bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delivery mode, levator avulsion and obstetric anal sphincter injury: A cross‐sectional study 20 years after childbirth
Authors: Lin Sylvia , Atan Ixora Kamisan , Dietz Hans Peter , Herbison Peter , Wilson Peter Donald 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundLevator ani muscle (LAM) and anal sphincter injuries are common after vaginal birth and are associated with pelvic organ prolapse and anal incontinence.AimsOur objective was to investigate long‐term association between delivery mode, LAM avulsion and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in women at least 20 years after their first birth.MethodsAll women recruited at ‘index birth’ of the Dunedin (New Zealand) arm of ProLong (PROlapse and incontinence LONG‐term research) Study, were invited to have translabial and transperineal ultrasound assessment of LAM and anal sphincters. Post‐processing analysis of imaging data was performed blinded against delivery data. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test and results are expressed as odds ratios (OR).ResultsOf the initial 1250 participants, 196 women returned for examination. Mean age was 50.8 years with a mean body mass index of 27.6 and median parity was three. They were seen on average 23 years after their first delivery. Four data sets were unavailable and one declined ultrasound assessment, leaving 191 for analysis. LAM avulsion was diagnosed in 29 (15.2%), and 24 women (12.6%) had significant anal sphincter defect. LAM avulsion was associated with forceps delivery (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.04–5.80, P = 0.041). Forceps conveyed a greater risk of OASIS (21%) compared to a spontaneous vaginal delivery (11%) but did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsForceps delivery is associated with long‐term injurious effect on pelvic floor structures. Discussions of the long‐term negative impact of pelvic floor structures and their functions are necessary to achieve an informed consent toward an operative vaginal delivery.
Paired acute‐baseline serum tryptase levels in perioperative anaphylaxis: An observational study
Authors: Vitte Joana , Amadei Laurent , Gouitaa Marion , Mezouar Soraya , Zieleskiewicz Laurent , Albanese Jacques , Bruder Nicolas , Lagier David , Mertès Paul M. , Mège Jean‐Louis , Schwartz Lawrence B. , Leone Marc 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundAnaphylaxis is recognized mainly through clinical criteria, which may lack specificity or relevance in the perioperative setting. The transient increase in serum tryptase has been proposed since 1989 as a diagnostic tool. Sampling for well‐defined acute and baseline determinations has been recommended. We assessed the performance of four proposed algorithms with tightly controlled time frames for tryptase sampling, their robustness with inadequate sampling times, and the possible use of mature tryptase determination.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on 102 adult patients from the Aix‐Marseille University Hospitals who had experienced a perioperative hypersensitivity reaction clinically suggesting anaphylaxis. EAACI and ICON criteria were used to diagnose anaphylaxis. Mature and total serum tryptase levels were measured.ResultsBased on EAACI guidelines, clinical diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis were found in 76 patients and lacking in 26. The most effective algorithm was the international consensus recommendation of 2012 that acute total tryptase levels should be greater than ([1.2×baseline tryptase] + 2] μg/L to be considered a clinically significant rise. In our cohort, this algorithm achieved 94% positive predictive value (PPV), 53% negative predictive value (NPV), 75% sensitivity, 86% specificity, and a Youden's index value of 0.61. A detectable acute mature tryptase level showed lower sensitivity, particularly in patients with acute total tryptase levels lower than 16 μg/L. Acute tryptase levels varied as a function of the clinical severity of anaphylaxis.ConclusionTotal tryptase levels in serum discriminated between nonanaphylactic and anaphylactic events in a perioperative setting when acute and baseline levels were collected and analyzed by the consensus algorithm.
Aluminium release by coated and uncoated fluid‐warming devices
Authors: Perl T. , Kunze‐Szikszay N. , Bräuer A. , Quintel M. , Röhrig A. L. , Kerpen K. , Telgheder U. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThe use of fluid‐warming systems is recommended for infusion rates > 500 ml.h−1 to avoid peri‐operative hypothermia. Some fluid‐warming devices use disposable aluminium‐heated plates for heat transfer, but there is no protective coating to separate the fluid from the heated aluminium surface. It is unknown if this could promote release of aluminium into infusion fluids. We investigated a coated (Fluido compact) and an uncoated (enFlow) fluid‐warming device using normal saline or balanced electrolyte solution as infusion fluids, pumped through the heated disposables at flow rates of 2, 4 and 8 ml.min−1 for 60 min each. Aluminium concentrations in the fluid samples were analysed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. With saline the coated and uncoated devices yielded aluminium concentrations below the level of quantification (< 128 μg.l−1). Similarly, balanced electrolyte solution in the coated device yielded aluminium concentrations < 128 μg.l−1. However, balanced electrolyte solution in the uncoated device yielded aluminium concentrations of up to 6794 (3465–8002 [1868–7421]) μg.l−1. Repeating this last study at a flow rate of 2 ml.min−1 resulted in quite high aluminium concentrations when the uncoated device was not heated (~1000 μg.l−1) and higher concentrations after the device was heated. We conclude that using uncoated aluminium plates in fluid‐warming systems can lead to a risk of administering potentially harmful concentrations of aluminium when balanced crystalloid solutions are used. The mechanism is unclear, but heat is in part involved. Coating for aluminium within medical devices in direct contact with infusion fluids should be recommended.
