bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy: the first application for real‐time pathological examination of prostatic tissue
Authors: Puliatti Stefano , Bertoni Laura , Pirola Giacomo M. , Azzoni Paola , Bevilacqua Luigi , Eissa Ahmed , Elsherbiny Ahmed , Sighinolfi Maria C. , Chester Johanna , Kaleci Shaniko , Rocco Bernardo , Micali Salvatore , Bagni Ilaria , Bonetti Luca Reggiani , Maiorana Antonino , Malvehy Josep , Longo Caterina , Montironi Rodolfo , Bianchi Giampaolo , Pellacani Giovanni 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo report the first application of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) ‐ a novel optical technology that is capable of providing fast microscopic imaging of unfixed tissue specimens‐ in the urological field assessing its diagnostic accuracy for non neoplastic and cancerous prostate tissue (prostatic adenocarcinoma) compared to the 'gold standard' histopathological diagnoses.Patients and methodsIn all, 89 specimens from 13 patients with clinically localised prostate cancer were enrolled into the study. All patients underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with fresh prostatic tissue biopsies taken at the end of each intervention using an 18‐G biopsy punch. Specimens were randomly assigned to the three collaborating pathologists for evaluation. Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement was tested by the means of Cohen's κ. The diagnostic performance was evaluated on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsThe overall diagnostic agreement between FCM and histopathological diagnoses was substantial with a 91% correct diagnosis (κ = 0.75) and an area under the curve of 0.884 (95% confidence interval 0.840–0.920), 83.33% sensitivity, and 93.53% specificity.ConclusionFCM seems to be a promising tool for enhanced specimens' reporting performance, given its simple application and very rapid microscopic image generation (<5 min/specimen). This technique may potentially be used for intraoperative pathological specimens' analysis.
The synthetic seismic expression of the Messinian salinity crisis from onshore records: Implications for shallow‐ to deep‐water correlations
Authors: Roveri M. , Gennari R. , Ligi M. , Lugli S. , Manzi V. , Reghizzi M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe onshore–offshore correlation of sedimentary successions is a common problem in basin analysis, but it becomes critical for the full understanding of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC), a complex array of palaeoenvironmental events which affected the Mediterranean basin at the end of the Miocene. The outcrop records show that the Messinian stratigraphic architectures may be highly complex as the deposits of the different MSC evolutionary stages can be lithologically similar and separated by erosional surfaces and/or morphostructural highs. The correct definition of the nature and stratigraphic position of Messinian deposits in offshore areas through seismic data may be almost impossible, especially where core data are sparse. To bridge the gap between onshore and offshore records, we have built synthetic seismic sections from well‐constrained outcrop successions. Our results provide useful insights and warnings for the interpretation of offshore data, pointing out that MSC units having different age, nature and depositional settings, may show similar seismic facies and geometries. Conversely, the same deposit may result in different seismic facies, either with parallel and high‐amplitude reflections or even transparent or chaotic due to interference patterns of seismic reflections related to dominant frequency. It follows that a correct interpretation of the nature and age of deep‐seated Messinian deposits can only be obtained through the integration of seismic and core data, and considering the onshore record. The application of our approach to the Balearic Promontory results in an alternative interpretation with respect to previous models. We show that this offshore area has good analogues in the onshore of the Betic Cordillera and includes both shallow and intermediate depth sub‐basins that underwent a strong post‐Messinian subsidence.
A 5‐year longitudinal cohort study on crown to implant ratio effect on marginal bone level in single implants
Authors: Ramaglia Luca , Di Spirito Federica , Sirignano Massimiliano , La Rocca Michele , Esposito Umberto , Sbordone Ludovico 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundA 5‐year longitudinal cohort study was carried out to evaluate the influence of anatomical crown to implant ratio (CIR) on peri‐implant marginal bone level (MBL) in single implants.Materials and MethodsThe longest possible implants, according to the availability of pristine bone, were inserted, one per patient, among periodontally healthy teeth in consecutively recruited subjects. CIR and MBL changes were measured on standardized radiographs. The relationship between MBL and multiple predictors was investigated. A statistical analysis suitable for mixed type distributions was conducted: for the discrete component a logistic regression model was used and for the continuous component the impact of the variables on MBL was examined by using robust nonparametric comparison tests.ResultsSeventy‐eight dental implants were inserted in 34 mandibles and 44 maxillae, with one stage procedure in 40 cases and two stage in 38 cases. Thirty‐five implants were <10 mm, while 43 were ≥ 10 mm long; 28 implants had a CIR ≤1 and 50 had a CIR >1. No drop‐outs or implant loss were observed. Bone loss occurred only in a few cases, measuring less than 0.5 mm and being significantly more pronounced for implant length ≥10 mm, for lower CIR values and for the two stage procedure.ConclusionHigher CIR values were not related to increased peri‐implant bone loss; a <10 mm long implant insertion may be safely considered for reduced bone heights.
