bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of patient and staff exposure with state of the art X‐ray technology in cardiac catheterization: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Buytaert Dimitri , Eloot Liesbeth , Mauti Maria , Drieghe Benny , Gheeraert Peter , Taeymans Yves , Bacher Klaus 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionCardiac catheterization procedures result in high patient radiation exposure and corresponding staff doses are reported to be among the highest for medical staff. The purpose of current randomized controlled study was to quantify the potential radiation dose reduction for both patient and staff, enabled by recent X‐ray technology. This technology is equipped with advanced image processing algorithms, real‐time dose monitoring, and an acquisition chain optimized for cardiac catheterization applications.MethodsA total of 122 adult patients were randomly assigned to one of two cath labs, either the reference X‐ray modality (Allura Xper FD10, Philips Healthcare, the Netherlands) or the new X‐ray system (AlluraClarity FD20/10 Philips Healthcare, the Netherlands). Exposure parameters and staff dosimeter readings were recorded for each exposure. Technical measurements were performed to define the radiation scatter behavior.ResultsWith the newer equipment, patient radiation dose is reduced (as total dose‐area product) by 67% based on geometric means with 95%CI of 53%, 77% for diagnostic and interventional procedures. The C‐arm and leg dosimeter readings were both reduced with 65% (P < 0.001), while for the collar and chest dosimeter readings no statistically significant reduction was noticed.ConclusionThe new x‐ray and image processing technology, significantly reduces patient dose in coronary angiographies, and PCIs by 67%. In general, scatter dose was also reduced, yet for some dosimeters the reduction was limited and not statistically significant. This study clearly indicates that the scatter behavior is highly dependent on C‐arm rotation, operator movement and height, dosimeter position, beam filtration, clinical procedure type and system geometry.
Does inguinal hernia repair affect uroflowmetric parameters? A prospective controlled clinical trial
Authors: Unal Yilmaz , Kilinc Muhammet Fatih 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the changes in uroflowmetric values of male patients following elective inguinal hernia repair.MethodsThe study group comprised patients treated with open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Patients who underwent surgery due to various diseases such as cataract, multinodular goiter, choledocholithiasis, thyroid and breast cancer, hydrocele, or spermatocele were recruited to the control group. Perioperative characteristics, including pain assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), uroflowmetric values, and post‐void residual urine volumes (PVR), were recorded preoperatively and on Postoperative Days (POD) 1 and 30. Uroflowmetry, VAS, and PVR values were also recorded for the control group on Study Days 1, 3, and 30.ResultsThere were 103 subjects in this study (52 treated with elective inguinal hernia repair in the study group, 51 in the control group). Preoperative VAS, maximum and average flow rate, and PVR were similar in the 2 groups (P > .05 for all), whereas comparisons of these 3 factors on POD 1 revealed significant differences (P < .001 for all). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative maximum and POD 1 VAS values of patients who underwent elective inguinal hernia repair could significantly predict acute urinary retention or voiding dysfunction (P = .001 for all).ConclusionPostoperative pain affect parameters and cause urinary retention after open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
Female leaders and gender gaps within the firm: Evidence from three Sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: La Mattina Giulia , Picone Gabriel , Ahoure Alban , Kimou Jose Carlos 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe study the association between the gender of the highest‐ranking manager (the CEO) and gender differences in employees’ outcomes using detailed linked employer–employee data from the formal sector in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. Our empirical strategy relies on the inclusion of firm fixed effects and workers’ characteristics. Our results point toward a negative correlation between female CEOs and the relative wages and job satisfaction of female employees. However, female employees working under a female CEO who owns the firm are not paid less than their male colleagues.
