bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histology of myopic posterior scleral staphylomas
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Ohno‐Matsui Kyoko , Holbach Leonard , Panda‐Jonas Songhomitra 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeSince histomorphometric descriptions of posterior scleral staphylomas, although forming a major part of myopic maculopathy, have been scarce so far, we histomorphometrically examined scleral staphylomas in enucleated human eyes.MethodsUsing light microscopy, we histomorphometrically examined sagittal histological sections of human globes enucleated due to malignant choroidal melanomas or secondary angle‐closure glaucoma.ResultsOut of 246 globes included into the study, posterior scleral staphylomas were detected in 10 eyes (mean length: 31.4 ± 3.0 mm; range: 28.0–37.0 mm). In the staphylomatous region in the study group as compared with the corresponding region of a control group adjusted for age and axial length, scleral thickness was significantly lower (109 ± 25 µm versus 319 ± 161 µm; p = 0.001). The study group in the staphylomatous region as compared to the highly myopic control group in the corresponding region did not differ significantly in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell density (19.6 ± 4.9 cells/300 µm versus 21.1 ± 5.7 cells/300 µm; p = 0.84) and RPE height (8.2 ± 2.8 µm versus 6.1 ± 2.5 µm; p = 0.13), Bruch’s membrane (BM) thickness (3.5 ± 1.3 µm versus 4.2 ± 2.3 µm; p = 0.40) and choriocapillaris thickness (5.3 ± 2.8 µm versus 4.4 ± 2.8 µm; p = 0.49) and density (164 ± 99 µm versus 226 ± 38 µm; p = 0.13). All staphylomatous regions showed a localized BM defect.ConclusionsMarked scleral thinning and spatially correlated BM defects histologically characterized myopic scleral staphylomas, while thickness and density of the choriocapillaris and RPE and BM thickness did not differ significantly between staphylomatous versus non‐staphylomatous eyes in the respective regions. These findings support the notion that a locally reduced scleral resistance against a backward pushing BM led to a local scleral outpouching. The outpouching‐associated increase in curvature length may stretch BM with the sequel of a localized BM rupture.
Congenital cataract in newborns: A qualitative study on parents’ experiences of the surgery and subsequent care
Authors: De Lima Sara , Kugelberg Maria , Jirwe Maria 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeHaving a child with congenital cataract that requires surgery, contact lens treatment, and frequent medication is a life‐altering experience. The aim of this study was to provide more in‐depth knowledge of parents’ experiences of diagnosis, surgery, and subsequent care, in order to find the areas for improvement.MethodsData were collected via semi‐structured interviews with parents recruited from St. Erik Eye Hospital, Sweden. The children were operated for congenital cataract before 3 months of age and were aged 12–24 months at the time of the interviews. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.ResultsThree themes emerged from the data: living in a turbulent time before the diagnosis, coping during the time of initial treatment, and managing the responsibility of their child’s visual development. All parents expressed confidence in the operating unit. However, there was a clear need for reliable information on the condition, the surgery, and likely the long‐term outcome in the time between receiving the preliminary diagnosis at the maternity ward and getting it confirmed by a paediatric ophthalmologist.ConclusionMuch of the parents’ concern in this turbulent time is linked to poor information before the visit to the eye hospital. We, therefore, recommend earlier contact with the eye hospital, preferably at the time of writing the referral. Moreover, the possibility of providing up‐to‐date information via alternative information channels such as smartphone apps should be investigated.
Which type of producer organization is (more) inclusive? Dynamics of farmers’ membership and participation in the decision‐making process
Authors: Mwambi Mercy , Bijman Jos , Mshenga Patience 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProducer organizations (POs) provide benefits to smallholders by alleviating market access challenges. However, whether all farmers benefit from a PO is still a question. Limited evidence is available on whether POs are inclusive of poor farmers. Even if the poor join, do they participate in decision‐making? We conducted interviews with 595 smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya. We distinguish three groups; members of a bargaining PO, members of a processing PO and non‐members. We show that membership is related to the structural characteristics of the organization: processing POs favor membership of farmers that are wealthier, more educated and more innovative. As to participation in the decision‐making process: older, male and specialized farmers have a higher chance of being involved than poor farmers. Factors distinguishing farmer participation in decision‐making between bargaining and processing POs are highlighted. We find that a bargaining PO is more inclusive of all groups of farmers, while women and poor farmers are excluded from decision‐making in a processing PO. Our findings contribute to policymaking on inclusive development.
