bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative assessment of tubules in predicting microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcome in men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome
Authors: Yu Yang , Xi Qi , Wang Ruixue , Zhang Hongguo , Li Leilei , Zhu Haibo , Pan Yuan , Liu Ruizhi 
Published: November 2018

Objective This study aimed to assess the value of measuring the tubule diameter during microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in predicting outcomes in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). Methods Fifty-six consecutive patients with SCOS were included. Patients were classified into two groups on the basis of the diameter of seminiferous tubules measured against 5/0 surgical suture (≥100 µm or <100 µm). Results The sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in men with a tubule diameter ≥100 µm was significantly lower than that in those with <100 µm (3.1% vs. 25.0%). The SRR from the contralateral testis in men with a tubule diameter ≥100 µm was lower than that in those with <100 µm (0% vs. 14.3%). Men with a tubule diameter ≥100 µm had a significantly larger testis and lower follicle-stimulating hormone levels than did men with <100 µm (8.1 ± 2.4 vs. 5.3±1.8 mL, 19.9 ± 9.7 vs. 25.9 ± 7.1 mIU/mL, respectively). Conclusions The diameter of tubules is a useful predictor for a successful SRR in men with SCOS. Intraoperative assessment of homogeneous large tubules allows some men to perform a limited (superﬁcial) contralateral micro-TESE after no spermatozoa are initially identified.
Late-onset biopsy-proven lupus nephritis without other associated autoimmune diseases: severity and long-term outcome
Authors: Ugolini-Lopes M R , Santos L P S , Stagnaro C , Seguro L P C , Mosca M , Bonfá E 
Published: November 2018