Assessing the sustainability of external imbalances in the European Union
Authors: Afonso António , Huart Florence , Jalles João Tovar , Stanek Piotr 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe assess the sustainability of the current account (CA) balance, net international investment position (NIIP) and net external debt (NED) in a sample of 22 EU countries using two complementary approaches. First, we employ time‐series stationarity tests of current account balance‐to‐GDP ratios as well as cointegration tests of exports and imports of goods and services. Second, we assess the level of trade balance that stabilises the NIIP and the NED. We find that there is sustainability of the CA balance in eight countries, NIIP in five countries and NED in 10 countries, whereas there is evidence of a lack of sustainability in five debtor nations and three creditor nations. Both approaches are consistent with each other given the relationship between flows and stocks, the existence of structural breaks, and valuation effects via exchange rate and interest rate changes.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery 
Published: August 2018

Business and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 3 Abdul-Kahar Adam, University of Education, Winneba, GhanaAthina Qendro, Robert Gordon University, UKChrister Thörnqvist, University of Skövde, SwedenDereje Teklemariam Gebremeskel, Gent University, BelgiumFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoFouad Jawab, Universite Sidi Mohamed Ben, MoroccoFuLi Zhou, Chongqing University, ChinaGabriela O. Chiciudean, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaGongyan Yang, Liaoning University, ChinaHung-Che Wu, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University, ChinaIulia Cristina Muresan, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaJayalakshmy Ramachandran, Multimedia University, MalaysiaMarica Ion Dumitrasco, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaMichael Okoche, University of South Africa, UgandaMike Rayner, University of Portsmouth, UKMohammad Soliman, Fayoum University, EgyptMythili Kolluru, College of Banking and Financial Studies, OmanOksana Seroka, Technical University of Czestochowa, PolandOmbretta Caldarice, Politecnico di Milano, ItalyOzgur Demirtas, Inonu University, TurkeyRegina Lenart, Jagiellonian University, PolandRocsana Tonis, Spiru Haret University, RomaniaXhavit Islami, University of Prishtina, KosovoZeki Atıl Bulut, Dokuz Eylul University, TurkeyZoran Mastilo, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Ellery WillianmsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Business and Management StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://bms.redfame.com
Conundrum of mechanical knee symptoms: signifying feature of a meniscal tear?
Authors: Thorlund Jonas Bloch , Pihl Kenneth , Nissen Nis , Jørgensen Uffe , Fristed Jakob Vium , Lohmander L Stefan , Englund Martin 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundMechanical knee symptoms are often considered important in the decision to perform knee arthroscopy on the suspicion of a meniscal tear. We investigated if presence of a meniscal tear at knee arthroscopy in adults is associated with presence of preoperative self-reported mechanical knee symptoms.MethodsWe used data from Knee Arthroscopy Cohort Southern Denmark (KACS). KACS consists of patients aged 18 years or older referred to knee arthroscopy on the suspicion of a meniscal tear at four recruiting hospitals between 1 February 2013 and 31 January 2015. Of 1259 invited patients, 908 (72%) replied to the baseline questionnaire. With 91 patients excluded, the study sample consisted of 641 and 176 patientswithandwithouta meniscal tear confirmed at surgery, respectively. Exposure was meniscal tear as determined by the knee surgeon during arthroscopy. Main outcomes were preoperative mechanical knee symptoms defined as self-reported catching/locking or self-reported inability to straighten knee fully.Results55% of all patients reported symptoms of catching/locking and 47% were unable to straighten their knee fully. Preoperative mechanical symptoms were equally prevalent in patientswithandwithouta meniscal tear (prevalence ratio catching/locking 0.89, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.03, and inability to straighten knee fully, prevalence ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.23).InterpretationPatient-reported mechanical symptoms were equally common irrespective of presence or absence of a meniscal tear in patients undergoing arthroscopy for suspicion of a meniscal tear. Our findings suggest that mechanical knee symptoms have a limited value when considering indication for meniscal surgery.Trial registration numberNCT01871272; Results.
Population-level analysis of Blastocystis subtype prevalence and variation in the human gut microbiota
Authors: Tito Raul Y , Chaffron Samuel , Caenepeel Clara , Lima-Mendez Gipsi , Wang Jun , Vieira-Silva Sara , Falony Gwen , Hildebrand Falk , Darzi Youssef , Rymenans Leen , Verspecht Chloë , Bork Peer , Vermeire Severine , Joossens Marie , Raes Jeroen 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveHuman gut microbiome studies are mainly bacteria- and archaea-oriented, overlooking the presence of single-cell eukaryotes such as Blastocystis, an enteric stramenopiles with worldwide distribution. Here, we surveyed the prevalence and subtype variation of Blastocystis in faecal samples collected as part of the Flemish Gut Flora Project (FGFP), a Western population cohort. We assessed potential links between Blastocystis subtypes and identified microbiota–host covariates and quantified microbiota differentiation relative to subtype abundances.DesignWe profiled stool samples from 616 healthy individuals from the FGFP cohort as well as 107 patients with IBD using amplicon sequencing targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes. We evaluated associations of Blastocystis, and their subtypes, with host parameters, diversity and composition of bacterial and archaeal communities.ResultsBlastocystis prevalence in the non-clinical population cohort was 30% compared with 4% among Flemish patients with IBD. Within the FGFP cohort, out of 69 previously identified gut microbiota covariates, only age was associated with Blastocystis subtype carrier status. In contrast, a strong association between microbiota community composition and Blastocystis subtypes was observed, with effect sizes larger than that of host covariates. Microbial richness and diversity were linked to both Blastocystis prevalence and subtype variation. All Blastocystis subtypes detected in this cohort were found to be less prevalent in Bacteroides enterotyped samples. Interestingly, Blastocystis subtypes 3 and 4 were inversely correlated with Akkermansia, suggesting differential associations of subtypes with host health.ConclusionsThese results emphasise the role of Blastocystis as a common constituent of the healthy gut microbiota. We show its prevalence is reduced in patients with active IBD and demonstrate that subtype characterisation is essential for assessing the relationship between Blastocystis, microbiota profile and host health. These findings have direct clinical applications, especially in donor selection for faecal transplantation.