Combined assessment of left atrial volume parameters for predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation following pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Soga Fumitaka , Tanaka Hidekazu , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Mukai Jun , Suto Makiko , Takada Hiroki , Hatani Yutaka , Matsuzoe Hiroki , Hatazawa Keiko , Sano Hiroyuki , Ooka Junichi , Shimoura Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Kensuke , Fukuzawa Koji , Hirata Ken‐ichi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivesOur aim was to test the hypothesis that comprehensive simplified left atrial (LA) assessment derived from routine echocardiography may be more useful than assessment of LA volume alone for predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).MethodsWe studied 156 patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) who had undergone PVI. Echocardiography was performed within two days before PVI. Maximum (Max‐LAVi) and minimum LA volume index (Min‐LAVi) were calculated with the biplane modified Simpson's method, and then normalized to the body surface area. On the basis of previous findings, the predefined cutoff value of Max‐LAVi for AF recurrence was set at Max‐LAVi ≥ 34 mL/m2. ΔLA volume index (ΔLAVi) was also calculated as Max‐LAVi minus Min‐LAVi. The follow‐up period after PVI was 24 months.ResultsAF recurrence was observed in 35 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ΔLAVi (odds ratio [OR]: 1.131; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.057‐1.221; P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of AF recurrence. Sequential logistic regression models for predicting AF recurrence revealed that a model based on clinical variables including age, gender and AF duration (χ2 = 1.65) was improved by the addition of Max‐LAVi ≥ 34 mL/m2 (χ2 = 13.8; P < 0.001), and further improved by the addition of ΔLAVi (χ2 = 18.2; P = 0.036). Of note is that only 1.02 ± 0.10 minutes per patient was needed to obtain a comprehensive LA assessment that included Max‐LAVi, Min‐LAVi, and ΔLAVi.ConclusionThis easy‐to‐use comprehensive simplified LA approach from routine echocardiography may well have clinical implications for better management of PAF patients.
Gender gap in self‐employment: The role of risk attitudes
Authors: Hayduk Iryna , Williams Donald R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper examines the link between the willingness to take risk and the gender gap in self‐employment in the transition economy, where for decades entrepreneurship was considered a crime. Using rich data on risk preferences and entrepreneurial activities, we show that male–female risk tolerance differential is the main determinant of the gender gap in self‐employment in Ukraine. The decomposition results indicate that up to 38% of the gap can be attributed to this factor. Robustness tests support the validity of the baseline findings by suggesting that the results are not confounded by such factors as being unemployed before starting a current job, having a self‐employed household member, or living in a relatively wealthy household before transitioning to self‐employment.
Outcomes of conventional transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma ≥10 cm
Authors: Miyayama Shiro , Kikuchi Yuzo , Yoshida Masanori , Yamashiro Masashi , Sugimori Natsuki , Ikeda Rie , Okimura Kotaro , Sakuragawa Naoko , Ueda Teruyuki , Sanada Taku , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Notsumata Kazuo 
Published: March 2019

AimTo retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≥10 cm.MethodsTwenty‐five patients with naïve HCC ≥10 cm (mean maximum tumor diameter, 130 ± 27.6 mm; single [n = 12], 2–9 [n = 6], and ≥10 [n = 7]) without extrahepatic spread treated with cTACE were eligible. Five (20%) had vascular invasion. Two to three stepwise cTACE sessions using iodized oil ≤10 mL in one cTACE session were scheduled. When the tumor recurred, additional cTACE was repeated on demand, if possible. Overall survival (OS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The prognostic factors were evaluated using uni‐ and multivariate analyses.ResultsStepwise cTACE sessions were completed for 20 (80%) patients, but could not be completed for four (16%). In the remaining (4%) patient, the whole tumor was embolized in one session. Additional treatment, mainly cTACE, was undertaken for 19 (76%) patients. The OS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 68, 34.7, and 23.1%, respectively. A tumor number of three was a significant prognostic factor (P = 0.020) and the 1‐, 3‐, and 4‐year OS rates in patients with ≤3 and ≥4 tumors were 81.3 and 33.3, 55.6 and 11.1, and 38.9% and 0%, respectively. Whole tumor embolization and the serum level of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II were also significant prognostic factors (P < 0.001 and P = 0.042, respectively). Bile duct complications requiring additional interventions developed in two (8%) patients.ConclusionConventional TACE is safe and effective for huge HCCs, but has limited effects in cases with four or more tumors.
