bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obstetrical providers’ preferred mode of delivery and attitude towards non‐medically indicated caesarean sections: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rivo JC , Amyx M , Pingray V , Casale RA , Fiorillo AE , Krupitzki HB , Malamud JD , Mendilaharzu M , Medina ML , del Pino AB , Ribola L , Schvartzman JA , Tartalo GM , Trasmonte M , Varela S , Althabe F , Belizán JM ,   Feasibility of ‘Mode of Delivery Trial’ Study Group
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo describe obstetrical providers’ delivery preferences and attitudes towards caesarean section without medical indication, including on maternal request, and to examine the association between provider characteristics and preferences/attitudes.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTwo public and two private hospitals in Argentina.PopulationObstetrician‐gynaecologists and midwives who provide prenatal care and/or labour/delivery services.MethodsProviders in hospitals with at least 1000 births per year completed a self‐administered, anonymous survey.Main outcome measuresProvider delivery preference for low‐risk women, perception of women's preferred delivery method, support for a woman's right to choose her delivery method and willingness to perform caesarean section on maternal request.Results168 providers participated (89.8% coverage rate). Providers (93.2%) preferred a vaginal delivery for their patients in the absence of a medical indication for caesarean section. Whereas 74.4% of providers supported their patient's right to choose a delivery method in the absence of a medical indication for caesarean section and 66.7% would perform a caesarean section upon maternal request, only 30.4% would consider a non‐medically indicated caesarean section for their own personal delivery or that of their partner. In multivariate adjusted analysis, providers in the private sector [odds ratio (OR) 4.70, 95% CI 1.19–18.62] and obstetrician‐gynaecologists (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.58–12.09) were more willing than either providers working in the public/both settings or midwives to perform a caesarean section on maternal request.ConclusionsDespite the ethical debate surrounding non‐medically indicated caesarean sections, we observe very high levels of support, especially by providers in the private sector and obstetrician‐gynaecologists, as aligned with the high caesarean section rates in Argentina.Tweetable abstractNon‐medically indicated c‐section? 74% of sampled Argentine OB providers support women's right to choose
Propensity score‐matched outcomes after thoracic epidural or paravertebral analgesia for thoracotomy
Authors: Blackshaw W. J. , Bhawnani A. , Pennefather S. H. , Al‐Rawi O. , Agarwal S. , Shaw M. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIt is not known which regional analgesic technique is most effective or safest after open lung resection. We retrospectively examined outcomes in 828 patients who received thoracic epidural analgesia and 791 patients who received paravertebral block after lung resection between 2008 and 2012. We analysed outcomes for 648 patients, 324 who had each analgesic technique, matched by propensity scores generated with peri‐operative data. There were 22 out of 324 (7%) postoperative respiratory complications after thoracic epidural and 23 out of 324 (7%) after paravertebral block, p = 0.88. For any postoperative complication, there were 80 out of 324 (25%) and 78 out of 324 (24%) complications, respectively, p = 0.85. There were 17 out of 324 (5%) re‐admissions to intensive care after thoracic epidural and 17 out of 324 (5%) after paravertebral block, p > 0.99, and the number of deaths before discharge were 6 out of 324 (2%) and 4 out of 324 (1%), respectively, p = 0.53. There was no significant difference in median (IQR [range]) hospital stay after thoracic epidural or paravertebral block, 6 (5–9 [2–94]) days vs. 6 (5–9 [2–122]), respectively, p = 0.83. Our study suggests that rates of complications as well as length of hospital stay after thoracic epidural analgesia and paravertebral blockade are similar. We were unable to compare analgesic efficacy due to incomplete data.
“I carry her in my heart”: An exploration of the experience of bereavement for people with learning disability
Authors: Thorp Nicki , Stedmon Jacqui , Lloyd Helen 
Published: January 2018

Accessible summary

Four people with learning disability talked about what it was like when someone they cared about had died.

They said that it was important they were included, but that it was hard.

They said they carried on loving the person after they died and that they missed them.

