bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis of the obese postpartum patient: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gilmartin Christine E. , Cutts Briony A. , Ismail Huda 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundObesity increases risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in obstetric patients regardless of delivery mode and for up to six weeks postpartum.AimThis study aimed to examine postpartum pharmacological VTE prophylaxis practices for obese women at an Australian tertiary referral hospital.Materials and MethodsMedical records were retrieved for obese obstetric patients who delivered during May 2016–May 2017. Records were examined for demographic data, VTE risk factors, and LMWH (low‐molecular‐weight heparin) use. Due to lack of specific Australian or local guidelines, practice was evaluated using recommendations from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG‐UK). Patients with BMI (body mass index) <30, incomplete/unavailable medical records, and those discharged from other health services were excluded.ResultsOne hundred and eight postpartum patients (70 caesareans, 38 vaginal deliveries) with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were reviewed. Of these patients, 53 (49.1%) had a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Ninety‐eight of 108 (90.7%) patients had ≥2 VTE risk factors including a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. One hundred and three of 108 (95.4%) patients were indicated for postpartum VTE prophylaxis with LMWH, and 77 of 103 (74.8%) patients received it. Three of five patients meeting criteria for ≥6 weeks of LMWH thromboprophylaxis had it prescribed. Of the 72 patients whose weight exceeded 90 kg and who also received LMWH, 32 (44.4%) were prescribed a weight‐adjusted dose.ConclusionVTE prophylaxis practices using LMWH in obese postpartum patients, including weight‐adjusting doses and extended‐course prescribing, appear variable. Limited literature, recommendation discrepancies, and varied awareness of recommendations may be contributing factors. Further education and research regarding this high‐risk cohort are warranted.
Risk of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy following caesarean section at full cervical dilatation compared with mid‐cavity instrumental delivery
Authors: Wang Mandy , Kirby Adrienne , Gibbs Emma , Gidaszewski Beata , Khajehei Marjan , Chua Seng C. 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundExpediting delivery in the second stage of labour often involves a choice between a caesarean section at full dilatation or mid‐cavity instrumental delivery. Accumulating evidence suggests that the mode of delivery may influence the risk of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy.AimsTo directly compare first birth caesarean section at full dilatation with mid‐cavity instrumental delivery for the risk of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy (second birth). A further aim was to identify predictive factors associated with these index modes of delivery.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study involving three maternity hospitals in western Sydney over the period of 2006–2017. Inclusion criteria were nulliparous women with a singleton term cephalic first birth delivered by caesarean section at full dilatation or mid‐cavity instrumental delivery, and whose second birth also occurred under our care. Data were analysed separately for first and second births.ResultsThere were 425 caesarean section at full dilatation and 874 mid‐cavity instrumental cases which met inclusion criteria. The risk of preterm birth in the second birth was 5.7% compared to 3.2%, respectively (risk ratio 1.76; 95% CI 1.04–3.00; P = 0.035). After excluding causes of preterm birth not related to previous mode of delivery, the risk of spontaneous preterm birth was 4.3% compared to 2.0%, respectively (risk ratio 2.18; 1.14–4.19; P = 0.019).ConclusionCaesarean section at full dilatation is associated with a significantly higher rate of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy compared to a mid‐cavity instrumental delivery. This should be considered in second‐stage mid‐cavity decision‐making.
Systematic review of enhanced recovery protocols for elective caesarean section versus conventional care
Authors: Ilyas Sajidah , Simmons Scott , Bampoe Sohail 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundEnhanced recovery protocols for caesarean section have been introduced in many maternity units with the aim of improving clinical outcomes and improving service efficiency.AimOur aim was to assess the available evidence for the efficacy of enhanced recovery protocols for elective caesarean section compared to conventional care.Materials and MethodsA systematic review was performed through a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database.ResultsAfter screening 118 records and reviewing 38 articles, no studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. However, from ten articles we were able to describe 29 individual interventions that are included in the enhanced recovery pathways of care for elective caesarean sections. Early reintroduction of fluids and food was the only intervention that was common to all pathways.ConclusionThis review reveals that while the adoption of enhanced recovery pathways for caesarean sections is increasing, there remains a paucity of evidence in the published literature on outcomes. This is reflected in the significant heterogeneity of the individual components included in various pathways currently in practice. Furthermore, development of standardised outcome metrics is required to facilitate meaningful comparison of multiple interventions. Further well‐designed research is needed to properly assess the potential benefits of these interventions to improve maternal outcomes after obstetric surgery.
Allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitisation are still increasing among Danish adults
Authors: Leth‐Møller Katja Biering , Skaaby Tea , Linneberg Allan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundOnly a limited number of studies have included objective measures of allergic sensitisation (such as skin‐prick test [SPT] and serum specific IgE [sIgE]) when studying time trends in allergic respiratory disease in adults within the current millennium.MethodsFive health examination studies of random samples of individuals aged 18‐69 years resident in the Copenhagen region were conducted in 1990‐1991, 2006‐2008, 2010‐2011, 2012‐2015, and 2016‐2017. Allergic sensitisation was defined by sIgE (in 1990‐1991, 2006‐2008, and, 2012‐2015) or SPT (in 2006‐2008, 2010‐2011, and 2016‐2017) to at least one of the allergens: birch, grass, house dust mite, or cat. Allergic rhinitis was defined as sensitisation and self‐reported nasal symptoms.ResultsThe age‐ and sex‐standardised prevalence of sIgE‐defined sensitisation increased from 16% in 1990‐1991, to 26% in 2006‐2008, and to 29% in 2012‐2015. The age‐ and sex‐standardised prevalence of SPT‐defined sensitisation increased from 27% in 2006‐2008, to 28% in 2010‐2011, and to 32% in 2016‐2017. Changes in sIgE‐defined and SPT‐defined allergic rhinitis showed similar increasing trends.ConclusionThe prevalence of allergic sensitisation and allergic rhinitis increased in a general adult Danish population over the last three decades and has thus continued to increase in the current millennium.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy in the diagnosis of testicular torsion: valuable modality or waste of valuable time? A systematic review
Authors: Laher Abdullah , Swart Marlize , Honiball John , Perera Marlon , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Adam Ahmed 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundTesticular torsion (TT) is a urological emergency that affects one in 4000 males younger than 25 years. Delays in the management of TT may result in testicular ischaemia, testicular necrosis, orchidectomy and infertility. This review assesses the validity of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a diagnostic tool in the assessment and diagnosis of TT.MethodsA systematic search of Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed in January 2019 using specific search terms. Selected studies were ranked and evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.ResultsA total of nine studies that included 253 subjects (88 animals and 165 humans) with a mean sample size of 28.1 (standard deviation 40.8) subjects were included. The mean difference in testicular tissue oxygen saturation between torsed and non‐torsed testes (Δ%StO2) were 45%, 42% (±5%), 26% and 5–18% in four animal studies and 2.0%, 3.0%, 6.7%, 6.8% and 23.0% in five human studies. The tissue oxygen saturation difference between contralateral healthy testes (controls) ranged from 1% to 10% in the five studies that alluded to this.ConclusionThe current body of evidence does not support the use of NIRS in the work‐up of TT. Well‐designed clinical trials with large patient samples are required to determine whether NIRS may have some future role as a diagnostic modality in TT.
QUANTITATIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF BRANCHLESS BANKING ON MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS
Authors: PRIOR Francesc , MORA Toni 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, we examined how implementing branchless banking partnerships (BBPs) can enable microfinance institutions to improve their efficiency by reducing cash handling and to expand its product offering to savings. We examined the case of Attawfiq Microfinance in Morocco, that implemented a BBP strategy named Low Income Banking (LIB) in order to achieve increased efficiency and expand its product offering to savings through the LIB account offering. We studied how the customers of Attawfiq used the LIB account for transactional and savings purposes by analysing a large database of sociodemographic factors of customers and payments data of microcredits for the period 2010–15 (554,541 customers). We included in our analysis, for the first time to our knowledge, not only the study of the correlations between a very extensive dataset of sociodemographic variables and the use of bank accounts in terms of transactions and savings, but also the study of microcredit data as explanatory variables. Our study concluded that the BBP model implemented (LIB) allowed Attawfiq Microfinance to improve its operating efficiency although it failed to achieve increased savings.
LTBP2 knockdown by siRNA reverses myocardial oxidative stress injury, fibrosis and remodelling during dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pang Xue‐Feng , Lin Xue , Du Jian‐Jun , Zeng Ding‐Yin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterised by left ventricular dilation and associated with systolic dysfunction. Recent evidence has reported the high expression of latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 2 (LTBP2) in heart diseases, which may play a role in regulating multiple biological functions of myocardial cells. Thus, this study set out to investigate the molecular mechanism and effects of LTBP2 in myocardial oxidative stress injury, fibrosis and remodelling in a rat model of DCM, with the involvement of NF‐κB signalling pathway.MethodsThe rat model of DCM was treated with si‐LTBP2 and/or activator of NF‐κB signalling pathway to examine the haemodynamic indexes, cardiac functions, oxidative stress injury, fibrosis and remodelling. Moreover, in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the regulatory role of LTBP2 and NF‐κB signalling pathway in DCM.ResultsLTBP2 was up‐regulated in DCM rats. After LTBP2 was knocked down, haemodynamic indexes, HW/BW ratio, collagen volume fraction (CVF) level, positive expression of LTBP2, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), tumour necrosis factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were all decreased. Meanwhile, levels of LTBP2, Col‐I, Col‐III, p65 and p52 were also reduced, while HW, BW and levels of SOD and TAOC were increased. In contrast, activation of NF‐κB signalling pathway reversed effects of LTBP2 gene silencing. These findings were confirmed by in vivo experiments.ConclusionsLTBP2 silencing can attenuate myocardial oxidative stress injury, myocardial fibrosis and myocardial remodelling in DCM rats by down‐regulating the NF‐κB signalling pathway.
