bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Penile length is preserved after implant surgery
Authors: Habous Mohamad , Giona Simone , Tealab Alaa , Aziz Mohammed , Sherif Hammoda , Abdelwahab Osama , Binsaleh Saleh , Ralph David , Bettocchi Carlo , Mulhall John P. , Muir Gordon 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate if there is a correlation between penile size measured preoperatively and erect penis after penile implant surgery (PI). A common cause of patient dissatisfaction after PI is caused by patients complaining that surgery has shortened the penis. It has been suggested that stretched penile length preoperatively is almost the same after surgery when the prosthesis is in erect status. However, no comprehensive data supports this theory. This prospective study was done to investigate this theory.Patients and MethodsStandardised measurements of stretched penile length and girth were performed in theatre before PI implantation then re‐measured at the end of the procedure with the penis in the erect position. We recorded type of PI, cylinder lengths and malleable rod diameters. All patients had data recorded on body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HTN), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and Peyronie's disease (PD).ResultsIn all, 133 patients were assessed; 88 (66.2%) had a malleable penile prosthesis (MPP) and 45 (33.8%) an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). The median age and BMI were 56 years and 30 kg/m2, respectively. In all, 40 (30.1%) patients had HTN, 37 (27.8%) had PD, and 89 (66.9%) were diabetic. The mean (SD) pre‐implant stretched length was 12.8 (1.8) cm. The mean (SD) flaccid girth was 10.3 (1.2) cm. Postoperatively, the mean (SD) erect length and girth were 13.1 (1.7) cm and 11.3 (1.3) cm, respectively. Overall, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in both the mean (SD) length at +0.36 (0.63) cm, and girth at +1.04 (1.02) cm. Patients who had an IPP, had a greater increase in both length (mean [SD] 0.62 [0.72] cm) and girth (mean [SD] 1.7 [1.0] cm) compared to those who had a MPP (mean [SD] 0.22 [0.53] cm and 0.7 [0.87] cm, respectively) (P < 0.05). We investigated correlations between pre‐ and postoperative outcomes related to BMI, HTN, diabetes, and PD. None of these variables affected outcome.ConclusionsPI surgery does not significantly decrease penile size compared to the preoperative assessment. The outcome was not affected by co‐morbidities. The preoperative length and girth correlated well with the immediate postoperative erect penis, although girth was not necessarily comparable in this series of patients measured under anaesthesia. Recording penile dimensions in the clinic and agreeing these with patients’ preoperatively may be a way of improving satisfaction levels with this surgery.
Recent metformin adherence and the risk of hypoglycaemia in the year following intensification with a sulfonylurea
Authors: Min J. Y. , Griffin M. R. , Chipman J. , Hackstadt A. J. , Greevy R. A. , Grijalva C. G. , Hung A. M. , Roumie C. L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether recent low adherence to metformin monotherapy is associated with hypoglycaemia after addition of a sulfonylurea.MethodsWe assembled a retrospective cohort of veterans who filled a new prescription for metformin between 2001 and 2011 and intensified treatment with a sulfonylurea after ≥1 year of metformin use. We calculated metformin adherence from pharmacy data using the proportion of days covered in the 180‐day period before intensification. The primary outcome was hypoglycaemia, defined as a hospitalization or emergency department visit for hypoglycaemia or an outpatient blood glucose measurement <3.3 mmol/l in the year following intensification. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of hypoglycaemia between participants with low (<80%) and high (≥80%) adherence. Adherence was also modelled as a continuous variable using restricted cubic splines.ResultsOf 187 267 participants who initiated metformin monotherapy, 49 424 added a sulfonylurea after ≥1 year. The median (interquartile range) rate of treatment adherence was 87 (50–100)% and 43% had adherence <80%. Hypoglycaemia rates per 1000 person‐years were 23.1 (95% CI 21.1–25.4) and 24.5 (95% CI 22.7–26.4) in participants with low and high adherence, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.84–1.08). The risk of hypoglycaemia was similar across all levels of adherence when adherence was modelled as a continuous variable.ConclusionsWe found no evidence that past low adherence to metformin monotherapy was associated with hypoglycaemia after intensification with a sulfonylurea.
