bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review: Chronic endometritis and its effect on reproduction
Authors: Kimura Fuminori , Takebayashi Akie , Ishida Mitsuaki , Nakamura Akiko , Kitazawa Jun , Morimune Aina , Hirata Kimiko , Takahashi Akimasa , Tsuji Shoko , Takashima Akiko , Amano Tsukuru , Tsuji Shunichiro , Ono Tetsuo , Kaku Shoji , Kasahara Kyoko , Moritani Suzuko , Kushima Ryoji , Murakami Takashi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimChronic endometritis (CE) is a disease of continuous and subtle inflammation characterized by the infiltration of plasma cells in the endometrial stromal area. Although the clinical significance of CE has been thought in clinical practice for a long time because it is either asymptomatic or presents with subtle symptoms, recent studies have shown the potential adverse effects of CE on fertility. In the present review, we focus on the concept, diagnosis, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, impact on reproduction and treatment for it to understand CE.MethodsThe published articles were reviewed.ResultsThe prevalence of CE has been found to be 2.8–56.8% in infertile women, 14–67.5% in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and 9.3–67.6% in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Microorganisms are thought to be a main cause of CE, since antibiotic treatment has been reported to be an effective therapy for CE. Common bacteria are frequently detected in the uterine cavity of CE patients by microbial culture. In CE endometrium, the prevalence of immune cells and decidualization has been reported to be modified, and these modifications are thought to adversely affect fertility. The gold standard for the diagnosis of CE is the histological detection of plasma cells in the stromal area of the endometrium in endometrial specimens, although universally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of CE have not been determined. The treatment currently thought to be most effective for the recovery of fertility in CE is administration of oral antibiotics. Patients whose CE has been cured have been reported to have a higher ongoing pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and implantation rate compared with patients with persistent CE.ConclusionCE greatly affects implantation and impairs fertility. Antibiotic administration is an effective therapeutic option. Pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization is improved when CE is cured by antibiotic.
Privatizing Plaintiffs: How Medicaid, the False Claims Act, and Decentralized Fraud Detection Affect Public Fraud Enforcement Efforts
Authors: Nguyen Thuy , Perez Victoria 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn 2016, decentralized fraud enforcement under the federal False Claims Act (FCA) recovered $ 2.5 billion spent on healthcare fraud without increasing spending. The FCA induces private citizens to pursue civil fraud claims on behalf of both themselves and the government, or qui tam; incentives to pursue legal action for Medicaid fraud vary at the state level. We hypothesize that fraud enforcement agencies shift strategies as incentives for private citizens to monitor civil offenses rise. We find that state‐level FCAs did not increase the number of filed qui tam suits as incentives rose. Among filed cases, case quality did not change. Instead, agencies pursued fewer civil cases and case length increased. Our findings suggest potential qui tam plaintiffs are constrained by an ability to pursue cases, not incentives. Government‐led civil fraud enforcement may thus overestimate the capacity to decentralize fraud enforcement.
Short‐ and long‐term outcome and magnetic resonance imaging findings after surgical treatment of thoracolumbar spinal arachnoid diverticula in 25 Pugs
Authors: Alisauskaite Neringa , Cizinauskas Sigitas , Jeserevics Janis , Rakauskas Mindaugas , Cherubini Giunio Bruto , Anttila Marjukka , Steffen Frank 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is a successful outcome after surgical management of spinal arachnoid diverticula (SAD) in up to 82% of cases.Hypothesis/ObjectivesWe hypothesized that Pugs have favorable short‐term and poor long‐term prognosis after surgical treatment of thoracolumbar SAD. The aim of the present investigation was to describe clinical findings, short‐ and long‐term outcomes, and follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in Pugs with thoracolumbar SAD.AnimalsTwenty‐five client owned Pugs with 12‐month follow‐up information after surgical treatment of thoracolumbar SAD.MethodsMulticenter retrospective case series. All medical records were searched for Pugs diagnosed with SAD. Data regarding signalment, history, surgical procedure, outcome, histopathology, and follow‐up MRI results were extracted.ResultsMean age at presentation was 7.32 (range 2‐11) years, 80% were males. Short‐term outcome was available in 25 dogs, and improvement was confirmed in 80% of dogs. Long‐term outcome was available in 21 dogs, and deterioration was confirmed in 86% of cases, with late‐onset recurrence of clinical signs after initial postsurgical improvement affecting 85% of Pugs. A moderate correlation (r = 0.50) was found between duration of clinical signs and outcome. In 8 dogs with deteriorating clinical signs, follow‐up MRI revealed regrowth of the SAD in 2 cases, new SAD formation in 2 cases, and intramedullary T2W hyperintensity/syringomyelia in 6 cases.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study suggests that Pugs with thoracolumbar SAD do not have a favorable long‐term prognosis after surgical treatment for reasons yet to be determined.