Exploitation of two siderophore receptors, BauA and BfnH, for protection against Acinetobacter baumannii infection
Authors: Aghajani Zahra , Rasooli Iraj , Mousavi Gargari Seyed Latif 
Published: September 2019

Iron uptake system is expressed in early stages of Acinetobacter baumannii infections under iron‐restricted conditions. This study is aimed at the evaluation of immuno‐protectivity of BfnH in comparison with BauA in both mature and selected fragmental proteins. The study was designed in single and combined forms of antigens. BfnH is presented in 3472 strains of A. baumannii with more than 97% identity. The preliminary immune‐informatics analysis of this protein indicated a region from the β‐barrel domain including exposed loops 2–5, with antigenic score comparable to that of BfnH. There was a significant rise in the specific IgG response in all test groups. The bacterial challenge with a lethal dose of A. baumannii demonstrated partial protection of whole proteins which coincides with a significant reduction in the bacterial population colonized in the main organs and an increase in the survival level. Passive immunization of the mice brought about 50% survival in the mice groups immunized with BfnH and with a combination of BfnH and BauA. The protectivity of siderophore receptors suggests their potential immunogenic role that could be considered as a component of multivalent subunit vaccine candidates against A. baumannii.
Modelling gastric emptying: A pharmacokinetic model simultaneously describing distribution of losartan and its active metabolite EXP‐3174
Authors: Karatza Eleni , Karalis Vangelis 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLosartan presents multiple peaks in the concentration‐time profile. This characteristic can be attributed to gastric emptying, which is known to significantly affect the disposition of highly soluble and permeable compounds. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for losartan and its active metabolite (EXP‐3174) in order to describe the effect of gastric emptying on their disposition. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using concentration‐time data derived from a crossover bioequivalence study in 31 volunteers after a single oral dose of 100 mg losartan potassium in the fasted state. Delay differential equations (DDEs) were explored for the description of losartan absorption and EXP‐3174 formation, since when solved they result in oscillatory behaviour. A two‐compartment model preceded by a pre‐absorption compartment (referring to small intestine) adequately described the observed concentration‐time profiles of losartan. In the final model, a sinusoidal equation was used for the description of gastric emptying in view of its simplicity, leading to enhanced stability of the model and its capacity to describe periodicity. In case of EXP‐3174, a one‐compartment model, with a delayed first‐order formation rate from losartan's central compartment, best described its disposition. Using the model developed, it was shown through simulations that changes in gastric emptying parameters lead to changes in the C‐t profiles of both compounds. In particular, plasma oscillations can be enhanced or completely suppressed, simply by changing parameters affecting gastric emptying.
MultinomialN‐mixture models for removal sampling
Authors: Haines Linda M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMultinomial ‐mixture models are commonly used to fit data from a removal sampling protocol. If the mixing distribution is negative binomial, the distribution of the counts does not appear to have been identified, and practitioners approximate the requisite likelihood by placing an upper bound on the embedded infinite sum. In this paper, the distribution which underpins the multinomial ‐mixture model with a negative binomial mixing distribution is shown to belong to the broad class of multivariate negative binomial distributions. Specifically, the likelihood can be expressed in closed form as the product of conditional and marginal likelihoods and the information matrix shown to be block diagonal. As a consequence, the nature of the maximum likelihood estimates of the unknown parameters and their attendant standard errors can be examined and tests of the hypothesis of the Poisson against the negative binomial mixing distribution formulated. In addition, appropriate multinomial ‐mixture models for data sets which include zero site totals can also be constructed. Two illustrative examples are provided.