Effect of surface treatments and aging on phase transformation and flexural strength of different Y‐TZP ceramics
Authors: Okutan Yener , Yucel Munir T. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the influence of surface treatments and artificial aging on surface roughness (Ra), phase transformation, and flexural strength of yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y‐TZP) ceramics. Two‐hundred and eighty specimens from four types of Y‐TZP were divided into seven groups, according to the surface treatments and aging used: control, air‐abrasion, air‐abrasion + aging, grinding, grinding + aging, erbium: yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Er:YAG) laser, Er:YAG laser + aging. The Ra values were measured using a profilometer. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to determine phase transformation. Specimens were subjected to a three‐point bending test and loaded until fracture. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analyses were performed on one specimen per group. Grinding and air‐abrasion groups exhibited higher Ra values than the others (P < 0.05). The differences in the roughness and flexural strength values between the laser and control groups were not significant. For all materials, the highest amount of monoclinic phase was found after air‐abrasion. Grinding groups showed lower flexural strength values compared with the control groups (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the control and air‐abrasion groups. Aging did not affect the roughness and flexural strength (P > 0.05). The grinding process is not recommended in clinical usage for Y‐TZP because of the remarkable decrease in flexural strength and reliability.
A 10‐year retrospective cohort study of the management of toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens‐Johnson syndrome in a New South Wales state referral hospital from 2006 to 2016
Authors: Chan Linda , Cook David K. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractImportanceToxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) are life‐threatening severe cutaneous drug reactions. There have been no Australian data published since 2007.ObjectiveTo explore whether there is an association between prognosis and the type of systemic immune‐modulation treatment administered in a cohort of patients with SJS, SJS‐TEN overlap, and TEN at the New South Wales State SJS/TEN referral center – Concord Repatriation General Hospital.MethodsThis is a retrospective, single center, cohort study of patients admitted with SJS/TEN from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016, at Concord Repatriation General Hospital. Data on demographic information, the causative agent, treatment, and final survival outcome were analyzed.ResultsForty‐two patients included: 26 (62%) with TEN, six (14%) with SJS/TEN overlap, and 10 (24%) with SJS. Overall mortality was 19% (n = 8), and seven suffered TEN. The average age of those who died was 60 years. Eighty‐one percent of patients were managed within the burn unit. Twenty‐nine patients (70%) received IVIG within this group; 13 individuals also received systemic corticosteroids. Seven (17%) were managed with corticosteroid therapy alone. The incidence of death was 0% in the combined IVIG and corticosteroid group.ConclusionThis series of 42 patients contributes valuable information to a serious condition with low global incidence and high mortality. There appears to be an apparent reduced mortality in the group of SJS/TEN patients managed with combined IVIG and corticosteroid. Larger cohorts are required to validate this relationship due to the risk of bias inherent to the retrospective study design and small sample size.
Improving survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma related to chronic hepatitis C and B but not in those related to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis or alcoholic liver disease: a 20‐year experience from a national programme
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim , Gane Edward 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most rapidly increasing cause of cancer mortality in New Zealand due to endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and recent hepatitis C virus (HCV) and obesity epidemics.AimTo describe the changing landscape of HCC referred to a national HCC service over a 20‐year period, including trends in underlying liver disease, screening uptake and access to curative treatments, and to determine the impact of screening on outcomes with a comparison between screened detected and non‐screened detected cases.MethodsAll newly diagnosed cases of HCC referred to New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit between 1998 and 2017 were included. Data on patient demographics, liver disease aetiology, screening status and treatment modalities were collected.ResultsHCC diagnosis rates have increased from 24 cases in 1998 to 250 in 2017, an increase of 20% per annum. The total of 1985 HCC cases was divided into three cohorts (Era 1: 1998–2009; Era 2: 2009–2014; Era 3: 2014–2017), each comprising 661–662 patients. During the study period, overall survival improved (P = 0.005). The proportion with screen‐detected HCC was similar across the three cohorts (44% in Era 1, 42% in Era 2 and 47% in Era 3). Five‐ and 10‐year survival was higher in screen‐detected cases (49 and 43%) than in non‐screen detected cases (14 and 10%), P < 0.0001. Survival was higher in patients with HCV and HBV than in those with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or alcoholic liver disease (ALD) – 5 and 10‐year survival was 40 and 34% in HCV‐HCC, 30 and 26% in HBV–HCC, 15 and 14% in NASH‐HCC, 13 and 10% in ALD‐HCC, P < 0.0001.ConclusionBetter outcomes in patients with HBV‐ or HCV‐related HCC than in those with NASH‐related or ALD‐related HCV may reflect better screening uptake and better access to curative therapies.
