bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined administration of varenicline and bupropion produces additive effects on accumbal dopamine and abolishes the alcohol deprivation effect in rats
Authors: Söderpalm Bo , Danielsson Klara , de Bejczy Andrea , Adermark Louise , Ericson Mia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is detrimental to health and causes preterm death. Unfortunately, available pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments have small effect sizes, and improved treatments are needed. Smoking and AUD share heritability and are pharmacologically associated, since drug‐induced dopamine (DA) output in nucleus accumbens (nAc) involves nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in both cases. Smoking therapy agents, such as the partial nAChR agonist varenicline or the DA/noradrenaline transporter inhibitor bupropion, could potentially also be used for AUD. To investigate this hypothesis, the effects of varenicline, bupropion, or a combination of the two on nAc DA levels, ethanol intake, and the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) were examined. In vivo microdialysis showed that varenicline (1.5 mg/kg) and bupropion (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) elevated nAc DA levels and that the combination produced additive effects. Five days treatment with varenicline, bupropion, or the combination did not suppress ethanol consumption, as compared with vehicle‐treated control. However, combined administration of varenicline and bupropion completely blocked the ADE when readministering ethanol following 14 days of abstinence. Since ADE is considered highly predictive for the clinical outcome in man, our data suggest that the combination of varenicline and bupropion could be a promising treatment for AUD.
Microdissection TESE (mTESE) following adult orchidopexy for undescended intra‐abdominal and inguinal testicles – surgical techniques and outcomes from a single‐centre cohort
Authors: Sangster P. , Alnajjar H. M. , Ahmed K. , Christodoulidou M. , Williamson E. , Kelly J. D. , Dawas K. , Ralph D. , Muneer A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroduction and objectivesAdult undescended testicles (UDTs) often present to fertility specialists with subfertility or azoospermia and with either an intra‐abdominal or inguinal testicle(s). Performing an orchidopexy followed by a surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) is a potential option to retrieve spermatozoa. A microdissection TESE (mTESE) procedure is performed to retrieve mature spermatozoa for use in ICSI. This paper reviews the outcomes of mTESE in adults following an orchidopexy.Material and methodsA cohort of azoospermic patients underwent adult orchidopexy over a 10‐year period at a single specialist centre. Data were collected retrospectively from the patient records retrieved from an institutional database. All patients underwent pre‐operative imaging to localize the testicles, serum testosterone levels and a semen analysis. Separate intraoperative testicular biopsies were performed to exclude intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) and to analyse the Johnsen score.ResultsTwelve patients (age range 18–36 years) underwent orchidopexy procedures for either intra‐abdominal or inguinal testicles. Mean follow‐up was 34 months (range 13–58). Ninety per cent of patients had bilateral UDT with azoospermia. Pre‐operative testosterone levels were within the normal range (mean 13.9 nmol/L; range 9.1–24.2). Five pelvic testicles (from four patients) were brought down and underwent a delayed mTESE. A total of nine inguinal orchidopexy procedures were carried out in eight men, and spermatozoa were found and preserved in three patients. None of the men with intra‐abdominal testicles had mature spermatozoa present following a delayed mTESE. Overall, SSR was successful in 37.5% of the patients. Histological analysis showed no cases of ITGCN and the Johnsen scores ranged from 1 to 3.3.ConclusionsMicrodissection TESE following orchidopexy for inguinal testicles can result in a successful SSR in over 1/3rd of patients. Intra‐abdominal testicles appear to lack spermatogonia although the testicles can still be preserved for endogenous hormone production. Adult orchidopexy allows preservation of endogenous testosterone, easier self‐examination and an immediate or delayed mTESE in azoospermic patients.