AbstractBackgroundBereavement is a universal experience, yet little research has explored the lived experience of bereavement for people with learning disability (PWLD).Materials and methodsFour PWLD were interviewed about their experience of bereavement. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsFour themes were identified: “Needing to know: Being included,” “Struggling to say: The emotional experience,” “Love after death: A continuing relationship” and “Missing their presence: The wider impact of death.”ConclusionsPWLD should have the opportunity to make informed choices about their level of involvement and to develop their emotional experience. PWLD should be supported to develop a continued bond with the deceased and the wider impact of their loss recognised.
Non‐occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by long‐lasting nail polish kits for home use: ‘the tip of the iceberg’
Authors: Gatica‐Ortega María‐Elena , Pastor‐Nieto María‐Antonia , Gil‐Redondo Rocío , Martínez‐Lorenzo Elena‐Remedios , Schöendorff‐Ortega Cristina 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYBackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from (meth)acrylates caused by long lasting nail polish (also known as “permanent”, “semi‐permanent” or “gel nail polish”) has been described both in occupational and non‐occupational settings. Inexpensive kits for home use have been available for purchase in many stores or through the Internet.ObjectiveTo report on several further cases of consumers sensitised to these nail products.MethodsPatch test results and evaluation of ingredient labelling of products brought in by the patients.ResultsFour new cases are presented. Three of the patients reacted to 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and all 4 to 2‐hydroxy ethylacrylate.ConclusionsAcrylates are present in a wide range of products including medical materials. Sensitization from (meth)acrylates caused by a merely aesthetic procedure might significantly impact health by jeopardizing access to several types of medical interventions. Policies should be implemented restricting the use of long‐lasting nail polishes to qualified professionals and banning the indiscriminate sale of kits for home use.
NARRATING THE TWENTY‐FIRST CENTURY: TOBIAS HÜLSWITT'S EXPLORATION OF NONLINEARITY AND TRANSMEDIALITY
Authors: Halverson Rachel J. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTThe German author Tobias Hülswitt came of age professionally in the twenty‐first century, a time when writing for print, digital, and multimedia platforms has become a professional reality for contemporary authors. His diverse publications certainly can be analysed using either a traditional thematic or genre‐based approach. However, I choose to read his work through the lens of transmedial narrative analysis in order to reveal the implications writing for numerous publication venues has for authors and the stories they tell. In this article, I focus on four representative texts: Handbuch des Nonlinearen Erzählens (2011); Dinge bei Licht (2008); REVOLUTION – Die Wissensshow zur Digitalen Gesellschaft (2014), an interactive video project; and his essay ‘Mesokosmos’ (2011). Ultimately, my examination will reveal to what degree Hülswitt is able to incorporate his work on narrative theory into his own writing and conversely whether his ability to write successfully in multiple genres and media is key to his exploration of narrative nonlinearity. Within the broader context of contemporary German literature, my analysis offers an opportunity to examine storytelling through a transmedial lens to expose the implications genre and medium multitasking have for the stories an author tells.
Crucial role of Mer tyrosine kinase in the maintenance of SIGN‐R1+ marginal zone macrophages
Authors: Soni Chetna , Schell Stephanie L , Fasnacht Melinda J , Chodisetti Sathi Babu , Rahman Ziaur SM 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMer Tyrosine Kinase receptor (Mer) is involved in anti‐inflammatory efferocytosis. Here we report elevated spontaneous germinal center (Spt‐GC) responses in Mer‐deficient mice (Mer−/−) that are associated with the loss of SIGN‐R1+ marginal zone macrophages (MZMs). The dissipation of MZMs in Mer−/− mice occurs independently of reduced cellularity or delocalization of marginal zone B cells, sinusoidal cells or of CD169+ metallophillic macrophages. We find that MZM dissipation in Mer−/− mice contributes to apoptotic cell (AC) accumulation in Spt‐GCs and dysregulation of the GC checkpoint, allowing an expansion of DNA‐reactive B cells in GCs. We further observe that bone marrow derived macrophages from Mer−/− mice produce more TNFα, and are susceptible to cell death upon exposure to ACs compared to WT macrophages. Anti‐TNFα Ab treatment of Mer−/− mice is, however, unable to reverse MZM loss, but results in reduced Spt‐GC responses, indicating that TNFα promotes Spt‐GC responses in Mer−/− mice. Contrary to an anti‐TNFα Ab treatment, treatment of Mer−/− mice with a synthetic agonist for the transcription factor LXRα rescues a significant number of MZMs in vivo. Our data suggest that Mer‐LXRα signaling plays an important role in the differentiation and maintenance of MZMs, which in turn regulate Spt‐GC responses and tolerance.
Current lung cancer screening practice amongst general practitioners in Western Australia: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Manners David , Wilcox Helen , McWilliams Annette , Piccolo Francesco , Liira Helena , Brims Fraser 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended in the USA and Canada for high‐risk smokers but not in Australia. We administered a cross‐sectional survey to Western Australian general practitioners (GP). The majority (64/93, 69%) reported requesting a screening chest X‐ray (42/93, 45%) and/or LDCT (38/93, 41%) in the past year. LDCT screening was more common if the GP had received education from radiology practices (odds ratio (OR) 2.81, P = 0.03) or if they believed screening is funded by the Medical Benefits Scheme (OR 3.57, P = 0.02). Lung cancer screening with LDCT is occurring outside a coordinated programme, contrary to Australian guidelines.
EQUAL Candida Score: An ECMM score derived from current guidelines to measure QUAlity of Clinical Candidaemia Management
