bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pancreatogastrostomy versus pancreatojejunostomy for RECOnstruction after partial PANCreatoduodenectomy (RECOPANC): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial UTN U1111-1117-9588
Authors: Wellner Ulrich Friedrich , Brett Sabine , Bruckner Thomas , Limprecht Ronald , Rossion Inga , Seiler Christoph , Sick Olivia , Wegener Inga , Hopt Ulrich Theodor , Keck Tobias ,   RECOPANC Trial Group
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Pancreatoduodenectomy is one of the most complex abdominal operations, usually performed for tumors of the periampullary region and chronic pancreatitis. Leakage of pancreatic juice from the pancreatoenteric anastomosis, called postoperative pancreatic fistula, is the most prominent postoperative complication. Retrospective studies show a significant reduction of fistula rates with pancreatogastrostomy as compared to pancreatojejunostomy, the most frequently employed method of pancreatoenterostomy. Most single-center prospective trials, however, have not validated this finding. A large multicenter trial is needed for clarification.

Methods/design
RECOPANC is a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter trial with two treatment arms, pancreatogastrostomy versus pancreatojejunostomy. The trial hypothesis is that postoperative pancreatic fistula rate is lower after pancreatogastrostomy when compared to pancreatojejunostomy. Fourteen academic centers for pancreatic surgery will participate to allocate 360 patients to the trial. The duration of the entire trial is four years including prearrangement and analyses.

Discussion
Postoperative pancreatic fistula is the main reason for clinically important postoperative morbidity after pancreatoduodenectomy. The primary goal of the chosen reconstruction technique for pancreatoenteric anastomosis is to minimize postoperative fistula rate. A randomized trial performed at multiple high-volume centers for pancreatic surgery is the best opportunity to investigate one of the most crucial issues in pancreatic surgery.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00000767 (2011/03/23), FSI 2011/05/31. Universal Trial Number U1111-1117-9588.
Assessment of behavioral changes associated with oral meloxicam administration at time of dehorning in calves using a remote triangulation device and accelerometers
Authors: Theurer Miles E , White Brad J , Coetzee Johann F , Edwards Lily N , Mosher Ruby A , Cull Charley A 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Dehorning is common in the cattle industry, and there is a need for research evaluating pain mitigation techniques. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of oral meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, on cattle behavior post-dehorning by monitoring the percent of time spent standing, walking, and lying in specific locations within the pen using accelerometers and a remote triangulation device. Twelve calves approximately ten weeks of age were randomized into 2 treatment groups (meloxicam or control) in a complete block design by body weight. Six calves were orally administered 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam at the time of dehorning and six calves served as negative controls. All calves were dehorned using thermocautery and behavior of each calf was continuously monitored for 7 days after dehorning using accelerometers and a remote triangulation device. Accelerometers monitored lying behavior and the remote triangulation device was used to monitor each calf’s movement within the pen.

Results
Analysis of behavioral data revealed significant interactions between treatment (meloxicam vs. control) and the number of days post dehorning. Calves that received meloxicam spent more time at the grain bunk on trial days 2 and 6 post-dehorning; spent more time lying down on days 1, 2, 3, and 4; and less time at the hay feeder on days 0 and 1 compared to the control group. Meloxicam calves tended to walk more at the beginning and end of the trial compared to the control group. By day 5, the meloxicam and control group exhibited similar behaviors.