Generation and evaluation of a chimeric antibody against coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor for cancer therapy
Authors: Sakamoto Shuichi , Inoue Hiroyuki , Kaneko Mika K. , Ogasawara Satoshi , Kajikawa Masunori , Urano Sakiko , Ohba Shun‐ichi , Kato Yukinari , Kawada Manabu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCoxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a single‐pass transmembrane protein that is associated with adenoviral infection. CAR is involved in the formation of epithelial tight junctions and promotes tumor growth in some cancers. Previously, we developed mouse monoclonal antibodies against human CAR and found that one, mu6G10A, significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenografts of human cancer cells. Herein, we generated and characterized a mouse‐human chimeric anti‐CAR antibody (ch6G10A) from mu6G10A. ch6G10A had binding activity, inducing antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity, and in vivo anti‐tumor activity against CAR‐expressing prostate cancer DU‐145 cells. In addition, cancer tissue array analysis confirmed that CAR is highly expressed in neuroendocrine lung cancers including small cell lung cancer, and treatment with ch6G10A effectively inhibited in vivo subcutaneous tumor growth of NCI‐H69 small cell lung cancer cells in nude mice. Moreover, treatment with mu6G10A effectively inhibited both in vivo orthotopic tumor growth and distant metastatic formation in mouse xenograft models of a highly metastatic subline of human small cell lung cancer DMS273 cells. These results suggest that targeting therapy to CAR with a therapeutic antibody might be effective against several cancer types including small cell lung cancer.
Glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and microalbuminuria in adults born SGA: A 5‐year longitudinal study after cessation of GH treatment
Authors: Goedegebuure Wesley J. , Kerkhof Gerthe F. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundGrowth hormone treatment increases glomerular filtration rate (GFR), as serum IGF‐I stimulates the renin‐angiotensin system. Infants born with a low birth weight have a smaller number of nephrons, which cause a lower GFR, a higher blood pressure and a higher albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio in early adulthood.MethodA total of 261 young adults born SGA, previously treated with growth hormone (SGA‐GH), were longitudinally followed. Glomerular filtration rate, based on serum creatinine levels, was determined at cessation of GH treatment and at 6 months, 2 years and 5 years thereafter. Glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio at 5 years after cessation of GH were compared with untreated age‐matched controls (56 untreated short subjects born SGA [SGA‐S], 118 subjects born SGA with spontaneous catch‐up growth [SGA‐CU], 135 subjects born appropriate for gestational age [AGA]).ResultsGlomerular filtration rate decreased significantly only during the first 6 months after cessation of GH treatment, while remaining well within the normal range (124.6 vs 120.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < .001). SGA‐GH adults had a similar GFR, blood pressure and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio as the healthy controls born SGA and AGA.ConclusionIn conclusion, our 5 years longitudinal follow‐up study shows a decrease in GFR during 6 months after GH cessation, but thereafter GFR remained stable and within the normal range. Glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio at 21 years of age were similar in GH‐treated young adults born SGA and untreated controls born SGA or AGA. We conclude that long‐term GH treatment in children born SGA has no unfavourable effects on kidney function in early adulthood.PrécisWe present a longitudinal study on kidney function in the follow‐up of growth hormone‐treated young adults who were born small for gestational age.
The adjunctive effect of rhBMP‐2 on the regeneration of peri‐implant bone defects after experimental peri‐implantitis
Authors: Sanz‐Esporrin Javier , Blanco Juan , Sanz‐Casado José Vicente , Muñoz Fernando , Sanz Mariano 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aim was to evaluate the degree of bone regeneration and re‐osseointegration attained when combining a xenogeneic bone replacement graft plus rhBMP‐2 and a collagen membrane in ligature‐induced peri‐implantitis osseous defects in dogs.Material and MethodsThirty‐six implants were placed in a total of 6 Beagle dogs, 3 months after tooth extraction. Once experimental peri‐implantitis was induced, defects were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: in the test group guided bone regeneration was applied using de‐proteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen soak loaded with rhBMP2 covered with a natural collagen membrane. In the control group, the same scaffold and membrane were used but saline was used to soak the grafting material. After a period of 8 weeks of healing, a submerged environment clinical measurements were taken and histological outcomes were evaluated once the animals were euthanized. Histological bone defect regeneration (BR) was considered as the primary outcome variable, and dog was selected as the unit of analysis.ResultsPartial defect resolution was observed in both treatment groups. The histometric analysis showed a higher degree of bone regeneration for the test group, although differences were not statistically significant, both in terms of histological bone gain and percentage of re‐osseointegration.Conclusions(a) The addition of rhBMP2 to a bovine xenograft/collagen vehicle carrier failed to provide a significant added value in terms of bone regeneration or re‐osseointegration, (b) partial re‐osseointegration of a previously contaminated surface was achieved, although (c) a complete defect resolution and re‐osseointegration to the level previous to the induction of the disease failed to occur in any of the treatment groups.