Authors: Mellinghoff Sibylle C. , Hoenigl Martin , Koehler Philipp , Kumar Anil , Lagrou Katrien , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Meis Jacques F. , Menon Vidya , Rautemaa‐Richardson Riina , Cornely Oliver A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryCandida species frequently cause blood stream infections and are reported to be the third to tenth most commonly isolated pathogens. Guidelines and standardised treatment algorithms provided by professional organisations aim to facilitate decision‐making regarding diagnosis, management and treatment of candidaemia. In routine clinical practise, however, it may be challenging to comply with these guidelines. The reasons include lack of familiarity or feasibility to adherence, but also their length and complexity. There is no tool to measure guideline adherence currently. To provide such a tool, we reviewed the current guidelines provided by the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and selected the strongest recommendations for management quality as the bases for our scoring tool. Factors incorporated were diagnostic (blood cultures, echocardiography, ophthalmoscopy, species identification) and follow‐up procedures (repeat blood cultures until negative result) as well as key treatment parameters (echinocandin treatment, step down to fluconazole depending on susceptibility result, CVC removal). The EQUAL Candida Score weighs and aggregates factors recommended for the ideal management of candidaemia and provides a tool for antifungal stewardship as well as for measuring guideline adherence.
Pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung disease: Limitations of echocardiography compared to cardiac catheterization
Authors: Keir Gregory J. , Wort S. John , Kokosi Maria , George Peter M. , Walsh Simon L.F. , Jacob Joseph , Price Laura , Bax Simon , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Maher Toby M. , MacDonald Peter , Hansell David M. , Wells Athol U. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveIn interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major adverse prognostic determinant. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most widely used tool when screening for PH, although discordance between TTE and right heart catheter (RHC) measured pulmonary haemodynamics is increasingly recognized. We evaluated the predictive utility of the updated European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) TTE screening recommendations against RHC testing in a large, well‐characterized ILD cohort.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty‐five consecutive patients with ILD and suspected PH underwent comprehensive assessment, including RHC, between 2006 and 2012. ESC/ERS recommended tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity thresholds for assigning high (>3.4 m/s), intermediate (2.9–3.4 m/s) and low (<2.8 m/s) probabilities of PH were evaluated against RHC testing.ResultsRHC testing confirmed PH in 86% of subjects with a peak TR velocity >3.4 m/s, and excluded PH in 60% of ILD subjects with a TR velocity <2.8 m/s. Thus, the ESC/ERS guidelines misclassified 40% of subjects as ‘low probability’ of PH, when PH was confirmed on subsequent RHC. Evaluating alternative TR velocity thresholds for assigning a low probability of PH did not significantly improve the ability of TR velocity to exclude a diagnosis of PH.ConclusionIn patients with ILD and suspected PH, currently recommended ESC/ERS TR velocity screening thresholds were associated with a high positive predictive value (86%) for confirming PH, but were of limited value in excluding PH, with 40% of patients misclassified as low probability when PH was confirmed at subsequent RHC.
Detection of heterozygous mutation in hook microtubule-tethering protein 1 in three patients with decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa syndrome
Authors: Chen Huixing , Zhu Yong , Zhu Zijue , Zhi Erlei , Lu Keming , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Feng , Li Zheng , Xia Weiliang 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe mechanism of intramanchette transport is crucial to the transformation of sperm tail and the nuclear condensation during spermiogenesis. Although few dysfunctional proteins could result in abnormal junction between the head and tail of spermatozoon, little is known about the genetic cues in this process.ObjectiveBased on patients with severe decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa (DDS) syndrome, the study aimed to validate whether new mutation exists on their Hook microtubule-tethering protein 1 (HOOK1) genes and follow their results of assisted reproduction treatment (ART).Methods7 severe teratozoospermia patients with DDS (proportion >95%) and three relative members in one pedigree were collected to sequence the whole genomic DNA. The fertilisation rates (FRs) of these patients were followed. Morphological observation and interspecies intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) assays were applied.ResultsA novel missense mutation of A to G (p.Q286R) in patients with DDS (n=3/7) was found in theHOOK1gene, which was inherited from the mother in one patient. This variant was absent in 160 fertile population-matched control individuals. Morphological observation showed that almost all the DDS broke into decaudated heads and headless tails at the implantation fossa or the basal plate. The clinical studies indicated that the mutation might cause reduced FRs on both ART (FR=18.07%) and interspecies ICSI (FR=16.98%).ConclusionsAn unreported mutation inHOOK1gene was identified, which might be responsible to some patients with DDS. Further studies need to uncover the molecular mechanism of spermiogenesis for genomic therapy.
Identification and Characterization of Sites Where Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Is Terminated by Localized Ablation
Authors: Zaman Junaid A.B. , Sauer William H. , Alhusseini Mahmood I. , Baykaner Tina , Borne Ryan T. , Kowalewski Christopher A.B. , Busch Sonia , Zei Paul C. , Park Shirley , Viswanathan Mohan N. , Wang Paul J. , Brachmann Johannes , Krummen David E. , Miller John M. , Rappel Wouter Jan , Narayan Sanjiv M. , Peters Nicholas S. 
Published: January 2018

