bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuing a pregnancy after diagnosis of a lethal fetal abnormality: Views and perspectives of Australian health professionals and parents
Authors: Weeks Alice , Saya Sibel , Hodgson Jan 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundCouples who receive a prenatal diagnosis of a fetal anomaly in Victoria, Australia, are generally offered a choice about whether or not to continue with the pregnancy. When a severe or ‘lethal’ abnormality is diagnosed, some couples decide to continue the pregnancy in the knowledge that their baby may die before or shortly after birth. Several Australian parents who published personal accounts of that experience describe a lack of clear clinical pathways, suggesting those who decide to continue a pregnancy following a diagnosis of a ‘lethal fetal abnormality’ (LFA) may not be receiving optimal care.AimsThis study aimed to provide empirical Australian evidence of views and experiences of care provision from health professionals (HPs) and parents.Materials and MethodsTwo sequential phases of this qualitative study purposively recruited a range of key HPs and parents. Semi‐structured interviews were thematically analysed.ResultsFindings reveal that current care provision following prenatal diagnosis of an LFA is ‘ad hoc’ with both participant groups identifying disparities between parents’ needs and available care. However, the goodwill and good intentions of all HPs involved was apparent. There was strong support from both groups for considering a model of perinatal palliative care (PPC) based on existing programs overseas.ConclusionsFuture care provision in this setting needs to be redefined. A formal PPC program could ensure better and more consistent experiences of support for parents as well as the HPs working in the field.
Good at heart: Developing a tertiary perinatal cardiac service; the first eight years of experience
Authors: Heland Sarah , de Chellis Adam , Rieder Wawrzyniec , Sleeman Matthew , Johns Jennifer , Lancefield Terase , Robinson Andrew , Fung Alison , Walker Susan 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundMaternal cardiac disease is the most common cause of indirect maternal death, and women with pre‐existing cardiac disease have complex medical, obstetric and anaesthetic requirements. Our hospital commenced a multidisciplinary perinatal cardiac service in 2009 to optimise outcomes in women with cardiac disease.AimTo assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of women referred to the clinic to evaluate clinical practice and inform future service provision.Materials and MethodsThis is a single‐centre retrospective study of women referred to the perinatal cardiac service between 2009–2016. Data collected included: demographic details; cardiac diagnosis; pregnancy outcomes, including anaesthetic and delivery complications, and admission to intensive care unit (ICU)/high dependency unit (HDU).ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐two women were referred for care in 165 pregnancies. Congenital heart disease was the most common indication for referral (35%), followed by maternal cardiac arrhythmia (26%) and valvular disease (18%). The perinatal mortality rate was 2%, median gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks 4 days, fetal growth restriction (customised birthweight <10th centile) was 9% although 25 (17%) pregnancies resulted in preterm birth, 36% of which were spontaneous and 64% were iatrogenic. Maternal outcomes were favourable and there were no maternal deaths. However, 51% of women required a caesarean section, and 23% who achieved a live birth required ICU/HDU admission.ConclusionThis study confirmed that women with cardiac disease are at increased risk of preterm birth, and high acuity in the peripartum period but otherwise good maternal and perinatal outcomes. An integrated multidisciplinary perinatal cardiac service can optimise perinatal outcomes in these women.
Retail‐bank efficiency: Nonstandard goals and environmental determinants
Authors: Burgstaller Johann 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper analyzes technical and scale efficiency of Austrian savings and cooperative banks. Non‐profit objectives are also considered with respect to input–output choice, which contributes to adequate performance measurements for alternative banks. Efficiency score estimates obtained via Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) reveal considerable potential for improvement in terms of intermediation efficiency. Several environmental determinants prove significant, but the cumulative predictive content of exogenous factors is rather modest. Bank efficiency improves in both underdeveloped and prosperous markets, while increased rival size and distance appear to be detriments to efficiency. A concluding discussion of confounding factors reveals the managerial, stakeholder, and policy implications of the results.
Native parasitic plants: Biological control for plant invasions?
