bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19 and male reproduction: Current research and unknown factors
Authors: Yao Yangcheng , Yuan Xiaoqiong , Wu Linjing , Guo Na , Yin Li , Li Yufeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe testes are suspected target organs of SARS‐CoV‐2. However, the results of studies on the effect of COVID‐19 on male reproduction are controversial.ObjectiveTo summarize current research on the effects of COVID‐19 on male reproduction.MethodsA systematic review of English literature was performed using PubMed and Ovid Embase up to 18 August 2020. Research articles on the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in semen, the effects of the virus on semen parameters and any pathological changes in the testes were evaluated.ResultsFourteen studies were included in this review. Six of 176 survivors (3.4%) and 1 of 13 decedents (7.7%) in 2 of 12 studies were positive for viral RNA in semen and testicular tissue, respectively. After stratification of patient groups, we found that the virus was detected in the relatively early stage of infection, 6–16 days after disease onset, in semen from survivors. Two of 3 studies reported that some participants had substandard semen quality after COVID‐19, and 1 study found that COVID‐19 may impair semen quality in a severity‐related manner. Pathological analyses showed that injuries to the seminiferous tubule occurred in all decedents (N = 11). Another study found that orchitic and testis fibrin microthrombi occurred in patients with fatal disease (100%, N = 2). Scrotal discomfort of orchiepididymitis or spermatic cord inflammation has also been reported in COVID‐19 patients.ConclusionCurrent studies suggest that semen is rarely considered a carrier of SARS‐CoV‐2 genetic material during the infection period but not in the semen of recovered patients. Fatal COVID‐19 may cause testicular structure damage without the presence of virus.
Spontaneous pregnancies among infertile couples during assisted reproduction lockdown for COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Villani Maria Teresa , Morini Daria , Spaggiari Giorgia , Simoni Manuela , Aguzzoli Lorenzo , Santi Daniele 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe worldwide spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has profoundly affected all aspects of human life, with tangible consequences in several contexts, including reproduction. However, evidences on the inter‐relation between psychological distress and reproductive medicine are still conflicting.MethodsThe national lockdown imposed in Italy in March‐May 2020 and the consequent assisted reproductive techniques (ART) activity blockage allowed to evaluate the conception ability of couples who suffered the postponement of ART cycles. In particular, we collected anamnestic, anthropometrical and demographic data of those women attending ART straddling the lockdown period attending to the Fertility Centre of Reggio Emilia.ResultsAmong the 431 couples recalled to reschedule ART cycles, 34 couples (7.9%) obtained a spontaneous pregnancy during the lockdown. Comparing spontaneously pregnant to non‐pregnant women, the pregnant group resulted younger (P = 0.009) and with a shorter infertility history (P = 0.029). Interestingly, the sexual activity frequency was significantly higher in pregnant women compared to non‐pregnant ones (P < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic analysis, number of sexual intercourses per week and the infertility history duration were significantly related to pregnancy (P < 0.001 and P = 0.030, respectively). In addition, the application of neural network technology including data about women age, body mass index, infertility duration, weekly sexual intercourses and infertility causes allowed to correctly classify pregnant women with an accuracy of 92.7%.ConclusionThe high pregnancy rate observed in a very short time‐frame interval probably revealed an under‐explored cause of idiopathic infertility, that is the frequency of sexual intercourses, resulting the best predictive variable on achieving a spontaneous pregnancy. This factor is commonly under‐investigated during the anamnestic workup of infertile couples. Clinicians involved in ART should better investigate the sexual habits of infertile couples, with the aim to correctly apply ART to those couples who really need it, avoiding unnecessary over‐treatment for those couples able to conceive spontaneously.
