bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in treatment outcomes for retractile testis in Japanese boys: A single‐center study
Authors: Hori Shunta , Aoki Katsuya , Nishimura Nobutaka , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Fukui Shinji , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Torimoto Kazumasa , Yoneda Tatsuo , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate the natural course of retractile testis by analyzing its prevalence and outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study included 215 boys in whom retractile testis was diagnosed after reviewing the medical history and physical examinations of the patients. Orchiopexy was performed once the testis became undescended. We investigated the trends in the prevalence and outcomes of retractile testis and compared clinical factors between cases that resolved spontaneously and those that required orchiopexy.ResultsOf 215 boys, 145 were finally evaluated. The mean age at diagnosis was 2 years, and 100 boys were aged ≤2 years when they were hospitalized. Seventy‐three boys were referred to our institution through health examinations as babies. The condition improved spontaneously in 89 boys, while 43 boys underwent orchiopexy, and 13 boys remained under follow‐up. The follow‐up period between diagnosis and resolution was significantly longer in the spontaneous resolution group than in the surgical intervention group (P = 0.011). Bilateral retractile testis improved spontaneously in significantly more boys compared to unilateral retractile testis (P = 0.0010). Spontaneous resolution was observed in boys of all ages, but those diagnosed at ≤3 years of age had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous resolution compared to those who were diagnosed at >3 years of age (P = 0.0019).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that retractile testis cannot be affirmed as a variant of normal testis. Performing examinations at a young age is critical for preventing misdiagnosis, screening failures, and unnecessary surgery.
Alemtuzumab mediates the CD39+ T‐regulatory cell response via CD23+ macrophages
Authors: Remez Lital , Ganelin‐Cohen Esther , Safina Dina , Hellmann Mark A , Lotan Itay , Bosak Noam , Buxbaum Chen , Vaknin Adi , Shifrin Alla , Rozenberg Ayal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAlemtuzumab (ALM) effectively prevents relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS). It causes lymphocyte depletion with subsequent enhancement of the T‐regulatory cell population. Direct administration of ALM to T cells causes cytolysis. However, the T cells may be indirectly affected by monocyte‐derived cells, which are resistant to ALM cytotoxicity. We aimed to examine whether ALM modulates monocytes and whether the crosstalk between monocytes and lymphocytes previously exposed to ALM would result in anti‐inflammatory effects. The CD14+ monocytes of 10 healthy controls and 10 MS (treatment naive) patients were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), exposed to ALM and reintroduced to PBMCs depleted of CD14+ cells. The macrophage profile was assessed and T‐cell markers were measured. ALM promoted M2 anti‐inflammatory phenotype as noted by an increased percentage in the populations of CD23+, CD83+ and CD163+ cells. The CD23+ cells were the most upregulated (7‐fold, P = 0.0002), and the observed effect was higher in patients with MS than in healthy subjects. ALM‐exposed macrophages increased the proportion of T‐regulatory cells, without affecting the proportion of T‐effector cells. Neutralizing the CD23+ monocytes with antibodies reversed the effect specifically on the CD4+CD39+ T‐regulatory cell subpopulation but not on the CD4+CD25hiCD127loFOXP3+ subpopulation. ALM induces the conversion of monocytes into anti‐inflammatory macrophages, which in turn promotes T‐regulatory cell enhancement, in a CD23‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that the mechanism of action of ALM is relevant to aspects of MS pathogenesis.
Polypharmacy and the use of low or limited value medications in advanced cancer
Authors: Haider Sana , Descallar Joseph , Moylan Eugene , Chua Wei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with advanced malignancy are often on medications for co‐morbidities, including those for primary or secondary prevention. The benefit from these medications can be limited and may result in adverse effects, interact with medications used for the malignancy or associated symptoms, increase pill burden and reduce quality of life.AimsTo evaluate the proportion of patients with advanced malignancy that were continued on low or limited value medications and identify the factors associated with this. We also sought to determine how prevalent polypharmacy was within this group of patients and the factors associated with this.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with incurable malignancy admitted under medical oncology at Liverpool Hospital over a 90‐day period. Demographic variables, co‐morbidities, disease related parameters and medications were reviewed. Criteria were established to identify low or limited value medications.ResultsSeventy‐eight patients were identified between September and December 2018. Thirty‐day mortality was 33%. Sixty‐five percent of the cohort was on five or more medications and 24% on 10 or more. One low or limited value medication was reported in 36% and 20% were on two or more. Age ≤60 years was associated with a risk of being on at least one unnecessary medication. Patients with fewer co‐morbidities and those in their last 3 months of life were significantly less likely to have polypharmacy. Nine percent of the cohort was on three or more antihypertensives and 6% of patients were on three or more oral hypoglycaemics.ConclusionPolypharmacy and continued prescribing of low or limited value medications was identified in a high proportion of patients. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of continuing these medications, as well as investigation of patient and physician attitudes towards de‐escalation.
