bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lessons from the first 70 patients operated by doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy in a French team specialising in surgical proctology
Authors: Boukris Toledano Alexia , Blanchard Pierre , Zaleski Annick , Benfredj Paul , Fathallah Nadia , Sultan Samy , Pommaret Elise , de Parades Vincent 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy is a minimal-invasive surgical technique. It is both effective and less painful than conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Methods We gathered records on all patients operated on between November 2012 and June 2014. Pre- and postoperative scores were calculated during consultation and then by phone. Unsuccessful surgical treatment was defined by persistent haemorrhoid symptoms within three months following the procedure and relapse defined by recurrent symptoms after the third postoperative month.
Results During the period analysed, 70 patients underwent consecutive surgical procedures for haemorrhoid prolapse (52%), bleeding (29%), or both (17%). Hospitalisation was outpatient or overnight for 87% of patients. There were no complications in 92.7% of cases. The average period away from work was 11 days (± 6.5). The time between the procedure and last postoperative consultation, followed by telephone contact, was respectively 2.7 months (± 5.8) and 16.5 months (± 4.9). At the time of the postoperative telephone call, the Thaha et al. score decreased by 5.6 (p < 0.001), while the quality of life score decreased by 2 (p < 0.001). The Wexner score remained the same or improved for all patients except one. Treatment was unsuccessful for 6/67 patients (9%) and 10/61 patients (16.4%) experienced a subsequent recurrence in haemorrhoid symptoms. Only those over 51 years old were statistically associated with more frequent recurrences (p = 0.044).
Conclusion Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy is an effective technique in the medium-term. Good tolerance in makes this treatment an attractive alternative to conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Newly Diagnosed Bipolar Disorder and the Subsequent Risk of Erectile Dysfunction: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Hou Po-Hsun , Mao Frank Chiahung , Chang Geng-Ruei , Huang Min-Wei , Wang Yao-Ting , Huang Shiau-Shian 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background
Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem in men with mental disorders, there are few reports in the literature on the relation between bipolar disorder (BD) and ED.

Aims
To establish the incidence rate of ED in men with BD and assess the risk of ED in patients with BD according to type of treatment offered or no active treatment with medication during the 1st year of onset.

Methods
We identified 5,150 men with newly diagnosed BD using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. 2 matched controls per case were selected using the propensity score and a greedy matching method to obtain a balanced control group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to examine the independent risk factors for ED, including obesity and comorbidities. Hazard ratios (HRs) for ED risk were calculated for the different psychotropic therapy groups, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Outcome
HRs for ED risk were calculated for the different psychotropic therapy groups, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Patients with BD had a significantly higher HR for an ED diagnosis than controls.

Results
Patients with BD had a higher HR for an ED diagnosis than controls. Although some psychotropic medications can increase the risk of ED, patients with BD not actively treated with medication still showed a higher risk of ED than controls.

Clinical Implications
Because ED might be more prevalent in patients with BD than in the general population, clinicians should assess erectile function when selecting appropriate treatment for patients with BD to minimize the risk of ED as an annoying side effect and improve treatment compliance.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the first large-scale population-based study to explore the association between BD and ED. A particular strength of this study is its nationwide, population-based study design, which afforded substantial statistical power for detecting subtle differences between the 2 cohorts, thereby minimizing selection bias. There are some limitations to the present study. (i) Data on other potential risk factors is lacking. (ii) Patient compliance and dose effect between psychotropic medication and ED could not be established. (iii) We could not assess the relation between ED and the severity and phases of BD.

