyn 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the field of knowledge about masculinities, and particularly to show the need for post-colonial perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach
– Reading major texts in the field and analysing their conclusions, inclusions, and exclusions.

Findings
– Study of masculinities is necessary to gain an adequate understanding of the whole field of gender relations. This field is now global, but the consequences of a global field of knowledge are not sufficiently recognized because of the continuing hegemony of the global north in theory, methodology, and academic networks. The coloniality of gender is outlined. Significant contributions from the global south are identified and the issues involved in decolonizing the field of masculinity studies are analysed.

Research limitations/implications
– Mainly Anglophone texts discussed.

Practical implications
– Redesign of curricula for teaching in this area; redeployment of resources in academic publishing and other knowledge production projects.

Social implications
– Knowledge in this area is relevant to HIV prevention, poverty reduction, economic development, prevention of violence, international conflict, and educational attainment.

Originality/value
– To stimulate rethinking among scholars in the field of masculinity and gender studies, and through them among those dealing with the practical issues mentioned.
Pentoxifylline in Heart Failure: A Meta‐Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Champion Sébastien , Lapidus Nathanaël , Cherié Godefroy , Spagnoli Vincent , Oliary Juliette , Solal Alain Cohen 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundPentoxifylline possess antiinflammatory and rheological properties and has been tested in heart failure (HF).MethodsA comprehensive search was performed from 1980 until July 2013 in PubMed, to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating pentoxifylline versus placebo in HF, to determine impact on mortality. Search strategy is as follows: “Pentoxifylline” AND “heart” AND “trial”. Study selection of six randomized controlled trials evaluating mortality as outcome. Then, we conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials versus placebo in HF. Determination of Mantel–Haenszel fixed effect and random‐effect pooled odds ratios for all‐cause mortality and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.ResultsData from a total of 221 patients with LVEF ≤40% from six randomized controlled trials were included in this analysis. Pentoxifylline 1200 mg per day was administered during 6 months, except in one study (administered during 1 month for severe acute HF). The use of pentoxifylline was not significantly associated with a reduction in mortality in HF in individual studies. The pooled data including 221 patients showed a nearly fourfold reduction in mortality (5.4% vs. 18.3%; OR 0.29; CI 0.12–0.74; P < 0.01) with homogenous results (I² 0%).ConclusionA meta‐analysis evaluating pentoxifylline versus placebo in HF suggested a significant nearly fourfold decrease in all‐cause mortality in the pentoxifylline group.
Modulation of Endothelial Function by Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and its Components in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jovanovski Elena , Peeva Valentina , Sievenpiper John L. , Jenkins Alexandra L. , Desouza Leanne , Rahelic Dario , Sung Mi‐Kyung , Vuksan Vladimir 
Published: April 2014

SummaryAimsGinseng root and its derivatives remain atop the most widely used medicinal herbs in cardiovascular disease, despite inadequate substantiation of efficacy. We previously reported the potential of Korean red ginseng (KRG) to affect vascular tone by decreasing arterial wave reflection via an unknown mechanism. Given the preclinical link between ginseng intake and vasoactivity related to nitric oxide (NO) production, we sought to directly evaluate the effects of KRG root and its major root components, on an established noninvasive measure of endothelial function.MethodsIn an acute, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover design, 16 healthy participants (9M:7F, age:30 ± 9y, BMI: 24 kg ±3 kg/m2, systolicBP/diastolicBP: 109 ± 11/66 ± 8 mmHg) on four occasions were administered: KRG root (3 g), KRG ginsenosides extract, KRG polysaccharides extract, and cornstarch control. Extracted fractions were delivered at doses bioequivalent to those found in 3 g of KRG. Flow‐mediated vasodilatation (FMD) assessment, preceding a brachial blood pressure measurement, was performed at baseline and at 90 and 180 min posttreatment to assess endothelial function.ResultsKRG significantly improved FMD posttreatment. Maximal vasodilatation of Δ2.57 ± 2.8% occurred at 180 min compared with control (Δ−0.83 ± 2.7%, P = 0.003 for all comparisons). The ginsenoside extract produced a comparable response (Δ1.75 ± 2.6%), but not the polysaccharide fraction (Δ0.10 ± 2.7%). Brachial blood pressure remained unchanged for all treatments (P = 0.45).ConclusionsKRG acutely improved endothelial function in healthy individuals, which appears to be attributable to its ginsenoside containing fraction. Our data confirm preclinical data and support the potential for these compounds as targets for therapeutic strategies in disorders involving endothelial dysfunction.
A roller coaster ride: an empirical investigation of the main drivers of the international wheat price
Authors: Algieri Bernardina 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOver the last decade, commodity prices have registered substantial booms and busts marked by extreme volatility. Wheat in particular, one of the main nonoil commodities, has registered a roller coaster in price levels which seems to be inconsistent with supply and demand fundamentals. To acutely investigate the drivers of wheat prices and quantify their impact, a vector error correction model (VECM) has been used. The exogenous variables have been distinguished into four groups: market‐specific factors, broad macroeconomic determinants, speculative components, and weather variables. The quadriangulation of the determinants will enable us to better understand the movements in wheat price and identify the specific role of each component. The results show that a mix of factors are contributing to wheat price movements, including speculation, global demand, and real effective exchange rate.
Review of community facilities in Australian retirement villages: A content analysis
Authors: Xia Bo , Skitmore Martin , Zuo Jian , Buys Laurie 
Published: April 2014