Background/Purpose Lupus nephritis (LN) usually develops within the first years of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) onset and rarely after that. There are scarce studies comparing early- versus late-onset nephritis (before versus after five years of SLE diagnosis). The aim of this study was to compare the severity and long-term outcome (after 7 years) in these two, late-onset and early-onset, nephritis groups. Methods This study included 93 patients from rheumatology tertiary centers from Brazil and Italy, all of them with biopsy-proven LN with > 7 years follow-up. Patients were divided in two groups: early-onset nephritis ( n = 75) and late-onset nephritis ( n = 18). Clinical and laboratorial data were obtained using a standardized electronic chart database protocol carried out at 1–6 months interval and established in 2000. Patients >50 years or with concomitant autoimmune diseases were excluded. Variables evaluated at the LN presentation were Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), creatinine, albumin, anti-DNA positivity and nephritis class. Variables evaluated at the long-term outcome (after 7 years) were Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI), creatinine, dialysis and mortality. Results The average time of LN presentation was 10.94 ± 3.73 years for the late-onset and 1.20 ± 1.60 years for the early-onset group. Their similar nephritis duration (12.44 ± 3.2 versus 13.28 ± 4.03 years, p = 0.41) and comparable mean ages (49.17 ± 9.9 versus 44.11 ± 10.8 years old, p = 0.06) allow a more accurate comparison. Regarding severity, late-onset was similar to early-onset group: SLEDAI (8 (range: 6–22) versus 12 (range: 2–24), p = 0.47), creatinine (1.36 ± 0.94 versus 1.36 ± 1.13 mg/dl, p = 0.99); albumin (2.84 ± 0.65 versus 2.59 ± 0.84 mg/dl, p = 0.30); proteinuria (3.77 ± 2.18 versus 5.01 ± 4.51 g/vol, p = 0.26); proliferative nephritis (44% ( n = 8) versus 60% ( n = 45), p = 0.23). There was also no difference in the long-term outcomes between groups: SDI (1 (range: 0–5) versus 0.5 (range: 0–5), p = 0.27); creatinine (2.04 ± 2.38 versus 1.69 ± 2.26 mg/dl, p = 0.56); dialysis (22% ( n = 4) versus 13% ( n = 10), p = 0.46) and mortality (0% ( n = 0) versus 12% ( n = 9), p = 0.19). Conclusion This study provides novel evidence of comparable long-term outcomes between late-onset and early-onset nephritis, which is most likely explained by the observation that at presentation, the clinical, laboratorial and histological features of late-onset and early-onset nephritis are similar. This suggests that there should be no distinct treatment targets and therapeutic interventions for the late- and early-onset groups.
Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with active workers’ compensation claims do not demonstrate inferior outcomes at mid-term
Authors: Perets Itay , Prat Dan , Close Mary R. , Chaharbakhshi Edwin O , Rabe Stephanie M , Battaglia Muriel R , Domb Benjamin G 
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Workers’ compensation (WC) claims have been associated with poor short-term outcomes after hip arthroscopy. We aim to report mid-term outcomes and return to work (RTW) among patients with WC claims. Methods: Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between September 2008 and July 2011. Inclusion criteria were an active WC claim at time of surgery with preoperatively-documented patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Exclusion criteria were a previous hip condition and preoperative Tönnis grade >1. Patient-reported WC cases were pair-matched to non-WC cases based on body mass index (BMI) ± 5, age ± 5 years, gender, preoperative LCEA, labral treatment, and capsular treatment. Results: 52 patients had minimum 5-year outcomes. Mean age was 40.6 (±10.6) years and a mean BMI of 27.5 (±5.3). 9 (16.7%) hips underwent secondary arthroscopies. 5 hips (9.3%) were converted to THA. There were 5 (9.3%) reports of numbness, all of which resolved spontaneously. Work status details were available for 49 patients and 47 patients (95.9%) returned to work. 42 WC hips were matched to 42 control hips. At ⩾5-year follow-up, patient-reported outcomes, visual analogue scale (VAS) and satisfaction were not different between the groups. All magnitudes in improvement were significantly higher in the WC group ( p = < 0.001) except for VAS. No significant differences were found in rates of secondary arthroscopies, conversions to THA, or complications between the groups. Conclusions: WC patients have equal favourable mid-term outcomes as non-WC patients after hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral pathology.
Thermotherapy: Improving the vascular access cannulation procedure
Authors: Tapia González Irati , Esteve Simó Vicent , Moreno Guzman Fátima , Fulquet Nicolás Miquel , Duarte Gallego Verónica , Saurina Solé Anna , Pou Potau Mónica , Ramírez de Arellano Serna Manel 
Published: November 2018

Introduction and objectives: Vascular access is essential to perform an adequate hemodialysis. Needle cannulation in vascular access is usually painful. There is little scientific evidence on the analgesic effect of thermotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of thermotherapy on vascular access cannulation. Methods: We performed a 2-week single center prospective study. Demographic data and vascular access location were collected. The main outcome was pain perceived in vascular access cannulation measured by the visual analog scale. We performed two phases of study: phase I was performed with usual cannulation procedure, and in phase II, we applied local thermotherapy for 15 min (hot packs: 60 s, 600 W). Also, main hemodynamic data, local, and vascular access–related complications were recorded. Results: A total of 34 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 67.3 ± 16.4 years and 49.1 ± 66.3 months on hemodialysis. Main cardiovascular risk factors are hypertension (81.8%) and diabetes mellitus (39.4%). Most common vascular access is left radiocephalic fistula (45.5%). Mean weekly/patient cannulation is 6.03 ± 0.2. Mean visual analog scale is 3.8 ± 2.4. At the end of the study, thermotherapy on the vascular access revealed a significant decrease in visual analog scale (3.9 ± 2.4 vs 2.6 ± 2.0, p = 0.002), without hemodynamic changes pre- and post-intervention, nor changes in analgesic or antihypertensive treatment. One patient had a mild surface erythema. No further complications related to vascular access were observed. Conclusion: (1) Thermotherapy on the vascular access reduced the pain caused by needle cannulation in our patients, without complications related to vascular access. (2) We will consider its clinical application in those painful vascular access cannulations at our hemodialysis unit. (3) Further studies are required to assess other potential beneficial effects added to thermotherapy in vascular access cannulation procedure.
‘The Doctor doesn’t need to see you now’: reduction in general practice appointments following group pain management
Authors: Clare Ajay , MacNeil Sarah , Bunton Tamzin , Jarrett Stephanie 
Published: November 2018

