bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclo‐Gly‐Pro, a cyclic dipeptide, attenuates nociceptive behaviour and inflammatory response in mice
Authors: Ferro Jamylle Nunes de Souza , de Aquino Fernanda Lima Torres , de Brito Renan Guedes , dos Santos Priscila Laíse , Quintans Jullyana de Souza Siqueira , de Souza Lucas Costa , de Araújo Almair Ferreira , Diaz Bruno Lourenço , Lucca‐Júnior Waldecy , Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo José , Barreto Emiliano 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe present study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects of the cyclic dipeptide cyclo‐Gly‐Pro (CGP) in mice. Antinociceptive activity was assessed by employing different pain models, such as formalin test, acetic acid‐induced writhing, hot plate test, and carrageenan‐induced hyperalgesia, in mice. The number of c‐Fos‐immunoreactive cells in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) was evaluated in CGP‐treated mice. Anti‐inflammatory activity was evaluated using paw oedema induced by carrageenan, compound 48/80, serotonin, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and analyzed by plethysmometry. Quantitation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the paw was carried out to analyze the presence of neutrophils in the tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of CGP produced a significant inhibition in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin‐induced pain. The antinociceptive effect of CGP, evaluated in the acetic acid‐induced writhing test, was detected for up to 6 h after treatment. Further, in the hot plate test, antinociceptive behaviour was evoked by CGP, and this response was inhibited by naloxone. Animals treated with CGP did not present changes in motor performance. In CGP‐treated mice there was an increase in the number of c‐Fos‐positive neurons in the periaqueductal gray. In another set of experiments, CGP attenuated the hyperalgesic response induced by carrageenan. Furthermore, CGP also reduced the carrageenan‐increased MPO activity in paws. In addition, CGP also reduced the paw oedema evoked by compound 48/80, serotonin, and PGE2. Taken together, these results may support a possible therapeutic application of the cyclic dipeptide cyclo‐Gly‐Pro toward alleviating nociception and damage caused by inflammation conditions.
Banking Structure, Marketization, and Small Business Development: Regional Evidence From China
Authors: Hasan Iftekhar , Kobeissi Nada , Wang Haizhi , Zhou Mingming 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper provides an empirical examination of the regional banking structures in China and their effects on entrepreneurial activity. Using a panel of 27 provinces and four directly controlled municipalities from 1997 through 2008, we find that the presence of large banking institutions negatively correlates with small business development in local markets and that this negative relation is driven mainly by participation of large banks in the short‐term loan market. Rural banking institutions, in contrast, are found to promote regional entrepreneurial activity. Moreover, large state banks facilitate small business development in concentrated markets. When we interact measures of banking financing by state banks and rural banking institutions with a set of provincial‐level marketization indexes, we find that extensive marketization, factor market development and sophistication of legal frameworks mitigate the negative effect of large state banks on small business development. In provinces with advanced market development, efficient factor markets and favourable institutional settings, the positive effect of rural banking institutions on small business growth is even stronger.
Successful radiotherapy in postoperative recurrence of a primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor: A case report
Authors: Sakaguchi Masakuni , Maebayashi Toshiya , Aizawa Takuya , Ishibashi Naoya , Fukushima Shoko , Saito Tsutomu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA woman in her 60s was evaluated for anterior chest pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 50 mm mass with irregular contrast enhancement in the anterior mediastinum. α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated to 1188 ng/mL. A germ cell tumor was diagnosed, mostly comprising of a yolk sac tumor (YST). Two courses of chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) and etoposide (VP16) were administered and surgical tumor resection was then performed. The final diagnosis was YST. CDDP and VP16 were continued postoperatively; however, because the AFP level increased about six months after surgery, the chemotherapy regimen was altered to bleomycin and CPT‐11. As the AFP again increased and a CT scan revealed tumor re‐enlargement, recurrent YST was diagnosed and radiotherapy was administered. The patient received a total of 60 Gy (2 Gy per fraction). The tumor started to shrink during radiotherapy and AFP levels decreased. By one month post‐radiotherapy, AFP levels had normalized and the tumor had disappeared. As of six years after radiotherapy, the patient remains alive without recurrence. Mediastinal YSTs are rare, and treatment usually includes surgery and preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin‐based regimens. Successful treatment with radiotherapy has occasionally been reported. Our patient showed recurrence of a YST after surgery and chemotherapy, but achieved long‐term survival after radiotherapy. Few patients with YST have undergone radiotherapy, but this approach was successful in our patient. In cases of postoperative recurrent YST resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, together with salvage surgery, may offer a valuable option.