Authors: Těšitel Jakub , Cirocco Robert M , Facelli José M , Watling Jennifer R 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPlant invasions cause biodiversity loss and degradation in ecosystems worldwide. The invasive species involved may be introduced, or native invaders, and controlling them is a major global challenge. Here, we highlight an emerging role for native parasitic plants in suppressing invasive species, thus aiding in restoration of affected habitats. Compelling empirical evidence is provided by three study systems located in Central Europe, southern Australia and eastern China. Further cases of parasitism of invasive plants have been recorded across five continents. We propose including the interactions between parasitic and invasive plants into the theoretical framework of the biotic resistance hypothesis concerning generalist interactions between invaders and native biota. Among parasitic plants, numerous root hemiparasites, mistletoes and parasitic vines show low host specificity and exert substantial negative effects on their hosts. These parasitic plants may interfere with key traits of invaders such as symbiotic nitrogen fixation or clonal propagation which provide them with competitive advantage over native species. We contend that some parasitic plants may present a cost‐effective environmentally sustainable component of invasion management schemes. Therefore, we encourage exploration of this potential and the development of methods for practical applications in ecological restoration and nature conservation.
Insights into the functional aspects of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) in mitochondrial homeostasis in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Kadam Ashlesha , Jubin Tina , Roychowdhury Rittwika , Garg Abhishek , Parmar Nishant , Palit Sayantani Pramanik , Begum Rasheedunnisa 
Published: April 2020

Background informationPoly(ADP‐ribose) Polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) is predominantly a nuclear protein and involved in various cellular processes like DNA repair, cell death, development, chromatin modulation etc. PARP‐1 utilizes NAD+ and adds negatively charged PAR moieties on the target proteins. Over‐activation of PARP‐1 has been shown to cause energy crisis mediated cell death in which mitochondrial homeostasis is also affected. Moreover, the presence of mitochondrial NAD+ pools highlights the role of PARP‐1 in mitochondria. The aim of present study is to understand the physiological role of PARP‐1 in regulating mitochondrial functioning by varying the levels of PARP‐1 in Dictyostelium discoideum. Intra‐mitochondrial PARylation was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence. Further, the effect of altered levels of PARP‐1 i.e. overexpression, downregulation, knockout and its chemical inhibition was studied on mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, ATP production, mitochondrial fission‐fusion, mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of D. discoideum.ResultsOur results show intra‐mitochondrial PARylation under oxidative stress. Altered levels of PARP‐1 caused impairment in the mitochondrial respiratory capacity, leading to elevated ROS levels and reduced ATP production. Moreover, PARP‐1 affects the mitochondrial morphology and mtDNA content, alters the mitochondrial fission‐fusion processes in lieu of preventing cell death under physiological conditions.ConclusionThe current study highlights the physiological role of PARP‐1 in mitochondrial respiration, its morphology, fission‐fusion processes and mtDNA maintenance in D. discoideum.SignificanceThis study would provide new clues on the PARP‐1's crucial role in mitochondrial homeostasis, exploring the therapeutic potential of PARP‐1 in various mitochondrial diseases.
Edematous myositis: a clinical presentation first suggesting dermatomyositis diagnosis
Authors: Duchesne Mathilde , Leonard‐Louis Sarah , Landon‐Cardinal Océane , Anquetil Céline , Mariampillai Kuberaka , Monzani Quentin , Benveniste Olivier , Allenbach Yves 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims: Edema of the limbs is uncommon in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The few reported cases have been associated with severe and refractory dermatomyositis (DM), sometimes in association with cancers. We aimed to determine if edematous myositis is a homogeneous subtype based on clinical, serological and pathological features. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study performed between 2008 and 2015 in the French national referral center for myositis. All adult patients with an inflammatory muscle biopsy and upper limbs edema were included as well as IIM cases without limb edema as controls. Clinical, biological and pathological features were collected. Results: Seventeen edematous myositis were included and compared to 174 IIM without edema, including 50 DM controls. Edema was the first manifestation in 23% of patients. Muscle weakness was severe and symmetric, 71% of patients presented dysphagia and a restrictive ventilatory pattern was found in 40%. Fifty‐two percent of patients had a typical DM skin rash and 23% had cancer within 3 years of diagnosing myositis. Fifty‐three percent of patients presented a myositis specific antibody and only DM‐specific antibodies were detected. Classic pathological DM features (perifascicular atrophy, perifascicular/perimysial perivascular inflammation) were uncommon but capillary C5b‐9 deposition and MxA expression were seen in 79% and 73% of cases, respectively. A perimysial edema was found in 82% of cases. Seventeen percent of patients died (median follow up of 18 months). Edematous myositis demonstrated more marked capillary C5b‐9 deposition compared to IIM controls. There was no clinical, biological or pathological difference with DM controls except for limb edema. Conclusion: Our study underlines that limb edema could be a symptom of IIM and that edematous myositis are mostly DM. The vasculopathy seems to play a key role in its pathophysiology. Limb edema associated with muscle impairment should suggest the diagnosis of DM in clinical settings.
