bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cervical‐length measurement in mid‐gestation to predict spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic triplet pregnancy
Authors: Fichera A. , Pagani G. , Stagnati V. , Cascella S. , Faiola S. , Gaini C. , Lanna M. , Pasquini L. , Raffaelli R. , Stampalija T. , Tommasini A. , Prefumo F. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the predictive value of sonographic cervical‐length (CL) measurement in mid‐gestation for spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in asymptomatic triplet pregnancy.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of asymptomatic triplet pregnancies followed at five Italian tertiary referral centers, between 2002 and 2015. CL was measured transvaginally between 18 and 24 weeks' gestation. Pregnancies with medically indicated PTB were excluded. Demographic and pregnancy characteristics of pregnancies complicated by PTB were analyzed and the distributions of CL measurements in these patients were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between CL and PTB, adjusted for confounders. Performance of CL measurement in prediction of PTB < 28, < 30 and < 32 weeks of gestation was assessed.ResultsA total of 120 triplet pregnancies were included in the final analysis. Median CL was 35 (interquartile range (IQR), 29–40) mm measured at a median gestational age of 20 + 2 (IQR, 20 + 0 to 23 + 4) weeks. Overall, 23 (19.2%), 17 (14.2%) and eight (6.7%) patients had a CL < 25, < 20 and < 15 mm, respectively. Spontaneous PTB < 32 weeks occurred in 41 (34.2%) cases, < 30 weeks in 23 (19.2%) and < 28 weeks in 12 (10%) cases. CL < 15 mm was significantly more frequent in the group of patients who delivered < 28 (P = 0.03) and < 30 (P = 0.01) weeks' gestation, compared with those who delivered after 28 and after 30 weeks, respectively, while CL < 20 mm was more common in triplet pregnancies with delivery < 32 weeks compared with those delivered ≥ 32 weeks (P = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis was possible only for PTB < 32 weeks due to the small number of cases that delivered < 30 and < 28 weeks. After adjustment for confounders, CL was not significantly associated with PTB < 32 weeks (adjusted odds ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94–1.01). CL measurement had an area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve of 0.41 (95% CI, 0.20–0.62), 0.41 (95% CI, 0.26–0.56) and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.31–0.54) for the prediction of spontaneous PTB < 28, < 30 and < 32 weeks, respectively.ConclusionCL assessed in mid‐gestation is a poor predictor of PTB < 28, < 30 and < 32 weeks' gestation in asymptomatic triplet pregnancy. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Accuracy of preoperative real‐time dynamic transvaginal ultrasound sliding sign in prediction of pelvic adhesions in women with previous abdominopelvic surgery: prospective, multicenter, double‐blind study
Authors: Ayachi A. , Bouchahda R. , Derouich S. , Mkaouer L. , Kehila M. , Abouda H. , Channoufi B. , Bouyahia M. , Braham M. , Zhioua F. , Bouchahda H. , Mourali M. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the role of the transvaginal sonographic (TVS) sliding sign in predicting pelvic adhesions in women with previous abdominopelvic surgery.MethodsThis was a multicenter, prospective, interventional, double‐blind study of patients with a history of abdominopelvic surgery who were undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy during the 6‐month period from March to August 2016 in one of three academic obstetrics and gynecology departments. Prior to surgery, patients were examined by TVS to assess the vesicouterine pouch, uterus, ovaries and pouch of Douglas, using the TVS pelvic sliding sign. Ultrasound findings and medical and surgical data were recorded. We assessed the accuracy of the preoperative TVS sliding sign in the prediction of pelvic adhesions overall and in each compartment separately.ResultsDuring the study period, complete TVS sliding sign and laparoscopic or laparotomic data were available for 107 women. Their mean age was 44.0 (95% CI, 41.6–46.4; range, 20–79) years. Their mean parity was 2.0 (95% CI, 1.7–2.3; range, 0–9) and the mean number of previous abdominal surgical procedures per patient was 1.3 (95% CI, 1.2–1.5; range, 1–4). Adhesions were noted in 27/107 (25.2%) patients. The TVS sliding sign had a sensitivity of 96.3% and specificity of 92.6% in predicting pelvic adhesions. There was a significant relationship between adhesions in each compartment and the TVS sliding sign (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe TVS sliding sign is an effective means to detect preoperatively pelvic adhesions in patients with previous abdominopelvic surgery. Use of such a non‐invasive and well‐tolerated technique could help in the planning of laparoscopy or laparotomy and counseling of these patients. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Conventional vs virtual autopsy with postmortem MRI in phenotypic characterization of stillbirths and fetal malformations
