bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transvaginal surgery using self‐cut mesh for pelvic organ prolapse: 3‐year clinical outcomes
Authors: Gonocruz Sheryl Ghia , Hayashi Tokumasa , Tokiwa Shino , Sawada Yugo , Okada Yoshiyuki , Yoshio Yuko , Krisna Ratih , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Shimizu Yukiko , Nomura Masayoshi 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate subjective and objective outcomes, complication, recurrence, and reoperation rates after transvaginal mesh surgery for the management of pelvic organ prolapse.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of transvaginal mesh surgery carried out using self‐cut mesh measuring subjective outcomes using validated questionnaires, and objective outcomes using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification. Patients diagnosed with stage ≥2 pelvic organ prolapse were counseled about all possible surgical options. After thorough explanation about the benefits and risks during transvaginal mesh surgery, patients who gave signed consent were scheduled for surgery and evaluated at 1 and 3 years postoperatively.ResultsWe included 101 patients who completed a minimum of 3‐year follow up. One year and 3‐year follow up showed significant improvement both on subjective and objective outcomes. Recurrences were observed in three patients (3%), with one (1%) patient undergoing reoperation. One case (1%) of intraoperative complication (bladder injury) and four cases (4%) of postoperative complications (two mesh exposure, one hematoma and one significant increase in post‐voiding residual) were recorded. Overall patients’ satisfaction was positive.ConclusionsTransvaginal mesh surgery using self‐cut mesh is associated with significant improvement in both subjective and objective outcomes, offering low recurrence and complication rates, and high patient satisfaction rates. It can be a safe, effective and cost‐efficient option not only for recurrence cases, but also as primary management of pelvic organ prolapse using a standardized technique and proper patient selection.
Mixture of Truthful–Untruthful Responses in Public Surveys
Authors: Christofides Tasos C. , Francesco Perri Pier 
Published: May 2019

SummaryWhen sensitive issues are surveyed, collecting truthful data and obtaining reliable estimates of population parameters is a persistent problem in many fields of applied research mostly in sociological, economic, demographic, ecological and medical studies. In this context, and moving from the so‐called negative survey, we consider the problem of estimating the proportion of population units belonging to the categories of a sensitive variable when collected data are affected by measurement errors produced by untruthful responses. An extension of the negative survey approach is proposed herein in order to allow respondents to release a true response. The proposal rests on modelling the released data with a mixture of truthful and untruthful responses that allows researchers to obtain an estimate of the proportions as well as the probability of receiving the true response by implementing the EM‐algorithm. We describe the estimation procedure and carry out a simulation study to assess the performance of the EM estimates vis‐à‐vis certain benchmark values and the estimates obtained under the traditional data‐collection approach based on direct questioning that ignores the presence of misreporting due to untruthful responding. Simulation findings provide evidence on the accuracy of the estimates and permit us to appreciate the improvements that our approach can produce in public surveys, particularly in election opinion polls, when the hidden vote problem is present.
A new ternary phase in the system CaO–Al2O3–Cr2O3: Crystal structure and thermal expansion of CaAl2Cr2O7
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker , de Villiers Johan P.R. , Odendaal Dirk , Krüger Hannes , Song Shengqiang , Nath Mithun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPolycrystalline material of a novel phase in the system CaO–Al2O3–Cr2O3 has been obtained by solid‐state reactions. Chemical analysis indicated the composition CaAl2Cr2O7. Single‐crystal growth of the new compound using borax as a mineralizer was successful. Diffraction experiments at ambient conditions on a crystal with composition CaAl2.13Cr1.87O7 yielded the following basic crystallographic data: space group P 3, a = 7.7690(5) Å, c = 7.6463(5) Å, V = 399.68(6) Å3, Z = 3. Structure determination and subsequent least‐squares refinements resulted in a residual of R(|F|) = 2.3% for 1440 independent observed reflections and 113 parameters. To the best of our knowledge, the structure of CaAl2.13Cr1.87O7 or CaAl2Cr2O7 represents a new structure type. It belongs to the group of double layer structures where individual double layers contain octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated cation positions. Linkage between neighboring sheet packages is provided by additional calcium cations. Furthermore, thermal expansion has been studied in the interval between 29 and 790°C using in situ high‐temperature single‐crystal diffraction. No indications for a structural phase transition were observed. From the evolution of the lattice parameters the thermal expansion tensor has been obtained. A pronounced anisotropy is evident. The response of structural building units to variable temperature has been discussed.
Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of treatment‐resistant hypertension with intensive blood pressure lowering
Authors: Smith Steven M. , Gurka Matthew J. , Winterstein Almut G. , Pepine Carl J. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRecent guidelines call for more intensive blood pressure (BP)‐lowering and a less‐stringent treatment‐resistant hypertension (TRH) definition, both of which may increase the occurrence of this high‐risk phenotype. We performed a post hoc analysis of 11 784 SPRINT and ACCORD‐BP participants without baseline TRH, who were randomized to an intensive (<120 mm Hg) or standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic BP target. Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of TRH were compared using the updated definition (requiring ≥4 drugs to achieve BP < 130/80 mm Hg) during intensive treatment, vs the former definition (requiring ≥4 drugs to achieve BP < 140/90 mm Hg) during standard treatment. Incidence/prevalence of apparent refractory hypertension (RFH; uncontrolled BP despite ≥5 drugs) was similarly compared. Overall, 5702 and 6082 patients were included in the intensive and standard treatment cohorts, respectively. Crude TRH incidence using the updated definition under intensive treatment was 30.3 (95% CI, 29.3‐31.4) per 100 patient‐years, compared with 9.7 (95% CI, 9.2‐10.2) using the prior definition under standard treatment. Point prevalence using the prior TRH definition at 1‐year was 7.5% in SPRINT and 14% in ACCORD vs 22% and 36%, respectively, with the updated TRH definition. Significant predictors of incident TRH included number of baseline antihypertensive drugs, having diabetes, baseline systolic BP, and Black race. Incidence of apparent RFH was also significantly greater using the updated vs prior definition (4.5 vs 1.0 per 100 person‐years). Implementation of the 2017 hypertension guideline, including lower BP goals for most individuals, is expected to substantially increase treatment burden and incident TRH among the hypertensive population.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor peptide promotes limbal stem cell proliferation through hedgehog pathway
Authors: Fan Nai‐Wen , Ho Tsung‐Chuan , Wu Cheng‐Wen , Tsao Yeou‐Ping 
Published: May 2019

AbstractExpansion of limbal epithelial stem cells (LSCs) is crucial for the success of limbal transplantation. Previous studies showed that pigment epithelium‐derived peptide (PEDF) short peptide 44‐mer could effectively expand LSCs and maintain them in a stem‐cell state, but the mechanism remained unclear. In the current study, we found that pharmacological inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog (SHh) activity reduced the LSC holoclone number and suppressed LSC proliferation in response to 44‐mer. In mice subjected to focal limbal injury, 44‐mer facilitated the restoration of the LSC population in damaged limbus, and such effect was impeded by the SHh or ATGL (a PEDF receptor) inhibitor. Furthermore, we showed that 44‐mer increased nuclear translocation of Gli1 and Gli3 in LSCs. Knockdown of Gli1 or Gli3 suppressed the ability of 44‐mer to induce cyclin D1 expression and LSC proliferation. In addition, ATGL inhibitor suppressed the 44‐mer‐induced phosphorylation of STAT3 at Tyr705 in LSC. Both inhibitors for ATGL and STAT3 attenuated 44‐mer‐induced SHh activation and LSC proliferation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that SHh‐Gli pathway driven by ATGL/STAT3 signalling accounts for the 44‐mer‐mediated LSC proliferation.