Prevalence of asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in elective surgical patients in Australia: a prospective surveillance study
Authors: Coatsworth Nicholas , Myles Paul S. , Mann Graham J. , Cockburn Ian A. , Forbes Andrew B. , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Lum Gary , Cheng Allen C. , Gruen Russell L. ,   the SARS‐CoV‐2 Testing in Elective Surgery Collaborators
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe study aimed to estimate the prevalence of active or previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in asymptomatic adults admitted for elective surgery in Australian hospitals. This surveillance activity was established as part of the National Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan.MethodsParticipants (n = 3037) were recruited from 11 public and private hospitals in four states (NSW, Vic, SA and WA) between 2 June and 17 July 2020, with an overall 66% participation rate. Presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA was assessed by Reverse Transcriptase ‐ Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs taken after induction of anaesthesia. Presence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was assessed by analysis of serum collected at the same time using a novel dual‐antigen ELISA assay.ResultsNo patient (0/3010) returned a positive RT‐PCR result. The Bayesian estimated prevalence of active infection of 0.02% (95% probability interval 0.00–0.11%), with the upper endpoint being 1 in 918. Positive serology (IgG) was observed in 15 of 2991 patients, with a strong positive in five of those individuals (Bayesian estimated seroprevalence 0.16%; 95% probability interval 0.00–0.47%).ConclusionThese results confirm that during periods of low community prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 elective surgery patients without fever or respiratory symptoms had a very low prevalence of active SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Symptoms within somatization after sexual abuse among women: A scoping review
Authors: Iloson Carina , Möller Anna , Sundfeldt Karin , Bernhardsson Susanne 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionSomatization, defined as a number of medically unexplained physical symptoms for many years, is a resource‐intensive condition with much suffering. Adult somatization has been linked to childhood trauma in both men and women. Among women, sexual trauma affects somatization level to a greater extent than nonsexual trauma. Early diagnosis of a somatization disorder would be of great help for both patients and society. The purpose of this scoping review is to map and summarize the literature on symptoms within somatization in women who have been sexually abused, and investigate if any specific symptom can be linked to previous sexual abuse.Material and methodsA scoping review methodology was used. The databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched for original qualitative and quantitative research published between 2008 and 2019 that matched the objectives of the review.ResultsThe database search identified 195 articles, of which 43 were retrieved in full text. Seven articles were included, involving 2076 women. All studies were quantitative. The included studies were heterogeneous. Four studies showed inconsistent findings regarding a link between sexual abuse and chronic or acute pain. Two studies showed an association between sexual abuse and increased incidence of somatic symptoms. One study showed an association between sexual abuse and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. No specific somatic symptoms in somatization were identifiable within the scope of this study.ConclusionsThis is to our knowledge the first scoping review on sexual abuse and symptoms of somatization. The findings suggest a link between sexual abuse and somatic symptoms, but the identified association with pain and irritable bowel syndrome is inconsistent. No studies have clearly identified specific symptoms within somatization associated with sexual abuse. Qualitative research on the topic was identified as a knowledge gap.
Secondary aortic valve replacement in continuous flow left ventricular assist device therapy
Authors: Gyoten Takayuki , Morshuis Michiel , Fox Henrik , Deutsch Marcus‐André , Hakim‐Meibodi Kavous , Schramm René , Gummert Jan F. , Rojas Sebastian V. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to investigate the outcome of secondary surgical aortic valve replacement (sSAVR) in patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) in the context of ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy. From 2009 to 2020, 792 patients underwent cf‐LVAD implantation [HVAD (Medtronic, USA), n = 585, and HM 3 (Abbott, USA), n = 207]. All cf‐LVAD patients with severe AR requiring secondary AVR were enrolled in this study. A total of six patients (median, 40 years, IQR; 34‐61 years, 50% male) underwent secondary surgical aortic valve replacement (sSAVR) after cf‐LVAD implantation. Median time of previous LVAD support was 26 months (IQR: 21‐29 months). Two patients required additional tricuspid valve repair (TVR) and one patient underwent SAVR after failed TAVR. Four patients needed temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) with a median of 30 days (IQR; 29‐33 days). Three patients were bridged to urgent heart transplantation due to persevering right heart failure, whereas two destination therapy (DT) candidates survived without any associated complications. An additional DT patient died of pneumonia 1 month after sSAVR. Secondary surgical aortic valve replacement in ongoing LVAD patients is an advanced procedure for a complex cohort. In our series, sSAVR was safely performed and effective, but involved a high‐risk for subsequent right heart failure, requiring urgent heart transplantation. In LVAD patients with severe AR requiring treatment where TAVR is not feasible, sSAVR can be evaluated as salvage option for bridge to transplant patients or selected destination therapy candidates.