Authors: Shruthi M. , Gupta N. , Jana M. , Mridha A. R. , Kumar A. , Agarwal R. , Sharma R. , Deka D. , Gupta A. K. , Kabra M. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare virtual autopsy using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with conventional autopsy with respect to phenotypic characterization of stillbirths and malformed fetuses, and acceptability to parents.MethodsThis was a prospective diagnostic evaluation study, conducted from June 2013 to June 2015, including stillbirths and pregnancies terminated owing to fetal malformation at ≥ 20 weeks' gestation, for which parental consent to both conventional autopsy and postmortem MRI was obtained. Cases of maternal and obstetric cause of fetal demise were excluded. Whole‐body postmortem MRI (at 1.5 T) was performed prior to conventional autopsy. Taking conventional autopsy as the diagnostic gold standard, postmortem MRI findings alone, or in conjunction with other minimally invasive prenatal and postmortem investigations, were assessed and compared for diagnostic accuracy.ResultsParental consent for both conventional autopsy and postmortem MRI was obtained in 52 cases of which 43 were included in the analysis. In 35 (81.4%) cases, the final diagnosis based on virtual autopsy with postmortem MRI was in agreement with that of conventional autopsy. With conventional autopsy as the reference standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of postmortem MRI were, respectively: 77.7%, 99.8%, 97.4% and 98.0% for whole‐body assessment; 93.1%, 99.0%, 87.1% and 99.5% for the nervous system; 61.0%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 96.7% for the cardiovascular system; 91.1%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 98.0% for the pulmonary system; 80.6%, 99.8%, 96.7% and 98.7% for the abdomen; 96.2%, 99.7%, 96.2% and 99.7% for the renal system; and 66.7%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 97.2% for the musculoskeletal system. Virtual autopsy was acceptable to 96.8% of families as compared with conventional autopsy to 82.5%.ConclusionsVirtual autopsy using postmortem MRI and other minimally invasive investigations can be an acceptable alternative to conventional autopsy when the latter is refused by the parents. Postmortem MRI is more acceptable to parents and can provide additional diagnostic information on brain and spinal cord malformations. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
New method to predict need for Rashkind procedure in fetuses with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Słodki M. , Axt‐Fliedner R. , Zych‐Krekora K. , Wolter A. , Kawecki A. , Enzensberger C. , Gulczyńska E. , Respondek‐Liberska M. ,   The International Prenatal Cardiology Collaboration Group
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivePrenatal congenital heart disease classification systems distinguish between critical dextro‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) with restriction of the foramen ovale (FO) (which requires a Rashkind procedure within the first 24 h following delivery) and d‐TGA for which surgery is planned (after prostaglandin perfusion or Rashkind procedure later than 24 h after delivery). However, current prenatal diagnostic criteria for postnatal FO restriction in d‐TGA are inadequate, resulting in a high false‐negative rate. We aimed to identify echocardiographic features to predict the urgent need for Rashkind procedure.MethodsWe identified retrospectively 98 patients with singleton pregnancy diagnosed prenatally with fetal d‐TGA at two European centers from 2006 to 2013. Two groups were compared: (1) those in whom the Rashkind procedure was performed within the first 24 h postnatally; and (2) those who did not undergo a Rashkind procedure before cardiac surgery. Exclusion criteria were: (1) no fetal echocardiography within 3 weeks prior to delivery (n = 18); (2) delivery before 37 weeks of gestation (n = 6); (3) improper or lack of measurement of pulmonary vein maximum flow velocity (n = 10); (4) lack of neonatal follow‐up data (n = 9); (5) Rashkind procedure performed more than 24 h after delivery (n = 4).ResultsFifty‐one patients met the inclusion criteria: 29 who underwent the Rashkind procedure and 22 who did not. There were no differences between these two study groups in terms of maternal age, gestational age at time of fetal