Solo single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a safe substitute for conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Suh Suk‐Won , Choi YoungRok , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Cho Jai Young , Choi Yoo‐Shin , Lee Seung‐Eun , Jeong Jaehong 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundDespite the incremental application of single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC), this procedure has technical difficulties, including physical disturbance and an unstable surgical view through the small incision; therefore, we introduce the solo SILC (S‐SILC) technique using a laparoscopic scope holder, as a simple, fixed and easy‐to‐perform procedure for an unassisted surgeon.MethodsWe performed a comparative analysis of S‐SILC (n = 566) and conventional three‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 874) performed from January 2013 to December 2016 at multiple centres.ResultsThere was no significant difference of operative time between the two groups (P = 0.176); however, S‐SILC showed a higher incidence of intraoperative gallbladder perforation, especially in the initial period (17.0% versus 2.3%, P < 0.001); and shorter post‐operative hospital stay (3.3 ± 1.7 versus 1.9 ± 2.7 days, P < 0.001) than conventional three‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were no significant differences in major post‐operative complications between the two groups (P = 0.909) and operation type (P = 0.971) was not a significant risk factor for major post‐operative complications in multivariate analysis.ConclusionS‐SILC is a feasible and safe procedure; however, careful selection of surgical candidates is necessary in the early period of the experience with this method.
No significant associations between breastfeeding practices and overweight in 8‐year‐old children
Authors: Bjertnæs Asborg A. , Grundt Jacob H. , Donkor Hilde M. , Juliusson Petur B. , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Vaktskjold Arild , Markestad Trond , Holten‐Andersen Mads N. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimThe aim was to examine if breastfeeding practices were associated with body mass index (BMI) and risk of overweight or obesity in third grade (8 years) of elementary school.MethodsIn a regional cohort, we related BMIz‐scores and presence of overweight or obesity at 8 years of age with ever being breastfed and with duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding after adjusting for potential confounders. Parents completed questionnaires on breastfeeding and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors at school entry, and public health nurses measured height and weight. For non‐participants, the nurses anonymously reported these measurements together with sex and age.Results90% of participants had been breastfed. In adjusted analyses, BMIz‐scores were not significantly related to whether or not the child had been breastfed (P = .64), or to the duration of exclusive (P = .80) or partial breastfeeding (P = .94). Logistic regression also showed no significant association between breastfeeding measures and overweight or obesity.ConclusionThis study on 8‐year‐old Norwegian children did not support a commonly held notion that breastfeeding reduces the risk of overweight or obesity.
An ecological perspective on learner‐constructed learning spaces
Authors: Damşa Crina , Nerland Monika , Andreadakis Zacharias E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper argues for the need to develop a relational, emergent and plural understanding of learning spaces. We take an ecological perspective on learning, which allows us to conceptualize learning spaces as (co‐)constructed by learners; emerging through learners' practices, interactions and activities; and facilitated by pedagogical arrangements. In the co‐construction of spaces for learning, tapping into various ecologies of resources—whether intellectual, relational or digital material—becomes an organic, iterative, agentic endeavour for learners. This paper proposes a set of principles to synthesize this conceptualization and facilitates an understanding of such emergent learning spaces. An empirical illustration extracted from a collaborative student project in software engineering education contributes to grounding the conceptual argument and provides a clarifying example. Ultimately, this contribution suggests that in order to support the emergence of learning spaces that are resource‐rich and conducive to learning, educational contexts and pedagogical arrangements must provide both the framing conditions and also the flexibility and permeability required to access the wider ecologies of resources made available through digital technologies.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topicLearning spaces can be individual or collective.Physical space is an important element that can facilitate or hinder learning.Technology can contribute to hosting learning spaces (eg, online).What this paper addsA potential new conceptualization drawing on an ecological perspective on learning.Insights into how learning spaces are customized versions of the learners' intellectual, relational or digital‐material resources available in various contexts.Examples of how learning spaces are constitutive through learners' individual or collective practices, based on affordances provided by pedagogical designs.Propositions on how pedagogical designs can provide learners with opportunities to access wider ecologies of resources made available through digital technologies.Implications for practice and/or policyTeachers need support to develop pedagogical designs that support learners in creating their own learning spaces.Helping students to create their learning spaces requires guidance, which must be facilitated by appropriate institutional infrastructures and conditions.Professional learning approaches are needed to build teachers' knowledge and capacities to support students.Institutional arrangements must be open to change.