AimFacilities in retirement villages form a supportive environment for older residents. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the provision of these facilities in retirement villages, which are regarded as a viable accommodation option for the increasing ageing population in Australia.MethodsA content analysis of facilities in 124 retirement villages operated by 22 developers in Queensland and South Australia was conducted.ResultsThe most widely provided facilities are community centres, libraries, barbeque facilities, hairdressers/salons and billiards/snooker/pool tables. Commercial operators provide more facilities than not‐for‐profit organisations, and larger retirement villages normally have more facilities due to the economies of scale involved.ConclusionsThe results of the study provide a useful reference for providing facilities within retirement villages that may support the quality lifestyles of older residents.
Total pancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Nikfarjam Mehrdad , Low Nicholas , Weinberg Laurence , Chia Ping Han , He Hong , Christophi Christopher 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundTotal pancreatectomy (TP) is an operation that has long been associated with high morbidity and mortality, and rarely advocated for treatment of pancreatic tumours. Because of the improvements in diabetes management, there has been renewed interest in TP for treatment of pancreatic neoplasm, with a need to reassess outcomes.MethodsFifteen patients (9%) underwent TP in a single Australian high‐volume tertiary institution between August 2005 and January 2012. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was performed in 150 patients during the same time period. Indications and peri‐operative outcomes of patients were compared.ResultsTP was performed for treatment of malignancy in 13 (87%) cases, for tumours involving the pancreatic neck. Complete tumour clearance achieved. Portal vein resections were more frequently required than in the PD group (5 (33%) versus 9 (6%); P = 0.004), as were blood transfusions (11 (73%) versus 28 (19%); P < 0.001), and median operative times were longer (10.5 versus 7.0 h; P < 0.001). Overall, complications were significantly greater in the TP group compared with the PD group (13 (87%) versus 86 (57%); P = 0.029), but the difference was mainly as a result of high grade I complications, in particular symptomatic hypoglycaemia (4 (27%) versus 0 (0%): P < 0.001) that could be easily managed. The overall lengths of stay and readmission rates were similar between groups.ConclusionTP should be considered in selective cases for treatment of pancreatic neoplasm if it allows complete clearance. The procedure does not appear to be associated with significant increases in serious complications compared with PD.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal carcinoid tumour using the Clutch Cutter
Authors: Komori Keishi , Akahoshi Kazuya , Kubokawa Masaru , Motomura Yasuaki , Oya Masafumi , Ihara Eikichi , Nakamura Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo reduce the risk of complications related to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using knives, we developed the Clutch Cutter (CC), which can grasp and incise the target tissue similarly to biopsy techniques using an electrosurgical current. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESD using the CC for removal of rectal carcinoid tumours.MethodsBetween December 2009 and December 2011, we prospectively enrolled seven patients (seven lesions) on 7 different days. Patients were endoscopically diagnosed with rectal subepithelial lesions (upper rectum, n = 3; lower rectum, n = 4) within the level 3 layer and without lymph node involvement, with the diagnosis confirmed by preliminary endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic biopsies. ESD using the CC was performed in all cases, and the therapeutic efficacy, safety and tumour recurrence were assessed.ResultsAll lesions were treated easily and safely, and there were no inadvertent incisions. En bloc resection was obtained in all cases, and histologic tumour‐free lateral/basal margins were obtained in six of the seven patients. No delayed haemorrhage, perforation or tumour recurrence occurred.ConclusionESD using the CC appears to be an easy, safe and technically efficient method for resecting rectal carcinoid tumour.
Review article: 2014 UK consensus guidelines – hepatitis C management and direct‐acting anti‐viral therapy