Long‐term impact of the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Program on youth suicide mortality, 2006–2015
Authors: Godoy Garraza Lucas , Kuiper Nora , Goldston David , McKeon Richard , Walrath Christine 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundComprehensive suicide prevention programs funded through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Youth Suicide Prevention Program (GLS) have previously been shown to be associated with lower youth suicide mortality rates 1 year following program implementation. However, longer term effects of GLS have yet to be examined.MethodsThe impact of GLS implementation on youth suicide mortality through 2015 was estimated for U.S. counties initially exposed to state and tribal GLS activities between 2006 and 2009. The analytic approach combined propensity score‐based techniques to address potential confounding arising from differences between counties exposed and not exposed to the program along an extensive set of characteristics, including historical suicide rates.ResultsCounties exposed to GLS during a single year had youth suicide mortality rates lower than expected and for longer than previously reported following implementation of GLS activities. Youth suicide mortality rates in counties implementing GLS were estimated to be 0.9 per 100,000 youths lower than control counties (p = .029) 1 year after the implementation, and 1.1 per 100,000 youths lower than control counties (p = .010) 2 years after the implementation. Further, persistent implementation during multiple years was associated with larger effects during longer periods. Additionally, among rural counties, the youth suicide rates 2 years after exposure were estimated to be 2.4 per 100,000 youths lower than in the absence of the program (p = .003). There was no significant evidence of a decrease in youth suicide rates three or more years after the GLS activities were discontinued.ConclusionsThe effects of GLS comprehensive suicide prevention program were found to be stronger and longer lasting than previously reported, particularly in rural counties. In the face of well‐documented increases in national suicide prevention rates, these results support the widespread and persistent implementation of comprehensive, community‐based youth suicide prevention programs.
Population biology of a selfish sex ratio distorting element in a booklouse (Psocodea: Liposcelis)
Authors: Hodson Christina N. , Perlman Steve J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractArthropods harbour a variety of selfish genetic elements that manipulate reproduction to be preferentially transmitted to future generations. A major ongoing question is to understand how these elements persist in nature. In this study, we examine the population dynamics of an unusual selfish sex ratio distorter in a recently discovered species of booklouse, Liposcelis sp. (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) to gain a better understanding of some of the factors that may affect the persistence of this element. Females that carry the selfish genetic element only ever produce daughters, although they are obligately sexual. These females also only transmit the maternal half of their genome. We performed a replicated population cage experiment, varying the initial frequency of females that harbour the selfish element, and following female frequencies for 20 months. The selfish genetic element persisted in all cages, often reaching very high (and thus severely female‐biased) frequencies. Surprisingly, we also found that females that carry the selfish genetic element had much lower fitness than their nondistorter counterparts, with lower lifetime fecundity, slower development and a shorter egg‐laying period. We suggest that differential fitness plays a role in the maintenance of the selfish genetic element in this species. We believe that the genetic system in this species, paternal genome elimination, which allows maternal control of offspring sex ratio, may also be important in the persistence of the selfish genetic element, highlighting the need to consider species with diverse ecologies and genetic systems when investigating the effects of sex ratio manipulators on host populations.
Fracture resistance and failure modes of endocrowns manufactured with different CAD/CAM materials under axial and lateral loading
Authors: El Ghoul Wiam , Özcan Mutlu , Silwadi Munir , Salameh Ziad 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance and failure modes of endocrowns made of three computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials subjected to thermo‐mechanical cycling loading.Materials and MethodsEighty mandibular molars were divided into four groups (n = 20): one (C E) was restored with lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic conventional crowns, three were restored with endocrowns made of three different CAD/CAM materials; (E E) lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic, (E V) zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate glass‐ceramic, and (E C) resin nano‐ceramic. After cycling loading, half of the samples from each group were loaded axially and the other half was loaded laterally. Fracture resistance was recorded in Newton (N) and failure modes were classified. Two‐way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc (α = .05), Chi‐square, and multiple logistic regression tests were used to analyze data.ResultsStatistically significant interaction were recorded between fracture resistance (N) and loading (P < .001), and groups (conventuional crown and endocrowns; P < .001). Endocrowns presented higher fracture strength than conventional crowns. Fracture resistance was significantly larger under axial loading. The numbers of irreparable failures were extremely important in the endocrowns groups (Groups E E, E V, E C), and only conventional crowns (Group C E) showed almost no irreparable failures under axial loading.ConclusionLithium disilicate glass‐ceramic recorded the highest fracture resistance under axial and lateral loading.Clinical SignificanceThe number of irreparable failures with all endocrown materials tested do not suggest yet the use of this type of restorations in posterior teeth.