Going immersive in a community of learners? Assessment of design processes in a multi‐setting architecture studio
Authors: Sopher Hadas , Fisher Gewirtzman Dafna , Kalay Yehuda E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFuture learning spaces (FLSs), such as immersive virtual environments, have expanded the architectural studio beyond traditional spaces, offering new affordances for learning communities (LCs) to enculturate design practices. These developments raise a need to assess how different spaces foster intended learning activities. In response, we developed a model to assess the way (LCs) are supported during the design process. Our model aggregates learners' design decisions, along with their physical, virtual and social settings, into units called knowledge construction activities. These are then linked with subsequent units, to create design development graphs. The model was applied to two studio courses that used a conventional classroom and a technology‐enhanced immersive FLS. Analyses show that each space supported different learning activities. Notably, the immersive FLS was shown to support design convergence, considered to be an essential skill. While advancing concepts related to design pedagogy, the model can support additional designers of FLS for (LCs) when integrating multiple spaces.
Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic

Future Learning Spaces (FLSs), such as immersive virtual environments (IVEs), have expanded the architectural studio beyond traditional spaces, offering new affordances for design learning communities to enculturate expert design practices.
IVEs are known to support spatial perception and enhance design flow, suitable for constructing design knowledge.
Studio assessments mostly focus on learners' final outcomes and learner–teacher communication.
What this paper adds

New knowledge about how an immersive FLS can foster the emergence of design learning communities.
An analytical toolkit to measure the way IVEs affect the enculturation of design skills, particularly in divergent and convergent activities.
A comprehensive method to map design learning processes and analyze learning progress.
Implications for practice and/or policy

The educational sector can use this model to evaluate the way technology‐enhanced learning spaces for learning communities meet given educational goals.
The education community can use this method as a powerful and efficient tool to design multiple‐setting courses and develop teaching strategies to support learning communities in FLSs.
Frontline treatment of elderly non transplant‐eligible multiple myeloma patients using CyBorD with or without thalidomide‐based consolidation: a retrospective multi‐centre analysis of real‐world data
Authors: Chan Henry , Chai Kern , Shih Steven , Lewsey Rebecca , Chen Kevin , McDiarmid Bridgett , Jackson Sharon , Simpson David 
Published: July 2019

SummaryBortezomib in combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (CyBorD, is a well‐established frontline chemotherapy regimen for patients with multiple myeloma, but prospective data on elderly non‐transplant eligible patients is limited. A total of 155 patients aged 70 years or older with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who received at least one cycle of CyBorD chemotherapy in three centres across New Zealand were evaluated. Partial response or better was achieved in 79·4%, of whom 52·9% achieved at least a very good partial response. After a median follow‐up of 31·9 months, the median event‐free survival (EFS) was 17·0 months (age 70–80 years, 17·7 months; age above 80 years, 8·6 months; P = 0·002). The median overall survival was 45·1 months (age 70–80, 49·8 months; above 80, 33·3 months; P = 0·003). Amongst those who had seven or more cycles of treatment, those who had a pre‐planned switch to bortezomib‐thalidomide‐dexamethasone (VTD) consolidation had a superior median EFS of 25·4 months, compared with 20·3 months in the CyBorD only group (P = 0·028). This is the largest real‐world dataset on the efficacy of CyBorD in the elderly population, and pre‐planned switch to VTD was associated with better outcomes.