AMH and INSL3 in testicular and extragonadal pathophysiology: what do we know?
Authors: Sansone A. , Kliesch S. , Isidori A. M. , Schlatt S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt is commonly accepted that testicular function is prevalently regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis: The pulsatile secretion of GnRH by the hypothalamus induces pituitary expression of the two gonadotropins FSH and LH, which then stimulate Sertoli and Leydig cells, respectively, therefore regulating steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. However, a growing body of evidence has recently suggested that other hormones act on the reproductive tract since the early phases of fetal development. Anti‐Müllerian hormone and INSL3 are still largely used only for research purposes despite being increasingly recognized as markers of Sertoli and Leydig cells function, respectively.ObjectivesProvide an up‐to‐date review of the role of anti‐Müllerian hormone and INSL3 in human pathophysiology according to current evidence.Materials and MethodsA thorough literature review was performed on PubMed, OVID MEDLINE/EMBASE and Google Scholar for papers concerning anti‐Müllerian hormone and INSL3 in human males.ResultsINSL3 is not acutely regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary axis but is constitutively secreted by Leydig cells, therefore representing a valid marker for their number and status. Anti‐Müllerian hormone expression, on the other hand, is downregulated by androgens, therefore occurring mostly at the early stages of testicular differentiation and before the onset of puberty. Several conditions affecting testicular development, such as male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and their treatment have been associated to specific pattern of INSL3 and anti‐Müllerian hormone expression, proving a role for both hormones in the diagnostic and therapeutic management. Recent reports suggest a role for both anti‐Müllerian hormone and INSL3 in extra gonadal physiology, such as cardiovascular and bone health.ConclusionAnti‐Müllerian hormone and INSL3 are markers of Sertoli and Leydig cells maturation, respectively, usually involved in the pathogenesis of disorders of sexual differentiation. However, their role in testicular pathology has only been hinted at in the last decades. Recent evidence supports an involvement of both anti‐Müllerian hormone and INSL3 in extragonadal pathophysiology as well.
Immunohistochemical predictive markers of response to conservative treatment of endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Travaglino Antonio , Raffone Antonio , Saccone Gabriele , Insabato Luigi , Mollo Antonio , De Placido Giuseppe , Zullo Fulvio 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionProgestogens are widely used for the conservative treatment of endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, they do not achieve the regression in all cases. Although several immunohistochemical markers have been assessed to predict the response to treatment, their usefulness is still unclear. We aimed to analyze the usefulness of each immunohistochemical marker studied in predicting the response to progestogens in endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer.Material and methodsElectronic databases were searched for relevant articles from January 2000 to June 2018. All studies assessing the association of immunohistochemical markers with the outcome of the progestogen‐based therapy in endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer were included. The expression of immunohistochemical markers in pretreatment phase and changes of expression during the follow‐up were evaluated in relation to response to therapy and relapse.ResultsTwenty‐seven studies with 1360 women were included in the systematic review; 43 immunohistochemical markers were assessed. The most studied predictive markers in the pretreatment phase were progesterone and estrogen receptors, although with conflicting results; their isoforms, and in particular progesterone receptor B, appeared more promising. Further studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of mismatch repair proteins, Dusp6, GRP78 and PTEN combined with other molecules such as phospho‐AKT or phospho‐mTOR. In the follow‐up phase, Nrf2 and survivin showed the stronger evidence; a role may also be played by Bcl2 and Ki67. Further studies are necessary for Fas, NCoR, AKR1C1, HE4, PAX2 and SPAG9.ConclusionsSeveral immunohistochemical markers might be helpful in predicting the response to conservative treatment of endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer on pretreatment and follow‐up specimens. Further studies are needed to confirm their usefulness and possibly integrate them in a predictive immunohistochemical panel.
Outcome of transformed follicular lymphoma worsens according to the timing of transformation and to the number of previous therapies. A retrospective multicenter study on behalf of Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL)
Authors: Rusconi Chiara , Anastasia Antonella , Chiarenza Annalisa , Marcheselli Luigi , Cavallo Federica , Rattotti Sara , Botto Barbara , Ferrari Angela , Nassi Luca , Pagani Chiara , Meli Erika , Arcaini Luca , Federico Massimo , Rossi Giuseppe ,   on behalf of Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL)
Published: February 2019

SummaryOptimal treatment for transformed follicular lymphoma (tFL) is not fully defined. Clinical characteristics and treatments that impact on post‐transformation outcome of 176 biopsy‐proven tFL were analysed. Transformation occurred at initial diagnosis in 52% (Group 1) and after a FL diagnosis in 48% (Group 2). Five‐year overall survival was 84% for Group 1 and 51% for Group 2 (P < 0·001). In Group 1, 5‐year progression‐free survival was superior after rituximab maintenance compared to observation only (94% vs. 53%, P = 0·024). In Group 2, an inverse trend was found between survival and both a higher number of pre‐transformation treatment lines and a short time‐to‐transformation.