Background:
The mechanisms by which persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) terminates via localized ablation are not well understood. To address the hypothesis that sites where localized ablation terminates persistent AF have characteristics identifiable with activation mapping during AF, we systematically examined activation patterns acquired only in cases of unequivocal termination by ablation.

Methods and Results:
We recruited 57 patients with persistent AF undergoing ablation, in whom localized ablation terminated AF to sinus rhythm or organized tachycardia. For each site, we performed an offline analysis of unprocessed unipolar electrograms collected during AF from multipolar basket catheters using the maximum –dV/dt assignment to construct isochronal activation maps for multiple cycles. Additional computational modeling and phase analysis were used to study mechanisms of map variability. At all sites of AF termination, localized repetitive activation patterns were observed. Partial rotational circuits were observed in 26 of 57 (46%) cases, focal patterns in 19 of 57 (33%), and complete rotational activity in 12 of 57 (21%) cases. In computer simulations, incomplete segments of partial rotations coincided with areas of slow conduction characterized by complex, multicomponent electrograms, and variations in assigning activation times at such sites substantially altered mapped mechanisms.

Conclusions:
Local activation mapping at sites of termination of persistent AF showed repetitive patterns of rotational or focal activity. In computer simulations, complete rotational activation sequence was observed but was sensitive to assignment of activation timing particularly in segments of slow conduction. The observed phenomena of repetitive localized activation and the mechanism by which local ablation terminates putative AF drivers require further investigation.
Diagnostic Performance of the Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio
Authors: De Rosa Salvatore , Polimeni Alberto , Petraco Ricardo , Davies Justin E. , Indolfi Ciro 
Published: January 2018

Background—
Aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of all available studies comparing the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) with fractional flow reserve (FFR).