Land cover, riparian zones and instream habitat influence stream fish assemblages in the eastern Amazon
Authors: Montag Luciano F. A. , Winemiller Kirk O. , Keppeler Friedrich W. , Leão Híngara , Benone Naraiana L. , Torres Naiara R. , Prudente Bruno S. , Begot Tiago O. , Bower Luke M. , Saenz David E. , Lopez‐Delgado Edwin O. , Quintana Yasmin , Hoeinghaus David J. , Juen Leandro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Amazon rainforest has experienced rapid land‐use changes over the last few decades, including extensive deforestation that can affect riparian habitats and streams. The aim of this study was to assess responses of stream fish assemblages to deforestation and land cover change in the eastern Amazon. We expected that percentage of forest in the catchment is correlated with local habitat complexity, which in turn determines fish assemblage composition and structure. We sampled 71 streams in areas with different land uses and tested for relationships between stream fish assemblages and local habitat and landscape variables while controlling for the effect of intersite distance. Fish assemblage composition and structure were correlated with forest coverage, but local habitat variables explained more of the variation in both assemblage composition and structure than landscape variables. Intersite distance contributed to variance explained by local habitat and landscape variables, and the percentage of variance explained by the unique contribution of local habitat was approximately equivalent to the shared variance explained by all three factors in the model. In these streams of the eastern Amazon, fish assemblages were most strongly influenced by features of instream and riparian habitats, yet indirect effects of deforestation on fish assemblage composition and structure were observed even though intact riparian zones were present at most sites. Long‐term monitoring of the hydrographic basin, instream habitat and aquatic fauna is needed to test for potential legacy effects and time lags, as well as assess species responses to continuing deforestation and land‐use changes in the Amazon.
Impact of the Friendly Schools whole‐school intervention on transition to secondary school and adolescent bullying behaviour
Authors: Cross Donna , Shaw Therese , Epstein Melanie , Pearce Natasha , Barnes Amy , Burns Sharyn , Waters Stacey , Lester Leanne , Runions Kevin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPeer bullying increases in times of school transition, influenced by changing peer and friendship groups, new schooling environments and greater stress. Covert forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, become more common in secondary school and cause considerable distress and long‐term harm. The period of transition to secondary school is therefore a critical window for intervening to manage and prevent bullying. A three‐year cluster randomised control trial was conducted to develop, implement and evaluate the Friendly Schools Project intervention which aimed to reduce bullying and aggression among more than 3,000 students who had recently transitioned to secondary school. Intervention schools were provided with individualised training and resources to support students’ transition and reduce bullying using a multi‐level comprehensive intervention addressing classroom curriculum, school policies and procedures, the social and physical environment, pastoral care approaches and school‐home‐community links. Although the observed effect sizes were small, the intervention had a consistently significant positive effect across a range of outcomes, including bullying perpetration, victimisation, depression, anxiety, stress, feelings of loneliness and perceptions of school safety at the end of the students’ first year in secondary school. However, none of these differences were sustained into the students’ second year of secondary school. These findings demonstrate the immediate value of whole‐school interventions to reduce bullying behaviour and associated harms among students who have recently transitioned to secondary school, as well as the need to provide strategies that continue to support students as they progress through school, to sustain these effects.