Land as a Transactional Asset: Moral Economy and Market Logic in Contested Land Acquisition in India
Authors: Nair Manjusha 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTThe state seizure of land from farmers for development projects has triggered numerous protests in India. How far can these protests be characterized as a Polanyian countermovement to reclaim rights on land, resisting the encroachment of neoliberal market forces on society? Based on field research conducted in 2013–17 in two villages in prosperous western Uttar Pradesh that were host to a series of dramatic and violent protests in 2011, this article argues that rather than reclaiming land from commodification, the farmers were using the land as a market instrument, atransactional asset, in negotiating for a better deal within a dominant market‐driven template. The author suggests that valuing land as a transactional asset to be deployed in the market symbolizes a new moral economy in this region, prompted by increasing risk in farming, improved economic standing and aspirations, and a lack of faith in the neoliberalizing state and political institutions.
From clock to functional pacemaker
Authors: Michel Stephan , Meijer Johanna H. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn mammals, the central pacemaker that coordinates 24‐hr rhythms is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Individual neurons of the SCN have a molecular basis for rhythm generation and hence, they function as cell autonomous oscillators. Communication and synchronization among these neurons are crucial for obtaining a coherent rhythm at the population level, that can serve as a pace making signal for brain and body. Hence, the ability of single SCN neurons to produce circadian rhythms is equally important as the ability of these neurons to synchronize one another, to obtain a bona fide pacemaker at the SCN tissue level. In this chapter we will discuss the mechanisms underlying synchronization, and plasticity herein, which allows adaptation to changes in day length. Furthermore, we will discuss deterioration in synchronization among SCN neurons in aging, and gain in synchronization by voluntary physical activity or exercise.
Clinical applicability of diagnostic biomarkers in early‐onset cognitive impairment
Authors: Falgàs N. , Tort‐Merino A. , Balasa M. , Borrego‐Écija S. , Castellví M. , Olives J. , Bosch B. , Férnandez‐Villullas G. , Antonell A. , Augé J. M. , Lomeña F. , Perissinotti A. , Bargalló N. , Sánchez‐Valle R. , Lladó A. 
Published: February 2019

Background and purposeSeveral diagnostic biomarkers are currently available for clinical use in early‐onset cognitive impairment. The decision on which biomarker is used in each patient depends on several factors such as its predictive value or tolerability.MethodsThere were a total of 40 subjects with early‐onset cognitive complaints (<65 years of age): 26 with Alzheimer's disease (AD), five with frontotemporal dementia and nine with diagnostic suspicion of non‐neurodegenerative disorder. Clinical and neuropsychological evaluation, lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD core biochemical marker determination, medial temporal atrophy evaluation on magnetic resonance imaging, amyloid‐positron emission tomography (PET) and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET were performed. Neurologists provided pre‐ and post‐biomarker diagnosis, together with diagnostic confidence and clinical/therapeutic management. Patients scored the tolerability of each procedure.ResultsCerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and amyloid‐PET increased diagnostic confidence in AD (77.4%–86.2% after CSF, 92.4% after amyloid‐PET, P < 0.01) and non‐neurodegenerative conditions (53.6%–75% after CSF, 95% after amyloid‐PET, P < 0.05). Biomarker results led to diagnostic (32.5%) and treatment (32.5%) changes. All tests were well tolerated.ConclusionsBiomarker procedures are well tolerated and have an important diagnostic/therapeutic impact on early‐onset cognitive impairment.
