bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomic symmetry of anterolateral thigh flap perforators: a computed tomography angiographic study
Authors: Lu David , Chan Philip , Ferris Scott , Shayan Ramin , Angliss Margaret , Bruscino‐Raiola Frank 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThe anterolateral thigh flap is a workhorse reconstructive flap. Versatility in design is a key strength but perforator anatomy can be variable. Inability to locate perforators prompts consideration of contralateral thigh exploration. However, such exploration would be futile if the absence of perforators proves symmetrical. This study assesses the symmetry of anterolateral thigh flap vasculature using computed tomography angiography (CTA).MethodsA retrospective analysis of 20 bilateral thigh CTAs was performed. Each limb was assessed for number, course, location and size of perforators. Only vessels >0.5 mm in size at origin were included. Location was standardized between patients using perforator distance/thigh length ratio. Results were analysed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsIn each thigh, the average number of perforators was 3.58 and average perforator distance/thigh length ratio was 0.358 ± 0.08. Between both limbs of the same patient, the mean difference in number of perforators was 0.55 (P = 0.002), and difference in average perforator size was 0.3 mm (P < 0.001). Average perforator location differed by a mean of 3% of thigh length (P < 0.001) between thighs.ConclusionWhile average vessel size and location appear similar, there does not appear to be symmetry in the number of perforators. Surgical exploration of the contralateral thigh in an absence of perforators should be considered. In patients where abnormal anatomy is expected, mapping with CTA could be considered to reduce morbidity associated with unsuccessful surgical exploration and dissection.
Left‐sided gallbladder: a systematic review of a rare biliary anomaly
Authors: Pereira Ryan , Singh Talbir , Avramovic John , Baker Sam , Eslick Guy D. , Cox Michael R. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundA left‐sided gallbladder (LSGB) is a rare anatomical anomaly that is often not discovered until surgery. Two cases of LSGB managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) stimulated this systematic review. The aims of this study were in LSGB to define the rate of pre‐operative detection, variations in biliary anatomy, laparoscopic techniques employed and outcomes of surgery for symptomatic gallstones.MethodsA systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses principles.ResultsFifty‐three studies with 112 patients of which 90 (80.4%) had symptomatic gallstones. Pre‐operative imaging was performed in 108 patients (96.4%) with an LSGB reported on imaging in 32 (29.6%) patients. The remainder of LSGB were discovered at surgery. Ultrasound detected an LSGB in three (2.7%) patients. Five variants of cystic union with the common hepatic duct (CHD) were identified. The most common (67.8%) was union on the right side of the CHD after a hairpin bend anterior to the CHD. A cholecystectomy for gallstone disease was performed in 90 patients, 23.3% open and 76.7% LC. Common variations in LC technique were different port site placement and techniques related to the falciform ligament to improve exposure. Common bile duct injury occurred in four (4.4%) patients.ConclusionLSGB is a rare anatomical variation that in patients with symptomatic gallstones is usually discovered at surgery. Cholecystectomy is associated with a higher incidence of common bile duct injury.
Nordic populations are still getting taller – secular changes in height from the 20th to 21st century
Authors: Holmgren Anton , Niklasson Aimon , Aronson A. Stefan , Sjöberg Agneta , Lissner Lauren , Albertsson‐Wikland Kerstin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimThe study aims to investigate secular changes in adult height among Nordic reference populations during the last four decades and in parents of Swedish study participants, and to study during which growth phase(s) infancy, childhood or puberty changes in height and tempo occurred.MethodsLength and height data were obtained from publications on populations used as current and previous national height references in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Measurements from birth until adult height and original parental heights of participants in Swedish reference populations born 1956, 1974, and 1990 were used.ResultsAdult height has increased progressively in Nordic populations born in 1950s–1990s; for females by 6 mm/decade Norway, 4 mm; Sweden, 6 mm; Finland and Denmark, 7 mm; for males by 9 mm/decade, in Sweden, 5 mm; Finland, 7 mm; Denmark 8 mm; Norway, 15 mm. This was due to more growth during childhood despite earlier timing of mid‐puberty. Heights of Swedish parents born 1920s–1960s increased 11 mm/decade for mothers, 14 mm/decade for fathers.ConclusionThe Nordic countries comprise some of the tallest populations in the world yet continue to show a positive secular change in adult height alongside a faster tempo of growth by earlier timing of puberty, highlighting the need to regularly update national height references.