echocardiography, fetal biometric measurements, estimated fetal weight, rate of Cesarean delivery, newborn weight or Apgar score at 1 min. There were also no differences during prenatal life between the two groups in terms of fetal cardiac size (heart area/chest area ratio), rate of disproportion between left and right ventricle, FO diameter and maximum velocity of flow through the FO. However, the pulmonary vein maximum velocity was significantly higher in the group requiring a Rashkind procedure (47.62 ± 7.48 vs 32.21 ± 5.47 cm/s; P < 0.001). The cut‐off value of 41 cm/s provided maximum specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (100%) at only a slight cost of sensitivity (82%) and NPV (86%). The prenatal appearance of the FO also differed between the groups, the FO valve being flat in 52% of those requiring a Rashkind procedure.ConclusionsIn fetuses with d‐TGA, prenatal sonographic findings of increased pulmonary venous blood flow and flattened FO valve were associated with the need for a Rashkind procedure within the first 24 h postnatally; these echocardiographic features could be used to predict prenatally a need for the procedure following delivery. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Validation of a CFD model with a synchronized triple‐lidar system in the wind turbine induction zone
Authors: Meyer Forsting A. R. , Troldborg N. , Murcia Leon J. P. , Sathe A. , Angelou N. , Vignaroli A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA novel validation methodology allows verifying a CFD model over the entire wind turbine induction zone using measurements from three synchronized lidars. The validation procedure relies on spatially discretizing the probability density function of the measured free‐stream wind speed. The resulting distributions are reproduced numerically by weighting steady‐state Reynolds averaged Navier‐Stokes simulations accordingly. The only input varying between these computations is the velocity at the inlet boundary. The rotor is modelled using an actuator disc. So as to compare lidar and simulations, the spatial and temporal uncertainty of the measurements is quantified and propagated through the data processing. For all velocity components the maximal difference between measurements and model are below 4.5% relative to the average wind speed for most of the validation space. This applies to both mean and standard deviation. One rotor radius upstream the difference reaches maximally 1.3% for the axial component. © 2017 The Authors. Wind Energy Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Box C/D small nucleolar RNA genes and the Prader‐Willi syndrome: a complex interplay
Authors: Cavaillé Jérôme 
Published: March 2017

The nucleolus of mammalian cells contains hundreds of box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (SNORDs). Through their ability to base pair with ribosomal RNA precursors, most play important roles in the synthesis and/or activity of ribosomes, either by guiding sequence‐specific 2′‐O‐methylations or by facilitating RNA folding and cleavages. A growing number of SNORD genes with elusive functions have been discovered recently. Intriguingly, the vast majority of them are located in two large, imprinted gene clusters at human chromosome region 15q11q13 (the
SNURF–SNRPN
domain) and at 14q32 (the
DLK1–DIO3
domain) where they are expressed, respectively, only from the paternally and maternally inherited alleles. These placental mammal‐specific SNORD genes have many features of the canonical SNORDs that guide 2′‐O‐methylations, yet they lack obvious complementarity with ribosomal RNAs and, surprisingly, they are processed from large, tandemly repeated genes expressed preferentially in the brain. This review summarizes our understanding of the biology of these peculiar SNORD genes, focusing particularly on
SNORD115
and
SNORD116
in the
SNURF–SNRPN
domain. It examines the growing evidence that altered levels of these SNORDs and/or their host‐gene transcripts may be a primary cause of Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS; a rare disorder characterized by overeating and obesity) as well as abnormalities in signaling through the 5‐HT2C serotonin receptor. Finally, the hypothesis that PWS may be a ribosomopathy (ribosomal disease) is also discussed. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1417. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1417This article is categorized under:

Translation > Ribosome Biogenesis
RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
A verification and deployment approach for elastic component-based applications