Surgery for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Cillo Umberto , Fondevila Constantino , Donadon Matteo , Gringeri Enrico , Mocchegiani Federico , Schlitt Hans J. , Ijzermans Jan N. M. , Vivarelli Marco , Zieniewicz Krzysztof , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Groot Koerkamp Bas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSurgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. For both perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), 5‐year overall survival of about 30% has been reported in large series. This review addresses several challenges in surgical management of cholangiocarcinoma. The first challenge is diagnosis: a biopsy is typically avoided because of the risk of seeding metastases and the low yield of a brush of the bile duct. However, about 15% of patients with suspected pCCA are found to have a benign diagnosis after resection. The second challenge is staging; even with the best preoperative imaging, a substantial percentage of patients has occult metastatic disease detected at staging laparoscopy or early recurrence after resection. The third challenge is an adequate volume and function of the future liver remnant, which may require preoperative biliary drainage and portal vein embolization. The fourth challenge is a complete resection: a positive bile duct margin is not uncommon because the microscopic biliary extent of disease may be more extensive than perceived on imaging. The fifth challenge is the high post‐operative mortality that has decreased in very high volume Asian centres, but remains about 10% in many Western referral centres. The sixth challenge is that even after a complete resection most patients develop recurrent disease. Recent randomized controlled trials found conflicting results regarding the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. The final challenge is to determine which patients with cholangiocarcinoma should undergo liver transplantation rather than resection.
Ectopic immature renal tissue presenting as a pedunculated sacral mass in a neonate
Authors: Nag Shudeshna , Dayrit‐Castro Carmela A. F. , Ho Nhung T. C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEctopic immature renal tissue (EIRT) has been reported in a variety of tissues of mesodermal origin, including the dermis of the skin. We report a case of a newborn with a congenital lumbosacral mass with pathologic findings consistent with EIRT. This report highlights the clinical and pathologic considerations of EIRT, including associations with spinal dysraphism, teratoma, and Wilm's tumor.
Responsibility, Reactive Attitudes and Very General Facts of Human Nature
Authors: Bengtson Audun Benjamin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper defends P.F. Strawson's controversial ‘reversal move’, the view that the reactive attitudes determine what it means to be responsible. Many are critical of this account, arguing that it leads to the result that if we were to start to hold very young children responsible, they would be responsible. I argue that it is possible to read Strawson as providing a grammatical analysis of our moral responsibility language‐game by drawing two parallels between Strawson and Wittgenstein. This interpretation shows that the formulation of the problem associated with the ‘reversal move’ rests on a grammatical mistake.
A population‐based study of the prevalence and risk factors of low‐grade Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in children aged 0–15 years old in northern Tanzania
Authors: Peprah S. , Dhudha H. , Ally H. , Masalu N. , Kawira E. , Chao C. N. , Genga I. O. , Mumia M. , Were P. A. , Kinyera T. , Otim I. , Legason I. D. , Biggar R. J. , Bhatia K. , Goedert J. J. , Pfeiffer R. M. , Mbulaiteye S. M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivesNorthern Tanzania experiences significant malaria‐related morbidity and mortality, but accurate data are scarce. We update the data on patterns of low‐grade Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection among children in northern Tanzania.MethodsPlasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence (pfPR) was assessed in a representative sample of 819 children enrolled in 94 villages in northern Tanzania between October 2015 and August 2016, using a complex survey design. Individual‐ and household‐level risk factors for pfPR were elicited using structured questionnaires. pfPR was assessed using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and thick film microscopy (TFM). Associations with pfPR, based on RDT, were assessed using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI) from weighted survey logistic regression models.ResultsPlasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence (pfPR) was 39.5% (95% CI: 31.5, 47.5) by RDT and 33.4% (26.0, 40.6) by TFM. pfPR by RDT was inversely associated with higher‐education parents, especially mothers (5–7 years of education: aOR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.96, senior secondary education: aOR 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.55), living in a house near the main road (aOR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.76), in a larger household (two rooms: aOR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.79, more than two rooms OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.62). Keeping a dog near or inside the house was positively associated with pfPR (aOR 2.01; 95% CI: 1.26, 3.21). pfPR was not associated with bed‐net use or indoor residual spraying.ConclusionsNearly 40% of children in northern Tanzania had low‐grade malaria antigenaemia. Higher parental education and household metrics but not mosquito bed‐net use were inversely associated with pfPR.
Export‐led growth and its determinants: Evidence from Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Hagemejer Jan , Mućk Jakub 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this study, we assess the importance of exports and global value chain (GVC) participation for economic growth. Using novel methods and an extensive data set, we decompose GDP growth in the Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) to show that in a large part of the period of transition and integration with the EU, exports have played a predominant role in shaping economic growth. We also show that exports have been the major factor driving the convergence of the CEECs with their advanced counterparts. We employ panel methods to analyse the determinants of growth of exported value added and show that the major growth drivers in the analysed period of 1995–2014 are GVC participation, imports of technology and capital deepening.Jel classificationC23, F21, O33
State gun laws, gun ownership, and mass shootings in the US: cross sectional time series
Authors: Reeping Paul M , Cerdá Magdalena , Kalesan Bindu , Wiebe Douglas J , Galea Sandro , Branas Charles C 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether restrictiveness-permissiveness of state gun laws or gun ownership are associated with mass shootings in the US.