Claudin-1 is linked to presence of implants and micropapillary pattern in serous borderline epithelial tumours of the ovary
Authors: El-Balat Ahmed , Schmeil Iryna , Gasimli Khayal , Sänger Nicole , Karn Thomas , Ahr Andre , Becker Sven , Arsenic Ruza , Holtrich Uwe , Engels Knut 
Published: August 2018

AimsExpression of Claudin-1 has been associated with prognosis in several cancers. Here we investigated the expression pattern of Claudin-1 in borderline tumours of the ovary (BOT).MethodsWe analysed a cohort of 114 cases of borderline tumour (BOT). Claudin-1 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody and was compared with clinical and histopathological characteristics.ResultsStrong Claudin-1 expression was found in 30 cases (26.3%) independent of histological subtype. Expression was significantly less frequent in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I (p= 0.045), while the presence of microinvasion did not correlate with Claudin-1 expression. In contrast, we detected a highly significant association of Claudin-1 expression with the presence of peritoneal implants (p=0.003) and micropapillary pattern (p=0.047), which are features exclusively seen in serous BOT. Moreover, when we restricted our analysis to the subtype of serous BOT, the association of Claudin-1 expression with peritoneal implants (p<0.001) and micropapillary pattern (p =0.003) remained highly significant.ConclusionsIn conclusion, Claudin-1 expression is associated with the presence of peritoneal implants and micropapillary pattern, which have been shown to be associated with poor prognosis. We speculate that overexpression of Claudin-1 might be linked to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation in BOT and suggest further studies to define its prognostic and potential therapeutic value.
Association of community-level inequities and premature mortality: Chicago, 2011–2015
Authors: Lange-Maia Brittney S , De Maio Fernando , Avery Elizabeth F , Lynch Elizabeth B , Laflamme Emily M , Ansell David A , Shah Raj C 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundSubstantial disparities in life expectancy exist between Chicago’s 77 defined community areas, ranging from approximately 69 to 85 years. Prior work in New York City and Boston has shown that community-level racial and economic segregation as measured by the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) is strongly related to premature mortality. This novel metric allows for the joint assessment of area-based income and racial polarisation. This study aimed to assess the relationships between racial and economic segregation and economic hardship with premature mortality in Chicago.MethodsAnnual age-adjusted premature mortality rates (deaths <65 years) from 2011 to 2015 were calculated for Chicago’s 77 community areas. ICE measures for household income (<US$25 000 vs ≥US$100 000), race (black vs non-Hispanic white), combined ICE measure incorporating income and race, and hardship index were calculated from 2015 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.ResultsAverage annual premature mortality rates ranged from 94 (95% CI 61 to 133) deaths per 100 000 population age <65 to 699 (95% CI 394 to 1089). Compared with the highest ICE quintiles, communities in the lowest quintiles had significantly higher rates of premature mortality (ICEIncomerate ratio (RR)=3.06, 95% CI 2.51 to 3.73; ICERaceRR=3.07, 95% CI 2.62 to 3.58; ICEIncome+RaceRR=3.27, 95% CI 2.84 to 3.77). Similarly, compared with communities in the lowest hardship index quintile, communities in the highest quintile had significantly higher premature mortality rates (RR=2.79, 95% CI 2.18 to 3.57).ConclusionsThe strong relationships observed between ICE measures and premature mortality—particularly the combined ICE metric encompassing race and income—support the use of ICE in public health monitoring.
Are associations between HIV and human papillomavirus transmission due to behavioural confounding or biological effects?