IL‐17‐positive mast cell infiltration in the lesional skin of lichen planopilaris: Possible role of mast cells in inducing inflammation and dermal fibrosis in cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Hobo Ayako , Harada Kazutoshi , Maeda Tatsuo , Uchiyama Masaki , Irisawa Ryokichi , Yamazaki Masashi , Tsuboi Ryoji 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary cicatricial alopecia characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytes in the upper portion of hair follicles. Inflammation around the bulge region of hair follicles induces destruction of hair follicle stem cells and tissue fibrosis, resulting in permanent hair loss. Treatment is still challenging, and the precise pathophysiology of this disorder is unknown. To clarify the pathogenesis of LPP, we performed histological and immunohistochemical analysis on specimens obtained from LPP patients. Formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded samples were evaluated by staining with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), toluidine blue stain, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that CD4‐positive T cells preferentially infiltrated into the follicular infundibulum in the LPP lesions. Toluidine blue stain detected a large number of mast cells in the inflammatory lesions of LPP. Interestingly, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the mast cells harboured IL‐17A‐ and IL‐23‐producing activity and expressed the IL‐23 receptor. The number of IL‐17A‐positive mast cells was significantly higher in the LPP lesions than in normal scalp. Moreover, the IL‐17 receptor was expressed exclusively in the follicular epithelial cells in the LPP lesions. These results suggested that mast cells infiltrating hair follicles might play a role in the pathogenesis of LPP via the IL‐23/IL‐17 axis.
Improved fatigue crack growth resistance by retrogression and re‐aging heat treatment in 7010 aluminum alloy
Authors: M.S. Nandana , Bhat K. Udaya , C.M. Manjunatha 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAircraft grade 7010 aluminum alloy was heat treated to two different conditions: (1) standard peak aging (T6) and (2) retrogression and re‐aging (RRA). The microstructures of these alloys were characterized by using transmission electron microscope. Fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) tests were conducted using standard compact tension specimens, following ASTM standards. Tests were conducted at various stress ratios, R ranging from 0.1 to 0.7. The RRA‐treated alloy was observed to contain coarsened η′ (MgZn2) precipitates with higher inter‐particle spacing when compared with T6‐treated alloy. The grain boundary precipitates (GBPs) were also coarsened and discontinuous in RRA‐treated alloy as compared with continuous GBPs in T6 condition. The FCGR was lower and ΔKthwas higher in RRA‐treated alloy compared with T6‐treated alloy at all the stress ratios investigated. Improved fatigue crack growth resistance in RRA‐treated alloy was correlated to the modified microstructure and enhanced crack closure levels.
Risk‐taking channel of monetary policy
Authors: Adrian Tobias , Estrella Arturo , Shin Hyun Song 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOne of the most robust stylized facts in macroeconomics is the forecasting power of the term spread for future real activity. We propose a possible causal mechanism for the forecasting power of the term spread, deriving from the balance sheet management of financial intermediaries and the “risk‐taking channel of monetary policy.” Monetary tightening leads to the flattening of the term spread, reducing net interest margin and credit supply. We provide empirical support for the risk‐taking channel.
Early Archean planktonic mode of life: Implications from fluid dynamics of lenticular microfossils
Authors: Kozawa Tomoki , Sugitani Kenichiro , Oehler Dorothy Z. , House Christopher H. , Saito Izumi , Watanabe Takeshi , Gotoh Toshiyuki 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLenticular, and commonly flanged, microfossils in 3.0–3.4 Ga sedimentary deposits in Western Australia and South Africa are unusually large (20–80 μm across), robust, and widespread in space and time. To gain insight into the ecology of these organisms, we performed simulations of fluid dynamics of virtual cells mimicking lenticular forms of variable sizes, oblateness, flange presence, and flange thickness. Results demonstrate that (a) the flange reduces sedimentation velocity, (b) this flange function works more effectively in larger cells, and (c) modest oblateness lowers sedimentation rate. These observations support interpretations that the lenticular microbes were planktonic—a lifestyle that could have been advantageous in an early Earth harsh environment including violent volcanic activities, repeated asteroid impacts, and relatively high UV‐radiation. Although the robustness of these organisms could have provided additional protection on the early Earth, this architecture may have impeded a planktonic lifestyle by increasing cell density. However, our data suggest that this disadvantage could have been compensated by enlargement of cell volume, which could have enhanced the ability of the flange to slow sedimentation rate, especially if coupled with vacuolation. The results of this simulation study may help to explain the unique morphology and unusually large size of these Archean microfossils.