An analysis of business ethics in the cultural contexts of different religions
Authors: Gallego‐Alvarez Isabel , Rodríguez‐Domínguez Luis , Martín Vallejo Javier 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe aim of our research is to analyze how different religions influence business ethics. We develop an index of practices in the field of business ethics, made up of 19 items containing practices related to workers, consumers, products, human rights, management of ethical conflicts, and crime prevention. Also, we consider a wide range of religion affiliations. To undertake this research, we use a panel data sample composed of 11,956 firm‐year observations from 18 countries. Drawing on stakeholder theory, we posit some hypotheses based on the religions considered. The results obtained show that a higher percentage of religious adherents in the country where a company does business usually involve the implementation of more ethical practices in the corporate field. These findings are obtained for Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu religions. In contrast, this does not stand for Buddhist and folk religions. Also, countries where there is no predominant religion do not show a confluence between religion and ethical corporate practices.
Simulation in Urological Training and Education (SIMULATE): Protocol and curriculum development of the first multicentre international randomized controlled trial assessing the transferability of simulation‐based surgical training
Authors: Aydin Abdullatif , Ahmed Kamran , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Ahmed Hashim U. , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar ,   the SIMULATE Trial Group
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo report the study protocol for the first international multicentre randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of simulation‐based surgical training and the development process for an evidence‐based training curriculum, to be delivered as an educational intervention.Participants and MethodsThis prospective, international, multicentre randomized controlled clinical and educational trial will recruit urology surgical trainees who must not have performed ≥10 of the selected index procedure, ureterorenoscopy (URS). Participants will be randomized to simulation‐based training (SBT) or non‐simulation‐based training (NSBT), the latter of which is the current sole standard of training globally. The primary outcome is the number of procedures required to achieve proficiency, where proficiency is defined as achieving a learning curve plateau of 28 or more on an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) assessment scale, for three consecutive operations, without any complications. All participants will be followed up either until they complete 25 procedures or for 18 months. Development of the URS SBT curriculum took place through a two‐round Delphi process.ResultsA total of 47 respondents, consisting of trainees (n = 24) with URS experience and urolithiasis specialists (n = 23), participated in round 1 of the Delphi process. Specialists (n = 10) finalized the content of the curriculum in round 2. The developed interventional curriculum consists of initial theoretic knowledge through didactic lectures followed by select tasks and cases on the URO‐Mentor (Simbionix, Lod, Israel) VR Simulator, Uro‐Scopic Trainer (Limbs & Things, Bristol, UK) and Scope Trainer (Mediskills, Manchester, UK) models for both semi‐rigid and flexible URS. Respondents also selected relevant non‐technical skills scenarios and cadaveric simulation tasks as additional components, with delivery subject to local availability.ConclusionsSIMULATE is the first multicentre trial investigating the effect and transferability of supplementary SBT on operating performance and patient outcomes. An evidence‐based training curriculum is presented, developed with expert and trainee input. Participants will be followed and the primary outcome, number of procedures required to proficiency, will be reported alongside key clinical secondary outcomes, (ISCRTN 12260261).
Motor skills and later communication development in early childhood: Results from a population‐based study
Authors: Valla Lisbeth , Slinning Kari , Kalleson Runa , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Riiser Kirsti 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundMotor milestones in infancy are important developmental markers, not only for later motor skills but also for more widespread social, cognitive, and communication development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between fine and gross motor development in infants at 6 and 12 months of age and communication skills at 24 months of age.MethodsThe Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐II) was used to measure gross motor, fine motor, and communication skills in a large population‐based sample of 1,555 infants, recruited from well‐baby clinics in five municipalities in South‐Eastern Norway. Of these, 557 children had valid values of gross and fine motor scores at 6 and 12 months and for communication score at 24 months. The relationships between motor skills at 6 and 12 months and communication skills at 24 months were analysed using a linear regression analysis.ResultsGross motor skills at 6 months were positively associated with communication skills at 24 months (coefficients 0.09,p= 0.036) and fine motor skills at 12 months were positivelyassociated with communication skills at 24 months (coefficient 0.23,p< 0.001). We did not find clear evidence for a relationship between gross motor skills at 12 months and communication skills at 24 months (coefficient 0.05,p= 0.126) or between fine motor skills at 6 months and communication skills at 24 months (coefficient 0.08,p= 0.098).ConclusionThe present study supports previous research showing associations between early motor development and later communication development in infancy. Targeted intervention should be considered with at‐risk infants.
Does the solitary parasitoid Microplitis pennatulae use a combinatorial approach to manipulate its host?
