bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Versus Open Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Short‐Term Outcomes and Completeness of Resection
Authors: Straatman Jennifer , van der Wielen Nicole , Cuesta Miguel A. , de Lange – de Klerk Elly S. M. , Jansma Elise P. , van der Peet Donald L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMinimally invasive surgical techniques for gastric cancer are gaining more acceptance worldwide as an alternative to open resection. In order to assess the role of minimally invasive and open techniques in total gastrectomy for cancer, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed. Articles comparing minimally invasive versus open total gastrectomy were reviewed, collected from the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Two different authors (JS and NW) independently selected and assessed the articles. Outcomes regarding operative results, postoperative recovery, morbidity, mortality, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. Statistical analysis portrayed the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95 % confidence interval and odds ratio (OR). Out of 1242 papers, 12 studies were selected, including a total of 1360 patients, of which 592 underwent minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG). Compared to open total gastrectomy (OTG), MITG showed a longer operation time (WMD: 48.06 min, P < 0.00001), less operative blood loss (WMD: −160.70 mL, P < 0.00001), faster postoperative recovery, measured as shorter time to first flatus (WMD −1.05 days, P < 0.00001), shorter length of hospital stay (WMD: −2.43 days, P = 0.0002), less postoperative complications (OR 0.66, P = 0.02), similar mortality rates (OR 0.60, P = 0.52), and similar rates in lymph node yield (WMD −2.30, P = 0.06). Minimally invasive total gastrectomy showed faster postoperative recovery and less postoperative complications, whereas completeness of the resection was similar in both groups. Duration of surgery was longer in the minimally invasive group. Only comparative non‐randomized studies were available, further emphasizing the need for a prospective randomized trial comparing MITG and OTG.
Production of C4 and C5 branched-chain alcohols by engineered Escherichia. coli
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Xu Jingliang , Yang Liu , Yuan Zhenhong , Xiao Shiyuan , Zhang Yu , Liang Cuiyi , He Minchao , Guo Ying 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Higher alcohols, longer chain alcohols, contain more than 3 carbon atoms, showed close energy advantages as gasoline, and were considered as the next generation substitution for chemical fuels. Higher alcohol biosynthesis by native microorganisms mainly needs gene expression of heterologous keto acid decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenases. In the present study, branched-chain α-keto acid decarboxylase gene from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CICC 6246 (Kivd) and alcohol dehydrogenases gene from Zymomonas mobilis CICC 41465 (AdhB) were transformed into Escherichia coli for higher alcohol production. SDS-PAGE results showed these two proteins were expressed in the recombinant strains. The resulting strain was incubated in LB medium at 37 °C in Erlenmeyer flasks and much more 3-methyl-1-butanol (104 mg/L) than isobutanol (24 mg/L) was produced. However, in 5 g/L glucose-containing medium, the production of two alcohols was similar, 156 and 161 mg/L for C4 (isobutanol) and C5 (3-methyl-1-butanol) alcohol, respectively. Effects of fermentation factors including temperature, glucose content, and α-keto acid on alcohol production were also investigated. The increase of glucose content and the adding of α-keto acids facilitated the production of C4 and C5 alcohols. The enzyme activities of pure Kivd on α-ketoisovalerate and α-ketoisocaproate were 26.77 and 21.24 μmol min−1 mg−1, respectively. Due to its ability on decarboxylation of α-ketoisovalerate and α-ketoisocaproate, the recombinant E. coli strain showed potential application on isoamyl alcohol and isobutanol production.
