bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors impacting couples’ decision‐making between vasectomy reversal versus sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Kavoussi P. K. , Kavoussi K. M. , Odenwald K. C. , Kavoussi S. K. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to identify factors which impact a couples’ decision‐making between the options of vasectomy reversal vs. sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection when counseled both by a reproductive urologist and a reproductive endocrinologist. A retrospective chart review was performed of couples who wish to achieve a pregnancy with a male partner with a history of prior vasectomy, in a couples’ private fertility center. Of patients presenting for fertility options with a history of vasectomy, 175 couples elected to be counseled by both a reproductive urologist and a reproductive endocrinologist on the options between vasectomy reversal and sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, with 78.3% of the couples opting for vasectomy reversal and 21.7% opting for sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The overall mean age of the male partners was 40.5 years of age, and the mean age of the female partners was 33. The mean obstructed interval was 9.7 years. Twenty‐three percent of the female partners in couples selecting vasectomy reversal had diminished ovarian reserve, and 31.6% of couples selecting sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection had female partners with diminished ovarian reserve, two of which elected to have donor oocyte in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Male age, female age, and ovarian reserve status did not have significant roles in this decision‐making (p value 0.3578, 0.1185, and 0.3041, respectively); however, a longer obstructed interval since vasectomy was a significant factor associated with couples opting for sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (0.0238). In this study, the majority of couples who were counseled on vasectomy reversal vs. sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection by a reproductive urologist and reproductive endocrinologist chose vasectomy reversal. Neither male partner age, female partner age, nor ovarian reserve status seemed to impact the decision; however, a longer obstructed interval was a significant factor that was associated with the decision of couples toward sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection rather than vasectomy reversal.
Intensity of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma determines survival in patients at risk in a hepatitis B‐endemic area
Authors: Kim H. Y. , Nam J. Y. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee H. A. , Chang Y. , Lee H. Y. , Cho H. , Lee D. H. , Cho Y. Y. , Cho E. J. , Yu S. J. , Lee J. M. , Kim Y. J. , Yoon J.‐H. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundData are insufficient regarding the survival benefit of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).AimTo investigate the effectiveness of HCC surveillance in a hepatitis B‐endemic population.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 1402 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with HCC between 2005 and 2012 at a single tertiary hospital in Korea. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Lead‐time and length‐time biases were adjusted (sojourn time = 140 days) and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsThe most common aetiology was hepatitis B (80.4%). Cirrhosis was present in 78.2%. HCC was diagnosed during regular surveillance (defined as mean interval of ultrasonography <8 months, n = 834), irregular surveillance (n = 104) or nonsurveillance (n = 464). Patients in the regular surveillance group were diagnosed at earlier stages ([very] early stage, 64.4%) than the irregular surveillance (40.4%) or nonsurveillance (26.9%) groups and had more chance for curative treatments (52.4%) than the irregular surveillance (39.4%) or nonsurveillance (23.3%) groups (all P < 0.001). Mortality risk was significantly lower in the regular surveillance group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.69; 95% [CI], 0.57‐0.83) but not in the irregular surveillance group (aHR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.69‐1.28) compared with the nonsurveillance group after adjusting for confounding factors and lead‐time. When the subjects were restricted to cirrhotic patients or Child‐Pugh class A/B patients, similar results were obtained for mortality risk reduction between groups.ConclusionsHCC surveillance was associated with longer survival owing to earlier diagnosis and curative treatment. Survival advantage was significant with regular surveillance but not with irregular surveillance.
Anti‐αIIbβ3 immunization in Glanzmann thrombasthenia: review of literature and treatment recommendations
Authors: Fiore Mathieu , d'Oiron Roseline , Pillois Xavier , Alessi Marie‐Christine 
Published: April 2018

SummaryGlanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is caused by inherited defects of the αIIbβ3 platelet glycoprotein. This bleeding disorder can be treated with platelet transfusion therapy, but some patients will be immunized and begin to form anti‐human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and/or anti‐αIIbβ3 antibodies. These antibodies can bind and interfere with the function of the transfused platelets, rendering treatment ineffective. However, platelet transfusion refractoriness attributable to HLA antibodies may be managed by the selection of compatible donors, although they are not always readily available, particularly in an emergency. Thus, anti‐αIIbβ3 antibodies represent one of the most severe complications in GT. Both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the risk of anti‐αIIbβ3 development, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are still unknown. This review will summarize the current knowledge of the risk factors for development of anti‐αIIbβ3 antibodies in patients with GT and discuss how these findings may influence the clinical management of patients.