Pharmacokinetics of ferric bepectate—a new intravenous iron drug for treating iron deficiency
Authors: Muñoz Manuel , Olsen Peter Skov , Petersen Tonny Studsgaard , Manhart Susanne , Waldorff Stig 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIV iron is indicated in clinical conditions, where rapid anaemia alleviation and repletion of iron stores are required. The acute toxicity of IV iron is ascribed to the presence of labile iron in plasma. Thus, shorter plasma residence time might improve the safety profile, even for compounds holding‐on the iron tightly. In this single‐centre, open‐label, single‐dose escalation study, we evaluated the elimination kinetics of ferric bepectate (FBP) compared to those of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM). Thirty‐three iron‐depleted anaemic patients who had undergone cardiac surgery were included and received 200, 500 or 1500 mg FBP or 500 mg FCM. Plasma drug curves were subjected to model‐free analysis. Because saturation kinetics was found, a compartmental model with limited elimination capacity was applied. Urinary iron excretion was also analysed. The initial non‐compartmental analysis revealed an increasing AUC/dose ratio for FBP. For both drugs, the central distribution compartment corresponded to plasma volume, and elimination followed Michaelis‐Menten saturation kinetics. Maximal elimination rates (Vmax) were 224 mg/h and 81 mg/h for FBP 500 mg and FCM 500 mg, respectively; drug concentrations at half Vmax (Km), 99 mg/L and 212 mg/L, respectively; and terminal plasma half‐life (T½), 3.05 h and 8.96 h, respectively. Both drugs were equally effective in eliciting an early ferritin rise. Urinary iron excretion was measurable in all patients receiving FCM but not in those receiving FBP, which was well tolerated. Intravenous iron drugs are subject to capacity‐limited elimination with different saturation thresholds. Urinary iron excretion can be used as a surrogate for labile plasma iron.
Headache: an important symptom possibly linked to white matter lesions in thalassaemia
Authors: Premawardhena Anuja , Ranawaka Udaya , Pilapitiya Taraka , Weerasinghe Gihan , Hapangama Aruni , Hettiarachchi Shantha , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Salvin Karahinarachichige , Silva Ishari , Hameed Nizri , Weatherall Mark , Olivieri Nancy , Weatherall David 
Published: March 2019

SummaryNeurological manifestations are reported only occasionally in patients with thalassaemia and are given much less prominence than the complications related to anaemia and iron overload. White matter changes (WMCs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with thalassaemia were first reported two decades ago but the significance of these lesions remains unclear. We studied the neurological and cognitive manifestations in 82 older patients with thalssaemia [25 Thalassaemia major (TM), 24 thalassaemia intermedia (TI) and 33 haemaglobin E β thalassaemia (EBT)] and 80 controls, and found that headaches were more common in thalassaemia patients (50/82, 61%) than in controls (18/80, 22·5%: P < 0·001). WMCs on MRI were found in 20/82 (24·3%) patients and 2/29 (6·9%) controls had (P = 0·078). WMC were more common among those with headaches (17/50: 34%) than in those without headache (3/32; 9·3%) (P = 0·023). WMCs were not associated with reduction of cognition. Nevertheless, cognition was lower in the TI and EBT groups compared with those with TM (P = 0·002). The association of headache with WMC in thalassaemia has not been reported before and warrants further study.