Effects of Common Data Errors in Electronic Health Records on Emergency Department Operational Performance Metrics: A Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Ward Michael J. , Self Wesley H. , Froehle Craig M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to estimate how data errors in electronic health records (EHRs) can affect the accuracy of common emergency department (ED) operational performance metrics.MethodsUsing a 3‐month, 7,348‐visit data set of electronic time stamps from a suburban academic ED as a baseline, Monte Carlo simulation was used to introduce four types of data errors (substitution, missing, random, and systematic bias) at three frequency levels (2, 4, and 7%). Three commonly used ED operational metrics (arrival to clinician evaluation, disposition decision to exit for admitted patients, and ED length of stay for admitted patients) were calculated and the proportion of ED visits that achieved each performance goal was determined.ResultsEven small data errors have measurable effects on a clinical organization's ability to accurately determine whether it is meeting its operational performance goals. Systematic substitution errors, increased frequency of errors, and the use of shorter‐duration metrics resulted in a lower proportion of ED visits reported as meeting the associated performance objectives. However, the presence of other error types mitigated somewhat the effect of the systematic substitution error. Longer time‐duration metrics were found to be less sensitive to data errors than shorter time‐duration metrics.ConclusionsInfrequent and small‐magnitude data errors in EHR time stamps can compromise a clinical organization's ability to determine accurately if it is meeting performance goals. By understanding the types and frequencies of data errors in an organization's EHR, organizational leaders can use data management best practices to better measure true performance and enhance operational decision‐making.
Complications associated with secondary orbital implantations
Authors: Sundelin Karin C , Dafgård Kopp Eva M E 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate complications associated with secondary procedures for orbital implants.MethodsA retrospective review was made of the records of patients who had undergone a secondary orbital implantation at a tertiary referral centre at St Erik Eye Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, from 1998 up to and including the first half of 2009. Implant‐related complications were noted as was demographic and surgical background data. The regional ethics committee in Stockholm gave its approval for this study.ResultsSeventy‐one patients had received a secondary orbital implant at the eye hospital. Implant‐related complications were noted in 24 patients (34%), and 20 patients required reoperation/s (28%). There were five types of complications: migration of the implant (13%), insufficient orbital volume (10%), exposure/extrusion/infection (8%), mechanical obstruction (1%) and socket oedema (1%). Analyses of sizes and types of implants, wrapping and surgical techniques did not reveal any specific factor that resulted in an increased number of complications. However, there was an indication that aluminium oxide might be associated with fewer complications (2/11 = 18%).ConclusionOur results show that secondary orbital implantations have high complication rates and that further surgery is needed in more than a quarter of cases. It is important to consider these facts when planning to insert secondary implants and to provide patients with accurate information about the procedure and possible outcomes.