Tandem haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for High Risk relapsed/refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: a LYSA study
Authors: Deau Benedicte , Amorim Sandy , Perrot Aurore , Quittet Philippe , Cornillon Jerome , Chaoui Driss , Marolleau Jean P. , Oberic Lucie , Le Du Katell , Fornecker Luc‐Matthieu , Tournilhac Olivier , Veillard Anne S. , Chaillol Isabelle , Robin Marie , Tamburini Jérôme , Brice Pauline 
Published: April 2018

SummaryTandem stem cell transplantation (SCT) is an option for high‐risk relapsed/refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients. We evaluated the tolerance/efficacy of double autologous or autologous SCT (ASCT) followed by allogenic SCT (alloSCT) in 120 HL patients prospectively registered on a French nationwide database. Median age was 26 (14–56) years. Complete remission rate was 60%, including 33% after a single line, and another 27% after two or more salvage regimens. Partial response rate was 32%, and 8% suffered treatment failure. Overall, 115 (96%) patients underwent a first ASCT, and 73 (61%) had a tandem SCT, including alloSCT in 44 (60%) and ASCT in 29 (40%). The median follow‐up was 43 months (4.8–73.7 months). The two‐year progression‐free survival rate for the whole population and for patients receiving tandem transplant was 56% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46–65%) and 71% (95% CI: 49–84%), respectively. Among tandem transplants, we observed 20 deaths (17%), 10 of which were transplant‐related (6 alloSCT and 4 ASCT). We suggest that tandem SCT is efficient in high‐risk relapsed/refractory HL patients, although transplant‐related mortality remains high. The benefit of tandem SCT should be balanced with the efficacy of Brentuximab vedotin‐based post‐transplant consolidative strategies in high‐risk relapsed/refractory HL patients.
Azacitidine improves outcome in higher‐risk MDS patients with chromosome 7 abnormalities: a retrospective comparison of GESMD and GFM registries
Authors: Díez‐Campelo María , Lorenzo Jose I. , Itzykson Raphael , Rojas Silvia M. , Berthon Céline , Luño Elisa , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Perez‐Oteyza Jaime , Vey Norbert , Bargay Joan , Park Sophie , Cedena Teresa , Bordessoule Dominique , Muñoz Juan A. , Gyan Emmanuel , Such Esperanza , Visanica Sorin , López‐Cadenas Félix , de Botton Stéphane , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús M. , Ame Shanti , Stamatoullas Aspasia , Delaunay Jacques , Salanoubat Celia , Isnard Françoise , Guieze Romain , Pérez Guallar Joan , Badiella Llorenc , Sanz Guillermo , Cañizo Consuelo , Fenaux Pierre 
Published: April 2018

SummaryTreatment with azacitidine (AZA) has been suggested to be of benefit for higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR‐MDS) patients with chromosome 7 abnormalities (Abn 7). This retrospective study of 235 HR‐MDS patients with Abn 7 treated with AZA (n = 115) versus best supportive care (BSC; n = 120), assessed AZA treatment as a time‐varying variable in multivariable analysis. A Cox Regression model with time‐interaction terms of overall survival (OS) at different time points confirmed that, while chromosome 7 cytogenetic categories (complex karyotype [CK] versus non‐CK) and International Prognostic Scoring System risk (high versus intermediate‐2) retained poor prognosis over time, AZA treatment had a favourable impact on OS during the first 3 years of treatment compared to BSC (Hazard ratio [HR] 0·5 P < 0·001 at 1 year, 0·7 P = 0·019 at 2 years; 0·73 P = 0·029 at 3 years). This benefit was present in all chromosome 7 categories, but tended to be greater in patients with CK (risk reduction of 82%, 68% and 53% at 1, 3 and 6 months in CK patients; 79% at 1 month in non‐CK patients, P < 0·05 for all). AZA also significantly improved progression‐free survival (P < 0·01). This study confirms a time‐dependent benefit of AZA on outcome in patients with HR‐MDS and cytogenetic abnormalities involving chromosome 7, especially for those with CK.