SMAC mimetics as potential cancer therapeutics in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Boddu Prajwal , Carter Bing Z. , Verstovsek Srdan , Pemmaraju Naveen 
Published: March 2019

SummaryEvasion of apoptosis has been identified as one of the essential hallmarks of cancer. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are implicated in a host of myeloid malignancies, providing the rationale for strategies aimed at neutralizing IAPs to lower the cancer cell apoptosis threshold. Modes of IAP antagonism may include down‐regulating IAP expression, up‐regulating endogenous pro‐apoptotic proteins, such as tumour necrosis factor‐α or Fas ligand, or directly antagonizing IAP activity against caspases. Direct targeting of IAPs using mimetics of the second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspase (SMAC) protein has shown therapeutic promise by sensitizing the effect of chemotherapy on malignant cells. In pre‐clinical studies, SMAC mimetics have demonstrated broad synergistic activity with a wide range of therapeutics, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, agents targeting death receptors and alternative mechanisms of cell death, such as necroptosis or autophagy and immune check point blockade. SMAC mimetics represent a novel approach for further investigation in patients with high‐risk, chemo‐refractory blood cancers, as single agents or in thoughtfully selected combinations. In this review, we discuss the development and therapeutic rationale of small molecule SMAC mimetics, with an emphasis on agents in clinical development for myeloid malignancies.
Cinobufagin suppresses colorectal cancer angiogenesis by disrupting the endothelial mammalian target of rapamycin/hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α axis
Authors: Li Xiaowu , Chen Chunhui , Dai Yu , Huang Chengzhi , Han Qinrui , Jing Linlin , Ma Ye , Xu Yihua , Liu Yawei , Zhao Liang , Wang Junjiang , Sun Xuegang , Yao Xueqing 
Published: March 2019

Inducing angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancers that sustains tumor growth and metastasis. Neovascularization is a surprisingly early event during the multistage progression of cancer. Cinobufagin, an important bufadienolide originating from Chan Su, has been clinically used to treat cancer in China since the Tang dynasty. Here, we show that cinobufagin suppresses colorectal cancer (CRC) growth in vivo by downregulating angiogenesis. The hierarchized neovasculature is significantly decreased and the vascular network formation is disrupted in HUVEC by cinobufagin in a dose‐dependent way. Endothelial apoptosis is observed by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction which can be neutralized by N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC). Expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is reduced and phosphorylation of mTOR at Ser2481 and Akt at Ser473 is downregulated in HUVEC. Endothelial apoptosis is triggered by cinobufagin by stimulation of Bax and cascade activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3. Increased endothelial apoptosis rate and alterations in the HIF‐1α/mTOR pathway are recapitulated in tumor‐bearing mice in vivo. Further, the anti‐angiogenesis function of cinobufagin is consolidated based on its pro‐apoptotic effects on an EOMA‐derived hemangioendothelioma model. In conclusion, cinobufagin suppresses tumor neovascularization by disrupting the endothelial mTOR/HIF‐1α pathway to trigger ROS‐mediated vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. Cinobufagin is a promising natural anti‐angiogenetic drug that has clinical translation potential and practical application value.
A fast algorithm for local feature selection in data classification
Authors: Hoseininejad Fereshteh Sadat , Forghani Yahya , Ehsani Omid 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTypical feature selection methods select a global feature subset that is applied over all regions of the sample space. In localized feature selection (LFS), each region of the sample space is associated with its own optimized feature subset. This allows the feature subset to adapt to local variations in the sample space. Feature subsets are selected such that within a localized region, within‐class distances are minimized and between‐class distances are maximized. LFS outperforms global feature selection methods. LFS is solved using a randomized rounding approach when weights of regions are fixed. Randomized rounding is a too time‐consuming algorithm. In this paper, we show that LFS has a closed‐form solution when weights of regions are fixed. Using this closed‐form solution can decrease the runtime of solving LFS substantially. Experimental results on real datasets confirm that the classification error rate of our proposed method and the randomized rounding‐based method are the same; the runtime of our proposed method is much better than that of the randomized rounding‐based method; and the classification error rate of our proposed method and the randomized rounding‐based method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art feature selection methods.