Work harder or aim lower? Overconfidence and belief updating in the classroom
Authors: Nicholls Nicky , Romm Aylit T. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBuilding on recent lab experiments on belief updating, this study uses a university‐based field experiment to investigate behaviour change together with the updating of beliefs in response to feedback in a real‐life context. Postgraduate students predict their performance expectations for a core degree course in a probability distribution format where correct expectations are incentivised using a quadratic scoring rule. Behaviour, in the form of weekly time spent on the course, is also reported. Students then receive feedback in the form of graded tests and assignments, following which they repeat both the prediction exercise and the behaviour reporting. Cognitive dissonance theory predicts that where beliefs and performance feedback do not align, people will either change their beliefs to better conform to received feedback or change their behaviour so that performance better approximates their beliefs. In line with findings from lab experiments, results show that beliefs adjust to better predict true performance when feedback is received. Beliefs also become more precise (lower variance) with feedback. Evidence of behaviour change (time spent on the course) in response to feedback is also noted. The latter finding might account for some of the incomplete adjustment of beliefs often noted in the literature.
Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome with Minimal Ovarian Enlargement: A Case Report
Authors: Shand Karen L. , Haines Christopher J. , Loong Edward P. L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSevere ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of treatment with in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies. We describe such a case which was atypical in that ascites and hydrothorax occurred despite the absence of ovarian enlargment. Whilst the pathophysiology of the syndrome remains unclear, the clinician must remain alert to the possibility of such an unusual presentation of this syndrome.
Assessment of Follicular Maturity by Follicular Diameter and Fluid Volume in a Program of in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
Authors: Nataprawira Dudy S. , Harada Tasuku , Sekijima Akio , Mio Yasuyuki , Terakawa Naoki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe compared the assessment of follicular maturity by follicular diameter or follicular fluid (FF) volume and the subsequent fertilization and cleavage of the oocytes in 36 patients who had ovarian stimulation performed for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET). All patients received clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin. The daily growth of follicles was assessed ultrasonically for 6 consecutive days before oocyte collection. The follicular diameter was found to be well correlated with the volume of follicular fluid. There were no significant differences among the dominant, second, and third follicles in the rates of oocyte recovery, maturation, fertilization, or cleavage. The rates of oocyte maturation and fertilization in FF volumes of 5.1 to 7.0 ml were significantly higher than in volumes of 1.1 to 5.0 ml, but the cleavage rates were similar. A smaller percentage of embryos developed to the four‐cell stage when the oocytes were recovered from follicles with volumes of 1.1 to 3.0 ml. These observations suggest that follicular volume is a good parameter for judging the maturity of oocytes. It is also suggested that, although the oocytes of small follicles can be fertilized and cleaved, oocytes from larger follicles may have a better developmental capacity.
Investigating the relationship between organizational justice, job satisfaction, and intention to leave the nursing profession: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zahednezhad Hosein , Hoseini Mohammad Ali , Ebadi Abbas , Farokhnezhad Afshar Pouya , Ghanei Gheshlagh Reza 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsThis study aims to test a hypothetical model linking various dimensions of organizational justice to the job satisfaction and nurses' intention to leave the profession based on the theoretical assumptions of the Alexander model of voluntary turnover.DesignA cross‐sectional survey.MethodsThis study was conducted on 317 inpatient ward nurses of six teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran during 1 September 2017–14 November 2018. Clinical nurses were recruited by a multistage random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires of organizational justice, job satisfaction, and nurses' intention to leave. Data were analysed by structural equation modelling using Amos 22 statistical program.ResultsThe structural equation model demonstrated adequate fit and the hypothesized correlations were partially supported. The findings suggested that the distributive justice (p < .001; β = 0.24) and interactional justice (p < .001; β = 0.44) could indirectly affect the nurses' intention to leave the nursing profession via the direct impact on job satisfaction, while job satisfaction had a significant, negative effect on the nurses' intention to leave (p < .001; β = −0.71).ConclusionsAccording to the results, the model fit was acceptable, suggesting the validity of the final model. Furthermore, distributive and interactional justice could reduce the intention to leave the nursing profession by influencing the job satisfaction of the clinical nurses.ImpactThis was one of the first studies to determine the aspects of justice that must be further emphasized by healthcare managers to increase the job satisfaction of nurses and their retention in healthcare systems. The findings indicated that fair interactions have a greater impact on job satisfaction and retention of nurses than procedural and distributive justice. The results of this study provide valuable references for nursing managers to increase the job satisfaction of nurses and their retention in healthcare settings.