Examining changes in respiratory exchange ratio within an 8‐week weight loss intervention
Authors: Beatty J. , Melanson K. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundMaintaining weight loss is difficult, partly as a result of accompanying reductions in fat oxidation. The present study examined fat oxidation [reflected by respiratory exchange ratio (RER)] within an 8‐week, self‐led weight loss intervention. Changes in RER, body fat (BF%) and estimated energy expenditure (EE) were examined.MethodsTwenty‐two adults [13 females, nine males; mean (SD) age 34.6 (16.5) years; body mass index 32.0 (4.3) kg m−2] received a self‐directed workbook; twelve were also randomised to receive a self‐monitoring wrist‐worn device. At weeks 0 and 8, RER (indirect calorimetry), BF% (BodPod) and estimated EE [7‐day physical activity recall (PAR‐EE) were collected. Participants were pooled and paired t‐tests were used to examine changes over time. Correlations explored associations among variables. Participants were then dichotomised into weight loss group (WL) or weight stable/gainers group (WSG) and eating behaviours [Intuitive Eating Scale (IES‐2)] were examined by 2 × 2 repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance.ResultsThere were no significant changes in RER, body fat percentage and PAR‐EE. A significant negative association was found between week 8 PAR‐EE and week 8 RER, as well as between BF% change and RER change. There was a significant time by WL versus WSG group effect of IES‐2 scores, with the WL group self‐reporting significantly increased scores in Eating for Physical Reasons rather than Emotional Reasons (EPR) subscale.ConclusionsIncreased physical activity after an 8‐week weight loss intervention was associated with a higher fasting fat oxidation. Participants who increased EPR scores were more successful in weight loss than those without a change in this subscale.
Nurses' perceptions of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care
Authors: Tzur‐Peled Sharona , Sarid Orly , Kushnir Talma 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAims and objectiveTo examine whether nurses' assessment of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care is associated with their personal and professional characteristics and knowledge of homosexuality.BackgroundRecently, there has been a growing incidence of same‐sex parenthood. Nurses administer health care to lesbian women from pregnancy planning through birth, providing consultation. Although there has been a shift in attitudes towards homosexuality, discrimination is still quite common.DesignThis research is part of a larger cross‐sectional study carried out at women's healthcare centres, concerning nurses' perceived quality of perinatal care provided to lesbian women.MethodsThe study was conducted from December 2015–April 2016 at women's health centres in Israel encompassing 184 registered nurses who completed self‐report questionnaires. They were assessed as to their knowledge of homosexuality and nurse–patient relationships and communication. The Squire checklist was used.ResultsMost (73.4%) had prior acquaintance with lesbian women; only 17.9% had been educated as to lesbian women's unique health needs; of these, 66.7% thought that they had been given professional tools for working with lesbian women; 60.4% were unaware of the importance of knowing the patient's sexual orientation. The average score on a homosexuality knowledge questionnaire was 10.4 on a scale of 0–17, indicating moderate levels of factual knowledge about homosexuality. A significant positive correlation was found between nurses' knowledge of homosexuality and assessment of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care. In addition, nurses' personal and professional characteristics, such as place of birth, religiosity and familiarity with lesbian women, were related to their assessment of their relationships and communication.ConclusionNurses' knowledge of homosexuality and personal and professional characteristics were associated with their perceptions regarding relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care.Relevance to clinical practiceFurther training might broaden, refine rigid perceptions and contribute to advancing equal perinatal nursing care of lesbian women.