Background: Patients living with chronic, non-malignant, musculoskeletal pain are frequent visitors to general practice (GP) services, placing a large burden on resources. Pain management programmes (PMPs) are recommended for chronic pain patients and aim to teach self-management techniques. While there is evidence for their clinical effectiveness, few studies have explored whether there is a reduction in primary care healthcare use after attending a PMP. Aim: This study sought to address this by gathering data on pain-related primary care appointments before and after attending a PMP. Design and setting: Medical records of 50 patients attending a group outpatient PMP were obtained to determine whether the number of pain-related GP appointments differed 1 year after attending the programme compared with the year beforehand. Robust data were obtained from GP appointment systems and a retrospective observational design was utilised. Results: The results indicated a 43.9% decrease in the number of GP appointments in the year following a PMP, a change that was statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings of the study show that there are fewer pain-related appointments in primary care in the year following a group outpatient PMP compared with the preceding year. It is possible that the self-management techniques taught on the programme lead to a reduction in patient’s need to consult their GP as frequently about their pain. However, limitations in the current research mean that the reduction in appointments cannot be definitively attributed to PMP attendance and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Dynamic Posture-Related Preoperative Pain as a Single Clinical Criterion in Patient Selection for Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion Without Direct Decompression
Authors: Lim Kai-Zheong , Daly Christopher , Brown Jessica , Goldschlager Tony 
Published: November 2018

Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Objectives: Evidence on predicting the success of indirect decompression via extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is scarce. The authors investigated if patients who could achieve a pain-free position preoperatively would derive clinical benefit from XLIF without direct decompression. Methods: Data from 50 consecutive patients who underwent XLIF with and without direct decompression by a single surgeon from January 2014 to August 2017 was collected. Primary outcome is the rate of failure of patients who underwent XLIF without direct decompression, characterized by persistence of pain postoperatively that required reoperations within 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes are clinical outcomes and patient-reported quality of life outcome data, including visual analogue scale for leg (VASL) and back (VASB) pain, Oswetry Disability Index (ODI), and Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of SF-12, for up to 2 years postoperatively. Results: One patient with preoperative dynamic posture-related pain who underwent XLIF without direct decompression subsequently had a reoperation due to persisting pain. Statistically significant improvement was achieved across all patient reported outcomes ( P < .05): improvement of 68% for VASL, 61% for VASB, 50% for ODI, 33% for PCS, and 11% for MCS of SF-12 at last follow-up. Six patients had thigh symptoms that resolved. Conclusion: The simple clinical criterion based on postural pain status preoperatively may help clinicians in patient selection for indirect decompression of XLIF without the need for direct decompression. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to establish the validity of the algorithm.
An Evaluation of the Rotator Cuff Repair Research Pipeline
Authors: Checketts Jake X. , Scott Jared , Gordon Josh , Jones Jaclyn , Horn Jarryd , Farabough Michelle , Whitener Jake , Boose Marshall , Vassar Matt 
Published: November 2018