Armed conflicts and wildlife decline: Challenges and recommendations for effective conservation policy in the Sahara‐Sahel
Authors: Brito José Carlos , Durant Sarah M. , Pettorelli Nathalie , Newby John , Canney Susan , Algadafi Walid , Rabeil Thomas , Crochet Pierre‐André , Pleguezuelos Juan Manuel , Wacher Tim , de Smet Koen , Gonçalves Duarte Vasconcelos , da Silva Maria Joana Ferreira , Martínez‐Freiría Fernando , Abáigar Teresa , Campos João Carlos , Comizzoli Pierre , Fahd Soumía , Fellous Amina , Garba Hamissou Halilou Malam , Hamidou Dieng , Harouna Abdoulaye , Hatcha Mahamat Hassan , Nagy Abdullah , Silva Teresa Luísa , Sow Andack Saad , Vale Cândida Gomes , Boratyński Zbyszek , Rebelo Hugo , Carvalho Sílvia B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIncreasing conflicts and social insecurity are expected to accelerate biodiversity decline and escalate illegal wildlife killing. Sahara‐Sahel megafauna has experienced recent continuous decline due to unsustainable hunting pressure. Here, we provide the best available data on distribution and population trends of threatened, large vertebrates, to illustrate how escalating regional conflict (565% growth since 2011) is hastening population decline in areas that were formerly refugia for megafauna. Without conservation action, the unique and iconic biodiversity of Earth's largest desert will be forever lost. We recommend: (1) establishing strong commitments for change in global attitude toward nature; (2) engraining a culture of environmental responsibility among all stakeholders; (3) fostering environmental awareness to drive societal change; (4) reinforcing regional security and firearms control; and (5) implementing local research and wildlife monitoring schemes. We identify relevant international partners needed to tackle these challenges and to make strong policy change for biodiversity conservation and regional stability.
Symmetric assembly and disassembly processes in an ecological network
Authors: Tylianakis Jason M. , Martínez‐García Laura B. , Richardson Sarah J. , Peltzer Duane A. , Dickie Ian A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe processes whereby ecological networks emerge, persist and decay throughout ecosystem development are largely unknown. Here we study networks of plant and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities along a 120 000 year soil chronosequence, as they undergo assembly (progression) and then disassembly (retrogression). We found that network assembly and disassembly were symmetrical, self‐reinforcing processes that together were capable of generating key attributes of network architecture. Plant and AMF species that had short indirect paths to others in the community (i.e. high centrality), rather than many direct interaction partners (i.e. high degree), were best able to attract new interaction partners and, in the case of AMF species, also to retain existing interactions with plants during retrogression. We then show using simulations that these non‐random patterns of attachment and detachment promote nestedness of the network. These results have implications for predicting extinction sequences, identifying focal points for invasions and suggesting trajectories for restoration.
Pregnancy planning and outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis after mitoxantrone therapy: a monocentre assessment
Authors: Frau J. , Coghe G. , Casanova P. , Sardu C. , Lorefice L. , Fenu G. , Marrosu M. G. , Cocco E. 
Published: April 2018

Background and purposePatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many pregnancy‐related doubts and fears. Careful counselling is thus important. Mitoxantrone (MITO) is used in patients with aggressive MS and may affect reproductive capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate pregnancy planning and outcomes in patients with MS treated with MITO, both before and after the treatment.MethodsPatients with MS previously treated with MITO were recruited. Clinical, demographic and treatment data were recorded. A questionnaire regarding the planning and outcomes of all pregnancies was administered. Parametric and non‐parametric tests were performed using SPSS 22 software.ResultsA total of 238 patients (female/male, 158/80) were included; 106 subjects planned a pregnancy before MITO and 40 after MITO. Of these, respectively, 102 (97%) and 35 (85%) resulted in conception, 19 (19%) and 7 (18%) in miscarriage, 6 (6%) and 1 (3%) in abortion and 98 (96%) and 32 (91%) were full‐term pregnancies. A total of 96 patients (40%) planned a pregnancy only before MITO (and not after), whereas 30 (13%) planned a pregnancy only after MITO (and not before) (P < 0.01). A total of 103 patients did not plan a pregnancy before MITO and 198 did not plan a pregnancy after MITO. The reasons included lack of interest or a partner, fear of MS and infertility. All of the babies born were healthy until the end of follow‐up.ConclusionsMitoxantrone does not affect the ability to conceive or pregnancy outcomes. We found no differences in pregnancies, abortions or miscarriages before and after MITO. The tendency to plan pregnancies decreased significantly after MITO. Our findings may be useful for improving the quality of life of patients and the approach taken by neurologists.