Budget impact analysis of treatment‐free remission in nilotinib‐treated Japanese chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Yamazaki Kiyotaka , Inagaki Naohito , Moldaver Daniel , Viana Ricardo , Kimura Shinya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTreatment‐free remission (TFR), in which patients discontinue pharmacotherapy and remain in molecular remission, is an emerging treatment goal for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Attainment of TFR requires an increased frequency of molecular monitoring, to ensure that patients maintain a deep molecular response. The objective of this analysis was to assess the economic impact of stopping nilotinib among Japanese TFR‐eligible patients. A Markov model evaluated the economic impact of TFR among the study population, TFR‐eligible CML patients diagnosed since 2012. The model compared patients who had discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment (ie, attempted TFR) with patients that continued TKI treatment. A 3‐y time horizon was modeled from a Japanese public payer perspective. Costs associated with drug treatment, hospital/physician visits, and molecular monitoring were considered. TFR‐eligible patients were calculated from Japanese CML incidence rates and efficacy was derived from nilotinib trials. Japanese co‐payment maximums were utilized to assess the patient perspective. An estimated 761 and 140 patients were eligible for first‐ and second‐line nilotinib, respectively, in 2019. Assuming that 100% of eligible patients complied, TFR was associated with cost savings of ¥7 625 174 640 (US$66 567 775) over 3 y. In scenarios with reduced willingness to attempt TFR, cost savings persisted. Achievement of TFR was estimated to markedly reduce out‐of‐pocket expenses for CML patients, regardless of the timing of relapse. Stopping nilotinib for TFR‐eligible patients in Japan may result in significant cost savings to both payers and patients. Monitoring costs contributed little to overall annual costs and decreased over time.
Obesity predicts persistence of resistant hypertension after surgery in patients with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Nakamaru Ryo , Yamamoto Koichi , Rakugi Hiromi , Akasaka Hiroshi , Kurihara Isao , Ichijo Takamasa , Takeda Yoshiyu , Katabami Takuyuki , Tsuiki Mika , Wada Norio , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Kawashima Junji , Sone Masakatsu , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Okamoto Ryuji , Fujita Megumi , Kobayashi Hiroki , Tamura Kouichi , Kamemura Kohei , Okamura Shintaro , Kakutani Miki , Tanabe Akiyo , Naruse Mitsuhide ,   JPAS/JRAS Study Group
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivePrimary aldosteronism (PA) is considered a major cause of resistant hypertension (RHT). The prevalence of RHT has been recently reported to reach 18% in general hypertension. However, little is known about the prevalence and the outcomes after adrenalectomy of RHT in PA. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the prevalence and surgical outcomes in patients with both PA and RHT.Patients and DesignAmong 550 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for unilateral PA in the Japan PA Study, RHT was defined as an uncontrolled blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg) despite treatment with at least any three antihypertensives or hypertension controlled with at least four drugs. Surgical outcome was assessed by the biochemical and clinical outcome.ResultsAlthough 40 (7.3%) patients fulfilled the criteria for preoperative RHT, this should be underestimated because only 36% of patients with postoperative RHT were classified as having preoperative RHT. The prevalence of preoperative RHT was approximately 20% when estimated using the total number of patients with postoperative RHT and the ratio of postoperative RHT in patients with preoperative RHT. Although an improvement in hypertension was achieved in approximately 80% of patients with preoperative RHT, 20% of these exhibited persistent RHT. These patients were more obese than those for whom RHT improved after surgery. Notably, body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 was an independent predictor of postoperative RHT.ConclusionsThe prevalence of RHT in PA was lower than expected even with the adjustment for underestimation. Furthermore, obesity is an independent factor predicting the postoperative persistence of RHT.