The lifetime risk of pneumonia in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis at a mean age of 21 years: The role of spinal deformity surgery
Authors: Keskinen Heli , Lukkarinen Heikki , Korhonen Katariina , Jalanko Tuomas , Koivusalo Antti , Helenius Ilkka 
Published: September 2015

Background Patients with neuromuscular disorders often have an increased risk of pneumonia and decreased lung function, which may further be compromised by scoliosis. Scoliosis surgery may improve pulmonary function in otherwise healthy patients, but no study has evaluated its effect on the risk of pneumonia in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). Methods The patient charts of 42 patients (mean age 14.6 years) who had undergone surgery for severe NMS (mean scoliosis 86°) were retrospectively reviewed from birth to a mean of 6.1 years (range 2.8–9.5) after scoliosis surgery. The main outcome was radiographically confirmed pneumonia as a primary cause for hospitalization. We excluded postoperative (3 months) pneumonia from the analyses. Results The lifetime annual incidence of pneumonia was 8.0/100 before and 13.4/100 after scoliosis surgery ( p > 0.10). The mean number of hospital days per year due to pneumonia were 0.59 (SD 2.3) before scoliosis surgery and 2.24 (SD 6.9) after surgery ( p > 0.10). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lifetime risk factors for pneumonia were epilepsy (RR 15.2, 95 % CI 1.3–176.8, p = 0.027), non-cerebral palsy (CP) etiology (RR = 10.2, 95 % CI 3.2–32.7, p < 0.001) and major scoliosis (main curve >70°; RR = 11.3, 95 % CI 1.8–70.7, p = 0.01). Conclusions Epilepsy, non-CP etiology and major scoliosis are significant risk factors for pneumonia in patients with NMS. Scoliosis surgery does not decrease the incidence of pneumonia in patients with severe NMS. Level of Evidence Retrospective comparative study, Level III.
Using our agrobiodiversity: plant-based solutions to feed the world
Authors: Jacobsen Sven-Erik , Sørensen Marten , Pedersen Søren Marcus , Weiner Jacob 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The growing global demand for food poses a serious challenge to mankind: How can we provide an increasing world population with an adequate, reliable and nutritious food supply? We argue that this can best be achieved through the utilization of biodiversity and the inclusion of marginal arable lands for agricultural production, while maintaining a broad gene pool to secure the potential for future plant production and supporting rural agricultural communities. We present several specific examples of how an emphasis on agricultural biodiversity can provide the basis for a nutritional, reliable, culinary and sustainable food production, and analyse the advantages, limitations and risks of an increased focus on agrobiodiversity. We conclude that the potential for approaches based on the preservation and development of existing agrobiodiversity has not been given sufficient attention in the current scientific and political debates concerning the best strategy to keep pace with global population growth and increasing demand for food. An emphasis on agrobiodiversity is the basis for the most appropriate strategies if the goal is to feed the world in the twenty-first century.
The Impact of item flaws, testing at low cognitive level, and low distractor functioning on multiple-choice question quality
Authors: Ali Syed Haris , Ruit Kenneth G. 
Published: September 2015

Background This study investigated the impact of addressing item writing flaws, testing at low cognitive level and non-functioning distractors (< 5 % selection frequency) in multiple-choice assessment in preclinical medical education.
Method Multiple-choice questions with too high or too low difficulty (difficulty index < 0.4 or > 0.8) and insufficient discriminatory ability (point-biserial correlation < 0.2) on previous administration were identified. Items in Experimental Subgroup A underwent removal of item writing flaws along with enhancement of tested cognitive level (21 multiple-choice questions), while Experimental Subgroup B underwent replacement or removal of non-functioning distractors (11 multiple-choice questions). A control group of items (Group C) did not undergo any intervention (23 multiple-choice questions).
Result Post-intervention, the average number of functioning distractors (≥ 5 % selection frequency) per multiple-choice question increased from 0.67 to 0.81 in Subgroup A and from 0.91 to 1.09 in Subgroup B; a statistically significant increase in the number of multiple-choice questions with sufficient point-biserial correlation was also noted. No significant changes were noted in psychometric characteristics of the control group of items.
Conclusion Correction of item flaws, removal or replacement of non-functioning distractors, and enhancement of tested cognitive level positively impact the discriminatory ability of multiple-choice questions. This helps prevent construct-irrelevant variance from affecting the evidence of validity of scores obtained in multiple-choice questions.