Design
Cross sectional time series.

Setting and population
US gun owners from 1998-2015.

Exposure
An annual rating between 0 (completely restrictive) and 100 (completely permissive) for the gun laws of all 50 states taken from a reference guide for gun owners traveling between states from 1998 to 2015. Gun ownership was estimated annually as the percentage of suicides committed with firearms in each state.

Main outcome measure
Mass shootings were defined as independent events in which four or more people were killed by a firearm. Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting System from 1998-2015 were used to calculate annual rates of mass shootings in each state. Mass shooting events and rates were further separated into those where the victims were immediate family members or partners (domestic) and those where the victims had other relationships with the perpetrator (non-domestic).

Results
Fully adjusted regression analyses showed that a 10 unit increase in state gun law permissiveness was associated with a significant 11.5% (95% confidence interval 4.2% to 19.3%, P=0.002) higher rate of mass shootings. A 10% increase in state gun ownership was associated with a significant 35.1% (12.7% to 62.7%, P=0.001) higher rate of mass shootings. Partially adjusted regression analyses produced similar results, as did analyses restricted to domestic and non-domestic mass shootings.

Conclusions
States with more permissive gun laws and greater gun ownership had higher rates of mass shootings, and a growing divide appears to be emerging between restrictive and permissive states.
Relative preservation of triceps over biceps strength in upper limb-onset ALS: the ‘split elbow’
Authors: Khalaf Roaya , Martin Sarah , Ellis Cathy , Burman Rachel , Sreedharan Jemeen , Shaw Christopher , Leigh P Nigel , Turner Martin R , Al-Chalabi Ammar 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of the motor system. The split hand sign in ALS refers to observed preferential weakness of the lateral hand muscles, which is unexplained. One possibility is larger cortical representation of the lateral hand compared with the medial. Biceps strength is usually preserved relative to triceps in neurological conditions, but biceps has a larger cortical representation and might be expected to show preferential weakness in ALS.MethodsUsing the South-East England Register for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, we performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study and extracted the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength score for biceps and triceps in patients with a diagnosis of upper limb-onset ALS in the 19-year period 1996–2015. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the relative strength of the muscles within the total sum of the upper limbs involved in the study.ResultsThere were 659 people with upper limb onset of weakness. In 215 there were insufficient data to perform the analysis, and a further 33 were excluded for other reasons, leaving 411 for analysis. Biceps was stronger than triceps in 87 limbs, and triceps was stronger than biceps in 258 limbs, with no difference seen in the remaining 477. Triceps strength scores (mean rank=186.1) were higher than ipsilateral biceps strength scores (mean rank=134.2), Z=−10.1, p<0.001 (two-tailed).ConclusionTriceps strength is relatively preserved compared with biceps in ALS. This is consistent with a broadly corticofugal hypothesis of selective vulnerability, in which susceptibility might be associated with larger cortical representation.
Neuroprotective effect ofPanax ginsengextract against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion-injury-induced oxidative stress in middle cerebral artery occlusion models
Authors: Shamim Mufzala , Khan Nazish Iqbal 
Published: March 2019

The present study investigated the in vivo neuroprotective role of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) pretreatment against transient cerebral ischemia in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Rats were randomly divided as follows: group I, control; group II, sham-operated; group III, where animals were subjected to MCAO surgery; and group IV, where animals were orally administered 10 mL PGE per day (200 mg/kg of body weight per day) for 30 d followed by MCAO induction at day 31. Following 24 h of reperfusion, blood and tissue (brain, liver, and kidney) samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological examination. Biochemical testing included lipid profile, liver enzymes, kidney function tests, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, and total protein estimation. Tissue antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione) were assessed in brain, liver, and kidney tissues. MCAO-induced histopathological changes were also examined in the tissues. Pretreatment with PGE showed significant improvement in tissue antioxidant status in brain, liver and kidney tissues. PGE treatment maintains plasma lipid profile, liver enzymes, kidney function, and CRP, LDH, and glucose levels. Histologically, monocytes and macrophage infiltration were observed in the tissues of MCAO animals, whereas PGE treatment preserved tissue architecture and minimal monocyte infiltration. PGE supplementation showed a neuroprotective effect against ischemia–reperfusion injury by effectively increasing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity.
Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Improves Functional Outcome in Patients With Progressive Lacunar Strokes
Authors: Berberich Anne , Schneider Christine , Reiff Tilman , Gumbinger Christoph , Ringleb Peter Arthur 
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose—
In 20% to 30% of patients with lacunar strokes, early neurological deterioration (END) occurs within the first days after stroke onset. However, effective treatment strategies are still missing for these patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients presenting with END.