Use of distraction techniques for the management of anxiety and fear in paediatric dental practice: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Prado Ivana Meyer , Carcavalli Larissa , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Serra‐Negra Júnia Maria , Paiva Saul Martins , Martins Carolina Castro 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether distraction techniques (DT) reduce children's/adolescent's anxiety and fear during dental treatment.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which any type of DT were used to manage dental anxiety and dental fear in children/adolescents were included. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and Google Scholar was conducted. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, assessed methodological quality of studies using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (CCRBT), and approached certainty of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Data were analysed descriptively.ResultsTwenty studies covering several types of DT (audio, audiovisual, instruments camouflage, biofeedback, dental operating microscope, toys) were included. Qualitative analysis showed with very low certainty of evidence that DT effectively reduced dental anxiety and fear depending on the distraction type, instrument used to measure dental anxiety and dental fear, and dental procedure. CCRBT evaluation identified many methodological issues in included studies.ConclusionThere is a very low certainty of evidence that DT can be effective in managing children's/adolescents’ dental fear and anxiety during dental treatment. The heterogeneity of methodologies and findings in the studies, however, suggests more robust, and well‐executed RCTs are needed.
Effect of fairness on channel choice of the mobile phone supply chain
Authors: Wang Ningning , Fan Zhi‐Ping , Chen Xu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper considers a one‐service operator, one‐handset manufacturer mobile phone supply chain (MPSC), and examines how the nature and level of both the handset manufacturer's fairness concerns and the operator's fairness concerns affect the decision of pricing, subsidizing, and channel choice between an unlocked channel and a bundled channel. Our analysis shows that in most circumstances, the MPSC will choose the bundled channel as long as the price elasticity is higher; however, this property is invalid under certain conditions. Our analysis further shows that the introduction of fairness may have significant effects on channel choice decisions. First, the manufacturer's fairness may hinder the MPSC from choosing the bundled channel when the channel power between the operator and the manufacturer is sufficiently asymmetric. Second, when the manufacturer is almost neck‐and‐neck with the operator, the manufacturer's fairness concerns may be conducive to the deployment of the bundled channel. Third, the bundled channel would never be a reasonable choice for both the operator and the MPSC when the manufacturer has a relatively powerful status, in particular under the situation when the manufacturer has strong fairness concerns. Fourth, the operator's fairness concerns are always detrimental to the bundled cooperation which is different from the effect of the manufacturer's fairness concerns, and the bundled channel would never be a reasonable choice for the MPSC when the operator is extremely powerful.
Pricing against supply disruption under duopolistic competition
Authors: Wang Xinping , Sun Shengnan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates two pricing policies against supply disruption for a supply chain with vertical product differentiation as well as an external competitor who sells similar products. Market‐chasing pricing policy aims at minimizing the market share loss, while profit‐chasing pricing policy aims to minimize the profit loss under supply disruption. Stackelberg games are established to analyze the equilibrium pricing behaviors with both pricing policies under supply disruption. It is shown that the effectiveness of market‐chasing pricing policy depends on the competitive power of the manufacturer and competitor, while profit‐chasing pricing policy is always helpful for the manufacturer to reduce her profit loss under supply disruption. Furthermore, to minimize market share loss, firms need to lower both the price of the disrupted product and the undisrupted product. But firms can lower the price of the disrupted product only and increase the price of other undisrupted products to minimize the profit loss.
Diagnostic reproducibility of epinephrine drug challenge interpretation in suspected long QT syndrome
Authors: Churet Maxime , Luttoo Khaled , Hocini Mélèze , Haïssaguerre Michel , Sacher Frédéric , Duchateau Josselin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe epinephrine challenge has been proposed to improve the diagnosis of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of the epinephrine provocative test for LQTS diagnosis, taking into consideration intra‐ and interobserver variability in the interpretation of the test.Methods and ResultsA retrospective analysis of 79 consecutive epinephrine provocative tests was conducted. Epinephrine was administered following a standardized protocol at two doses: 0.05 and 0.10 µg kg−1 min−1. Electrocardiograms were blindly read twice by three different operators at ≥1‐week interval. QT and RR intervals were collected at rest and at each dose, as well as final operator interpretation of the test. There was a high interobserver reproducibility of corrected QT measurements with an intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.66‐0.80) but a low interobserver reproducibility on the final interpretation with a κ of 0.31. Intraobserver reproducibility of corrected QT was very good (ICC 0.93; 0.91‐0.95), but still resulted in an only moderate intraobserver reproducibility in the final diagnosis (κ of 0.47). Perceived certainty of at least 1 reading by 2 operators (N = 62 tests) increased interobserver reproducibility compared with baseline (κ = 0.43).ConclusionInter‐ and intraobserver agreement in the interpretation of the epinephrine provocation test for LQTS is poor to modest. Complexity in interpretation varies from one case to the next. The low reliability of this test encourages a reconsideration of its importance in the clinical management of patients with suspected LQTS.