Authors: Miller M. H. , Agarwal K. , Austin A. , Brown A. , Barclay S. T. , Dundas P. , Dusheiko G. M. , Foster G. R. , Fox R. , Hayes P. C. , Leen C. , Millson C. , Ryder S. D. , Tait J. , Ustianowski A. , Dillon J. F. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryBackgroundTherapeutic options for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have evolved rapidly over the past two decades, with a consequent improvement in cure rates. Novel therapeutic agents are an area of great interest in the research community, with a number of these agents showing promise in the clinical setting.AimsTo assess and present the available evidence for the use of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCV, updating previous guidelines.MethodsAll Phase 2 and 3 studies, as well as abstract presentations from international Hepatology meetings were identified and reviewed for suitable inclusion, based on studies of new therapies in HCV. Treatment‐naïve and experienced individuals, as well as cirrhotic and co‐infected individuals were included.ResultsSofosbuvir, simeprevir and faldaprevir, along with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, have a role in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. The precise regimens are largely dependent on the patient characteristics, patient and physician preferences, and cost implication.ConclusionsTherapies for chronic HCV have evolved dramatically in recent years. Interferon‐free regimens are now possible without compromise in the rate of sustained viral response. The decision as to which regimen is most appropriate is multifactorial, and based on efficacy, safety and cost.
Application of indocyanine green‐fluorescence imaging to full‐thickness cholecystectomy
Authors: Morita Kiyomi , Ishizawa Takeaki , Tani Keigo , Harada Nobuhiro , Shimizu Atsushi , Yamamoto Satoshi , Takemura Nobuyuki , Kaneko Junichi , Aoki Taku , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been applied to laparoscopic surgery to identify cancerous tissues, lymph nodes, and vascular anatomy. Here we report the application of ICG‐fluorescence imaging to visualize the boundary between the liver and subserosal tissues of the gallbladder during laparoscopic full‐thickness cholecystectomy. A patient with a potentially malignant gallbladder lesion was administered 2.5‐mg intravenous ICG just before laparoscopic full‐thickness cholecystectomy. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging enabled the real‐time delineation of both extrahepatic bile duct anatomy and hepatic parenchyma throughout the procedure, which resulted in complete removal of subserosal tissues between liver and gallbladder. Safe and feasible ICG‐fluorescence imaging can be widely applied to laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery by utilizing a biliary excretion property of ICG.
Ligament of Treitz approach in laparoscopic modified radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy: Report of three cases
Authors: Sunagawa Hiroki , Harumatsu Toshio , Kinjo Shogo , Oshiro Naoto 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLaparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer is being applied increasingly in selected cases. Open radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was introduced to obtain a higher rate of tumor‐free margins and a higher lymph node (LN) count. However, there is no standard laparoscopic technique for pancreatic cancer. We treated three patients with RAMPS using a ligament of Treitz approach. We started each procedure by dissecting the ligament of Treitz. We entered and spread the anterior space of the aorta and inferior vena cava. We then dissected the LN of the root of the supra‐mesenteric artery and performed RAMPS. The mean number LN retrieved from the patients was 43 ± 22. All three patients underwent pancreatectomy to obtain tumor‐free margins, and two patients began adjuvant chemotherapy by postoperative day 14. The ligament of Treitz approach in laparoscopic modified RAMPS offered tumor‐free margins and the resection of sufficient regional LN. The procedure also allowed adjuvant chemotherapy to be started early.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation‐assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy
Authors: Beppu Toru , Nitta Hidetoshi , Tsukamoto Masayo , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Okabe Hirohisa , Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Ishiko Takatoshi , Baba Hideo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMetachronous rectal liver metastasis (15 mm in segment 8 ventral) was managed with laparoscopic hepatectomy using segmental blood flow occlusion with radiofrequency ablation. During liver dissection, the ischemic area was visible as a distinct hypoechoic area on intraoperative enhanced ultrasound; with a photodynamic eye camera, it appeared as a discolored lesion. The resection was completed with adequate margins.