Cost–utility analysis of focal high‐intensity focussed ultrasound vs active surveillance for low‐ to intermediate‐risk prostate cancer using a Markov multi‐state model
Authors: Bénard Antoine , Duroux Thomas , Robert Grégoire 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesTo estimate the relative cost‐effectiveness of focal high‐intensity focussed ultrasound (F‐HIFU) compared to active surveillance (AS) in patients with low‐ to intermediate‐risk prostate cancer, in France.Patients and MethodsA Markov multi‐state model was elaborated for this purpose. Our analyses were conducted from the French National Health Insurance perspective, with a time horizon of 10 years and a 4% discount rate for cost and effectiveness. A secondary analysis used a 30‐year time horizon. Costs are presented in 2016 Euros (€), and effectiveness is expressed as quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Model parameters’ value (probabilities for transitions between health states, and cost and utility of health states) is supported by systematic literature reviews (PubMed) and random effect meta‐analyses. The cost of F‐HIFUin our model was the temporary tariff attributed by the French Ministry of Health to the overall treatment of prostate cancer byHIFU(€6047).Our model was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA). Uncertainty about the value of the model parameters was handled through probabilistic analyses.ResultsThe five health states of our model were as follows: initial state (ASor F‐HIFU), radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, metastasis, and death.Transition probabilities from the initial F‐HIFUstate relied on four articles eligible for our meta‐analyses. All were non‐comparative studies. Utilities relied on a single cohort in San Diego,CA,USA.For a fictive cohort of 1000 individuals followed for 10 years, F‐HIFUwould be €207 520 more costly and would yield 382 lessQALYs thanAS, which means thatASis cost‐effective when compared to F‐HIFU. For a threshold value varying from €0 to 100 000/QALY, the probability ofASbeing cost‐effective compared to F‐HIFUvaried from 56.5% to 60%. This level of uncertainty was in the same range with a 30‐year time horizon.ConclusionGiven existing published data, our results suggest thatASis cost‐effective compared to F‐HIFUin patients with low‐ and intermediate‐risk prostate cancer, but with high uncertainty. This uncertainty must be scaled down by continuing to supply the model with new published data and ideally through a randomised clinical trial that includes cost‐effectiveness analyses.
Preparation of carboxylated graphene oxide nanosheets/polysulphone hollow fibre separation membranes with improved separation and dye adsorption properties
Authors: Shi Wenying , Zeng Xianhua , Li Hongbin , Zhou Rong , Zhang Haixia , Qin Xiaohong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNovel hollow fibre polysulphone (PSF) separation membranes were prepared via the incorporation of carboxylated graphene oxide (cGO) in membrane matrix during the dry‐wet spinning process to improve the membrane performance of water flux and dye adsorption. The surface composition and morphology of the prepared cGO‐incorporated hollow fibre membranes were characterised by means of Fourier Transform–infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of different cGO contents on membrane surface hydrophilicity, separation performance, anti‐compaction and adsorption properties were investigated through measurements of the water contact angle, cross‐flow filtration and methylene blue (MB) adsorption experiments. The results demonstrated that the cGO‐incorporated membranes had more hydrophilic surfaces, higher permeation flux, better anti‐compaction properties and a higher adsorption rate of MB than that of the PSF control membrane. When cGO content was 0.45 wt.%, the pure water flux of the modified membrane increased from 90.56 to 148.26 l m−2 h−1 at 0.1 MPa; also, rejections of bovine serum albumin and polyethylene glycol (PEG‐20000) maintained relatively high values of 98.81 and 93.89%, respectively. The incorporation of cGO nanosheets could effectively improve membrane anti‐compaction properties and the adsorption rate of MB.
Hunting and mountain sheep: Do current harvest practices affect horn growth?