ADAMTS19‐associated heart valve defects: Novel genetic variants consolidating a recognizable cardiac phenotype
Authors: Massadeh Salam , Alhashem Amal , van de Laar Ingrid M.B.H. , Alhabshan Fahad , Ordonez Natalia , Alawbathani Salem , Khan Suliman , Kabbani Mohamed S. , Chaikhouni Farah , Sheereen Atia , Almohammed Iman , Alghamdi Bader , Frohn‐Mulder Ingrid , Ahmad Salim , Beetz Christian , Bauer Peter , Wessels Marja W. , Alaamery Manal , Bertoli‐Avella Aida M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecently, ADAMTS19 was identified as a novel causative gene for autosomal recessive heart valve disease (HVD), affecting mainly the aortic and pulmonary valves. Exome sequencing and data repository (CentoMD) analyses were performed to identify patients with ADAMTS19 variants (two families). A third family was recognized based on cardiac phenotypic similarities and SNP array homozygosity. Three novel loss of function (LoF) variants were identified in six patients from three families. Clinically, all patients presented anomalies of the aortic/pulmonary valves, which included thickening of valve leaflets, stenosis and insufficiency. Three patients had (recurrent) subaortic membrane, suggesting that ADAMTS19 is the first gene identified related to discrete subaortic stenosis. One case presented a bi‐commissural pulmonary valve. All patients displayed some degree of atrioventricular valve insufficiency. Other cardiac anomalies included atrial/ventricular septal defects, persistent ductus arteriosus, and mild dilated ascending aorta. Our findings confirm that biallelic LoF variants in ADAMTS19 are causative of a specific and recognizable cardiac phenotype. We recommend considering ADAMTS19 genetic testing in all patients with multiple semilunar valve abnormalities, particularly in the presence of subaortic membrane. ADAMTS19 screening in patients with semilunar valve abnormalities is needed to estimate the frequency of the HVD related phenotype, which might be not so rare.
Emerging illegal wildlife trade issues: A global horizon scan
Authors: Esmail Nafeesa , Wintle Bonnie C. , t Sas‐Rolfes Michael , Athanas Andrea , Beale Colin M. , Bending Zara , Dai Ran , Fabinyi Michael , Gluszek Sarah , Haenlein Cathy , Harrington Lauren A. , Hinsley Amy , Kariuki Kennedy , Lam Jack , Markus Matthew , Paudel Kumar , Shukhova Sofiya , Sutherland William J. , Verissimo Diogo , Wang Yifu , Waugh John , Wetton Jon H. , Workman Catherine , Wright Joss , Milner‐Gulland Eleanor J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIllegal wildlife trade is gaining prominence as a threat to biodiversity, but addressing it remains challenging. To help inform proactive policy responses in the face of uncertainty, in 2018 we conducted a horizon scan of significant emerging issues. We built upon existing iterative horizon scanning methods, using an open and global participatory approach to evaluate and rank issues from a diverse range of sources. Prioritized issues related to three themes: developments in biological, information, and financial technologies; changing trends in demand and information; and socioeconomic, geopolitical shifts and influences. The issues covered areas ranging from changing demographic and economic factors to innovations in technology and communications that affect illegal wildlife trade markets globally; the top three issues related to China, illustrating its vital role in tackling emerging threats. This analysis can support national governments, international bodies, researchers, and nongovernmental organizations as they develop strategies for addressing the illegal wildlife trade.