Laparoscopic single‐site synchronous bilateral cortex‐preserving adrenalectomy using conventional trocars and instruments for large bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Choudhary Gautam Ram , Pushkarna Arawat , Prasad Seema , Nanjappa Bhuvnesh 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLaparoendoscopic single‐site surgery is being adapted for widespread indications because it offers minimal invasiveness. Herein, we report a case of synchronous bilateral cortex‐preserving adrenalectomy for bilateral large adrenal pheochromocytomas. We used conventional laparoscopic instruments and trocars through a single‐port site. The total operative time was 110 min. There were no perioperative complications. Single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic surgery, also known as SIMPLE surgery, can be safely used for bilateral adrenalectomy. This modification holds promise with its minimally invasive nature and reduced cost.
Desmoid tumor requiring differentiation from port‐site relapse after surgery for lung cancer
Authors: Miwa Ken , Kubouchi Yasuaki , Wakahara Makoto , Takagi Yuzo , Fujioka Shinji , Araki Kunio , Taniguchi Yuji , Nakamura Hiroshige 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThoracoscopic left lower lobectomy with lymph node dissection for lung cancer was performed in a 76‐year‐old man. The diagnosis was pT2aN2M0 adenocarcinoma. Sixteen months after surgery, CT revealed a pleural tumor measuring 38 mm at the surgical port wound. CT‐guided biopsy revealed fibroma. However, the tumor size increased 4 months after biopsy, and surgery was performed. An intraoperative diagnosis revealed benign fibroma. Thoracoscopic tumorectomy was conducted. The pathological diagnosis was desmoid tumor. As the margins of the resected specimen were positive, radiotherapy was performed. During the 16‐month follow‐up period, there has been no relapse. Pleural desmoid tumors must be differentiated from port‐site relapse.
Acute gastric remnant dilatation, a rare early complication of laparoscopic mini‐gastric bypass
Authors: Almulaifi Abdullah M , Ser Kong‐Han , Lee Wei‐Jei 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSeveral thousands of laparoscopic mini‐gastric bypass have been performed globally by a number of surgeons. There is growing evidence that mini‐gastric bypass is a safe and effective procedure. We report a rare case of massive gastric remnant dilation in a 45‐year‐old man after laparoscopic mini‐gastric bypass. Acute gastric dilatation is a surgical emergency. In our case, a triad of clinical suspicion, laboratory profile, and emergency radiologic investigation were essential for early diagnosis and management. Image‐guided gastrostomy tube placement provides an effective decompression of the gastric remnant. A literature review revealed no previous reports of similar complications in mini‐gastric bypass.
A common microdeletion affecting a hippocampus‐ and amygdala‐specific isoform of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 is not associated with affective disorders
Authors: Hammer Christian , Degenhardt Franziska , Priebe Lutz , Stütz Adrian M , Heilmann Stefanie , Waszak Sebastian M , Schlattl Andreas , Mangold Elisabeth , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M , Rietschel Marcella , Rappold Gudrun , Korbel Jan , Cichon Sven , Niesler Beate 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesCopy number variants (CNVs) have been shown to affect susceptibility for neuropsychiatric disorders. To date, studies implicating the serotonergic system in complex conditions have just focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We therefore sought to identify novel common genetic copy number polymorphisms affecting genes of the serotonergic system, and to assess their putative role in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsA selection of 41 genes of the serotonergic system encoding receptors, the serotonin transporter, metabolic enzymes and chaperones were investigated using a paired‐end mapping (PEM) approach on next‐generation sequencing data from the pilot project of the 1000 Genomes Project. For association testing, 593 patients with MDD, 1,145 patients with BPAD, and 1,738 healthy controls were included in the study.ResultsPEM led to the identification of a microdeletion in the gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), affecting an amygdala‐ and hippocampus‐specific isoform. It was not associated with BPAD or MDD using a case–control association approach.ConclusionsWe did not find evidence for a role of the TPH2 microdeletion in the pathoetiology of affective disorders. Further studies examining its putative role in behavioral traits regulated by the limbic system are warranted.