Comparative analysis of structural valve deterioration after bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement: Bovine pericardial versus porcine valves
Authors: Kang Yoonjin , Hwang Ho Young , Sohn Suk Ho , Choi Jae Woong , Kim Kyung Hwan , Kim Ki‐Bong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study was conducted to compare the occurrence and the risk factors of structural valve deterioration (SVD) after bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) between bovine pericardial valves and porcine valves. One‐hundred and thirty‐four TVR patients were enrolled; 108 patients underwent TVR with bovine pericardial bioprostheses (BTVR group) and 26 underwent TVR with porcine bioprostheses (PTVR group). The early results and long‐term clinical outcomes were compared. The median follow‐up duration was 90 (interquartile range: 33‐135) months. Propensity score (PS) adjusted Cox regression and competing risk analyses were performed. The mean ages of the BTVR and PTVR groups were 62.2 ± 10.7 and 57.3 ± 13.9 years, respectively. The overall survival and cumulative incidence of cardiac death in the BTVR group were similar to those in the PTVR group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.399 [0.500‐3.922] and 0.742 [0.249‐2.212], respectively). SVD was significantly more frequent in the BTVR group (17.544 [1.070‐243.902], P = .045). The tricuspid valve reoperation rate was significantly higher in the BTVR group (38.462 [2.591‐476.190], P = .008). The cumulative incidence of SVD after bioprosthetic TVR was higher when using bovine pericardial valves than when using porcine valves.
Silicone microbubbles after anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor injections in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration: incidence, quantification and secondary optical coherence tomography artfacts
Authors: Sanabria Maria R. , Alonso‐Tarancón Ana M. , Calles‐Monar Paola S. , Ibañez Patricia , García de Arriba Santiago , Alvarez Nuria , Piñuel Jesús A. , Coco Rosa M. , Fernández Itziar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo report the incidence and quantity of silicone oil microbubbles and the relationship with the number of intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and evaluate if microbubbles induce artefacts on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images.MethodsObservational, descriptive, cross‐sectional study. Patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration were included who had been treated for 1 year minimally with anti‐VEGF injections repackaged in the hospital pharmacy. Detection and quantification of silicone microbubbles by mydriatic biomicroscopic examination were conducted 1 month after the last injection. The numbers of microbubbles were quantified on a scale of 0–3: 0, none; 1 scarce (1–10 microbubbles); 2 moderate (10–30); or 3 numerous (>30). Shadowing on OCT images was classified as 0–3: 0, none; 1 obscuring some retinal layers; 2 obscuring all retinal layers; or 3 obscuring the retinal thickness.ResultsThe study included 142 eyes of 98 patients (mean age, 82.4 years + 7.3; range, 65–97) treated with 2377 injections. Microbubbles were detected in 127 (89.4%) eyes, 62 (43.6%) with numerous microbubbles and 36 (25.4%) and 29 (20.4%), respectively, with scarce and moderate numbers. A positive correlation was found between the numbers of injections and intravitreal silicone (rho, 0.7). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) artefacts were detected in 11 eyes; the artefacts obscured all retinal layers in three eyes. No significant relationship could be established between the appearance of floaters and the microbubbles.ConclusionThe presence and number of silicone microbubbles were correlated with the number of intravitreal injections. Microbubbles can produce OCT artefacts, which can hinder the treatment decision.