Social Class, Economic Inequality, and the Convergence of Policy Preferences: Evidence from 24 Modern Democracies
Authors: Andersen Robert , Curtis Josh 
Published: August 2015

Using data from the World Values Survey and national‐level indicators for 24 modern democracies, we assess the influence of social class and economic inequality on preferences for government responsibility. We improve on previous research by using multilevel models that account for differences in attitudes both within (i.e., over time) and across countries. Our findings are consistent with the economic self‐interest hypothesis. Specifically, working class individuals, who tend to gain the most from government intervention because of their low and often more precarious economic position, are more likely than others to support government intervention. We also find a positive relationship between national‐level income inequality and support for government intervention. As income inequality rises, its social ills tend to be more pervasive, resulting in public opinion becoming more supportive of governments taking responsibility for their citizens. We further demonstrate that inequality moderates the relationship between social class and attitudes. Although the effect of income inequality is positive for all social classes, attitudes across social classes become more similar as inequality rises.Utilisant les données de World Values Survey et indicateurs de niveau national, nous évaluons l'influence de la classe sociale et l'inégalité économique sur les préférences en matière de responsabilité du gouvernement dans 24 démocraties modernes. Notre analyse se améliore sur la recherche précédente en utilisant des modèles à plusieurs niveaux qui tiennent compte des différences dans les attitudes au sein (ce est à dire, au fil du temps) et entre les pays. Nos résultats sont cohérents avec l'hypothèse d'auto‐ intérêt économique. Par exemple, les travailleurs ‐ qui ont tendance à bénéficier plus quand le gouvernement intervient dans l’économie en raison de leurs faibles revenus et souvent position plus précaire ‐ sont plus susceptibles que d'autres à un soutien responsabilité du gouvernement. Nous constatons également une relation positive entre l'inégalité des revenus au niveau national et le soutien à l'intervention du gouvernement. Comme l'inégalité des revenus se élève—et ses maux sociaux ont tendance à être plus répandue—l'opinion publique devient plus favorable des gouvernements assument la responsabilité de citoyens. Tout aussi important, cependant, nous démontrons également que la relation entre la social classe et les préférences pour la responsabilisation du gouvernement diffèrent par la quantité de l'inégalité des revenus dans un pays. Bien que l'effet de l'inégalité des revenus est positif pour toutes les classes sociales, les différences dans les attitudes de la classes sociale convergent que l'inégalité augmente.
Six‐year incidence of visually significant age‐related cataract: the Chennai eye disease incidence study
Authors: Panday Manish , George Ronnie , Asokan Rashima , Ve Ramesh Satyamangalam , Velumuri Lokapavani , Choudhari Nikhil S , Boddupalli Sachi Devi , Sunil Govindan T , Vijaya Lingam 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to report the 6‐year incidence of age‐related cataract in a population‐based study.DesignThe design used is a population‐based cohort study.ParticipantsA cohort of 2484 phakic subjects, aged 40 years and above at baseline, from a south Indian population was included in the study.MethodsBilateral phakics with visual acuity of 6/12 or better and cataract less than N2, C2 and P2 on the Lens Opacities Classification System II at baseline were included. Subjects with glaucoma and corneal or retinal diseases were excluded. Incident visually significant cataract was defined as visual acuity of less than 6/18 with a corresponding one grade or greater change in Lens Opacities Classification System II or history of having undergone cataract surgery with evidence of pseudophakia or aphakia at the 6‐year follow‐up.Main Outcome MeasuresSix‐year incidence of visually significant cataract and associated risk factors data were collected.ResultsIncident visually significant cataract at 6 years was seen in 158 subjects (6.36%, 95% CI: 5.40–7.32, phakics:pseudophakics/aphakics 70:88). Incidence was higher in the rural cohort as compared with the urban cohort (P < 0.001). Incidence increased with age and was highest in the ≥70 years age group (odds ratio (OR):31.23, 95% CI: 15.20–64.16, P < 0.001). Other associated risk factors included illiteracy (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.17–2.61, P = 0.007) and smoking (OR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.08–2.88, P = 0.02).ConclusionsA significant proportion of the population developed visually significant age‐related cataract at 6 years. Incident visually significant cataract was significantly greater for the rural cohort between 50 and 69 years old.
