bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expected‐value bias in routine third‐trimester growth scans
Authors: Drukker L. , Droste R. , Chatelain P. , Noble J. A. , Papageorghiou A. T. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTObjectivesOperators performing fetal growth scans are usually aware of the gestational age of the pregnancy, which may lead to expected‐value bias when performing biometric measurements. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of expected‐value bias in routine fetal growth scans and assess its impact on standard biometric measurements.MethodsWe collected prospectively full‐length video recordings of routine ultrasound growth scans coupled with operator eye tracking. Expected value was defined as the gestational age at the time of the scan, based on the estimated due date that was established at the dating scan. Expected‐value bias was defined as occurring when the operator looked at the measurement box on the screen during the process of caliper adjustment before saving a measurement. We studied the three standard biometric planes on which measurements of head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) are obtained. We evaluated the incidence of expected‐value bias and quantified the impact of biased measurements.ResultsWe analyzed 272 third‐trimester growth scans, performed by 16 operators, during which a total of 1409 measurements (354 HC, 703 AC and 352 FL; including repeat measurements) were obtained. Expected‐value bias occurred in 91.4% of the saved standard biometric plane measurements (85.0% for HC, 92.9% for AC and 94.9% for FL). The operators were more likely to adjust the measurements towards the expected value than away from it (47.7% vs 19.7% of measurements; P < 0.001). On average, measurements were corrected by 2.3 ± 5.6, 2.4 ± 10.4 and 3.2 ± 10.4 days of gestation towards the expected gestational age for the HC, AC, and FL measurements, respectively. Additionally, we noted a statistically significant reduction in measurement variance once the operator was biased (P = 0.026). Comparing the lowest and highest possible estimated fetal weight (using the smallest and largest biased HC, AC and FL measurements), we noted that the discordance, in percentage terms, was 10.1% ± 6.5%, and that in 17% (95% CI, 12–21%) of the scans, the fetus could be considered as small‐for‐gestational age or appropriate‐for‐gestational age if using the smallest or largest possible measurements, respectively. Similarly, in 13% (95% CI, 9–16%) of scans, the fetus could be considered as large‐for‐gestational age or appropriate‐for‐gestational age if using the largest or smallest possible measurements, respectively.ConclusionsDuring routine third‐trimester growth scans, expected‐value bias frequently occurs and significantly changes standard biometric measurements obtained. © 2019 the Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Urethroplasty with balloon catheterization in fetal lower urinary tract obstruction: observational study of 10 fetuses
Authors: Dębska M. , Koleśnik A. , Kretowicz P. , Olędzka A. , Rebizant B. , Gastoł P. , Dębski R. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo present the preliminary outcomes of fetal urethroplasty using a coronary angioplasty balloon catheter in lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO).MethodsWe included 10 consecutive male fetuses diagnosed with LUTO caused by presumed isolated posterior urethral valves (PUVs), who underwent urethroplasty with a balloon catheter in our center between 2015 and 2018. During urethroplasty, the fetal urethra was dilated using a balloon catheter (diameter, 0.014 inches; balloon size, 2 × 9 mm) inserted under ultrasonographic guidance via an 18‐gauge needle introduced into the fetal bladder.ResultsMean gestational age at the time of urethroplasty was 17.8 (range, 16.5–20.4) weeks. All fetuses survived the procedure without any complications and there was no case of preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes. The procedure was successful in 5/10 (50%) fetuses, while in the other five (50%), we were unable to insert the balloon catheter into the urethra. In the five successfully treated cases, mean gestational age at delivery was 38 (range, 36–40) weeks and presence of PUVs was confirmed after birth. All five neonates micturated spontaneously and presented with normal urine output after birth. During the follow‐up period, the parameters of kidney function were within normal limits in two neonates, whereas signs of impaired renal function were seen in another two. The other was diagnosed with renal insufficiency and required kidney transplant with bladder sparing at 2 years of age.ConclusionsUrethroplasty with a balloon catheter is a new prenatal treatment option for fetuses with PUVs. By restoring fetal micturition, the procedure can preserve normal urinary bladder and kidney function. Although data on its efficacy and potential to differentiate the etiology of LUTO are sparse, a significant advantage of this method is its safety for the fetus and the mother. Even if the neonates develop renal insufficiency, they may be eligible for kidney transplant with connection to their own bladder, without the need for urostomy. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Impurity and Danger: Excerpt from Cape Calypso
Authors: Hemer Oscar 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis chapter assumes that the globally resurging nationalism, identity politics and xenophobia may be explicated by the conceptual dichotomy Purity-Impurity. South Africa is an especially apt case for such analysis. Twenty-five years after the transition, its inhabitants are still divided according to the apartheid categories and very modest progress has been made in breaking former barriers and changing attitudes. Yet, whereas apartheid was one of the foremost applications of a “politics of purity”, the Western Cape has also historically been one of the epicentres of creolisation. By means of an experimental cross-genre (literary and academic) approach, the apartheid vision of “separate development” is here interrogated as suppressed creolisation. The chapter is an abbreviated excerpt from a forthcoming diptych on creolisation vs. racialisation in South Africa.