Methods and Results—

Published trials comparing the iFR with FFR were searched for in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus electronic databases. A total of 23 studies were available for the analysis, including 6381 stenoses. First, a meta-analysis of all studies was performed exploring the correlation between FFR and iFR. Interestingly, we found good correlation (0.798 [0.78–0.82]) between the 2 indices (
P
<0.001). In addition, to evaluate the diagnostic performance of iFR to identify FFR-positive coronary stenoses, we performed an additional meta-analysis, summarizing the results of receiver operating characteristics analyses from individual studies reporting the area under the curve. Summing the results of these studies, we found that iFR has a good diagnostic performance for the identification of FFR-positive stenoses (area under the curve=0.88 [0.86–0.90];
P
<0.001). Furthermore, our search results included 5 studies that compared iFR and FFR to a third independent reference standard. Interestingly, no significant differences between iFR and FFR were reported in those studies.

Conclusions—
The present meta-analysis shows that iFR significantly correlates with standard FFR and shows a good diagnostic performance in identifying FFR-positive coronary stenoses. Finally, iFR and FFR have similar diagnostic efficiency for detection of ischemia-inducing stenoses when tested against a third comparator.
Hydraulic balancing strategies: A case study of radiator-based central heating system
Authors: Piana Edoardo A , Grassi Benedetta , Bianchi Francesco , Pedrotti Cristian 
Published: January 2018

With energy efficiency regulations coming into force, the retrofitting of existing plants has become mandatory in many European countries. The application of thermostatic radiator valves is a cheap, effective solution in case of radiator-based hydronic plants, but it requires the distribution system to be re-engineered and, in some situations, further adjusting devices to be added. In this paper, the behaviour of a vertical distribution heating system has been simulated with the aim of analysing the outcome of different hydraulic balancing strategies and proposing a method to identify the most suitable option. The common problem of noisy valves has been examined and the cost impact of the different solutions has also been considered. Practical application: This paper applies simple calculation tools to explore the impact of different balancing solutions to a real building, using an approach that could valuably assist the practitioner in the decision process.
Diagnostic performance of static single-scan stress perfusion cardiac computed tomography in detecting hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis: a comparison with combined invasive coronary angiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance-myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Song Inyoung , Yi Jeong Geun , Park Jeong Hee , Kim Mi Young , Shin Je Kyoun , Ko Sung Min 
Published: January 2018

Background Non-invasive anatomical and physiological evaluations of coronary artery disease (CAD) may be obtained with static single-scan stress perfusion cardiac computed tomography (SSPCT). Purpose To determine the diagnostic performance of static SSPCT for identifying hemodynamically significant CAD. Material and Methods This prospective study included 29 patients with suspected or known CAD who underwent static SSPCT, cardiovascular magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging (CMR-MPI), and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). CT was performed as follows: (i) coronary calcium scan; (ii) static SSPCT for both coronary artery (coronary CT angiography [CCTA]) and myocardial perfusion (perfusion CT [PCT]) during adenosine infusion; (iii) late-phase scan. The diagnostic performance of CCTA alone, PCT alone, and SSPCT for the detection of a hemodynamically significant CAD (a perfusion defect in a vascular territory subtended by a coronary vessel with ≥ 50% stenosis) was compared with that of combined ICA/CMR-MPI representing the standard of reference. Results Twenty-three (79%) patients and 47 (54%) vascular territories manifested ischemia-causing coronary stenoses by combined ICA/CMR-MPI. The per-vessel sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the SSPCT were 92%, 88%, 90%, 90%, and 0.90, respectively, compared to those of the combined ICA/CMR-MPI. These values for the CCTA alone were 96%, 63%, 75%, 93%, and 0.79, respectively; and the values for the PCT alone were 94%, 83%, 86%, 92%, and 0.88, respectively. The AUC of SSPCT was significantly ( P = 0.013) higher than that of the CCTA alone. Conclusion Static SSPCT may facilitate detection of hemodynamically significant CAD.