Retinal oximetry does not predict 12‐month visual outcome after anti‐VEGF treatment for central retinal vein occlusion: A multicentre study
Authors: Krejberg Jeppesen Signe , Sín Martin , Hakon Hardarson Sveinn , Bek Toke 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeCentral retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) entails retinal hypoxia that often causes visual impairment. It has been shown that oxygen saturation in larger retinal vessels correlates with the visual acuity at the time of diagnosis of CRVO but has no predictive value for the visual outcome in patients treated with anti‐VEGF medication after 3 months. However, assessing the predictive value of retinal oxygen saturation after 12 months is essential because this is when the main restitution after CRVO occurs.MethodsRetinal oximetry was performed in 117 patients referred with CRVO to three European centres. The correlation between oxygen saturation and visual acuity at baseline and the predictive value of oxygen saturation in larger retinal vessels for the 12‐month visual outcome after treatment with anti‐VEGF medication were studied.ResultsIn the affected eye, the oxygen saturation was significantly higher in the arterioles, significantly lower in the venules, and the arterio‐venous (A‐V) significantly higher than in the unaffected eye (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Correlations between best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and oxygen saturations were moderate and negative for arterioles (p < 0.001), positive for venules (p = 0.03) and negative for the A‐V difference (p = 0.001). Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), but not oxygen saturation or the other explanatory variables at baseline, contributed significantly to predicting BCVA after 12 months.ConclusionRetinal vessel oxygen saturation is affected in CRVO, and saturation correlates with BCVA. However, retinal oximetry cannot replace measures of visual function as a predictor of visual outcome after 12 months of anti‐VEGF treatment for CRVO.
The prevalence of vitreomacular adhesion in eyes with macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion selected for intravitreal injections
Authors: Maggio Emilia , Maraone Giorgia , Mete Maurizio , Vingolo Enzo Maria , Grenga Pier Luigi , Guerriero Massimo , Pertile Grazia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo assess the prevalence of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) in consecutive naïve eyes diagnosed with macular oedema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and to longitudinally evaluate the incidence of vitreomacular interface changes over time and the influence on response to treatment.DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional analysis and longitudinal cohort study conducted at two Italian tertiary referral centres.MethodsA total of 295 eyes, treated with intravitreal ranibizumab and/or dexamethasone for ME secondary to RVO between June 2008 and May 2018, were enrolled in the study. 280 fellow eyes met the inclusion criteria and were included as control group. The vitreomacular interface status was evaluated by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and graded according to the OCT‐based International Classification System developed by the International Vitreomacular Traction Study (IVTS) group.ResultsAt baseline, VMA was present in 130 (44.07%) RVO eyes and 142 (50.7%) control eyes (no statistically significant difference was found; p = 0.455). Mean follow‐up (FU) was 35.98 months (min 6 – max 112). Throughout the FU, the incidence of spontaneous release of VMA (RVMA) in RVO eyes was significantly higher in comparison with that of the control group [59 (41.84%) RVO eyes versus 18 (12.33%) control eyes; p < 0.0001]. The number of injections in VMA+ eyes was significantly higher when compared with VMA− eyes. No significant difference was found between VMA+ and VMA− eyes regarding their mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and at each annual time point (p = 0.2). Differences in central macular thickness (CMT) were significant only at the baseline evaluation (p = 0.0303).ConclusionsVitreomacular adhesion (VMA) was not found to be more prevalent in eyes with RVO compared to healthy fellow eyes, and RVO, in turn, did not result in a higher persistence of VMA over time. This suggests that VMA and RVO might be two independent retinal phenomena, with no mutual pathogenetic influence. Vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) might have an impact on the response to treatment, since it was found to result in a more intensive treatment regimen; however, it did not affect visual and anatomic outcomes. These results do not support vitrectomy or PVD induction in the prevention, nor the treatment, of RVO.