Interleukin‐23p19 expression in patients with ulcerative colitis and its relation to disease severity
Authors: El‐Bassat Hanan , AboAli Lobna , El Yamany Sahar , Al Shenawy Hanan , Al Din Rasha A. , Taha Atef 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the mucosal expression of interleukin (IL)‐23p19 has a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, and to determine its relation to disease severity.MethodsThis study was performed on 50 patients with ulcerative colitis and 10 normal individuals as the controls. They were divided into Group I (27 patients with mild to moderate disease), Group II (23 patients with severe disease), and Group III (10 normal individuals). All patients and the controls were subjected to histopathological study, IL‐23p19 immunohistochemical staining, IL‐23R expression by flow cytometry, and serum IL‐23 by enzyme‐linked immunoassay.ResultsThere was a significant increase in IL‐23p19 gene expression and IL‐23R level in patients with ulcerative colitis, compared to the controls. A significant positive correlation was detected between increased expression of the IL‐23p19 gene, IL‐23R, high serum IL‐23, and the severity of the disease.ConclusionIncreased expression of the IL‐23p19 gene has a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Targeted therapy directed against IL‐23p19 may be effective in its treatment. Increased expression of the IL‐23p19 gene and IL‐23R with high serum IL‐23 is correlated positively with disease severity.
Biomarkers for Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Chen Weiqian , Cao Heng , Lin Jin , Olsen Nancy , Zheng Song Guo 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease with exocrine gland dysfunction and multi-organ involvement. Recent progress in understanding the pathogenesis of pSS offers an opportunity to find new biomarkers for the diagnosis and assessment of disease activity. Screening noninvasive biomarkers from the saliva and tears has significant potential. The need for specific and sensitive biomarker candidates in pSS is significant. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the identification of biomarkers of Sjögren syndrome, trying to identify reliable, sensitive, and specific biomarkers that can be used to guide treatment decisions.
Risk of postpartum hemorrhage among Native American women
Authors: Chalouhi Salam E. , Tarutis Jodi , Barros Guilherme , Starke Robert M. , Mozurkewich Ellen L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether Native American women have an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after vaginal delivery.MethodsIn a retrospective study, medical charts were reviewed for patients who delivered vaginally at Rehoboth McKinley Hospital in Gallup, NM, USA, between June 1, 2009, and June 30, 2012. Ethnic origin had been determined by self‐report. PPH was defined as a visually estimated blood loss of more than 500 mL. Multivariable logistic analysis was undertaken to identify factors independently associated with PPH.ResultsAmong 1062 eligible patients, 751 (70.7%) were Native American and 311 (29.3%) were non‐native (white, African American, or Hispanic). A significantly higher proportion of Native Americans than non‐native women developed PPH (87 [11.6%] vs 22 [7.0%]; P = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, Native American ethnic origin was an independent predictor of PPH (odds ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.1–3.0; P = 0.02). In a comparison with white women only, PPH was significantly more frequent among Native American women (87/751 [11.6%] vs 13/194 [6.7%]; P = 0.01).ConclusionNative American women have a higher risk of PPH after vaginal delivery than do non‐native women.
Multidimensional associations of pain and anxiety before and after colposcopy
Authors: Handelzalts Jonathan E. , Krissi Haim , Levy Sigal , Broitman Maayan , Binyamin Liat , Peled Yoav 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of pre‐procedural variables on post‐procedural outcomes following colposcopy.MethodsA prospective study was conducted at Concord Women's Health Center in Israel between March 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. Women waiting for colposcopy were approached and asked to complete questionnaires about anxiety, information‐seeking patterns, fear associated with the examination, and demographics. After the procedure, participants answered questions about pain and state anxiety. The physician performing the procedure assessed the participant's levels of distress. A path analysis model was constructed.ResultsPath analysis showed direct and indirect effects of both demographic and psychological variables on the main outcome measures. Physician's appraisal was related to fear, information seeking, state anxiety, and pain. Post‐procedural state anxiety was related to fear, trait anxiety, pre‐procedural state anxiety, past experience, pain, and information seeking. Pain was related to information seeking and age. Information seeking, pre‐procedural state anxiety, and subjective pain served as mediators for some of these relationships.ConclusionThe effect of various psychological and demographic variables on psychological outcome variables following colposcopy should not be measured independently but rather as inter‐related variables.