Conclusion
This cohort study found a temporal association between BD and subsequent ED in a large national sample of men. Clinicians should consider the risk of ED when choosing treatment for patients with BD.
Exercise Prescription Using a Group‐Normalized Rating of Perceived Exertion in Adolescents and Adults With Spina Bifida
Authors: Crytzer Theresa M. , Keramati Mariam , Anthony Steven J. , Cheng Yu‐Ting , Robertson Robert J. , Dicianno Brad E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPeople with spina bifida (SB) face personal and environmental barriers to exercise that contribute to physical inactivity, obesity, risk of cardiovascular disease, and poor aerobic fitness. The WHEEL rating of perceived exertion (RPE) Scale was validated in people with SB to monitor exercise intensity. However, the psycho‐physiological link between RPE and ventilatory breakpoint (Vpt), the group‐normalized perceptual response, has not been determined and would provide a starting point for aerobic exercise in this cohort.ObjectivesThe primary objectives were to determine the group‐normalized RPE equivalent to Vpt based on WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings and to develop a regression model to predict Borg Scale (conditional metric) from WHEEL Scale (criterion metric). The secondary objective was to create a table of interchangeable values between WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE for people with SB performing a load incremental stress test.DesignCross‐sectional observational.SettingUniversity laboratory.ParticipantsTwenty‐nine participants with SB.MethodsParticipants completed a load incremented arm ergometer exercise stress test. WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings were recorded the last 15 seconds of each 1‐minute test phase.Outcome MeasuresWHEEL and Borg Scale ratings, metabolic measures (eg, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production). Determined Vpt via plots of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production against time.ResultsNineteen of 29 participants achieved Vpt (Group A). The mean ± standard deviation peak oxygen consumption at Vpt for Group A was 61.76 ± 16.26. The WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE at Vpt were 5.74 ± 2.58 (range 0‐10) and 13.95 ± 3.50 (range 6‐19), respectively. A significant linear regression model was developed (Borg Scale rating = 1.22 × WHEEL Scale rating + 7.14) and used to create a WHEEL‐to‐Borg Scale RPE conversion table.ConclusionA significant linear regression model and table of interchangeable values was developed for participants with SB. The group‐normalized RPE (WHEEL, 5.74; Borg, 13.95) can be used to prescribe and self‐regulate arm ergometer exercise intensity approximating the Vpt.Level of EvidenceIII
Osteoblastoma cervical: relato de caso
Authors: Oliveira Carolina , Vital Luísa , Serdoura Francisco , Pinho André , Veludo Vitorino 
Published: February 2018

ResumoOsteoblastoma é um tumor primário benigno raro. Constitui cerca de 3% dos tumores benignos e 1% de todos os tumores ósseos. O objetivo do tratamento é a ressecção completa, que limita o risco de recidiva. Por se tratar de um tumor vascularizado, a ressecção completa é, muitas vezes, difícil. Os autores descrevem um caso clínico de um paciente do sexo masculino de 19 anos que apresentava queixas de cervicalgia direita com irradiação para o ombro. O exame por tomografia computadorizada indicou uma lesão em C7 compatível com osteoblastoma. O paciente foi submetido a resseção cirúrgica após embolização pré-operatória e artrodese anterior. Aos 3 anos de seguimento, o paciente encontra-se assintomático e, até a data, sem evidência de recidiva.
Circulating current minimisation of paralleled 400 Hz three‐phase four‐leg inverter based on third harmonics injection
Authors: Chen Yihan , Guo Honghao , Ma HaiXiao , Zhou Yan 
Published: February 2018

In this study, according to zero‐sequence current modelling of fourth leg, the control strategy for suppressing circulating current is proposed. Meanwhile, a control method based on average current loops and third harmonic injection loop has been applied in the parallel 3p4l inverter system, consequently, the peak value of circulating current is improved by third harmonic signals. In order to suppress circulating current and minimise the number of interconnecting wires between inverters, output impedance modelling is established, and feed‐forward loop of zero‐sequence circulating current is added upon current loop accordingly. The proposed control method could be implemented by using analogue design and related to 400 Hz paralleled inverter systems. Both simulation and experimental results indeed show the effectiveness of the proposed control.
Research on DC/DC phase‐shifted full‐bridge converter system identification
Authors: Zhang Guangming 
Published: February 2018