Effects of feeding high volumes of milk replacer on reproductive performance and on concentrations of metabolites and hormones in blood of Japanese black heifer calves
Authors: Taguchi Yutaka , Inabu Yudai , Hayasaki Koki , Maeda Noriyuki , Kanmera Yoshiro , Yamasaki Seiji , Ota Noboru , Mukawa Kenji , Tsuboi Arisa , Miyamoto Hirokuni , Etoh Tetsuji , Shiotsuka Yuji , Fujino Ryoichi , McMahon Christopher D. , Takahashi Hideyuki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe evaluated the effects of feeding high volumes of milk replacer on growth and reproductive performances in Japanese black heifers. Fifty‐one heifers were fed milk replacer at 9 L/day for 60 days (9 L × 60 days; n = 18) or 41 days (9 L × 41 days; n = 15), or at 7 L/day for 40 days (7 L × 40 days; n = 18). Artificial insemination (AI) was performed on heifers with ≥270 kg body weight and ≥116 cm body height at 300 days of age. The age at the first AI was 0.35 month later for 7 L × 40 days than the other groups (p < .01). However, age at calving did not differ among treatments (22.1 months). The interval from the first AI to pregnancy tended to be ~2 months longer for the 9 L × 60 days than the other groups (p = .07). Our results showed that feeding high volumes of milk replacer may reduce the age at calving via an improved rate of growth. In addition, we propose that feeding a maximum of 7 L milk replacer for 40 days may be the most appropriate rearing regime because the success of pregnancy per AI may be reduced in calves fed a maximum of 9 L for 41 and 60 days.
Clinical usefulness of a urine dipstick to detect ethyl glucuronide (EtG): A quantitative clinical study in healthy young female volunteers
Authors: Rausgaard Nete Lundager Klokker , Ravn Pernille , Ibsen Inge Olga , Fruekilde Palle Bach Nielsen , Nohr Ellen Aagaard , Damkier Per 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe metabolite of ethanol, ethyl glucuronide (EtG), reflects alcohol intake longer than ethanol and is used as a biomarker in clinical settings to detect alcohol use. We aimed to assess the clinical usefulness in a low‐to‐moderate alcohol intake setting and validate a new urine EtG dipstick. A three‐way, open, cross‐over trial was conducted. Data were collected from January to June 2019. Among 12 healthy female volunteers, we quantified urine EtG and used a dipstick following intake of either one, two or four units of alcohol. Main outcomes were concentrations of EtG in urine and serum, and creatinine and ethanol in serum. EtG in urine was determined dichotomously by dipsticks at two different thresholds and by mass spectrometry used as gold standard. EtG in urine was quantifiable up to 24 hours after alcohol intake. In some individual cases, EtG was quantifiable up to 72 hours at low concentrations. The dipstick detected EtG in urine up to 24 hours. At thresholds of 1000 and 1500 ng/mL, the dipsticks had a specificity of 100% (both), while sensitivity was 84% and 69%, respectively. The sensitivity of the dipsticks was insufficient to support a screening purpose in this setting of low‐to‐moderate alcohol intake.
Culture, convention, and continuity: Islam and family firm ethical behavior
Authors: Alrubaishi Dalal , McAdam Maura , Harrison Richard 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough some scholarly attention has been devoted to the role of religion in entrepreneurship, there is a scarcity of research that focuses on the influence of Islam in the family business domain in general and the impact of Islamic concepts on the ethical behavior of Muslim family firms in particular. In addressing this, we reveal how the founder's ethical behavior which is informed by the Islamic conceptstawakkul, taqwa,honesty, and dignity is imprinted as values onto next‐generation leaders through mentoring, role modeling, and job shadowing, and thus embedded at the family firm level. We conceptualize these insights through the development of a formal framework for the analysis of the imprinting of Islamic influences on family firm ethical behavior. In addressing the roots of ethical behavior, we make contributions to the family business, Islamic entrepreneurship, and imprinting literatures. In practical terms, we highlight the importance of informal practices in endorsing the ethical behavior of the next‐generation family members.