The relationship between adverse interpersonal experiences and self‐esteem in people with intellectual disabilities: The role of shame, self‐compassion and social support
Authors: Davies Lauren , Randle‐Phillips Cathy , Russell Ailsa , Delaney Claire 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities are reported to have low self‐esteem and to experience high rates of adverse interpersonal experiences (AIEs). This study aimed to investigate whether shame and self‐compassion mediate the relationship between AIEs and self‐esteem for people with intellectual disabilities and whether perceived social support moderates this relationship.MethodThis study employed a cross‐sectional design, involving between‐group comparisons. Forty‐seven people with intellectual disabilities and 50 people without intellectual disabilities completed self‐report questionnaires measuring shame, self‐compassion, self‐esteem, early AIEs and social support.ResultsShame and self‐compassion were found to mediate the relationship between AIEs and self‐esteem for people with intellectual disabilities. There was no evidence for a moderating effect of social support and no difference between groups in shame or self‐compassion.ConclusionsThe findings suggest shame and self‐compassion are important concepts for people with intellectual disabilities. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Knowledge and attitude toward mental health and mental health problems among secondary school students in Jordan
Authors: AlAzzam Manar , Abuhammad Sawsan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveExamine secondary school students' knowledge and attitude about mental health, mental health problems, and interacting with people with mental health problems.MethodsA survey was carried out with 500 students in secondary schools in the northern area of Jordan.ResultsA variance in knowledge and attitude was predicted by the regression model. Family income, having a family member with a mental disorder, and experience with people with mental health problems were the major predictors of knowledge about and attitude toward interacting with people with mental health problems.ConclusionThe results indicate that secondary school students have low knowledge about mental health problems and people with mental health problems. Moreover, they have a negative attitude toward interacting with people with mental health problems. Hence, there is a strong need to better educate young people about mental health and the diverse types of mental health problems that exist, as well as to help them to develop a more constructive and appropriate attitude.Implications for PracticeImproving the scope of the school curriculum on topics relating to people with mental health problems would help students to make more objective evaluations of people with mental health problems.
A simple pacing maneuver to unmask an epicardial connection involving the right‐sided pulmonary veins
Authors: Hasebe Hideyuki , Yoshida Kentaro , Nogami Akihiko , Furuyashiki Yoshitaka , Hanaki Yuichi , Baba Masako , Ieda Masaki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionAn epicardial connection (EC) between the right‐sided pulmonary venous (PV) carina and right atrium (RA) is one of the mechanisms for which carinal ablation is required for right‐sided PV isolation. The purpose of the study was to devise a simple pacing maneuver to differentiate an EC from a residual conduction gap on the antral ablation line during radiofrequency catheter ablation.Methods and ResultsThis study included 133 consecutive patients. After one round of ablation, electrograms at the posterior antrum outside the ablation line were recorded during sinus rhythm (SR) and coronary sinus (CS) pacing, and intervals between the antral and PV potentials were measured in each rhythm. The ΔintervalSR‐CS was calculated as the difference between the interval during SR and that during CS pacing. Presence of an EC was confirmed by observation of a RA posterior wall breakthrough during right‐sided PV pacing, which was then targeted for ablation. Patients with nonachievement of first‐pass isolation (N = 35) and with PV reconnection during the procedure (N = 9) were classified into the EC‐group (N = 20) and gap‐group (N=24), respectively. The prevalence of carina breakthrough during SR was higher in the EC‐group than the gap‐group (18 [95%] vs. 1 [4%] patients, p < .0001). The ΔintervalSR‐CS was larger in the EC‐group versus gap‐group (71 [interquartile range, 57–97] vs. 6 [2–9] ms, p < .0001). In all patients with an EC, RA ablation resulted in delay (32 [20–40] ms) (N = 15) or elimination of PV potentials (N = 5).ConclusionAn EC can be efficiently discriminated from a conduction gap by a simple pacing maneuver.
Multipotential stromal cells in the talus and distal tibia in ankle osteoarthritis – Presence, potency and relationships to subchondral bone changes
Authors: Jones William G. , El‐Jawhari Jehan J. , Brockett C. L. , Koria Lekha , Ktistakis Ioannis , Jones Elena 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA large proportion of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) has an early onset and is post‐traumatic. Surgical interventions have low patient satisfaction and relatively poor clinical outcome, whereas joint‐preserving treatments, which rely on endogenous multipotential stromal cells (MSCs), result in suboptimal repair. This study investigates MSC presence and potency in OA‐affected talocrural osteochondral tissue. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) changes for the loading region trabecular volume and subchondral bone plate (SBP) thickness in OA compared with healthy tissue were investigated using microcomputed tomography. CD271‐positive MSC topography was related to bone and cartilage damage in OA tissue, and in vitro MSC potency was compared with control healthy iliac crest (IC) MSCs. A 1.3‐ to 2.5‐fold SBP thickening was found in both OA talus and tibia, whereas BV/TV changes were depth‐dependent. MSCs were abundant in OA talus and tibia, with similar colony characteristics. Tibial and talar MSCs were tripotential, but talar MSCs had 10‐fold lower adipogenesis and twofold higher chondrogenesis than IC MSCs (P = .01 for both). Cartilage damage in both OA tibia and talus correlated with SBP thickening and CD271+ MSCs was 1.4‐ to twofold more concentrated near the SBP. This work shows multipotential MSCs are present in OA talocrural subchondral bone, with their topography suggesting ongoing involvement in SBP thickening. Potentially, biomechanical stimulation could augment the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs for joint‐preserving treatments.