Authors: Mohan Prabitha , Sinu Palatty Allesh 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHost manipulation is a strategy used by some parasites to enhance their transmission. These parasites use a combination of neuropharmacological, psychoneuroimmunological, genomic/proteomic, or symbiont‐mediated mechanisms to manipulate their hosts. Bodyguard manipulation occurs when parasitized hosts guard parasitoid pupae to protect them from their natural enemies. Bodyguard‐manipulated hosts exhibit altered behaviours only after the egression of parasitoid prepupae. Behavioural changes in post‐parasitoid egressed hosts could have resulted from their altered physiology. Previous studies have shown that gregarious manipulative parasitoids induce multiple physiological changes in their host, but the physiological changes induced by solitary manipulative parasitoids are unknown. Microplitis pennatulae Ranjith & Rajesh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a larval parasitoid of Psalis pennatula Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). After the egression of parasitoid prepupae, P. pennatula stops its routine activities and protects the parasitoid pupa from hyperparasitoids by body thrashes. In this study, we looked into the physiological changes induced by the solitary manipulative parasitoid, M. pennatulae, in its host, P. pennatula, during various stages of parasitization. We considered octopamine concentration and phenoloxidase (PO) activity as biomarkers of physiological change. We also examined whether M. pennatulae has a symbiotic virus and whether the wasp transfers it to the host during parasitization. We found that octopamine concentration was low in the pre‐parasitoid egressed host, but it was elevated after the parasitoid egressed. Phenoloxidase activity was lower in the pre‐ and post‐parasitoid egressed host than in the unparasitized host. We also detected symbiotic bracovirus (BV) in the wasp ovaries and isolated the BV virulence gene from the parasitised host. Our study suggests that solitary parasitoids also induce multiple physiological changes to influence the host behaviour to their advantage, as is the case with the gregarious parasitoids.
Pregabalin adjunctive therapy for focal onset seizures in children 1 month to <4 years of age: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, video‐electroencephalographic trial
Authors: Mann Donald , Antinew Jeremias , Knapp Lloyd , Almas Mary , Liu Jing , Scavone Joseph , Yang Ruoyong , Modequillo Margaret , Makedonska Iryna , Ortiz Marilyn , Kyrychenko Alla , Nordli Douglas , Farkas Viktor , Farkas Mark Kristof ,   the A0081042 study group
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin as adjunctive treatment for children (aged 1 month‐<4 years) with focal onset seizures (FOS) using video‐electroencephalography (V‐EEG).MethodsThis randomized, placebo‐controlled, international study included V‐EEG seizure monitoring (48‐72 hours) at baseline and over the last 3 days of 14‐day (5‐day dose escalation; 9‐day fixed dose) double‐blind pregabalin treatment (7 or 14 mg/kg/d in three divided doses). This was followed by a double‐blind 1‐week taper. The primary efficacy endpoint was log‐transformed seizure rate (loge[24‐hour seizure rate + 1]) for all FOS recorded during the double‐blind V‐EEG monitoring, evaluated in subjects who took ≥1 dose of study medication, experienced ≥1 baseline seizure(s), and had a treatment phase V‐EEG. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory data, physical/neurological examinations, vital signs, and electrocardiograms.ResultsOverall, 175 patients were randomized (mean age = 28.2 months; 59% male, 69% white, 30% Asian) in a 2:1:2 ratio to pregabalin 7 or 14 mg/kg/d (n = 71 or n = 34, respectively), or placebo (n = 70). Pregabalin 14 mg/kg/d (n = 28) resulted in a statistically significant 35% reduction of loge(24‐hour seizure rate + 1) versus placebo (n = 53; P = .022), an effect that was not observed with pregabalin 7 mg/kg/d (n = 59; P = .461). The most frequently reported treatment‐emergent AEs for pregabalin 7 mg/kg/d, 14 mg/kg/d, and placebo, respectively, were somnolence (11.3%, 17.6%, and 5.7%) and upper respiratory tract infection (7.0%, 11.8%, and 11.4%). All AEs were mild to moderate in severity.SignificancePregabalin 14 mg/kg/d (but not 7 mg/kg/d) significantly reduced seizure rate in children with FOS, when assessed using V‐EEG, compared with placebo. Both pregabalin dosages were generally safe and well tolerated in children 1 month to <4 years of age with FOS. Safety and tolerability were consistent with the known profile of pregabalin in older children with epilepsy.
Identification of novel angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptide from collagen hydrolysates and its molecular inhibitory mechanism
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Wu Sijia , Zhao Wenzhu , Mi Geng , Ding Long , Li Jianrong , Liu Jingbo 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThe fish collagen protein was hydrolysed and further fractionated into four molecular weight ranges by ultrafiltration. Subsequently, the peptide fraction with the potent angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was identified. The potential inhibitory mechanism of the peptide was clarified by molecular docking. As a result, FCPH‐Ⅳ with molecular weight between 600 and 1000 Da exerted the high ACE inhibitory activity and was identified by de novo peptide sequencing. The peptide GHVGAAGS exhibited significant ACE inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 407.28 ± 3.55 μm. In addition, the docking results showed the interactions between the amino acids at the four positions closest to the C‐terminal site of GHVGAAGS and the major active residues (GLN281, HIS353, LYS511 and HIS513) of ACE lead to the conformational change in ACE. This work indicates that fish collagen could be utilised to produce ACE inhibitory peptides and develop health products.