The resolution‐dependent role of landscape attributes in shaping macro‐scale biodiversity patterns
Authors: Qiu Yanning , Teng Shuqing N. , Zhang Yong , Santana Joana , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Reino Luís , Abades Sabastián , Ma Haozhi , Yang Luojun , Wu Yiqian , Huang Zheng Y. X. , Xu Chi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimThe aim was to assess whether and to what extent the role of local landscape attributes in shaping macroscopic biodiversity patterns is sensitive to spatial and thematic resolutions of land cover data.LocationSub‐Saharan Africa and continental China.Time periodEarly 21st century.Taxa studiedTerrestrial mammals.MethodsWe conducted spatial and thematic scaling analyses to generate land cover datasets of different spatial (0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 9.0 km) and thematic (two, three and five classes) resolutions. We calculated landscape metrics based on the resulting land cover maps and examined the power of landscape metrics for explaining species richness patterns, using non‐spatial (OLS) and spatial (SAR) linear models and random forest (RF) models. We systematically assessed the resolution dependence of explanatory power for different geographical regions, different scaling approaches and different model types. We also compared the explanatory power of landscape attributes with that of macroclimate.ResultsCollectively, local landscape attributes generally had strong explanatory power for species richness. For the African system, the largest explanatory power was c. 60% based on the OLS models and random forest models and c. 30% based on the non‐spatial components of the SAR models. For the Chinese system, the largest explanatory power was c. 35% based on the OLS models and c. 40% based on the SAR and random forest models. We observed a linear scaling relationship, which is robust to studied systems, scaling approaches and model types. In contrast, the scaling relationship varies substantially among single landscape metrics. At coarse resolutions, the addition of landscape attributes collectively would not improve climate‐envelope models significantly, whereas at finer resolutions, landscape attributes collectively have explanatory power that is close to or even exceeds climate.Main conclusionsLocal landscape attributes play an important role in shaping macroscopic biodiversity patterns. However, their strength is highly sensitive to both spatial and thematic resolutions of land cover data, with stronger explanatory power detected at finer resolutions. Strong sensitivity to spatial and thematic resolutions makes landscape attributes highly plastic determinants, leading to contrasting conclusions if based on greatly different resolutions of land cover data. Scaling analyses are needed to examine such cross‐scale effects of macroecological determinants systematically.
The influence of particle size of slurry on life on BME‐MLCC
Authors: Cheng Qijun , Huang Lida , Xu Hao , Yi Fengju , Ding Dengjie , Xie Donghui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFour slurries and base metal electrode multiplayer ceramic capacitor (BME‐MLCC) samples（0603‐X7R‐50V‐104）were prepared by using different grinding ways. The particle sizes of slurries were characterized by grading analysis and the micro‐morphology of films and samples were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The structure was characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). Finally, the life of samples were tested by highly accelerated life testing (HALT). Results showed that the particle size distribution of slurry which was made using smaller grinding media by sander was narrow. The micromorphology of as‐prepared films and samples were more tightly, the numbers of particles in single dielectric were more, the initial reliability was better and the life was longer.
Reducing assimilation and contrast effects on selection interview ratings using behaviorally anchored rating scales
Authors: Lubbe Dirk , Nitsche Anna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPerformance ratings have been shown to be susceptible to various biases. Two of the most influential biases are assimilation and contrast effects. They denote that ratings are biased either toward (assimilation) or away from (contrast) prior reference assessments. Rigorous rater trainings have proven useful to reduce the latter bias, which, however, are rather time‐consuming. A more parsimonious approach achieving a similar purpose may be to optimize the rating material in order to reduce the tendency of being affected by non‐performance‐related information. Behaviorally anchored ratings scales (BARS) appear to be a theoretically sound alternative in contexts in which rater trainings are uncommon or assessment situations occur only rarely. In two experiments, we evaluated whether BARS are able to reduce assimilation and contrast effects using systematically manipulated standardized videotaped selection interviews. While assimilation effects were reduced by 40%, contrast effects were not significantly but descriptively reduced.
Geographic and Spatial Assimilation of Immigrants from Central America's Northern Triangle
Authors: Obinna Denise N. , Field Layton M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith declines in migration from Mexico, the countries of the Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA) – El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala – are now responsible for some of the largest increases in the population density of Latinos in the United States. Using data from the 5‐year estimates of the 2016 American Community Survey and the Atlas of Rural and Small‐Town America, this article provides a spatial framework for settlement among NTCA immigrants in America. Findings illustrate that, unlike previous streams of Latino migration, which tended to be more agriculturally driven, NTCA immigrants are likely to choose settlement destinations in densely populated counties which support manufacturing rather than those which are farming dependent. We also find that while NTCA communities are predominant in new destinations like Prince Georges and Montgomery counties Maryland, they are also dominant in older Latino destinations like Harris County, Texas and Los Angeles county, California.
Market Volatility Risk and Stock Returns around the World: Implication for Multinational Corporations*
Authors: Liang Samuel Xin , John Wei K.C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigate the pricing of market volatility risk as a risk factor—the innovation risk and as a characteristic risk—the level risk. We find that the pricing of the country‐level (local) market volatility risk factor is not robust across 21 developed markets and that the global market volatility risk factor prices 21 developed market portfolios after controlling for global market, value, and size factors. Capturing various market information, idiosyncratic market volatility as a country‐specific characteristic risk dominates global market, value, size, and market volatility risk factors in predicting returns of market portfolios. Countries with higher investor protection and accounting standards have higher country‐specific market volatility. Market volatility is higher in these countries because corporate managers take higher risks on innovative projects that benefit economic growth.