Projective Blue‐Noise Sampling
Authors: Reinert Bernhard , Ritschel Tobias , Seidel Hans‐Peter , Georgiev Iliyan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe propose projective blue‐noise patterns that retain their blue‐noise characteristics when undergoing one or multiple projections onto lower dimensional subspaces. These patterns are produced by extending existing methods, such as dart throwing and Lloyd relaxation, and have a range of applications. For numerical integration, our patterns often outperform state‐of‐the‐art stochastic and low‐discrepancy patterns, which have been specifically designed only for this purpose. For image reconstruction, our method outperforms traditional blue‐noise sampling when the variation in the signal is concentrated along one dimension. Finally, we use our patterns to distribute primitives uniformly in 3D space such that their 2D projections retain a blue‐noise distribution.
Caesarean delivery and the risk of offspring overweight and obesity over the life course: a systematic review and bias‐adjusted meta‐analysis
Authors: Sutharsan R. , Mannan M. , Doi S. A. , Mamun A. A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryA causal role of Caesarean delivery (CD) on developing overweight and obesity in the life course of offspring has been postulated. However, the true strength of this association is not clear and the potential for confounding has not been adequately addressed. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to evaluate the strength of this association, this time using a bias‐adjusted model in addition to conventional methods. Our search yielded 32 estimates from 14 publications (n = 261 000) for meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis of seven estimates (n = 194 463) demonstrated a trend only towards a risk increase (RR = 1.15; 95% CI:0.94, 1.40) in overweight and obesity combined (ow+ob) due to CD in early childhood (0–5 years) and a similar trend was observed for mid‐childhood and adolescence (5–18 years). In adulthood, a moderate increase in risk for ow+ob due to CD was observed (n = 30 200) (RR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.02, 1.34). Results for obesity and overweight separately were stronger for obesity and demonstrated a decreasing effect across the three life stages. Conventional methods of analysis suggested less uncertainty than we report and publication bias assessment was strongly suggestive of a bias in favour of positive studies. The current analysis therefore suggests that the small effects seen with CD in this and previous meta‐analyses are probably a cumulative consequence of several biases we have outlined, including confounding effect and publication bias.
Intersphincteric completion proctectomy with omentoplasty for chronic presacral sinus after low anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Musters G. D. , Borstlap W. A. , Bemelman W. A. , Buskens C. J. , Tanis P. J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine the clinical outcome of salvage surgery without restoring continuity for symptomatic chronic presacral sinus after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer.MethodOut of a prospective cohort of 46 patients with chronic presacral sinus (> 1 year after LAR), 27 underwent completion proctectomy with omentoplasty between January 2005 and July 2014.ResultsThe initial treatment for rectal cancer included neoadjuvant radiotherapy in 26 (96%) patients. Besides a chronic presacral sinus, a secondary fistula was present in 15 (56%) patients. Definitive salvage surgery was performed after a median of 40 (12–350) months from the primary resection. The median hospital stay after single‐ and multiple‐stage salvage surgery was 11 and 17 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 44% of patients. The re‐intervention rate was 33% with a range of 1–10 interventions per patient. During a median follow‐up of 20 (4–45) months from salvage surgery, healing of the chronic presacral sinus occurred in 78% of patients, with a healing rate after single‐ and multiple‐stage procedures of 88% and 64% respectively (P = 0.19).ConclusionPatients with a symptomatic chronic presacral sinus after LAR for rectal cancer, in whom restoration of continuity is not intended, can be effectively managed by completion proctectomy with complete debridement of the sinus and fistula tracts followed by an omentoplasty to fill the presacral cavity, preferably as a single‐stage procedure.