Background: We conducted a study of recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guideline, “Optimizing the Management of Rotator Cuff Problems.” Using these recommendations, we conducted searches of clinical trial registries and bibliographic databases to note the extent to which new research has been undertaken to address areas of deficiency. Hypothesis: Newly conducted research regarding rotator cuff repair and injury is available that will fill knowledge gaps identified by the AAOS guideline. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: For each recommendation in the AAOS guideline, we created PICO (participants, intervention, comparator, outcome) questions and search strings. Searches were conducted of ClinicalTrials.gov , the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, MEDLINE via PubMed, and EMBASE to locate studies undertaken after the final literature search performed by the AAOS work group. Results: We located 210 newly registered trials and 448 published studies that are relevant to the recommendations made in the rotator cuff guideline. The majority of the recommendations have been addressed by relevant registered trials or published studies. Of the 448 published studies, 185 directly addressed the guideline recommendations. Additionally, 71% of the 185 published studies directly addressing the recommendations were randomized trials or systematic reviews/meta-analyses. The most important finding of our study was that the recommendations in the AAOS rotator cuff guideline have been adequately addressed. Conclusion: Orthopaedic researchers have adequately addressed knowledge gaps regarding rotator cuff repair treatment and management options. As such, the AAOS may consider a guideline update to ensure that recommendations reflect current findings in orthopaedic literature.
The secret lives of cancer cell lines
Authors: Hynds Robert E. , Vladimirou Elina , Janes Sam. M. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
The extent of genetic and epigenetic diversity between and within patient tumors is being mapped in ever more detail. It is clear that cancer is an evolutionary process in which tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic forces shape clonal selection. The pre-clinical oncology pipeline uses model systems of human cancer – including mouse models, cell lines, patient-derived organoids and patient-derived xenografts – to study tumor biology and assess the efficacy of putative therapeutic agents. Model systems cannot completely replicate the environment of human tumors and, even within the same cancer model, data are often irreproducible between laboratories. One hypothesis is that ongoing evolutionary processes remain relevant in laboratory models, leading to divergence over time. In a recent edition of Nature, Ben-David and colleagues showed that different stocks of widely used cancer cell lines – a staple of cancer research over many decades – are highly heterogeneous in terms of their genetics, transcriptomics and responses to therapies. The authors find compelling evidence of positive selection based on ongoing mutational processes and chromosomal instability. Thus, the origin, culture conditions and cumulative number of population doublings of cell lines likely influence experimental outcomes. Here, we summarize the key findings of this important study and discuss the practical implications of this work for researchers using cell lines in the laboratory.
Surface Complexation for Photocatalytic Organic Transformations
Authors: Leow Wan Ru , Chen Xiaodong 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Photocatalysis constitutes an important research interest due to its capability for achieving important chemical reactions in an environmentally green and sustainable manner. The use of heterogeneous photocatalysts adds additional advantages such as ease of separation from reaction mixtures, reusability, as well as photo, thermal and chemical stability. In this account, we showed how the surface complexation of different key players on TiO2 can be used control the reaction pathway to enable difficult organic transformations, as demonstrated by the selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides. First, we designed a photocatalytic-surface complexation system comprising three fundamental components; visible-light-absorbing dye, TiO2 and TEMPO as the redox mediator. Next, the said system was elegantly simplified into a visible-light-harvesting surface complex generated in-situ between TiO2 and tertiary amines, which enabled O2 to be selectively activated only in the presence of the target sulfide substrate. This was then expanded into the new concept of synergistic photocatalysis, which is based on the interplay of reactants (sulfides and benzylamines) via the aforementioned visible-light-harvesting surface complex to enable two seemingly irrelevant reactions in one photocatalytic system. Lastly, we briefly discussed how surface complexation on heterogeneous catalysts such as metal oxides can be further utilized for photocatalytic organic transformations.
The Judge and His Hangman: Judicial Selection and the Accountability of Judges in the US
Authors: Lemennicier Bertrand , Wenzel Nikolai 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Who gets to determine rights and justice? Which mechanism of judicial selection and accountability is optimal? There is no easy answer. If judges are independent experts, nominated and evaluated by their peers, they will be immune from the pressures of electoral rent-seeking, but unaccountable to the people. If judges are elected, they will be democratically accountable, but subject to the redistributive pressures of the ballot box. If judges are nominated and controlled by politicians, they will face the temptations of bureaucratic self-interest and will not be democratically accountable, but they will be shielded from the Public Choice problems of elections. This paper uses the death penalty in the United States to measure and compare the impact of different methods of judicial selection. In the end, there is no optimal solution – at least not within a state judicial monopoly.
Mexican Supreme Court: Legislative Omission – Analysis on Congress’ Failure to Enact Legislation Regulating Official Advertising in Mexico
Authors: Olaiz-González Jaime 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Last year, Mexico’s Supreme Court issued a momentous decision pertaining to the so-called legislative omission. It represented a groundbreaking judgment not only for its effects on freedom of speech and of the press and separation of powers in Mexico, but also – and perhaps more saliently- for its implications in the way in which the Court is asserting its powers in interpreting the Constitution.
Arterial stiffness as a measure of cardiovascular risk in obese adolescents and adolescents with diabetes type 1
Authors: Putarek Kresimir , Banfic Ljiljana , Pasalic Marijan , Krnic Nevena , Spehar Uroic Anita , Rojnic Putarek Natasa 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the end result of vascular aging and atherosclerosis, having its origins in childhood. The aim of our study was to compare arterial stiffness (AS) and intima-media thickness (IMT) as markers of an early vascular damage between obese adolescents, adolescents with diabetes type 1 (T1D) and lean control subjects.