Authors: van Schalkwyk Cari , Moodley Jennifer , Welte Alex , Johnson Leigh Francis 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesCohort studies have shown significant increased risk of HIV acquisition following human papillomavirus (HPV) detection and increased risk of new HPV detection in individuals with HIV infection, after adjusting for behavioural risk factors. This study uses an individual-based model to assess whether confounding sexual behaviour factors and network level effects can explain these associations between HIV and HPV infection status, without biological interactions.MethodsThe model simulates infection with 13 oncogenic HPV types and HIV. It allows for different relationship types, with heterogeneity in probabilities of concurrency and rates of partner change. No effect of prevalent HPV infection on HIV acquisition is assumed and vice versa. The model is calibrated to South African HIV and type-specific HPV prevalence data using a Bayesian approach. The model is used to simulate cohorts with quarterly HIV and HPV testing from 2000 to 2002. These simulated data are analysed using proportional hazard models.ResultsThe mean of the unadjusted HRs of HIV acquisition following detection of an oncogenic HPV type calculated for each simulated cohort is 2.6 (95% CI 2.2 to 3.1). The mean of the unadjusted HRs for the effect of HIV on newly detected HPV is 2.5 (95% CI 2.2 to 2.8). Simulated associations between HIV and HPV infection status are similar to corresponding empirical estimates. In sensitivity analyses in which HIV and HPV were assumed to increase each other’s transmission risk, simulated associations were stronger but not inconsistent with empirical estimates.ConclusionsAlthough we cannot rule out the possibility that associations between HIV and HPV transmission may be due in part to biological interactions, these results suggest that observed associations could be explained entirely by residual confounding by behavioural factors and network-level effects that observational studies cannot account for.
Influence of tool rotational speed on microstructural characteristics of dissimilar Mg alloys during friction stir welding
Authors: Sevvel P. , Satheesh C. , Jaiganesh V. 
Published: August 2018

Dissimilar friction stir welding of the AZ80A Mg alloy as the advancing side and the AZ91C Mg alloy as the retreating side was carried out at a constant feed rate of 75 mm/min using a taper cylindrical pin profiled tool at different tool rotational speeds. Defect free welds were produced in the 700–900 rpm rotational speed range. During friction stir welding, extrusion of metal took place in the advancing side and this extruded material was dynamically recrystallized and redeposited on the retreating side. This experimental investigation revealed that friction stir welding leads to the formation of comparatively finer sized grains on the retreating side of the thermo-mechanically affected zone compared to grains in the thermo-mechanically affected zone on the advancing side. Moreover, the heat affected zone of AZ80A possessed fine sized grains compared to the heat affected zone of AZ91C. Additionally, increasing tool rotational speed influenced the tensile strength of the fabricated joints.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Coverage-Based Fault Localizations Using Mutants
Authors: Xue Xiaozhen , Siami-Namini Sima , Namin Akbar Siami 
Published: August 2018

Empirical studies show that coverage-based fault localizations are very effective in testing and debugging software applications. It is also a commonly held belief that no software testing techniques would perform best for all programs with various data structures and complexity. An important research question posed in this paper is whether the type and complexity of faults in a given program has any influence on the performance of these fault localization techniques. This paper investigates the performance of coverage-based fault localizations for different types of faults. We explore and compare the accuracy of these techniques for two large groups of faults often observed in object-oriented programs. First, we explore different types of traditional method-level faults grouped into six categories including those related to arithmetic, relational, conditional, logical, assignment, and shift. We then focus on class-level faults related to object-oriented features and group them into four categories including inheritance, overriding, Java-specific features, and common programming mistakes. The results show that coverage-based fault localizations are less effective for class-level faults associated with object-oriented features of programs. We therefore advocate the needs for designing more effective fault localizations for debugging object-oriented and class-level defects.
New bounds on the independence number of connected graphs
Authors: Rad Nader Jafari , Sharifi Elahe 
Published: August 2018

The independence number of a graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the maximum cardinality of an independent set of vertices in [Formula: see text]. [Henning and Löwenstein An improved lower bound on the independence number of a graph, Discrete Applied Mathematics 179 (2014) 120–128.] proved that if a connected graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] and size [Formula: see text] does not belong to a specific family of graphs, then [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we strengthen the above bound for connected graphs with maximum degree at least three that have a non-cut-vertex of maximum degree. We show that if a connected graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] and size [Formula: see text] has a non-cut-vertex of maximum degree then [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the maximum degree of the vertices of [Formula: see text]. We also characterize all connected graphs [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] and size [Formula: see text] that have a non-cut-vertex of maximum degree and [Formula: see text].