Conclusions
The noted behavioral changes provide evidence of differences associated with meloxicam administration. More studies need to be performed to evaluate the relationship of behavior monitoring and post-operative pain. To our knowledge this is the first published report demonstrating behavioral changes following dehorning using a remote triangulation device in conjunction with accelerometers.
Optimization of the examination posture in spinal curvature assessment
Authors: Krejci Jakub , Gallo Jiri , Stepanik Petr , Salinger Jiri 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTo decrease the influence of postural sway during spinal measurements, an instrumented fixation posture (called G) was proposed and tested in comparison with the free standing posture (A) using the DTP-3 system in a group of 70 healthy volunteers. The measurement was performed 5 times on each subject and each position was tested by a newly developed device for non-invasive spinal measurements called DTP-3 system. Changes in postural stability of the spinous processes for each subject/the whole group were evaluated by employing standard statistical tools. Posture G, when compared to posture A, reduced postural sway significantly in all spinous processes from C3 to L5 in both the mediolateral and anterioposterior directions. Posture G also significantly reduced postural sway in the vertical direction in 18 out of 22 spinous processes. Importantly, posture G did not significantly influence the spinal curvature.
Topological analysis of protein co-abundance networks identifies novel host targets important for HCV infection and pathogenesis
Authors: McDermott Jason E , Diamond Deborah L , Corley Courtney , Rasmussen Angela L , Katze Michael G , Waters Katrina M 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
High-throughput methods for obtaining global measurements of transcript and protein levels in biological samples has provided a large amount of data for identification of 'target' genes and proteins of interest. These targets may be mediators of functional processes involved in disease and therefore represent key points of control for viruses and bacterial pathogens. Genes and proteins that are the most highly differentially regulated are generally considered to be the most important. We present topological analysis of co-abundance networks as an alternative to differential regulation for confident identification of target proteins from two related global proteomics studies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Results
We analyzed global proteomics data sets from a cell culture study of HCV infection and from a clinical study of liver biopsies from HCV-positive patients. Using lists of proteins known to be interaction partners with pathogen proteins we show that the most differentially regulated proteins in both data sets are indeed enriched in pathogen interactors. We then use these data sets to generate co-abundance networks that link proteins based on similar abundance patterns in time or across patients. Analysis of these co-abundance networks using a variety of network topology measures revealed that both degree and betweenness could be used to identify pathogen interactors with better accuracy than differential regulation alone, though betweenness provides the best discrimination. We found that though overall differential regulation was not correlated between the cell culture and liver biopsy data, network topology was conserved to an extent. Finally, we identified a set of proteins that has high betweenness topology in both networks including a protein that we have recently shown to be essential for HCV replication in cell culture.

Conclusions
The results presented show that the network topology of protein co-abundance networks can be used to identify proteins important for viral replication. These proteins represent targets for further experimental investigation that will provide biological insight and potentially could be exploited for novel therapeutic approaches to combat HCV infection.
Haemophilus pittmaniae respiratory infection in a patient with siderosis: a case report
Authors: Boucher Mathilde Bouc , Bedotto Marielle , Couderc Carine , Gomez Carine , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Drancourt Michel 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Haemophilus pittmaniae was described in 2005 as a new species distantly related to Haemophilus parainfluenzae. This member of the human saliva microbiota has also been further isolated from various body fluids without formal description of the patients.

Case presentation
We report the case of H. pittmaniae isolate made from a sputum specimen collected from a 58-year-old Caucasian man with a massive fibrotic form of siderosis who was awaiting lung transplantation. Identification of the isolate was ascertained by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. H. pittmaniae was considered to be responsible for the worsening of the patient’s chronic respiratory failure and was successfully treated with oral amoxicillin.