Characteristics of HPV prevalence in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Chen Zuyi , Wang Qingming , Ding Xianping , Li Qiongyao , Zhong Rong , Ren Huaying 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of HPV subtypes and analyze variation in infection trends during a 6‐year period in Sichuan Province, China.MethodsA cross‐sectional observational study was conducted at a center in Chengdu between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014. Patients with at least one type of cervical disease confirmed by histology and cytology were eligible for inclusion. Cervical specimens were tested for the presence of high‐risk and low‐risk HPV subtypes by reverse membrane hybridization.ResultsAmong 10 682 participants, 3370 women (31.5%) were infected with HPV. The most frequently detected high‐risk genotypes were HPV16 (n = 791; 27.1%), HPV58 (n = 476; 16.3%), HPV33 (n = 273; 9.4%), HPV52 (n = 244; 8.4%), and HPV18 (n = 201; 6.9%). The most frequently detected low‐risk genotype was HPV6 (n = 703; 40.8%). The detection rates of HPV33 (from 7.9% to 10.2%) and HPV58 (from 14.0% to 16.7%) increased over the 6‐year period, whereas those of HPV16 (from 32.3% to 24.9%) and HPV18 (from 10.0% to 6.2%) decreased. The prevalence of HPV infection was highest among women aged 21–25 years (χ2 = 191.189; P < 0.001).ConclusionHPV58 and HPV33 were the most prevalent subtypes in Sichuan. Changes in the prevalences of infection with different HPV subtypes have been identified.
RETRACTED: Comparison of the postoperative analgesic effects of paracetamol–codeine phosphate and naproxen sodium–codeine phosphate for lumbar disk surgery
Authors: Polat Reyhan , Peker Kevser , Gülöksüz Çiğdem Topçu , Ergil Julide , Akkaya Taylan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compared the efficacy of paracetamol–codeine phosphate and naproxen sodium–codeine phosphate on postoperative pain and tramadol consumption during the first 24 hours after a lumbar disk surgery. After Ethics Committee approval and informed consent had been obtained, 64 patients were allocated into three groups. Patients received oral paracetamol–codeine (300 mg + 30 mg; Group P), naproxen sodium–codeine (550 mg + 30 mg; Group N), or placebo tablets (Group C) 30 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia. Patient‐controlled analgesia was supplied postoperatively using tramadol. Pain intensity, tramadol consumption, and side effects were recorded every 1 hour, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery. Whole study period pain intensity (visual analogue scale scores) was lower in Group P (p = 0.007) and Group N (p = 0.001), compared with Group C, however, there was no statistically significant difference between Group P and Group N regarding pain intensity (p > 0.05). Tramadol consumption was lower in Group P and Group N, compared with Group C (p < 0.001), and in turn the lowest incidence of tramadol consumption was detected in Group P compared with Group N (p < 0.001) and Group C (p < 0.001). Side effects were similar between the groups. Preemptive administration of paracetamol–codeine and naproxen sodium–codeine combination significantly reduced tramadol consumption and provided more effective analgesia compared with placebo. The paracetamol–codeine combination was superior to naproxen sodium–codeine with regard to tramadol consumption.