Trustee reputation in securitization: When does it matter?
Authors: Deku Solomon Y. , Kara Alper , Marques‐Ibanez David 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe consider the role of trustees–who are nominated to protect the interests of investors–in securitization pricing and whether investors rely on them to mitigate risks. In particular, we examine the effect of trustee reputation on initial yield spreads of European mortgage‐backed security (MBS) issuances between 1999 and the first half of 2007. We find that engaging reputable trustees led to lower spreads during the credit boom period prior to the 2007–2009 financial crisis. Our findings suggest that trustees’ reputation was considered by investors to be more important when risk assessment became more challenging.
Economic volatility and financial markets: The case of mortgage‐backed securities
Authors: Antinolfi Gaetano , Brunetti Celso 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe volatility of aggregate economic activity in the United States decreased markedly in the mid‐eighties. The decrease involved several components of GDP and has been linked to a more stable economic environment, identified by smaller shocks, more effective policy, and a diverse set of innovations in technology as well as financial markets. We study one such financial innovation, and document a negative relation between the rapid growth of mortgage‐backed securities and the volatility of GDP and some of its components from the mid‐1970s to the late 1990s. We also document that this relation changed sign, from negative to positive, in the early 2000s.
Can Loan Valuation Adjustment (LVA) approach immunize collateralized debt from defaults?
Authors: Wojakowski Rafal M. , Ebrahim M. Shahid , Jaafar Aziz , Osman Salleh Murizah 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study focuses on structuring tangible asset backed loans to inhibit their endemic option to default. We adapt the pragmatic approach of a margin loan in the configuring of collateralized debt to yield a quasi‐default‐free facility. We link our practical method to the current Basel III (2017) regulatory framework. Our new concept of the Loan Valuation Adjustment (LVA) and novel method to minimize the LVA converts the risky loan into a quasi risk‐free loan and achieves value maximization for the lending financial institution. As a result, entrepreneurial activities are promoted and economic growth invigorated. Information asymmetry, costly bailouts and resulting financial fragility are reduced while depositors are endowed with a safety net equivalent to deposit insurance but without the associated moral hazard between risk‐averse lenders and borrowers.
Annual report readability and stock liquidity
Authors: Boubaker Sabri , Gounopoulos Dimitrios , Rjiba Hatem 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe examine the effect of annual report textual complexity on firms’ stock liquidity. Using techniques from computational linguistics, we predict and find that less readable filings are associated with lower stock liquidity. Our study provides evidence that difficult‐to‐read annual reports hinder investors’ ability to process and analyze information contained in corporate annual reports, reducing thereby their willingness to trade which decreases stock liquidity. Our findings are robust to a battery of sensitivity tests, including endogeneity, use of alternative estimation techniques, and use of alternative liquidity and readability proxies.
Morphological and biomechanical responses of floodplain willows to tidal flooding and salinity
Authors: Markus‐Michalczyk Heike , Zhu Zhenchang , Bouma Tjeerd J. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Willow floodplain plantations have been proposed as part of plans to create tidal wetlands for ecosystem‐based flooding defence of estuaries. Forests characterised by willows (genus Salix) are found in riparian floodplains in Europe up to the river mouth, e.g. up to tidal wetlands along the Scheldt and Elbe. However, sea level rise accompanied by accelerated tidal flooding and salt‐water intrusion may limit the effectiveness of willows for flooding defence of floodplains located at estuaries near their junction with the sea.

We studied juvenile floodplain willows (Salix alba and Salix viminalis) in a mesocosm experiment with a combined tidal flooding and salinity treatment in a climate chamber. Permanent and semi‐permanent flooding of roots and periodic flooding of shoots reduced shoot length, shoot biomass, bending capacity, and breaking resistance. However, partial submergence did not affect shoot morphology or biomechanical traits. In S. viminalis, shoot diameter was generally larger compared to S. alba and this larger diameter resulted in a higher maximum breaking force. However, S. alba showed more consistent results in diameter size with lower variation than S. viminalis. The applied salinity treatments of up to 2 parts per thousand did not have significant effects on willow shoot morphology or biomechanical traits.