Methods—
Four hundred fifty-eight patients with lacunar strokes and corresponding neuroimaging evidence of lacunar ischemia were retrospectively screened for END, which was defined by deterioration of ≥3 total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale points, ≥2 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale points for limb paresis, or documented clinical deterioration within 5 days after admission. Patients with END were treated with DAPT according to in-house standards. Primary efficacy end point was fulfilled if National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge improved at least to the score at admission. Secondary end points were Rankin Scale score, further clinical fluctuation, and symptomatic bleeding complications.

Results—

END occurred in 130 (28%) of 458 patients with lacunar strokes. Ninety-seven (75%) of these patients were treated with DAPT after END, mostly for 5 days. DAPT was associated with improved functional outcome. The primary end point was met in 68% (66) of patients with DAPT compared with 36% (12) of patients with standard treatment (
P
=0.0019). Further clinical fluctuations were absent in 79% (77) of patients with DAPT versus 33% (11) of patients without DAPT (
P
<0.001). Symptomatic bleeding complications were not observed in any patient.

Conclusions—
The results demonstrated potential positive effects of DAPT in patients with progressive lacunar strokes.
Cellular Statistical Models of Broken Cloud Fields. Part IV: Effects of Pixel Size on Idealized Satellite Observations
Authors: Alexandrov Mikhail D. , Marshak Alexander 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn the fourth part of our “Cellular Statistical Models of Broken Cloud Fields” series we use the binary Markov processes framework for quantitative investigation of the effects of low resolution of idealized satellite observations on the statistics of the retrieved cloud masks. We assume that the cloud fields are Markovian and are characterized by the “actual” cloud fraction (CF) and scale length. We use two different models of observations: a simple discrete-point sampling and a more realistic “pixel” protocol. The latter is characterized by a state attribution function (SAF), which has the meaning of the probability that the pixel with a certain CF is declared cloudy in the observed cloud mask. The stochasticity of the SAF means that the cloud–clear attribution is not ideal and can be affected by external or unknown factors. We show that the observed cloud masks can be accurately described as Markov chains of pixels and use the master matrix formalism (introduced in Part III of the series) for analytical computation of their parameters: the “observed” CF and scale length. This procedure allows us to establish a quantitative relationship (which is pixel-size dependent) between the actual and the observed cloud-field statistics. The feasibility of restoring the former from the latter is considered. The adequacy of our analytical approach to idealized observations is evaluated using numerical simulations. Comparison of the observed parameters of the simulated datasets with their theoretical expectations showed an agreement within 0.005 for the CF, while for the scale length it is within 1% in the sampling case and within 4% in the pixel case.
Lithium can cause hyperthyroidism as well as hypothyroidism: A systematic review of an under-recognised association
Authors: Fairbrother Fiona , Petzl Nicola , Scott James G , Kisely Steve 
Published: March 2019

Objective: Hypothyroidism is a well-documented consequence of lithium treatment. Less well known is a possible association between lithium therapy and hyperthyroidism. This may have clinical implications as rapid changes in thyroid hormones may worsen a person’s affective state, while symptoms of hyperthyroidism can mimic those of mania. We therefore systematically reviewed the published literature for evidence of lithium-induced hyperthyroidism. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and CINAHL for articles where individuals developed biochemically confirmed hyperthyroidism (with or without clinical symptoms), while on lithium therapy for an affective illness. We included case reports, case series, cross-sectional, case control and cohort studies. Results: We included 52 studies, 39 of which were individual case reports and 3 were case series. There were 10 cross-sectional or case control or cohort studies. All the research designs suggested an association between the prescription of lithium and hyperthyroidism. However, these findings were limited by the quality of the included studies, small number of participants and the general lack of either a clear temporal relationship or dose response. Conclusion: Hyperthyroidism is an uncommon side-effect of lithium compared to hypothyroidism but may have clinical implications. However, large prospective studies are required to clarify this association and to further inform the management of patients treated with lithium where hyperthyroidism occurs.