Horn ultrasonic‐assisted pregelatinized starch with various streamline patterns as a green process: Computational fluid dynamics and microbubble formation of process
Authors: Abedi Elahe , Mousavifard Maryam , Pourmohammadi Kiana , Tiwari Brijesh K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe ultrasound‐assisted pregelatinization starch (UAPS) is considered as a physical method for starch modification. In this study, the effect of ultrasonic control parameters, including power, probe size, temperature, and time was investigated in order to predict microbubble formation and cavitation process as a two dimensional axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to optimize the UAPS process. The cavitation phenomenon and the bubble dynamics were further investigated with regards to the mentioned parameters. Results showed that with the increase in probe diameter from 20 mm to 100 mm, a new pattern of streamlines were generated at the bottom of the container, increasing the turbulence among bubbles. This is mainly due to collapsing bubbles, resulting in a huge amount of energy released which accelerates heat and mass transfer to the fluid. According to the results obtained from the dynamics of bubbles, the maximum radius of the bubbles had a rising pattern with the increase in the probe size (from 20 to 100 mm), amplitude (from 25 to 45%) and temperature (from 35 to 65°C); moreover, the energy of the bubble slightly increased with the increase in liquid temperature and probe size.Practical applicationsThe physical modifications of starch structure are more widely employed since it is safer and without impurities, which have strong effects on different component functionalities. Pregelatinization is one of the most popular industrial methods of physically modifying starch. Pregelatinized. The ultrasound‐assisted pregelatinized starch as physical modification offers many advantages, mainly the declined utilize of chemicals and processing time, serving as an environment‐friendly processing technology, high selectivity method. Use of computational fluid dynamics is a suitable approach to assessing the data pertaining to the physical features of the ultrasonication process. We underscored the importance of filling the gaps of knowledge concerning modeling sonication process to produce the efficient ultrasound‐assisted pregelatinized starch under various ultrasound power, probe size and fluid temperature to predict microbubble formation, heat and energy transfer.
Cortical VIP+/ChAT+ interneurons: From genetics to function
Authors: Dudai Amir , Yayon Nadav , Soreq Hermona , London Michael 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOne of the urgent tasks of neuroscience is to understand how neuronal circuits operate, what makes them fail, and how to repair them when needed. Achieving this goal requires identifying the principal circuitry elements and their interactions with one another. However, what constitutes ‘an atom’ of a neuronal circuit, a neuronal type, is a complex question. In this review we focus on a class of cortical neurons that are exclusively identified by the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). The genetic profile of these VIP+/ChAT+ interneurons suggests that they can release both γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh). This hints to a specific potential role in the cortical circuitry. Yet the VIP+/ChAT+ interneurons are sparse (a mere 0.5% of the cortical neurons), which raises questions about their potential to significantly affect the circuit function. In view of recent developments in genetic techniques that allow for direct manipulation of these neurons, we provide a thorough and updated picture of the properties of the VIP+/ChAT+ interneurons. We discuss their genetic profile, their physiological and structural properties, and their input–output mapping in sensory cortices and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Then, we examine possible amplification mechanisms for mediating their function in the cortical microcircuit. Finally, we discuss directions for further exploration of the VIP+/ChAT+ population, focusing on its function during behavioral tasks as compared to the VIP+/ChAT− population.
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How do you implement value‐based care methodologies in dentistry with existing dental organizational paradigms?
Authors: Sinnott Matthew , Mullins Joanna M. , Simmons Kristen L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe U.S. healthcare sector is a paradox – achieving comparatively poor population health outcomes despite outspending the world – and the current paradigm is a dichotomy – pursuing value definition consisting of quality, outcome, and cost, but failing to act in aligned and informed manner. In 2018, U.S. dental spending was $136 billion, accounting for 3.7 percent of total healthcare spending, a relatively nominal amount when considering oral diseases are among the most prevalent and have serious health and economic burdens, greatly reducing quality of life for those affected. Consistent and growing evidence shows that primary care‐oriented systems achieve better health outcomes, more health equity, and lower costs; however, to date, there is little means to structuralize the role of oral health and quantify the value provided. To understand the reasons behind the abstract nature of value‐based care requires an in‐depth understanding of the drivers impeding the transition to a value based oral health system of care. One large clinically integrated network will provide detail of their experience.