Conclusion

H. pittmaniae should be regarded as a new pathogen responsible for respiratory tract infection in patients with chronic lung diseases.
Interaction among apoptosis-associated sequence variants and joint effects on aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Lavender Nicole A , Rogers Erica N , Yeyeodu Susan , Rudd James , Hu Ting , Zhang Jie , Brock Guy N , Kimbro Kevin S , Moore Jason H , Hein David W , Kidd La Creis R 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundMolecular and epidemiological evidence demonstrate that altered gene expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the apoptotic pathway are linked to many cancers. Yet, few studies emphasize the interaction of variant apoptotic genes and their joint modifying effects on prostate cancer (PCA) outcomes. An exhaustive assessment of all the possible two-, three- and four-way gene-gene interactions is computationally burdensome. This statistical conundrum stems from the prohibitive amount of data needed to account for multiple hypothesis testing.MethodsTo address this issue, we systematically prioritized and evaluated individual effects and complex interactions among 172 apoptotic SNPs in relation to PCA risk and aggressive disease (i.e., Gleason score ≥ 7 and tumor stages III/IV). Single and joint modifying effects on PCA outcomes among European-American men were analyzed using statistical epistasis networks coupled with multi-factor dimensionality reduction (SEN-guided MDR). The case-control study design included 1,175 incident PCA cases and 1,111 controls from the prostate, lung, colo-rectal, and ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial. Moreover, a subset analysis of PCA cases consisted of 688 aggressive and 488 non-aggressive PCA cases. SNP profiles were obtained using the NCI Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility (CGEMS) data portal. Main effects were assessed using logistic regression (LR) models. Prior to modeling interactions, SEN was used to pre-process our genetic data. SEN used network science to reduce our analysis from > 36 million to < 13,000 SNP interactions. Interactions were visualized, evaluated, and validated using entropy-based MDR. All parametric and non-parametric models were adjusted for age, family history of PCA, and multiple hypothesis testing.ResultsFollowing LR modeling, eleven and thirteen sequence variants were associated with PCA risk and aggressive disease, respectively. However, none of these markers remained significant after we adjusted for multiple comparisons. Nevertheless, we detected a modest synergistic interaction betweenAKT3 rs2125230-PRKCQ rs571715and disease aggressiveness using SEN-guided MDR (p = 0.011).ConclusionsIn summary, entropy-based SEN-guided MDR facilitated the logical prioritization and evaluation of apoptotic SNPs in relation to aggressive PCA. The suggestive interaction betweenAKT3-PRKCQand aggressive PCA requires further validation using independent observational studies.
Human ocular filariasis: further evidence on the zoonotic role of Onchocerca lupi
Authors: Otranto Domenico , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Cebeci Zafer , Yeniad Baris , Buyukbabani Nesimi , Boral Ozden Buyukbaba , Gustinelli Andrea , Mounir Trimèche , Mutafchiev Yasen , Bain Odile 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundAmong ocular vector-borne pathogens,Onchocerca volvulus, the agent of the so-called “river blindness”, affects about 37 million people globally. OtherOnchocercaspp. have been sporadically reported as zoonotic agents. Cases of canine onchocerciasis caused byOnchocerca lupiare on the rise in the United States and Europe. Its zoonotic role has been suspected but only recently ascertained in a single case from Turkey. The present study provides further evidence on the occurrence ofO. lupiinfesting human eyes in two patients from Turkey (case 1) and Tunisia (case 2). The importance of obtaining a correct sample collection and preparation of nematodes infesting human eyes is highlighted.MethodsIn both cases the parasites were identified with morpho-anatomical characters at the gross examination, histological analysis and anatomical description and also molecularly in case 1.ResultsThe nematode from the first case was obviouslyO. lupibased on their morphology at the gross examination, histological analysis and anatomical description. In the second case, although the diagnostic cuticular characters were not completely developed, other features were congruent with the identification ofO. lupi. Furthermore, the morphological identification was also molecularly confirmed in the Turkish case.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest thatO. lupiinfestation is not an occasional finding but it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other zoonotic helminths causing eye infestation in humans (e.g.,D. immitisandDirofilaria repens). Both cases came from areas where no cases of canine onchocerciasis were previously reported in the literature, suggesting that an in depth appraisal of the infestation in canine populations is necessary. Physicians and ophthalmologists are advised on how to preserve nematode samples recovered surgically, to allow a definitive, correct etiological diagnosis.
The conformational flexibility of the C-terminus of histone H4 promotes histone octamer and nucleosome stability and yeast viability
Authors: Chavez Myrriah S , Scorgie Jean K , Dennehey Briana K , Noone Seth , Tyler Jessica K , Churchill Mair EA 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
The protein anti-silencing function 1 (Asf1) chaperones histones H3/H4 for assembly into nucleosomes every cell cycle as well as during DNA transcription and repair. Asf1 interacts directly with H4 through the C-terminal tail of H4, which itself interacts with the docking domain of H2A in the nucleosome. The structure of this region of the H4 C-terminus differs greatly in these two contexts.