Soziale Netzwerke und gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten im jungen und mittleren Erwachsenenalter
Authors: von der Lippe Holger , Reis Olaf 
Published: November 2019

Zusammenfassung
In der Literatur werden relevante Zusammenhänge zwischen unterschiedlichen Phänomenen im Lebenslauf junger und mittlerer Erwachsener vermutet: zwischen sozialen und gesundheitlichen Ungleichheiten, biografischen Übergängen (Transitionen), sozialen Beziehungsnetzen und individuellem Gesundheitsverhalten. Viele der hier denkbaren Zusammenhänge sind jedoch noch nicht hinreichend erforscht. Aus einer soziologischen und psychologischen Perspektive berichten wir über verschiedene Lebenslauftheorien der Entwicklung Erwachsener in ihren sozialen Beziehungsgefügen und diskutieren die Passung dieser Theorien für Gesundheit und Gesundheitsverhalten. Wir stellen einigen exemplarische Studien zur gesundheitlichen Bedeutung sozialer Netzwerke in biografischen Anpassungssituation (wie z. B. Paarbildung, Scheidung, Auszug der erwachsenen Kinder) junger und mittlerer Erwachsener vor und schließen, dass nach aktueller Forschungslage Mediatoreffekte sozialer Netzwerke für den Einfluss sozialer Ungleichheiten auf Gesundheit am wahrscheinlichsten sind. Die Forschungslage ist jedoch nicht gefestigt, sodass weitere empirische wie theoretische Anstrengungen als notwendig erachtet werden. Wir schlagen sieben methodologische Konsequenzen für zukünftige Forschungsbemühungen vor.
A European perspective of the cost effectiveness of facial composite tissue allotransplantation
Authors: Borg Tiffanie-Marie , Yalamanchili Seema , Ghali Shadi , Myers Simon , Holmes Simon , Ghanem Ali 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Facial composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) may be considered in cases of severe facial injury. To date, no reports have analysed the cost of potential facial CTA in the UK. The aims of this study were to establish (1) the cost implications without facial CTA, necessitating multiple reconstructive procedures in cases with severe facial deformities, and (2) if facial CTA would be cost-effective in the UK given recent European and North American published cost analyses.

Methods
Hospital episodes’ data from two potential candidates for facial CTA were used to calculate cost of treatment. In these cases, severe facial trauma was managed by multiple disciplinary teams performing numerous conventional reconstructive procedures. One case served as an indicator of the cost of primary reconstruction during the immediate post-traumatic episode, from admission until first discharge. The other served as an indicator of the accumulative cost of care following primary reconstruction from first discharge to six years later. Costs incurred served as a guide for the cost of standard reconstruction in the UK. These were compared with the costs of similar reconstructive procedures performed in the USA. This was used with data reporting the cost of facial CTA in the USA and France to predict the cost of facial CTA in the UK.

Results
Analysis revealed a cost benefit for facial CTA in a UK context that would become apparent from the third year post-transplant onwards.

Conclusion
Facial CTA may therefore be a more cost-effective long-term reconstructive option for patients with severe facial defects.
Level of evidence: Level V, risk/prognostic study.
Effects of urease and nitrification inhibitors on soil N, nitrifier abundance and activity in a sandy loam soil
Authors: Fu Qingling , Abadie Maïder , Blaud Aimeric , Carswell Alison , Misselbrook Tom H. , Clark Ian M. , Hirsch Penny R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInhibitors of urease and ammonia monooxygenase can limit the rate of conversion of urea to ammonia and ammonia to nitrate, respectively, potentially improving N fertilizer use efficiency and reducing gaseous losses. Winter wheat grown on a sandy soil in the UK was treated with urea fertilizer with the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) or a combination of both. The effects on soil microbial community diversity, the abundance of genes involved in nitrification and crop yields and net N recovery were compared. The only significant effect on N-cycle genes was a transient reduction in bacterial ammonia monooxygenase abundance following DCD application. However, overall crop yields and net N recovery were significantly lower in the urea treatments compared with an equivalent application of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, and significantly less for urea with DCD than the other urea treatments.