Methods
We analyzed AS and IMT in 68 obese adolescents (13.27±2.31 years), 42 adolescents with T1D (14.95±2.35 years) lasting over 5 years and 38 controls (15.02±1.94 years). AS (measured by pulse wave velocity [PWV], arterial compliance [AC] and β-stiffness) and IMT were assessed using an e-tracking ultrasound method.

Results
A significant difference between the groups was found for AC (p=0.022) and PWV (p=0.010), with the lowest compliance and higher velocities in T1D patients. When corrected for age, the difference in AC among the groups did not reach a statistical difference (p=0.059). Correlation analysis in the obese adolescents showed lower AC in females (p=0.041), with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0.032). In T1D adolescents, disease duration was the strongest determinant of AS (AC p=0.028, β p=0.029 and PWV p=0.003), followed by body mass index (BMI; PWV p=0.008; β p=0.033), SBP (AC p<0.001; PWV p=0.023), diastolic BP (AC p=0.049; PWV p=0.048) and HbA1c (PWV p=0.048). No significant correlations were found for AS measures or IMT with sex, age, BMI, Tanner stage or BP levels in controls.

Conclusions
Early vascular damage is more pronounced in T1D adolescents than in obese or lean adolescents, which may emphasize the impact of hyperglycemia as a major threat for cardiovascular health.
Do parents of children with metabolic diseases benefit from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program? A pilot study
Authors: Van Mechelen Karen , Kessels Ilse , Simons Annik , Glazemakers Inge 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundParents of children with metabolic diseases report more parenting stress, anxiety, depression and dysfunctional parenting styles than parents of children without metabolic diseases. In addition, their children have more behavioral problems. Beside the fact that metabolic diseases are rare, they form a relatively large proportion in the morbidity and mortality of chronically ill children.MethodsIn this pilot study 14 parents of children with metabolic diseases, aged between 2.5 and 13 years, participated in a quasi-experimental pre-post-follow-up study.ResultsAfter participating in the Level 4 Group Triple P-program there were small effects in decreasing child behavioral problems and large effects in decreasing dysfunctional parenting styles. There was a moderate to large reduction of parental stress and a large reduction of parental anxiety. Only the effects on the behavioral problems and the parenting style ‘laxness’ were no longer significant at 6 months follow-up.ConclusionsIn summary it can be said that the existing Triple P-program has good effects, with a great degree of satisfaction, for parents of children with metabolic diseases in reducing dysfunctional parenting styles, parenting stress and behavioral problems of their children. One should not wait for a specialized program to reach these parents, but further research is necessary as a greater effect can be expected when this program is adapted to these parents.