Authors: LaSharr Tayler N. , Long Ryan A. , Heffelfinger James R. , Bleich Vernon C. , Krausman Paul R. , Bowyer R. Terry , Shannon Justin M. , Klaver Robert W. , Brewer Clay E. , Cox Mike , Holland A. Andrew , Hubbs Anne , Lehman Chadwick P. , Muir Jonathan D. , Sterling Bruce , Monteith Kevin L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe influence of human harvest on evolution of secondary sexual characteristics has implications for sustainable management of wildlife populations. The phenotypic consequences of selectively removing males with large horns or antlers from ungulate populations have been a topic of heightened concern in recent years. Harvest can affect size of horn‐like structures in two ways: (a) shifting age structure toward younger age classes, which can reduce the mean size of horn‐like structures, or (b) selecting against genes that produce large, fast‐growing males. We evaluated effects of age, climatic and forage conditions, and metrics of harvest on horn size and growth of mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis ssp.) in 72 hunt areas across North America from 1981 to 2016. In 50% of hunt areas, changes in mean horn size during the study period were related to changes in age structure of harvested sheep. Environmental conditions explained directional changes in horn growth in 28% of hunt areas, 7% of which did not exhibit change before accounting for effects of the environment. After accounting for age and environment, horn size of mountain sheep was stable or increasing in the majority (~78%) of hunt areas. Age‐specific horn size declined in 44% of hunt areas where harvest was regulated solely by morphological criteria, which supports the notion that harvest practices that are simultaneously selective and intensive might lead to changes in horn growth. Nevertheless, phenotypic consequences are not a foregone conclusion in the face of selective harvest; over half of the hunt areas with highly selective and intensive harvest did not exhibit age‐specific declines in horn size. Our results demonstrate that while harvest regimes are an important consideration, horn growth of harvested male mountain sheep has remained largely stable, indicating that changes in horn growth patterns are an unlikely consequence of harvest across most of North America.
Burden of mild haemophilia A: Systematic literature review
Authors: Peyvandi Flora , Tavakkoli Fatemeh , Frame Diana , Quinn Jennifer , Kim Benjamin , Lawal Adebayo , Lee Mimi C. , Wong Wing Y. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionAlthough the clinical manifestations of severe haemophilia A (HA) are well studied, the challenges, if any, of living with mild HA are not clearly delineated to date.AimTo assess available evidence of clinical risks and societal/economic impacts of disease in adult patients with mild HA using a systematic literature review.MethodsPrespecified study selection criteria were applied in a comprehensive literature search. Included studies varied in design and reported outcomes of interest for adults (≥13 years of age) with mild HA.ResultsSeventeen studies with a total of 3213 patients met eligibility criteria (published or presented in English, 1966‐2017). Most studies were observational, and the outcomes reported were too sparse and dissimilar to support a formal meta‐analysis. Mean annual bleeding rates ranged from 0.44 to 4.5 episodes per patient per year. Quality of life (QoL; SF‐36 General Health) was impacted compared to healthy controls. Health care costs and productivity were seldom assessed and no robust comparisons to healthy controls were available.ConclusionQuantifying outcomes for adult patients with mild HA remains challenging, with estimates of key QoL and cost data often based on small data sets and without comparison to population norms. Therefore, the clinical impact of mild haemophilia may be under‐represented and unmet needs may remain unaddressed. As paradigm‐changing therapies for HA emerge, stronger knowledge of mild HA can guide the development of care options that minimize burden and enhance the QoL for this segment of the haemophilia community, and for the haemophilia community in totality.
Effect of mixing on the properties of nanocarbon containing Al2O3‐C continuous casting refractories
Authors: Pilli Venkatesh , Sarkar Ritwik 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe functional refractories used in steel casting operations are usually made up of alumina‐carbon compositions having graphite as the major source of carbon. In recent times, to reduce the carbon content and to enhance the performance by designing microstructure at nano‐sized level, several nano carbon sources and organic binders are introduced to traditional carbon‐based refractories. The homogenous distribution of nano carbon sources within the refractory composition is important to get the advantages of its use. In the present work, nanocarbon black is used along with graphite in the alumina‐carbon system. Three different mixing procedures are followed and how mixing effects the physical and mechanical properties is evaluated. The mixing order with proper nanocarbon distribution throughout the batch composition provided significant improvement in the properties. The microstructural analysis and in situ phase developments in the samples at different temperatures are also studied.