As a power electronic converter, DC/DC converter plays a pivotal role in power electronic system. By measuring G ‐parameter frequency data, people can extract information to identify the converter, building two‐port ‘black‐box’ model, thereby improving system‐level simulation and analysis. Paper takes the 270–28 V DC/DC phase‐shifted full‐bridge converter of multi‐electric aircraft distributed power supply system as study object, implements hardware design of the converter with high performance of loop and respond, and verificating the design by Saber simulation. Paper analysis ways of measuring converter's frequency response, considering injection strength of disturbance signal and interaction of subsystem, paper gives advices that experimenter should add input filter and use constant current source load. Base on Levy method, paper calculates corresponding G ‐parameter transfer function of converter by Matlab, builds ‘black‐box’ model, then verifies the result by Matlab time domain simulation. Paper's research results will have great impact on the integration and optimisation of power electronic systems.
Hepcidin, an Iron Regulatory Hormone of Innate Immunity, is Differentially Expressed in Premature Fetuses with Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Tabbah Sammy , Buhimschi Catalin , Rodewald-Millen Katherine , Pierson Christopher , Bhandari Vineet , Samuels Philip , Buhimschi Irina 
Published: February 2018

Objective Hepcidin, a mediator of innate immunity, binds the iron exporter ferroportin, leading to functional hypoferremia through intracellular iron sequestration. We explored hepcidin–ferroportin interactions in neonates clinically diagnosed with early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS).
Study Design Hepcidin and interleukin (IL)-6 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 92 paired cord blood–maternal blood samples in the following groups: “Yes” EONS (n = 41, gestational age [GA] 29 ± 1 weeks) and “No” EONS (n = 51, GA 26 ± 1 weeks). Placental hepcidin and ferroportin expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Liver hepcidin and ferroportin expression patterns were ascertained in autopsy specimens of neonates (n = 8) who died secondary to culture-proven sepsis.
Results Cord blood hepcidin was significantly elevated (GA corrected, p = 0.018) and was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.379, p = 0.001) in EONS. Hepcidin localized at syncytiotrophoblast and fetal vascular endothelium. Placental ferroportin, but not hepcidin mRNA correlated with cord blood hepcidin levels (r = 0.46, p = 0.039) and funisitis severity (r = 0.50, p = 0.018). Newborns who died from sepsis (n = 4) had higher hepatic hepcidin and iron sequestration, but lower ferroportin staining than those who died of nonsepsis causes (n = 4).
Conclusion Premature fetuses with EONS have elevated circulating hepcidin, likely related to lower placenta and liver ferroportin expression. Fetal hepcidin–ferroportin interaction appears to play a role in EONS pathophysiology independent of maternal response to intrauterine inflammation.
Symptomatic Relief is Related to Serum Free Triiodothyronine Concentrations during Follow-up in Levothyroxine-Treated Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Larisch Rolf , Midgley John , Dietrich Johannes , Hoermann Rudolf 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Aim Patients on levothyroxine-treatment frequently have complaints although TSH is within the reference range. Moreover, FT3 is often low in these patients. The clinical significance of this disequilibrium is studied here.
Patients, methods We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study including 319 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma on LT4-medication (1.8 [1.6,2.1] µg/kg body weight). Patients were followed at 2309 visits for at median 63 [46,81] months. Association of reported complaints during follow-up with changes in thyroid parameters were analysed using a generalised linear mixed model accounting for within-variability and intra-subject correlations.