Is it worth carrying out ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy on Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 prostate lesions?
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwan , Ku Ja Yoon , Park Won Young , Hong Seung Baek , Kim Suk , Ha Hong Koo 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the use of ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 prostate lesions.MethodsWe identified 227 patients with prostate‐specific antigen levels ≥4 ng/mL who underwent concurrent transrectal ultrasound‐guided systemic biopsy and fusion biopsy. Suspicious prostatic lesions were assessed in accordance with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.0. We compared ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy and ultrasound‐guided biopsy cancer detection rates in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions with those in other Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score lesions. In Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 patients, we identified clinically significant prostate cancer risk factors by logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 2770 transrectal ultrasound‐guided and 867 fusion biopsy cores were obtained; where 332 (12.0%) and 194 (22.4%) cores were prostate cancer‐positive, respectively (P < 0.001). The fusion biopsy cancer detection rate (8.0%) in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions was similar to that in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 1–2 lesions, but was lower than that of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 (30.0%; P < 0.001) and 5 lesions (65.2%; P < 0.001), and ultrasound‐guided biopsy (12.0%; P = 0.023). For clinically significant prostate cancer detection, fusion biopsy in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions was inferior to that in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 and 5 lesions, and non‐superior to ultrasound‐guided biopsy. Cancer detection rate trends were similar in biopsy‐naïve patients. In Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 patients, prostate‐specific antigen density was the only significant predictor of clinically significant prostate cancer.ConclusionsThe present findings do not support the use of ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions. Thus, we recommend the use of transrectal ultrasound‐guided systemic biopsy for patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 index lesions.
Intestinal interposition for complex ureteral reconstruction: A comprehensive review
Authors: Xiong Shengwei , Zhu Weijie , Li Xinfei , Zhang Peng , Wang He , Li Xuesong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLong ureteral defects have remained a challenge to urologists for a long time. Bowel interposition, including ileal ureter, appendiceal interposition and reconfigured colon substitution, has gained wide acceptance, even though it is a complicated procedure and associated with some potential complications. Mucus obstruction and metabolic disorders are common complications of intestinal substitution. To circumvent these troubles, modified techniques, such as tapering the bowel graft, intestinal onlay flap and the Yang–Monti procedure, are used. In particular, Yang–Monti ileal ureter replacement is a highly effective option for ureteral reconstruction, and the incidence of complications would be significantly reduced in select patients. After being combined with the Boari flap or psoas hitch technique, the length of intestinal segment used can also be significantly reduced. Most recent long‐term results suggest that ileal ureter replacement with antireflux anastomosis seems to be remarkably free of complications, and we highly praise the distal nipple valve technique. Appendiceal interposition is available for patients with normal appendix, and usually this procedure is limited to reconstructing the right ureter. Appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty has emerged as a feasible and effective option to manage patients with complex proximal and mid‐ureteral strictures of the right side. The colon is rarely used for ureteral reconstruction because of its large caliber and mucous surface area. However, a reconfigured colon segment is a good substitute to reconstruct long‐segment ureteral defects, and long‐term follow up confirmed minimal complications and improved renal function. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on complex ureteral reconstruction and replacement using intestinal segments, in particular, ileal ureter replacement.
Development of a low‐cost methodology for data acquisition and flood risk assessment in the floodplain of the river Moustiques in Haiti
Authors: Glas Hanne , De Maeyer Philippe , Merisier Sadrack , Deruyter Greet 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOver the past two decades, Haiti was struck by 30 storm events and 40 floods, affecting over 3.5 million people. Being the poorest country in the Northern hemisphere, it is unable to allocate funds to risk assessment and management. Therefore, this research developed a low‐cost methodology to analyse flood risk in data‐sparse regions. The floodplain of the river Moustiques was chosen as study area. First, a methodology was developed and input data were gathered from existing data, literature, field data, and open source data. Then, a flood risk assessment was performed for the area. The resulting economic risk map and social risk map indicate that the region is at risk for nearly 2 million USD and has potentially 60 casualties per year. Although the assessment was performed as a quantitative analysis, the resulting maps should be interpreted qualitatively, as the values could not be validated. Nonetheless, the results clearly indicate the high‐risk areas where measures should be taken. Furthermore, this research shows the potential of citizen science, in the form of a questionnaire survey conducted in the floodplain. This low‐cost and fast acquisition method provided many different input data for flood risk assessment, from population data to damage factors and validation information on historic flooding.