Litigation risk and firm performance: The effect of internal and external corporate governance
Authors: Wu Wuqing , Peng Fei , Shan Yuan George , Zhang Lu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractResearch Question/IssueWe argue that findings regarding litigation risk in the United States are not applicable in the Chinese context because Chinese firms are more dependent on debt financing for their operations compared with US firms. Thus, we raise the following research questions to test potential differences: Is litigation risk associated with firm performance? Does effective internal control of governance improve the performance of lawsuit firms? Do financial analysts improve the performance of lawsuit firms? Does debt financing mediate the effect of litigation risk on firm performance?Research Findings/InsightsOur results indicate that litigation claims for large monetary amounts are negatively associated with firm performance, whereas internal governance and analyst following moderate the negative effects of litigation risk. We further examine the mediating effect of debt financing on the relationship between litigation risk and firm performance, finding that litigation risk is negatively associated with firm performance through excessive leverage, increased cost of debt, reduced bank borrowing, and trade credit.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsBy empirically testing the mediation effect of debt financing, this study enhances the understanding of the underlying causes of the association between a firm's litigation risk and its performance.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe findings will help firm managers to review litigation risks, better understand the economic mechanisms of litigation risk, and promote risk control to regulate their behaviors. We also find that financial analysts can correct the adverse effects of litigation risk; thus, we recommend that the financial analyst profession be further normalized.
The intergenerational transmission of mathematics achievement in middle childhood: A prospective adoption design
Authors: Borriello Giulia A. , Ramos Amanda M. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Reiss David , Shaw Daniel S. , Leve Leslie D. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study uses a parent–offspring adoption design to examine the dual roles of heritable and environmental influences on children's mathematics achievement. Linked sets (N = 195) of adopted children, adoptive parents, and birth parents each completed a measure of mathematics fluency (i.e., simple computational operations). Birth parent mathematics achievement and adoptive father mathematics achievement positively correlated with child achievement scores at age 7, whereas adoptive mother and adopted child mathematics achievement scores were not significantly associated with one another. Additionally, findings demonstrated no significant effects of gene–environment interactions on child mathematics achievement at age 7. These results indicate that both heritable and rearing environmental factors contribute to children's mathematics achievement and identify unique influences of the paternal rearing environment on mathematics achievement in middle childhood.
Endoscopic stenting for colorectal cancer obstruction as a bridge‐to‐surgery strategy
Authors: Lovero Rosa , Losurdo Giuseppe , La Fortezza Rosa Federica , Spirito Fulvio , Di Leo Alfredo , Andriulli Angelo , Gentile Marco 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcute obstructive colorectal cancer requires prompt decompression commonly by emergency surgery (ES). However, self‐expanding metal stents (SEMS) have been increasingly used as a bridge‐to‐surgery (BTS) strategy.Materials and methodsIn an 8‐year period, consecutive patients with acute left‐sided colonic obstruction, due to locally advanced colorectal cancer, underwent ES or SEMS implantation. We evaluated technical/clinical success of SEMS, adverse events, and overall (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of the two therapeutic options.ResultsForty‐five patients underwent ES (n = 23) or SEMS (n = 22). The two groups were comparable for sex, age, ASA score and cancer site/stage. Technical and clinical successes of SEMS were 100% and 72.7%, respectively. Clinical success correlated with neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at baseline (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.43‐0.98, P = .04). SEMS allowed primary anastomosis in the 45.5% of cases (0% in ES). SEMS implantation allowed a higher rate of surgery carried out by a laparoscopic approach: 36.4% vs 13.0% in ES. Performance of a definitive stoma and complications were similar. Median OS (34 in SEMS; 45 in ES, P = .33) and DFS (36 in SEMS; 35 in ES, P = .35) did not differ between the two groups. At univariate analysis, DFS was positively associated with primary anastomosis (HR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.4‐16.6, P = .04) and laparoscopic surgery (HR = 8.33, 95% CI 1.08‐50, P = .04), and inversely associated with a NLR > 3.6 (HR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.16‐0.92, P = .03). At multivariate analysis, no feature retained an independent predictive power.ConclusionSEMS is an effective and safe procedure, equivalent to emergency surgery in terms of complications, OS and DFS, providing the chance of a primary anastomosis in the majority of patients.