Results 26% of patients expressed hypothyroid and 9.7% hyperthyroid complaints at any one visit, rates per visit being 6.5% and 2%, respectively. During follow-up, median changes in spans were as follows, LT4-dose 0.49 [IQR 0.29,0.72] µg/kg, FT3 1.77 [1.25,2.32] pmol/l, FT4 9.80 [6.70,12.8] pmol/l and TSH 1.25 [0.42,2.36] mIU/l. While rates of both hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms were significantly related to all three thyroid parameters, the relationship of hypothyroid symptoms with FT3 extended to a below reference TSH range. Hypothyroid symptom relief was associated with both a T4 dose giving TSH-suppression below the lower reference limit and FT3 elevated further into the upper half of its reference range. In multivariable analysis, relationships between complaints and FT3 concentrations remained significant after adjusting for gender, age and BMI.
Conclusion Residual hypothyroid complaints in LT4-treated patients are specifically related to low FT3 concentrations. This supports an important role of FT3 for clinical decision making on dose adequacy, particularly in symptomatic athyreotic patients.
Efficacy of endoscopic treatment using double-balloon enteroscopy for postoperative bile leakage in patients with hepaticojejunostomy
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Kato Hironari , Horiguchi Shigeru , Saragai Yosuke , Takada Saimon , Mizukawa Sho , Muro Shinichiro , Uchida Daisuke , Tomoda Takeshi , Okada Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic treatment for post-operative bile is technically challenging in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using a short-type double-balloon enteroscope to treat postoperative bile leakage after hepaticojejunostomy.
Frequency of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Monitoring in Patients After Thyroidectomy: A Retrospective Study in Primary Care Practices in Germany
Authors: Kostev Karel , Winiarski Margarethe , Schüller Lisa , Sesterhenn Andreas , Jacob Louis 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Aim The goal of this study was to analyze the frequency of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) monitoring in thyroidectomy patients followed by general practitioners in Germany.
Methods This study included all individuals ≥18 years who had undergone a thyroidectomy between 2000 and 2015 in 258 general practices in Germany. Another inclusion criterion was a minimum of three medical visits between 2015 and 2016, following thyroidectomy. The primary outcome was the annual frequency of TSH monitoring in thyroidectomy patients in 2015. Demographic data included age, sex, and type of health insurance coverage (private versus statutory). Clinical and therapeutic data included the amount of time since the first thyroidectomy, thyroidectomy-associated diagnosis (thyroid cancer, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), or hyperthyroidism), type of thyroidectomy (total or hemithyroidectomy), the Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and the prescription of levothyroxine therapy in 2015. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to identify variables potentially associated with the likelihood of having been tested at least once for TSH in the year 2015.
Results The present study included 1,135 thyroidectomy patients. The mean age was 60.1 years (SD=14.3 years), and 75.8% of the patients were women. TSH was measured at least once in 42.3% of patients. In addition, 31.5% of individuals after thyroidectomy had mean TSH values between 0.25 and 1 mIU/L in 2015. No variable was significantly associated with the frequency of TSH monitoring. However, there was a tendency toward a lower TSH monitoring frequency in the groups which had undergone thyroidectomy years ago (OR=0.77 (95% CI: 0.53–1.11) for 1–5 years and OR=0.67 (95% CI: 0.45–0.99) for>5 years compared to<=1 year).
Conclusions Only 40% of thyroidectomy patients followed by general practitioners in Germany were monitored at least once for TSH in 2015.
A Single-Blind Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Gold Nanoparticle Photothermal-Assisted Liposuction in an Ex Vivo Human Tissue Model
Authors: Sheng Wangzhong , Seare William J , DiBernardo Barry , Alhasan Ali H , Cory Esther , Chasan Paul , Sah Robert L , Almutairi Khalid M , Almutairi Adah 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background
Liposuction is one of the most performed cosmetic surgery procedures. In a previously reported study, gold-nanoparticle (GNP) laser-assisted liposuction (NanoLipo) was shown to improve procedure parameters and outcomes in a porcine model.