We conclude that juveniles of both willow species are resilient to periodic tidal flooding and salinity values of up to 2 parts per thousand with respect to shoot traits. However, the reduction in shoot growth and biomechanical properties with permanent flooding suggests that juvenile willow establishment will be sensitive to sea level rise and increased flooding, and will result in changes in the vegetation of tidal freshwater wetlands. Salix alba and S. viminalis may serve in innovative capacities as supplementary features for estuarine flooding defence in tidal wetlands and tools for ecological restoration at appropriate sites. However, studies addressing whole ecosystems at a large scale are recommended before using S. alba and S. viminalis in floodplain plantations to protect river estuaries.
Paleoenvironmental proxies and what the Xiamaling Formation tells us about the mid‐Proterozoic ocean
Authors: Zhang Shuichang , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Huajian , Bjerrum Christian J. , Hammarlund Emma U. , Haxen Emma R. , Wen Hanjie , Ye Yuntao , Canfield Donald E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe Mesoproterozoic Era (1,600–1,000 million years ago, Ma) geochemical record is sparse, but, nevertheless, critical in untangling relationships between the evolution of eukaryotic ecosystems and the evolution of Earth‐surface chemistry. The ca. 1,400 Ma Xiamaling Formation has experienced only very low‐grade thermal maturity and has emerged as a promising geochemical archive informing on the interplay between climate, ecosystem organization, and the chemistry of the atmosphere and oceans. Indeed, the geochemical record of portions of the Xiamaling Formation has been used to place minimum constraints on concentrations of atmospheric oxygen as well as possible influences of climate and climate change on water chemistry and sedimentation dynamics. A recent study has argued, however, that some portions of the Xiamaling Formation deposited in a highly restricted environment with only limited value as a geochemical archive. In this contribution, we fully explore these arguments as well as the underlying assumptions surrounding the use of many proxies used for paleo‐environmental reconstructions. In doing so, we pay particular attention to deep‐water oxygen‐minimum zone environments and show that these generate unique geochemical signals that have been underappreciated. These signals, however, are compatible with the geochemical record of those parts of the Xiamaling Formation interpreted as most restricted. Overall, we conclude that the Xiamaling Formation was most likely open to the global ocean throughout its depositional history. More broadly, we show that proper paleo‐environmental reconstructions require an understanding of the biogeochemical signals generated in all relevant modern analogue depositional environments. We also evaluate new data on the δ98Mo of Xiamaling Formation shales, revealing possible unknown pathways of molybdenum sequestration into sediments and concluding, finally, that seawater at that time likely had a δ98Mo value of about 1.1‰.
The Causal Effects of the Minimum Wage Introduction in Germany – An Overview
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Wittbrodt Linda , Schröder Carsten 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn 2015, Germany introduced a statutory hourly minimum wage that was not only universally binding but also set at a relatively high level. We discuss the shortrun effects of this new minimum wage on a wide set of socioeconomic outcomes, such as employment and working hours, earnings and wage inequality, dependent and selfemployment, as well as reservation wages and satisfaction. We also discuss difficulties in the implementation of the minimum wage and the measurement of its effects related to non-compliance and suitability of data sources. Two years after the minimum wage introduction, the following conclusions can be drawn: while hourly wages increased for low-wage earners, some small negative employment effects are also identifiable. The effects on aspired goals, such as poverty and inequality reduction, have not materialised in the short run. Instead, a tendency to reduce working hours is found, which alleviates the desired positive impact on monthly income. Additionally, the level of noncompliance was substantial in the short run, thus drawing attention to problems when implementing such a wide reaching policy.