Pomegranate seed powder as a functional component of gluten‐free bread (Physical, sensorial and antioxidant evaluation)
Authors: Bourekoua Hayat , Różyło Renata , Gawlik‐Dziki Urszula , Benatallah Leila , Zidoune Mohammed Nasreddine , Dziki Dariusz 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of pomegranate seed powder (PSP) on physical, sensorial and antioxidant properties of gluten‐free bread. The PSP was incorporated at different levels (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10%) into formula of gluten‐free bread. Control gluten‐free bread made without any addition of PSP was used for comparison. The results showed that the specific volume and springiness of gluten‐free breads increased, whereas hardness and chewiness decreased significantly with increasing PSP addition. The addition of PSP into gluten‐free bread decreased the lightness and yellowness of crumb and crust colour, while redness increased. Total phenolics content (TPC) increased from 46% to 181% with PSP addition (2.5%–10%). Moreover, antioxidant activity was significantly higher for bread with PSP. For bread with the highest percentage of PSP, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained. For sensorial and antioxidant activity, the optimum level of PSP addition was found to be 7.5%.
Evaluating facts and facting evaluations: On the fact‐value relationship in HTA
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn , Bond Ken , Sandman Lars 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHealth technology assessment (HTA) is an evaluation of health technologies in terms of facts and evidence. However, the relationship between facts and values is still not clear in HTA. This is problematic in an era of “fake facts” and “truth production.” Accordingly, the objective of this study is to clarify the relationship between facts and values in HTA. We start with the perspectives of the traditional positivist account of “evaluating facts” and the social‐constructivist account of “facting values.” Our analysis reveals diverse relationships between facts and a spectrum of values, ranging from basic human values, to the values of health professionals, and values of and in HTA, as well as for decision making. We argue for sensitivity to the relationship between facts and values on all levels of HTA, for being open and transparent about the values guiding the production of facts, and for a primacy for the values close to the principal goals of health care, ie, relieving suffering. We maintain that philosophy (in particular ethics) may have an important role in addressing the relationship between facts and values in HTA. Philosophy may help us to avoid fallacies of inferring values from facts; to disentangle the normative assumptions in the production or presentation of facts and to tease out implicit value judgements in HTA; to analyse evaluative argumentation relating to facts about technologies; to address conceptual issues of normative importance; and to promote reflection on HTA's own value system. In this we argue for a(n Aristotelian) middle way between the traditional positivist account of “evaluating facts” and the social‐constructivist account of “facting values,” which we call “factuation.” We conclude that HTA is unique in bringing together facts and values and that being conscious and explicit about this “factuation” is key to making HTA valuable to both individual decision makers and society as a whole.