Prognostic values of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ni Liwei , Tao Jialong , Xu Jianhao , Yuan Xuya , Long Yuming , Yu Na , Wu Runhong , Zhang Yusong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Elevated inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have been identified as poor predictors of survival in several malignancies. This meta-analysis was performed to quantify the effect of pretreatment NLR and PLR on the survival of patients with endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods
This review systematically searched for relevant publications in databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Pooled hazard ratios (pHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were determined and used to explore the association between inflammatory markers and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were also conducted in this meta-analysis.

Results
Nine articles comprising 3390 patients were included. NLR higher than the cutoff was associated with a shorter OS (pHR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.77–2.78) and poorer PFS (pHR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.35–2.41). Patients with elevated PLR had high risk of decreased OS (pHR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.51–2.61) and unfavorable PFS (pHR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.45–2.80).

Conclusions
Elevated NLR and PLR during pretreatment are biomarkers of poor prognosis in patients with EC.
Optimal time allocation in active retirement
Authors: Sánchez-Romero Miguel , Prskawetz Alexia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe set up a lifecycle model of a retired scholar who chooses optimally the time devoted to different activities including physical activity, continued work and social engagement. While time spent in physical activity increases life expectancy, continued scientific publications increases the knowledge stock. We show the optimal trade off between these activities in retirement and its sensitivity with respect to alternative settings of the preference parameters.
Immediate, multiplexed and sequential genome engineering facilitated by CRISPR/Cas9 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Li Zhen-Hai , Meng Hao , Ma Bin , Tao Xinyi , Liu Min , Wang Feng-Qing , Wei Dong-Zhi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
A method called Cas-3P allowing for immediate, multiplexed and sequential genome engineering was developed using one plasmid expressing Cas9 and three marked plasmid backbones (P1, P2 and P3) for guide RNA (gRNA) expression. The three marked gRNA plasmid backbones were recurred in a P1–P2–P3 order for sequential gene targeting, without construction of any additional plasmid and elimination of gRNA plasmid by induction in each round. The efficiency of direct gRNA plasmid curing mediated by Cas-3P was more than 40% in sequential gene targeting. Besides, Cas-3P allowed single-, double- and triple-loci gene targeting with an efficiency of 75%, 36.8% and 8.2% within 3–4 days, respectively. Through three sequential rounds of gene targeting within 10 days, S. cerevisiae was optimized for the production of patchoulol by replacing one promoter, overexpressing three genes and disrupting four genes. The work is important for practical application in the cell factory engineering of S. cerevisiae.
Consensus-based technical recommendations for clinical translation of renal BOLD MRI
Authors: Bane Octavia , Mendichovszky Iosif A. , Milani Bastien , Dekkers Ilona A. , Deux Jean-Francois , Eckerbom Per , Grenier Nicolas , Hall Michael E. , Inoue Tsutomu , Laustsen Christoffer , Lerman Lilach O. , Liu Chunlei , Morrell Glen , Pedersen Michael , Pruijm Menno , Sadowski Elizabeth A. , Seeliger Erdmann , Sharma Kanishka , Thoeny Harriet , Vermathen Peter , Wang Zhen J. , Serafin Zbigniew , Zhang Jeff L. , Francis Susan T. , Sourbron Steven , Pohlmann Andreas , Fain Sean B. , Prasad Pottumarthi V. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHarmonization of acquisition and analysis protocols is an important step in the validation of BOLD MRI as a renal biomarker. This harmonization initiative provides technical recommendations based on a consensus report with the aim to move towards standardized protocols that facilitate clinical translation and comparison of data across sites. We used a recently published systematic review paper, which included a detailed summary of renal BOLD MRI technical parameters and areas of investigation in its supplementary material, as the starting point in developing the survey questionnaires for seeking consensus. Survey data were collected via the Delphi consensus process from 24 researchers on renal BOLD MRI exam preparation, data acquisition, data analysis, and interpretation. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% unanimity in response. Among 31 survey questions, 14 achieved consensus resolution, 12 showed clear respondent preference (65–74% agreement), and 5 showed equal (50/50%) split in opinion among respondents. Recommendations for subject preparation, data acquisition, processing and reporting are given based on the survey results and review of the literature. These technical recommendations are aimed towards increased inter-site harmonization, a first step towards standardization of renal BOLD MRI protocols across sites. We expect this to be an iterative process updated dynamically based on progress in the field.