PRICE DISCRIMINATION AND PRICING-TO-MARKET BEHAVIOR OF BLACK SEA REGION WHEAT EXPORTERS
Authors: GAFAROVA GULMIRA , PEREKHOZHUK OLEKSANDR , GLAUBEN THOMAS 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSubstantial changes in the world wheat market have resulted in a shift in the market shares of the main wheat exporting countries. Since 2002, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine (KRU) have become important wheat exporters on the world market, and their pricing behavior has become a vital issue. By applying the pricing-to-market model to wheat exports, this study analyzes the price-discriminating behavior of KRU wheat exports from 1996 to 2012. The results demonstrate that KRU are able to exercise price discrimination in some importing countries, but in most they either face perfect competition or set common markups in imperfectly competitive markets.
HOW ACCURATE ARE FARMERS IN ASSESSING THE GAINS ASSOCIATED WITH QUALITY? THE CASE OF THE MEAT GOAT INDUSTRY
Authors: GILLESPIE JEFFREY , NYAUPANE NARAYAN , McMILLIN KENNETH 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMeat goat producers were queried to determine subjective estimates of premiums they would receive for slaughter kids of various selection classes. Market-based predicted premium estimates were obtained via regression using published U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service data. Subjective versus market-based predicted premium estimates were compared to determine producer accuracy in predicting premiums. Producers tended to overestimate quality premiums. Producers more accurate in their estimates tended to be larger-scale and older and to hold college degrees, sell more slaughter goats via auction, and manage their goats more intensively. Results contribute to the literature on producer accuracy in predicting prices.
Population genetic differentiation of the black locust gall midgeObolodiplosis robiniae(Haldeman) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae): a North American pest invading Asia
Authors: Shang X. , Yao Y. , Huai W. , Zhao W. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObolodiplosis robiniaeis native to North America and is an important introduced insect pest that forms leaf margin roll galls on species of genusRobinia(Fabaceae) in China. It was first detected in China in 2004, but subsequently spread and provoked local outbreaks. An analysis of a 676-bp sequence of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I was conducted in 560 individuals from 28 populations, in order to (1) assess population genetic structuring and (2) explore possible explanations for the rapid spread and invasion success ofO. robiniae. Yet, only four haplotypes were identified and the nucleotide diversity was low (π = 0.00005) and among the 560 specimens studied, only ten showed haplotypic variation involving no more than three substitutions. The result showed a low degree of genetic diversity among populations of the successful invasive gall midge, which suggested that the pest experienced a severe genetic bottleneck and a loss of genetic diversity after its introduction. The successful establishment and spread ofO. robiniaein China is attributed to the wide distribution of its host plant, thus allowing ample opportunities for gene flow in the pest species, and to the advantageous life history characteristics ofO. robiniae.
Understanding Chieftainship in Botswana: The Status and Powers of Chiefs in Present Day Botswana
Authors: Ifezue Godsglory O 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article seeks to provide a critical analysis and understanding of the institution of chieftainship in Botswana. It looks at the institution of chieftainship starting from before colonization, right through colonization to the present day, post-colonization. It will be observed that interference with the institution started from colonization and continues to the present day. Consequently, this article weaves a discussion of the justification for such interference through an analysis of the status and powers of chiefs during colonization and their status post-colonization. The chiefs’ reaction to the encroachment is also covered, for the chiefs were not simply passive and co-operative while their powers were being taken away.
Evaluating the outcomes of temporal bone resection in metastatic cutaneous head and neck malignancies: 13-year review
Authors: O'Connor A , Behan L , Toner M , Kinsella J , Beausang E , Timon C 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the survival outcomes of patients who underwent lateral temporal bone resection as treatment for metastatic skin cancers.Methods:A single-institute, retrospective chart review was carried out on patients who underwent lateral temporal bone resection between January 2000 and December 2012. Overall survival and disease-free survival rates were calculated.Results:Forty-seven patients underwent temporal bone resection for primary (n= 21) or recurrent (n= 26) malignancies. The majority of patients (95.4 per cent) had advanced disease (stage III or IV). Average patient follow-up duration was 45 months. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were 40 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. The five-year disease-free survival rate was 28 per cent.Conclusion:Aggressive initial surgical resection is warranted in the treatment of these tumours.