Authors: Graiet Mohamed , Hamel Lazhar , Mammar Amel , Tata Samir 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Cloud environments are being increasingly used for the deployment and execution of complex applications and particularly component-based ones. They are expected to provide elasticity, among other characteristics, in order to allow a deployed application to rapidly change the amount of its allocated resources in order to meet the variation in demand while ensuring a given Quality of Service (QoS). However, establishing a correct elastic component-based application is not guaranteed in Cloud. Indeed, applying elasticity mechanisms should preserve functional properties and improve non-functional properties related to QoS, performance and resource consumption. In this paper, we propose an approach for the verification and deployment of elastic component-based applications. Our approach is based on the Event-B formal method. In fact, we formally model the component artifacts using Event-B and we define the Event-B events that model the elasticity mechanisms (scaling up and down) for component-based applications. Furthermore, we formally verify that our approach preserves the semantics of the component-based applications by using the proof obligations and the ProB animator. Once the elastic component-based applications are validated, they can be deployed in a Cloud environment using an elastic deployment framework which we have developed.
Enhancing the connection between the classroom and the clinical workplace: A&nbsp;systematic review
Authors: Peters Sanne , Clarebout Geraldine , Diemers Agnes , Delvaux Nicolas , Verburgh An , Aertgeerts Bert , Roex Ann 
Published: March 2017

Introduction Although medical students are increasingly exposed to clinical experiences as part of their training, these often occur parallel with, rather than connected to, their classroom-based learning experiences. Additionally, students seem to struggle with spontaneously making the connection between these spheres of their training themselves. Therefore, this systematic review synthesized the existing evidence about educational interventions that aim to enhance the connection between learning in the classroom and its application in the workplace.
Methods Electronic databases (AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, Medline, RDRB, PsycINFO and WoS) were screened for quantitative and qualitative studies investigating educational interventions that referenced a connection between the classroom and workplace-based experiences within undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate medical education.
Results Three types of interventions were identified: classroom to workplace interventions, workplace to classroom interventions, and interventions involving multiple connections between the two settings. Most interventions involved a tool (e. g. video, flow chart) or a specific process (e. g. linking patient cases with classroom-based learning content, reflecting on differences between what was learned and how it works in practice) which aimed to enhance the connection between the two settings.
Discussion Small-scale interventions can bring classroom learning and workplace practice into closer alignment. Such interventions appear to be the necessary accompaniments to curricular structures, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace experience. This paper documents examples that may serve to assist medical educators in connecting the classroom and the workplace.
Reduced future‐oriented decision making in individuals with subjective cognitive decline: A functional MRI study
Authors: Hu Xiaochen , Uhle Franziska , Fliessbach Klaus , Wagner Michael , Han Ying , Weber Bernd , Jessen Frank 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) refers to an at‐risk state of Alzheimer's disease and subtle cognitive deficits that have been observed in this condition. Currently, it is unknown whether complex cognitive processes relevant to everyday life, such as future‐oriented choice behavior, are also altered in SCD.MethodsTwenty SCD participants and 24 control (CO) participants took part in a functional magnetic resonance imaging task on intertemporal decisions, with and without simultaneous episodic future imagination.ResultsSCD participants showed reduced future‐oriented choices. Future imagination increased future‐oriented choices and was associated with increased brain activation in medial frontal polar cortex, right insular cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex in CO only, not SCD. In addition, more future‐oriented choices were associated with hippocampal activation during choice processing in CO only.DiscussionSubtle neuronal network disruptions in SCD may underlie their myopic future decisions and lack of modulation of choice behavior by episodic future imagination.