Development and testing of apricot (Prunus armeniaca. L) pit decorticator
Authors: Kate A. E. , Lohani U. C. , Shahi N. C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractApricot (Prunus armeniaca. L) is an important stone fruit grown abundantly in the temperate climate. Traditionally, the fruit stone (pit), leftover part of fruit after utilizing apricot flesh, contains the apricot kernel. These kernels are currently being explored for the oil extraction purpose. Therefore, postharvest management and processing of the apricot pit are imperative along with its process mechanization. Manual decortication of apricot pit is tedious and laborious task. Hence, a small‐scale apricot pit decorticator machine was developed to mitigate all these issues. The machine works on the principle of breaking the pit by impact and compression forces produced by reciprocating piston. Performance of the decorticator was evaluated using dry wild apricot pits. The independent variables, namely, crankshaft speed (60–100 rpm), moisture content (8.5–16.5% wb), feed per stroke (10–18 g/stroke), and impact clearance (0–2 mm) were selected for testing of the decorticator. Decortication efficiency and broken kernel percentage were obtained in the range of 67.25–77.49% and 8.97–30.17%, respectively. The best performance of the decorticator for maximum decortication efficiency with minimum percentage of broken kernels were found to be at 85 rpm crankshaft speed, 15% (wb) moisture content, 18 g/stroke feed per stroke, and 0.8 mm impact clearance. Pay‐back period of the decorticator was found to be 0.48 years.Practical applicationsApricot kernel present in pit is very fragile because of its softness and friability. Hence, it is very difficult to remove the outside husk mechanically without crushing or breaking the inside kernel. There is very high value of whole and quality kernels in dry fruits, confectioneries, medicine, and cosmetics. Various traditional methods are very tedious, laborious and uneconomical to the farmers and result in low quality unhygienic products. Therefore, a mechanized apricot pit decorticator working on the principle of impact and compression forces has been developed to solve the problem. The machine can decorticate pits easily with maximum decortication efficiency, minimum brokens, and reduced drudgery. The developed decorticator has potential for commercial production of kernels. It will increase the commercial application of kernels in dry fruits, confectionery, medicines, cosmetics, and further value additions.
Evidence for the anti-inflammatory activity of Bupleurum marginatum (Apiaceae) extracts using in vitro and in vivo experiments supported by virtual screening
Authors: Ashour Mohamed L , Youssef Fadia S , Gad Haidy A , El-Readi Mahmoud Z , Bouzabata Amel , Abuzeid Riham M , Sobeh Mansour , Wink Michael 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To explore the potential anti-inflammatory activity of Bupleurum marginatum extracts using in vitro and in vivo studies supported by virtual screening.

Methods
Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH˙ and inhibition of 2-deoxyribose degradation assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined in vitro by measuring the suppression of prostaglandin E2 release (PGE2) in pancreatic cancer cells (MIA-PaCa-2) and the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase whereas the rat paw oedema was used in vivo. The major constituents were docked in 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-II active sites.

Key findings
Methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts showed IC50 of 46.99 and 162.99 μg/ml in the DPPH˙, 1.52 and 2.12 μg/ml in inhibition of 2-deoxyribose degradation assays, respectively. They reduced PGE2 release by 41.33 and 52.85% at 25 μg/ml and inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with IC50 of 45.28 and 25.92 μg/ml, respectively. 50 and 70% reduction in the diameter of the carrageenan-induced rat paws with methanol and DCM extracts, respectively, with a marked decline in the inflammation score was observed. Rutin, a predominating compound, showed a strong interaction with the key amino acids in 5-LOX active site with interaction energy of −74.59 kcal/mol.

Conclusions
Our study provides evidence for an interesting anti-inflammatory activity of B. marginatum aerial parts offering a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
Projectile preservation during oblique hypervelocity impacts
Authors: Daly Ronald T. , Schultz Peter H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractImpact angle plays a significant role in determining the fate of the projectile. In this study, we use a suite of hypervelocity impact experiments to reveal how impact angle affects the preservation, distribution, and physical state of projectile residues in impact craters. Diverse types of projectiles, including amorphous silicates, crystalline silicates, and aluminum, in two sizes (6.35 and 12.7 mm), were launched into blocks of copper or 6061 aluminum at speeds between 1.9 and 5.7 km s−1. Crater interiors preserve projectile residues in all cases, including conditions relevant to the asteroid belt. These residues consist of projectile fragments or projectile‐rich glasses, depending on impact conditions. During oblique impacts at 30° and 45°, the uprange crater wall preserves crystalline fragments of the projectile. The fragments of water‐rich projectiles such as antigorite remain hydrated. Several factors contribute to enhanced preservation on the uprange wall, including a weaker shock uprange, uprange acceleration as the shock reflects off the back of the projectile, and rapid quenching of melts along the projectile–target interface. These findings have two broader implications. First, the results suggest a new collection strategy for flyby sample return missions. Second, these results predict that the M‐type asteroid Psyche should bear exogenic, impactor‐derived debris.