Results
To investigate the functional consequence of this structural change in histone H4, we restricted the available conformations of the H4 C-terminus and analyzed its effect in vitro and in vivo in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One such mutation, H4 G94P, had modest effects on the interaction between H4 and Asf1. However, in yeast, flexibility of the C-terminal tail of H4 has essential functions that extend beyond chromatin assembly and disassembly. The H4 G94P mutation resulted in severely sick yeast, although nucleosomes still formed in vivo albeit yielding diffuse micrococcal nuclease ladders. In vitro, H4G4P had modest effects on nucleosome stability, dramatically reduced histone octamer stability, and altered nucleosome sliding ability.

Conclusions
The functional consequences of altering the conformational flexibility in the C-terminal tail of H4 are severe. Interestingly, despite the detrimental effects of the histone H4 G94P mutant on viability, nucleosome formation was not markedly affected in vivo. However, histone octamer stability and nucleosome stability as well as nucleosome sliding ability were altered in vitro. These studies highlight an important role for correct interactions of the histone H4 C-terminal tail within the histone octamer and suggest that maintenance of a stable histone octamer in vivo is an essential feature of chromatin dynamics.
Orangutan Alu quiescence reveals possible source element: support for ancient backseat drivers
Authors: Walker Jerilyn A , Konkel Miriam K , Ullmer Brygg , Monceaux Christopher P , Ryder Oliver A , Hubley Robert , Smit Arian FA , Batzer Mark A 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Sequence analysis of the orangutan genome revealed that recent proliferative activity of Alu elements has been uncharacteristically quiescent in the Pongo (orangutan) lineage, compared with all previously studied primate genomes. With relatively few young polymorphic insertions, the genomic landscape of the orangutan seemed like the ideal place to search for a driver, or source element, of Alu retrotransposition.

Results
Here we report the identification of a nearly pristine insertion possessing all the known putative hallmarks of a retrotranspositionally competent Alu element. It is located in an intronic sequence of the DGKB gene on chromosome 7 and is highly conserved in Hominidae (the great apes), but absent from Hylobatidae (gibbon and siamang). We provide evidence for the evolution of a lineage-specific subfamily of this shared Alu insertion in orangutans and possibly the lineage leading to humans. In the orangutan genome, this insertion contains three orangutan-specific diagnostic mutations which are characteristic of the youngest polymorphic Alu subfamily, Alu Ye5b5_Pongo. In the Homininae lineage (human, chimpanzee and gorilla), this insertion has acquired three different mutations which are also found in a single human-specific Alu insertion.