Objectives
An ex vivo human liposuction model was developed to assess the ease, efficacy, and outcomes of NanoLipo, and to further explore its mechanism of action in facilitating liposuction.

Methods
NanoLipo was compared to a control without GNPs in sets of fresh, nonperfused, anatomically symmetric, matched tissue specimens from 12 patients. A subset of three experiments was performed under single-blinded conditions. Intraoperative assessments included lipoaspirate volume, percentage of free oil, ease of removal, and temperature rise. Specimens were palpated, visualized for evenness, and graded with and without skin. Postoperative assessment included viability staining of the lipoaspirate and remaining tissues. Microcomputed tomography was used to assess the distribution of infused GNPs within the tissues.

Results
NanoLipo consistently removed more adipose tissue with more liberated triglycerides compared to control. NanoLipo specimens were smoother, thinner, and had fewer and smaller irregularities. Infused solutions preferentially distributed between fibrous membranes and fat pearls. After NanoLipo, selective structural-tissue disruptions, indicated by loss of metabolic activity, were observed. Thus, NanoLipo likely creates a bimodal mechanism of action whereby fat lobules are dislodged from surrounding fibro-connective tissue, while lipolysis is simultaneously induced.

Conclusions
NanoLipo showed many advantages compared to control under blinded and nonblinded conditions. This technology may be promising in facilitating fat removal.

Level of Evidence: 5
Oxidation Products of 5-Methylcytosine are Decreased in Senescent Cells and Tissues of Progeroid Mice
Authors: Zarakowska Ewelina , Czerwinska Jolanta , Tupalska Agnieszka , Yousefzadeh Matt J , Gregg Siobhán Q , Croix Claudette M St , Niedernhofer Laura J , Foksinski Marek , Gackowski Daniel , Szpila Anna , Starczak Marta , Tudek Barbara , Olinski Ryszard 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine and 5-formylcytosine are stable DNA base modifications generated from 5-methylcytosine by the ten-eleven translocation protein family that function as epigenetic markers. 5-Hydroxymethyluracil may also be generated from thymine by ten-eleven translocation enzymes. Here, we asked if these epigenetic changes accumulate in senescent cells, since they are thought to be inversely correlated with proliferation. Testing this in ERCC1-XPF-deficient cells and mice also enabled discovery if these DNA base changes are repaired by nucleotide excision repair. Epigenetic marks were measured in proliferating, quiescent and senescent wild-type (WT) and Ercc1−/− primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The pattern of epigenetic marks depended more on the proliferation status of the cells than their DNA repair capacity. The cytosine modifications were all decreased in senescent cells compared to quiescent or proliferating cells, whereas 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2′-deoxyuridine was increased. In vivo, both 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2′-deoxyuridine and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2′-deoxycytidine were significantly increased in liver tissues of aged WT mice compared to young adult WT mice. Livers of Ercc1-deficient mice with premature senescence and aging had reduced level of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2′-deoxycytidine and 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine compared to aged-matched WT controls. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time, that 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2′-deoxycytidine is significantly reduced in senescent cells and tissue, potentially yielding a novel marker of senescence.
Evaluating implementation of the Ebola response in Margibi County, Liberia
Authors: Sepers Charles E , Fawcett Stephen B , Hassaballa Ithar , DiGennaro Reed Florence , Schultz Jerry , Munodawafa Davison , Phori Peter Malekele , Chiriseri Ephraim 
Published: February 2018

Summary
Implementation of the Ebola response was credited with reducing incidence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa; however little is known about the amount and kind of Ebola response activities that were ultimately successful in addressing the 2014 outbreak. We collaboratively monitored Ebola response activities and associated effects in Margibi County, Liberia, a rural county in Liberia deeply affected by the outbreak. We used a participatory monitoring and evaluation system, including key informant interviews and document review, to systematically document activities, code them, characterize their contextual features, and discover and communicate patterns in Ebola response activities to essential stakeholders. We also measured incidence of EVD over time. Results showed a distinct pattern in Ebola response activities and key events, which corresponded with subsequent decreased EVD incidence. These data are suggestive of the role of Ebola response activities played in reducing the incidence of EVD within Margibi County, which included implementing safe burials, social mobilization and community engagement and case management. Systematic monitoring and evaluation of response activities to control disease outbreaks holds lessons for implementing and evaluating similar comprehensive and multi-sectoral community health efforts.
Identification-Robust Inference on Risk Premia of Mimicking Portfolios of Non-traded Factors
Authors: Kleibergen Frank , Zhan Zhaoguo 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Mimicking portfolios of economic (non-traded) factors are commonly constructed by projecting the factors on a set of base assets. When these factors are associated with small betas, the beta-estimator using their mimicking portfolios has non-standard limit behavior. This jeopardizes inference on risk premia in the commonly used Fama and MacBeth (1973) two-pass procedure. Using sorting or the average excess returns on the mimicking portfolios to estimate the risk premia leads to similar non-standard behavior. We therefore propose a novel test for the risk premia on mimicking portfolios. Its validity does not depend on the magnitude of the betas. Simulation evidence suggests that it performs well in terms of size and power. We use it to analyze the risk premium on the leverage factor of Adrian, Etula, and Muir (2014). Our results indicate that the leverage factor is a weak factor which leads to substantially different results for its risk premium.