Surface Roughness of Monolithic and Layered Zirconia Restorations at Different Stages of Finishing and Polishing: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Al Hamad Khaled Q. , Abu Al‐Addous Ahmad M. , Al‐Wahadni Ahed M. , Baba Nadim Z. , Goodacre Brian J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate surface roughness and topography of different zirconia‐based restorations at various steps of finishing and polishing.Materials and MethodsSeventy‐five zirconia discs were fabricated and divided into 3 layered and 2 monolithic groups: layered conventional (VM9; Vita), layered pressed (PM9; Vita), layered digital (TriLuxe Forte; Vita), opaque monolithic (Ceramill Zi; Amann Girrbach), and translucent monolithic (Zolid FX; Amann Girrbach). Surface roughness testing (Ra, Rz) and scanning electron microscopy were performed at the glazed, unglazed, finished, polished, super‐polished, and super‐polished with diamond paste steps. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere were significant differences in all groups among the different steps (p < 0.001, F = 77.67 for layered conventional; p < 0.001, F = 133.90 for layered pressed; p < 0.001, F = 47.94 for layered digital; p < 0.001, F = 48.05 for zirconia opaque; p < 0.001, F = 43.91 for zirconia translucent). For the layered groups, glazed stage was significantly different from all other steps (p < 0.001). For the layered conventional and digital groups, polishing using diamond paste was not significantly different from the polished and super‐polished steps (p = 0.448, p = 0.153), while for the layered pressed group, polishing using diamond paste was not significantly different from the super polished step (p = 0.815). For monolithic groups, there were no significant differences between the polished and super‐polished steps (p = 0.957 for zirconia opaque, p = 1.00 for zirconia translucent). Both the diamond paste and super‐polished steps showed no significant differences (p = 0.620, p = 0.550) from the glazed surface in the opaque zirconia group.ConclusionsSurface roughness of monolithic and layered zirconia was improved by polishing; however, only opaque zirconia reached the level of surface roughness of the glazed stage. Type of buildup affected the surface roughness of adjusted ceramics, with monolithic zirconia showing lower surface roughness than layered zirconia. Polishing with diamond paste provided no significant improvement in the surface roughness of monolithic or layered zirconia.
Ameliorative effects of melatonin against solid Ehrlich carcinoma progression in female mice
Authors: Amin Ali H. , El‐Missiry Mohamed A. , Othman Azza I. , Ali Doaa A. , Gouida Mona S. , Ismail Ahmed H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe current work estimated the antitumour efficacy of melatonin (MLT) on the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells inoculated intramuscularly into the hind limbs of female BALB/c mice and to compare its effects with those of adriamycin (ADR). After solid tumours developed, the animals were divided into the three following groups: the tumour‐bearing control, MLT‐treated (20 mg/kg body weight) and ADR‐treated (10 mg/kg body weight) groups. The results showed a significant reduction in the tumour masses of the treated animals in comparison with those of the control group. There were a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde level and a significant elevation of the glutathione concentration and the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the MLT and ADR groups. The current study indicated the increased expression levels of P53, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 and the decreased expression levels of the rRNA and Bcl2. The MLT and ADR treatments resulted in histological changes, such as a marked degenerative area, the necrosis of neoplastic cells, the appearance of different forms of apoptotic cells and giant cells with condensed chromatin, and a deeply eosinophilic cytoplasm. The MLT and ADR treatments also significantly decreased the Ki‐67 protein and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels in the tumour masses. In conclusion, similar to ADR‐treated tumour‐bearing mice, MLT suppressed the growth and proliferation of tumour by inducing apoptosis and by inhibiting tumour vascularization. The current data recommend MLT as a safe natural chemotherapeutic adjuvant to overcome cancer progression after a clinical trial validates these results.