Conclusions
This seemingly stealth-like amplification, ongoing at a very low rate over millions of years of evolution, suggests that this shared insertion may represent an ancient backseat driver of Alu element expansion.
Polymer/inorganic nanocomposites with tailored hierarchical structure as advanced dielectric materials
Authors: Manias Evangelos , Randall Clive A. , Tomer Vivek , Polizos Georgios 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTMost advances and commercial successes of polymer/inorganic nanocomposites rely only on the dispersion of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. Such approaches leave untapped opportunities where performance can be improved by controlling the larger length-scale structures. Here, we review selected examples where the hierarchical structure (from millimeter to nanometer) is tailored to control the transport properties of the materials, giving rise to marked property enhancements, relevant to dielectric materials for power capacitors. These examples address composite structures that are self-assembled, both at the nm and the micron scales, and, thus, can be produced using standard industrial practices. Specifically, polyethylene (PE) blends or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) copolymers are reinforced with nanofillers; these composites are designed with high filler orientation, which yielded marked improvements in electric-field breakdown strength and, consequently, large improvements in their recoverable energy densities.
Influence Activities and Favoritism in Subjective Performance Evaluation: Evidence from Chinese State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Du Fei , Tang Guliang , Young S. Mark 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
This study addresses the two-way process in which a subordinate and a superior engage in influence activities (bottom-up) and favoritism (top-down) in subjective Performance Evaluation. The research context is the Chinese government's evaluation of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of China (SASAC). We analyze archival records of the government's evaluation scores, score adjustments, and evaluation ratings given to 63 SOEs between 2005 and 2007. These analyses are also interpreted based on insights gained from in-depth field interviews with SASAC officials and chief financial officers (CFOs) of SOEs. Results indicate that the political connection of SOE CFOs, the geographic proximity of SOE headquarters to the SASAC central office, and political rank of the firm affect the SASAC's evaluations.
Data Availability: Data used in this study cannot be made public due to a confidentiality agreement.
Application of Coupled Structural Acoustic Analysis and Sensitivity Calculations to a Tire Noise Problem
Authors: Aboutorabi H. M. R. , Kung L. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
REFERENCE: H. M. R. Aboutorabi and L. Kung, “Application of Coupled Structural Acoustic Analysis and Sensitivity Calculations to a Tire Noise Problem,” Tire Science and Technology, TSTCA, Vol. 40, No. 1, January – March 2012, pp. 25–41.
ABSTRACT: Tire qualification for an original equipment (OE) program consists of several rounds of submissions by the tire manufacturer for evaluation by the vehicle manufacturer. Tires are evaluated both subjectively, where the tire performance is rated by an expert driver, and objectively, where sensors and testing instruments are used to measure the tire performance. At the end of each round of testing the evaluation results are shared and requirements for performance improvement for the next round are communicated with the tire manufacturer. As building and testing is both expensive and time consuming predictive modeling and simulation analysis that can be applied to the performance of the tire is of great interest and value.
This paper presents an application of finite element analysis (FEA) modeling along with experimental verification to solve tire noise objections at certain frequencies raised by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) account. Coupled structural-acoustic analysis method was used to find modal characteristics of the tire at the objectionable frequencies. Sensitivity calculations were then carried out to evaluate the strength of contribution from each tire component to the identified modes. Based on these findings changes to the construction were proposed and implemented that addressed the noise issue.
Is postresective intraoperative electrocorticography predictive of seizure outcomes in children?
Authors: Wray Carter D. , McDaniel Sharon S. , Saneto Russell P. , Novotny Edward J. , Ojemann Jeffrey G. 
Published: April 2012

Object
Intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) is commonly used to guide the extent of resection, especially in lesion-associated intractable epilepsy. Interictal epileptiform discharges on postresective ECoG (post-ECoG) have been predictive of seizure recurrence in some studies, particularly in adults undergoing medial temporal lobectomy, frontal lesionectomy, or low-grade glioma resection. The predictive value of postresective discharges in pediatric epilepsy surgery has not been extensively studied.

Methods
The authors retrospectively examined the charts of all 52 pediatric patients who had undergone surgery with post-ECoG and had more than 1 year of follow-up between October 1, 2003, and October 1, 2009.

Results
Of the 52 pediatric patients, 37 patients showed residual discharges at the end of their resection and 73% of these patients were seizure free, whereas 15 patients had no residual discharges and 60% of them were seizure-free, which was not significantly different (p = 0.36, chi-square).

Conclusions
Electrocorticography-guided surgery was associated with excellent postsurgical outcome. Although this sample size was too small to detect a subtle difference, absence of epileptiform discharges on post-ECoG does not appear to predict seizure freedom in all pediatric patients referred for epilepsy surgery. Future studies with larger study samples would be necessary to confirm this finding and determine whether post-ECoG may be useful in some subsets of pediatric epilepsy surgery candidates.