Seasonal changes in feed intake, diet digestibility and diet composition by lactating and non‐lactating goats browsing in a semi‐arid rangeland of Argentina
Authors: Egea Ángela V. , Bakker María L. , Allegretti Liliana I. , Paez Sebastián A. , Grilli Diego J. , Guevara Juan C. , Villalba Juan J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe determined the seasonal nutrient and secondary compound intake, in vivo diet digestibility (DD) and diet species composition of goats in different physiological states in a desert rangeland of Argentina. During the wet and the dry seasons, 24 mature female Creole goats (six non‐lactating, non‐pregnant and six lactating in each season) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Diet botanical composition, DD and dry‐matter intake (DMI) were estimated by the combined use of visual observation, microhistological analyses of faecal samples and n‐alkane technique. Browse species dominated the goats’ diets (>80%) in both seasons and physiological states, with a twofold increase in the proportion of forbs during the wet season (p < 0.10). Lactating goats showed greater DMI than non‐lactating animals, and they also displayed greater intakes of some tanniferous (Mimosa ephedroides) and high‐protein (Atriplex lampa) shrubs (p < 0.10). Lactating and non‐lactating goats selected diets with adequate crude protein (CP) and fibre content but insufficient energy, although lactating goats tended to increase energy and tannin content in their diets (p < 0.20). Physiological state did not influence DD, but digestibility was greater (p < 0.10) in the wet season, attributed to the greater protein content and lower tannin content of the diet. These results have important implications for managerial interventions on traditional goat production systems in the study area aiming at enhancing goat nutrition and welfare, as well as the sustainability of rangeland resources in the region.
“Historical (f)actors: Environments and histories in modern North Africa”
Authors: Cutler Brock 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDespite the rise in environmental thinking and environmental questions throughout the humanities—what some people call the “environmental turn”—environmental history has remained marginal to the field of North African history. This article explores the field of environmental history of North Africa in order to think through some potential ways to address this lacuna. The article does this by first providing a brief overview of the field of environmental history, with an emphasis on North Africa. It then turns to the broader trends in this area and highlights some recent scholarship before suggesting an alternative approach that might be useful to North Africanists and other scholars.
CRTC1–MAML2 fusion in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Bean Gregory R , Krings Gregor , Otis Christopher N , Solomon David A , García Joaquín J , van Zante Annemieke , Camelo‐Piragua Sandra , van Ziffle Jessica , Chen Yunn‐Yi 
Published: October 2018

AimsMucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) are the most common malignant neoplasms of salivary glands, but are uncommon in other sites. Salivary gland MEC are most frequently associated with CRTC1–MAML2 translocations. Exceedingly rare MEC of the breast demonstrate a basal‐like and often triple (oestrogen and progesterone receptor, HER2)‐negative immunophenotype, with a single case previously reported to show MAML2 rearrangement, although the fusion partner was not known. Comprehensive genomic studies of breast MEC are lacking. In this study, we analysed the immunophenotype and molecular landscape of two breast MEC to elucidate the pathogenesis of these rare tumours.Methods and resultsTwo breast MEC were subjected to capture‐based next‐generation DNA sequencing of 479 cancer‐related genes. The presence of the CRTC1–MAML2 fusion transcript was interrogated by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the immunoprofiles of breast MEC were compared to salivary gland MEC. Both breast MEC harboured CRTC1–MAML2 fusions. In contrast to most triple‐negative breast carcinomas of no special type, the mutational burden of MEC was very low, with one case demonstrating only an inactivating SETD2 mutation, and the other harbouring no somatic variants in genes on the panel. No copy number alterations were identified. The immunoprofiles of breast and salivary gland MEC were overlapping, but not identical.ConclusionsThe findings highlight MEC as a breast cancer subtype more closely related to its salivary gland counterpart than to basal‐like/triple‐negative breast cancers of no special type.