Disagreement about logic from a pluralist perspective
Authors: Stei Erik 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLogical pluralism is commonly described as the view that there is more than one correct logic. It has been claimed that, in order for that view to be interesting, there has to be at least a potential for rivalry between the correct logics. This paper offers a detailed assessment of this suggestion. I argue that an interesting version of logical pluralism is hard, if not impossible, to achieve. I first outline an intuitive understanding of the notions of rivalry and correctness. I then discuss a natural account of rivalry in terms of disagreement about validity claims and the argument from meaning variance that has been raised against it. I explore a more refined picture of the meaning of validity claims that makes use of the character-content distinction of classical two dimensional semantics. There are three ways in which pluralists can use that framework to argue for the view that different logics may be rivals but could nevertheless be equally correct. I argue that none of them is convincing.
Topical rapamycin reduces markers of senescence and aging in human skin: an exploratory, prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Chung Christina Lee , Lawrence Ibiyonu , Hoffman Melissa , Elgindi Dareen , Nadhan Kumar , Potnis Manali , Jin Annie , Sershon Catlin , Binnebose Rhonda , Lorenzini Antonello , Sell Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAging is a major risk factor for the majority of human diseases, and the development of interventions to reduce the intrinsic rate of aging is expected to reduce the risk for age-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. In the skin, aging manifests itself in photodamage and dermal atrophy, with underlying tissue reduction and impaired barrier function. To determine whether rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug targeting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex, can reduce senescence and markers of aging in human skin, an exploratory, placebo-controlled, interventional trial was conducted in a clinical dermatology setting. Participants were greater than 40 years of age with evidence of age-related photoaging and dermal volume loss and no major morbidities. Thirty-six participants were enrolled in the study, and nineteen discontinued or were lost to follow-up. A significant (P = 0.008) reduction in p16INK4A protein levels and an increase in collagen VII protein levels (P = 0.0077) were observed among participants at the end of the study. Clinical improvement in skin appearance was noted in multiple participants, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed improvement in histological appearance of skin tissue. Topical rapamycin reduced the expression of the p16INK4A protein consistent with a reduction in cellular senescence. This change was accompanied by relative improvement in clinical appearance of the skin and histological markers of aging and by an increase in collagen VII, which is critical to the integrity of the basement membrane. These results indicate that rapamycin treatment is a potential anti-aging therapy with efficacy in humans.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03103893.
Induction of integration-free human-induced pluripotent stem cells under serum- and feeder-free conditions
Authors: Hamada Atsuko , Akagi Eri , Yamasaki Sachiko , Nakatao Hirotaka , Obayashi Fumitaka , Ohtaka Manami , Nishimura Ken , Nakanishi Mahito , Toratani Shigeaki , Okamoto Tetsuji 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHuman-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have shown great potential toward practical and scientific applications. We previously reported the generation of human dental pulp stem cells using non-integrating replication-defective Sendai virus (SeVdp) vector in feeder-free culture with serum-free medium hESF9. This study describes the generation of hiPSCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells to increase the donor population, while reducing biopsy invasiveness. From 6-d-old primary culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with IL-2, hiPSCs were established using SeVdp(KOSM)302L with recombinant Laminin-511 E8 fragments under serum-free condition. The established PBMC-derived hiPSCs showed pluripotency and differentiation ability both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, we evaluated microarray data from PBMC- and dental pulp–derived hiPSCs. These hiPSCs will be beneficial for characterizing the molecular mechanisms of cellular differentiation and may provide useful substrates for developing cellular therapeutics.
Mapping Seafloor Relative Reflectance and Assessing Coral Reef Morphology with EAARL-B Topobathymetric Lidar Waveforms
Authors: Wilson Nicholas , Parrish Christopher E. , Battista Tim , Wright C. Wayne , Costa Bryan , Slocum Richard K. , Dijkstra Jennifer A. , Tyler Matthew T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTopobathymetric lidar is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for benthic habitat mapping, enabling safe, efficient data acquisition over coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems. In 2014, a novel topobathymetric lidar system, the Experimental Advanced Airborne Research Lidar-B (EAARL-B), was used to acquire data in priority habitat areas in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), spanning the 0–44-m depth range. In this study, new algorithms and procedures were developed for generating seafloor relative reflectance, along with a suite of shape-based waveform features from EAARL-B. Waveform features were then correlated with percent cover of coral morphologies, domed and branched, and total cover of hard and soft corals. Results show that the EAARL-B can be used to produce useful seafloor relative reflectance mosaics and also that the additional waveform shape-based features contain additional information that may benefit habitat classification—specifically, to aid in distinguishing among hard corals and their coral morphologies, domed and branched. Knowing the spatial extent of changes in coral communities is important to the understanding of resiliency of coral reefs under stress from human impacts.