Laparoscopic salvage lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for locally recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: Akiyoshi T. , Nagata J. , Nagasaki T. , Konishi T. , Fujimoto Y. , Nagayama S. , Fukunaga Y. , Ueno M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThe lateral pelvic lymph nodes are one of the major sites and sources of local recurrence (LR) after surgery for rectal cancer. Salvage lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLD) is potentially curative, but the value of laparoscopic surgery in such cases is unknown. Our aim was to report the technical details of laparoscopic salvage LPLD for LR at these nodes after rectal cancer surgery.MethodThe study was based on nine patients who underwent laparoscopic salvage LPLD for LR at the lateral pelvic lymph nodes after surgery for rectal cancer. The safety and feasibility of this procedure were determined.ResultsThe median operation time was 381 min and the median estimated blood loss was 130 ml. There were no conversions. Adjacent structures removed en bloc were the pelvic plexus in four patients, the internal iliac artery in seven patients and the seminal vesicle in one patient. The median number of metastatic lymph nodes was 1 (range 1–11).ConclusionOur novel technique of laparoscopic salvage LPLD for LR at the lateral pelvic lymph nodes is safe and feasible.
Coronary events in obese hemodialysis patients before and after renal transplantation
Authors: De Lima Jose Jayme G. , Gowdak Luis Henrique W. , de Paula Flavio J. , Muela Henrique Cotchi S. , David‐Neto Elias , Bortolotto Luiz A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe examined the impact of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, n = 357) on prognosis in 1696 hemodialysis (HD) patients before and after renal transplantation (TX). End‐points were coronary events, composite cardiovascular (CV) events, and death. Obese HD patients were older (55.9 ± 9.2 vs. 54.2 ± 11), had more diabetes (54% vs. 40%), dyslipidemia (49% vs. 30%), altered myocardial scan (38% vs. 31%), myocardial infarction (MI) (16% vs. 10%), coronary intervention (11% vs. 7%), higher total cholesterol (186 ± 52 vs. 169 ± 47), and triglycerides (219 ± 167 vs. 144 ± 91). Obese undergoing TX had more dyslipidemia (46% vs. 31%), angina (23% vs. 14%), MI (18% vs. 5%), increased total cholesterol (185 ± 56 vs. 172 ± 48), and triglycerides (237 ± 190 vs. 149 ± 100). Obesity was independently associated with coronary events (log‐rank = 0.008, HR 2.55% CI 1.27–5.11) and death (log‐rank 0.046, HR 1.52, % CI 1.007–2.30) in TX but not in HD. Obese HD patients had more risk factors and ischemic heart disease, but these characteristics did not interfere with prognosis. In TX patients, obesity predicts coronary events and death.
Intraepidermal nerve‐fibre density as a biomarker of the course of neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Divisova S. , Vlckova E. , Srotova I. , Kincova S. , Skorna M. , Dusek L. , Dubovy P. , Bednarik J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimsThis paper aims to investigate whether intraepidermal nerve‐fibre density (IENFD) may be used as a marker of the course of neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsSkin biopsies from the distal leg were serially evaluated in a group of 30 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (median age 60 years, 17 men) with a short duration of diabetes (< 3 years) and good glucose control, and in 23 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The time intervals between biopsies were > 2 years (median 33.8 months). Eighteen patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus had symptoms or signs of distal symmetrical diabetic polyneuropathy, 12 had no neuropathy.ResultsAt first skin biopsy, IENFD was normal in all controls and in patients without neuropathy (mean 9.5 and 7.9 fibres/mm, respectively) compared with abnormal IENFD in 77.8% in patients with polyneuropathy (mean 3.4 fibres/mm). The annual rate of intraepidermal nerve‐fibre (IENF) loss expressed as a percentage of the first IENFD value in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy was significantly higher [mean (se), 11.95 (3.82)%] compared with controls [1.92 (1.81)%, P < 0.001] and similar to patients without polyneuropathy [12.16 (4.38)%]. The rate of IENF loss did not correlate with degree of glucose control.ConclusionsThe annual rate of IENF loss in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus was several times higher than that of healthy participants, irrespective of the presence of signs or symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy at initial evaluation. The change in IENFD is not linear and should be expressed as a proportion of initial IENFD to serve as a marker of the course of diabetic neuropathy.