Correlation between pre‐treatment serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels and genotypes in a large population of Chinese people with advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhao Yan‐Qiu , Han Xiao , Hu Xiu‐Feng , Wu Hong‐Bo , Chen Li‐Juan , Song Yong‐Ping 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundA positive correlation between serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations has been reported in lung adenocarcinoma patients.AimTo investigate retrospectively whether serum CEA levels are also associated with genotypes in a large population of advanced lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsA large cohort of 701 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma was studied retrospectively.ResultsEGFR mutations were found in 47.5% (333/701) of advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients, being identified at high frequencies in never‐smokers, females, and in patients with abnormal pre‐treatment serum CEA levels (53.1% vs 37.5%, P < 0.001). In contrast, anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangements were found in 7.8% (55/701) of patients, being identified at high frequencies in younger patients, and in patients with normal CEA levels (11.5% vs 5.8%, P = 0.012). Serum CEA levels were divided into four groups: <5, 5–19, 20–99 and ≥100 ng/mL. The rate of EGFR mutations significantly increased as the serum CEA levels increased (37.5%, 49.5%, 53.9% and 57.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). Anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangements showed the opposite result (11.5%, 7.1%, 5.7% and 4.1%, respectively, P = 0.044). A multivariate analysis revealed that higher pre‐treatment serum CEA levels were independently associated with EGFR mutations (95% CI: 1.291–2.487, P < 0.001), but normal serum CEA levels were independently associated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangements (95% CI: 0.275–0.842, P = 0.010).ConclusionOur study demonstrated that a significant association exists between the serum CEA levels and genotypes in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.
Evaluation of psychometric properties of instruments measuring nursing‐sensitive outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Barrientos‐Trigo S. , Gil‐García E. , Romero‐Sánchez J.M. , Badanta‐Romero B. , Porcel‐Gálvez A.M. 
Published: October 2018

AimTo evaluate the psychometric properties of instruments measuring Nursing‐sensitive Outcomes in acute care hospitals.IntroductionNursing‐sensitive outcomes have been shown to play an active role in the quality of care and cost‐effectiveness of health systems. Tools for assessing nursing‐sensitive outcomes are necessary to evaluate the nurses’ contributions to the health of patients.MethodsPsychometric systematic review. The SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychoINFO, EMBASE, Science Direct and Web of Science databases were used. Searches were performed between March and May 2018. A search with screened titles and abstracts, assessment of methodological quality using the COSMIN checklist and risk of bias assessment using QUADAS‐2 were carried out.ResultsTwenty‐nine studies validated 26 different instruments. The methodological quality, measured with the COSMIN checklist, showed that the studies which assessed fewer psychometric properties had poorer quality. The majority of studies had high quality, and optimally assessed the risk of bias evaluated with QUADAS‐2.DiscussionConcerning the focus of the scales, some of them focused on the patients while others focused on the nursing staff. The scales found assessed aspects such as nursing‐care quality, complexity and personalization.ConclusionThe majority of studies had a high methodological strength and a thorough validation process. The Nurse Caring Behaviours Scale, the MISSCARE Survey, the Patient Advocacy Engagement Scale and the INICIARE scale were the tools which best combined structure, methodological quality and risk of bias.Implications for nursing and health policyThe instruments with the best psychometric properties should be implemented in acute care settings to improve the quality of care, assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions, reduce health expenditure and reduce the occurrence of adverse events.
Do unions protect older employees' pay?
Authors: White Michael 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThere was a substantial fall in older British employees' wages and earnings, relative to younger employees, over the 1990s and 2000s. This shift in the lifetime fortunes of employees was possibly stimulated by pressures of increased competition, and intensified technological and organisational change, along with the high cost to employers of elder employment. A panel analysis for the period 1990–2006 shows that older (age 45‐plus) employees in non‐union jobs fared much worse, in terms of relative pay, than did those in unionised jobs. Unions were partially successful in maintaining the relative pay of older employees, compared with younger employees, and this applied to both older female and older male employees.
Working more in order to preserve jobs? Works councils in the Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering industry and the ‘Swiss franc shock’ in 2015
Authors: Ziltener Patrick , Gabathuler Heinz 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Collective Agreement in the Swiss metalworking industry contains a derogation clause widely applied after the appreciation of the Swiss currency in 2015. Management and works council can conclude agreements on a temporary extension of standard working time. This may be a bargaining chip for employees, if works councils are aware about and make use of their negotiating power.