Relationship of mast cell density with lymphangiogenesis and prognostic parameters in breast carcinoma
Authors: Keser Sevinc H. , Kandemir Nilufer O. , Ece Dilek , Gecmen Gonca G. , Gul Aylin E. , Barisik Nagehan O. , Sensu Sibel , Buyukuysal Cagatay , Barut Figen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn many cancers, mast cell density (MCD) in the tumor microenvironment is associated with tumor progression and, to a greater extent, angiogenesis. Our study was designed to investigate the correlation between MCD, tumor lymphangiogenesis, and several well‐established prognostic parameters in breast cancer. One hundred and four cases of invasive breast carcinoma diagnosed in our clinic between 2007 and 2011 were included. Mast cells and lymphatic vessels were stained with toluidine blue and D2‐40, respectively, and their densities were calculated in various areas of tumors and lymph nodes. The variables of MCD and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) were compared using prognostic parameters as well as with each other. As tumor size and volume increased, MCD increased comparably in metastatic lymph nodes; intratumoral and peritumoral LVD also increased. Lymphovascular invasion, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, and estrogen receptor positivity were positively related to intratumoral MCD. The relationship between peritumoral MCD and nontumoral breast tissue MCD was statistically significant. Stage was correlated with MCD in metastatic lymph nodes. Metastatic lymph node MCD and intratumoral MCD were also significantly related. Stage, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and metastatic lymph node MCD were all correlated with intratumoral and/or peritumoral LVD. As nuclear grade increased, intratumoral LVD became higher. In breast carcinoma, MCD, depending on its location, was related to several prognostic parameters. Notably, mast cells may have at least some effect on lymphangiogenesis, which appears to be a predictor of tumor progression.
Recruiting to preclinical Alzheimer's disease clinical trials through registries
Authors: Grill Joshua D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractParticipant registries are repositories of individuals who have expressed willingness to learn about studies for which they may be eligible. Registries are increasingly being used to improve recruitment to preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials, which require large screening efforts to identify adequate numbers of participants who meet enrollment criteria. Recruiting to preclinical AD trials from registries is made more efficient through registry collection of data that permits exclusion of those who will not be eligible and identifies individuals most likely to qualify for trials. Such data could include self‐reported disease family history or other risk factors but could also include cognitive, genetic, or biomarker testing outcomes. Few data are available to guide investigators overseeing registries and important ethical questions are likely to arise related to their conduct, especially in registries collecting AD risk information. This article outlines three areas of consideration for registry investigators: informed consent, disclosure, and sponsorship.
An analysis of partial efficiencies of energy utilisation of different macronutrients by barramundi (Lates calcarifer) shows that starch restricts protein utilisation in carnivorous fish
Authors: Glencross Brett D. , Blyth David , Bourne Nicholas , Cheers Susan , Irvin Simon , Wade Nicholas M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study examined the effect of including different dietary proportions of starch, protein and lipid, in diets balanced for digestible energy, on the utilisation efficiencies of dietary energy by barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Each diet was fed at one of three ration levels (satiety, 80 % of initial satiety and 60 % of initial satiety) for a 42-d period. Fish performance measures (weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio) were all affected by dietary energy source. The efficiency of energy utilisation was significantly reduced in fish fed the starch diet relative to the other diets, but there were no significant effects between the other macronutrients. This reduction in efficiency of utilisation was derived from a multifactorial change in both protein and lipid utilisation. The rate of protein utilisation deteriorated as the amount of starch included in the diet increased. Lipid utilisation was most dramatically affected by inclusion levels of lipid in the diet, with diets low in lipid producing component lipid utilisation rates well above 1·3, which indicates substantial lipid synthesis from other energy sources. However, the energetic cost of lipid gain was as low as 0·65 kJ per kJ of lipid deposited, indicating that barramundi very efficiently store energy in the form of lipid, particularly from dietary starch energy. This study defines how the utilisation efficiency of dietary digestible energy by barramundi is influenced by the macronutrient source providing that energy, and that the inclusion of starch causes problems with protein utilisation in this species.